ARD and ZDF offering joint recommendations
OCTOBER 12, 2023 12.40 EUROPE/LONDON BY JULIAN CLOVER

ARD and ZDF’s streaming services are now offering recommendation from key genres across each other’s content.

As previously reported in Broadband TV News, users have been able to find and play content from the other provider in both media libraries for some time, meaning ZDF content can be found and played in the ARD media library and vice versa. This allows users to comfortably watch their preferred content, such as the current ARD series Babylon Berlin or ZDF’s Heute regardless of which media library they are using.

ZDF Director Dr Norbert Himmler said: “The streaming network is now a tangible reality for users. It offers easy access to a public-service universe that combines high-quality content with responsible handling of data and technology.”

The ARD Chairman, Prof. Dr. Kai Gniffke, added: “We want people to be able to use the digital offerings of public service broadcasting in Germany as easily and comfortably as possible. We provide more information, culture, entertainment, and knowledge than any other streaming provider, and it has never been easier to experience all of that.”

As of this week both media libraries will mutually recommend content series, films, documentaries, information, culture, and science.

Users will also find content from fellow PSBs Phoenix, Arte, and 3sat.

The next stage could be an expanded joint login system, allowing users to create cross-library watchlists from the entire content catalogue.

Both ARD and ZDF are also looking to work with other European PSBs.