Users of the ARD and ZDF media libraries were already able to access various content from the other streaming platform. Now the media libraries have been connected to each other. TECHBOOK explains what this effectively changes for users.
ARD and ZDF wanted to provide users of their media libraries with a “comfortable entry into a large cosmos of public content.” A new, shared streaming network paves the way for this. Note: It is NOT a shared platform. TECHBOOK goes into more detail.
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No new app, no new login, no real change: users of the ARD or ZDF media library can proceed with streaming in exactly the same way as before. However, you will likely notice a more extensive selection of content. Because the two media libraries now want to be a common “streaming network”.
Admittedly, it was already possible to access certain ZDF content in the ARD media library and vice versa. Common examples of this are published in one Press release For example, the ARD series “Babylon Berlin”, which was also available on the ZDF media library, and the ZDF Today show, which could also be played on the ARD media library. So now everything has grown closer together. This is intended to “make the digital offerings of public broadcasting in Germany even more easily available to users” – with various additional services.
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Mutual recommendations
Users of the two media libraries can continue to search specifically for series, films or documentaries of interest. In addition, the innovation will provide them with mutual recommendations for content. The ARD and ZDF media libraries had already used the same recommendation system, according to the publication. The purpose behind this is fair and transparent “algorithms that help to implement the public service mandate”. This should ensure a good balance between education, information, cultural and entertaining content.
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In short, not much changes for users. But there may be something more to come. It is therefore planned to introduce an expanded common login through which the content of the two media libraries can be combined into watch lists. In the future, films, series and the like from “public service partners also in other European countries” should end up in the streaming portfolio.
Desirable progress
“In general, every step towards a merger of the streaming offerings from ARD and ZDF is a good one in my opinion. From a personal point of view, I’m looking forward to having winter sports bundled in one place, for example. As of now, I always have to find out which station is broadcasting on which weekend so that I can then watch the streams afterwards.
And from a professional perspective, a merger also seems to make a lot of sense – especially in terms of user-friendliness. In times when streaming offerings are becoming increasingly diverse and fragmented, this is a pleasant countermovement. I’m just excited about the technical implementation now.” – Marlene Polywka, editor and streaming expert