By Editor , 13 September 2026
ZDF and SRF Launch Streamium Days, Drawing European Media Leaders to Mainz

Mainz – September 13, 2026 -- German broadcaster ZDF and Swiss broadcaster SRF launched a new international leadership forum, the Streamium Days, bringing executives from public and private media companies across Europe together at ZDF's Mainz headquarters on September 7-8, 2026.

By Editor , 13 September 2026
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ZDF Swaps Several Documentary Time Slots This Fall

Mainz – September 12, 2026 -- German public broadcaster ZDF has confirmed a series of last-minute schedule swaps affecting its documentary lineup over the coming weeks, replacing several previously announced titles with different films at the same air times.

By Editor , 11 September 2026
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Holocaust Survivor's ZDF Documentary Becomes Feature Film, Out Sept. 10

Mainz – September 11, 2026 -- The ZDF documentary "Die Nummer auf meinem Arm – Albrecht Weinberg und seine Geschichte," which first aired on June 4, 2024, is being released as a 90-minute cinema film titled "Albrecht Weinberg. Es ist immer in meinem Kopf" ("Albrecht Weinberg. It's Always in My Head"). The film opens in German theaters on Thursday, September 10, 2026, and will later air on ZDF following its cinema run.

By Editor , 10 September 2026
ZDF Opens 2026/27 Champions League Coverage With Double Broadcast

Mainz – September 10, 2026 -- German public broadcaster ZDF launches its 2026/2027 UEFA Champions League coverage with two consecutive highlight broadcasts, airing the men's competition for the third season under the 36-team league-phase format.

By Editor , 10 September 2026
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ZDF Documentary Exposes the Dark Side of the Matcha Boom

Mainz – September 09, 2026 -- A new ZDF documentary examines how the global matcha craze is driving up prices, causing supply shortages, and fueling a market flooded with fake products. "Matcha – Genuss mit Beigeschmack" ("Matcha – A Bitter Aftertaste") streams on the ZDF platform starting Friday, September 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., and airs on ZDF television Sunday, October 13, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.

Reporter Victoria Reichelt travels to Japan for the film, directed by Laura Hohmann, to trace matcha from tea field to social media feed.

By Editor , 10 September 2026
ZDF Names Five Finalists for 48th Aspekte Literature Prize

Mainz – September 09, 2026 -- German public broadcaster ZDF has shortlisted five debut novels for its 48th annual "aspekte" Literature Prize, a €10,000 award recognized as a launchpad for major literary careers since 1979.

By Editor , 9 September 2026
ZDF Renews Chief Editor Bettina Schausten Through 2032

Mainz – September 08, 2026 -- ZDF's Administrative Council confirmed Bettina Schausten for a new term as chief editor of the German public broadcaster, extending her mandate through September 30, 2032. The decision was taken on Friday, September 4, 2026.

Council extends Schausten's leadership through 2032

Schausten has held the chief editor role since 2022, overseeing ZDF's editorial direction at a time when public broadcasters face mounting pressure from shifting media consumption patterns and audience fragmentation.

By Editor , 8 September 2026
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New 3sat Documentary Explores the Dark Side of Self-Optimization Culture

Mainz – September 07, 2026 -- German broadcaster 3sat will air "Das Ich-Zeitalter: Zwischen Selbstverwirklichung und Selbstoptimierung," a documentary examining the booming self-optimization trend, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 8:15 p.m. The film, directed by Isabella Purkart, will remain available in the 3sat Mediathek for 90 days after broadcast.

The documentary follows several people who have built their lives around the pursuit of a "better self," a movement heavily promoted by influencers on social media.