The DVTM represents many of the companies involved in the telecommunications and media value chain. These include service providers, network operators, service providers, resellers, technical service providers, media and publishing houses as well as consulting and debt collection companies. The DVTM emerged from the Voluntary Self-Control Telephone Value Added Services (FST) trade association, which was founded in 1997. In February 2011, FST was renamed DVTM.

The interest group has around 50 members who act voluntarily within the framework of the German Telecommunications and Media Code. The Code supports the principle of self-regulation. Securing and expanding a functioning and competitive telecommunications and media market in dialogue with all market participants is the overarching concern of the DVTM.

The DVTM is a registered association whose activities are represented to the public by its board. The highest body is the general meeting, which meets once a year. The board, consisting of a chairman and up to eight deputies, is elected from among the members at the general meeting for two years.