Berlin Administrative Court Confirms Broadcasting Ban for RT DE in Germany

Legal Argument by RT DE

Eva Flecken, Director of the Berlin-Brandenburg media authority, expressed satisfaction with the decision. "With today's ruling, the court confirms that RT DE was a broadcaster based in Berlin — and it was broadcasting without a license," she stated.

RT DE had argued in court that no license was required because the company merely produced program components in Germany and did not itself operate as an independent broadcaster. The broadcaster's Moscow headquarters, TV-Novosti, would be responsible for the broadcast.

The court did not follow this reasoning. It saw no comprehensible evidence that RT DE Productions was actually only a supplier to the Moscow headquarters. Rather, the broadcaster itself had publicly communicated that editorial responsibility for the aired content lay in Germany.

State of the Company

The judges also found that the absence of a broadcasting license was undisputed between the parties. The media authority had rightly issued the order imposing the broadcasting ban; it was not to be faulted.

RT DE's German-language program was specifically aimed at the German market. Today, according to the company's own statements, it only produces content for digital channels; a traditional television program is no longer being broadcast.

RT DE Productions GmbH was established under German law in 2014. According to the media authority, the company is now in liquidation and no longer conducts any business activities.

Possible Appeal

The ruling is not yet final. RT DE Productions GmbH can apply to the Berlin-Brandenburg Higher Administrative Court for leave to appeal in order to have the decision reviewed at second instance.

As early as March 2023, the company had unsuccessfully challenged the broadcasting ban in expedited proceedings before the Administrative Court. With the ruling now handed down, the main proceedings have been decided.

RT DE is the German offshoot of the Russian state-funded international broadcaster Russia Today. Media scholars and security experts have long criticized the broadcaster as a propaganda instrument of the Russian government. It is suspected of spreading disinformation and false news.

Background: Russia Today

The original reporting on the ruling was prepared by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) and broadcast on Deutschlandfunk on 30 June 2026.