LA SCREENINGS: Silke Regier of RTL in Germany offers an in-depth look at how the Cologne-based company is navigating the seismic changes impacting the industry and what it means for its content acquisition strategy.
Max’s hit comedy-drama Hacks landed on RTL+
In the ever-shifting terrain of international content acquisition, particularly the market for US programming, RTL in Germany remains a major buyer in Europe’s biggest TV market.
Recent developments, including industry-wide strikes in Hollywood last year and economic headwinds across the globe, have necessitated a certain amount of strategic adaptation, however. So says Silke Regier, executive VP of international and local acquisitions at RTL Germany, which houses channels such as RTL, Stern, Nitro, Vox, Geo and NTV.
Silke Regier
Generalist free-to-air network RTL has thematic sister channels such as RTL Crime, RTL Living and soap-filled RTL Passion, while Vox is home to several US series – such as HBO’s Sex & the City: And Just Like That – and movies, as well as documentaries. Nitro offers male-skewing entertainment such as NFL games, and Geo screens factual and docs.
The company also operates kids net Super RTL, with new service Toggo replacing Nickelodeon soon, not to mention Germany’s largest streaming platform RTL+, with around 4.7 million subscribers.
Despite the company’s long-standing reliance on local content, it’s the burgeoning streaming platform RTL+ where there is room for US acquisitions. Recent examples include Pretty Little Liars: Summer School (Max), Dr Death (Peacock), CSI: Vegas (CBS), Hacks (Max) and The Good Doctor (ABC), while Hollywood movies include Black Adam, Don‘t Worry Darling and Flash.
Here, Regier explains how the tectonic plates of the LA Screenings are shifting, how demand for Americana is changing in Germany and what she’s looking to acquire this time around.
Peacock’s crime drama Dr Death
How has the content acquisitions market changed over the past 12 months?
The writer’s strike of 2023 significantly impacted content production, subsequently affecting the acquisitions market due to a decline in available titles. Over the past few months, there has been a stabilisation, and we can already see an increase in attractive content being offered in 2024. Simultaneously, international streaming services have increasingly been acquiring well-known library titles from US major studios for an exclusive exploitation.
How has the streaming boom changed your acquisitions strategy?
Given the number of linear and non-linear offerings in the market, all providing a wide array of programmes for users, it is essential to differentiate and capture the audience’s attention. With RTL+ we have our own successful local streaming service in a highly competitive market. RTL is synonymous with mainstream content and our focus is on acquiring must-see programmes for our audience, both on our linear channels and RTL+.
How is the global economic situation impacting RTL’s content acquisition plans?
The global economic situation continues to affect the advertising market in Germany. However, providing attractive content remains crucial in maintaining RTL’s position as the market leader, despite these current challenges.
How has demand for US programming changed in Germany?
Demand for US programming remains strong in Germany. Audiences have a notable affection for Hollywood movies and even TV series from the previous century continue to find success. It’s clear that viewers not only enjoy their favourite classic series brands in a linear format; in fact, programmes that gained popularity through linear television also attract and engage audiences on streaming platforms. When it comes to programming of first-run-series, non-linear offerings are more relevant and increasingly significant.
How have the changing strategies at the US studios affected the availability and cost of US content?
As of now, the majority of US studios that withhold content for exclusive use on their own streaming services are in the minority in Germany, and not all studios have launched a SVoD service here. Therefore, appealing content for the German market remains readily available.
Crime investigation drama CSI: Vegas
What non-US content from the international market works well on RTL and why?
In addition to strong local content, US feature films and series form a crucial part of RTL’s channel programming schedules, while non-US content [from the international marketplace] is relatively scarce. Correspondingly, US content on RTL+ assumes a more significant role compared to non-US content except when the non-US title is a highly recognised or exceptional brand.
How has the LA Screenings changed in significance for RTL in recent years?
Historically, most of the series showcased at the LA Screenings were part of volume deals, but in recent years these programmes have become accessible for the German market. The event provides insight into the content strategies of the US major studios and reveals upcoming trends that could also influence local productions. Moreover, the LA Screenings stand out as one the most valuable networking events of the year.
What content are you looking to acquire for this year and beyond?
We will persist in acquiring US feature films and series, not only for our linear channels but predominantly for our streaming service RTL+. While well-known brands that appeal to broad audiences rank highly, we do not specifically target any particular genre for acquisition.
Regarding the kinds of content we are not looking for, while no genre is categorically excluded, the horror and arthouse genres are typically less relevant for our mainstream audiences. Similarly, RTL does not primarily focus on niche content, even if it is of high concept and superior quality, due to its limited mainstream appeal.
