1 September 2011

week 35

Crime for everyone Launching the digital channel RTL Crime, RTL Nederland creates a new brand for those who love the thrill

Germany Netherlands IP Deutschland introduces RTL Nederland presents a common ‘convergence’ currency new season line-up

France Belgium M6 and CBS Studios International Consistency is the key word extend partnership for the new season the RTL Group intranet week 35

Cover: Montage with RTL Crime’s TV programmes such as CSI and 24

2 the RTL Group intranet week 35

Thrills by the score Dutch crime lovers have a reason to cheer, when RTL Nederland launches its second digital channel. Nicolas Eglau explains how RTL Crime takes viewers into custody. The RTL Crime logo was designed bright and friendly The Netherlands - 1 September 2011

Starting 1 September, RTL Nederland watch crime series like the CSI franchise.” The extends its family of channels with a second RTL Crime channel design reflects this insight. digital thematic channel: RTL Crime. The new Nicolas Eglau says “its logo and optics are channel offers the best of domestic and US brighter and more friendly than one would expect crime series as well as documentaries on true from a crime-themed channel, as we target both stories behind high-profile criminal cases. women and men.” Nicolas Eglau, Director RTL Ventures, explains: “RTL Crime gives all fans of crime stories an alibi. We are expanding our range of digital broadcasts by launching a new channel that fits perfectly into our existing family. We are launching RTL Crime not just as an entertainment channel, but as a new brand for all crime story fans”.

RTL Crime has been promoted with several trailers on RTL Nederland’s channels John van de Heuvel, who is the leading crime expert on in the Netherlands and regularly appears on RTL Boulevard to speak about crime-related topics, serves as ambassador of the new channel and will also support the launch of RTL Crime in trailers.

The series featured will include 24, Prison Break, Bones and the various CSI series. Additionally, the RTL Crime portfolio includes Breakout Kings, Chicago Code and the reality show American Greed, which have not been broadcast on Dutch television before. The new channel rounds off its programming with Nicolas Eglau domestic series like Baantjer, Parels & Zwijnen, Van Speijkas well as Grijpstra en De Gier. The Today, RTL Lounge – RTL Nederland’s first series aired on RTL Crime will not be interrupted digital channel – is one of the most popular by commercial breaks and will always start digital thematic channels in the Netherlands. on the hour or half-hour. As from 12:00 on In May, when RTL Lounge was “channel of the 1 September, the channel will be included in the month” at UPC, 915,000 viewers in the key bouquet of Pay-TV channels offered by Ziggo, target group of women older than 13 years UPC, Caiway and Glashart Media. watched RTL Lounge at least once a month. In terms of total audiences, 1.8 million viewers ”It’s a natural first thought that crime series are tuned in to the channel. This means that mostly watched by men,” explains Eglau. “That RTL Lounge has regularly been one of the is not the case. Our programme research on Netherlands’ top five of 50 measured digital RTL 4 showed that many women also like to channels in recent months – well ahead of its

3 the RTL Group intranet week 35

direct competitors Fox Life and E! Entertainment. Another part of the concept is also based on the Eglau: “Obviously we would like to repeat the RTL Lounge concept, as Eglau explains: “With success of RTL Lounge with our new channel RTL Lounge we have succeeded in not only RTL Crime. This time – as it is the second launch creating a new digital channel, but a whole brand. of a thematic channel – we can benefit from the For example, we have launched a digital radio experiences that we got during the launch of station, sponsored fashion events and helped to RTL Lounge.” Additionally, there is a ‘shake-out’ organise a team for the Adidas Ladies’ Run. We in the Dutch digital TV market: less successful aim to do the same with RTL Crime. You could channels disappear and are replaced by a think of organising crime dinners.” number of new high quality channels. “One of them is RTL Crime,” says Nicolas Eglau. “With these changes, cable operators aim to convince viewers to switch to their digital packages. RTL Crime in Germany Germany has already had a digital thematic channel called RTL Crime since 1 December 2006. Five million households currently subscribe to Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland’s special-interest thematic channels – RTL Crime, RTL Living and Passion. RTL Crime is among Germany’s top five most-watched pay-TV channels. It has a similar thematic structure and shows RTL’s most opular crime series, international crime and action highlights and high-quality documentaries from the real world of crime. Overall, however, the new channel in the Netherlands has a different concept from its German counterpart. Nicolas Eglau Bones is one of RTL Crime’s US crime series says: “When we launched our first theme channel RTL Lounge, we Now that cable operators and viewers are of course talked to our colleagues already familiar with the channel RTL Lounge, in Germany about how their it was easier to convince them to include a channels were launched. We’ve second RTL Nederland channel rather than already had the concept for it in going for a lesser-known brand. “RTL is a place for some time now and well-known brand, and cable operators developed the channel on our own.” wanted us to include the RTL brand in the name of a new channel,” Eglau explains. “Viewers know that RTL Nederland stands for high quality programming and they know what they can expect from a new channel of ours.”

“Just as during the launch of RTL Lounge, we will again devote the evenings between 20:00 and 22:00 to specific topics,” says Eglau. Monday nights will be dedicated to Dutch crimes series such as Baantjer and Van Speijk. Tuesdays, RTL Crime viewers can learn about real cases with the Dutch premieres of FBI Criminal Pursuit and Crime Town USA. Wednesday night is CSI night with CSI: Miami and the classic CSI series. On Thursdays, RTL Crime offers European RTL Crime first goes series like Spooks and Romanzo Criminale, and on the air at 12:00 on Fridays the programme line-up includes the on 1 September. new series Breakout Kings. Once a week, RTL Crime will dedicate an evening to the CSI franchise

4 the RTL Group intranet week 35

A new currency for comparability Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland’s channels presented their programme line-up for the upcoming TV season to advertisers and media agencies. IP Deutschland also plugged the introduction of a common ‘convergence’ Anke Schäferkordt currency. Germany - 31 August 2011

The mood at Frankfurt’s Palais am Zoo where this year’s “Primetime – IP vor Ort 11/12” marketing tour kicked off, was excellent from the beginning. The weather in this unpredictable summer was nice for once, so that the guests were able to enjoy the fresh outdoors on the terrace before going indoors for the presentation. Anke Schäferkordt, CEO of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland and RTL Television, welcomed the guests, announcing: “Not only has television mastered the challenge of digitisation, it is emerging as the winner in this development.” When one considers overall media use, she said, television is in the lead with 38 percent – well ahead of the other media. “However, we haven’t yet been able to translate this dominance into Martin Krapf a corresponding share of ad spend. And we’d like to change that with your help,” penetration, or even opens up new leads. said Schäferkordt, addressing the advertisers. “We want to compare comparables in a comparable way,” Krapf declared. “We spoke Martin Krapf, Managing Director of to customers and agencies earlier in the IP Deutschland, presented a model for a process; now it’s up to the committees from ‘convergence’ advertising currency. This idea is AGF to Agma and Agof. I am confident that to differentiate not by where an ad is served – we will be hearing some news on this front on television, radio, on the internet, on mobile before the end of 2012.” Krapf then gave an devices or in newspapers – but how. For update on the Impact Index presented last year. instance, video can be used to advertise on “The data required for it is now available,” he television, mobiles or on the internet, but to said. “We are now developing the campaign date advertising customers cannot compare tools that will enable advertising customers to these forms of advertising with each other. use the Index.” Finally, Krapf touched on the The new currency will change this by no introduction of the new reference demographic longer comparing the platforms but the types of 20- to 59-year-olds. “Reference demo- of advertising and content. For instance, from graphics must reflect developments in the now on advertising customers will know population,” so Krapf. “There’s no getting around whether additional advertising increases this.” 5 the RTL Group intranet week 35

Anke Schäferkordt announced five goals for RTL Television: maintain its audience share; establish new formats; create new developments across all genres; optimise the Wednesday prime-time and Sunday afternoon broadcasting slots; and create programming in close coordination with Vox. RTL Television’s fiction line-up includes new episodes of popu- lar series such as Alarm für Cobra 11. There will also be several new pilots which may eventually be developed into series, including Der Trixxer, World Express and IK1 – Touristen in Gefahr. Transporter is the broadcaster’s first series jointly produced with HBO, HBO Canada Claude Schmit and the RTL Group channel M6. “Of course the visuals will be closely modelled on the cinematic original,” Schäferkordt promised. In addition to established audience favourites like Deutschland sucht den Superstar (Idols), Das Supertalent (Got Talent) and Let’s Dance, Schäferkordt announced the new show Total Blackout, in which celebrities have to find their way and overcome their fears in total darkness. The channel’s sport programming will con- tinue to feature the ever-popular Formula 1 and boxing. The year’s cinematic highlight on RTL Television will be the most popular film of all time: Avatar. And in spring, there will be a new season of Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus! Frank Hoffmann (I’m A Celebrity – Get Me Out Of Here). During the past TV season, Super RTL once “When you look at viewers aged 3 and older, again managed to defend its market-leading Vox is now on a par with ProSieben,” said Frank position among children. In the coming season, Hoffmann, opening his presentation of Vox’s too, the channel will continue to rely on five programming. “Not only that: the channel’s im- focuses in its programming: animation, live age is better than ever before – not despite, but action, movies, events and magazine shows. because of Daniela Katzenberger.” The channel “Our market shares show that our positioning will add two new real-life formats, which both as a family channel is working out well – includ- proved promising in trials, to its programming ing in prime time,” says Super RTL’s Manag- in the upcoming season: based on the format ing Director Claude Schmit. Viewers can look Mieterzoff (Tenant Trouble), a new early-after- forward to new episodes of Merlin, Glee and noon format is being developed with the working Star Wars: Clone Wars during prime time. New title Verklag mich doch (So Sue Me). It will share series including Robin Hood and My Super Hero its broadcasting slot with Wohnen nach Wunsch Family. Super RTL is also adding an in-house – Das Haus. In documentaries, Vox will continue show production entitled Jeder Stein zählt, die to treat its viewers to 12-hour documentary days Lego Familienshow to its prime time line-up. – upcoming ones include a retrospective of 11 “This is our most expensive production ever,” September 2001, to be aired on 10 September says Schmit. The channel’s film highlights 2011, and the environmental action day Vox include the Asterix movies, Bugs, The Extra Planet Blue – ist die Welt noch zu retten? In Man and Space Cowboys. addition to X Factor, Vox will present another tal- ent show next year: Das perfekte Model, where Hans Demmel, Managing Director of N-TV, would-be models are scouted, but with the again provided proof of viewer trust in the news judges – like in X Factor – acting as mentors and channel’s coverage of current events, such as competing against each other. There will also be the March 2011 earthquake in Japan. “Based on two new cooking shows: Wer isst besser? and the news, I can safely say that 2011 is the best Das Supergericht. Fans of crime fiction have two year in the channel’s history,” Demmel conclud- new series to look forward to: Rizzoli & Isles and ed. Beyond the news, the channel mainly relies King. on male-oriented programming. Its new docu- 6 the RTL Group intranet week 35

Claude Schmit, Marc Schröder and Martin Krapf (top; from left to right) with Frank Hoffmann, Hans Demmel and Anke Schäferkordt (from left to right) mentaries include Deadliest Roads, Ice Pilots, for the integration of RTL content on third-party Rätsel der Geschichte and Geheimnisse des platforms – its lets Internet users view content Universums. In addition the news channel will that is clearly labelled as RTL content on sites focus on its business expertise – at 115 minutes like the TV Movie homepage without leaving the a day, its share of business programming (9 per original site. “This automatically increases the cent) is well above that of its direct competitor, advertising reach,” explains Schröder. N24 (2 per cent). The event ended with a relaxed get-together Marc Schröder, Managing Director of that gave everyone an opportunity to discuss the RTL Interactive, announced that Mediengruppe issues and news in more detail. Many of the par- RTL Deutschland’s video-on-demand (VoD) ticipants chose to combine business with pleas- platforms will soon be available via the cable ure by heading for the Palais terrace to enjoy the networks’ VoD services as well. Then viewers remaining rays of the evening sunshine. will be able to choose whether they wish to watch the programmes they missed online, on a tablet, a mobile or – conveniently – on their own TV sets. Another trend will be the introduction of the platform-independent HbbTV standard, which links TV programming and online content. “But the priority in all new projects will be protect- ing our signal,” said Schröder. He presented the RTL Channel Player as a successful example

7 the RTL Group intranet week 35

“I can freely report from Libya for the first time ever” Antonia Rados, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland correspondent and chief foreign reporter, has been in the Libyan capital Tripoli reporting for RTL Television and N-TV. She describes her impressions in the following interview. Antonia Rados in the Libyan capital Tripoli Germany - 1 September 2011

Ms. Rados, under what conditions are you An interview you did with Muammar Gaddafi working in Tripoli? in March attracted a lot of attention, and you “The conditions we were reporting under got to know the dictator a little as a result. were a nightmare during our first week here. In your opinion, what makes him tick during Finding petrol and overnight accommodation, this all-but-hopeless situation for him? the security situation in view of snipers, food and “I think you have to take Gaddafi at his word. water supplies, recruiting a driver – everything He has always said he will fight to the last, and was a huge challenge. To complicate matters that’s what he’s now doing. It’s very important further, none of the technology worked for the rebels to capture Gaddafi as soon as properly. The satellite phones were completely possible because otherwise he will continue overloaded. Some of the problems were also to make himself heard from underground and due to the Nato bombing.” spread insecurity. It’s important for victims to be able to see the perpetrator face to face. Is the situation more relaxed now that the However, I doubt this will succeed, because rebels largely control Tripoli? Gaddafi will really go to extremes. I wouldn’t “It has got better in the last couple of days. rule out him killing himself the moment he is You can see this from the fact that there is surrounded.” more traffic on the roads. This was completely different just last week, when I was suddenly What are you focusing on now that Tripoli forced to hitchhike on the way here due to lack has been liberated? of petrol – wearing a bulletproof vest and about “These are days of freedom for Libya, and 100 kilos of heavy gear. Now the situation has also for reporters. I have repeatedly visited this stabilised somewhat.” country over 30 years and was never allowed to report freely under Gaddafi. So this is the There have been reports of journalists first time that I can talk with ordinary Libyans being kidnapped and others who were held without chaperones. And it’s the first time they for days in a hotel. How did you manage? don’t have to fear what will happen to them “When you’ve been here as often as I have, you if they talk to me. I will use this freedom as naturally have the advantage of being able to intensively as possible. I’m actually approached fall back on contacts. I know several German- by people on the street. There are incredible Libyans here who I had met secretly during stories here, and in the next few days we will try the Gaddafi era. They are now the new Libya, to work through them all and see how Gaddafi as it were, and help us by providing us with lived and ruled.” accommodation, acting as our guides for days, letting us use their cars, et cetera.”

8 the RTL Group intranet week 35

Extended programming partnership M6 und CBS Studios International (CBSSI) have extended their multi-year agreement to bring CBSSI’s hit series and feature films to the French audience. France - 25 August 2011

This agreement continues the long-term programming partnership between the two companies that began with M6 acquiring the critically acclaimed series NCIS in 2003. Other CBS Studios International series that have performed well for M6 include Medium, Numbers and more recently NCIS: L.A., Hawaii Five-O and The Good Wife.

Armando Nuñez, President of CBS Studios International, comments: “This long-term partnership has been mutually beneficial to both of our companies. M6 is a great fit for CBS’s programming and a strong broadcaster for NCIS is one of M6’s flagship programmes bringing our series to the French audience.”

Nicolas de Tavernost, Chairman of the Management Board of Groupe M6, adds: “I am confident that CBS Studios International will continue to provide the Groupe M6 with the top-quality programming that has helped us build a strong and competitive network.”

The agreement covers TV and new media rights for all channels of Groupe M6.

9 the RTL Group intranet week 35

Presenting: the new TV season RTL Nederland unveiled its programme line-up for the coming TV season in Hilversum. The Netherlands - 29 August 2011

At the presentation on 24 August, Bert Habets, CEO of RTL Nederland, said that service becomes increasingly important for customers in a saturated media market. “The consumer is in the driving seat and that’s why we are constantly evolving into an allround media company.” However, television remains the company’s most important medium for now. “Dutch viewers watch an average of 3 hours and 11 minutes of television at home. In addition, TV is increasingly being watched on tablets and mobile phones,” said Habets. “So I have every reason to contend that TV as a medium is on the verge of a fresh development.” In the first half of 2011, RTL Nederland recorded a combined market share of 34.1 per cent – up nearly 3 percentage points year-on-year. On 1 Septem- ber the family of channels will be expanded to include the new digital channel RTL Crime.

The family channel RTL 4 will remain the channel with the big stars in the coming The first season of The Voice of Holland was an audience magnet on RTL4 season. Especially at weekends, the channel offers various genres and entertainment RTL 7 is the only real men’s channel in the for the whole family. During the week the Netherlands. During the coming season the evening begins with Goede Tijden, Slechte channel with the slogan “Meer Voor Mannen” Tijden before segueing into each day’s distinct (More For Men) once again brings viewers programme theme, such as cooking, spirituality, plenty of action, humour and sport. For instance, love and dating, lifestyle and help. Big shows RTL 7 is not only broadcasting Formula 1 and such as The Voice of Holland will also be football, but also the Dakar Rally and a number of returning to the screen. New programmes darts tournaments. With the flagship programme include Herman’s Restaurantschool with Voetbal International showing Europa League Herman den Blijker, Krabbé Staat Op Straat and Jupiler League matches, RTL 7 is now the and Hotter Than My Daughter. The magazine Netherland’s number-two football channel, and show RTL Boulevard celebrates its fifth anniver- there’s no shortage of news on the channel sary on 10 September. either – thanks to RTL Z.

RTL 5 is RTL Nederland’s exciting adventure On RTL Nederland’s women’s channel, RTL 8, channel, and offers more Dutch productions the programme line-up for the coming season than ever before this autumn. Access prime time is again tailored to the tastes of 18 to 49-year- audiences will have the pleasure of Wie Is De old women. With Camelot, RTL 8 has found a Chef and Topchef. With Holland’s Next Top worthy successor to the popular historic series Model and Project Catwalk, Monday night is The Tudors. The channel will continue to show dedicated to fashion. Oh Oh Cherso returns on the soap operas As The World Turns, The Bold Tuesday evenings, alongside the new format And The Beautiful and The Young And The De Villa. On Thursday, viewers have Expeditie Restless. But the early morning programme on Robinson and the new Holland In Da Hood. RTL 8 is all about RTL Telekids, RTL Neder- Sundays are all about dancing with So You Think land’s fun-packed programming for children 3 to You Can Dance and The Real Body Language. 8 years old.

10 the RTL Group intranet week 35

“Consistency remains the keyword of this new season” The 2011/12 season promises to be a busy one for RTL-TVI, Club RTL and Plug RTL, with many new programmes and changes to the schedule. 60 secondes chrono, the new game show on RTL-TVI presented by Jean-Michel Zecca Belgium - 26 August 2011

RTL Belgium’s CEO Philippe Delusinne dedicated to Belgium. Among other things, the unveiled the theme of the television season channel plans a variety of special programmes debut: “Consistency remains the keyword of this dedicated to one of Belgium’s favourite actors, new season, whose programme schedule was Benoît Poelvoorde, and to the release of the film constructed so that our viewers can find their Tintin et le secret de la licorne in cinemas this way. The channel’s reference points are still October. there, but nevertheless much is new.” In a new season packed with feature films, The news obviously remains at the heart of RTL-TVI will air Part 1 in the Twilight saga for the programme schedule and a season rich the first time on TV and will also devote an entire in unfolding events is the best argument for it. day to this true societal phenomenon. X-Men Belgium’s French-language audience has Origins: Wolverine, Iron Man, Up and 2012 are clearly chosen RTL-TVI’s news programmes to just a few of the films scheduled to air on the get its information. At 13:00, Luc Gilson takes channel. Fans of series will find new episodes over from Grégory Willocq, who was recently of Desperate Housewives, CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, appointed as RTL-TVI’s Editor-in-Chief. House, Bones and many more, and will also Magazines and new documentaries will discover the first seasons of Hawaii Five-O, The also have a central place in the programme Event, Blue Bloods and Modern Family. schedule. Viewers will find magazines such as Images à l’appui, Tout s’explique, Finally, Télévie will return to RTL-TVI on 21 April Enquêtes, Face à face and RTL+, to name a few. 2012 and will once again rally all the teams to benefit leukaemia and cancer research. On the entertainment side, starting on 5 September a new game show airing in prime Little sister channels Plug RTL and Club RTL time, 60 secondes chrono, will make its debut. will see their programme schedules reinforced L’Amour est dans le pré returns for a third from the ground up by the synergy and comple- season, not to mention Un dîner presque mentarity that have made RTL Belgium’s three parfait, Top Chef and 100% Club, which channels a success. “Club RTL will become comes to RTL-TVI and becomes 100% Mag, RTL 2 more than ever,” says Stéphane a magazine show airing in access prime Rosenblatt, Director of Television Channels time that examines and explains the events, at RTL Belgium. Club RTL will thus offer phenomena and evolutions that mark our programmes specifically geared to children, society. Many special-event programmes will families, game show aficionados and sport fans. be on the air as well, such as J’aime mon pays, Plug RTL diversifies its programming and will a programme in which Belgian person- offer new series, reality TV shows and coaching alities compete during an evening completely shows along with its classic programmes.

11 the RTL Group intranet week 35

Bel RTL makes its autumn debut On the eve of Bel RTL’s 20th anniversary, the leading stations of Belgium’s French-speaking community presents its new programme schedule for the 2011/12 season. Belgium - 24 August 2011

To mark its 20 years of existence in French- This year again, Radio Contact listeners speaking Belgium, Bel RTL has pulled out will awaken between 6:00 and 10:00 to Good all the stops, presenting its new programme Morning, which features new columnists. The schedule on board a double-decker bus going radio station’s flagship programme has also to the station’s former premises, where the very been given a new jingle, sound design and ad first show was broadcast on 2 September 1991. campaign while maintaining a sense of continu- Bel RTL is offering a rich autumn schedule, in ity with its past. which the news and entertainment programmes will be undergoing major changes. On Friday night, Mix de Contact replaces Hits de Radio Contact and will start at 20:00 instead Fabrice Collignon, at the helm of C’est pas trop of 22:00. tôt since 1995, is joined this season by Alexandra de Paepe. Monday to Friday, from 4:30 to 7:00, The show Contact & Vous, airing on Saturdays the two hosts will gently awaken early risers, from 20:00 to 23:00, will offer more varied notably offering news every quarter hour. A new content with live events and street interviews. duo, made up of Barbara Mertens and Thomas van Hamme, will then take over at 7:00 with Bel On the news side, Radio Contact will continue to RTL Matin, a programme offering all the useful deliver high-quality, concise local news thanks to information one needs to start the day right. more than 20 news broadcasts per day between 6:00 and 22:30. In the midday time slot, Frédéric Bastien leaves his post as presenter of Bel RTL Soir and moves The radio station can be watched at any time to Bel RTL Midi, a current affairs programme on the Radio Contact Vision digital channel. presented weekdays from 12:30 to 13:30 and Featuring an updated visual identity, it is Saturday from 13:00 to 13:10. Replacing him is available on digital cable TV platforms in Pascal Vrebos, who will co-host the show with French-speaking Belgium. What’s more, Radio Sylvie Degrelle. Contact now offers a “replay” function so internet users can re-watch all programmes up to seven Other newsmagazine programmes are days after their broadcast. scheduled to air on Bel RTL. According to RTL Belgium’s Editor-in-Chief Laurent Haulotte, Last but not least, Radio Contact reinforces its “News has been number one on Bel RTL since brand and moves even closer to its listeners its inception and has largely contributed to its thanks to its latest mobile telephone service, success. Thanks to about 40 experienced, Contact Mobile, which will be launched shortly in seasoned professional journalists, we definitely cooperation with KPN Group Belgium. intend to continue delivering the clearest, most precise and most complete news.” The newest news programmes on the schedule include La Bel Equipe, a show that looks at the latest in culture and recreation, presented by Thomas van Hamme, Palais Royal, Drive-in and 100% Steph, presented by Stéphane Pauwels, a former host and columnist on RTBF.

12 the RTL Group intranet week 35

An extraordinary journey Bel RTL turns 20 – a jubilee the radio station will celebrate at the top of the ratings ranks. The team of Les Grosses Têtes in the auditorium at RTL House Belgium - 1 September 2011

The early days at Bel RTL were tough, and it On Friday 2 September and during the took four years to climb out of the red and up to weekend that follows, Bel RTL will reserve a the number one spot as most-listened to radio special anniversary programme schedule for station in Belgium’s French Community. Indeed, its listeners. Beau Fixe, Bel RTL’s flagship the story of Bel RTL is more than an extraor- programme since its debut, will invite Barbara dinary human adventure – it is an incontest- Mertens, Jean-Michel Zecca, Frédéric Bastien able commercial success. Except for two short and Christian de Paepe, hosts who have periods when Radio Contact – RTL Belgium’s lived through or marked the first 20 years of music radio station – stole its number one spot, Bel RTL with their voices. The Bel RTL Midi Bel RTL has dominated the market for at least show will be produced in front of a live audience 10 years. In June 2011, Bel RTL posted a market and will host all the journalists who have “made” share of 16.6 per cent of listeners aged 12 and Bel RTL in its 20 years of history. up. In 2010, it was still at 18.8 per cent. On Monday 29 August, Philippe Bouvard and Its market share in radio advertising investment his team recorded a special Les Grosses Têtes is still much higher. For RTL Belgium’s General show before the RTL House audience, which Manager Freddy Tacheny, Bel RTL has played will be broadcast this Friday, two hours during an essential role in the development of the radio which a number of Belgian guests including Lara advertising market in Belgium. “This market has Fabian, Jean-Luc Fonck and Adamo will have developed at the same pace as Bel RTL. The their turn on the air. Finally, to pass the 20-year station was launched at the time that the RTBF mark, the hosts and journalists of got approval to run ads on these stations. The Bel RTL have recorded a song entire radio station at the time counted for two to whose words and music were three per cent of the total advertising market, he written by Alec Mansion. says to the newspaper Le Soir. “Today, its share Entitled Vivrensemble, is 15 per cent, thanks in part to the key role that it will find its spot on Bel RTL played.” Bel RTL’s playlist as of the end of summer. More information on: Bel RTL also owes its success after its launch A compilation will also to the effectiveness of its organisation. In an be released to mark www.BelRTL.be interview given to the newspaper Le Soir, the occasion, grouping RTL Belgium’s CEO Philippe Delusinne together the iconic titles explains: “Our television and radio activities that symbolise the station’s are intimately interwoven. We achieved 20 years in existence. technological convergence well ahead of everyone else. At RTL Group, we are certainly those who have gone the farthest in these TV/Radio synergies.”

13

A new era

To mark the season debut and celebrate the audience increase for ‘le 19h45’, Xavier de Moulins and Nathalie Renoux (pictured), presenters of M6’s evening news, posed in silver astronaut suits and white boots, with space helmets in hand to promote the “20h en avance sur son temps” (8 o’clock news ahead of its time) the RTL Group intranet week 35

An advertising coup In its latest advertising campaign for the I-Pad 2 in France, Apple chose RTL Radio’s application to boast the merits of its digital tablet. France - 24 August 2011

Bixente Lizarazu plays extra time In addition to his regular Monday programme, Le Club Liza, Bixente Lizarazu will “play extra time” on Thursdays with a new show called Le Club Liza Prolongation. France - 25 August 2011

Up close and personal Fans of the Dutch soap Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden had not only an opportunity to see an advance screening of the first episode after the summer break, but also to meet their stars in person. The Netherlands - 26 August 2011

The most original house in France On Ma maison est la plus originale de France, a jury of experts will treat M6 viewers to a look at the most unconventional and unique houses in France. France - 26 August 2011

Their domestic disputes are back France’s three favourite couples returned for a third season of Scènes de Ménages on M6 – with new episodes and a new couple. France - 29 August 2011

15 the RTL Group intranet week 35

10,000 admission tickets for Toggo-Spaß-Tag 2011 Super RTL’s Toggo-Spaß-Tag tour of four of Germany’s largest theme parks begins on 24 September. The channel is now giving away 10,000 admission tickets for the event. Germany - 29 August 2011

X Factor returns The award-winning music talent show X Factor returned to Vox with more auditions shows, a new broadcasting schedule, a larger stage, and a new jury member. 12.1 per cent of the viewers aged 14 to 49 tuned in to the first episode. Germany - 30 August 2011

Hotter Than My Daughter attracts audience of millions Broadcast right after the Holland’s Got Talent live show on RTL 4, the first episode of the new reality format Hotter Than My Daughter attracted 1.3 million TV viewers in the Netherlands. The Netherlands - 30 August 2011

Steven Spielberg and Tintin on the air Radio, sponsor of the cinema release of Steven Spielberg’s latest film,Tintin et le secret de la Licorne (The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn), offered listeners a special sequence dedicated to the feature film on the programme Laissez-vous tenter. France - 31 August 2011

16 the RTL Group intranet week 35

People Thomas Wißmann Thomas Wißmann Germany - 25 August 2011

From mid-October, Thomas Wißmann will be in A native of Kassel, Wißmann has worked in charge of show formats at Vox in newly created the German TV show business for many years. position of Executive Producer Show. In this After earning a degree in media sciences, capacity Show, the 44-year-old will among other he first entered the TV business as a Writer/ things supervise the hit format X Factor and the Producer at House of Promotion in Cologne. Promi Kocharena. He will also use his expertise From here, he went to RTL Television, where to advance developments in this department for he worked first as a Show Producer and later Vox. as Executive Producer Special Projects. He then served as Executive Producer at Werner Kai Sturm, Editor-in-Chief at Vox, says: Kimmig-TV Produktion for many years, during “We are pleased that we were able to which time he was responsible for brings shows recruit a colleague as expert and experienced such as the Echo Music Awards to German TV as Thomas Wißmann for our Show department. screens. Wißmann has worked as a freelance There are few people with comparable levels show developer and Executive Producer for of experience in precisely this area of the TV the past two years. His most recent produc- business. Thomas is the ideal man for this new tions include the Bayerischer Fernsehpreis Position at Vox and will support us in the further (Bavarian TV Award) and the Deutscher expansion of Vox’s show expertise.” Fernsehpreis (German TV Award) galas.

Wißmann adds: “With X Factor, Vox has managed to build a very powerful show brand in a very short time. I very much look forward to further developing this potential and to implementing other big show formats for the channel.”

17 the RTL Group intranet week 35

People Kate Schlomann United Kingdom - 25 August 2011

FremantleMedia Enterprises has appointed Kate Schlomann brings more than 15 years of Schlomann to the newly created position of EVP experience to FME including her latest role Brand Management and Marketing, based in as VP, International Brand Management for London and reporting to Global CEO David El- Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products lender. She will join the company in November where she managed brand and retail strate- 2011. gies as well as overseeing the creative for all licensed product for the international CP busi- The creation of this role has been driven ness across numerous hit properties including by FremantleMedia Enterprises’s (FME) Dora the Explorer and Sponge Bob Square expansion into new areas of intellectual Pants. Before that she was Marketing Director at property development such as the Children’s & Universal Studios Consumer Products. Family Entertainment division, launched in 2009 and non-TV IP such as the design-led fashion brand Rebecca Bonbon and table tennis brand Hard Bat. Some of FME’s major evergreen brands include the global hit entertainment franchises The X Factor, Idols and Got Talent; Neighbours, Grand Designs, The Price is Right, The IT Crowd and more.

Schlomann will be responsible for both the strategy and management of FME brands around the world as well as the global corpo- rate marketing function for the company. She will work closely with FME’s regional CEOs to drive brand activity across the three regions (Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific), setting strategy and ensuring the delivery and coordination of activity. Schlomann will be tasked with integrating the marketing, PR, events and creative services departments in order to enforce corporate and brand messaging to attract and retain top-tier clients including major brands, retailers, broadcasters, licensees, retailers and more.

David Ellender commented, “Kate’s background is impeccable; her experience with huge global kids’ brands, in major studio environments and in the licensing and retail space makes her the ideal candidate and we look forward to welcoming her to the FME family.”

18 the RTL Group intranet week 35

People RTL Radio reinforces its political service Germany - 2 March 2011 Nicolas Beytout

RTL Radio’s political service is expanding On the programme side, RTL Radio reinforces its team for the approaching 2012 French the fourth season of its Tuesday political debate Presidential elections and the new 2011/12 show and fills out the team of the usual polem- season. ists with a few big names in French journalism. Nicolas Beytout, President of the Les Echos The editorial department’s political service, group, Franz-Olivier Giesbert, President of the headed by the editorial department’s SEBDO Le Point group, and Nicolas Demorand, Assistant Manager and Political Service Co-Director of the newspaper Libération joins Chief Jean-Michel Apathie, welcomes Jérôme Alain Duhammel, Jean-Michel Apathie, Eric Chapuis, who has been appointed Assist- Zemmour, Géraldine Muhlmann and Serge July ant Editor-in-Chief. He will be specifically in on Le débat RTL du mardi. On this show, they charge of the Elysée and the ruling UMP party. debate France’s top journalists and editorialists, Jérôme Chapuis, 34, is a graduate of the Ecole who will be invited in turn to argue their points of Supérieure de Journalisme de Lille (ESJ) and view during Vincent Parizot’s morning show. has been a journalist for 12 years. He has been following political current affairs since Le débat RTL du mardi can be heard from 2006, first as a special correspondent on the Monday to Friday at 8:30. Lagadère group’s general-interest radio station Europe 1, then as Assistant Editor-in-Chief of the political service of I-Télé, the news channel of the Canal Plus group. He is also the co-author of a book, Les Etés Meurtriers, les politiques ne prennent jamais de vacances (Fatal Sum- mers: Politics Never Takes a Holiday) with Yaël Goosz, who also joins RTL Radio this season as journalist and special correspondent. The book was published by Editions Plon in 2011.

19 http://backstage.rtlgroup.fr http://backstage.rtlgroup.com http://backstage.rtlgroup.de

Publisher RTL Group 45, Bd Pierre Frieden L-1543 Luxembourg

Editor, Design, Production RTL Group Corporate Communications