This structure still exists today. At first the programs of the ARD network were all the TV the Germans got. It, too, is a public corporation, established in the same way, though it broadcasts nationwide and, unlike the ARD affiliates, has no radio operation. Until private commercial television was introduced people living in Germany had only three channels to choose from, ARD, ZDF and Third Program. They were and still are the equivalent of PBS broadcasts in the States.
Commercial advertising is limited and restricted to certain periods.
Private commercial television was introduced in 1984, and resulted in an explosive growth in programming. Their program offering at first was mainly sports, entertainment and feature films, and also some news programs. RTL now has three channels. Since 1984 there has been a proliferation of private commercial stations that have become widely available through both cable and satellite. There are pay TV Channels that broadcast live sports events as well as recent movies.