RTL profits up despite ad slump
Income for first six months rises by 9.2%
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Sales fell by 0.9% to $4.2 billion, although RTL would have actually seen 1.6% growth had it not been for the strength of the euro against the dollar and sterling, the company said. Topper Gerhard Zeiler warned that an uncertain advertising outlook could jeopardize growth in the next half.
RTL content arm FremantleMedia, owner of the “Idol” franchise, reported a solid performance overall with a “very good” perf in the U.S., Germany and the U.K., despite the strong currencies.
In Germany, RTL said overall sales increased by 4.1%. Zeiler added that the company achieved its highest-ever share of the German ad market.
While Central Europe saw double-digit increases in ad revenue, more mature markets were experiencing difficulties, the RTL chief exec indicated.
In France, TV revenue dropped by 6%, while in the U.K., broadcaster Five’s net ad sales decreased by 1.9%. “The good news is that in our main countries we have already or will outperform the market, especially in Germany,” Zeiler added. “M6 is outperforming the French market.”
The RTL topper revealed that Five’s new head, Dawn Airey, will start work at the end of October, six months earlier than anticipated.
