ARD Live: How to Stream Germany’s Public Broadcaster in 2026
BERLIN, 11 February 2026 — As the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo reach their midway point today, millions of viewers across Germany are turning to ARD Live to follow the action. Whether through traditional satellite reception or the increasingly dominant ARD Mediathek, the “First German Television” (Das Erste) remains the primary destination for news, sports, and cultural programming. Today, Wednesday, marks a critical day for Olympic coverage, with ARD and ZDF alternating live broadcasts of the medal decisions.
Current Live Highlights: February 2026
As of today, 11 February 2026, the live schedule is dominated by the XXV Olympic Winter Games. Following the opening ceremony on 6 February, ARD has integrated its live television signal with extensive digital-only event streams.
Olympic Coverage Today
Viewers can access the main “Das Erste” live signal for major events, including the Biathlon women’s individual competition starting at 14:15. For events not shown on the main channel, the ARD Mediathek provides up to ten parallel live streams to ensure comprehensive coverage of every discipline from Mailand and Cortina.
The Tagesschau Tradition
Despite the shift toward digital streaming, the 20:00 edition of the Tagesschau remains the most-watched news programme in Germany. Today’s broadcast continues a tradition of live news reporting that dates back to 1952, providing 15 minutes of concentrated global and national updates.
Technical Specifications for ARD Reception
ARD has transitioned its distribution to focus on High Definition (HD) and digital efficiency. Following the shutdown of SD (Standard Definition) signals on satellite, viewers must ensure their hardware is compatible with modern standards.
| Parameter | Technical Detail (Satellite) |
|---|---|
| Satellite | Astra 19.2° East |
| Transponder | 19 |
| Frequency | 11.494 GHz |
| Polarisation | Horizontal |
| Modulation | DVB-S2 8-PSK |
| Symbol Rate | 22.0 MSym/s |
Digital Terrestrial (DVB-T2 HD)
For those using indoor or roof antennas, ARD broadcasts via the DVB-T2 standard. This technology allows for data rates between 18 and 28 Mbit/s per 8-MHz channel, significantly higher than the older DVB-T standard, enabling Full HD 1080p resolution for live broadcasts.
Streaming via ARD Mediathek
The ARD Mediathek is the central hub for all live content. It includes not only the national “Das Erste” feed but also the live signals of all regional broadcasters (Landesrundfunkanstalten), such as:
- BR (Bayerischer Rundfunk): Regional news from Bavaria and the Alps.
- MDR (Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk): Live updates from Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.
- rbb (Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg): Coverage of the capital region and events like the Berlinale.
- SWR (Südwestrundfunk): Cultural programming and regional news for the Southwest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is ARD Live free to watch?
The live stream is available without additional cost to residents in Germany, as it is funded by the mandatory “Rundfunkbeitrag” (licence fee). However, some content may be geo-blocked if accessed from outside Germany due to broadcasting rights, particularly for sporting events like the Olympics.
Where can I find the ARD radio live streams?
ARD radio stations have transitioned to the AAC-LC (Advanced Audio Codec) format on Astra 19.2° East (Transponders 39 and 61). Live audio streams for all regional stations are also available via the ARD Audiothek app.
How long are live programmes available after the broadcast?
Most news programmes, series, and films are available in the Mediathek for seven days after the live broadcast. Major sporting events and documentaries may have different retention periods based on specific licensing agreements.
Can I watch the Olympics live on ARD today?
Yes, today, 11 February 2026, ARD and ZDF are providing alternating live coverage of the Winter Olympics. You can watch the main broadcast on TV or access specialized event streams via the ARD Mediathek website and app.