SUPER RTL

Super RTL in Germany has agreed a deal with Paramount for it to take over the US media giant’s Nickelodeon network and replace it with a new free-to-air linear children’s channel. The agreement, subject to the approval of Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, will see Super RTL take over Nickelodeon’s established satellite frequency and launch the free TV channel Toggo. Super RTL has also struck a rights deal with Paramount for current and upcoming Nickelodeon series, including hits such as Paw Patrol and SpongeBob SquarePants, that will air on Toggo. Super RTL launched in 1995 as a joint venture between RTL Group and Disney, but the launch of the FTA version of Disney Channel led to the removal of Disney programming from Super RTL in 2014. In March 2021, RTL Deutschland acquired Disney’s stake in the channel, completely removing its affiliation with the Mouse House. Super RTL currently operates under three different programming slots: Toggolino, which is aimed at preschoolers, Toggo, which is aimed at children, and RTL Super, which is aimed at families and young adults. The launch of Toggo as a standalone channel will see it target children aged between three and 13-years-old. Paramount, meanwhile, will focus its efforts in Germany on its premium streaming service Paramount+, its free, ad-supported streaming offer Pluto TV and its pay TV channels. Thorsten Braun, who was CEO of Super RTL until the end of 2023 and is now chief marketing, brand and consumer products officer at RTL Germany, said: “By expanding the partnership with Nickelodeon and Paramount, Super RTL offers its young audience an even richer treasure of high-quality children’s programmes. “The takeover of the satellite frequency creates a new valuable Toggo touchpoint for the target group. This fits perfectly into the strategy of making the Toggo brand present and tangible for children across as many channels and platforms as possible.” Michael Keidel, VP of ad sales, affiliate and streaming partnerships in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe at Paramount, said: “Through the strategic partnership with Super RTL, the popular Nickelodeon characters and stories for children in Germany continue to have a permanent place in free TV. “This fits perfectly into our strategy of entertaining fans about numerous high-reach touchpoints. These include our premium streaming service Paramount+, our free, ad-supported streaming offer Pluto TV and our pay TV channels.”