European content giant Bertelsmann is combining expertise from its UK businesses – including TV producer Fremantle and publishing giant Penguin Random House UK – as part of an expanded push into podcasting. Storyglass, which was launched in 2018 as a scripted-focused division of Fremantle’s global drama department, will now produce projects across all genres, including […]
Anke Schäferkordt is stepping down as co-CEO of RTL Group, with the pan-European broadcaster’s Dutch boss Bert Habets filling her role. Schäferkordt will remain in charge of RTL Deutschland, the group’s largest operation, while RTL Nederland chief Habets will step into the chief exec role, working alongside existing co-CEO Guillaume de Posch, who remains in […]
UK-licensed European channels face a period of uncertainty after last night’s Brexit vote, according to industry sources. Hundreds of networks within the European Union are licensed out of the UK by communications regulator Ofcom. With UK voters opting to leave the EU, the status of these licences, and how the channels will ensure they are […]
A Hungarian broadcaster is working up the first international version of Turkish-produced talent singing format It’s Showtime. RTL2 has commissioned the show after its Bertelsmann stablemate FremantleMedia picked up production rights in 20 territories. FremantleMedia’s UFA Magyarország will produce the show through its recently launched Show and Factual division. FremantleMedia‘s option deal with Istanbul-based format […]
Multi-channel network BroadbandTV is partnering with Bertelsmann stablemate and music publisher BMG on an initiative to push emerging artists to YouTube and digital audiences. The two firms have created Windfall, which they say is “a model set for the digital age, providing an end-to-end solution to find, develop, and service artists across all platforms”. In […]
RTL Group has created a digital hub that will manage RTL Group’s portfolio of digital acquisitions and help support their international expansion. The RTL Digital Hub team will develop the firm’s investments in multichannel networks, in particular BroadbandTV and StyleHaul, and in the digital advertising sales businesses SpotXchange and Clypd. The RTL Digital Hub will also work […]
Media agency ZenithOptimedia has ranked the world’s top media owners, with Disney, Comcast, Fox and CBS all in the top five. They sit after technology and serach giant Google, which takes the number one slot and has extended its lead in the position. “Google is now 136% bigger than the second-largest media owner [Disney], up […]
FremantleMedia veteran Olivier Delfosse has been named COO of StyleHaul, Fremantle’s multichannel network sister firm within the RTL Group. At Germany-based StyleHaul, he will work closely on developing the business with CEO and president Stephanie Horbaczewski, working out of LA. At FremantleMedia, Delfosse drove global digital initiatives and partnerships with the likes of YouTube and […]
Digital executive Thomas Hesse has stepped down from RTL parent Bertelsmann “to pursue new professional opportunities” in the digital business space. Hesse, who was credited as being “instrumental” in Bertelsmann’s digital transformation – including RTL Group’s online video success – was executive board member and president, corporate development and new businesses. Bertelsmann said that Hesse […]
RTL Group’s owner Bertelsmann has raised €1.4 billion (US$1.8 billion) through a secondary public offering of shares in the European broadcaster. Following the secondary public offering of 25.5 million shares at €55.50, including a 2.3 million over-allotment, global media group Bertelsmann now holds 75.1% of RTL, which has producer/distributor FremantleMedia and a slew of channels […]
