In a case study this paper investigates the differences in news coverage ofRTL aktuelland theTagesschau.These two news programs are broadcasted by two very different German television channels: the privately funded RTL and the publicly funded ARD. The findings of an in-depth analysis of both news broadcastings conducted over a period of one week, suggest the major differences to be 1) in the focus on certain news topics, in the reporting style in terms of 2) balance of opinions, 3) complexity of the issue presented and 4) type and way of language used, and finally 5) in the underlying tone or appeal to the audience.RTL aktuellfor example reports less political topics, in a less balanced and complex way. This might be due to a younger audience that is appealed to, and due to expectedly higher ratings, which are hoped to attract more advertisers. These findings suggest that the type of broadcasting system influences the news selection and presentation. Hence, it can be underlined how significant an independent public broadcasting system is for a democracy.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Background Information
3.1. Historical Development of the German Broadcasting System
3.2. Media conglomeration affecting commercial broadcasting
4. Research Performance
4.1. Coding Sheet
4.2. Research Findings
5. Discussion
5.1. Analysis of ARD Tagesschau
5.2. Analysis of RTL aktuell
5.3. Comparison and Implications
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This bachelor thesis investigates the fundamental differences in news selection and presentation between the public service broadcaster ARD (Tagesschau) and the private broadcaster RTL (RTL aktuell) within the German dual broadcasting system, examining how ownership structures and funding models influence journalistic reporting.
- Historical context of the German public and private broadcasting systems.
- Methodological application of content analysis to evening news reports.
- Comparative evaluation of news topics, reporting styles, and linguistic approaches.
- Analysis of media conglomeration impacts on commercial news coverage.
- Influence of target demographics and commercial ratings on editorial decisions.
Excerpt from the Book
Historical development of the German broadcasting system
The roots of German broadcasting lie in the Weimar Republic. The early years of broadcasting in Germany were mostly associated with Hans Bredow, Under-Secretary of State in the Imperial Post-Ministry. As Broadcasting Commissioner he was granted authority over the new medium. Throughout the Weimar Republic, broadcasting regulation remained under the authority of state officials. Control over the medium was exercised through a central information office on which the broadcasting stations relied for all their news and information. However, the broadcasters concentrated on artistic and entertainment programming, leaving out political expression. Furthermore, many of the state officials were committed to a specifically German kind of ´public-service ethos`.
Accordingly, persons such as Hans Bredow were concerned about using the new medium as a kind of instrument of civilization or culture, and to keep it separate from party politics. Despite these efforts, the undemocratic elites of the Weimar Republic prepared the path for the National Socialists to come into power.
Summary of Chapters
1. Abstract: Provides an overview of the comparative case study between ARD and RTL, highlighting core differences in topic focus, reporting style, and target audiences.
2. Introduction: Outlines the dual broadcasting system in Germany and defines the research thesis regarding the impact of ownership models on news presentation.
3. Background Information: Details the historical evolution from the Weimar Republic to the modern dual system and discusses the implications of media conglomeration on commercial television.
4. Research Performance: Describes the methodology of content analysis, including the design of the coding sheet and the initial presentation of empirical findings.
5. Discussion: Conducts a comparative analysis of news programs, examining specific governmental debates and contrasting the editorial strategies of ARD and RTL.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings, suggesting that ownership structures significantly influence news content and reasserting the importance of independent media for democracy.
Keywords
Broadcasting system, ARD, RTL, Tagesschau, RTL aktuell, Content analysis, Public service, Media concentration, News values, Journalism, Bertelsmann, Dual system, Media ethics, News coverage, Audience ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates the differences in news selection and presentation between the German public service broadcaster ARD and the private channel RTL, specifically analyzing how their respective ownership and funding models influence their journalism.
What are the central thematic fields addressed?
The central fields include the historical development of German broadcasting, the impact of media conglomeration, content analysis methodology, and a comparative study of how political versus entertainment topics are prioritized in evening news.
What is the core research question of the study?
The study asks what the specific differences in news selection and presentation are between the two channels and to what extent these differences result from their specific broadcasting ownership systems.
Which scientific method is utilized in this paper?
The author employs a content analysis method, using a self-designed coding sheet to systematically evaluate and quantify news items, presentation forms, and the treatment of political issues over a one-week observation period.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body covers the historical background of German media, the theoretical and practical framework of the coding analysis, and a detailed discussion comparing how both channels covered governmental coalition debates regarding tax and family policy.
Which keywords best characterize this academic work?
Key terms include public service broadcasting, commercial media, media conglomeration, news selection, content analysis, Tagesschau, and RTL aktuell.
How does the channel ownership affect the portrayal of political issues?
The research suggests that ARD, as a public service broadcaster, provides more balanced, fact-based reporting with multiple viewpoints, whereas RTL tends to simplify complex political issues and frame them through an emotional lens to appeal to a mass-market, blue-collar audience.
What role do target audiences play in the news production of RTL?
RTL targets a younger, commercially relevant demographic (ages 14-49) and emphasizes human interest, sports, and entertainment to maintain ratings, which often leads to a more "populist" or simplified reporting style compared to the traditional approach of ARD.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2006, Differences in Television News Coverage; A Comparison of RTL aktuell and ARD Tagesschau, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/57306
