RTL sets up exclusive formats unit

European media giant RTL Group is launching a creative unit that will develop non-scripted formats exclusively for its broadcasters and streamers across Europe.

Matthias Scholten

The Format Creation Group (FC Group) will be based in Hilversum, Netherlands, led by Matthias Scholten, MD of content at RTL’s Dutch arm RTL Nederland.

Over the next few months, Scholten will form a “diverse and international” team of creatives to develop innovative format ideas and intellectual property, in response to a “growing demand” for exclusive content.

FC Group will focus on factual entertainment formats and reality shows, working closely with RTL broadcasters across Europe to reflect their needs in their local markets. The IP will be fully owned and controlled by RTL Group.

The unit will be jointly financed by RTL Group’s major broadcasters, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland in Germany, France’s M6 Group and RTL Nederland.

Thomas Rabe, CEO of RTL Group, said: “Every year, RTL Group invests €3.5bn [US$3.9bn] in content. Strengthening our core business by further increasing our programme investments and by exploring all possible ways to develop and own new hit formats is one of our strategic priorities. This is what FC Group is all about: a place of autonomy where creativity and bold ideas can thrive.

“The unit’s spirit of strong cooperation across our footprint perfectly complements successful initiatives such as the Bertelsmann Content Alliance and Ad Alliance in Germany.”