German streaming levy bill sets 8% charge and an 80% German-language sub-quota

The detail of the German government's bill for an investment levy on streaming services and television broadcasters was set out by the Bundestag's news service on 9 September 2026. The bill, the Mediendienste-Investitionsverpflichtungs-Gesetz, is printed paper 21/7820, dated 2 September 2026.

All domestic and foreign providers of audiovisual media would have to invest 8% of annual net turnover. At least 60% of that must go to the production of European audiovisual works and at least 80% to productions in German original language. At least 70% must go to works by independent film producers. Qualifying investment is not limited to production: it also covers acquiring rights in existing works, script and project development, accessibility work for viewers with hearing or sight impairments, dubbing and subtitling, talent development, advertising, and festival participation in the EU and EEA. Providers investing at least 12% voluntarily may depart from certain detailed rules.

The Filmförderungsanstalt would calculate and monitor the obligation and could levy a compensation charge of 75% where it is not met.

The bill has not had its first reading. The week of 8 to 11 September was the budget week, and the referral list for 10 September did not include 21/7820. The Bundesrat next sits on 25 September.