week 35 / 27 August 2015

STRONG RESULTS Digital growth and German TV business drive RTL Group half-year results week 35 / 27 August 2015

STRONG RESULTS Digital growth and German TV business drive RTL Group half-year results

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A wild partnership FremantleMedia p.10 Half-year results 2015 RTL Group “We have always been p.4–9 super pioneers in trends” RTL Group p.11-12

Dynamic presence at VidCon BroadbandTV/StyleHaul p.13–14

A game-changer for the new generation It’s back-to-school of music stars season in Belgium BroadbandTV RTL Belgium p.15–16 p.19-20

Lots of new programming Big Picture Vox p.21 p.17-18

SHORT PEOPLE p.22–23 p.24–26 “TRANSFORMING RTL GROUP INTO A GLOBAL FORCE IN At the occasion of the half-year results 2015, Backstage talked to the VIDEO PRODUCTION, RTL Group Executive Committee about AGGREGATION AND financials, digital and the future of the Group. MONETISATION”

Luxembourg – 27 August 2015 RTL Group

Guillaume de Posch and Anke Schäferkordt, Co-CEOs of RTL Group, Elmar Heggen, Chief Financial Officer of RTL Group (from left to right)

4 How did RTL Group perform in the first half of 2015? H1/2015: RTL GROUP NET PROFIT UP Anke Schäferkordt: The half-year results 73.8 PER CENT demonstrate our strength: RTL Group once again delivered a very strong set of financial results – and Reported Group revenue was up 3.8 per the Group is also growing its top line again. In the cent to €2,788 million (H1/2014: €2,687 first half of 2015, RTL Group significantly increased million) thanks to strongly increasing revenue, EBITA and net profit. This was mainly due revenue at Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, to two factors: First, RTL Group’s largest profit centre growing digital revenue and favourable – Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland – continued its exchange rate effects strong financial performance. Secondly, digital has become a driver of revenue growth. Reported EBITA was up 3.3 per cent to €534 million compared to €517 million in Guillaume de Posch: Indeed, the share of digital has H1/2014, mainly driven by Mediengruppe doubled in the past 12 months, now representing RTL Deutschland, resulting in a stable already 8 per cent of RTL Group’s total revenue. EBITA margin at 19.2 per cent You see, RTL Group’s revenue is highly diversified, with leading positions in all segments of the total RTL Group’s digital revenue1 continued video market: broadcast, content, digital. RTL Group to show very dynamic growth, performed especially well in the second quarter of up 94 per cent to €219 million the year, with revenue up 7.7 per cent and EBITA up (H1/2014: €113 million), benefitting from 4.3 per cent. organic growth and new acquisitions

Speaking of digital, what drives this Net profit attributable to RTL Group strong growth? shareholders was up 73.8 per cent to €351 million (H1/2014: Guillaume de Posch: In the first half of 2015, our €202 million) ‘pure’ digital revenue – excluding e-commerce, home shopping and platform revenue for digital TV– was up Net cash from operating activities by 94 per cent to €219 million. Looking at our recent amounted to €295 million, resulting digital investments, BroadbandTV, StyleHaul and in an operating cash conversion of SpotXchange, which are now grouped together in 74 per cent; RTL Group had net financial the RTL Digital Hub, revenues have been increasing debt of €1,003 million as of 30 June 2015 by high double digit growth rates – and we expect them to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. On 26 August 2015, RTL Group’s Board For the full year 2012, we posted a total of 7 billion of Directors authorised the distribution online video views. Currently, we generate 8 billion of an extraordinary interim dividend of online video views per month. Consequently, we €1.00 per share, to be paid in September expect that we will reach more than 80 billion online 2015. This reflects the Group’s cash flows video views at the full year 2015. and its target net debt to full-year EBITDA ratio of 0.5 to 1.0 times Anke Schäferkordt: Online video is at the heart of our digital strategy – and it’s the focus of our 1 Excluding e-commerce, home shopping and platform revenue investments in this space. In June, we launched for digital TV the RTL Digital Hub, in order to drive leadership and growth in the digital video market. The new unit bundles our recent investments in the online video segment and will maximise the value of this highly complementary portfolio of digital video businesses. It will also scan the market intensively for further investment opportunities in the space.

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5 In recent weeks there were many reports joint task to develop our rapidly growing reach in about TV companies under pressure, in online video into a more significant and profitable particular in the . How do third pillar of RTL Group. And we’re making major you see the future of TV? progress as demonstrated by our half-year results.

Anke Schäferkordt: Linear TV dominates the video What is your guidance for the rest of the market and is the only medium consistently reaching year? mass audiences day by day. In total, people watch more video content than ever before – long-form Elmar Heggen: Assuming there will not be major and short-form, linear and non-linear, on the TV changes in the economic climate across our screen and on multiple devices. The demand for markets, we raise our outlook for the full year 2015. high-quality video content is growing rapidly, as does We now expect our total revenue to be slightly up online video advertising. Looking at these trends, compared to the full year 2014. We expect full-year you could even say that we operate in a high-growth reported EBITA to be in line with last year despite industry – because for us, TV does not stand for lower contributions from one-off gains in 2015. “television” anymore, but for “total video.

Guillaume de Posch: The good news is: RTL Group already has leading market positions across the whole value chain of this rapidly evolving total video Q2/2015: DYNAMIC GROWTH OF market. With our financial strength, it is our ambition REVENUE, EBITA AND NET PROFIT to significantly grow RTL Group over the next years – to transform the leading European entertainment In the second quarter of 2015, RTL Group’s network into a global force in video production, revenue was up 7.7 per cent to €1,480 aggregation and monetisation. million (Q2/2014: €1,374 million), driven by higher revenue from Mediengruppe How much money can RTL Group spend RTL Deutschland, digital assets and on growth investments? FremantleMedia

Elmar Heggen: As demonstrated in 2014, our EBITA was up 4.3 per cent to €340 million strong cash flows allow us to combine attractive (Q2/2014: €326 million) dividend payments with significant investments in digital and content. Clearly, we won’t change our Net profit attributable to RTL Group strict investment criteria. But with profit margins shareholders more than doubled in the at high levels for most of our families of channels, second quarter to €245 million (Q2/2014: it’s imperative to find the next growth drivers for €111 million) our Group. With our recent investments, we’ve accelerated our digital strategy. Now it will be our

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6

SEGMENTS: MEDIENGRUPPE RTL DEUTSCHLAND CONTINUES OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL PERFOMANCE

During the first half of 2015, advertising market conditions showed a mixed picture: looking across the Group’s markets, RTL Group estimates that the net TV advertising markets in , and were up, while the market developments in the , Belgium and Hungary remained challenging. Nonetheless, all of RTL Group’s families of channels – with the exception of – were outperforming their respective markets

Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland’s EBITA reached a new record high for a first half at €343 million, up 9.6 per cent from €313 million in H1/2014, driven by significantly higher TV advertising and also higher diversification revenue

At Groupe M6, EBITA decreased to €105 million (H1/2014: €111 million), mainly reflecting lower EBITA contributions from the company’s diversification businesses

FremantleMedia’s EBITA was broadly stable at €28 million (H1/2014: €29 million)

RTL Nederland’s EBITA was down to €27 million (H1/2014: €44 million), mainly due to challenging advertising market conditions

RTL Hungary’s EBITA was up to €16 million (H1/2014: €5 million), driven by one-off effects such as the partial reversal of a stock valuation allowance and the re-claim of the advertising tax paid in 2014

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7

FREMANTLEMEDIA CONTINUES ITS PUSH INTO SCRIPTED PRIME-TIME ENTERTAINMENT

In August 2015, FremantleMedia acquired a 62.5 per cent majority stake in Wildside, an Italian TV and feature film production company. The acquisition strengthens FremantleMedia’s prime-time scripted business in the Italian market and bolsters the global content pipeline of FremantleMedia.

In June, the US premium cable channel Starz gave the greenlight to FremantleMedia North America’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s acclaimed contemporary fantasy novel American Gods

Having acquired the international distribution rights to UFA Fiction’s Deutschland 83 FremantleMedia International (FMI) announced an agreement with AMC’s Sundance TV that saw the Cold War inspired drama become the first German-language series to air on a major US channel. FMI subsequently announced presales of the drama series Deutschland 83 to Canal Plus (France), SVT (Sweden), NRK (Norway), DR (), YLE (Finland) and RUV (Iceland)

In January, FremantleMedia acquired a 25 per cent stake in newly formed, UK-based Corona TV. The deal, which gives FremantleMedia a first look option on all Corona TV output, furthers FremantleMedia’s ambition to build its scripted pipeline with projects that will have a cinematic feel and attract international co-production funding

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IMPRESSIVE GROWTH IN DIGITAL

In June 2015, RTL Group formed the RTL Digital Hub to drive leadership and growth in the digital video market. The RTL Digital Hub team manages RTL Group’s portfolio of digital acquisitions; provides support for their further international expansion; and scans the market for further investments in the online video space

The companies of the RTL Digital Hub – RTL Group’s recently acquired digital businesses BroadbandTV, StyleHaul and SpotXchange – continued to show strong revenue growth, comparing H1/2015 with H1/2014: BroadbandTV was up 84 per cent, StyleHaul was up 112 per cent2, SpotXchange was up 90 per cent2

In the first half of 2015:

RTL Group’s catch-up TV services, websites and multi-channel networks (MCNs) attracted a total of 42.5 billion online video views, up 171 per cent year-on-year3 (H1/2014: 15.7 billion) FremantleMedia’s more than 210 YouTube channels attracted 6.1 billion views, up 35 per cent year-on-year

RTL Group currently generates more than 8 billion online video views per month4 – up 50 per cent compared to the monthly average in Q4/2014

In April, RTL Group led the most recent financing round for Clypd, a US-based platform for programmatic advertising sales on linear TV, and now holds a 17.4 per cent minority stake in the company (on a fully diluted basis)

In April, BroadbandTV announced the acquisition of the leading kids content producer and publisher on YouTube, YoBoHo

At the Newfronts in May 2015, StyleHaul announced a new agreement with Amazon which will see StyleHaul produce short-form videos featuring its digital talent

In June, BroadbandTV announced an agreement with the Huffington Post to form Outspeak, the first next-generation online video journalism network

In July, BroadbandTV and BMG announced a commercial agreement to form ‘Windfall’, a model for the music business set for the digital age, providing an end-to-end solution to find, develop, and service artists across all platforms

2 Pro-forma / 3 Aggregated view / 4 Aggregated view; pro-forma

9 A WILD PARTNERSHIP FremantleMedia

On 27 August 2015, FremantleMedia announced the acquisition of a 62.5 per cent majority stake in Wildside, a leading Italian television and feature film producer, to strengthen its prime time scripted portfolio. – 27 August 2015

Wildside is currently producing The Young Pope, a joint Sky, HBO and Canal Plus production, directed by Academy Award winner Paolo Sorrentino, and starring Jude Law and Diane Keaton. FremantleMedia International is distributing the title in the non-partner territories.

Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia, commented: “This is a key strategic acquisition for FremantleMedia as we continue to strengthen our prime time scripted presence. Wildside is fast becoming one of Europe’s most sought after drama producers and will complement our existing prime-time drama businesses in the US, Germany, Scandinavia, The Netherlands, Australia and the UK. The team have an impressive track record of attracting world class creative talent and delivering award winning drama so I’m really excited that Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia they are joining our family of production companies.”

Based in Rome, the company was founded in 2009 by producers Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani, script writers and directors Marco Martani, Fausto Brizzi and Saverio Costanzo following the merger of Wilder and Offside production companies. Wildside has quickly established itself as one of the most prominent high end drama producers for the Italian and international

© Sky, HBO, Wildside 2015 © Sky, markets. Recent successes include the Italian version of In Treatment Season 1 and 2 (Sky) and 1992 (Sky) which premiered to critical acclaim at the Berlin Film Festival this year.

On the big screen, Wildside Cinema’s successes include award-winning Hungry Hearts, directed by Jude Law in the Sky, HBO and Canal Plus original co-production, Saverio Costanzo and starring up and coming talent The Young Pope, as Lenny Belardo, Pope Pius XIII Adam Driver (recently cast in Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens), the EFA Best Comedy 2014 winner The Mafia Kills Only in Summer directed by Pif, the award winning Me and You directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and The Solitude of Prime Numbers which was nominated for the Golden Lion at the prestigious Venice International Film Festival in 2010.

Hungry Hearts

10 “WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SUPER PIONEERS IN TRENDS” RTL Group

At the world’s largest online video conference, VidCon, Co-CEO Guillaume de Posch explained RTL Group’s push into online video – and why he also remains bullish about the Group’s core business, TV broadcasting and production. Luxembourg – 24 July 2015

RTL Group Co-CEO Guillaume de Posch at VidCon in Los Angeles, California

In today’s digital media world teenagers – often called ‘millennials’ – are one of the most sought after audiences by media companies and advertisers alike. Anyone who wants to get in direct contact with this target group and anyone who wants to experience how passionate teenagers are about video content and their favourite vloggers has one event marked in their calendars: VidCon in Los Angeles, California.

Since 2012, the Anaheim Convention Center – located opposite the world famous Disneyland – has been home to this conference which was recently described as a “cross between summer camp and Beatlemania”. To put it more prosaically, more than 300 of the most innovative and influential YouTube creators perform, discuss, Fans were able to meet their favourite YouTubers such and connect with more than 20,000 fans (mostly teenagers, often as RCLBeauty101 (left) at the booth accompanied by their parents) at the three-day conference. At the of BroadbandTV at VidCon same time, VidCon’s “Industry Track” brings together leaders and executives from the online video industry.

RTL Group’s Co-CEO Guillaume de Posch seized the opportunity and showcased RTL Group’s digital strategy to a packed ballroom. Interviewed by Jocelyn Johnson, Publisher of TheVideoink.com, Guillaume de Posch started by explaining RTL Group to the US audience. “To put it simply: we are the CBS of Europe, combining TV channels, radio stations and a global content production arm.” Next >

11 Guillaume de Posch interviewed by Jocelyn Johnson, Publisher of TheVideoink.com

In addition, RTL Group has made a series of significant investments in digital video companies such as BroadbandTV, StyleHaul, SpotXchange and Divimove over the past two years. The main reason for these “land-grabbing acquisitions? Guillaume de Posch explained: “Linear television remains strong, with viewing times of almost four hours in many countries. At the same time, non-linear viewing is growing rapidly, especially short-form content among millennials. As a video delivery company, we simply have to serve this audience as well.”

As RTL Group generates around 60 per cent of its total revenue from advertising “we have to be invested in advertising technology as well. Guillaume de Posch and Shahrzad Rafati, That’s what we did with the programmatic online video advertising Founder and CEO of BroadbandTV platform SpotXchange. I can tell you: this business is booming, it’s absolutely amazing.”

De Posch continued: “RTL Group dates back to 1924 and we have “RTL GROUP always been super pioneers in trends. We started with radio, then DATES BACK TO expanded into television and now here we are, the leading European media company in online video. In the end, all that matters is creating 1924 AND WE HAVE a good story and monetising it, whatever the device it’s on – and this is ALWAYS BEEN why we remain bullish about our core business.” SUPER PIONEERS After his keynote (known as a “fireside chat” in VidCon terms), Guillaume de Posch met the CEO of YouTube, Susan Wojcicki, IN TRENDS.” and visited the BroadbandTV booth. Talking to Backstage, Guillaume de Posch Guillaume de Posch said about his visit to VidCon: “This was Co-CEO of RTL Group a unique opportunity for us at RTL Group – firstly, to raise our profile in the United States, the biggest and most innovative media market in the world. Secondly, to see first-hand the enthusiasm of thousands of young video fans. This is a call-to-action to continue pursuing our push in digital video.”

12 DYNAMIC PRESENCE AT VIDCON BroadbandTV / StyleHaul

In addition to Guillaume de Posch’s fireside chat on VidCon, both of RTL Group’s multi-channel networks (MCNs) BroadbandTV and StyleHaul had a dynamic presence at the ‘must-attend’ online video event. North America – 27 July 2015

On 23 July 2015, BroadbandTV Founder and CEO Shahrzad Rafati conducted a fireside chat with YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki. Wojcicki shared her insights on the future of the platform as YouTube celebrates its tenth birthday. Shahrzad Rafati asked the YouTube CEO a number of hard-hitting questions that are on the minds of many creators, brands and YouTube partners: immersive entertainment, mobile, cost per thousand impression (CPMs), revenue diversification, discovery on the platform, competition, product pipeline, tackling challenges, and content quality.

BroadbandTV Founder and CEO Shahrzad Rafati conducted a fireside chat with YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki

Following Wojcicki’s keynote speech, in which she said that 400 hours of content are uploaded onto YouTube every minute, Shahrzad Rafati asked: “If I’m an aspiring creator, what does that mean for me? Is it even possible for me to get discovered on YouTube?” Wojcicki replied: “You’re an expert in helping people discover content! We’re currently seeing the most growth from our emerging partners, and we’re seeing huge overall growth on the platform.” Among other questions, Shahrzad also asked her about content quality: “Does it continue to be a topic of concern with advertisers? How will content quality on digital platforms evolve from here?” Susan Wojcicki answered: “Companies like yours are investing in the space to create brilliant content and make the connections between creators and their fans even stronger.”

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13 On the same day, Stephanie Horbaczewski, Founder and CEO of StyleHaul, participated in a VidCon panel entitled ‘Mergers/Acquisitions – What is the World Like Today?’. Moderated by Brent Weinstein, Partner and Head of Digital Media United Talent Agency, Horbaczewski and the other panellists – Seung Bak, Co-Founder of DramaFever, Brett Bouttier, President of AwesomenessTV and Sarah Harden, EVP Strategy and Investments at Otter Media – talked about what it takes to build and prepare a company for a potential acquisition, and what big companies are looking for in video companies. The session provided hands-on tips, tricks and proven strategies to help companies position themselves for investment and acquisition down the road.

Speaking about StyleHaul’s acquisition by RTL Group, Stephanie Horbaczewski said: “We spent two years getting to know RTL deeply and the acquisition allowed us to do so much more than we could ever do alone.” Regarding StyleHaul’s focus on style-related topics, she added: “We are extremely focused on the style category. For us, the question of scale was not about competing with larger networks, but whether we dominated this category. We do a billion and a half views in this category alone.” Addressing StyleHaul’s Stephanie Horbaczewski participating in a VidCon panel entitled ‘Mergers/Acquisitions – What is the commitment to investing in content creators, she underlined: “You can World Like Today?’ never invest enough in content and creators. We’ve been investing in talent since we started.”

COLOGNE CELEBRATES YOUTUBERS

The seventh VideoDays, Europe’s largest YouTuber event, was held on 7 and 8 August 2015 in Cologne. And a number of YouTube talents from UFA Lab and Divimove were right in the thick of it.

With just under 15,300 fans gathered in Cologne, the atmosphere in the Lanxess Arena was positively exuberant. Alongside UFA Lab was Divimove, the largest European Multi-Channel Network (MCN), which was well represented by its YouTube stars. Appearances were made by KranCrafter, Dailyknoedel, Katja Krasavice, ConCrafter, Paluten, Rotpilz, AviveHD, BaastiZockt, PXLWLF and FelixBa, among others, and the stars made sure to sign lots of autographs and pose for selfies with their fans.

Workshops were also held where participants received helpful tips. In addition to the legal aspects, the workshops also looked at topics like successful marketing.

A particular highlight from VideoDays in Cologne was the presentation of the Play Awards. These were awarded to YouTube creators on Saturday across a total of eight categories.

Lanxess Arena during the award

14 A GAME-CHANGER FOR THE NEW GENERATION OF MUSIC STARS BroadbandTV

On 28 July 2015, the multi-channel network BroadbandTV (BBTV) and the music publishing and recordings company BMG announced a comprehensive and technologically-advanced alliance designed to accelerate the careers of emerging music artists. North America – 29 July 2015

Branded ‘Windfall’, this joint venture by the two companies is a model set for the digital age, providing an end-to-end solution to find, develop, and service artists across all platforms. Artists will benefit from BMG’s expertise, spanning music publishing, rights management, promotion and distribution, along with BBTV’s full suite of online video services and solutions including production, premium channel and fan uploaded content management, technology, distribution, and monetisation.

BBTV is one of the leading music players in the space, reaching billions of monthly views and its music network has grown by 62 per cent in the last quarter. BBTV operates two of the largest music networks on YouTube: Opposition, the number one hip-hop music network in the world with major artists such as Logic, Father and Yung Simmie; and Wimsic, the number one Electronic Dance Music (EDM) network backed by artists such as Major Lazer, Dillon Francis and Will Sparks. Artists of Windfall will benefit from BBTV’s suite of technology including Viso Novi for rights management and Viso Catalyst, BBTV’s audience development platform. Next >

15 “This deal is another shining example of our commitment in advancing the online video ecosystem, and is an exciting addition to our growing portfolio of services,” says Shahrzad Rafati, Founder and CEO, BroadbandTV. “The launch of Windfall supports our goal to more than double the size of our music network over the next 12 months. Not only does this partnership with BMG break new ground in expanding the relationship between artists and labels, it’s a big step forward in the music industry as a whole where online video has become such a massive strategic component to engage with fans. With Windfall, we’re not just creating music stars, but media stars.”

BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch adds: “For many artists and music fans, music is now an audio-visual art-form. With online video emerging as a breeding ground for new talent, our partnership with BroadbandTV brings an innovative new offering to the market, creating an artist-friendly suite of online video services which we believe will be a game-changer.”

Laurent Hubert, President, Creative & Marketing of BMG US, comments: “The combined expertise and innovative technology of BroadbandTV and BMG offers a dream team for artists to help them achieve their full potential.”

Visit the website to learn more: www.WindfallMusic.com

Shahrzad Rafati, Founder and CEO of BroadbandTV

ABOUT BMG

BMG is the new model music company founded by and songwriters attracted by its fresh approach. BMG Bertelsmann in 2008 as a direct response to the challenges is a wholly-owned subsidiary of international media of music’s digital revolution. Key to its innovative approach company Bertelsmann, whose Group interests embrace is the fact it represents the traditionally separate music broadcasting and TV production (RTL Group), books publishing and recording rights off the same state-of-the- (Penguin ) and magazines (Gruner + Jahr), art platform internationally. BMG is already the world’s media services () and print (BePrinters). With its fourth biggest music publisher and the first new global multi-platform perspective, integrated technology platform player in the recordings business in decades. BMG’s pitch and commitment to help artists maximise their income, is unique – a relentless focus on fairness and transparency BMG aims to be the best company in music to do business and service to its artist and songwriter clients. BMG’s 11 with. offices across nine core music markets now represent over 2 million songs and recordings, including the catalogues of Chrysalis, Bug, Virgin, Mute, Sanctuary, Primary Wave  www.bmg.com and Talpa Music, as well as literally thousands of artists

16 LOTS OF NEW PROGRAMMING Vox

This year, along with many beloved familiar formats and new seasons, Vox treats its viewers to some new programming highlights with in-house productions as well as purchased series. Germany – 14 August 2015

Geschickt eingefädelt – Wer näht am besten? is the first sewing contest on German television. Guido Maria Kretschmer joins fashion designer Anke Müller and the National Chair of the Tailors Guild, Inge Szołtysik-Sparrer, in finding the best © Vox / Andreas Friese / © Vox amateur seamsters and seamstresses.

Steffen Henssler is drawn to distant destinations: In Henssler grenzenlos, the celebrated chef travels abroad on a culinary journey of discovery. Wherever he goes, he takes to the stove to compete with the locals Anke Müller, Guido Maria Kretschmer and Inge Szołtysik-Sparrer and test their cooking skills. © Vox / Markus Hertrich © Vox

Steffen Henssler © Vox / Martin Rottenkolber © Vox

In late autumn, the channel premieres Club der roten Bänder, its first series produced in-house. The story is based on the true experiences of the author Albert Espinosa and is an adaptation of the Catalan TV series Polseres vermelles. Next >

Club der roten Bänder 17 In 2016, animal psychologist Martin Rütter celebrates spring with many two- and four-legged guests in Martin Rütters tierischer Frühjahrsputz, and presents compelling animal stories.

In Real Men, Vox brings a popular Danish format to Germany. The German adaptation features and accompanies five ‘real-life’ men during their preparations for a cross-triathlon, in the course of which they often encounter their physical limits, because the men are anything but professional athletes. Martin Rütter © Vox / ABC Studios / © Vox

How to Get Away with Murder star Annalise Keating (Viola Davis, front) with her team

And of course there’s something in the line-up for fans of US series as well. Three new series celebrate their German free-TV debut on Vox in the upcoming season: How to Get Away with Murder, Night Shift and Chicago P.D.

18 IT’S BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON IN BELGIUM RTL Belgium

During a press conference on 19 August 2015, the Belgian television channels RTL TVI, Club RTL and Plug RTL presented their new flagship programmes. Plenty of new arrivals await Belgian viewers this autumn. Belgium – 26 August 2015

New arrivals This new season’s programming includes De quoi je me mêle!, presented by Michaël Mirglia, a programme which is all about solidarity, debate, consumer information and unusual news stories. The team of pundits includes: Sophie Pendeville, Ingrid Franssen, Alexandra Hubin, Emmanuelle Praet, Renaud Duquesne, and Thibaut Roland. © RTL/JM CLAJOT © RTL/JM

De quoi je me mêle !

Christophe Deborsu joins RTL TVI to shake up Sundays for viewers, every Sunday from 11:30 to 13:00 with C’est pas tous les jours dimanche. Christophe and his team of pundits will be welcoming guests from any background currently in the news. Analysis, arguments and favourite topics: it’s the unmissable event of the weekend for unravelling the stories behind the headlines. © RTL/JM CLAJOT © RTL/JM

C’est pas tous les jours dimanche with Christophe Deborsu

Next > 19 And finally, Still Standing, the new general knowledge trivia game show on RTL TVI. Each week, a new contestant will find themselves pitted alone against 10 competitors with the aim of eliminating each one in head-to-head duels.

News The three RTL Belgium channels will also be showing some new current affairs programmes, in particular Défense d’entrer, presented by Charles Neuforge, and also the play Djihad, which is followed by a debate presented by Laurent Haulotte. Furthermore Crime parfait? presented by François Troukens will be opening crime files and doggedly pursuing these stories that will have viewers shivering.

Reality documentaries Charleroi Airport is a series of ten episodes about the things that happen in a place known to many Belgians: Charleroi Airport. © RTL/O. Pirard © RTL/O.

Charleroi Airport

Wouf, presented by Sophie Pendeville, is the first major talent show entirely dedicated to man’s best friend. The jury, consisting of Eve Angéli, Sophie Thalmann, Sébastien Kfoury and Patrick Pittavi, will judge which dogs are the most talented and most original in Belgium and France.

Wouf, (from left to right) Eve Angéli, Sébastien Kfoury, Sophie Pendeville, Patrick Pittavi and Sophie Thalmann

In Jobs sans frontières, four professionals from one type of career, such as nurses, bus drivers or even teachers, are totally immersed in a developing country working in the same job for one intense week.

Un toit pour l’hiver, presented by Julie Taton, is a charitable programme coming to the aid of families in crisis.

20 Audiences can continue to follow the world’s fastest cars at RTL

RTL Television and Formula One World Championship Limited (FOWC) are extending their cooperation. This means that the Cologne-based channel will continue to show the exciting Formula 1 races.

The term of the new TV deal starts in 2016 – in the 25th anniversary year – and ends after the 2017 season. During that time, RTL Television will have the exclu- sive German Free TV rights to all advertising elements of each Formula 1 racing weekend, including the free training, qualifying and actual races and the price-giving. The contract also covers various sublicensing rights.

Bernie Ecclestone and RTL-Programming Director Frank Hoffmann (middle) with the RTL team and Formula 1-drivers SHORT NEWS 1/2

28 executives meet at the RTL Group Orientation Day RTL Group

On 8 and 9 July 2015, RTL Group held its 25th RTL Group Orientation Day. During two days, 28 managers and executives across the Group had the opportunity to meet with RTL Group’s senior management and gain deeper insights into RTL Group’s organisation and strategy. Luxembourg – 16 July 2015

A natural fit for brand leverage FremantleMedia Australia

FremantleMedia Australia’s production Family Feud is moving further into commercial brand extensions with puzzle books and instant lottery scratch tickets. Broadcast on Network Ten, it is Australia’s number one TV game show. Australia – 20 July 2015

SpotXchange partners with TV Insider SpotXchange

TVInsider.com has partnered with SpotXchange to sell ads across its suite of behind-the-scenes and TV companion video content. North America – 22 July 2015

Taking the ultimate pet lovers destination to new heights FremantleMedia North America

On 22 July 2015, FremantleMedia North America’s Tiny Riot announced that it partnered with Jukin Media, the global leader in user-generated entertainment, to form a joint venture to manage The Pet Collective, the ultimate destination for pet lovers on the web. North America – 23 July 2015

Let’s get ready to rumble five more times! RTL Television

Boxing world champion Wladimir Klitschko will continue to box exclusively on RTL Television in Germany. The new TV contract covers the next five fights of the heavyweight champion. The first event will be the match against challenger Tyson Fury on 24 October. Germany – 23 July 2015

22 SHORT NEWS 2/2

Videoland via WhatsApp RTL Nederland

The video-on-demand service is now, besides email, telephone and social media also informing customers via the mobile chat service. They can send their questions in and get an answer as well as tips and installation instructions via WhatsApp. The Netherlands – 7 August 2015

SpotXchange partners with LifeZette SpotXchange

SpotXchange and the US culture and politics news site, LifeZette, have announced a partnership to give video advertisers access to an elite politically conservative audience. Recently founded by author, talk show host and political commentator Laura Ingraham, LifeZette describes itself as a premium digital destination and online site for conservative Americans seeking content that speaks to their values and informs their daily lives. North America – 13 August 2015

Day-and-Date with the USA RTL CBS Asia Entertainment Network

The new drama series Limitless, based on the film of the same name, is scheduled to premiere in Asia on RTL CBS Entertainment HD within 12 hours of its United States broadcast. It is due to debut on RTL CBS Entertainment HD on 23 September 2015. Singapore – 21 August 2015

“My brother!” is back RTL Television

RTL Television has just begun with the production of Winnetou. In addition to Wotan Wilke Möhring and Mario Adorf the Albanian Nik Xhelilaj plays the chieftain of the Apache Winnetou in the event movie, which will be broadcast in 2016. Germany – 25 August 2015

23 PEOPLE VIVIAN YIN APPOINTED CEO OF FREMANTLEMEDIA CHINA FremantleMedia China

China – 15 July 2015

On 14 July 2015, FremantleMedia announced the appointment of Vivian Yin as CEO of FremantleMedia China.

Based in Shanghai, Vivian Yin joined FremantleMedia in July and reports into Paul O’Hanlon, Managing Director, FremantleMedia Asia. Vivian, most recently Chief Representative and Vice President Production at Star China, will be responsible for the overall day to day management of the operation and will drive the continued expansion of the FremantleMedia China business.

Paul O’Hanlon, Managing Director, FremantleMedia Asia, Vivian Yin, CEO of FremantleMedia China says: “FremantleMedia’s China business is a critical part of our strategic growth in the region. Vivian’s strong sense of content creation and hands on production expertise, plus her experience as a highly regarded executive at Star China will be a fantastic asset as we step forward with our plans in China.”

Vivian Yin, CEO, FremantleMedia China, adds: “I am extremely honoured to be joining the senior team of FremantleMedia Asia, and adding my experience to drive exciting new growth plans in China. I look forward to working on the raft of projects already in the pipeline, and broadening our business as we continue to diversify.”

Vivian is an experienced and highly regarded television executive with strong relationships in the China market. At Star she was responsible for business development, acquisitions and distribution, and supervising their large- scale talent show projects including The Voice and Dancing With The Stars. Vivian Yin takes over from Yu Le who is leaving FremantleMedia to move to Australia with his family.

24 PEOPLE BOUNDLESS APPOINTS HANNAH WYATT AS MANAGING DIRECTOR FremantleMedia UK

United Kingdom – 17 July 2015

Richard Holloway, interim CEO of FremantleMedia UK, has announced the appointment of Hannah Wyatt (previously Creative Director, Boundless) to the role of Managing Director, Boundless. Hannah replaces outgoing Managing Director Patrick Holland.

Richard Holloway comments: “Hannah has been with the label for over a year, and has established herself as a real asset to Boundless. She brings a great deal of experience and creativity to the role, and will be integral to the future growth of the label.”

Hannah Wyatt says: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to take Boundless forward. The team here are terrific and really creative so I’m looking forward to working with them and continuing to build on the success of the company.”

Hannah Wyatt, Managing Director, Boundless

25 PEOPLE JACQUES NAVADIC PASSED AWAY RTL Group

Luxembourg – 6 August 2015

It is with great sadness that RTL Group has learned of the death of the first Editor-in-Chief of Télé Luxembourg. Jacques Navadic passed away during the night of 3/4 August aged 95 in Nice.

Together with Robert Diligent, who died 18 months ago, also in Nice, Jacques Navadic formed the emblematic duo at the historic francophone channel launched in 1955, Télé Luxembourg. They created, developed and presented the evening news from September 1955 onwards, initially from the Dudelange broadcasting centre studios. As one of the main contributors to the channel’s popularity, focussing in particular on getting close to the viewer, Jacques Navadic played an active role in the development of Télé Luxembourg (which subsequently became RTL Télévision) until the end of the 1980s; as Director of News, Artistic Director, Director of Programming or as adviser to the senior management of CLT. Jacques Navadic also launched the careers of a number of female presenters who became extremely popular such as Marylène Bergmann and Michèle Etzel.

Before moving to the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, Jacques Navadic, with a Diploma in Journalism, first became a comedian and then helped to set up Télé Lille in Jacques Navadic, first Editor-in-Chief of Télé Luxembourg his native Lille, thus establishing the first regional channel on French television. There he was already in contact with Robert Diligent and Thérèse Leduc who were to accompany him on the adventure of Télé Luxembourg which he wrote about in two books entitled Télé Luxembourg a vingt ans (1975) and RTL Télévision, c’est nous! (1985).

In many ways, Jacques Navadic was the symbol of Télé Luxembourg and RTL Télévision.

26 More about Backstage

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