Broadcasters / ARD (Das Erste) / ARD Story Im Ersten
ARD (Das Erste)
ARD Story Im Ersten
Format
Dokumentation / Dokumentarfilm
Length
45 min or 90 min
Timeslot
Monday 22:50 / Wednesday 22:50
Exposé length
4–6 pages
Editorial tone
Journalistically grounded, narratively dense. Major societal themes with clear perspective, but fair. Quality journalism with cinematic storytelling power. Can be uncomfortable.
What this format covers
●Major socio-political themes with relevance
●Contemporary history (Nazi era, GDR, reunification)
●Investigative backgrounders with exclusive access
●International conflicts and crises from German perspective
●Economic and environmental scandals
●Portraits of significant figures in contemporary historical context
What this format does NOT want
●Light entertainment formats
●Pure science formats without societal connection
●Lifestyle or travel formats
●Wildlife films
●Formats without journalistic added value
Visual expectations
High cinematic standards. Exclusive shoots, investigative research made visible, archival material, international locations. Interviews with relevant actors. No tabloid look.
Expected exposé structure
Logline
Exposé text with socio-political main thread
Protagonists and access
Research status and exclusive elements
Visual execution
Benchmarking (What already exists on this topic?)
Broadcaster fit
Example productions
Die Story im Ersten: Wirecard — Die Milliarden-Lüge
Die Story im Ersten: Die Cum-Ex-Files
Die Story im Ersten: Kampf um die Wahrheit
Die Story im Ersten: Rechts. Deutsch. Radikal.
Charité — Geschichte einer Klinik
Editorial notes
Exclusive access or new research findings are decisive. Topic must be Das Erste–worthy — societal significance. 90-min slot only for outstanding material. Co-productions between Landesrundfunkanstalten possible and desired. Long lead time (6–12 months).
Ready to pitch to ARD (Das Erste)?
The Pitch Doctor generates a format-compliant exposé tailored to ARD Story Im Ersten's exact editorial expectations.