Logo of BR-alpha from October 2007 to 29 June 2014
ARD alpha is a Germanfree-to-air television channel run by regional public-service broadcasterBayerischer Rundfunk. Its programming consists of shows made byBayerischer Rundfunk, as well as fromARD andAustrian broadcasterORF. The channel was originally calledBR-alpha, but was rebranded asARD-alpha on 29 June 2014.
BR-alpha, as the station was originally called, started broadcasting on January 7, 1998. The station's programmes were originally broadcast in analog using the Astra satellite and were also distributed by cable networks. The schedule focused mainly on education and information. The channel began digital broadcasts via Astra in the summer of 1998.[1] On 28 November 2000, the heads of the regional public broadcasters agreed to start cooperating with BR-alpha.[2]
On 30 September 2002, the channel started broadcastingPlanet Wissen ("Planet Knowledge" in English), a general knowledge programme and a co-production of BR-alpha,Westdeutscher Rundfunk andSüdwestrundfunk. The programme also has an extensive internet presence. Bavaria starteddigital terrestrial television broadcasts on 30 May 2005, as did BR-alpha.[3]
The channel's scheduled were revamped on 16 February 2008. Career guidance programmes, a magazine aimed at young people calledfreiraum were started, and programsW wie Wissen andFaszination Wissen were also added.[4]
On 9 August 2009, the youth programon3-südwild switched from Bavarian Television to BR-alpha.[5] On 27 June 2010, Andreas Höfer won the Deutschen Kamerapreis (German Camera Award) in the category TV movie /docudrama for the BR-alpha filmEmpathie – Stumme Schreie (Empathy - Silent screams).[6]
The channel changed its name to ARD alpha on 29 June 2014. The schedule was reorganised the previous day. BR is still responsible for financing and broadcasting the channel, but some programmes originally broadcast by other ARD member stations were added to ARD alpha's schedule.[7][8] Cooperation with ORF (the Austrian public broadcaster) in the form ofalpha-Österreich continued, and its television programs are now aired after 10 pm instead of in the early evening. Werner Reuss is head of ARD alpha.
Media related toARD-alpha at Wikimedia Commons
