The words can change as well as the pace
A slower player setting gives you more time with the same wording. The tagesschau in Einfacher Sprache is a separate editorial edition. ARD describes Einfache Sprache as a simplified form of standard or specialist language, while Leichte Sprache goes further with a defined set of rules. Those labels should not be treated as interchangeable promises.
This distinction helps when a bulletin is audible but difficult to follow. The obstacle might be unfamiliar institutional vocabulary, assumed background or a dense sentence. Extra time alone may leave those obstacles in place. A purpose-made explanation can approach the subject differently.
Compare one subject, not two entire news days
Choose a topic present in the simpler edition and another official report from the same period. Note the dates before comparing. News changes, so a later account can add facts for reasons unrelated to its language style.
Ask what the simpler report makes explicit. Does it introduce a person’s role, explain an institution or replace an unfamiliar term? Write one example in your own words. Then return to the other report and see whether that explanation helps you follow it. This is an original viewing exercise; it is not an official test of reading level or comprehension.
Avoid judging the editions only by duration. A shorter video may use familiar vocabulary but leave out background; a longer explanation may spend more time establishing it. The useful measure is whether the selected report answers the particular question you brought.
Questions answered
Will slowing an ordinary tagesschau produce Einfache Sprache?
No. Playback speed changes the pace, while the named edition uses editorial language choices.
Does ARD use Leichte Sprache and Einfache Sprache as identical terms?
No. Its help distinguishes simplified language from the more rule-based Leichte Sprache.
Sources & further reading
Official references for the subjects discussed. Service terms and device software can change.