Disney sells its stake in Super RTL

Planning an entry into the European streaming game, RTL Group has acquired full ownership of the German kidsnet that originated as a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company.
March 3, 2021

German media conglomerate RTL Group has acquired The Walt Disney Company’s 50% share in free-to-air channel Super RTL, which was founded in 1995 as a joint venture between the two companies.

It has since expanded to include blocks Toggo for kids ages six to 13 and Toggolino for preschoolers, which together make up the bulk of Super RTL’s programming lineup.

RTL Group now fully owns Super RTL, subject to approval from the German and Austrian competition authorities. The buyout from Disney is part of RTL’s plan to launch a streaming service called TV Now.

Across the continent, RTL Group is trying to consolidate its European broadcasting footprint. Its French broadcasting business, Groupe M6, acquired free-to-air TV network Gulli and five pay-TV channels from Lagardère in 2019.

Meanwhile, Super RTL has recently picked up a handful of new kids series of late,  including ON Kids & Family’s Petronix Defenders, Boat Rocker’s Dino Ranch and 41 Entertainment’s S.M.A.S.H! (pictured).

About The Author
Alexandra Whyte is Kidscreen's News & Social Media Editor. Contact her at awhyte@brunico.com

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