RTL Group reports H1 2026 growth driven by streaming and Sky Deutschland

RTL Group reported a strong performance for the first half of 2026, characterized by a significant shift toward streaming and the successful acquisition of Sky Deutschland. Group revenue rose 3.9% to €2.89 billion, though organic growth remained flat at 0.1% when excluding the Sky Deutschland acquisition.

The company’s streaming business, including RTL+ in Germany and Hungary and M6+ in France, turned profitable with an adjusted EBITA of €31 million, a major improvement from a €34 million loss in the previous year. Consequently, RTL Group raised its full-year 2026 streaming profit target to approximately €100 million. Paid streaming subscriptions grew by 20.7% year-on-year to 8.73 million users.

In contrast, traditional linear television advertising revenue declined by 4% to €977 million. However, digital advertising revenue saw a 10.9% increase, reaching €255 million. The production subsidiary Fremantle saw a revenue dip to €835 million, primarily due to timing effects in its drama and film segments, though its adjusted EBITA increased to €60 million.

CEO Clément Schwebig noted that the Sky Deutschland acquisition is a milestone for the group. The company aims to realize €250 million in annual synergies within three years of the transaction.