Germany – (E1) Media ownership concentration national level
The television audience market is extremely concentrated with a strong counterweight of public service broadcasters. Print and radio markets are not very highly concentrated.
Authors: Christine Horz, Barbara Thomass
Germany – (F11) Protection of journalists against (online) harassment
Journalists can rely on their employers in such cases, but the news media organisations decide whether they will assist on a case-by-case basis.
Germany – (F9) Gender equality in media content
German media became increasingly sensitive to gender and diversity issues, but no formal or legal regulations are in force.
Germany – (F8) Rules and practices on internal gender equality
Media organisations are more aware of gender inequalities than they were a decade ago. However, systematic measures to even out gender imbalances, like supporting female talent or fighting the gender pay gap, remain on the agenda. However, informal efforts to eliminate them exist and have already succeeded in some respect.
Germany – (C8) Professional training
In Germany, there are sufficient opportunities for journalism training. Journalists in well-established and economically sound news media are better off than their colleagues in weaker media.
Germany – (C6) Practice of access to information
Public information is accessible by law, but not in reality. Journalists need to spend time and effort to get access.
Germany – (C1) Supervising the watchdog ‘control of controllers’
Media performance and content are publicly discussed in the media. Over the last decade, online fora and the journalistic enterprises of critical journalists have become a watchdog force to be reckoned with.
Germany – (E9) Participation
After a period of openness, newsrooms tend to close commentary functions again after masses of inappropriate or outright hateful user comments. Selected news items are still open for comments from the public, but under the supervision of a moderator.
Germany – (E8) Level of self-regulation
Leading news media have self-regulation instruments in place but only use them occasionally.
Germany – (E7) Code of ethics at the national level
A code is implemented and frequently used by all leading news media.
