German television history began in the 1930s with experimental broadcasts, but it wasn't until after World War II that regular programming started. The first public television station, Nordwestdeutscher Rundfunk, began broadcasting in 1952, marking the official start of television in West Germany. In 1990, following the reunification of Germany, Deutsche Welle became the country's international broadcaster, and the landscape of German television expanded significantly. Today, Germany has a diverse range of channels, including public broadcasters like ARD and ZDF, as well as numerous private networks, reflecting a rich media culture.