ARD and ZDF return to Belgacom

Belgian operator Belgacom has re-added German channels ARD (Das Erste) and ZDF to its TV platform after reaching a new agreement with the public broadcasters.

Belgacom controversially dropped the channels last year after failing to agree licensing terms with ARD and ZDF.

At the time the channels accused Belgacom of not compromising, despite ARD and ZDF making “far-reaching concessions”, with Belgacom apparently asking for a two-year pay freeze for the resupply of the channels.

However, reports from last year claimed that Belgacom had offered to pay €500,000 per year-for the channels, but had the sum turned down by the German broadcasters.

Financial terms of the new agreement were not disclosed.