Bundestag committee hears experts on German streaming investment obligation
The Committee for Culture and Media held its public hearing on the MedienInvestVG on 14 October. Broadcaster and platform associations opposed the bill; producer groups supported it with reservations on rights.
What this basis means: Regulatory filing, government body, court or industry association.
The Bundestag's Committee for Culture and Media held a public hearing on 14 October 2026 on the MedienInvestVG, the government bill (paper 21/7820) that would require audiovisual services to invest 8% of their net German turnover in European works, with sub-quotas for German-language works and independent producers and a 75% compensation levy on shortfalls.
Daniela Beaujean of the private broadcasters' association VAUNET called the obligation the wrong instrument and questioned its compatibility with constitutional and EU law, preferring tax incentives. Inga Moser von Filseck, speaking for Bitkom, said the law would lead to fewer productions and more reporting duties.
Michelle Müntefering of the Produktionsallianz and Julia Maier-Hauff of the producers' association PROG supported the bill but sought changes to its rights-sharing rules. Prof. Jens-Ole Schröder of MDR, for ARD and ZDF, called for fair sharing of rights and a tax-incentive model. Matthias von Fintel of ver.di asked for pay and social standards to be included.
Tracked instrument MedienInvestVG (federal investment obligation for audiovisual services), draft
Sources
- Öffentliche Anhörung zum MedienInvestVG und zur Filmbranche (opens in a new tab) Deutscher Bundestag