AGM 1 - Backstage

AGM20 April 2011

Luxembourg

RTL Group publishes Annual Report 2010

Germany

RTL Creation sends Easter bunnies on a secret mission

France

Pékin Express heads for Africa

Belgium

New logos and sets formagazines on RTL-TVI

week 16

20 April 2011

“An impressive track record”Chairman Siegfried Luther on RTL Group’s business development, dividend and outlook

the RTL Group intranetweek 16

AGM20 April 2011

Luxembourg

RTL Group publishes Annual Report 2010

Germany

RTL Creation sends Easter bunnies on a secret mission

France

Pékin Express heads for Africa

Belgium

New logos and sets formagazines on RTL-TVI

week 16

20 April 2011

“An impressive track record”Chairman Siegfried Luther on RTL Group’s business development, dividend and outlook

Cover: Siegfried Luther, Chairman of the Board of RTL Group

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2009 was a truly challenging year for business. How did RTL Group in 2010?RTL Group benefited from the fact that, after the severe financial and economic crisis in 2008/09, the advertising markets in Western Europe recovered much faster and more strongly in 2010 than could have been expected – even in very optimistic scenarios. The big winner here was television. Large audiences, increased viewing time across Europe, attractive programmes and a growing presence on all digital platforms, make television indispensable to advertisers.

In addition to the recovery in the advertising markets, RTL Group management’s early and decisive action during the crisis also had a positive impact in 2010. One vital aspect was the way our major TV channels achieved significant cost savings in 2009 – through detailed work on structures and processes, but always with the aim of safeguarding the audience appeal and leading positions of RTL Group’s families of channels.

Clearly, this approach is much harder work than a deep, general cut in the cost base. But the results speak for themselves, and not only in financial terms: in 2010 the major flagship channels RTL Television in Germany, RTL 4 in the Netherlands and RTL-TVI in Belgium significantly increased their audience shares yet again. This popularity is and will remain the foundation of RTL Group’s financial success.

The dividend for 2010 is EUR 5.00 per share. How is the dividend calculated?With regard to the total dividend per share, the management and the Board always take into account several factors to prepare its dividend proposal to the Shareholders Meeting: the profit for the year, the cash flow of the Group and its financial situation. In addition, we have to

consider future prospects such as the economic environment, investment projects and possible acquisitions.

Wouldn’t it make sense to retain the profit in the company for investments instead of paying it out?As a public company, our first priority remains to create value for all our shareholders. In this regard RTL Group has built an impressive track record: over the last five years, the Group has returned substantial amounts to its shareholders, while always remaining debt-free. At the end of 2010, RTL Group had a net cash posi-tion of more than EUR 1.4 billion. We are very proud that we are able to pay our shareholders a dividend of more than EUR 770 million – and still: if there is an interesting investment opportunity, the company is well positioned to go for it, based on its high cash flows and its robust treasury position. In other words: it is by no means the case that the dividend payout will restrain the Group’s investment capacity.

What was the focus of the Board’s work last year?The Board of Directors discussed the company’s growth strategy intensely with the management. This included the further development of RTL Group’s families of channels, topics such as mobile TV, on-demand business models and, of course, the vital role of content production. In 2010, several mid-sized acquisitions strengthened FremantleMedia’s business scope and international presence. Like the Group itself, FremantleMedia is diversifying its business models and customer base, expanding into the growing markets for casual gaming and branded entertainment, which includes activities such as advertising-funded TV programming, live events and sponsored sports tournaments.

“Television was the big winner” On the occasion of this year’s Annual General Meeting held on 20 April, Backstage talked to Siegfried Luther, Chairman of the Board of Directors, on RTL Group’s business development, dividend and outlook.Luxembourg - 20 April 2011

Gerhard Zeiler and Siegfried Lutherat the Annual General Meeting


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Onno Ruding has left the Board of Directors after more than ten years. James Singh was now appointed to replace him. Can you tell us something about the new Director? What will his role in the Board be?First of all, I’d like to thank Onno Ruding for the work he did as member of the Board of Directors as well as Chairman of the Audit Committee. For ten years he had a significant influence on the company’s development. He has always been a role model of an independent director – diligent, experienced and with clear principles about good corporate governance in a publicly listed company. The work of the Board has greatly benefited from his expertise and reputation.

The Annual General Meeting appointed James Singh, Chief Financial Officer of Nestlé, to take over the seat of Onno Ruding and serve as an independent director on the Board. He has been with Nestlé since 1977 and CFO of Nestlé since 2008. James Singh serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee of the European Round Table as well as member of the International Integrated Financial Reporting Standard Committee. I am confident that RTL Group will profit from James Singh’s extensive financial expertise and knowledge.

What is your outlook for 2011?In the first three months of 2011, we’ve seen a mixed picture across Europe. Given this mixed picture and the recent developments in Japan, the Near East and regarding the Euro, it is not possible to give reliable full-year guidance for 2011 at this point in time. Overall, I’d say: there is no reason to be euphoric, but there is no reason to be pessimistic either.

We are very optimistic about the strength of TV, and we are very optimistic about the strength of our families of channels – especially given their continued high audience shares compared to the competition. As I said before: this is and will remain the best basis for a successful develop-ment of RTL Group in the future.

The newly elected independent Director James Singh

At the Annual General Meeting, Gerhard Zeiler (centre) presented the 2010 results


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The central design element of the new Annual Report is a photo spread entitled ‘Television and radio – part of everyday life’. In 38 motifs it shows how people around the world use RTL Group media services – in the living room, on the move with mobile phones and tablet PCs, with friends and family. Oliver Herrgesell, Executive Vice President Corporate Communications, Public Affairs & Marketing at RTL Group, who super-vises the editing and production of the Annual Report, says: “This report shows how viewers and listeners actually use our channels and programmes. The photos illustrate how much RTL Group’s brands and programmes are an integral part of people’s lives – and that TV remains the leading medium.”

The photos show people of all ages from nine different countries in everyday situations. In brief interviews and statements, the subjects explain what they particularly enjoy watching and listening to – and why. Bas from Amsterdam explains why for him a perfect evening in front of the TV begins with RTL Nieuws. Zoe from Berlin especially likes watching I’m A Celebrity – Get Me Out Of Here! on RTL Television and confesses: “I enjoy the element of schadenfreude!” Daan and Paulo from Brussels start their day with the radio station Bel RTL. Entertainment and

information, excitement and relaxation, chatting with friends and cheering contestants on – all of this brings the diversity and internationality of RTL Group to life.

Dirk Linke of the Hamburg agency Ringzwei explains the concept: “Last year, the Annual Report featured augmented reality, giving it a significant technical component. This year we wanted to do something different, so we pro-posed a more traditional photo spread. This takes a lot of organisation, but it all worked extraordinarily well, especially in the countries where we thought it would be difficult – say, India or Thailand.” Peter Würth, who coordinated the interviews, adds: “We photographed real people, rather than models, using our global network of journalists and photographers to scout for suit-able subjects in their immediate surroundings – all without auditioning. People love TV, so they didn’t need much persuading to take part.”

As in previous years, the Annual Report provides a detailed and transparent overview of the company’s results. On 206 pages it sums up the past year’s business figures, ratings, awards and success stories. The report is traditionally divided into story telling and financial sections, a division that is even more pronounced this year.

TV & radio for everyone – everywhere At the Annual General Meeting on 20 April, RTL Group published its Annual Report for the fiscal year 2010, providing a detailed and transparent overview of the business figures. Under the heading ‘TV & radio for everyone. Everywhere.’, the report also focuses on the RTL Group audience. Luxembourg - 20 April 2011

Cover of the Annual Report 2010


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It is immediately evident as soon as one opens the Annual Report. The first thing to notice is the Annual Report’s magazine-like section with the photo series and the year in review section with entertaining articles and interviews. If the reader turns the report over and opens it from the back, the first thing they see is the complete financial section. In the ‘Directors’ Report,’ the individual profit centres’ sections are clearly set apart from each other. The CEOs of the units each are featured with a photo and a short quote about 2010.

In addition to the Annual Report the “At a glance” mini-brochure was also produced again. In a handy format, it clearly and concisely summa-rises all the important facts and figures for fiscal 2010. The RTL Group Annual Report and the “At a glance” mini-brochure were designed in cooperation with the Ringzwei agency and with the help of all profit centres and the Corporate Centre’s controlling and finance departments. Oliver Fahlbusch, Vice President Corporate Communications, lead-managed the project.

You can download the new Annual Report 2010 and/or mini-brochure at RTLGroup.com or order them in printed form using the appropriate form on the site.

Inside the Annual Report, the photos portray everyday life with RTL Group media

Exclusive interview with Dieter Bohlen in the Annual Report

Order the Annual Report on

RTLGroup.com


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The latest James Bond adventure celebrates its free-to-air premiere on Easter Sunday, 24 April. Dietmar Wunder, the German voice of Daniel Craig, who stars as James Bond, was recruited for the elaborate on-air campaign.

On air, the film has been advertised in Easter Highlight trailers on RTL Television since 9 April and in movie trailers since 10 April. Eight different ad separators, which are given a ‘James Bond’ look, feature not only the secret agent himself, but a number of Easter bunnies as well. The motif combines the current look with elements from the famous James Bond pre-roll credits – naturally in the RTL Television colours red, yellow and blue. A white Easter bunny also plays a key role in station IDs produced especially for the Easter highlight movie: he finds himself caught in the thick of the action (scenes) of A Quantum of Solace three different times.

Björn Klimek, Creative Director at RTL Creation, says: “This year’s Easter campaign revolves around the movie highlight A Quantum of Solace and integrates our Easter bunnies in the action in a fun way. The Easter bunny and James Bond are an unbeatable team – by order of RTL.”

Off air, the Easter programme highlight has also been advertised with a major poster and print campaign featuring the slogan “Im Auftrag von RTL” (By Order of RTL). The poster campaign run in large German cities, while the print motifs have been around since 24 March.

Easter bunnies on a secret missionRTL Creation is promoting this year’s Easter highlight on RTL Television – James Bond 007 – A Quantum of Solace – with an extensive campaign including several Easter bunnies on a secret mission.Germany - 15 April 2011

Daniel Craig as James Bond 007

In the trailers, the Easter bunny is on a secret mission


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All the contestants in this new adventure, entitled Pékin Express, la route des grands fauves, will start out from the foot of the Great Sphinx at Gizeh on a 12-stage journey through a sumptuous setting. Along the way, they will have to rise to the kinds of challenges and experience the types of adventure that make Pékin Express such a successful programme. They will see some true marvels of nature, encountering wild lions, giraffes and buffalo on the African savannah, and will visit places bursting with history. For example, the contestants will be given an opportunity to set foot in the Citadel of Qaitbay, where the towering lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, once stood, dominating the entrance to the harbour.

Conceived as a journey of initiation and rite of passage, the 7th season of the adventure show will send the contestants on the trail of the pharaohs of Egypt, will take them to Kenya for a voyage of discovery into Sub-Saharan Africa, and will see them encountering Masai warriors and hunting for treasure in Zanzibar and Tanzania. Over the four final episodes, those contestants still in the running will take part in a genuine gold rush before heading off to Lesotho prior to the grand final in Cape Town. The winning team will take home a prize of EUR 100,000.

The rules of Pékin Express have been slightly altered for this edition, La route des grands fauves, so the contestants will have to meet a different set of requirements. For instance, the teams will be split into groups for one part of a stage, making it harder for teams of two to make headway (hitchhiking, undergoing trials of endurance, completing missions). The ‘black

envelope’ containing a laminated card indicating whether or not contestants have made it through the qualifying round will be making its return this series, as will the ‘infernal siren’ signalling to the contestants in its own inconvenient way to stop or resume the race. And, as always, the contest-ants will have just EUR 1 a day at their disposal.

This year’s casting is also slightly different from that of previous editions of Pékin Express: the contestants are more supportive rivals and less sporty. The ten teams include two highly excit-able brothers originally from Pasilleul in Belgium, a divorced couple who are still very close today and share a true affection for each other, and two unmarried contestants who are strangers to each other.

Set course for AfricaA new season of Pékin Express will be launched on M6, as 20 contestants head off on “La route des grands fauves” (the trail of the big cats).France - 20 April 2011

This season, Pékin Express heads for Africa

The route leads contestants through the whole continent


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“Africa is the continent with which we are least familiar“, said Stéphane Rotenberg, who has presented Pékin Express since its very first season. Meeting local peoples and wearing down prejudices has enriched the lives of the M6 presenter and the show’s contestants alike.

Pékin Express, a game show launched on M6 in 2006, is currently entering its 7th season. It made two appearances in 2010: firstly with Pékin Express, la route du bout du monde (Pékin Express, the route to the end of the world), which took place in Latin America) attracted an audience share of 19.8 per cent among female viewers under 50 years of age, and secondly with the event programme Pékin Express, duos de choc (Pékin Express, shock couples), which paired up celebrities with former contestants from the show and drew an average audience share of 21 per cent in the same demographic.

Pékin Express, la route des grands fauves will start airing on M6 at 20:45 on 20 April 2011. There will be 12 episodes in all.

Key figures about Pékin Express, la route des grands fauves: • 5 countries crossed • 10,000 kilometres travelled • 45 days of shooting • 2,000 hours of rushes • 60 days of location scouting • 140 people on the ground • 12 nationalities represented in the production crew

The candidates are split into 10 teams of two


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The seven magazins broadcast by RTL-TVI during the week are well established in their time slot: they bring together a total audience share of 28.6 to 30.0 per cent on average, which represents an increase over the previous year.

“For over 10 years, curiosity and discovery have been the watchwords guiding the teams that produce RTL-TVI’s magazines at 19:45,” says Television Director Stéphane Rosenblatt. According to the programmes’ Editor-in-Chief, David Oxley, the principle of these programmes is to “show things through the eyes of the people that are living them.” The channel’s seven 19:45 magazine shows – which are devoted to doing just that – all have recently been revamped. While two programmes do not have presenters in a studio, five magazines now enjoy a new set design. Three of them: Coûte que Coûte, Tout s’explique and Docs de Choc.

The first one, Coûte que Coûte, presented by Philippe Malherbe, analyses the economy from several angles: successes, scandals, mythical brands or places and modes of consumption.

Tout s’explique is a magazine show that allows viewers to discover and learn in an accessible and entertaining way. With his team of three journalists, presenter and producer Luc Gilson expands on subjects that can be difficult to deal with in an amusing fashion. Teachers who record the show for students appreciate the profession-alism of Tout s’explique, says Luc Gilson.

The presenter and producer of Docs de Choc, Charlotte Baut raises the viewers’ awareness on events that have marked the news such as the US Airways aircraft that landed in the Hudson river. While reviewing the facts, Charlotte Baut especially hopes to expand on the investigation so viewers can more easily understand how these dramatic events could occur.

New look for magazinesEvery evening at 19:45, a news magazine follows RTL-TVI’s news programme which is broadcast at 19:00. All magazines feature recently redesigned sets and logos.Belgium - 19 April 2011

Coûte que coûte with Philippe Malherbe

Docs de Choc with Charlotte Baut

Tout s’explique with Luc Gilson


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The 23rd edition of Télévie, launched on 23 March, continues until 7 May 2011. In Belgium and Luxembourg, everyone can join forces to help get leukaemia and cancer under control.

To achieve this, RTL Belgium is now offering an I-Phone and I-Pad application dedicated to Télévie. In it one will find the calendar of upcoming local events as well as photos and videos of recent events. The Télévie applica-tion also allows its user to take part in Télévie by supporting the campaign. Buying products, organising an event and making an online donation in a secure fashion are possible through the app’s interface. In this way everyone can show solidarity – whether on the ground or on their smartphones – to help fight leukaemia and cancer.

Digital solidarityRTL Belgium has just launched a special Télévie app. One feature: users can make a donation in just a few seconds. Belgium - 15 April 2011

The Télévie app


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It’s an interesting offer: Being the CEO of RTL Group while Gerhard Zeiler is on holiday. The only twist: It’s not going to happen – being just the annual prank by the Backstage team. Still, some employees submitted their ideas and suggestions. Some of these were eager to take this opportunity to enhance the company’s business: First of all, one would like to know the staff better by a simple measurement: “Meeting with the secretaries and additional staff. End the meeting after five minutes and tell everyone: ‘We are going on a one-day-boat-trip’. The next trip would take a couple of days: “I’d visit the top five most innovative IT-companies and start-ups in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Try to get a view into the future of communication and media from people with ‘crazy ideas’.” Others suggest bold expansion: “Invest in China and South America!”

One of the participants wanted to offer new perspectives from other industries to the management: “We’ll go to military camp, speak to general and learn how to redefine our goals. We’ll go to football practice, and discover how a coach motivates his team before the match. Let’s visit the best restaurant in town, the chef must know how to keep his customers happy.”

Another employee submitted an idea to motivate staff to get even better audience shares: “Let the staff member daily feel the success. There will be a success menu for good audience shares in the canteen with a low price and higher prices for bad audience shares.” Probably a bit less serious is the submission from an employee in Luxembourg: “I’ll organise pyjama parties on Fridays”.

The Backstage Team would like to thank everyone who participated.

“Pyjama parties on Fridays”On 1 April, Backstage invited employees to take part in the “Be the boss” initiative – but it was nothing more than an April fools’ joke. Even though, employees have submitted ideas. Luxembourg - 18 April 2011

New season, new talent

Talkback Thames’ entertainment show

‘Britain’s Got Talent’ returned to ITV for

a fifth season. Hosted by Ant and Dec,

with Michael McIntyre, David Hasselhoff

and Amanda Holden on the new-look

judging panel, the show once again

travels the length and breadth of the UK

in search of Britain’s best talent – among

them: Dancer Steve (picture).

On 16 April, 10.9 million viewers

tuned in for the season

premiere.


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Legendary Rally staysRTL 7 and the Dakar Rally organisers recently signed an agreement giving the men’s channel the broadcast rights for another three years. Netherlands - 15 April 2011

Girl’s Day at Mediengruppe RTL DeutschlandLast week on ‘Girl’s Day 2011’, twenty girls between the ages of 11 and 15 years gathered to take a peek behind the scenes of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland and see how television is made. Germany - 18 April 2011

Norbert Sauer appointed to the jury of the Shanghai TV FestivalNorbert Sauer, UFA Fernsehproduktion / UFA Filmproduktion Producer and Managing Director, has been appointed to the Shanghai TV Festival panel of judges. Germany - 19 April 2011

Jah6 to open for Guus MeeuwisIn February, Radio 538 and Guus Meeuwis were looking for an opening act for a series of concerts in June. Now Jah6 have been confirmed as the winners. Netherlands - 19 April 2011


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The leader yet againRTL Radio is France’s leading radio station by a clearer margin than ever, having achieved its largest audience in ten years in a survey conducted from January to March, attracting 68,000 more listeners than in the previous year. With an accumulated audience share of 19.7 per cent, RTL Group’s French family of radio stations yet again underlined its status as the leading privately owned French radio group.France - 20 April 2011

Big Brother live on the Internet, 24/7When the 11th season of Big Brother kicks off on RTL II on 2 May 2011, fans will be able to follow the events in the Big Brother house live and 24/7 via Clipfish. Germany - 20 April 2011

To be continued…In response to the great popularity of the first season of Undercover Boss, which ended on 18 April with a market share of 24.1 per cent among 14- to 49-year-olds, RTL Television has now commissioned another season. Germany - 20 April 2011


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People

Marion WinterGermany - 15 April 2011

Since April, Marion Winter (43) has been supporting the Super RTL programme acquisi-tion department as senior manager programme acquisition and co-productions.

In this role she is responsible for acquiring pro-grammes for all of the channel’s media platforms and for positioning them in the international market. Winter will report to Frank Dietz, Head of Programme Acquisition and Co-Productions and Deputy Programme Director.

Winter, who holds a doctorate in business, has worked for Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland for over 11 years. After stints in the programme acquisition and distribution programme depart-ments at RTL Television, she was most recently responsible for the procurement of rights for all of RTL Interactive’s digital platforms.

Marion Winter


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FremantleMedia Enterprises has appointed Jennette McCurdy as the official brand spokes-person for Rebecca Bonbon products

Jennette will be working with Rebecca Bonbon, the latest fashion import from Japan created by Yuko Shimizu, the original creator of ‘Hello Kitty’, beginning with the 2011 back-to-school line. The beloved teen star of Nickelodeon’s I-Carly and Capital Records Nashville recording artist will be featured in the marketing campaign for the girls’ fashion and lifestyle brand throughout the US and Canada, including print advertisements, in-store elements and social media initiatives.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have the talented young artist Jennette McCurdy representing the Rebecca Bonbon brand,” stated David Luner, Executive Vice President of Consumer Products, Interactive and Mobile, FremantleMedia Enterprises North America. “We are proud to have a role model such as Jennette representing Rebecca Bonbon and providing an aspirational element to help reach new consumers.”

Jennette McCurdy was recently voted the Funniest TV Sidekick at the 2011 Kids Choice Awards for her role on the successful Nickelodeon television show I-Carly as “Sam Puckett.” She has previously appeared in other Nickelodeon films including Fred: The Movie and Best Player.

People

Jennette McCurdy United Kingdom - 18 April 2011

Jennette McCurdy


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People

Winston GerschtanowitzNetherlands - 19 April 2011

Winston Gerschtanowitz has extended his contract with RTL 4, prolonging his position as a presenter of RTL Boulevard, The Voice of Holland and Kanjers Van Goud by another three years.

In the Netherlands, Winston Gerschtanowitz is known as one of the presenters of shows such as RTL Boulevard, The Voice of Holland and Kan-jers Van Goud. On 14 April 2011 he extended his contract with RTL 4, ensuring that he will stay on board for another three years.

Erland Galjaard, Programme Director at RTL 4, comments: ”Winston has been presenting RTL Boulevard since 2008 and he is doing a great job. Alongside Albert Verlinde, he has given the programme a face. He is an experienced and very talented presenter and programme creator who still has a lot to contribute at RTL 4. That’s why we are delighted to be able to continue our collaboration for three more years.”

Gerschtanowitz adds: “Working for RTL is my dream job, and I am tremendously pleased to prolong our work relationship by another three years.”

Sven Sauvé, Bert Habets, Winston Gerschtanowitz and Erland Galjaard (from left to right)

http://backstage.rtlgroup.frhttp://backstage.rtlgroup.comhttp://backstage.rtlgroup.de

PublisherRTL Group

45, Bd Pierre Frieden

L-1543 Luxembourg

Editor, Design, Production

RTL Group

Corporate Communications and Marketing

Documents

AGM 1 - Backstage