Danke Deutschland: Part 038: Diverse radio scene revitalises culture

The radio scene in Germany is particularly diverse. The reason for this is as follows: there is a large number of both public radio stations and independent radio projects. The public stations are supported by the radio and licence fee. This ensures that radio not only provides mass production, but also offers culturally rich programmes. The stations are aimed at specific target groups. From young to old, there is exactly the right station for every single resident in the country. They are offered the right music, informed about current political developments, entertained by radio plays or informed by dialogue.

There are also a lot of programmes where listeners can call in themselves. In some of these programmes, listeners can request a particular song, which is then played. Other programmes talk to callers about a specific topic, discuss personal problems or record individual stories from their own lives. Even if you are not a celebrity, you can have your say. Many people continue to take advantage of this opportunity. Young people in particular are listening to the radio again.

In conjunction with smartphones and the internet, it has become much easier to listen to the radio in everyday life. From car journeys and long journeys to short breaks at work or time spent in a doctor's waiting room, free time can be bridged in an entertaining way. Almost all German regions also have their own independent radio projects. Here, ordinary citizens make radio programmes that are close to their hearts. These programmes also enjoy a high reputation among a die-hard fan community. They enrich the programme with locally important offerings. They also make it easy for people to become active on the radio themselves.

Many people take advantage of this opportunity. Many a small radio programme has subsequently become a popular podcast. Podcasts are small radio programmes offered by people on the Internet. The word originated from the fusion of the English word "broadcast" and the second part of the mp4 player i-Pod. In Germany, many people offer their own podcasts on the Internet on a wide range of topics. Depending on their interests, people can download the programmes and listen to them one after the other. These programmes, often created by just one or two people, also enrich the cultural offering on the radio.

Many young people have their favourite podcast and follow the programmes on this service for many episodes. And the new service, which has only been around for a few decades, is also popular with many older people. Some grandparents, for example, listen to their grandchildren's podcasts and recommend them to their friends. In this way, the creative radio programme is attracting an ever-growing audience. Anyone who is a fan of radio simply has to love Germany. It offers many opportunities for both listeners and producers. In some places, listeners are given the opportunity to become broadcasters themselves with a small-scale call. In this way, the technical medium can democratise society. Even if this opportunity is not utilised by every broadcaster, some are happy to take it up.