Associations and Unions

The German Journalists Association (Deutscher Journalisten Verband, DJV) is a professional association as well as a trade union. It is politically independent and represents journalists’ interests and rights. The association in particular advocates for better working conditions for media professionals and is committed to defending high ethical standards in reporting.

The German Journalists Union (Deutsche Journalistinnen- und Journalisten-Union, DJU) is part of the verdi (Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft), a larger individual trade union.

The Federation of German Newspaper Publishers (BZDV) is the principal organization of newspaper publishers, uniting 298 newspapers. Its main tasks are safeguarding the independence of the German press. Moreover, the BZDV represents its members via the public and conducts negotiations in matters of social legislation and the conclusion of wage agreements.  Meanwhile, the German Magazine Publishers Organization (VDZ) brings together 400 magazine publishers producing and acts primarily as an employer’s organization conducting wage negotiations for example.

The Association of Commercial Radio and Television (VPRT) works to foster private broadcasting with a focus on media policy; it represents 35% of private broadcasters. Its aim is to promote the interests of its members on both a national and on an international scale.