ARD radio and television stations broadcast more than 1,000 minutes of jazz and improvised music every month. They add over 100 jazz productions to the program each year.
ARD is jazz (Image: ARD / WDR / Collage: Frank Wiesen)
With four big bands, three jazz awards and numerous cultural partnerships with festivals and event organizers, state broadcasters ARD are also firmly anchored as players in the vibrant jazz scene. Jazz now has a permanent place in ARD’s digital offerings.
Jazz to listen to, watch and discover
- In the ARD media library Select concerts and exciting documentaries are available anytime, such as the SWR Big Band’s Grammy-winning project “Bird Lives!” or the 2024 German Jazz Prize award ceremony.
- die ARD Audiothek brings together the entire music journalism offering, podcasts and features, new presentations and portraits – as well as the two new jazz programs” HIGH Jazz. Spotlight” and ” HIGH Jazz. The Journal“, which reports on the latest news from the jazz scene.
- On ARD Kultur The entire jazz offering – video and audio – has been well curated by the ARD jazz editorial team and offered in one place.
Highlights at the start: International stars at the Leverkusen Jazz Days
A new ARD offer begins with a star line-up: In November, international jazz greats and exciting young talents will be on stage at the Leverkusen Jazz Days. From November 8 there will be new concerts from Féile am Rhein every day. With Avishai Cohen, Moses Yoofee, Mike Stern, Tower of Power, Max Mutzke and many more. From now on ARD media library and up high culture.de.
60 years of the Berlin Jazz Festival
The Berlin Jazz Festival is celebrating its 60th anniversary state of the art experience. ARD has been a strong partner for a long time – and its archives contain many treasures. Since the anniversary festival, ARD is again producing around ten hours of current jazz for the ARD cultural radio stations, the ARD Audiothek and ardkultur.de.
Interview: Celebrating Jazz with ARD’s Editor-in-Chief
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! It’s an exciting time for jazz aficionados, especially with the recent initiatives by ARD. Joining us today is [Expert’s Name], a renowned jazz critic and a passionate advocate for music education. [Expert’s Name], thank you for joining us!
Expert (E): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to dive into the world of jazz and discuss how ARD is championing it.
TNE: ARD is making quite the statement by broadcasting over 1,000 minutes of jazz and improvised music each month. How significant do you think this is for the jazz community?
E: It’s incredibly significant. A consistent broadcast of that volume allows jazz to reach a wider audience. Jazz, as an art form, thrives on improvisation and live performances. ARD’s commitment to 100 new jazz productions annually demonstrates a dedication to not only preserving jazz but also innovating within its parameters.
TNE: It’s amazing! With the increasing digitization of media, how has ARD integrated jazz into its digital offerings?
E: They’ve created a robust digital ecosystem that includes the ARD media library, where listeners can access concerts and documentaries whenever they want. This kind of accessibility is crucial because it allows fans to discover both new and classic jazz performances, including notable projects like the SWR Big Band’s Grammy-winning “Bird Lives!”
TNE: That’s certainly a win for both artists and fans. Can you tell us a bit about the new programs ARD is launching, like “HIGH Jazz. Spotlight”?
E: Absolutely! The “HIGH Jazz. Spotlight” program, along with its counterparts, is designed to introduce audiences to significant jazz musicians and movements while showcasing the diversity within the genre. ARD’s investment in music journalism, through platforms like the ARD Audiothek, helps enrich listeners’ experiences by providing podcasts, features, and artist portraits that deepen understanding and appreciation of jazz.
TNE: It seems that ARD is effectively building partnerships as well, with awards and cultural partnerships. How does this benefit the jazz scene overall?
E: These partnerships are crucial for fostering community and support within the jazz scene. By collaborating with festivals and event organizers, ARD not only amplifies the voices of jazz artists but also encourages cultural exchange. The three jazz awards they host further recognize talent and inspire musicians to innovate, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
TNE: A thriving community indeed! As an expert in jazz, how do you view ARD’s role in nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians?
E: ARD is creating a platform for young musicians to be heard. The visibility that comes with their broadcasts and partnerships means that emerging artists have opportunities to showcase their work and gain exposure that would be incredibly difficult otherwise. When young musicians see a pathway to sharing their art, it motivates them to refine their craft and contribute to the genre’s evolution.
TNE: With jazz being celebrated in such a comprehensive manner, what message do you think this sends to future audiences?
E: It sends a strong message that jazz is not only alive but evolving. By embracing contemporary influences and promoting diverse voices within the genre, ARD is paving the way for the future. This kind of exposure can ignite a passion for jazz in younger generations, ensuring that this rich art form continues to thrive for years to come.
TNE: Thank you, [Expert’s Name], for sharing your insights with us today! It’s heartening to see the dedicated efforts by ARD, and it’s clear that jazz will continue to resonate through their programming.
E: Thank you for having me! Let’s keep the jazz conversation alive—it’s such a vital part of our cultural heritage!
TNE: Absolutely! Until next time, keep the music alive and thriving!
[End of Interview]