ARD, ORF and SRF want to cooperate even more closely

For many decades now, there have been numerous productions that have been jointly produced by ARD stations, ORF and SRF and developed further in terms of content in the respective genres. Among these productions are successful formats such as "Verstehen Sie Spass?", the "New Year's Eve Show" or "Klein gegen Gross" in the entertainment field, as well as the "Tatort", "Steirer" and "Wien" crime series.

Now, the existing cooperation is to be expanded to include series and multi-part series, lavishly produced animal and nature films, as well as formats in the culture and science sectors, according to a statement issued on Friday. To that end, the three German-language broadcasters had taken stock of the bi- and trilateral co-productions already agreed upon at a joint co-production meeting in Munich. The meeting was hosted by Bayerischer Rundfunk and ARD's program management.

"We will expand our existing cooperations to all program genres," ARD Program Director Christine Strobl is quoted as saying in the release. "In times of dwindling resources and international competition in digital, the intensification of this partnership in the common language and cultural area is of particular importance."

Nathalie Wappler adds: "We are facing similar media and political challenges in all three countries. The public media houses are under pressure. That makes it all the more meaningful to intensify our cooperation, exploit potential and learn from each other." An added value for both the broadcasters and the audience, the SRF director is convinced.

Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, Director of Programming at ORF, also considers it important for the stations to join forces: "Especially in times of global media markets with international players, it is essential that we public broadcasters work closely together." (pd/swi)