Each broadcasts several radio programs. The regional corporations form the Association of Public Broadcasting Corporations in the Federal Republic of Germany (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der offentlich-rechtlichen Rund-funkanstalten der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, ARD). Together they operate a nationally transmitted television program called “Erstes Deutsches Fernsehen” (Channel One) for which they all provide material. In addition, they produce their own “Channel Three” TV programs, which can be viewed regionally or in some cases received nationally via satellite or cable. The Mainz-based Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen transmits the “Channel Two” program nationwide. It is a television-only station, the largest in Europe. Since 1997 there have been two specialized public television channels as well: “Phoenix", which specializes in documentaries, and “Der Kinderkanal” (The Children’s Channel).

The radio station DeutschlandRadio was founded in 1993 through the transfer of the rights and obligations of the stations Deutschlandfunk and RIAS Berlin. It is jointly financed by ARD and ZDF and has its seat in Cologne and Berlin. Since 1 January 1994, DeutschlandRadio has been broadcasting two radio programs which focus on the fields of information and culture and have no advertising.

The “Deutsche Welle” is the only federal radio station. It is financed solely by federal funds and has a statutory obligation to produce and broadcast radio programs for foreign consumption which give foreign audiences a comprehensive and well-balanced picture of political, cultural and economic life in Germany. Another one of its functions is to present and explain Germany’s position on important issues.