The media police

GEZ. These initials strike horror in the hearts of Germans. What do they stand for, you ask? The media police. Yes, the media police. This is the government agency in charge of collecting a monthly sum for each radio and television you own in your home or vehicle. Starting in 2007 they will also charge for Internet connections. The money goes to support the state supported tv and radio stations and the stations don't have to have commercials.

First, they send you a form. You are asked to divulge info about all the radios and tvs you own. If you say you don't have any, at some point unknown to you, there will be a knock on your door and GEZ employees will be there to ask you if you have any. You don't have to let them in, although if you have a satellite dish, which is ubiquitous throughout the country, they may ask you about it. And if you are caught, say you have the tv on when they visit and they overhear it, the fine is quite large.