European media conglomerate RTL Group on Tuesday posted first-half figures showing strong growth in streaming, with revenue up 3.9% to €2.9 billion ($ 3.3 billion), while revenues from its linear TV side and its Fremantle content business were down.
The acquisition of pay-TV operation Sky Deutschland from Comcast in June has also increased the group’s revenue base. RTL said it now expects 2026 revenue of €7.1 to €7.2 billion, ($8.20 billion-$8.32 billion), up from its previous forecast of €6.1 billion to €6.2 billion that it issued in March.
The deal will see Sky Deutschland merge with RTL+, creating a streaming platform with 12.4 million paid subscriptions across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The company’s streaming operations also include M6+ in France.
Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) was €239 million ($275 million) during the January-June period, up almost 50% from a year ago.
“Our streaming businesses deliver strong profitability,” said RTL Group CEO Clément Schwebig in a statement. “Streaming revenue and paid subscriptions continue to grow dynamically. As a result, streaming is now expected to contribute around €100 million ($115 million) to our full-year operating profit,” he added. “We are now the clear No. 3 in the German-speaking streaming market,” Schwebig went on to note, calling the Sky Deutschland deal “transformational” for RTL.
