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RTL Group's streaming and digital growth outshines flat Q1 revenues

A 27% streaming revenue spike and Fremantle's global push highlight RTL's shift. Can new CEO Clément Schwebig drive profitability by year's end?

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RTL Group's streaming and digital growth outshines flat Q1 revenues

RTL Group has reported steady growth in its digital and streaming divisions for the first quarter of 2026. While overall revenues remained flat at €1.3 billion, both digital advertising and streaming income saw significant increases. The company is also moving forward with major acquisitions and leadership changes under its new CEO. In Q1 2026, RTL’s streaming revenue jumped 27% to €141 million. The company now expects its streaming operations to become profitable by the end of the year. Digital advertising also performed well, rising 14.6% to €118 million.

Meanwhile, Fremantle—a subsidiary of RTL—recorded €372 million ($436 million) in first-quarter revenue, matching its figures from the same period in 2025. The production arm expanded its global footprint in April by launching a dedicated hub in Portugal for the hit show Holey Moley. It also introduced Hitster, a new music-based game show, in Germany, the Netherlands, and Canada.

RTL is set to finalise its €150 million acquisition of Sky Deutschland on June 1, 2026. The deal marks a key step in the company’s strategy to strengthen its market position. Leadership has also shifted, with Clément Schwebig taking over as RTL’s new CEO this year. The first quarter of 2026 saw RTL maintain stable overall revenues while growing its digital and streaming businesses. With the Sky Deutschland deal nearing completion and new content launches from Fremantle, the company is positioning itself for further expansion. Profitability in streaming remains a key target before the year’s end.

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