ARD is a prominent German international news channel, established as a cooperative network of regional public broadcasters in Germany. The channel has been on air since June 1950, marking over seven decades of successful broadcasting. ARD's full name, "Arbeitsgemeinschaft der öffentlich-rechtlichen Rundfunkanstalten der Bundesrepublik Deutschland," reflects its role as a coalition of public broadcasting institutions in the country.

As of 2015, ARD reported a budget of €6.9 billion and employed 22,612 people. This funding is primarily sourced from a legally mandated licensing fee paid by households, ensuring the organization's ability to function as a public service broadcaster.