17 June 2010
week 24
The audience magnet Christoph Mainusch explains how Alpha TV achieved its increase in ratings
Germany United Kingdom Anke Schäferkordt on antitrust Five announces jury of authorities and over-regulation Don’t Stop Believing
Netherlands Belgium RTL Nederland buys RTL-TVI with good ratings for Wentink Events its election coverage week 24 the RTL Group intranet
17 June 2010
week 24
Cover: Montage with Christoph Mainusch and hosts from Alpha TV shows, showing Alpha’s all day ratings increase during the past months.
The audience magnet Christoph Mainusch explains how Alpha TV achieved its increase in ratings
Germany United Kingdom Anke Schäferkordt on antitrust Five announces jury of authorities and over-regulation Don’t Stop Believing 2 Netherlands Belgium RTL Nederland buys RTL-TVI with good ratings for Wentink Events its election coverage week 24 the RTL Group intranet
“The success story of Greek television” Alpha TV has announced increasing audience figures for the TV season just past. Christoph Mainusch explains how and why. Christoph Mainusch Greece - 17 June 2010
Alpha TV was the only Greek channel to In prime time (20:00 to 23:59), this development significantly increase its all-day audience shares, is even more visible: In May, the season ended which were up by 1.6 percentage points or with very good ratings, making Alpha a powerful 12 per cent compared to the previous season – player in prime time with an audience share of culminating at 14.9 per cent for the whole season 19.1 per cent among viewers aged 15 to 44 – and placing Alpha among the top three channels only 0.3 percentage points behind Antenna, but in Greece. A look at the development of Alpha’s leaving Mega in third position. With regard to the monthly figures shows a steady increase from whole season, the channel was able to increase an average 14.3 per cent during the first quarter its audience figures among viewers aged 15 of 2010 to 16.0 per cent during the first week of to 44 by 43.1 per cent – from 12.3 per cent in June 2010. 2008/09 to 17.6 per cent in 2009/10. A similar picture emerges for the current year: Alpha “Alpha has been Greek television’s major increased its audience shares from 16.3 per cent success story of the past 18 months,” says during the first quarter of 2010 to 21.4 per cent Christoph Mainusch, CEO of Alpha TV, and during the first week of June. explains: “First, Alpha got a new profile and is today clearly positioned as an family-orientated “The combination of top brands such as Al Tsantiri entertainment channel. Second, our informative News, Coffee with Eleni, Pame Paketo with new programming got a new style: objective, fast, formats such as Greek Idol, Kitchen Nightmares modern and reliable. Our news programme is and Chart Show made Alpha the current sea- number two in the market.” son’s fastest-growing channel,” says Mainusch.
14.8% 17.4%
21.4 15.7 16.0 15.1 19.1 14.3 18.2 16.3
Q1 April May June Q1 April May June (to 8 June) (to 8 June)
Alpha’s all day audience shares in 2010 Alpha’s prime time audience shares in 2010 3 week 24 the RTL Group intranet
“Now we are one of the top three channels in the Alpha’s main news show regularly offers a market – and number two in prime time. In fact, variety of topics, including exclusive report- over the past six weeks Alpha has been number ages and breaking news, as it aims to stay one in prime time, ahead of Antenna and Mega close to current events and daily life in Greece. which became third.” Every evening at 19:00 it provides a complete, objective and accurate description of the day’s news as well as subjects of modern life, capturing viewers’ interest anew each day. Over the season, its ratings among viewers aged 15 to 44 increased by 25.7 per cent – from 9.7 per cent (2008/09 season) to 12.2 per cent (2009/10).
Κati psinetai (Come dine with me) remains the most popular programme in Greece at 20:00, attracting and inspiring an average audience share of 24.6 per cent in its target group of 15- to 44-year-olds on a daily basis.
Viewers gave the new show highlight Greek Eleni Menegaki, Host of Kafes me tin Eleni Idol an exceptionally warm reception. With the Eleni Menegaki was the first choice of morning- start of the live shows, Greek Idol became the time TV audiences. Always real, straightforward most successful entertainment show of the and communicative, Eleni Menegaki and her season. The glamorous comeback of Roula show Kafes me tin Eleni (Coffee with Eleni) Koromila, along with the original comments of reached an average 24.1 per cent of viewers the jury, and the dreams and expectations of the aged 15 to 44, making it the most-watched show talented young candidates, captivated viewers. in its timeslot. “Our collaboration with FremantleMedia is excel- lent”, says Mainusch. “Greek Idol achieved an
Roula Kotomila, Host of Greek Idol
average of 28.3 per cent among audiences aged 15 to 44 in its first eight live shows, while its final which will air on 28 June is expected to break all audience records.” Another FremantleMedia format is also very popular with Greek audiences. Farmer Wants a Wife concluded its first season with an audience share of 23.3 per cent among viewers aged 15 to 44. “Both programmes will continue in the coming TV season since they met with remarkable success, Antonis Sroiter, anchor of the Alpha News were loved by the TV viewers and commanded significant slots on the ratings charts,” Mainusch says.
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Last season, Lakis Lazopoulos continued to be the most subversive voice in Greek TV, and is the big winner of this year’s TV season. He riveted viewers with his piercing look and sarcastic comments. Al Tsantiri News was the most–watched show, exceeding its own amazing ratings from last year. Even though Al Tsantiri News was already the most-watched show in Greece with an audience share of 54.5 per cent, Lakis Lazopoulos managed to increase the show’s ratings by another 5.8 per cent over the previous year. Lakis Lazopoulos Vicki Chatzivasiliou’s sensitivity and discreet manner made her talk show Pame Paketo top choice among viewers yet again. The show was again full of intense emotions and developed its ratings well, attracting an average 18.2 per cent of 15- to 44-year-old audiences.
In conclusion, Mainusch says: “Alpha has made a huge impression and earned the love and loyalty of TV viewers within a very short period of time.” And audiences aren’t the only ones who appreci- ate Alpha TV’s new strategy and programming. “Audience ratings have followed an impres- sive trend, and the response of the advertising market is likewise very positive,” reports the Alpha TV CEO. “Despite the fact that the Greek Vicky Chatzivasiliou, Host of Pame paketo market is currently going through a thorny phase, I am optimistic about its course in the coming TV season. TV remains the most attractive media.”
Alpha TV plans to build on its successes in the coming season. “We will keep this year’s winning concepts and will enrich the station’s programme with several new shows,” says Mainusch. “Our emphasis will be primarily on comedy, because we believe that viewers are asking for this genre. We believe that Alpha’s ‘golden recipe’, which gave birth to this year’s television phenomenon and gave the channel the most successful TV season in its history, will also bear fruit in the coming year.”
Sissi Christidou, Host of Farmer wants a wife
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One shouldn’t begrudge others their success In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, RTL Television CEO Anke Schäferkordt spoke about Günther Jauch, the antitrust authorities, over-regulation and challenges facing the industry. Anke Schäferkordt Germany - 14 June 2010
The news caused quite a sensation in the The new household-based license fee passed German TV scene – Günther Jauch will be given last week, which replaces the former device- a Sunday-evening political talk show on the dependent license fee, met with Schäferkordt’s public-service channel ARD, but will also remain approval. She does however, find it discon- with RTL Television. In an interview with Welt certing that the public-service broadcasters don’t am Sonntag, Schäferkordt said “we’re not happy have to tighten their belts, unlike the government that Günther Jauch has decided to trade in Stern and the public agencies – and is likewise disap- TV for the ARD Polittalk,” but announced new pointed that a planned advertising ban for ARD formats with Günther Jauch on RTL Television and ZDF was not put into action: “In terms of for this fall. “A good relationship is usually shown programming their offer already resembles that in situations that are not so very simple.” of the commercial broadcasters. If ARD and ZDF were ad-free, the audience would better Asked about Lena’s victory at the Euro- understand why they have to pay nearly EUR 20 vision Song Contest and the co-operation a month for them.” between ProSieben and ARD, Schäferkordt was generous: “as the people of Cologne put it so Schäferkordt also called for less regulation of beautifully, ‘man muss auch jönne könne’ – news and advertising, and urged politicians you shouldn’t begrudge others their success. to adapt to increasing digitisation and support I think it’s very positive for TV as a whole, be- broadcasters in their anti-piracy efforts. All cause it shows what the medium is capable challenges aside, her outlook on the year ahead of.” She took a more critical view, however of is positive. “I think that TV grew significantly ProSieben and ARD’s talent show in the run-up more than the Internet this year. Anyway, it’s a to the contest, saying that – unlike Deutschland myth that TV is being replaced by the Internet sucht den Superstar (Idols) – its ratings were as the main medium for advertisers. There is less than convincing. no other medium that can build up such reach so quickly and convey brand messages in such Schäferkordt expressed her scepticism about an emotional way,” she said. “But compared to the Federal Cartel Office’s investigations based publishers we have a big advantage – we have on allegations that her channel had colluded video, which are the absolute growth drivers with ProSiebenSat.1 on the dissemination of on the Internet. It’s a fact that we already have digital channels: “Is the fact that cars usually immense growth on the Internet. For instance, have four wheels evidence of collusion between the last season of Deutschland sucht den Mercedes, Audi and BMW? Or does it not just Superstar generated more than 80 million video make sense because driving on three wheels views for our online platforms. These are orders simply isn’t as good? One has to realise that of magnitude that are also of interest to the there are challenges that equally affect competi- advertising industry.“ tors in the same market.”
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‘At RTL it’s not all about money’ ProSiebenSat.1’s sale of N24 has moved RTL’s offerings into the spotlight of media coverage. Germany - 17 June 2010
On the morning of 16 June, ProSiebenSat.1 announced the upcoming sale of the news channel N24 to a consortium of its current Managing Director Torsten Rossmann, Stefan Aust and Thorsten Pollfuß. And because the new group will have to make do with just half of the previous news budget, up to 72 jobs will be cut.
The state media authorities proceeded to caution the ProSiebenSat.1 group against further reduc- ing its information offering. The planned job and budget cuts for information procurement lend credence to doubts about whether the broad- Peter Kloeppel, anchor of RTL Television’s main news programme RTL Aktuell casting group can be trusted to ensure qualified news, declared the directors of the state media authorities.
Tagesspiegel responded to the announcement that N24 will have to manage with half of the budget with the question: “So why did ProSie- benSat 1 come up with this brilliant idea, and not Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland for its chan- nels like RTL and Vox?” and promptly delivers the answer, concluding that RTL wants to earn plenty of money, “but not at the price of letting its editorial momentum reduce TV news to an insignificant, marginal matter. RTL Deutschland doesn’t set out to refinance its news – all cost discipline aside, cost they what they may. This is what’s made the channel so strong and credible among viewers,” concludes Tagesspiegel.
Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland itself had no comment on its rival’s portfolio adjustment, but made it clear that it sees itself “as an all-round broadcasting company with a duty to air informa- tion and news programmes as well as successful entertainment.”
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Children’s wishes and advertising creation The “Kinderwelten 2010” convention revolved around success factors in campaigns targeted at children. Dirk Ziems talked about ‘the realm of children’s wishes’ Germany - 11 June 2010
On 8 June 2010, at the 11th “Kinderwelten” The MindSetKids survey, whose unique method convention, Super RTL and the ad sales house using smartphones provides a detailed proto- IP Deutschland spoke to some 300 advertisers, col of the daily routine of more than 800 agency staffers and other interested parties children, gave Cornelia Krebs and about the latest results from media research on Oliver Aust (both of IP Deutsch- the youngest target audiences, under the head- land) the data needed to integrate ing ‘Reaching children in their world’. This year’s the strategic goals of a campaign event focused on creating effective, efficient in its specific planning. children’s campaigns. More info on In addition to the latest Kinderwelten.tv IP Deutschland’s Cornelia Krebs presented surveys, the media habits and the first ‘CreaKompassKids’, in which IP use patterns of the youngest Deutschland and Super RTL bundle all the target were looked at in detail insights gained in their ten years of research, at the event: Carola Krebs (Super along with the latest findings from media, RTL) and Erik Winterberg (Elements target-group and effectiveness research. of Art) presented their study showing what factors cause websites to become part In his lecture ‘In the realm of children’s wishes’, of children’s ‘Relevant Set’. Claudia Casu Dirk Ziems (Concept M) presented initial results (IP Deutschland) and Franzisca Bartz from the new everyday studio in Berlin, which (Super RTL) shared information about the allows for observing and surveying kids in a TV habits of children and families, along with natural environment. Different motifs are the insights into German nurseries and living focus, depending on the product and communi- rooms. In her keynote speech, Dr. Karin Jurczyk cation goal. (German Youth Institute) pointed out that family pictures are diverging more and more Kai Weidlich (Medien Institut) spoke about from our classic notions of family. Media creative ways to boost effectiveness in children’s professionals and advertisers should take heed ads and pointed to “untapped potential”. The of this in their communication and cater to the analysis of formal and semantic design elements new needs. Finally, in the concluding panel, in 433 spots showed that children’s commercials Carsten Göttel (Super RTL) and Florian Ruckert only use a small share of common advertising (IP Deutschland) agreed that overall success and creative techniques. criteria for commercials should of course be applied to the spots shown on children’s Birgit Guth (Super RTL) reported on how channels as well. children themselves evaluate the advertising that is targeted at them. A comprehensive analy- sis proved that many spots contain elements that the children don’t understand. And although children prefer humorous commercials, they only rate one third as actually entertaining.
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Sylvie van der Vaart as World Cup expert During the 2010 World Cup in South Africa Sylvie van der Vaart, wife of Dutch player Rafael van der Vaart, will serve as a World Cup expert for RTL 4 and RTL Television. Netherlands / Germany - 14 June 2010
The likeable Dutchwoman, who sits on the jury of Das Supertalent (Got Talent) and was recently a contestant on RTL Television’s Let’s Dance, will be a regular guest on RTL Boulevard, which the Dutch RTL Group channel RTL 4 will air throughout the tournament. She and the team will analyse and report on the progress of the Dutch squad. As the wife of Rafael van der Vaart, one of the Oranje’s “Big Four”, she will also discuss her experiences as a player’s wife at a World Cup.
On 24 June, Sylvie, who recently signed an exclusive contract with RTL Television, will also report on the Fan Fest in Aachen from the RTL World Cup Truck, when the Netherlands take on Cameroon. “I think it will be great to send Sylvie over the border to her Dutch countrymen that Sylvie van der Vaart day, where before, during, and after the game she can gather some atmospheric impressions on the ground in extraordinary places,” said Manfred Loppe, Head Of Sports, RTL Television. “I also expect that Sylvie van der Vaart will agree to do a couple of other broadcasts for us.”
RTL Television is broadcasting the Cameroon against Netherlands match exclusively live on German free-to-air TV from 20:30. RTL Boulevard airs Mondays to Fridays at 18:35 on RTL 4.
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Event business expanded further With effect from 1 August 2010, RTL Nederland is taking over the events company Wentink Events. This will not affect the employees. Netherlands - 15 June 2010
Wentink Events’ founder Frank Wentink will Wentink Events organises major Dutch events remain CEO of the company. RTL Nederland such as Voetballer van het jaar and KNSB is acquiring the shares in Wentink Events from Schaats Gala, as well as dinner shows and fund- the previous shareholders, Stage Entertain- raising galas such as the Majoor Bosshardt Gala. ment. “For us, this represents a further step in The company has organised numerous events expanding our activities in the event and for RTL Nederland over the past three years, entertainment industry,” said Bert Habets, CEO including theatre shows with Derek Ogilvy and of RTL Nederland. “The fact that we can do this Char, the X Factor live concerts and – together together with an experienced and professional with Nyenrode – the RTL Z Masterclasses. partner like Wentink Events is fantastic. We look forward to working together.”
Frank Wentink is equally delighted: “RTL Nederland is a strategic partner with whose highly motivated employees we will continue our work in the future. This is a dream come true for me.”
Extension of cooperation Against the background drone of vuvuzelas, Radio 538 and the Royal Netherlands Football Association have extended their cooperation by another four years. Netherlands - 16 June 2010
Radio 538 thus remains the exclusive radio partner and an official media partner of the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) and the Dutch national team for the next four years. Jan Willem Brüggenwirth, CEO of Radio 538, had travelled to South Africa specifically to sign the contract with KNVB Commercial Director Jean Paul Decossaux.
Decossaux is also happy with the contract exten- sion: “The KNVB is pleased with the extension of the cooperation. The radio station has been a good platform for reaching Dutch football fans in recent years.” Jan Willem Brüggenwirth, CEO of Radio 538, and KNVB Commercial Director Jean Paul Decossaux 10 week 24 the RTL Group intranet
A five-star jury Five has secured four fantastic all-star judges for its summer singing and dancing sensation, Don’t Stop Believing, including Anastacia, Tamzin Outhwaite, Duncan James and Charles ‘Chunky’ Klapow. United Kingdom - 14 June 2010
Multi-award winning, international singing superstar Anastacia, will bring her unique profes- sional and personal experience to the Don’t Stop Believing judging panel. Tamzin Outhwaite will be looking for stand out singing and dancing performances from our hopefuls in her role as judge. She starred in a huge range of musical theatre productions before becoming a house- hold name as Mel in East Enders. Award-win- ning singer, TV presenter and star of the West End, Duncan James has experienced all sides of the music and entertainment business. He has sung with music legends Stevie Wonder and Elton John and is currently about to end a hugely The Don’t Stop Believing experience will be successful run in the hit West End musical enhanced on the web with online partner Legally Blonde. Emmy-award winning Charles MySpace. From 24 June, fans of the ’Chucky’ Klapow completes the panel. He is best show will be able to enjoy a range of known for his award-winning choreography on exclusive content on MySpace the iconic High School Musical franchises, also including live video webchats dancing in all three musical movie sensations. with presenter Emma Bun- ton and the judges. Plus, Five’s Head of Entertainment, Donna Taberer, there is a dedicated week- said: “This is a thrilling line-up of judges. They ly programme which will See each bring unrivalled experience, dedication, take a cheeky, irreverent MySpace.com/ credibility and years of hard work to Don’t Stop look at the week’s action. Believing. Their experience of competing and Also, fans will be able to dontstopbelievinguk performing under enormous pressure will be listen to tracks featured in a huge asset to our groups.” The judges will the series, as sung by the complete the line-up for Don’t Stop Believing, original artists. with pop royalty host Emma Bunton recently announced. The hopefuls are a mix of existing groups and those newly-created by friends, family or workmates. They will be choreo- graphed, coached and judged by a panel of industry experts throughout the live elimination shows.
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A front row seat French-speaking Belgians chose RTL-TVI over its public-channel competitor to stay informed throughout election day on 13 June 2010. Belgium - 15 June 2010
Whether it was the first interview in French with Flemish separatist Bart De Wever, leader of the N-VA [New Flemish Alliance party], the debates of the four presidents of the French- speaking parties or their entire speeches at their headquarters, the Belgian channel was present wherever the political future of the country was being played out. In fact, by staying ahead of the public channel RTBF, RTL-TVI set the pace throughout election day, providing more than eight hours of continuous information with news produced by all of RTL Belgium’s editorial teams.
In terms of audiences, RTL-TVI was number one with the entire public in every time slot during Belgian Federal Parliament this historic election day, whether it was for the © www.earthinpictures.com mid-day special edition (46 per cent audience share), the entire afternoon (18.2 per cent), the 19:00 special edition (41.5 per cent) or the evening of the election (21.1 per cent).
The three peak audiences recorded that day, including all channels, were registered on RTL-TVI. And so, at 19:53, Socialist Elio Di Rupo’s victory speech was followed by 724,800 viewers. At 19:29, the first interview in French with N-VA President Bart De Wever was followed by 713,300 people and, at 20:01, Democrat president Joëlle Milquet’s speech was followed by 717,900 people.
The day was also an undeniable success on the Web, with the RTLinfo.be website registering 118,842 unique visitors throughout the day.
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Croatia has its new Idol Kim Verson, 16, won the second season of Hrvatska trazi zvijezdu prevailing over Vilibald Kovac, 19. Croatia - 11 June 2010
The audience was called on to decide between the two remaining candidates from the 5,000 who had auditioned for the show: Kim with her extraordinary musical talent or Vilibald with his rock style. Tony Cetinski, Head of the jury, had favoured Kim from the very beginning and throughout the shows.
In the finale, Kim and Vilibald both sang the winner’s song and three others (jury’s choice, candidate’s favourite song and a duet: 4 minutes by Justin Timberlake and Madonna). The first part of the spectacular final show was watched
Kim Verson (left) and Vilibald Kovac by 37.8 per cent of the country’s TV audiences, while the results show, in which host Antonija Blace announced the winner, attracted 60.4 per cent.
The winner is currently finishing Year 10 at a secondary school in Zagreb, Croatia. She has signed a contract with Dallas Records and will start recording her first album shortly.
Tony Cetinski, Andja Maric and Goran Lisica Fox
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Simultaneous brand launch at Sears and Kmart FremantleMedia Enterprises and Sears Holdings announced the exclusive North American launch of Rebecca Bonbon, a hugely popular Japanese character, created by the original Hello Kitty designer, Yuko Shimizu. North America - 11 June 2010
What role does sport play for the German television viewer? Just in time for the start of the football World Cup in South Africa, the ad sales house IP Deutschland has published a qualitative study about the importance of sport on TV, carried out by the Sport+Markt Institute. Germany - 14 June 2010
First project bursts into action FremantleMedia Enterprises, along with Jakks Pacific, Inc. and Dentsu Entertainment USA, announced that they have entered into a production and distribution agreement for the original new animated entertainment project, Monsuno. United Kingdom - 15 June 2010
Campaign for more sport and exercise among children Just in time for the World Cup, Toggo Sports and Karamalz are calling on children to take up sport. Germany - 15 June 2010
French Guiana moves to the dance floor sound Fun Radio and the Ouest FM Communication company have reached an agreement, which has just been approved by the CSA, for the radio station with the dance floor sound to be broadcast in French Guiana. France - 16 June 2010
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“Truly entertaining brand experiences for fans” FremantleMedia have partnered with Australia Zoo and Steve Irwin’s family – known for his internationally broadcast wildlife documentary, The Crocodile Hunter – to develop new opportunities in television and licensing globally. United Kingdom - 16 June 2010
Extending off-screen FremantleMedia Enterprises announced a host of new licensing deals for The X Factor in the United Kingdom, making it the most extensive licensing programme for the hit show to date. United Kingdom - 17 June 2010
The useful radio Bel RTL is holding its traditional SOS Impôt (SOS Income Tax) to help Belgian taxpayers correctly fill out their income tax declarations on 19 June between 8:30 and 13:00, with specialists from the Ministry of Finance will answer the questions on taxes that are worrying listeners. Belgium - 17 June 2010
Double trouble! After Die Teufelskicker (The Devil Kickers), UFA Cinema’s second production, Hanni and Nanni, opens in German cinemas on 17 June. Germany - 17 June 2010
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People Kaspar Pflueger Croatia - 16 June 2010
Kaspar Pflueger
Kaspar Pflueger has been appointed Born in Munich, Kaspar Pflueger comes to Programme Director of RTL Televizija. Croatia after working as Commissioning Execu- tive for daytime at Five in London from May 2008 “I am delighted that Kaspar Pflueger has to May 2010. Pflueger had previously worked as joined our team. He has already proved his an executive assistant to Gerhard Zeiler, CEO excellent strategic and operative skills at of RTL Group. In this position he carried out various positions within RTL Group. Kaspar strategic development and assessment of TV will direct our programme strategy channels, schedules and worldwide positioning with the aim of maintaining and enhancing our as well as coordinating international content leading position in the Croatian TV market,” said negotiations. Pflueger started his carrier in Johannes Zuell, CEO and Head of the Manage- 2000 at the Internet portal Ciao.com in Munich, ment Board at RTL Televizija. gaining experience in new media development. He is a philosophy and politics graduate from Durham University.
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