Belgischer Rundfunk (BRF) is the smallest public broadcaster in Europe, with around 70 employees. It serves the German-speaking Community in Belgium.
Media assets
Television: BRF TV
Radio: BRF1, BRF2, BRF-DLF
State Media Matrix Typology: Independent State-Funded and State-Managed (ISFM)
Ownership and governance
The highest governing body at BRF is its Board of Directors, whose members are appointed by the parliament of the German-speaking community in Belgium. The responsibilities of the board are outlined in a management contract concluded between the government of the German-speaking community in Belgium and the BRF.
Source of funding and budget
BRF is mainly funded through a state subsidy. According to the station’s latest annual report, in 2021 it operated with a budget of €7.4m. In 2022, BRF had a budget of €7.8m, with 84% of it coming from an endowment from the German-speaking community, as per data provided by the company. BRF generated the rest of the budget through ad sales.
Editorial independence
The government does not impose editorial rules that would require BRF to give the government preferential treatment in its coverage. BRF is recognized for its editorial independence. Content analysis conducted for this project in May 2021 and again in March 2024 found that BRF’s editorial coverage is balanced, diverse, critical, and objective. There is no evidence that state authorities control BRF’s editorial agenda.
BRF’s mission statement guides its editorial performance and reflects its dedication to “independent, critical journalism.” The broadcaster also adheres to a set of journalistic standards that govern the station’s editorial coverage.
There is no specific editorial assessment mechanism at BRF, but the broadcaster has put several decision-making mechanisms in place to ensure regular evaluation of its editorial performance. (see above)
August 2024