# Top 50 media companies and publishers in Germany

Tamtam tracks 151 media companies and publishers headquartered in Germany. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by Sky Deutschland GmbH, Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Springer Nature. Their median headcount is 1,412. Half of them were founded in 1949 or later. The most common headquarters are Berlin (10), Hamburg (7) and Frankfurt (5).

These are Germany's largest media companies, including broadcasters, publishers, and digital media groups. Among them are Sky Deutschland GmbH, a media and entertainment company, Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA, a global media and services firm, and Springer Nature, dedicated to advancing research through publications. Also listed are Holtzbrinck, a media company with a diverse portfolio, and Bauer Media Group, creating content across various platforms.

A notable pattern among these companies is the strong presence of public broadcasters and large, established media conglomerates, many of which have diversified into digital services. Several companies, such as WDR, ZDF, SWR, and Bayerischer Rundfunk, are public service broadcasters with headquarters spread across different German cities like Cologne, Mainz, Stuttgart, and Munich, indicating a decentralized media landscape.

🇩🇪 Germany · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Sky Deutschland GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sky-deutschland-gmbh) (careers.sky.com)<br>A leading media and entertainment company with 23 million customers, offering original content, innovative technology, and a commitment to diversity and sustainability | Media and Telecommunications | 🇩🇪 Unterföhring | 34,000 |  |
| 2 | [Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bertelsmann-se-and-co-kgaa) (wonderl.ink)<br>A global media, services, and education company with diverse subsidiaries, generating billions in revenue and striving for climate neutrality by 2030 | Media Production | 🇩🇪 Gütersloh | 20,799 |  |
| 3 | [Springer Nature](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/springer-nature) (springernature.com)<br>A global organization dedicated to advancing research and learning through trusted publications, platforms, and technology solutions for professionals worldwide | Information Services | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 13,451 |  |
| 4 | [Holtzbrinck](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/holtzbrinck) (holtzbrinck.com)<br>A leading media company with 14,000 employees and 400 companies worldwide, offering a diverse portfolio of well-known brands in publishing and digital media | Technology, Information and Media | 🇩🇪 Stuttgart | 11,000 |  |
| 5 | [Bauer Media Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bauer-media-group) (bauermedia.com)<br>Media business creating content for millions across Europe, covering print and online publishing, audio broadcasting, entertainment, and out-of-home advertising. | Media Production | 🇩🇪 Hamburg | 6,562 | 1875 |
| 6 | [WDR](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wdr) (www1.wdr.de)<br>A leading media company in Germany, the Westdeutsche Rundfunk (WDR) offers diverse, high-quality programs to contribute to media diversity and employs a diverse workforce | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 4,466 | 1956 |
| 7 | [ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/prosiebensat-1-media-se) (karriere.prosiebensat1.com)<br>Leading German entertainment company with TV channels, streaming platform, digital commerce, dating services, and in-house content production. | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 Unterföhring | 4,456 |  |
| 8 | [ZDF](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zdf) (zdf.de)<br>An innovative public media company providing diverse programming in information, education, culture, sports, and entertainment through multiple digital channels and partnerships | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 Mainz | 4,046 |  |
| 9 | [Ströer SE & Co. KGaA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stroer-se-and-co-kgaa) (stroeer.de)<br>Leading German media house, offering outdoor advertising, digital media, dialog marketing, e-commerce, and Data as a Service solutions, reaching millions of users. | Advertising Services | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 3,924 | 1990 |
| 10 | [SWR](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/swr) (swr.de)<br>The company offers radio and television broadcasting services in southwest Germany, including regional TV programs and multiple radio stations targeting different audiences | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 Stuttgart | 3,567 | 1998 |
| 11 | [Deutsche Welle](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/deutsche-welle) (dw.com)<br>Provides unbiased news and information in 32 languages worldwide, focusing on human rights, democracy, health, and technology. | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 Bonn | 3,244 |  |
| 12 | [RTL Deutschland](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rtl-deutschland) (rtl.com)<br>Leading German entertainment company with TV, streaming, print, radio, podcasts, and digital offerings Owns popular media brands, operates largest streaming platform, and emphasizes positive entertainment and independent journalism | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 | 3,104 |  |
| 13 | [Bayerischer Rundfunk](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bayerischer-rundfunk) (br.de)<br>This company delivers creative and reliable information, culture, knowledge, and entertainment for Bavaria through radio, television, online platforms, and orchestras | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 Munich | 2,539 | 1949 |
| 14 | [FUNKE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/funke) (funkemedien.de)<br>A major media group in Germany with diverse product offerings and a focus on delivering top-notch journalism through print, digital, and online platforms | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Essen | 2,300 |  |
| 15 | [Axel Springer](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/axel-springer) (axelspringer.com)<br>Family-owned media company delivering information through diverse brands like BILD, BUSINESS INSIDER, POLITICO, and WELT, shaping journalism. | Technology, Information and Media | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 2,226 | 1946 |
| 16 | [SPIEGEL-Gruppe](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/spiegel-gruppe) (gruppe.spiegel.de)<br>A prestigious German media house known for high-quality print, TV, and online journalism, reaching millions weekly with critical and investigative reporting | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Hamburg | 2,072 | 1947 |
| 17 | [Norddeutscher Rundfunk](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/norddeutscher-rundfunk) (ndr.de)<br>A public media organization in northern Germany with TV, radio, and digital offerings, focusing on news, cultural identity, and classical music | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 Hamburg | 2,029 | 1956 |
| 18 | [Civil Engineers World](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/civil-engineers-world) (vincivilworld.com)<br>Vincivilworld provides updated and appealing information on civil engineering, construction, architecture, and related topics, led by experienced civil engineer Vinod Gopinath | Civil Engineering | 🇩🇪 New Delhi | 1,849 | 2019 |
| 19 | [manager magazin](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/manager-magazin) (manager-magazin.de)<br>Provides independent, high-quality economic journalism with company analyses, CEO profiles, and trend reports both online and in print. | Newspaper Publishing | 🇩🇪 | 1,714 | 1971 |
| 20 | [PLAION](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/plaion) (plaion.com)<br>A global game developer and producer with multiple studios and publishing units, collaborating with major publishers and owning film distribution and merchandise businesses | Entertainment Providers | 🇩🇪 Planegg/ Munich | 1,601 | 1994 |
| 21 | [MDR MITTELDEUTSCHER RUNDFUNK](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mdr-mitteldeutscher-rundfunk) (mdr.de)<br>A public broadcaster in central Germany, providing independent journalism and high-quality multimedia content to engage, inform, and empower the local community | Media Production | 🇩🇪 Leipzig | 1,572 | 1992 |
| 22 | [Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rundfunk-berlin-brandenburg) (rbb24.de)<br>The company provides services or products and has upcoming announcements or updates that will be shared in the near future | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 1,509 | 2003 |
| 23 | [DFB](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dfb) (dfb.de)<br>Marketing products and licenses, providing IT and digital services, and managing major events for the German Football Association. | Spectator Sports | 🇩🇪 Frankfurt | 1,484 | 1900 |
| 24 | [BMG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bmg) (bmg.com)<br>Integrated music publishing and recordings business, fourth-largest international music company Offers global service, creative support, technology, and analytics to artist and songwriter clients Owned by Bertelsmann | Musicians | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 1,476 | 2008 |
| 25 | [Hessischer Rundfunk](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hessischer-rundfunk) (hr.de)<br>A leading media company in Hesse, offering diverse radio, TV, and online programs, cultural events, and independent reporting financed through the license fee | Broadcast Media Production and Distribution | 🇩🇪 Frankfurt | 1,412 | 1948 |
| 26 | [Haufe Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/haufe-group) (haufegroup.com)<br>Innovative provider of digital and web-based services, specializing in building agile and sustainable organizations Trusted by over a million customers worldwide | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇩🇪 Freiburg im Breisgau | 1,409 | 1951 |
| 27 | [dfv Mediengruppe](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dfv-mediengruppe) (dfv.de)<br>The company specializes in business-to-business communication, offering over 100 publications, events, and market research services for various economic sectors in Germany and Europe | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Frankfurt | 1,296 | 1946 |
| 28 | [Hubert Burda Media](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hubert-burda-media) (burda.com)<br>A diverse media and technology company with over 500 brands worldwide, focused on creating content and services for consumers across various segments | Media Production | 🇩🇪 Munich | 1,280 |  |
| 29 | [Seven.One Entertainment Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/seven-one-entertainment-group) (seven.one)<br>Integrated entertainment group combining channels, content, and marketing to create multiscreen brands and premium entertainment for diverse audiences. | Advertising Services | 🇩🇪 Unterföhring | 1,178 |  |
| 30 | [Thieme](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/thieme) (thieme.com)<br>Leading provider of digital and analog solutions in medicine and chemistry, empowering healthcare professionals and individuals with high-quality information and services worldwide | Technology, Information and Media | 🇩🇪 | 1,177 | 1886 |
| 31 | [Süddeutsche Zeitung – Jobs & Karriere​](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/suddeutsche-zeitung-jobs-and-karriere) (sueddeutsche.de)<br>A major German quality newspaper is working to become fully digital by 2030, focusing on creating accessible, high-quality content for millions of readers | Newspaper Publishing | 🇩🇪 Munich | 1,109 | 1945 |
| 32 | [DER SPIEGEL](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/der-spiegel) (spiegel.de)<br>A leading news website in the German-speaking internet, providing fast, current, precise, and in-depth news, analysis, interviews, comments, videos, and photos around the clock | Media and Telecommunications | 🇩🇪 Hamburg | 1,027 | 1947 |
| 33 | [SoundCloud](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/soundcloud) (soundcloud.com)<br>A music platform empowering artists with progressive tools and resources to build careers, with over 320 million tracks from 40 million artists | Entertainment Providers | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 1,003 | 2007 |
| 34 | [dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dpa-deutsche-presse-agentur-gmbh) (dpa.com)<br>A leading independent news agency supplying editorial content in multiple formats and languages, with a team of 1,000 journalists worldwide | Media Production | 🇩🇪 Hamburg | 980 | 1949 |
| 35 | [De Gruyter Brill](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/de-gruyter-brill) (degruyterbrill.com)<br>A prominent publisher specializing in humanities and related subjects, providing high-quality academic content for scholarly research and education | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 977 | 1749 |
| 36 | [Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/frankfurter-allgemeine-zeitung) (faz.net)<br>A leading media brand in Germany offering newspapers, magazines, news portals, podcasts, and services in print, digital, and auditory formats Focused on promoting free thinking and freedom | Newspaper Publishing | 🇩🇪 Frankfurt | 975 | 1949 |
| 37 | [عالم النفط والغاز](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/company-berlin) (facebook.com)<br>Providing news, updates, and research on oil, gas, and energy markets Keeping stakeholders informed about the latest developments in the industry | Oil and Gas | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 973 | 2012 |
| 38 | [Süddeutsche Zeitung](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/suddeutsche-zeitung) (sueddeutsche.de)<br>A leading German quality newspaper employing hundreds of journalists worldwide, known for independent, opinionated journalism and award-winning investigative reporting | Newspaper Publishing | 🇩🇪 Munich | 966 |  |
| 39 | [Gruner + Jahr](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/gruner-jahr) (company.rtl.com)<br>Publishing established and emerging print and digital magazines, managing media products and licenses, with strong digital revenue growth. | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Hamburg | 925 |  |
| 40 | [WEKA Fachmedien GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/weka-fachmedien-gmbh) (weka-fachmedien.de)<br>A publishing company based in Haar, Germany specializing in fachmedien (specialized media) located on Richard-Reitzner-Allee 2 | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Haar | 919 | 1998 |
| 41 | [Cornelsen Verlag GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cornelsen-verlag-gmbh) (cornelsen.de)<br>A leading provider of educational media, embracing the future of learning in a collaborative environment by focusing on individualized, innovative, and high-quality educational products | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 892 | 1946 |
| 42 | [UFA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ufa) (ufa.de)<br>A leading entertainment brand with a century of history, specializing in creating diverse high-quality content for digital and multimedia platforms | Media Production | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 884 | 1917 |
| 43 | [DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dfl-deutsche-fussball-liga) (dfl.de)<br>Responsible for organizing and marketing German professional football, including fixtures, media rights, innovation, and social engagement for Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs | Spectator Sports | 🇩🇪 Frankfurt | 870 |  |
| 44 | [NOZ/mh:n MEDIEN](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/noz-mh-n-medien) (noz-mhn.de)<br>A media group balancing innovation and tradition, with journalistic publications at its core, spanning multiple locations and offering diverse career opportunities | Newspaper Publishing | 🇩🇪 Osnabrück | 765 |  |
| 45 | [HSE - Home Shopping Europe GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hse-home-shopping-europe-gmbh) (jobs.hse.com)<br>A leading provider of live commerce in Europe, offering TV channels, online shopping, and an app for curated fashion, beauty, and home products | Online and Mail Order Retail | 🇩🇪 Ismaning | 732 | 1995 |
| 46 | [ZEIT Verlagsgruppe](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zeit-verlagsgruppe) (zeit-verlagsgruppe.de)<br>The company offers quality content through print, online, and audio formats, along with educational offerings, conferences, content marketing, and employer branding services | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Hamburg | 722 | 1946 |
| 47 | [VRM](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/vrm) (vrm.de)<br>A regional media company in the Rhein-Main area and Mittelhessen with over 1,400 employees, focusing on informing, supporting, and inspiring the local community | Newspaper Publishing | 🇩🇪 Mainz | 721 | 1850 |
| 48 | [Verlag C.H.Beck GmbH & Co. KG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/verlag-c-h-beck-gmbh-and-co-kg) (rsw.beck.de)<br>A leading media company in Europe with over 2,000 employees, offering high-quality print and digital products, with a focus on legal and historical publishing | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Munich | 720 | 1763 |
| 49 | [BILD](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bild) (bild.de)<br>A leading German information and entertainment portal known for high-quality journalism, innovative design, modern web technology, and premium video content | Book and Periodical Publishing | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 682 |  |
| 50 | [Handelsblatt](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/handelsblatt) (handelsblatt.com)<br>Leading German financial and economic newspaper with a team of 200 journalists offering exclusive and up-to-date coverage on national and global issues | Newspaper Publishing | 🇩🇪 Düsseldorf | 659 | 1946 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

## More company lists in Germany

- [The largest companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-germany) (15,224)
- [Multinational companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-germany) (4,800)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-germany) (2,450)
- [Manufacturers in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-germany) (1,957)
- [Software Development companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-germany) (1,401)
- [SaaS companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-germany) (1,389)
- [Retail chains in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-germany) (1,383)
- [Family-owned companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/family-owned-companies-germany) (1,330)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-germany) (1,316)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-germany) (1,305)
- [Financial services firms in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-germany) (1,265)
- [Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/transportation-logistics-supply-chain-and-storage-companies-germany) (1,145)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-germany) (928)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-germany) (911)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-germany) (832)
- [Public sector organisations in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-germany) (812)
- [IT services companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-germany) (776)
- [Financial Services companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-germany) (745)
- [Professional services firms in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-germany) (690)
- [Logistics companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/logistics-companies-germany) (597)
- [Consulting firms in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-germany) (584)
- [Automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/automotive-companies-germany) (504)
- [Banking companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/banking-companies-germany) (485)
- [Machinery Manufacturing companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/machinery-manufacturing-companies-germany) (476)

## The same list elsewhere in Germany

- [Media companies and publishers in Bavaria](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/media-companies-bavaria) (33)
- [Media companies and publishers in North Rhine-Westphalia](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/media-companies-north-rhine-westphalia) (33)
- [Media companies and publishers in Berlin](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/media-companies-berlin) (36)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Media companies and publishers in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/media-companies-in-the-world) (4,316)
- [Media companies and publishers in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/media-companies-in-europe) (1,932)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/media-companies-germany