FASCINATION AND CURIOSITY How Geo Television takes viewers on voyages of discovery

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1 week 20 / 15 May 2014 FASCINATION AND CURIOSITY How Geo Television takes viewers on voyages of discovery Germany Positive responses for Team Wallraff North America American Idol will continue in the US United Kingdom The future of television relies on digital and traditional TV-makers working together

Germany North America United Kingdom week 20 / 15 May 2014 FASCINATION AND CURIOSITY How Geo Television takes viewers on voyages of discovery Positive responses for Team Wallraff American Idol will

2 Germany North America United Kingdom week 20 / 15 May 2014 FASCINATION AND CURIOSITY How Geo Television takes viewers on voyages of discovery Positive responses for Team Wallraff American Idol will continue in the US The future of television relies on digital and traditional TV-makers working together Cover Photo taken from Die Reise der Pinguine broadcast on Geo Television Publisher RTL Group 45, Bd Pierre Frieden L-1543 Luxembourg Editor, Design, Production RTL Group Corporate Communications & Marketing Think before you print backstage.rtlgroup.com backstage.rtlgroup.fr backstage.rtlgroup.de

3 QUICK VIEW Positive responses for Team Wallraff RTL Television p.7 8 American Idol will continue in the US FremantleMedia North America p.9 The future of television relies on digital and traditional TV-makers working together FremantleMedia p.10 Geo Television: Noble, helpful, good Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland p.4 6 Big Picture p.11 SHORT NEWS p.12 PEOPLE p.13 14

NOBLE, On 8 May 2014 at 20:15, Geo Television, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland s new pay-tv channel, took to the airwaves. Backstage presents a portrait of the new station.

4 NOBLE, On 8 May 2014 at 20:15, Geo Television, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland s new pay-tv channel, took to the airwaves. Backstage presents a portrait of the new station. HELPFUL, GOOD Germany 15 May 2014 Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland Klaus Holtmann, Head of Pay-TV Channels at Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, Anke Schäferkordt, CEO of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland and Peter-Matthias Gaede, Editor-in-Chief of Geo magazine 4

This is the home of the European Astronaut Corps, where astronauts prepare for their six-month missions to the International Space Station ISS. This is where childhood dreams come true.

5 A high fence surrounds the grounds of the ESA in Cologne. It is a bit remote, near the airport, across from the airbase. Offi cially, the area is not part of Germany: it is an extraterritorial area, which means your ID gets checked at the entrance. The area is in fact European. This is the home of the European Astronaut Corps, where astronauts prepare for their six-month missions to the International Space Station ISS. This is where childhood dreams come true. And this is also where the latest addition to Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland s family of channels made its on-air debut. Klaus Holtmann Klaus Holtmann, Head of Pay-TV Channels at Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, welcomed the guests: Channel launches are often celebrated with big parties and lots of celebrities. But that wouldn t fi t with Geo. We re here today because we have something in common: Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, Geo magazine and space travel are all about amazement, inspiring people, and making a difference. right partner for successfully transferring our brand to television. Practically all of the formats have managed to replicate the visual strength of the magazine on screen. Last not least, we like the design our RTL colleagues have come up with: noble, helpful, good. Peter Kerckhoff, Head of Content & Portal at Deutsche Telekom, said: We are delighted that two strong brands two fl agships have teamed up to give birth to Geo Television. It gives us an opportunity to intensify the business relationship we ve had since 2007 with the digital channels Passion, RTL Living and RTL Crime. We can only distribute content if it is well made. You have a team that works with passion and knows what it s doing. Right on cue at 20:15, Geo Television went on the air. Like the evening at the Space Centre, the launch-day programming revolves around science and technology. The documentary Hawking kicked things off with a unique insight into the world of the British astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, one of the most famous scientists of our time. Space enthusiasts were then treated to the documentary Im Schatten des Mondes (In The Shadow Of The Moon), a retrospective of the US space programme in the 1960s and 1970s. He talked about his own fi rst experiences with Geo magazine looking through back issues in his uncle s attic: Even as a little boy I went traveling with the green Geo magazines from the Sea of Tranquillity on the moon, to Ancient Troy with Schliemann. It fascinated me, amazed me and made me curious for more. And that is exactly the point of Geo Television, too. Peter-Matthias Gaede, Editor-in-Chief of Geo, was excited about the launch of the new television channel: Geo has moved with the times, evolving continuously. Today, I am proud to say that Geo is Germany s number one monthly magazine in terms of circulation. There was only one thing missing: television. I am convinced that in Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, we have found the The launch of Apollo 11 featured in In The Shadow Of The Moon Next > 5

Reinhold Ewald The guests in Cologne were given an impression of the world of space travel as it is today accompanied by the lively narrative of Reinhold Ewald.

A space walk on the grounds of the European Astronaut Centre offered guests unique insights into the various stages of training budding astronauts undergo.

Visitors also were able to take a look at the Eurocom communications centre, where constant contact is maintained with the astronauts at the International Space Station.

As of now, Geo Television brings this fascination to living room screens across Germany.

6 Reinhold Ewald The guests in Cologne were given an impression of the world of space travel as it is today accompanied by the lively narrative of Reinhold Ewald. Now 57, Ewald was part of the Mir-97 mission and spent about three weeks in space. He gave a fi rst-hand account of how it feels to look at the Earth from above. A space walk on the grounds of the European Astronaut Centre offered guests unique insights into the various stages of training budding astronauts undergo. They were given access to the training models of the European space freighter ATV and Columbus laboratory, and allowed to try their hand at docking a Russian Soyuz capsule to the ISS in a simulator. Visitors also were able to take a look at the Eurocom communications centre, where constant contact is maintained with the astronauts at the International Space Station. The fascination of space technology was made tangible a fascination that inspired many subsequent conversations at the event and that many of the guests took home with them. As of now, Geo Television brings this fascination to living room screens across Germany. Peter-Matthias Gaede (front) and Hans Demmel, Managing Director of N-TV, in the Soyuz simulator with Anke Schäferkordt curiously watching the exercise The channel offers excellent documentaries with a focus on nature, technology, exploration, adventure and world history. During its fi rst month of broadcast, Geo Television will show more than 40 programmes for the fi rst time on German TV. The new special-interest digital channel is available in HD quality from launch. It complements Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland s existing pay-tv offerings RTL Crime, RTL Living and Passion, which were launched in Geo Television s fi rst distribution partner is Deutsche Telekom. From now on, the channel is included in Deutsche Telekom s Entertain range in the Documentary package in High Defi nition, if the HD option is booked as well. For more information, see Geo-Television.de Geo Television will feature high-quality documentaries, such as Frozen Planet 6

POSITIVE RESPONSES FOR TEAM WALLRAFF RTL Television On 12 May 2014 RTL Television aired the third episode of Team Wallraff, and 3.81 million viewers tuned in.

7 POSITIVE RESPONSES FOR TEAM WALLRAFF RTL Television On 12 May 2014 RTL Television aired the third episode of Team Wallraff, and 3.81 million viewers tuned in. The format was well received not only on television, but also online and by the press and is now the talk of the nation. Germany 14 May 2014 Günther Wallraff in Team Wallraff In the fi nal episode of Team Wallraff for now, two reporters and their mentor, the investigative journalist Günter Wallraff, took a close look at the security industry, earning a market share of 15.3 per cent in the 14- to 59-year-old target demographic on 12 May. Thus, the season has had a very successful track record on RTL Television, with an average 4.07 million viewers watching each of the three episodes. The average market share among 14- to 59-year-olds was 16.9 per cent. Team Wallraff Reporter Undercover is also one of the most requested videos on the VoD site RTL Now at the moment. Over the past two weeks, the programmes have generated 800,000 video views. Team Wallraff was also one of the most popular topics on RTL.de and in the social networks. Next > 7

Frank Hoffmann, Managing Director Programming at RTL Television, says: We announced that we would be taking a more journalistic approach in our real-life formats as well, and have succeeded at this

8 Frank Hoffmann, Managing Director Programming at RTL Television, says: We announced that we would be taking a more journalistic approach in our real-life formats as well, and have succeeded at this both with Team Wallraff and, earlier, with Das Jenke-Experiment. The editors pulled together with various departments to do a remarkable job and the response from the public has been accordingly huge. Congratulations to the team, and also big compliments to our viewers for being open to such difficult topics. Frank Hoffmann, Programme Managing Director of RTL Television Michael Hanfeld wrote on 13 May 2014 in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: Günter Wallraff and his research team from RTL last did quite a bit of damage to Burger King (...) That s what we call a direct hit. Burger King has since responded by taking action: the managing director in charge of the franchise in question was let go, and further measures are being drawn up. Hanfeld goes on to describe Günter Wallraff s modus operandi, and why the accusation that he had let McDonald s use him as a PR man, which had previously been raised by an article in Der Spiegel, is groundless. On 8 May, Hans Hoff had written in the Süddeutsche Zeitung: What s going on in German television when a commercial station has to show public-service television how to expose injustice and really cause a stir? The DPA press agency concluded: RTL is running an editorial quality campaign with investigative elements and asked directly whether RTL Television is pursuing an image shift: less entertainment, more journalism. We are both: big-time shows as well as good, even investigative journalism, as Jan Rasmus, Head of the Extra editorial team that is responsible for this content, told DPA. This mix is not a mutual contradiction, but the core of the RTL s success. At the beginning of the year, we were the talk of the nation with the jungle show I m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, and now the revelations of our young reporters from Team Wallraff are making headlines. Backed by excellent viewer response and positive press coverage, RTL Television is determined to remain on the investigative ball. Says Rasmus: We will also look into some of the many suggestions we have received from viewers and victims. I m sure Günter Wallraff and our undercover reporters will continue to uncover blatant social and labour law abuses that should and must be brought to the public s attention. 8

AMERICAN IDOL WILL CONTINUE IN THE US FremantleMedia North America American broadcaster, Fox recently announced that the US version of the FremantleMedia singing competition series has been renewed

9 AMERICAN IDOL WILL CONTINUE IN THE US FremantleMedia North America American broadcaster, Fox recently announced that the US version of the FremantleMedia singing competition series has been renewed for a 14th season. North America 9 May 2014 American Idol Judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. (from left to right) Despite lower season-to-season ratings for Idol, a renewal was never in question. The 13th season average still sees the benefi t of heavy sampling during the audition weeks, and Wednesday 7 May s show still averaged 3.6 per cent of the 18- to 49-year-old target group, with 12.3 million viewers. Following the news, Kevin Reilly, Fox Broadcasting Chairman, said: Now it s about making it a good show for many years to come. Season 14 of Idol will hit 15 cities for auditions beginning 18 June in Minneapolis, with stops also planned in Portland, Oregon, Columbus, Ohio, Kansas City, Missouri, Richmond, Virginia, Albuquerque, New Mexico and more. American Idol wraps season 13 on Wednesday 21 May with judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. Meanwhile, host Ryan Seacrest is negotiating a deal to return for the next season. 9

THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION RELIES ON DIGITAL AND TRADITIONAL TV-MAKERS WORKING TOGETHER FremantleMedia FremantleMedia s Director of Global Entertainment Development (GED), Rob Clark, recently sat down

10 THE FUTURE OF TELEVISION RELIES ON DIGITAL AND TRADITIONAL TV-MAKERS WORKING TOGETHER FremantleMedia FremantleMedia s Director of Global Entertainment Development (GED), Rob Clark, recently sat down for a video interview with C21 Media, the digital channels business and international publishing company. United Kingdom 12 May 2014 Rob Clark explains why broadcasters and producers should work together to fi nd the next big format, and how the formats industry is becoming increasingly international. The cost of launching a new format on any major network around the world is now so large both in terms of monetary cost but also if it failed, in terms of lost audiences that broadcasters and producers have to work together more and more, says Clark. The content powerhouse s Director of GED went on to offer his insight into the big question of the moment: what does the next big global format have to be? A bit out there, says Clark. That s where the next big hit will come from it won t look like a show that broadcasters have already got. Otherwise it would have already happened! It has to be something that s different enough to make the audience sit up and listen. Rob Clark, Director of Global Entertainment Development at FremantleMedia Clark also reveals why he thinks the TV industry is a cyclical business and why it s now essential for new shows to have a strong digital strategy. Alluding to the ying and yang relationship between scripted and unscripted, taking turns at the forefront of TV, Clark shares his view on the possible next cycle. I believe gameshows, of some description, will make a prominent re-appearance in primetime on the big networks and be successful. If you think about any show that is suitable for digital exploitation, that will offer multiple platforms it s the gameshow, one of the oldest forms of IP on TV, he says. The future of television relies on the digital and the traditional TV-makers working together. I think the antagonism between the two is gone. The period we re entering into now could be really creatively successful by merging those two you see increasingly that a show that is already on air or that may be in the pipeline will not be fully successful without an extensive digital strategy. 10

Nigerian students kidnapped by Islamist sect Boko Haram on 14 April.

11 #BringBackOurGirls: the voices of RTL rally to the cause Christopher Baldelli, Chairman of the Management Board of RTL Group s French radio stations, backs the #BringBackOurGirls initiative to demand the release of the Nigerian students kidnapped by Islamist sect Boko Haram on 14 April. France s Minister of Women s Rights, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem (upper right), also posed with the slogan #BringBackOurGirls in the RTL studios earlier this week.

SHORT NEWS 1/1 On the racing circuit of the 24 Heures du Mans RTL Radio RTL Radio (France) and the organiser of the 24 Heures du Mans have signed a partnership agreement on the greatest automobile

12 SHORT NEWS 1/1 On the racing circuit of the 24 Heures du Mans RTL Radio RTL Radio (France) and the organiser of the 24 Heures du Mans have signed a partnership agreement on the greatest automobile endurance race in the world. On 13, 14 and 15 June, RTL Radio will have a major operation set up to cover this event. France 12 May 2014 Belgium s political news in review RTL-TVI With the upcoming elections in Belgium on 25 May, Bel RTL s political satire Votez pour moi (Vote for me) comes to fl agship channel RTL-TVI (until 28 May, at 19:45). Belgium 13 May 2014 The glitter of the Cannes Film Festival on RTL RTL Net Until 25 May 2014, to mark the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, RTL Radio (France) offers a special feature, highlighting the memories of some exceptional actresses on RTLElles à Cannes (at 13:00). Consult the special Cannes fi le on RTL.fr. France 13 May 2014 Antena 3 premieres Sin Identidad Antena 3 Starting on Tuesday 13 May, 22.30, Sin Identidad (No identity) tells the story of María Fuentes, a young woman who discovers that she is one of Spain s stolen children. In her search for truth, María ends in jail. She later escapes, seeking revenge. Spain 14 May

PEOPLE SARA GEATER FremantleMedia United Kingdom 15 May 2014 FremantleMedia announced that Sara Geater, CEO of FremantleMedia UK (FMUK), will leave the company at the end of the month.

13 PEOPLE SARA GEATER FremantleMedia United Kingdom 15 May 2014 FremantleMedia announced that Sara Geater, CEO of FremantleMedia UK (FMUK), will leave the company at the end of the month. Announcing Sara s decision to staff, Cécile Frot-Coutaz, FremantleMedia CEO, paid tribute to her achievements: As CEO for FMUK for the last four years, Sara has been instrumental in building the new label structure for FMUK, including the recent appointment of Kate Harwood as the Head of the new drama label Euston Films. During her tenure we have seen the revival of titles such as Birds of a Feather and Through the Keyhole, the launch of new shows including Suspects, and An Hour to Save Your Life, and the recommissions of The X Factor and BGT. I would like to thank her and wish her well for her future. Sara Geater, CEO of FremantleMedia UK Sara Geater told staff: I have worked for FremantleMedia for the last seven years, moving from COO to CEO. During this time, I have successfully introduced our label structure, and this move has resulted in substantial benefi ts to FremantleMedia. FMUK has not only created popular talked-about brand new titles, but we ve also revived some old favourites to great ratings. Importantly, we ve secured recommissions for our major long-running series, including The X Factor and Britain s Got Talent. Having achieved everything I set out to do, it s the right time to leave and take on a bigger challenge. I wish the team the very best of luck. Richard Holloway, Managing Director of Thames, will take over as interim CEO until a replacement for Sara has been found. She leaves FMUK on 31 May

PEOPLE SANDRA SCHNEIDERS RTL II Germany 14 May 2014 Sandra Schneiders At the beginning of May, Sandra Schneiders took over as RTL II News anchorwoman.

14 PEOPLE SANDRA SCHNEIDERS RTL II Germany 14 May 2014 Sandra Schneiders At the beginning of May, Sandra Schneiders took over as RTL II News anchorwoman. Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, she has been an RTL II News presenter and editor since She also presents the science show Schau dich schlau! and the Zeit für Helden documentary series, and has already guested as ad hoc presenter for the station, hosting shows of various entertainment formats. Sandra Schneiders started out as an editor and reporter for RTL West. Other stations she worked for as presenter and editor were RTL Nord, n-tv and WDR Lokalzeit Ruhr. With Sandra Schneiders, we have gained a top journalist and experienced presenter as our daily news anchorwoman. She has been a fi rmly established team member these past eight years, says Matthias Walter, Head of the RTL II newsroom. The RTL II News programme features the most important events of the day, explained simply and presented in an exciting way. We are looking forward to continuing this successful concept together with Sandra Schneiders. Sandra Schneiders on her new job: Becoming the new RTL II News anchorwoman is an incredibly exciting challenge and my absolute dream job. I am really looking forward to working together even closer with our brilliant newsroom team than I did before. Sandra Schneiders replaces previous anchorwoman Sandra Thier, who is leaving the news programme at her own request to focus on new challenges and projects. Over the past nine years, Sandra Thier has been the face of RTL II News, presenting the news (in its specifi c format) in a passionate and witty manner, Matthias Walter says. We would like to thank her for her outstanding commitment and the time we spent together and wish her all the best for the future. RTL II News is a news programme aimed at teenagers, young adults, and anyone else interested in modern topics. The choice of topics ranges from the most important political and business world events to environmental, service, entertainment and technology issues. So far this year, the programme, which is broadcast at 20:00, has achieved an audience share of up to 9.5 percent of 14 to 49 year olds, and a share as high as 18.8 percent of year olds. 14

15 More about Backstage BACKSTAGE IS AVAILABLE IN THREE LANGUAGES You can read Backstage in your preferred language in English, German or French. DAILY NEWS FROM ACROSS THE GROUP DIRECTLY IN YOUR INBOX In addition to the weekly newsletter we offer to registered users a daily newsletter available in three languages. AT RTL GROUP, WE CARE 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 fi nd 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: Backstage@rtlgroup.com

INTO 2014 Solid results, new channel launches and significant US acquisition in first quarter

week 19 / 8 May 2014 GOOD START INTO 2014 Solid results, new channel launches and significant US acquisition in first quarter United Kingdom FremantleMedia and STV to develop Scottish drama Germany Tweet