GEZ is an abbreviation for "Gebühreneinzugszentrale," which translates to "Broadcast Fee Collection Center" in English. It refers to a governmental organization in Germany responsible for collecting and managing the broadcasting license fee. The GEZ is a subordinate authority of the public broadcasting corporations, and its primary objective is to ensure sustainable funding for public broadcasting services.
The GEZ enforces the collection of fees from individuals and entities that possess electronic devices capable of receiving and displaying broadcast content, such as television sets, radios, and computers. It is obligated by law to impose a compulsory fee on each household or business owner who owns such equipment. This fee is intended to finance public service broadcasters in Germany, namely, ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio, as well as their regional affiliates and associated channels.
The GEZ is responsible for the administration, billing, and enforcement of the licensing process. It maintains a registry to identify and monitor whether households or businesses have paid their broadcasting fees regularly. Failure to comply can result in penalties or legal action. The organization relies on various methods to ensure the enforcement of fees, including inquiries, inspections, and collaboration with other institutions such as municipal authorities and the Federal Motor Transport Authority.
Overall, the GEZ plays a crucial role in facilitating the financial stability of public broadcasters in Germany by collecting fees from households and businesses that possess electronic devices capable of receiving broadcast content.
