4 December 2008

week 49

27 territories FremantleMedia’s Got Talent: a first-class ticket to ride

Luxembourg Andreas Rudas M6 Mobile’s new music appointed to RTL Group community campaign Executive Committee Germany Communications Launch of a new in Amsterdam regional radio station week 49

COVER: Collage of different Got Talent logos.

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“Heroes out of underdogs” Since its first appearance on screen in June 2006, Got Talent has achieved tremendous successes all around the globe. Recently, the show ended with the finals in France and Germany. Rob Clark United Kingdom - 3 December 2008

With acts ranging from the sublime to the ridi- whom she invited to perform at the Monte- culous, the quest is on to find the best talent on Carlo circus. Sophie Edelstein, French jury offer. At stake – a life changing opportunity for member, a talented magician as well as artistic all candidates. Magicians, jugglers, strippers, director of the Cirque Pinder, invited contortio- fire eaters, singers, dancers – anything goes. nist Liu Xin to join her circus. “Whether the can- All entertainers are given the chance to win the didates make it to the finale or not, they have a hearts of a nation. first-class ticket to ride and can only benefit from the experience. Specialists and producers Performers take centre stage for the “open are watching and making deals thanks to the auditions” of a lifetime but have only a precious show,” she said. few seconds to impress the hardened panel of judges. They hold the power at the press of a On the evening of 29 November, voters in button. Three Xs and the star-turn is stopped. Germany elected its new ‘’ in the The party is over and they’re off before the cur- German edition of Got Talent. From street tain falls! They may not always agree but the musician to national celebrity: Michael Hirte, judges’ decision is final. If the judges give the 44, a harmonica player and welfare recipient thumbs up, they move on to the next round. In from Karzow, is the ‘Supertalent 2008’. His the semi-finals, expectations are higher, the cri- story and his music touched millions of vie- ticism harsher, some will taste success, others wers, who voted him the winner of will fall by the wayside. Thousands of perfor- in the final show. 6.1 million mers, three hardened judges, a discerning nation and one chance to make an impression. In the grand finale the lucky finalists have one last chance to make it big. But there can only be one winner.

So far, Got Talent has been sold to 27 territo- ries. 13 November was a hit on M6 for the third- season finale of the French version, Incroyable Talent. That evening M6 was the top network in the under-50 target group with an audience share of 27.3 per cent. Alex, a fire tamer, was crowned ‘Talent 2008’ under the patronage of Princess Stephanie of Monaco. This flame- taming magician follows in the footsteps of the dancers (2006) and Junior (2007), taking home EUR 100,000. Princess Stephanie of Monaco fell for flag-man Dominic Lacasse,

Michael Hirte’s album will be released on 5 December 3 week 49 the RTL Group intranet

people watched the talent show on Saturday One of the most moving moments was the fina- evening, for a 20.6 per cent share of total le of Britain’s Got Talent in 2007. , 36, audience. 3.45 million 14 to 49 year-old viewers an amateur opera singer and mobile phone tuned in, making Das Supertalent the evening’s salesman from Port Talbot, Glamorgan, won most-watched show in this demographic. the GBP 100,000 prize and the opportunity to Throughout the second season ratings were sing at the Royal Variety Performance in front of well over 20 per cent, peaking at 30.4 per cent her Majesty the Queen after a public vote which in the final. On 5 December Michael Hirte will was cast by more than two million viewers. The release his first album: Der Mann mit der tenor, who hid his singing talent from work col- Mundharmonika (The man with the harmonica). leagues at Carphone Warehouse, wooed jud- ges on the show from the first note of his audi- In October, America’s Got Talent ended its third tion piece, Puccini’s Nessun Dorma. Piers season with a finale that garnered 12.2 million Morgan, one of the three judges, told him after viewers and crowned 32-year-old opera singer one of his auditions that he wanted to find Neal Boyd as the champion from what host someone who had an ordinary job but who also called the closest vote in the had an extraordinary talent. “You are that guy,” show’s history. Overcome with emotion, the he told him. The tenor, who was bullied at singer told the judges at his first audition he school, stopped singing four years ago after wanted to make his mother proud and take one several misfortunes, including an operation to last shot at an opera career. He accomplished remove a benign tumour. Well, just days after both. “This competition, coming in, I didn’t the show, the dream became a reality, and Paul think that I would make it this far,” Boyd said found himself making history as he hit the moments before the result was announced. He recording studio to lay down the tracks for the won by less than half of one percent over 26- fastest album release ever. In 2008 Paul was year-old Eli Mattson, a pianist and singer starring a major advertising campaign from whose bluesy-country style earned him many Deutsche Telekom in Germany. In October the fans. For his efforts, the Missouri native Neal spot was named Germany’s ‘Spot of the Year’. Boyd earned a gig headlining a Las Vegas Potts has sold 3 million albums and has rea- revue at the MGM Grand Hotel and a USD 1 ched number one in 15 countries. In Germany million prize. alone Pott’s album One Chance was awarded with six Golden CDs and three Platinums.

Britain’s Got Talent 2007 winner Paul Potts and hosts Ant and Dec 4 week 49 the RTL Group intranet

Impressed by all these success stories, for the experience which allowed the Got Talent Backstage took the opportunity to ask some production team 100 per cent control over questions about Got Talent to Rob Clark, which online audition clips were viewed by the Senior Executive Vice President Entertainment audience. The experience enabled Got Talent and Production and Andrew Piller, Vice to find a much younger audience and it also President Brand Development. enabled them to go to all the tiny regions and cities where the Got Talent normally wouldn’t How would you explain Got Talent’s global be able to go. The best of the best submissions success? What makes the format so uni- were then chosen by the production and invited que? to perform in a new Myspace branded TV epi- Rob Clark: Got Talent is a successful format sode. The experience was incredibly success- across the world for many reasons but, at its ful delivering more than 2.3 billion promotional core, it uniquely looks at a very traditional form impressions and 5 million video views. Going of entertainment with a very modern eye. Got forward, the Myspace-Got Talent experience is Talent has reinvented the Variety Talent Show very much designed as template that can be format. The key elements are strong formatting, rolled out in any territory where Myspace and quality production, excellent story telling and Got Talent exists. In the future we hope to roll giving the viewer access to follow and partici- this out in all of our key production territories. pate in the journey each act is undertaking, whether the outcome is good or bad. What was the most moving moment in Got Talent’s history for you? All in all, Got Talent has been aired in 27 Rob Clark: For me personally Britain’s Got countries. What are the regional differen- Talent is something that, as a viewer, I really ces? look forward to. I am moved to tears and laugh- Rob Clark: There are remarkably few regional ter in nearly every show. It creates heroes out of differences in the format around the world. underdogs. My favourite moment was the tee- However, from country to country the content nage boy baton twirler from Manchester who may have cultural variations. In France there gave the performance of his short but difficult are more ‘circus acts’’, in the UK there are more life and I don’t think I will ever forget watching eccentric acts. But in a multi-cultural world the it. I cried like a baby. beauty of Got Talent is that everyo- ne has a place in this format. The FremantleMedia global network ensures that what works in one Got Talent international country is passed on to another, whilst this may reduce regional In 2008, Britain’s Got Talent broke all previous records variations it has ensured quality of to win an audience of 13.9 million viewers making it production and a much broader the UK’s highest rated show of the year and the best approach to what ‘variety’ means performing talent show this decade. than would have been traditional- ly the case. In the USA, America’s Got Talent was NBC’s highest rated entertainment series of the 2007-08 Season hit- This year you made ‘virtual ting a peak audience of 13.2 million viewers. auditions’ for America’s Got Talent. How did that work out? In Argentina, one-third of all television households Could this be a role-model for tuned in to watch the premiere series of the show. other territories? In Denmark the premiere episode of Got Talent gave Andrew Piller: FremantleMedia broadcaster TV2 its highest ever ratings for a new North America and - programme launch. Media Enterprises partnered with Myspace to deliver the first ever In Poland the final of Mam Talent in Poland won an large scale virtual talent based audience of 5.2 million viewers making it the highest audition. Myspace build at bespo- rated show of the day. ke content management system

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Change on RTL Group’s Executive Management Team Andreas Rudas appointed new member of the RTL Group Executive Committee with effect from 1 January 2009. Luxembourg - 3 December 2008

RTL Group announced the appointment of Andreas Rudas is currently Executive Director Andreas Rudas (55) as Executive Vice of WAZ Ost Holding (subsidiary of WAZ Media President Regional Operations & Business Group), responsible for Austria, South Eastern Development Central and Eastern Europe at Europe and Vietnam. In this position, since RTL Group’s headquarters. Rudas will be mem- December 2005, he has been responsible for ber of the RTL Group Executive Committee. strategy, subsidiary management as well as M&A activities in ten Eastern countries. Prior he RTL Group CEO Gerhard Zeiler: “Due to his held various positions at Magna International extensive experience in Eastern European mar- Europe since 2000, being Member of the kets, Andreas Rudas is excellently qualified to Management Board 2001 to 2005. Since 1986, handle his assignment. His experience in his Rudas worked with the public Austrian broad- current position with our longtime partner WAZ caster ORF, from 1994 to 1997 as its Secretary Media Group, and in prior engagements at General, responsible for business planning, various entertainment and media businesses, media politics, marketing and satellite broad- will prove a valuable contribution to RTL Group. casting. I wish Andreas Rudas the best of success in his new position and look forward to a close Born in Budapest, the Austrian Rudas is initia- cooperation.” tor of the Alpbach technology forum, was University lecturer for marketing at the University of Vienna, and is author of various publications on media politics and new media.

Andreas Rudas 6 week 49 the RTL Group intranet

Communications in Amsterdam Last week, RTL Group’s Heads of Communications met in Amsterdam for the third Communications Network Meeting. This year’s topics were the current situation of the group and listed company communications. Luxembourg - 1 December 2008

Since its inception in 2006 the annual Communications Network Meeting has establi- shed itself as a group-wide platform for know- 2008 ledge exchange and networking among the company’s Heads of Communications. making different animal noises were used extensively. This year, the event was hosted by RTL Nederland in Amsterdam and brought Another external keynote speaker providing together more than 30 spokespersons from the input designed to benefit the executives atten- respective channels, radio stations and pro- ding the meeting was Thorsten Strauß, Head duction companies. For the first time collea- of Communications at Bertelsmann, who gues from FremantleMedia North America and presented the communications strategy of Talkback Thames attended the meeting. RTL Group’s majority shareholder Bertelsmann AG. Over two days, the communications professio- nals discussed such topics as brand refreshing, The proceedings were rounded off with case listed company communications and ongoing studies from the daily activities of M6, developments within the group. Oliver FremantleMedia North America, N-TV and Herrgesell, Executive Vice President RTL Group Corporate Communications. Communications and Marketing of RTL Group, said: “Since we established the Communications Network Meeting in 2006, communication among each other has increased tremendously. It’s great to see how spokepersons from the different profit centres meet and exchange their knowledge and thoughts.”

The event was actively supported by top executives: Gerhard Zeiler, CEO of RTL Group, spoke about the group’s status and development. Bert Habets, who took over as CEO of RTL Nederland in January, informed the participants about his compa- ny, the new strategy of RTL Nederland and the ongoing restructuring.

Keynote topics were presented by external speakers: Rupert Younger, Director of Oxford University’s Centre for Corporate Reputation, organised a quiz-game exercise on listed company communications. The programme prompted a great many discus- sions, triggered lively debates and was also tremendous fun – especially the buzzers

More than 30 spokespersons met in Amsterdam 7 week 49 the RTL Group intranet

M6 reaches an agreement with professional organisations Within the framework of France’s audiovisual reform and the complete overhaul of the “Tasca” laws, M6 has reached an agreement with the sector’s professional organisations that modernises the relationships between authors, producers and broadcasters. France - 2 December 2008

M6 building in Paris

M6 is the only network to date to have made ginal French audiovisual production. Of the such a commitment with the audiovisual sec- amount contributed, M6 agrees to dedicate tor’s diverse professional organisations: the 10.5 per cent of its 2009 revenue to program- Union syndicale de la production audiovisuelle mes relating to French cultural heritage, and an (USPA), the Syndicat des producteurs indépen- additional 10.75 per cent commensurate with dants (SPI), the Syndicat des producteurs de an increase in revenue. This contribution to cul- films d’animation (SPFA), the Syndicat des tural heritage will include the documentaries agences de presse télévisée (SATEV), the being broadcast on the information and know- Société des auteurs et compositeurs dramati- ledge programmes that are emblematic of the ques (SACD) and the Société civile des auteurs network. Nine per cent of its revenue is earmar- multimédia (SCAM). ked for ordering cultural heritage programming produced by independent companies. The network is very pleased to be the first to reach an agreement that recognises its editorial For those signing the agreement, this support specificity and strong on-air presence in infor- for a variety of productions is a decisive ele- mation and knowledge programmes such as ment in the way relationships between produ- Capital and Zone Interdite, which have proved cers and broadcasters are evolving: support for to be a tremendous success with the public. French production cannot be set in opposition to the editorial identity of the networks. They In the terms of the agreement that was rea- complement each other and contribute equally ched, M6 maintains its support of rich, diversi- to the wealth of the French audiovisual land- fied audiovisual production by committing to an scape. investment of 15 per cent of its revenue in ori-

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A music community event M6 Mobile by Orange is developing a new music community campaign with special concerts throughout France. Germany - 3 December 2008

Until 20 June 2009, “M6 Mobile music live” On 20 June, five finalists will have the pleasure is inviting young music bands to take part in of performing live in Paris as opening acts at a a national competition on the Web, via mobile big concert, in front of major French and inter- and on the ground. Registration is open until national stars and more than 20,000 specta- 7 December 2008 on the website. tors.

Thanks to M6 Mobile subscribers who vote for According to the previous M6 Mobile music bands registered in their area as well as a jury community campaign (16 April – 16 June 2007), of professionals, 150 bands will be selected to there were 650 bands recruited over a period take part in the event. From December 2008 to of three weeks, 250,000 visitors to the offi- February 2009, bands must collect the maxi- cial site and a community of 15,000 fans mum number of fans, build enthusiasm in their for 30 challengers in four weeks. community and generate buzz with their perfor- mances to win points and thus be allowed to Check out appear on stage. m6mobile musiclive.fr

M6 Mobile Music live website

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Cool stunts, sharp curves and lots of action With over 600,000 visitors on its opening week- end, Transporter 3 has delivered the most suc- cessful launch of the Transporter trilogy in France. The movie distributed by Universum Film comes to Germany in January 2009. Marketing poster Germany - 4 December 2008

Jason Statham is finally back! In keeping with The elaborate fight scenes are just as the motto “rules remain the same - except for worth watching as the car stunts. They some changes”, the successful scriptwriting were a major challenge and hard work, Check out team of Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen is as rock-hard actor Robert Knepper lear- sending the transporter Frank Martin out on ned: “We filmed the central fight scene transporter3- tour for the third time for his biggest challenge between me and Jason Statham over two derfilm.de to date! Under the direction of Olivier Megaton days. It was exhausting but also exhilara- (Exit – Die Apokalypse in Dir) Jason Statham ting, because you have to summon up incre- (Transporter, Transporter – The Mission, Crank) dible energy reserves, and are always having to heads the cast again with his usual casual go back to the beginning to try again. It really charm and ability to get things done. feels as if you were at the Olympic Games.”

Transporter 3 features breathtaking, never- With a new fast-paced storyline and spot-on seen-before stunts and car chases. “All the car dialogue, spectacular stunts and adrenaline- chases are filmed at their real speed,” explains driven action, Transporter 3 is going to win director Olivier Megaton. “We didn’t use any Jason Statham a whole new set of fans. The models to capture the pace and inertia of a car film opens in German movie theatres on going into a spin or running on two wheels.” 8 January 2009.

Car chase scene from the movie 10 week 49 the RTL Group intranet

German Autumn On 30 November at 20:15, ARD broadcast the Teamworx production Mogadishu, a fictional retelling of the events surrounding the hijacking of the Lufthansa plane “Landshut” in 1977. Marketing poster Germany - 28 November 2008

Mogadishu is a highly moving reconstruction of Mogadishu is a Teamworx production in co- the odyssey that 86 innocent people endured production with ARD Degeto and SWR, in aboard the hijacked plane “Landshut”, from cooperation with Bayerischer Rundfunk, sup- take-off in Majorca via Rome and Cyprus to ported by funds from the FilmFerrnsehFonds Bahrain, Dubai and Aden over 5 days, before Bayern and MFG Filmförderung Baden- the dramatic climax in Mogadishu. This is the Württemberg. ARD broadcast Mogadishu on first time the events have been told in fictional 30 November at 20:15. It was watched by form and they are shown in a new light: it was 7.34 million viewers, attaining a market share of recently found that Wadi Haddad, the leader of 21.2 per cent in terms of total audiences. the organisation responsible for the hijacking, the PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine), was a KGB agent.

Scene from Mogadishu 11 week 49 the RTL Group intranet

Two year acquisition deal with ORF In the lead up to the World Science Producers Congress FremantleMedia Enterprises announ- ced an acquisition agreement with Austrian public service broadcaster ORF. United Kingdom - 1 December 2008

The deal will see FremantleMedia Enterprises FME Vice President Programming, Mark Gray (FME) acquiring international distribution rights commented “Universum is at the top of its to four documentaries per year, of which FME game, it is one of the most highly regarded fac- has selected three titles: From Freezer to tual programming strands in world and deser- Furnace, Drakensberg and O Two. FME will vedly so. Having a broad spectrum of factual attain worldwide rights to the programmes programming is important to FME and we are (excluding United Kingdom, USA, Canada and very pleased with this addition and to be wor- German speaking Europe) and will have first king along side Universum.” option in DVD rights negotiations. Walter Köhler, Head of Universum at ORF said ORF’s documentaries are multi-award winning, “I am delighted to start this new partnership this year Universum’s Nature Tech received an with FME. Their track record as one of the lea- Emmy for Best Camera at the News and ding distribution companies worldwide will fur- Documentary Emmy Awards in New York. ther strengthen the outreach of the Universum Universum first went on air in 1987, since then, brand and will help us to continue to produce this primetime slot has regularly achieved the outstanding quality in the field of high-end audience shares of up to 40 per cent. Due to its factual programming the audiences worldwide success, Universum’s output has doubled and expect from ORF-Universum.” now fills two weekly primetime slots on ORF. The programming is themed around natural history and science, ancient civilizations and adventure boasting exceptionally high produc- tion values, strong narrative and outstanding photography. Universum is already an establi- shed international success having aired in more than 100 countries around the world.

Walter Köhler, Head of Universum at ORF 12 week 49 the RTL Group intranet

32 Years On The Beat On Monday, 1 December, ZDF aired Tausend Tage, the 400th anniversary episode of the UFA series SOKO 5113. Germany - 1 December 2008

The SOKO 5113 detectives have been on the unconscious next to the corpse. The media job for 32 years now, proving that the “mother takes to the barricades and Bauer is sent to pri- of all SOKOs” is here to stay. The new season son – on remand until some light has been shed of the UFA Fernsehproduktion series, which on the circumstances. The anniversary episode launched on 27 October 2008 starring a new was watched by 4.44 million viewers, attaining chief detective, Arthur Bauer (Gerd a market share of 21.5 per cent in terms of total Silberbauer), is watched by an average audiences. 4.57 million viewers. This translates to a superb 21.5 per cent share of total audience and SOKO 5113 is produced by the branch 8.6 per cent of viewers 14 to 49. In the follo- of UFA Fernsehproduktion. Norbert Sauer is wing week, ratings rose to 22 per cent (total the series’ Executive Producer, its producers audience) and 8.8 per cent in the 14 to 49 are Daniel van the Berg and Eva Gerstenberg. demographic.

In the anniversary episode Josef Wolf (Alexander Lutz), a convicted murderer, is released prematurely after a thousand days in prison, after new evidence is unearthed proving his innocence. He proceeds to level serious accusations against none other than Arthur Bauer (Gerd Silberbauer), claiming Bauer focu- sed his investigation on him to the exclu- sion of all other suspects. Shortly the- reafter, Wolf is dead – stabbed with a knife found on Arthur Bauer, who is lying

'SOKO 5113' thirty years ago: 'Der erste Fall' (The first case) was first aired in 1978

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Album of the year 2008 Francis Cabrel’s magnificent Des Roses et des Orties takes RTL Radio France’s prize for 2008. France - 2 December 2008

The jury liked Des Roses et des Orties for its Anthony Martin, this special programme will be “finely-chiselled lyrics, heart-catching music, aired on Christmas evening, 25 December, at the range of themes approached that reflect 18:30. It will be followed by an interview with our society, its engaging songs and the quality Francis Cabrel by Eric Jean-Jean. of the performances…” RTL Radio created “RTL Album of the Year” in Throughout the month of October, starting with December 2006 and dedicated it to Laurent a selection made by RTL Radio’s programme Voulzy for La septième vague. In December management, 15 favourite albums were sub- 2007 listeners voted for Yannick Noah’s mitted to a vote by listeners. Of these 15 Charango. Since then, RTL Radio has been a albums, the five with the most votes competed partner to the industry’s biggest artists, sharing for the title of “RTL 2008 Album of the Year”. A its passion for music with its listeners and jury made up of 50 listeners finally chose Des giving them the chance to hear, discover and Roses et des Orties. The winning album’s name meet these artists. was revealed Monday 1 December on the show Laissez-vous Tenter.

This Friday 5 December, Francis Cabrel will be the guest on a special pro- gramme recorded in front of a live audience in RTL’s Grand Studio. He will receive a trophy from Frédéric Jouve, RTL Radio’s entertainment pro- gramme director and will perform several songs from the album. Presented by Eric Jean-Jean and

Francis Cabrel

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“Personality of the Year 2008” RTL Radio France and the daily newspaper Le Parisien have decided to join together to launch a new award. France - 4 December 2008

From Friday 5 December to Sunday 14 December more than 10 million “listener- readers” will be able to vote on rtl.fr, leparisien.fr and aujourd’hui.fr to elect the French President Nicolas Sarkozy, one of the nominees for the “Personality of the year 2008.” “Personality of the year 2008” prize Two categories are open to voting by Internet surfers: “French personality” and “International personality.” For this first edition, the editorial staff of RTL and Le Parisien got together and came up with a list of 12 personalities in each category, 12 men and women from the political, artistic, sports or spiritual world.

French personalities: Alain Bernard, Ingrid Betancourt, Dany Boon, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Jean-Marie-Gustave Le Clézio, Laurence Ferrari, Franck Ribery, Ségolène Royal, Carla Bruni Sarkozy, Nicolas Sarkozy, Simone Veil, Patrick Poivre d’Arvor.

International personalities: Benedict XVI, Madonna, Gordon Brown, Lewis Hamilton, the Dalai Lama, Rafael Nadal, Diego Maradona, Angela Merkel, Barack Obama, Usain Bolt, Vladimir Putin, Hu Jintao.

The list of award winners will be announced on Thursday 18 December. The “French personali- ty of 2008” will be invited on RTL Radio and Le Parisien/Aujourd’hui en France will feature a portrait of the winner.

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New regional programming On 1 December 2008, at exactly 12:00 the German-language RTL Radio based in Luxembourg officially launched their new regional programming. Germany - 2 December 2008

Around 50 invited guests, including Mayor of services will be broadcast live and will therefo- Luxembourg Paul Helminger and numerous re always be able to offer the latest from the journalists, came to witness the historic event region. in person. Holger Richter, Director of RTL Radio, gave a The music programming will also speech explaining why RTL be tailored to the tastes of the Radio will also be broadcasting region. “The overall sound is regionally in future: “From noticeably younger with consi- December, we can now finally derably more rock”, promises meet the frequently expressed Richter. The team itself has also desire of RTL Radio listeners for been expanded with two freelan- more regionality.” The station is cer. particularly eager to strengthen its regional events reporting and to make its The former RTL Radio programming – weather, traffic and speed-trap services as up- catering to all of Germany – will conti- to-date as possible, so from now on these nue to be broadcast on cable, satelli- te, AM and the internet. More info on RTLradio.lu

Historical moment with Brigitte Wojcik, Quattropole Trier; Holger Richter, Director of RTL Radio, and the Mayor of Luxembourg, Paul Helminger.

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Two Bambis for RTL Group At the Bambi Award Ceremony, Peter Kloeppel was pronounced Best German Newsreader. Leona Lewis won the prize for Shooting Star of the Year. Germany - 28 November 2008

TV premiere As a preview to the start of season seven of 24, on Sunday 30 November fans of the smash series were treated to the Dutch network premiere of 24: Redemption on RTL 5. Netherlands - 28 November 2008

Blockbuster with bite The screen adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s worldwide bestseller Twilight will be broadcast by Antena 3 in Spain. Spain - 28 November 2008

Nomination for ‘Golden Prometheus’ Christian Ankowitsch has been nominated for a ‘Golden Prometheus’ as ‘Online Journalist of the Year 2008’ for his online format Dr. Ankos 365, produced by Grundy Light Entertainment. Germany - 1 December 2008

Collaboration on True Beauty FremantleMedia and Katalyst Media announced that Katalyst and Bankable’s most recent creation True Beauty will be launched by FremantleMedia to international buyers at NATPE 2009. United Kingdom - 3 December 2008

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It’s Christmas (radio) time again! As the world gears up for Christmas, 105’5 Spreeradio and 104.6 RTL Radio present their Christmas radio, with non-stop Christmas songs – and completely without ads – on their websites Germany - 3 December 2008

Consolidating leading position RTL Nederland ended the month of November as market leader once again, giving it a market share of 30.5 per cent in its 20 to 49 year old target group. That’s 0.9 per cent up on the previous month, whereas the results of the public service broadcasters and SBS Group both dipped slightly. Netherlands - 4 December 2008

The power and the passion To get a closer look at the image of boxing as a sport, IP Deutschland commissioned a sports sponsorship survey. The results of the survey indicate that boxing is a successful format in every respect and also offers advertisers an attractive setting for their cam- paigns. Germany - 4 December 2008

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People Claire Davenport and Andreas Walker to leave RTL Group Luxembourg - 2 December 2008

RTL Group announced that Andreas Walker, ming, sales and business affairs and establi- Executive Vice President Regional Operations shed and ran the Group’s online taskforce. at RTL Group’s headquarters, will leave the company with effect from 1 January 2009 by Andreas contributed successfully to the mana- mutual consent. gement of our portfolio in the Eastern European Countries. In particular he has played a key role Claire Davenport, Executive Vice President in our acquisitions in that region. Corporate Strategy & Business Development at RTL Group’s headquarters will be stepping I thank Andreas and Claire for the successful down from her role with effect from 1 January and enjoyable collaboration and wish them all 2009 for personal reasons. She will remain with the best for the future.” the group as a consultant, contributing in parti- cular to the group’s online strategy. Claire, who reported to Gerhard Zeiler and Elmar Heggen (CFO), joined RTL Group in July Chief Executive, Gerhard Zeiler, said: “Over the 2005. past years, Claire has played a vital part in sha- ping and implementing RTL Group’s strategy, Andreas joined RTL Group in February 2007 working closely with our key subsidiaries, par- where, next to his operational role, he shared ticularly in the areas of content and new media. the lead of the strategy department at RTL She also led the revitalisation of the group’s Group’s headquarters. He also reported to synergy committees in the areas of program- Gerhard Zeiler and Elmar Heggen.

Claire Davenport Andreas Walker 19 week 49 the RTL Group intranet

People Bert Müller to leave RTL Television Bert Müller Germany - 1 December 2008

Bert Müller, 40, head of Facility Management Bert Müller had joined RTL as head of Facility and manager of the new construction project in Management in July 2000. In 2001, he was Deutz, has decided to leave the company of his additionally entrusted with supervising the pro- own accord. curement department. Above all, his tasks included planning Mediengruppe RTL Effective 1 February 2009, he will continue to Deutschland’s new location in -Deutz serve Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland as a including coordinating the requirements of all freelance engineer. In this capacity, he will companies. A communications electronics manage the completion of the new broadcas- engineer and master electrician by training, ting centre in Cologne-Deutz and the moves of Gundel had worked at CBC since February Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland companies. 1997 before taking on the supervision of Facility Management in September 2004. Bert Müller’s responsibilities in Facility Management, that means the management and operations of the buildings used by Medien- gruppe RTL Deutschland, will be taken over on 1 February 2009 by Michael Gundel, 35, who currently supervises this department at CBC. As deputy department head, he will report directly to Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland CFO Ingbert Vöcker. The procurement division will be assigned directly to commercial control- ling until further notice.

RTL CEO Anke Schäferkordt says: “I respect Bert Müller’s decision to pursue a new career path once all of the processes in connection with our companies’ moves have been conclu- ded. I thank him specifically for his outstanding work and commitment to all Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland companies, and wish the best of luck and personal success with the new challenges ahead.”

Michael Gundel

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