Programmbuches

Programmbuches are compiled listings of scheduled programs for various media, primarily broadcast television and radio, but also for live performance events, festivals, and other organized entertainment. The term originates from the German language, where "Programm" means program or schedule and "Buch" means book, together denoting a book or booklet that contains a calendar of upcoming shows. In practice, programmbuches are often produced weekly or monthly, providing viewers and listeners with a detailed forecast of channel line‑ups, special broadcasts, and time‑specific content. They help audiences plan their viewing or listening habits and are frequently distributed by broadcasters, event organizers, and governmental agencies to inform the public about cultural offerings.

Historically, programmbuches emerged as optical printouts in print media before the rise of digital scheduling. In the early 20th century, newspapers and magazines included sections dedicated to listing programmbuches for local radio stations and theaters. As television grew in popularity, television networks began publishing dedicated programmbuches to outline prime‑time slots, children's programming, and news broadcasts. Today, the medium has largely shifted to electronic formats—such as interactive TV guides, online portals, and mobile applications—yet many still produce printed versions for archival or community outreach purposes.

In many European countries, programmbuches are used by public service broadcasters to meet regulatory requirements for transparency and diversity in broadcasting. They are also common among film festivals, museums, and music venues, where a programmbuches outlines the schedule of performances, exhibitions, and related events. These documents typically include program titles, airing times, brief descriptions, and occasionally contextual notes about special guests or historical significance.

Programmbuches remain an essential tool for audiences seeking structured access to scheduled cultural content, serving both as informational guides and as historical records of programming trends over time.