The Media Authority of Hesse

The Media Authority of Hesse, based in Kassel, takes care of the private media in Hesse and all people who use media. It ensures that the widest possible range of media is available to the general public and that the content complies with the statutory provisions. The tasks of the Media Authority of Hesse include the licensing of radio and television broadcasters, the supervision of broadcasting, telemedia, media platforms and user interfaces as well as the promotion of media education. Through a large number of practical media projects, the Media Authority of Hesse promotes media skills, particularly among children and young people, as well as parents, educators and pedagogical specialists. The media authority also supports non-commercial local radio stations and is actively involved in promoting Hesse as a media location.

The four “media project centers Offener Kanal“ in Kassel, Gießen, Fulda and Rhein-Main are operated by the Media Authoritiy of Hesse and act as community television stations and platforms for practical media education.

Area of responsibility

Media regulation

In Germany, there is a dual broadcasting system with public-service and private broadcasting programs. The media authorities are exclusively responsible for private radio and television broadcasters. Broadcasting is also a matter of the individual states according to the German constitution. Therefore, there are 14 state media authorities that assume regulation and supervision of broadcasting.

On the one hand, we grant broadcasting licenses to private radio and television broadcasters, as well as online services. On the other hand, we are also responsible for general telemedia supervision regarding compliance with the provisions of the German Interstate Broadcasting Agreement, Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media, and the state media laws or Interstate Agreements on Media of the individual states.

Financing

The state media authorities are public-law institutions and are partially financed through the broadcasting fee. This makes them independent from the state and economically autonomous in their organization.

Legal basis

On November 30, 2022, the new Hessian Law on Private Broadcasting and New Media came into effect. This law, together with the Interstate Agreements on Media, the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media, as well as other laws, statutes, and guidelines, forms the essential basis for the work of the Media Authority of Hesse.

Media education

We support citizens in harnessing the opportunities of digital media and understanding their risks. With our numerous offerings and projects in media education, we contribute to media literacy and assist citizens in Hesse in navigating and utilizing digital media competently. At the same time, we raise awareness about potential risks and help individuals assess them. We strive to include everyone, regardless of age, education, income, or background. Our goal is to enable fair and self-determined media participation for all people in Hesse.

Media location Hesse

Because the media is an important economic factor, promoting the media industry in Hessen is also a part of our work. Events and media conferences are organized to facilitate professional discussions. Our commitment to training young media professionals aims to sustainably promote the quality of the media industry. The media location Hesse stands out due to its diverse media offerings - private television and radio broadcasters contribute significantly, as well as non-commercial local radio stations that involve citizens.

Joint office: die medienanstalten

Under the umbrella brand "die medienanstalten" (German for „the media authorities“) the 14 state media authorities also collaborate on central tasks and projects. This allows them to ensure that nationwide private radio and television broadcasters are regulated uniformly and that the media authorities speak with one voice in European media policy. You can find more information about the media authorities on the joint website www.die-medienanstalten.de.