“Welcome home. My RTL.” Ever heard that slogan? It encapsulates the essence of what RTL Deutschland represents. We stand here at Am Baumwall 11, Hamburg. It is more than just an address. This is where a significant chapter in RTL Deutschland’s story unfolds.
RTL Deutschland is a major player in the European media landscape. It stands for entertainment, independent journalism, inspiration, energy, and attitude. RTL reaches millions across Europe every day. It achieves this through TV channels, streaming services, radio stations, and online platforms. These operate in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Hungary, Croatia, and Luxembourg. The RTL brand is owned by RTL Group.
RTL Group has interests in 64 television channels, nine streaming services, and 36 radio stations. RTL Group’s families of TV channels are number one or number two in seven European countries. RTL Group owns or has interests in radio stations in France, Germany, Spain, and Luxembourg. RTL Deutschland is the Group’s largest business unit. It is Germany’s first cross-media champion. It operates across TV, streaming, radio, digital, and publishing.
But how did RTL become such a media powerhouse?
Rewind to the 1980s. RTL, then known as RTLplus, was among the first private broadcasters. It benefited from the liberalization of the TV market in Germany. RTL broadcasts nationwide. It also has four “regional windows”. These are broadcast only in the regional reception areas.
RTL currently employs 7,500 people. RTL Deutschland includes 14 other TV channels, numerous radio stations and digital offerings. Since merging with the Bertelsmann publishing subsidiary Gruner + Jahr in 2022, the company’s portfolio has included various print magazines.
Speaking of Gruner + Jahr, this building was once their headquarters. RTL Deutschland moved here after the merger. The building reflects RTL’s commitment to Hamburg as a media center. RTL sought a sustainable, multi-use building with good transport links. The building offers modern offices. The location is central.
Interestingly, RTL Deutschland is now the main tenant in a building in HafenCity’s Koreastrasse. The company signed a ten-year lease. The building has eight stories. It provides around 17,200 square meters of space. RTL plans to move into the building in two stages by early 2025. Around 1,500 employees, including those in its subsidiaries, will work there in the future.
As RTL Deutschland evolves, it remains a key player in the media industry. It continues to adapt. It embraces new technologies. It shapes the future of entertainment and information.