The United States plans to limit visas for foreign journalists to 240 days, with a possible extension for a further 240 days, under regulations set to take effect on September 15.
In response, major German broadcasters and publishers — including ARD, ZDF, Deutsche Welle, RTL Deutschland, ProSiebenSat.1, and Deutschlandradio, alongside industry associations BDZV and MVFP — have sent a joint letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, urging the government to deploy all political and diplomatic means to secure unimpeded reporting from the United States. Five of those broadcasters had previously written to the same officials on September 16, 2025, according to Focus.
The media organisations warned that the tighter visa rules could hamper correspondents' ability to operate freely in the US.