Based in Mainz, ZDF operates a unique network of bureaus in all of the Länder capitals, and has major editorial and production capacity in Berlin - the nation's capital since unification of East and West Germany.

ZDF's core operation is its nationwide television channel which went on air in 1963 and today reaches its viewers by cable, satellite or terrestrial antenna, both in analogue and digital format. As a public service broadcaster, ZDF has a remit to provide information, education and entertainment in its programming, reaching viewers of all ages and in all parts of Germany. With a clear focus on news and current affairs, ZDF is also particularly successful with documentaries, fiction and sports programmes, and has proved able to defend a leading position in the highly competitive environment of currently more than 30 German public or commercial free-to-air TV channels.

Team of 3,600 people

ZDF Director-General Markus Schächter is the corporation's top executive, leading a team of 3,600 employees plus a similar number of freelancers. He took up office in March 2002 after being elected by the 77-member ZDF Television Council, the governing body which represents the interests of the general public and also establishes and monitors programme standards. Responsibility for corporate guidelines and budget control lies with the ZDF Administrative Council.

As one of Europe's largest broadcasters, ZDF German Television is a strong player in the international field: Long-established bilateral and multilateral partnerships and exchanges, especially with fellow members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), are complemented with numerous individual cooperation agreements with broadcasters around the world. Furthermore, ZDF shows a particular international commitment to news and information by maintaining 19 foreign bureaus and an even greater number of foreign correspondents based wherever news coverage is needed.

Programme sales and acquisitions as well as international coproductions and a growing number of important activities in the new media sector are managed by the commercial subsidiary, ZDF Enterprises GmbH.