Radio in Germany

There are three nationwide public radio stations.

• Deutschlandfunk broadcasts news and background stories on current affairs.
• Deutschlandfunk Kultur mostly broadcasts cultural programs.

Both Deutschlandfunk and Deutschlandfunk Kultur are available in many areas on FM and nationwide on DAB+.

• Deutschlandfunk Nova A digital-only station which mainly broadcasts science and technology stories in 10-15 minute sections is available nationally on DAB+.

Other public radio stations, run by local public broadcasters are generally only available in the states which those broadcasters operate. All statewide radio stations broadcast free-to-air via the Astra 19.2°E satellite.

A few commercial radio stations have broader coverage thanks to multiple licenses from different states.

• Klassik Radio broadcasts classical music, and is available in metropolitan areas on FM.
• ERF Radio is a Christian radio station available nationwide on DAB+ and with satellite broadcasting. Ceased broadcasting on AM in 2010. Worldwide, it is available on www.erf.de.
• domradio is another Christian radio station available in Cologne and Fulda on FM.
• sunshine live is an electronic music featuring Dance, House, Techno and Trance. It is available in the north of Baden-Württemberg and also in the city of Templin, Brandenburg.

The individual states have different rules and regulations related to licensing commercial radio stations. Commercial radio stations, in most cases, try to cover the entire state they are licensed in, though some restrict themselves to metropolitan areas.

Community radio is non-commercial radio produced by volunteers. In most cases, it covers only a single city.