Abstract
The relationship between private and public service media in Germany has traditionally been perceived and regulated as one of competitive coexistence and reciprocal counterbalancing. However, digital transformation and the rise of platform dominance challenge this perspective. In response, this article argues for a coopetition approach, where competition and collaboration coexist to strengthen democratic public spheres. We propose a framework for cooperation between private and public service media, highlighting infrastructure sharing and other forms of public value contributions. Such a coopetition framework allows rethinking media relationships through unilateral and strategic collaborations, which can enhance media diversity and resilience in the digital era.