Advanced Television

Thomas Rabe

RTL unveils new brand identity

RTL Group has unveiled a new identity and design for its core brand RTL. A press release from the German company said that “the comprehensive redesign and repositioning will strengthen RTL as Europe’s leading entertainment brand. The focus is on one unified RTL brand that stands for positive entertainment and independent journalism, as well as […]

June 14, 2021

TF1, M6 “exclusive” merger talks

Groupe TF1, Groupe M6, Groupe Bouygues and RTL Group have signed agreements to enter into exclusive negotiations to merge the activities of Groupe TF1 and Groupe M6 and create a major French media group. They say the new group would be well positioned to master the challenges arising from the accelerating competition with global platforms, […]

May 18, 2021By Colin Mann

Banks react to Bertelsmann consolidation comments

Thomas Rabe, CEO/chairman of Bertelsmann, has shared his view that there’s a strong case and a need for consolidation amongst streaming platforms. His comments prompted a note to clients from a couple of investment banks. Exane/BNPP asked: “Does this give RTL the impetus to be the European broadcasting champion?” The bank adds: “As a reminder, […]

August 18, 2020

Bertelsmann: “Europe should consolidate streamers”

Thomas Rabe, chief executive and chairman of Bertelsmann says regulators should allow European media companies to scout mergers and partnerships to enable them to compete with US streaming giants such as Netflix and Disney+. Rabe told the FT that the economic impact of coronavirus on the industry had strengthened his view that it will be […]

August 17, 2020

RTL revenue down 16.4%

RTL Group’s turnover fell significantly in the first half of 2020, dropping 16.4 per cent to €2.7 billion. Advertising revenue has suffered in particular, dropping by 40 per cent from April to June. The bottom line is a profit of €156 million for the first six months of 2020, down €287 millionon the previous year. […]

August 13, 2020