Major responsibility for ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio: Study shows concern about social cohesion in Germany

This report was originally published by ZDF.

According to a recent study, around three-quarters of people in Germany are worried that society is falling apart. At the same time, they highly value the contribution of public media to social cohesion—especially younger audiences.

Public broadcasting has a legal mandate to promote cohesion in the country. This is also expected by 82% of the population. ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio thus play a key role in a challenging social environment: although a clear majority of Germans consider democracy a good form of government, only one in three is satisfied with the current state of democracy.

These findings come from a representative study conducted in spring 2025 by the Leibniz Institute for Media Research, the Research Institute for Social Cohesion, and mindline media, in cooperation with ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio.

The study surveyed 1,351 people aged 14 and older.

ZDF Director General Norbert Himmler stated: “As public media, we bear a special responsibility for social cohesion. Of course, we must highlight grievances and report on conflicts. But we also aim to enable dialogue in society and act as listeners, mediators, and bridge-builders. This responsibility is enshrined in the Media State Treaty. It is more than a legal mandate—it is a societal promise.”

Public media’s contribution to cohesion in Germany

The study shows that people also appreciate the current efforts of public broadcasting. When asked which institutions contribute to social cohesion, ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio ranked fourth out of twelve—behind sports clubs, science, and the Federal Constitutional Court—and first among media outlets.

Specifically, people expect public media to:

• Provide independent and verified information (86%)
• Help different groups in society engage in dialogue (83%)
• Reflect the diversity of opinions, lifestyles, and communities (80%)

Journalistic independence and quality

Many of these expectations are already being met. Public media score well in terms of trust in journalistic independence and quality of information. Young people (ages 14–24) rate public media particularly positively:

• 79% say they cover topics important to society
• 68% say the programs spark conversations with family or friends

 Deutschlandradio Director Stefan Raue emphasised: “The study shows the high level of trust in public broadcasting. But trust is not automatic—we actively seek dialogue with society, especially with young people. In our studios and at events across Germany, we make our work transparent and show the high journalistic standards we follow.”

Room for improvement: diversity and dialogue

Only 59% agree that public media “address all people in Germany.” Just 44% believe ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio offer dialogue opportunities as part of their programming.

ARD Chair Florian Hager said: “We are here for everyone—and ideally, everyone should feel that way. People fund us collectively, and we should enable greater participation in ‘their’ broadcasting. Through our programming, protected dialogue spaces, or public pop-up newsrooms, we aim to foster healthy coexistence and respectful debates in a pluralistic society.”

Public media users: more socially engaged

Despite concerns about cohesion, two-thirds of respondents report a strong sense of belonging in their personal environment. Regular users of ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio feel more socially connected and are more engaged—e.g., volunteering in clubs, citizen initiatives, fire departments, or churches.

The results of the study “What Holds Society Together and What Public Media Contribute” were presented and discussed on September 17, 2025, at the German National Library in Frankfurt.