Mantel, PeterVillegas, Erick BeharSophia Christine PommerehneBerlin International University of Applied Sciences2024-01-152025-11-282025-11-282023https://repository.berlin-international.de/handle/123456789/705AI-GENERATED ABSTRACT: Abstract: A recent scandal involving one of Germany's public broadcasters has sparked a nationwide debate on the efficacy of the entire public broadcasting system. Central to this discussion is the examination of the funding system, precisely the "license fee." While the debate around the license fee is not new and persistent on longer time scale, the scandal has underscored the need to revisit this topic. As public distrust towards German public broadcasters continues to grow, it becomes necessary to explore strategies for improving public view of the funding system, thereby enhancing the overall evaluation of broadcasters. This study investigates the relationship between the funding system employed by Germany's public broadcasting system and its public values, while proposing measures to reinforce this entanglement. The funding system is analyzed in detail, encompassing the decision-making process and the rationale behind its implementation. Subsequently, elucidating the public value concept illustrates its relevance to the public broadcasting system. The study then will explore the interaction between both concepts, emphasizing the adherent challenges. For practical insights, a case study will be conducted on the German broadcasting association ARD, examining the implementation of the license fee and the definition, assessment, and evaluation of public values within the broadcasting association. The case study findings indicate a balanced relationship between the funding system and the concept of public value being vital for a functional broadcasting system. In this light the study proposes reforms, including a new broadcasting contract and more public involvement via an audience council. The relationship between the funding system and the concept of public value in Germany's public broadcasting system requires careful balance to ensure its effectiveness. By implementing proposed reforms and enhancing public participation, broadcasters can strengthen their public perception and further enrich the public value they deliver. Keywords: license fee, funding system, public value, public broadcasting systemMACHINE-GENERATED CONTENTS NOTE: Table of Contents abstract .......................................................................................................... Ii table of Contents ........................................................................................... Iii list of Tables ................................................................................................. V list of Abbreviations ...................................................................................... Vi 1. Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 2. Literature Review ......................................................................................... 3 2.1 License Fee .......................................................................................... 3 2.1.1 the Public Broadcasting System in Germany ......................... 3 2.1.2 the Decision-making Process ............................................ 4 2.1.3 Justification of the Funding System ..................................... 7 2.2 Public Value ......................................................................................... 8 2.2.1 Definition .................................................................................... 8 2.2.2 Public Value in the Public Broadcasting System .................... 9 2.3 Challenges .......................................................................................... 10 3. Methodology .............................................................................................. 12 3.1 Research Strategy .............................................................................. 12 3.2 Data Collection .................................................................................. 12 3.3 Data Analysis .................................................................................... 12 3.4 Limitations .......................................................................................... 13 4. Results - Ard Case Study ......................................................................... 14 4.1 Ard - the Broadcasting Association .......................................... 14 4.2 Application of the Funding System ............................................. 15 4.3 Ex-ante Evaluation - Assessment of Public Values ........................ 16 4.4 "ard. Wir Sind Deins" - Public Values of the Ard ...................... 17 4.5 "leipziger Impuls" - Discourse on Public Value ........................... 18 4.6 Evaluation Frameworks .............................................................. 21 4.6.1 Public Value Scorecard ..................................................... 21 4.6.2 Public Value Atlas (gemeinwohlatlas) .............................. 22 4.7 Reform Approaches - What Needs to Be Changed ...................... 23 5. Discussion .................................................................................................. 25 5.1 the Funding System and the Concept Public Value ...................... 25 5.2 How the Ard Can Overcome Its Challenges ................................ 25 5.3 Research Limitations and Recommendations .............................. 26 6. Conclusion .................................................................................................. 27 7. References ................................................................................................. 28 appendix ........................................................................................................ 33engFunding SystemPublic Broadcasting SystemPublic ValueLicense FeeThesis