Our key fields of activity are: Civic media channels (Bürgermedien), Media promotion & funding (Medienförderung), Media literacy (Medienkompetenz) and Media regulation (Medienregulierung). We want to empower, qualify, support and protect all citizens. In addition, we constantly work on providing an excellent environment for high-quality media in Rhineland-Palatinate.

Civic medial channels (Bürgermedien)

With the “Offene Kanäle” (i.e. free, open channels), Rhineland-Palatinate has a unique, diverse, local and non-commercial media offering that is supported by associations organized on a voluntary basis. Citizens of all age groups create their own programs, distributed via cable, satellite and the Internet. Civic medial channels promote democracy and create identity; they are valued as educational institutions and creative laboratories.

Media promotion and funding (Medienförderung)

Going digital requires new skills! Rhineland-Palatinate is a strong media region. Media transformation requires new media policy instruments, while targeted media funding strengthens innovation and competitiveness. The Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority aims to help in pooling existing initiatives and enriching them with innovative ideas for the media state of Rhineland-Palatinate. 

Media literacy (Medienkompetenz) 

Consider this: media literacy is democratic literacy! That is why we are already preparing people today for the media landscape of tomorrow. Media literacy has become an essential prerequisite for a thriving democracy. Learning, working, identity formation, self-expression and communication with others are increasingly linked to media in our everyday lives. The discussion about the ubiquity of mobile media technology, about the shift of services and consumption to the internet, about disinformation and propaganda clearly emphasizes the importance of media literacy.

Media regulation (Medienregulierung)

Democracy is vital and thrives when all citizens can obtain comprehensive information and express their opinions freely! A diverse media landscape with independent and regional content is essential for this. Rhineland-Palatinate has a heterogeneous media landscape with a wide range of information. A wide variety of opinions and experiences from all parts of society can, should and must have their voice heard here. Rules are needed to ensure that there is a fair, diverse and free media offer for everyone.

Our focus topic areas

Sites for media participation: Involvement, participation, creativity – the Civic medial channels (“Offene Kanäle”) are emerging hubs for media participation. The Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority is developing new attractive spaces for media participation in various cities and municipalities - with the support of the state, local authorities and other partners. All citizens, creative makers, associations, groups or classes can get involved in those sites. These new locations can be set up as an "agile learning environment" in a publicly accessible high-tech facility that provides access to machines, tools and software as well as a creative community. 

Hate speech: Hate speech online is a global, threatening phenomenon of growing importance. The judiciary, media regulatory authorities and media companies in Rhineland-Palatinate are joining forces to fight hate online. In 2019, the Media Authority and the Ministry of Justice gave permission for "Verfolgen und Löschen " (i.e. tracking and deleting). With this project "Verfolgen und Löschen", as well as with resources and training programs, we are reaching out to different target groups and supporting the fight against hate speech online. 

Research and advise on fake shops: Fake Internet sales platforms ("fake shops") often offer branded goods at heavily discounted prices. However, the goods ordered and paid for are not being delivered properly. The Rhineland-Palatinate Media Authority is working together with several specialist organizations to inform the public on the dangers of fake shops.

Artificial intelligence in the media landscape: The rapid pace of technological progress brings with all opportunities many risks in various fields that also affect the media authorities. Artificial intelligence (AI) brings new challenges for research, media professionals and media policy: What guidelines do we need to set for the use of AI? How can we foster the responsible use of AI in journalism? And how can we bolster media diversity and media trust in the future? With the Medien Triennale Südwest, the state media authorities of Baden-Württemberg, Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate have designed a series of events that deal with the nexus of AI and media.