week 7 / 13 February 2014

PIONEERING SPIRIT How RTL Group made entertainment history PIONEERING SPIRIT How RTL Group bmaderochu entertainmentre & history New film week 7 / 13 February 2014

PIONEERING SPIRIT How RTL Group made entertainment history PIONEERING SPIRIT How RTL Group bmaderochu entertainmentre & history New film

Cover Montage with covers of the Always Close To The Audience’s brochure and DVD

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

Editor, Design, Production RTL Group Corporate Communications & Marketing

k before y hin ou T p r in t

backstage.rtlgroup.com backstage.rtlgroup.fr backstage.rtlgroup.de QUICK VIEW

Happy anniversary, Plug RTL! Plug RTL p. 8–9

90 years of entertainment – captured, documented and celebrated Simon Cowell RTL Group plans return to p.4–7 The X Factor UK FremantleMedia p. 10

Mega marketing campaign for Big Picture Game Of Thrones p.12 RTL II p. 11

PEOPLE

p. 13–15 In February 1924 Radio Luxembourg took to the airwaves. 90 years later, RTL Group is marking – and celebrating – the anniversary with a new brochure and film. Titled Always Close 90 YEARS To The Audience, both productions recount the vivid and rich events that OF ENTERTAINMENT – turned a modest radio station based in tiny CAPTURED, Luxembourg into the leading European DOCUMENTED AND entertainment network. CELEBRATED

Luxembourg – 13 February 2014 RTL Group

Collage from the Always Close To The Audience brochure: Autographe cards & advertisements for various activities

4 Hauled up in their attic in 1924, experimenting with a single radio transmitter, the Anen brothers couldn’t have begun to imagine that their modest Radio Luxembourg would not only become one of the most-listened-to and admired radio stations of their generation but would go on to develop into Europe’s largest commercial free-to-air broadcaster. With over 50 TV channels, nearly 30 radio stations and its worldwide production arm – FremantleMedia – producing some of the world’s best known TV brands, RTL Group is the undisputed European leader in entertainment.

Cover of the brochure Always Close To The Audience

The radio pioneers spread their transmission and reception antenna over the roofs of rue Beaumont innovation and pioneering spirit transmitted by the Anen brothers. A legacy that is, and always will be, The nearly 20-minute documentary and 118-page in our DNA.” brochure take viewers and readers alike through the nine decades that made RTL Group. Exclusive Both publications document how the Group archive material, unique images and fi rst-hand has remained close to its audience and testimonials from the people who made RTL Group consistently at the forefront of entertainment the success it is today, bring that history to life. and information, thanks to an inherent talent The brochure’s editorial, by RTL Group’s Co-CEOs for constant innovation. Listeners and viewers tuned Anke Schäferkordt and Guillaume de Posch, in to RTL Group’s radio stations or TV channels reads: “Over the years, the Group has undergone because they knew they would fi nd ‘refreshingly many transformations through mergers, strategic different’ programming, and this is still the case partnerships and acquisitions. But during this today. The Group’s European families of TV journey from radio to TV to a convergent digital channels and radio stations are number one or two media world, one constant has remained: the in their markets.

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Why produce a brochure and a film?

RTL Group saw the 90th anniversary of Radio Luxembourg’s first on-air activities as the perfect opportunity to document the rich history of the Group, both in print and in film. It was also the right timing to get valuable information from the different people who were involved right from the beginning in the various stages of the company’s development. Next >

5 Andreas Langheim, journalist at Info Network and producer of the fi lm, explains why people should watch it: “Working on this fi lm was a real pleasure. I learned a lot about the Group that I wasn’t aware of, even after 20 years of service. For instance, I didn’t know that everything started with experiments in an attic, or that Radio Luxembourg played a role at the end of the Second World War,” he says. “It was also interesting to discover that the station was already very European right from the beginning and that its executives were never afraid of experimenting. When they started the television adventure, most of the TV presenters were radio hosts who knew nothing about television. I strongly encourage every RTL Group employee to watch the fi lm – they’ll learn a lot about their employer and return to work with increased historical consciousness.”

David Dominguez Muller, RTL Group’s Historian, who played a major role in producing the documentary, gives his impressions: “It’s exciting to see how a project on paper becomes reality. Andreas perfectly fulfi lled our expectations by producing the documentary RTL Group-style – entertaining yet informative. There are no dull moments, probably because of the right combination of sound and image – which is an art in Frank Sinatra at the Radio Luxembourg studios, London, UK, itself. You hardly notice that it runs for 20 minutes. 1953 I’ve watched the fi lm so many times and I still enjoy it.” Did you know? Langheim and Dominguez Muller worked closely on the documentary for nearly nine months. Having Some radios, such as the Grundig determined the fi lm’s core messages, the fi rst step was to go through the archive footage and Prima-Boy, had a pre-set button that select what would feature in the fi lm. They allowed listeners to tune straight in to contacted former and current executives, Radio Luxembourg. It was a real selling anchors and presenters around Europe to organise point interviews and collect their testimonials and experiences about working for Radio Luxembourg In his autobiography, Life, and/or RTL Group. Keith Richards describes how listening to Radio Luxembourg under his sheets David Dominguez Muller comments: “Everyone changed his life we approached was delighted to take part in the project, which shows the enthusiasm and fondness A disco and concert venue in Warsaw they have for RTL Group to this day. We ended up is named Punkt & Radio Luxembourg with a large amount of material and exceptionally after the famous radio station that was rich information for our archives, which made the selection process even more diffi cult. It was seen as the voice of freedom during the sometimes frustrating having to shorten or not make communist years use of some of the valuable and interesting facts More anecdotes and facts about how exceptional they shared with us.” RTL was and still is can be read in the brochure’s The Big Impact chapter pages 114 to117 Next >

6 Andreas Langheim agrees: “We gathered enough The brochure – project managed by Janine Neves, information to make a two-hour documentary, but Communications Manager – illustrates the that wasn’t the objective. We knew this would be the fascinating history of RTL Group through most challenging aspect of the project. Being a fi lm expressive pictures and entertaining, surprising maker involves presenting complex information in and yet informative stories. A photo spread an understandable and entertaining format. I believe honours the many men and women who helped we managed to do exactly that, together with David write and will continue to contribute to the unique who has a great sense of detail and who did a good and successful history of the Group. job in checking and verifying every fact throughout.” As with the fi lm, David Dominguez Muller did a thorough job of gathering and checking facts with the brochure, which was designed by the Ringzwei agency in Hamburg. The brochure can be Always Close To The Audience – The Film: downloaded at RTLGroup.com, or ordered using facts & figures the ‘Order Documents’ form on the website or by emailing [email protected]. The film was produced by Info Network, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland’s production company for news and magazine formats

Nearly 20 people worked on the film, including cameramen, assistants, cutters, sound engineers and graphic designers

The film took nearly nine months to complete

The interviews were conducted by Andreas Langheim, Elke Büchter (Paris correspondent of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland), David Oxley (Editor-in-chief of the information magazines at RTL-TVI and presenter since 1987), Martijn de Bruijn (Editor-in-chief at Masmedia) and Laurent Marsick (reporter culture service RTL Radio in France)

The Beatles leaving the Radio Luxembourg studio in London Interviewees include Gust Graas, Benny on 15 April 1963 Brown, Marylène Bergmann, Nicolas de Tavernost, Irene Moors, Siegfried Luther, Thomas Rabe, Anke Schäferkordt and Guillaume de Posch

Various RTL Group business units were also involved in organising the interviews

The documentary fi lm is also available on RTLGroup.com

7 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, PLUG RTL! Plug RTL

On 13 February 2014, Plug RTL celebrates its 10th anniversary. To mark the occasion, RTL Belgium’s third channel invites viewers to discover or relive the highlights of the past 10 years and unveils its new graphic design. Belgium – 13 February 2014

Launched on 13 February 2004 under the name Plug TV, RTL Belgium’s third channel now gathers a 3.8 per cent audience share of its target market of 15 to 34 year-olds. Eusébio Larrea, RTL Belgium’s Manager of In-house Productions and project manager for Plug TV, explains: “We launched RTL’s third channel, destined for 15 to 34 year olds, with the objective of complementing but most of all being different from what we’ve seen on television in French- speaking Belgium. The spirit was resolutely rock ‘n roll. We wanted to create a real identity Olivier Pairoux (left), Artistic Director and Eusébio and mark our arrival. (…) Larrea, Project Manager Plug TV Plug really introduced a new work philosophy and a breath of fresh air whose traces are still visible today. Plug truly has its place now and is near to its objective, that is to say, a 5 per cent audience share of 15 to 34 year-olds.”

As for the channel’s identity, Eusébio Larrea explains: “In 2008, Plug TV became Plug RTL. We re-oriented the channel to young adults and less to adolescents. The channel became lifestyle-themed, and still is today. Plug remains a complementary channel that is different from RTL-TVI and Club RTL. The programming is still as diversifi ed,

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8 with prime time shows such as La Nouvelle Star, which was one of Plug’s fl agship programmes in 2004 and continues to be in 2014. Other programmes stand out: La France a un incroyable Talent and Pékin Express, as well as more daring programmes such Breaking Bad and Girls. Cyril Hanouna was on Plug back in 2004 with his show La vie est une fête. We were fans back then. He has returned a few times to promote his programmes. We’ve followed his career and maintained contact with him as producer. The channel has grown up but, 10 years on, we’re delighted to feature Touche pas à mon poste every day, a programme whose tone and personality are as unconventional as ever.”

A special anniversary programme schedule To mark the event, Plug RTL will air 20 short sequences dedicated to the channel’s 10 years on the air, presented by Jean Barbera, former columnist on C’est pas Hollywood. In addition, starting on 27 February, Plug RTL invites viewers to relive the channel’s top highlights, notably with special evening prime time broadcasts.

C’est pas Hollywood

A new graphic design On 13 February, Plug RTL will feature a brand new look. RTL Belgium’s art director Olivier Pairoux explains: “The concept revolves around the shooting of a video. The concept is very simple and uncluttered. The emphasis is on the look, hairstyles, dance and attitude. We wanted a concept that was simple, very graphic, more feminine and very classy, and to also play with several styles of production: split images, graphics, typography, stop motion and slow motion.”

Plug RTL will have a brand new look for the occasion

9 SIMON COWELL PLANS RETURN TO THE X FACTOR UK FremantleMedia

The iconic X Factor judge will return for the 11th season of the British version of the FremantleMedia-produced entertainment format on British broadcaster ITV later this year. United Kingdom – 11 February 2014

Simon Cowell Syco, FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) and broadcaster Fox announced that The X Factor USA has wrapped up its run after three seasons.

Commenting on these developments, Trish Kinane, President of Entertainment Programming and Executive Producer, FMNA, says: “The US version has had a great run dominating the social media charts and discovering internationally successful artists, but Simon’s return to the UK X Factor has been long anticipated. We have long-running partnerships both with Fox and Syco Entertainment and very much look forward to what the future holds for our on-going relationships with them.”

Simon Cowell elaborates: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to The X Factor UK. It’s been three years since I last judged the competition and I’m excited to fi nd a global superstar again.” Cowell continues: “I’ve had a fantastic time over the last 12 years, both on The X Factor and American Idol. And apart from being lucky enough to fi nd some amazing talent on the shows, I have always had an incredible welcome from the American public – most of the time!”

Sara Geater, CEO FremantleMedia UK adds: “We’re delighted to welcome Simon back to the panel for this year’s X Factor and are looking forward to what is sure to be a great series.”

10 MEGA MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR GAME OF THRONES RTL II

From 28 February RTL II will broadcast the third season of the award-winning US series Game of Thrones – A Song of Ice and Fire. The channel is running a major marketing campaign in Germany to promote the free-TV premiere. Germany – 10 February 2014

The HBO series Game of Thrones, winner of a Golden Globe and ten Emmy awards, is celebrating international success and has been sold in over 80 countries on all fi ve continents. In Germany, RTL II is about to present the third season of the fantasy saga. The marketing campaign to accompany the free-TV premiere includes on-air trailers on RTL II as well as extensive print, online, radio and out-of-home advertising.

The Munich-based TV broadcaster is, for instance, advertising the Poster for the marketing campaign series in numerous print publications across the nation with a of Game Of Thrones campaign focused on the lead characters Jon Snow, Joffrey, Robb Stark and Daenerys. In the outdoor advertising sector, specially produced trailers announce the series kick-off on digital information screens all over Germany. The trailer can be seen on 293 digital info screens in subway stations, on more than 950 digital out-of-home channels at 115 major railway stations, and on digital screens at motorway service stations across Germany.

The online campaign comprises ads in entertainment and gaming environments frequented by the target demographic, while large- format ads like wallpapers and homepage events catch the eye in Windows 8 apps and on Facebook. A radio campaign rounds off the marketing effort, with spots airing on Radio Energy in the cities of Hamburg, Berlin, Nuremberg, Munich and Stuttgart.

Carlos Zamorano, Director Marketing & Communication at RTL II, says: “By airing season three of Game of Thrones, we treat our audiences to yet another programme highlight this year. Our creative marketing campaign pays tribute to the award-winning fantasy saga and underscores RTL II’s expertise in the series genre. Not to mention that the free-TV premiere provides an extremely attractive advertising environment for our advertising clients, both for classic commercials and for creative advertising formats.”

The Game of Thrones – A Song of Ice and Fire marketing campaign was designed and delivered by the Munich-based agency Me Happy.

11 Advertising experts rewarded

On 12 February 2014, the RTL Media Awards were held, organised by RTL Lëtzebuerg and their advertising sales house IP Luxembourg. Around 800 people attended the event to honour Luxembourg’s best advertising and marketing campaign. (Photo: Host of the ceremony, Nathalie Reuter). PEOPLE SEAN HANCOCK FremantleMedia North America North America – 7 February 2014

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) has appointed former BBC Entertainment executive and producer Sean Hancock as Vice President of Alternative Programming. Sean will be responsible for the development and production of reality competition, game shows and other unscripted television programmes.

Effective 28 April, Hancock will be reporting to recently appointed EVP of Alternative Programming, Toby Gorman.

FMNA’s CEO, Thom Beers, says: “FremantleMedia is one of the leaders in alternative programming, and Sean’s keen eye for concepts that resonate with audiences, along with his diverse experience in Sean Hancock developing and producing reality, game shows amongst other programming, will make him a brilliant addition to our team.”

Sean Hancock adds: “I’ve loved and valued my time at the BBC but couldn’t turn down this exciting opportunity to work in the American television market. I’m looking forward to joining FremantleMedia North America and working with the alternative team to create new, vibrant and innovative programming.”

Prior to taking on this new role, Hancock was Commissioning Editor at BBC Entertainment. During his three-and-a-half years in said position he green-lit and/or executive produced a vast line of programmes, such as: The Revolution Will Be Televised (winner of the 2013 BAFTA for Best Comedy); six seasons of Russell Howard’s Good News; The Michael McIntyre Chat Show; Sweat The Small Stuff; and Junior Doctors, among others.

Hancock also worked as a freelancer producer for ten years, producing high-profi le entertainment shows for some of the UK’s top broadcasters, including: Celebrity Big Brother; The Farm; Shipwrecked; All Star Family Fortunes; Take Me Out; Britain’s Missing Top Model; and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria.

As well as being an expert producer, Hancock is a talented writer. His debut novel, Trick, was a Top 20 Kindle UK best-seller in 2012.

13 PEOPLE DAVID LUNER FremantleMedia North America North America – 10 February 2014

FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) has promoted David Luner to President, Brand Partnerships & Franchise Management, effective immediately.

Luner will oversee all of FMNA’s ancillary businesses including Digital Brand Partnerships, Sponsorship & Integrated Marketing, Licensing, Live Events, and various elements of business development. He will report directly to FMNA CEO, Thom Beers.

During the integration of FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) into the FMNA corporate structure, Luner had assumed the interim role of Executive Vice President (EVP), Brand Partnerships and Franchise Management. During this time, he helped oversee the reorganisation process, as well as securing key partners and launching high profi le brand extensions across the portfolio of businesses.

Thom Beers, CEO FMNA: “David has a real talent for extending our entertainment properties in unique and innovative ways that benefi t both our core brand, as well as those belonging to our partners. His ability to bring companies together to create new and sensational consumer experiences is unparalleled within the industry.”

David Luner David Luner comments: “This is a very exciting time to be part of FMNA, as there is a palpable sense of creative energy and inspirational leadership under Thom Beers. The company is committed to creating and developing new innovative and lasting multi-platform entertainment franchises, and has the infrastructure to build and extend these brands into a wide array of ancillary consumer experiences, products and brand partnerships.”

Over the past decade, Luner has held a number of positions within FremantleMedia, including his most recent roles as EVP, Brand Partnerships & Franchise Management for FMNA, and EVP of Digital and Licensing for FME, where he spearheaded some of the most successful and longest running partnerships for core franchises such as American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The X Factor, The Price Is Right, Family Feud, and Let’s Make A Deal.

Luner earned his BA from Brown University and his MBA in Entertainment and Marketing from USC’s Marshall School of Business.

14 PEOPLE NICOLAS SWIATEK RTL Group Luxembourg – 11 February 2014

Following the reorganisation of RTL Group’s compliance activities last year, Nicolas Swiatek joined RTL Group as Compliance Manager in January. In this role, he will report to Ursula Schmidt, Senior Vice President Audit and Compliance at RTL Group.

The compliance team is tasked with protecting RTL Group’s management and employees from prosecution and allegations in connection with non-compliance. As an element in the Group’s risk management strategy, the Compliance team proactively, effectively and effi ciently maintains and monitors the Group’s compliance management system.

Nicolas Swiatek (born 1978) will develop RTL Group’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance both within the Group’s identifi ed risk areas and with the applicable laws and regulations. He will act as a facilitator between RTL Group’s Compliance department and the Business Units. Additionally, he will serve as the main point of contact for Ethics and Compliance queries within RTL Group. Nicolas Swiatek Prior to accepting the position at RTL Group, Nicolas worked in Luxembourg’s fi nance industry, where his activities centred on compliance and risk management, as well as on providing corporate management services to a wide client portfolio including international groups and private equity funds. He implemented compliance procedures and served as an advisor on compliance and policy implementation matters.

Nicolas holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Trade and in Business Law in France, and a Master of Law in International Business Law (LL.M.) from the University of Manchester (UK). Nicolas is currently a Doctoral candidate in Law, Compliance and Deontology at the University of Luxembourg and is a member of the ALCO (“Association Luxembourgeoise des Compliance Offi cers). He also regularly teaches seminars on “Criminal Law and Investment Funds” at the University of Luxembourg.

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