RTL rejigs in Hungary with RTL+ launch, with 12 local originals planned

Gabriella Vidus

RTL Group is launching a new SVOD service in Hungary called RTL+, which will seek to differentiate itself by focusing primarily on local content.

RTL+ aims to launch 12 exclusive local productions on the platform over the next 12 months and in parallel with the streamer’s launch, the company’s well-established linear channel RTL Klub will change its name to RTL.

Existing free streaming products including RTL Most and RTL Most+ will be integrated into the new RTL+ offering.

Outlining the new structure, RTL Hungary MD Gabriella Vidus said the ad-free service “will be the only platform in the market that specifically aims to provide local Hungarian content to its subscribers”.

Emphasising the distinction between RTL+ and RTL, she stressed that the new service would not simply be lifting content already destined for transmission on the flagship channel: “We are not talking about our current linear shows, but about special content being prepared for this platform.”

Upcoming productions include a series about the life and death of local pop star Jimmy Zambo. In addition, acquired and archive content will flesh out the 5,000-hour service.

Hungary is not the first place where RTL Group has deployed RTL+ as an SVOD streaming brand. A German version of RTL+ launched in November 2021.