German broadcasters demand EU action against smart TV dominance
German broadcasters are raising concerns over the growing influence of smart TV platforms. With 62 million televisions in households across the country, they warn that these systems now control what viewers see. The call comes as operating systems like Samsung's Tizen, Google's Android TV, and Amazon's Fire OS dominate the market. The average German still spends over 2.5 hours a day watching TV. Yet broadcasters fear they are losing visibility as smart TV interfaces prioritise certain apps and recommendations. These platforms act like computers, deciding which content appears first and how it is promoted.
Broadcasters argue that commercial interests shape what viewers discover. Without regulation, diverse or journalistically important programmes could be buried under algorithm-driven suggestions. Many German homes have two or three televisions, making the issue even more widespread.
The industry is now urging the EU to treat smart TV operating systems and virtual assistants as gatekeepers. They want rules to stop platforms from favouring their own services or sidelining competitors. Samsung leads globally with a 29.1% TV market share in 2025, while Google and Amazon also hold significant influence in Europe. The push for regulation aims to ensure fair competition and content diversity on smart TVs. If successful, new rules could change how recommendations work and what viewers see first. Broadcasters hope this will prevent their programmes from being overshadowed by platform-controlled content.
