outside the box - backstage · consumer affairs expert, professional speaker and emcee, a veteran...

16 May 2012

week 20

LuxembourgRTL Group presents digital innovationRTL Group environMIND teammeets in Brussels

United StatesBritney Spears and Demi Lovatoto join The X Factor

FranceFremantleMedia Francefounds 123 Productions

Outside the box How a talent competition broadcast on M6 wants to change everyday lives in France

the RTL Group intranetweek 20

Cover:Illustration by Andres Rodriguez (www.123RF.com)

2


3

Many people may be unaware of the fact that a fair amount of the objects we use on a daily basis have their origins in France, including the sewing machine, the chip card, the non-stick frying pan, safety matches and the iron.All these inventions revolutionised people’s daily lives, as well as reshaping the destinies of their inventors. M6’s new show L’Inventeur 2012 draws on this long-standing tradition of creative energy.

According to Albert Einstein, invention is all about thinking outside the box. The show’s jury comprising four top professionals – CEO and entrepreneur Hapsatou Sy, inventor and designer Jean-Michel Chaudeurge, consumer expert Philippe Bloch, and distribution specialist Pascal Gayrard – expect exactly this unconventionality of the budding or seasoned inventors appearing on the show. The jury’s brief is to sift through the inventions presented by the 170 contestants (whittled down from 300 original submissions), choose the most ingenious ideas and assess their relevance, market potential and future benefi t to consumers. At the same time, the jury members will raise any problems associated with the inventions’ future commercialisation. The fi nal choice of the best inventor will be left up to the audience watching the live broadcast of the show’s grand fi nal.At stake is a prize of 100,000 euro plus a chance to market the winning invention and maybe make a fortune.

In an interview published in the 12 May edition of TV Envie magazine, jury member Jean-Michel Chaudeurge explained why he had become involved with the programme: “I agreed to do it out of empathy. I want to help others make their mark. I was genuinely eager to see some real

go-getters, and some of the participants have absolutely blown me away. There really are some surprising people out there.”

The fi rst episode of L’Inventeur 2012, which showcased inventions including pocket-sized toilet paper, a spoon that sweetens whateverit is used to stir and a foldable solar oven,was watched by 3.2 million viewers, giving the programme an audience share of 20.7 per cent among viewers aged under 50. That evening, M6 proved to be the most popular prime time channel among that target group. “The strength of the programme is its variety, because there are several categories: inventions useful in everyday life, utterly nuts inventions, and inventions that could change our planet. And there will also be some surprises”, Alex Goude, who co-presents the show with Sandrine Corman, promised in the 18 April edition of Ici Paris.

Produced by FremantleMedia France and inspired by the US format American Inventor, the show is not entirely new to M6. Back in 2007, the channel already aired L’Inventeur de l’année (Inventor of the Year). “That programme performed very well in the ratings, attracting an average audience of 3.9 million viewers, but we waited to see the extent of the winning invention’s success”, explained Anne-Sophie Larry, Head of External Flow Production. The 2007 edition was won by Raymond Garcia, whose vertical barbecue won over 10,000 buyers. But as Anne-Sophie Larry pointed out: “Sales of Raymond’s vertical barbecue did not enable him to break through in this highly competitive market. On the other hand, thanks to the media exposure provided by the programme, the second-ranking invention featured on the show, Yves Vincent

Giving tomorrow’s entrepreneurs a helping handWith L’Inventeur 2012, M6 is setting out to spotlight the work of numerous inventors and enable some of them to take their inventions to the next level.France - 16 May 2012

FRANCEFRANCE


4

Brottier’s pulsed light hair remover, really caught on, and in less than fi ve years his company E-Swin generated sales totalling 10 million euro”.

To relaunch the L’Inventeur brand in 2012, in addition to a new jury the show has a panel of consumers. For the fi rst time in a programme featuring jury members, anonymous members of the audience will also be given a chance to have their say. From behind a two-way mirror, this panel, which comprises 11 consumers, will attend the auditions, comment on the contestants’ demonstrations of their inventions and pick up on the remarks made by members of the jury. Anne-Sophie Larry stressed: “This panel will play a key role in the contestants’ selection, since it will have the casting vote if the jury fails to reach a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decision about an invention. Aware of the importance of their role, they explained: “We take the inventors seriously because we are making decisions about the lives of people who have put everything into their project”.

Another novelty in the 2012 version of the programme is that the development phase for inventions by members of the jury has been replaced by a live fi nal which will give viewers a chance to see the inventions being tested in real conditions. Only the six best inventors will reach that fi nal, which will give them a last opportunity to ‘sell’ their invention by highlighting all the improvements that have been made. The three candidates subsequently remaining will present an ad showcasing their invention, be given one minute to convince French viewers that their invention deserves to win, and then be left to the mercy of a public vote.

The next episode of L’Inventeur 2012 will air on M6 at 20:50 on 21 May.

Hapsatou SyCEO and entrepreneur behind a highly successful global and tailor-made beauty salon concept

In July 2005, aged just 24, Hapsatou Sy embarked on her big adventure with Ethnicia. In 2007 she won second prize for business innovation in a competition opento young entrepreneurs. Today, there are 16 Ethnicia beauty salons in France, with 3 more due to open shortly.

Philippe BlochConsumer affairs expert, professional speaker and emcee, a veteran thinker about how best to serve customers’ needs

A graduate of ESSEC Business School, Philippe edited several business magazines before publishing numerous popular works of his own. In 1994 he set up the Columbus Café chain. Today, he is a professional speaker and emcee who invests in start-ups and presents L’Entreprise BFM on BFM TV.

Pascal GayrardCEO of Métro Cash & Carry France, distribution specialist

Pascal Gayrard runs a prosperous company employing around 10,000 employees. He started his career in the supermarket sectorin 1981 and went on to occupy several managerial posts in the distribution sector. In 1992, he opted to join Métro Cash & Carry France, rising to become its CEO in June 2006.

Jean-Michel ChaudeurgeInventor and designer, with a string of successful inventions to his name

After graduating from the prestigious École Camondo (a school of architecture and design), Jean-Michel Chaudeurge went on to create a series of successful products including the celebrated babyfood steamer and blender Babycook (and Babycook Duo), and an award-winning range of stylish, comfortable, practical Babyzen strollers complete with warning lights, which will soon be available in 60 countries.

The jury (from left to right): Jean-Michel Chaudeurge, Philippe Blochy, Hapsatou Sy and Pascal Gayrard


5

Under the heading ‘Let’s Go Connected’, Bertelsmann, NBC Universal and Vivendi showcased the diversity and creativity of Europe’s digital landscape, ranging from TV, books, press to music and fi lm, at the Ancienne Nonciature – the former embassy of the Vatican – in Brussels.

Visitors were led in groups through a digital landscape divided into different ’salons‘ representing the music, publishing and audiovisual sectors. Guillaume de Posch, Co-CEO of RTL Group, took the opportunity to guide EU Commissioner Neelie Kroes, who is in charge of the Digital Agenda programme, through the audiovisual salon. There he demonstrated various digital offers by RTL Group companies such as mobile applications, movie streaming, connected TV and video-on-demand. Ambassadors as well as ministers from EU member states were also among the guests.

Guillaume de Posch says: “RTL Group is actively pursuing its digitisation strategy: our linear free-to-air channels are already available on multiple digital networks: terrestrial, cable, satellite or IPTV. We complement our channels with multiple non-linear offers such as free catch-up TV, paid on-demand service and apps on TV, tablets and smartphones – in a nutshell: on all second screens available to the viewers. We will do even more in the future. Let us not forget that content is the key driver of the demand for such devices. European content needs to be nurtured and properly protected by copyright. A proper playing fi eld must be established among all industry players on such new distribution networks.”

The aim of the event was to enable participants to experience a variety of digital content offers and interact with digital content providers, platform providers, artists and entrepreneurs. European Institutions, Member States, press and industry stakeholders had the opportunity to witness the vitality and geographical scope of legal digital platforms offering access to creative content.

Kroes said: “My vision is a digital ecosystem that supports European consumers, creators, and a competitive content industry. Where everybody can legally access what they want, when they want it. Where creators can profi t from their work and where a wealth of European content fi nds an online home: books, news, TV, fi lms, music, games, and more.”

On RTL Group’s side, the exhibition was prepared and co-ordinated by Rhys Noelke, Vice President Business Development.

A showcase for digital innovationand diversityFrom 8 May to 10 May, the event ‘Art, Life, Culture in the digital space – Letsgoconnected.eu’ took place in Brussels, organised by Bertelsmann in cooperation with NBC Universal and Vivendi. Guillaume de Posch presented RTL Group’s digital businesses to EU Commissioner Neelie Kroes.Luxembourg - 11 May 2012

Guillaume de Posch and Rhys Noelke (left) explain RTL Group’sdigital devices to Commissioner Neelie Kroes


6

The meeting started with an award ceremony: Oliver Herrgesell, Environmental Chief Offi cer at RTL Group, presented the environMINDaward for exemplary achievements in environmental protection to RTL Belgium’s CEO, Philippe Delusinne.

Philippe Delusine said: “In 2004, we decided to build a new headquarter and gather all RTL Belgium employees under one roof. Under the leadership of Stéphane Geerts, Director of Facility Management, we took up this huge challenge while integrating as much environmental features as possible. The outcome is beyond our expectations and I am delighted that this initiative is rewarded today with an environMINDaward. I would like to stress out the fact that environmental matters are part of the daily life of the company.”

Already since 2008, RTL Belgium has been the only RTL Group subsidiary to be fully powered by renewable energy. This initiative might be the most tangible evidence of the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and the prudent use of natural resources. RTL Belgium’senvironmental approach is complete and alsocovers energy reduction, waste reduction andtransport. For example, the company subsidisesall its employees’ public transport costs and its company-car policy encourages the use of cleaner vehicles. In addition to numerous in-house initiatives, RTL Belgium has been committed to broadcasting programmes intended to raise public awareness.

Following the award presentation, Herrgesell presented the status of the activities undertakenby the environMIND-initiative since it beganin 2008. He also addressed the reception ofenvironmental issues. Quoting an annual

Gallup survey and noting an increased usage of the eco-pages in Backstage in the recent months, he said: “With the fi nancial crisis, other concerns came to the fore. However, facts indicate that the attention for environmental protection is bouncing back.”

The environmental offi cers from the profi t centres then shared a number of best practice examples such as energy saving measures, server virtualisation, green IT, reduction of paper consumption, cleaner company cars, recycling and employee awareness campaigns.

Tun Van Rijswijck, Chief Operating Offi cer of BCE, who coordinated RTL Group’s fi rst two Carbon Footprint measurements and Achim Schorb of the German Institute for Energy and Environment (IFEU) in Heidelberg, elaborated on RTL Group’s Carbon Footprint. Van Rijswijckmade a brief comparison of the company’s environmental impact in terms of energy, business travel and employee commuting in 2008 compared to 2010. “Comparing things that are comparable, RTL Group has reduced its

Taking care pays offMembers of the environMINDteam from all major RTL Group subsidiaries met in Brussels to discuss concrete environmental issues in the profi t centres as well as developments around the RTL Group Carbon Footprint.Luxembourg- 14 May 2012

Oliver Herrgesell presents the environMINDaward to Philippe Delusinne (left)

Tun Van Rijswijck


7

Group wide environmental officers (from left to right): Oliver Herrgesell (RTL Group), Stéphane Geerts (RTL Belgium), Emmanuelle Tanneau (M6), Caroline Chartier (RTL Group),

Katrin Gaertner (Bertelsmann), Philippe Delusinne (RTL Belgium), Stefan Witczak (RTL Television), Stefan Uhl (RTL II), Achim Schorb (IFEU), Tun Van Rijswijck (BCE), Jeroen Marre (RTL Nederland), Sarah Tingay (FremantleMedia), Jennifer Rubly (RTL Group),

Sue McCartney (FremantleMedia), François Masquelier (RTL Group), Robert Palya (RTL Klub), Janine Neves (RTL Group). At the right top corner - Jean-Michel Kerdraon (RTL Radio), Mareike Lindig (RTL Radio Deutschland), Perica Bosnja (RTL Televizija)

Global Warming Potential from 2008 to 2010by an estimated 6 per cent at constant scope” explains Van Rijswijck. “Although energy consumption is growing and is the largest proportion of the group greenhouse gases emissions, we start to see efforts paying off. In two years, we have reduced our offi ce paper consumption by 20 per cent, videotapesby 70 per cent, water consumption by 35 per cent and increased recycling by 57 per cent, all this even with a growing business.”

To get an external view, Alexandra Palt, Director of Sustainable Development at L’Oreal, spoke to participants about the cosmetics and beauty company’s social responsibility strategic approaches and targets.

Katrin Gaertner, Head of the ‘be green’-initiative of Bertelsmann, gave an overview over the environmental priorities from the view of the main RTL Group shareholder.

Oliver Herrgesell stepped down as Environmental Chief Offi cer with the end of the meeting to focus on his role as chairmanof the RTL Group Corporate ResponsibilityCouncil. His successor is Tun Van Rijswijck.Herrgesell, who initiated the environMINDteammore than 4 years ago, said: “I am happy tohand over to Tun, who is both a passionateand focused ambassador of environmentprotection and sustainability”.


8

Entitled ‘Wspominając Radio Luxembourg PRL/Remembering Radio Luxembourg in the People’s Republic of Poland’, the exhibition is taking place in the salons of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Warsaw and is under the high honorary patronage of HRH the Grand Duke of Luxembourg and of the President of the Republic of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski.

The excellent reputation that Radio Luxembourg and Luxembourg enjoy in Poland dates back in part to the Cold War period, during which many young Poles listened regularly to Radio Luxembourg programmes, especially programmes in English. In spite of the Iron Curtain that divided Europe, and often using improvised antennas, young, non-conformist Poles enjoyed a “window of freedom” thanks to Radio Luxembourg, which allowed them to discover popular Western music and the counterculture of the 1960s and 70s.

Many representatives of thepolitical, economic and culturalelite of Poland today listened to Radio Luxembourg in their youth.After that, theobjective of the exhibition is totrace the long-term impact of Radio Luxembourgon the popular culture of Polish youth during the time of the communist dictatorship inPoland while highlighting the current roleof Luxembourg in the fi eld of information technology and electronic media.

The exhibition was put together by the Institute of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology of the University of Warsaw headed by Professor Anna Malewska-Szałygin and fi nanced by the Luxembourgish state and RTL Group as well as by SES, BIL and Euroscript. The project was also realised in partnership with TVP (Telewizja Polska), Trójka (Polskie Radio), CityInfo and ams.

The legacy of Radio Luxembourg in communist PolandOn 16 May 2012, an exhibition opens in Warsaw, dedicated to the broadcasting of Radio Luxembourg programmes in Poland during the years of the communist dictatorship.Luxembourg - 16 May 2012

Remebering Radio Luxembourg

Visit

Varsovie.mae.lu/en


9

Spears is one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history. Her musical career boasts nearly 100 million albums sold worldwide and countless awards and accolades, including the 2011 MTV Video Vanguard Award and Billboard’s Best-Selling Female Artist of the Decade (1998 to 2008). Spears fi rst captivated audiences with her fi rst single …Baby One More Time, an international hit that is currently 14 times Platinum in the US. So far, Spears has earned a total of fi ve number one debut albums and 24 Top 40 songs in her career. Lovato is an accomplished singer and actress with a devoted and engaged young fan base. Her single, Skyscraper, off of her most recent album, Unbroken, recently went platinum, while the video for her new single, Give Your Heart a Break, already has garnered 10 million Youtube views. Lovato began acting at the age of 10, and starred in the cable television series, Sonny With A Chance. Her fi lm credits include Camp Rock and Princess Protection Programme.

“Britney Spears has done it all – she is the ultimate pop icon – and I am thrilled that she has agreed to join The X Factor,” says Executive Producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of FremantleMedia North America. “Nobody embodies The X Factor more than Britney – she has shown the world what it means, how to do it and how to sustain it. Demi, like Britney, was discovered at a young age. Her ambition and drive solidifi es her as one of the most popular young artists today. Now they will each get a chance to share their experiences and skills with the acts that they will mentor on The X Factor.”

Simon Cowell says: “I’m absolutely delighted Britney and Demi are joining us. Britney remains one of the biggest stars in the world, she’s talented, fascinating – and I believe she knows exactly how to spot The X Factor. Demi’s had an amazing career in music, TV and fi lm for someone her age. She’s young, confi dent, and enthusiastic. I think it’s really important that she speaks to our younger audience. The new panel will be dynamic and will work really well with the changes we are making to the show.”

In its fi rst season on Fox, The X Factor shot to the top of the ratings as the number one unscripted series of the autumn and currently ranks as a Top 10 series among Adults 18 to 49 and the number one new series among Women 18 to 49. The X Factor was created by Syco Television and is produced by FremantleMedia North America and Syco Television. Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are Executive Producersfor Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as Executive Producers for FremantleMedia North America.

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato join the X FactorPop icon Britney Spears and singer/songwriter and actress Demi Lovato will join LA Reid and Simon Cowell as judges on FremantleMedia North America’s The X Factor this autumn.North America - 15 May 2012

Britney Spears

Demi Lovato


10

American radio personality, television host and author Howard Stern joins the show as a judge, along with Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne. Stern helped to transform American radio and put syndicated satellite radio on the map with Sirius XM. As the outspoken, unedited and headline-grabbing host of The Howard Stern Show radio programme, Stern was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2005 and became a pop-culture icon with a massive loyal fan base. Stern said he thinks his radio audience is ready to see him try something new. He’s curious about how it turns out: “If it doesn’t work, I’ll crawl back into my hole at Sirius and lick my wounds,” he said. “If it does work, I’ll be thrilled.” Nick Cannon returns as host.

Located in Newark, New Jersey, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States. The state-of-the-art venue will hold an audience of over 2,200 fans for each show. The live shows will be broadcast two nights a week from Prudential Hall at the NJPAC beginning in July.

“We’re excited fans of America’s Got Talent who live on the east coast will fi nally get a chance to see the show live from the beautiful New Jersey Performing Arts Center, a fi rst-class venue with a history of showcasing the world’s top talent,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO FremantleMedia North America. “If the passionate crowds we’ve had at this season’s auditions are any indication, it’s going to be the place to be this summer.”

Also, NBC’s America’s Got Talent and its producers have again collaborated with Youtube, and for the fi rst time, show sponsor Snapple, to allow talented acts from across the country the opportunity to audition online for their shot at stardom and a million-dollar prize. Now through 1 June, United States-based acts of all ages can upload their audition videos via the America’s Got Talent Audition App, or on different websites. Following the June 1 deadline, producers will select 20 acts for the Youtube community to view and vote for their favorites. The number one Youtube act with the most qualifying votes will gain a place on the Youtube Snapple quarterfi nal performance episode. Eleven other acts found on Youtube will also perform on the special live show and will be competing for slots in the semi-fi nals.

In 2011, America’s Got Talent was the number one non-sports telecast on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in total viewers during every week it aired over the summer, making it the number one summer series in total viewers for a sixth year in a row.

Kicking off season sevenAmerica’s Got Talent premiered with a two-hour episode. In its seventh season, the talent show has not only a new judge but also a brand-new home on the US east coast.North America - 14 May 2012

Nick Cannon, Sharon Osbourne, Howard Stern and Howie Mandel (from left to right)


11

A subsidiary of FremantleMedia France, the new structure will be led by Isabelle Mitsch as Head of Sales, and Bruno Fallot as Head of Programming and Development. They will report directly to Monica Galer, President of FremantleMedia France. “DTT, cable and satellite channels are transforming the French media landscape and will continue to grow,” says Galer. “Our establishment of 123 Productions is in line with this trend and will allow us to be more active in these markets.”

Mitsch, currently Head of Sales for several animation producers (C&D, PMMP, Cymax), took over the distribution of Playboy Entertainment Group in 2000 before joining the content division of Orange in 2005, where she was particularly instrumental in the creation and launch of the Orange cinema series of pay channels in 2008. “We are pleased with theconfi dence Monica Galer has shown by givingus this exciting assignment,” she says.

Bruno Fallot has worked on several of the group’s formats such as X Factor, Incroyable Talent (Got Talent), and Nouvelle Star (Idols). He was also Artistic Director of Arab Idol. A former journalist, he has been a producer at FremantleMedia since 2006. “I am delighted to be a part of the creation and development of this company, which will allow us to be particularly reactive and creative, and formulate the bestresponses to the DTT, cable and satellite markets,” he says.

FremantleMedia France founds 123 ProductionsFremantleMedia France has merged all its DTT, cable and satellite production operations into a single entity called 123 Productions.France - 15 May 2012

Isabelle Mitsch

Bruno Fallot

Live from the

CroisetteFrom 16 to 27 May, everything at RTL Radio will

revolve around cinema on the occasion of the

65th Cannes Film Festival. A few days before

the stars walk up the red-carpeted steps,

Marion Cotillard and Will Smith (pictured)

have already been featured among the

station’s distinguished guests.


13

Friday is naval crime nightAiring on CBS in the United States since January of this year, Season 3 of NCIS: Los Angeles kicked off on M6 on 11 May 2012. 4.3 million viewers tuned in for a total audience share of 16.6 per cent.France - 11 May 2012

Zero road deathsRTL-TVI is airing Go for zéro, a new short programme produced in partnership with the IBSR (Belgian institute for road safety).Belgium - 14 May 2012

Co-production deal with BBC WorldwideRTL Television has signed a co-production deal with BBC Worldwide for Hidden Kingdom, an event-scale wildlife fi lm produced by the BBC Natural History Unit. The other co-production partners are France 2 and Discovery.Germany - 15 May 2012

The radio station with great dealsRadio Contact now offers ‘Contact Avantages’, a platform offering great deals for the station’s listeners and Internet users that is accessible through the RadioContact.be website.Belgium - 16 May 2012

The most influential person in the Hungarian medialandscapeFor the fi fth time in a row, Dirk Gerkens, CEO of RTL Klub, has been ranked at number one in the Top 50 list of the most infl uential persons in the Hungarian media industry, compiled by the communication magazine Marketing & Media.Hungary - 16 May 2012

Britain’s Got Talent final draws 14.5 millionA peak audience of 14.5 million watched the fi nal of Britain’s Got Talent on 12 May 2012 – the highest recorded peak audience of any programme in 2012. Ashleigh and her dog Pudsey took the title of Britain’s Got Talent champion 2012.United Kingdom - 16 May 2012

PublisherRTL Group

45, Bd Pierre Frieden

L-1543 Luxembourg

Editor, Design, Production

RTL Group

Corporate Communications and Marketing

http://backstage.rtlgroup.frhttp://backstage.rtlgroup.comhttp://backstage.rtlgroup.de

outside the box - backstage · consumer affairs expert, professional speaker and emcee, a veteran...

Documents