MDR wants to give up ARD lunchtime magazine - NDR to step in?

The Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk (MDR) wants to give up the ARD lunchtime magazine program from 2027 for cost reasons. According to media reports, the broadcaster confirmed that MDR is "currently in talks within ARD". The fact that the federal states have not yet implemented the increase in the broadcasting contribution means a substantial budget cut for MDR.

"This situation is forcing MDR to make strategic decisions that will inevitably affect the scope of our program offerings. At the same time, it is important to preserve MDR's strengths as a regionally anchored media provider," explained the MDR spokesperson. Details will initially be discussed with MDR's Broadcasting Council and Administrative Board.

NDR could take over Mittagsmagazin

MDR referred to talks within ARD. Norddeutscher Rundfunk has signaled its willingness to take over the midday magazine show if necessary.

From 2027, MDR also intends to no longer continue the program "MDR um 2" as a linear TV magazine, but to develop it as a streaming variant for regional topics, "which corresponds much better to current and future media usage habits", said the spokesperson.