The ZDF television channel drew up a charter called (Richtlinien für die Sendungen und Telemedienangebote) (Guidelines for televised programmes and audio-visual services) when it was created in 1963 which was updated in 2009.

A number of the many articles available on-line are directly concerned with journalistic output.

• ZDF-Leitlinien (Internal code of conduct for inter-personal matters) upholds the values of humanity, liberal democracy, cultural conscience and journalistic freedom

• Leitordnung (Code on editorial freedom)

• Mitarbeiterkodex (a separate internal code of conduct determining the measures and anti-corruption sanctions that aim to guarantee editorial independence).

The editorial committee within the organisation advocates the setting up of a Redaktionsstatut (editorial statute) to establish firm rules that guarantee complete internal editorial independence. Relationships between editors and their hierarchical superiors are defined, including the right of the latter to intervene.

The ZDF is a member of the European Union for Radio-Television (EUR) and subscribes to their principles.

The internal body that monitors programmes is intended to represent German society in all its diversity. This television council is made up of 77 members and is charged with checking that the guidelines are adhered to. In practice, it issues warnings and reprimands and may go so far as to name the person in question on air.

This body is currently being restructured.

The Redakteursausschuss (committee of editors) within the channel’s works council is similar to a French journalist association but is more institutional.

Television news is regularly dissected by editorial after it has been broadcast.

Feedback is also given during the meetings of the ZDF Fernsehrat (television council)

There is no specific system but the whole news production chain is monitored in order to avoid mistakes, from the editor to the Editor-in-chief and sometimes, in very sensitive cases, even the legal department.

The ZDF has precise guidelines, «  ZDF Richtlinien für Werbung, Sponsoring, Gewinnspiele und Produktionshilfe » to avoid any inconsistencies or potential attacks on the credibility of the programming, news included.

Since 2004, ZDF has created a department which ensures that no undue influence is exerted on programmes (particularly TV game shows) or on editorial independence (see press release regarding the recent case « stellungnahme-des-zdf-zu-den-spiegel-vorwuerfen » ZDF response to the Spiegel allegations).

In serious litigation cases, the directors’ representatives arbitrate. As a last resort, the Managing Director of the channel intervenes.

The guidelines established by the text, « ZDF-Richtlinien für Werbung,Sponsoring, Gewinnspiele und Produktionshilfe » also cover the channel’s relationship with its partners.

ZDF is a company subject to public law, under the responsibility of the sixteen Länder making up the Federal German Republic. TV and radio broadcasting freedom inscribed in the Grundgesetz (constitution) has the value of a public freedom and TV-radio broadcasting organisations can go to court in cases of illegitimate interference by public authorities. Firstly, via basic administrative recourse, then – if necessary – via higher German judicial authorities represented by the Federal Constitutional Tribunal.

When there are attempts to manipulate, for example by the Länder governments, the simple revelation of the facts can be enough to defuse the pressure exerted. This was the case in 2012 when the Bavarian government spokesperson was forced to resign (article in the French newspaper La Croix).

Otherwise, when faced with attempts to influence or exert pressure, the media has a range of protective options from administrative judicial authorities up to the Federal Constitutional Court, fervent protector of public press independence.

There is no particular treatment or system in place for these stories.

The channel respects its public service duty and definitely does not place this type of story as the leading news subjects.

The internal administrative order of 1 October 2012 concerns the professional usage of social media and stresses, above all, the principle that there must be a strict separation between professional and private use for ZDF staff.

The personalised function of mediator does not exist as such at ZDF. However, a system for formal and informal complaints has been put in place by the Managing Director of ZDF-Fernsehrat (television council) with a detailed regulation procedure.

Apart from the legal texts, right of reply is covered by the ninth paragraph of the Inter-Länder public treaty for ZDF of 31 August 1991.

The channel broadcasts interactive programmes such as ZDF log in  and, from time to time, « ZDF log in » et ou plus ponctuellement « Heute journal plus » in which an editions looked at how the editorial department prepared the TV news.

Their email address can easily be ascertained….

ZDF works in close association with the European Union radio broadcasting body which has launched various actions and campaigns on the subject.

The initiatives undertaken by the channel mainly concern the protecting minors.

ZDF’s involvement with press from developing countries includes giving away programmes and sending material. The channel also develops practical exchanges and partnerships with specialised academic organisations (universities, schools, etc.)

The Managing Director and management team remunerations are available (channel supervisor, for example).

ZDF television channel has a corporate social responsibility department.