ZDF’s family channel to be dubbed Neo

Jörn Krieger



German public broadcaster ZDF has apparently chosen Neo as the name for its digital family channel, which will replace documentary service ZDFdokukanal.

The broadcaster registered the internet domain zdfneo.de at the beginning of July, reports industry publication Kontakter. The channel’s launch is envisioned for late autumn or winter.

ZDF did not wish to comment on the report. “Unfortunately, we can’t yet say anything about the name or the launch of the new ZDFdokukanal,” said a spokeswoman.

With the channel, which until now carried the working title Orange, ZDF is hoping to attract a mostly younger audience. Documentaries, fictional programmes, infotainment and comedy shows are planned. The channel will also serve as a platform to try out new formats which if successful could make its way to ZDF’s main channel.

ZDF is also planning to change its theatre channel ZDFtheaterkanal into a cultural service.