ZDFinfo is a German free‑to‑air television channel specializing in documentary and factual programming. It is owned by the public broadcaster ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) and operates from the ZDF headquarters in Mainz, Germany.
History
- The channel was launched on 27 August 1997 under the name ZDFinfokanal.
- It was rebranded as ZDFinfo on 5 September 2011.
- A high‑definition (HD) simulcast of the channel began on 1 May 2012.
Ownership and Affiliations
- ZDFinfo is part of the ZDF network and is a sister channel to ZDFneo.
- In March 2026, a treaty between the public broadcasters ARD and ZDF was announced that will restructure several channels. Under this agreement, ZDFinfo is slated to become a joint venture between the two broadcasters, operating under the name Info from 2027.
Coverage and Distribution
- The channel is broadcast nationwide in Germany via digital terrestrial television and is also available through cable, satellite, and online streaming on ZDF’s website (zdf.de).
- It transmits in 1080p HDTV, downscaled to 720p for certain distribution platforms.
Programming
ZDFinfo’s schedule consists primarily of documentaries, news magazine features, science and history programmes, and other factual content aimed at a broad audience.
Technical Details
- Picture format: 1080p HDTV (downscaled to 720p for digital satellite and cable).
- Language: German.
References
Information is drawn from the Wikipedia entry on ZDFinfo and associated ZDF press releases.