week 9 / 26 February 2015

CH

N RELAU

e h t e c n e i r e p Ex

m o c UP.

O R TLG

R

f o d l wor

nt. e m n i rta e t n E l ba o l G . s re u g i F . s Fact

week 9 / 26 February 2015

CH

NEWS – THE BELGIAN WAY How RTL Belgium’s news is changing in response to new TV viewing habits

RELAUN

d of e worl nce th m Experie

.co ROUP

RTLG

t. inmen Enterta . Global Figures Facts.

Cover

Visual of the marketing campaign RTLGroup.com

Publisher RTL Group 45, Bd Pierre Frieden L-1543 Luxembourg

Editor, Design, Production RTL Group Corporate Communications & Marketing

before yo ink up Th

t rin

backstage.rtlgroup.com

backstage.rtlgroup.fr

backstage.rtlgroup.de

QUICK VIEW

Modern design. Clear navigation. More visuals. RTL Group

External views, open discussions

p.4–12

Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland

p.13

A Roman epic sprinkled with comedy

Finding a Swedish home FremantleMedia

M6

p.15

p.14

Big Picture p.16

SHORT NEWS

PEOPLE

p.17 p.18–19

RTL Group, the leading European entertainment network, goes live with a new corporate website.

MODERN DESIGN. CLEAR NAVIGATION. MORE VISUALS. Luxembourg – 26 February 2015

RTL Group

Screenshot of the revamped RTLGroup.com

4

responsive design

Lorem ipsum

The new website has been designed to meet the needs of users in the digital world. It therefore has improved usability, is more responsive, and includes more visual material.

more visual maTerial More specifically, the website’s layout has undergone a complete makeover and has been optimised for all devices and browsers. The flat design enables fast loading times, while a clear, streamlined navigation structure guides users through the world of RTL Group.

User-friendly inTerface wiTh sTreamlined navigaTion sTrucTure

Next >

5

The new site’s prominently placed videos and emotive pictures highlight multimedia content, current news and stories from RTL Group and its subsidiaries. In addition, RTL Group’s Twitter feed (@RTLGroup) can now be followed on the homepage.

Learn more abouT RTL Group’s success sTories here

following RTL Group’s TwiTTer accounT is now jusT a click away



@RTLGroup Next >

6

The website features comprehensive information about RTL Group’s operations, strategy, management and history.

Find ouT more abouT The leading European enTerTainmenT neTwork’s operaTions in This secTion

RTL Group’s sTraTegy focuses s: on Three main invesTmenT area broadcasT, conTenT, and digiTal Learn more here

History

Did you know ThaT RTL Group’s rooTs daTe back in 1924?

you can find ouT abouT RTL Group’s rich hisTory here

Next >

7

Following the increased free float and RTL Group’s inclusion in the M-Dax index, the ‘investors’ navigation point has been expanded significantly.

invesTors and analysTs can easily idenTify informaTion of inTeresT To Them, including RTL Group’s key figures, financial reporTs, as well as relevanT publicaTions.

Next >

8

The ‘media’ section contains all the information that is relevant for journalists: press releases, photos, financial reports, video footage and company presentations.

Are you inTeresTed in receiving RTL Group’s press releases?

Here you can read RTL Group’s press releases, browse Group’s annual reporTs and have access To Group’s laTesT publicaTions

Next >

9

Another main navigation point pools all information about RTL Group’s diverse corporate responsibility activities.

inTeresTed in knowing how RTL Group is adopTing a corporaTe responsibiliTy business model?

The answer is To be found in RTL Group’s CorporaTe ResponsibiliTy secTion.

Next >

10

Under ‘careers’, job seekers can get information about various ways to join RTL Group – and of course the latest job opportunities around the globe. A new, interactive world map serves as a portal to RTL Group’s global footprint and directly guides to vacancies in the various companies. You can also familiarise yourself with the corporate culture and working atmosphere of RTL Group companies via numerous testimonials and videos.

Our brand new careers secTion will help you idenTify job opporTuniTies aT RTL Group around The globe.

Ready to join ? s m a e t ic m a n y d ’s p u o RTL Gr

Next >

11

SCAN OR CLICK TO RLD EXPERIENCE THE WO OF RTL GROUP.COM

Meet the team responsible for the RTLGroup.com relaunch The new website was realised by RTL Group’s Corporate Communications & Marketing department, while the HR department revised the careers section. Commenting on the revamped RTL Group website Oliver Fahlbusch, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications & Marketing at RTL Group says: “As a leader across broadcast, content and digital, we aim to showcase everything that distinguishes RTL Group and its companies on our corporate website. Its modern design and focus on large images and video content emphasise what lies at the heart of our business – entertainment and information, creativity and innovation. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all who have contributed to this large project – and of course I would like to thank my team for their passion, dedication and the many hours spent on the relaunch.” Andreas Meier (Communications Manager) headed the project. The design was also completely developed in-house by Fabien Culot (Creative Design Executive), with the support of Olivier Cros (Senior Graphic Designer).

PARTiCiPATE AND WiNpromotion kit! an exclusive Let us know which sections you liked the most and take part in a prize draw to win one of the five promotion kits specially designed to mark the relaunch To participate, send us an email at [email protected]

12

EXTERNAL VIEWS, OPEN DISCUSSIONS Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland

On 19 February 2015, Mediengruppe RTL  Deutschland’s Media Advisory Council, formed from its expanded RTL Television Programming Committee, met for the first time. The new body will advise the management on matters of media and social policy and help to shape opinions during discussions. Germany – 25 February 2015

Anke Schäferkordt, RTL Group’s Co-CEO and CEO of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland

Anke Schäferkordt, RTL Group’s Co-CEO and CEO of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, says: “The expansion into a Media Advisory Council is a resolute response to the changes in our markets. I warmly welcome all new members and greatly look forward to constructive collaboration and an intensive exchange of ideas.” While the RTL Television Programming Committee advised RTL Television’s programme directors and management on matters of programming, the Media Advisory Council concerns itself with the many opportunities and challenges of the digital age. At its first meeting, the Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland management and Media Advisory Council dealt intensively with the myriad changes in the media market and the resulting requirements for regulation at state, federal and European level. The Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland Media Advisory Council is a voluntary advisory body with representatives from politics, culture, business, and the churches originally initiated by RTL Television. Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland appoints representatives of the organisations, at their suggestion, for a period of three years. The Media Advisory Council meets twice a year and may also convene working groups on specific issues. 13

A ROMAN EPIC SPRINKLED WITH COMEDY M6

On 24 February 2015, M6 started airing Peplum, a French series with the distinct look of a classical film epic. Broadcast in prime-time, the first episode reached an audience share of 21.7 per cent in the target group of housewives under 50 (2014 average: 15.9 per cent). France – 24 February 2015

© M6 / Cécile Rogue

Against the backdrop of the fall of the Roman Empire, Peplum plunges viewers into the daily adventures of Bravus, a former slave turned advisor to the tyrannical emperor Maximus. Constantly under pressure, caught between a particularly stressful profession and a chaotic family life, his life is no bed of roses. Any parallels with modern-day existence are, of course, purely coincidental!

Peplum casting

The historical comedy series, created by Fabien Rault based on an original idea by Thierry Ardisson, boasts a truly impressive line-up of stars, including Jonathan Lambert, Pascal Demolon, Philippe Vieux, Nicole Ferroni, Lou Chauvain and Anthony Sonigo, with guest appearances by such great names as Franck Dubosc, Gérard Hernandez, Michèle Laroque, Yvan Le Bolloc’h, Kad Merad, François Morel and Bruno Solo. Regarding the set design, the makers of the series did not skimp on the production costs either, with the settings taking no less than eight months to build and the actors donning 250 different costumes, including armour. The action was shot near Paris on a set covering 1,300 m2, including the palace of Maximus, with a terrace overlooking Rome; an entire street full of hawkers’ stands laid out just as they were in Roman times; Bravus’ house, complete with atrium; and the jails where gladiators were housed, with passageways leading to the Colosseum. The director of the series, Philippe Lefebvre, is very pleased with the result: “Every day I thank the producers for entrusting me with the direction of this historical series with such high-quality scripts, shot in sumptuous settings. Television is becoming increasingly ambitious, and Peplum is the clearest example of this.” 14

FINDING A SWEDISH HOME FremantleMedia

FremantleMedia has announced a new commission from Sweden’s SVT for its entertaining, competitive property format Who Lives Here? United Kingdom – 20 February 2015

Originally hailing from Canadian production company 3 Bird Media, the local Swedish version is set to launch in April 2015. FremantleMedia International has also secured the worldwide distribution rights for the original Canadian version of the title for its lifestyle catalogue. Who Lives Here? combines the love of snooping around other people’s houses and the pre-conceptions about people based on first appearances. In each episode, five strangers tour each other’s homes together and try to guess who lives where. The only information they have at their disposal are their first impressions and their knowledge of each other’s professions. At the end of the show – once all the guesses have been collated – each homeowner reveals their own place. Whoever makes the most correct home to homeowner matches wins a cash prize, not to mention bragging rights. Who Lives Here?

Vasha Wallace, Senior Vice President, Global Acquisitions and Development at FremantleMedia, says: “We are delighted to be working with SVT on their local version of the highly entertaining Who Lives Here?. Together the FremantleMedia Sweden and SVT teams have done an excellent job with the production and casting to bring a broad range of bold personalities and interiors to match. We are delighted with this format and since our launch, Who Lives Here? has already garnered a lot of global interest. We look forward to sharing more exciting news soon.” Micael Lekberg, Head of programming at SVT, adds: “Who Lives Here? immediately caught our interest when FremantleMedia pitched the format. The show depicts people’s vast interest for decorating, design and architecture in a very playful way. We have high hopes in reaching the wider audience with the Swedish version of Who Lives Here? when it premieres on 6 April on SVT1.”

15

Scan the QR code or click to view and order the trifold stamp pack

Neighbours makes its stamp on Australian history FremantleMedia Australia (FMA)’s iconic serial drama Neighbours celebrates its 30th anniversary in March 2015. To mark the occasion, FMA’s Media and Brand Licensing division has collaborated with Australia Post and has released a special commemorative stamp pack featuring some of the most popular characters from the show.

SHORT NEWS

1/1

RTL reports live from the Césars RTL Radio (France) On 20 February 2015, RTL Radio – in partnership with Canal+ – treated its listeners to the 40ème cérémonie des César (40th César Awards Ceremony), broadcast live from the Châtelet Theatre in Paris. France – 20 February 2015

A weekend event RTL Belgium Over the weekend of 27 to 29 March 2015, RTL House will welcome Startup Weekend Brussels Media, an event sponsored by RTL Belgium and focusing on media in Belgium. Guillaume de Posch, RTL Group Co-CEO, will preside over the jury. Belgium – 23 February 2015

RTL Radio wakes up the giant farm RTL Radio (France) On 21 and 23 February 2015, RTL Radio moved its morning schedule to the giant farm created to house the International Agricultural Show, in order to meet the producers and breeders at this event. France – 23 February 2015

The hunt for the bad boys goes on RTL Television On 24 February, James Spader returned to the screens as Red Reddington in the second series of The Blacklist on RTL Television, a role which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. Germany – 24 February 2015

Web talents meeting M6 Digital Studio Groupe M6 subsidiary, M6 Digital Studio, is organising Video City in Paris on 27 and 28 June 2015. It is an event for online video creators aimed primarily at a target group aged 12- to 25- year-old. France – 24 February 2015

17

PEOPLE

DAVID LARRAMENDY Groupe M6

France – 23 February 2015

At the proposal of Nicolas de Tavernost, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Groupe M6, on 17 February 2015 the Supervisory Board appointed David Larramendy as Member of the Executive Board of Groupe M6. David Larramendy has been Managing Director of both M6 Publicité and M6 Interactions since 8 December 2014. The Executive Board comprises four members: - Nicolas de Tavernost, Chairman of the Executive Board - Thomas Valentin, Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board - Jérôme Lefébure, Member of the Executive Board - David Larramendy, Member of the Executive Board Larramendy, 40, is a graduate of Supélec and has an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He began his career at Ernst & Young before joining Mistergooddeal when it was founded in 2000. He then worked at Goldman Sachs in London before joining Groupe M6 in 2008 as Head of Commerce for the Ventadis division, of which he became Managing Director in 2010.

David Larramendy

18

PEOPLE

OLIVIER DELFOSSE StyleHaul

North America – 20 February 2015

StyleHaul has announced that Olivier Delfosse, former Senior Vice President, Digital at FremantleMedia, has been appointed Chief Operations Officer (COO) at StyleHaul. Delfosse will work alongside Stephanie Horbaczewski, President and CEO of StyleHaul. As StyleHaul’s COO, Delfosse will lead the alignment and prioritisation of company investments, ensure operational excellence across each business unit, and create the strategic roadmap for the company’s expansion into international markets, with Asia and Brazil as priorities. Delfosse will also lead the partnership between StyleHaul and the companies within the RTL Group digital portfolio. “I am thrilled that Olivier is joining StyleHaul as our new COO,” says Stephanie Horbaczewski. “His experience and accomplishments at FremantleMedia, as well as his deep global and distribution knowledge will add tremendous value. His appointment paves the way for deeper and more meaningful partnerships with RTL Group and FremantleMedia and he is also uniquely positioned to help develop possible synergies with BroadbandTV, SpotXchange and Divimove. We could not be more excited to welcome him to StyleHaul.” Delfosse adds: “StyleHaul is the market leader in digital content creation that appeals to millennials, successfully reaching millions of women worldwide with innovative fashion, beauty and lifestyle-driven programming across all of the social platforms. During my tenure at FremantleMedia, my team and I had success extending global television brands, like American Idol, The X Factor and America’s Got Talent, into the social and online video space. I am looking forward to bringing that knowledge and expertise to StyleHaul and working in parternship with Stephanie to execute her strategic vision for the company’s growth as it continues to scale.” “Olivier has played a key role in our success in the digital space, from the market-leading digital initiatives on our big TV properties like American Idol and America’s Got Talent, to helping drive our global strategy in digital content,” says Keith Hindle, CEO Digital & Branded Entertainment for FremantleMedia and StyleHaul Board Member. “He is a terrific asset for StyleHaul at such an exciting time in their growth.”

Olivier Delfosse

During his role at FremantleMedia, Delfosse drove global digital initiatives and implemented innovative strategic partnerships with Youtube as well as Facebook, Twitter and beyond. These are particularly important areas of expertise for StyleHaul as the company seeks to expand onto new platforms, anchored by its bench of more than 5,000 digital influencers and one billion views per month on Youtube. Delfosse also managed Profit and Loss (P&L) for all interactive businesses across a broad spectrum of FremantleMedia North America’s television properties, including American Idol, America’s Got Talent, The Price Is Right, Family Feud and The X Factor. His accolades include a Cannes Lion and three Steevees (social TV). Delfosse is also a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Interactive Peer Group, the Producers Guild of America, and a frequent speaker at conferences such as Sxsw and Natpe.

19

More about Backstage BACKSTAGE IS AVAILABLE IN THREE LANGUAGES

DAILY NEWS FROM ACROSS THE GROUP – DIRECTLY IN YOUR INBOX

‘AT RTL GROUP, WE CARE’

You can read Backstage in your preferred language – in English, French or German.

In addition to the weekly newsletter we offer to registered users a daily newsletter available in three languages.

RTL Group is committed to effectively combine business success with socially responsible actions towards local communities and to protect the environment. Visit the Corporate Responsibility news section on Backstage (CR news) and find out how RTL Group aims to improve the societies in which we operate.

backstage.rtlgroup.com

backstage.rtlgroup.fr

backstage.rtlgroup.de

For more information, don’t hesitate to contact the editorial team:

[email protected]