die medienanstalten vs RTL Zwei

Digital Radio Listening Rises: 66% Use DAB+ or Webradio

According to the 'Audio Trends 2026' study by the German media authorities (die Medienanstalten), 66% of radio listeners in Germany used digital reception paths (DAB+ or webradio) in the past four weeks, reaching a far listener circle of about 42 million people. This marks an increase from 64% in the previous year. Daily digital radio usage also grew to 42% of listeners. DAB+ remains the leading digital path, with 25 million users in four weeks, up by three percentage points. Webradio reached over 17 million users in four weeks. Household equipment is also expanding: 41% of households now own at least one DAB+ device, and over a quarter of the population has a DAB+ car radio. The study is based on a special evaluation of the ma Audio data by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Media-Analyse (agma).

• 66% of German radio listeners used DAB+ or webradio in the past four weeks (up from 64%).
• Reach: approximately 42 million people (far listener circle).
• Daily digital radio usage: 42% of listeners, accounting for nearly a quarter of total radio usage.

Gesetzesentwurf der europäischen Kommission EU KIDS Act: Kinder schützen statt Regeln stapeln

Die Medienanstalten 17.09.2026 09/2026 Für einen wirksamen Kinder- und Jugendschutz braucht es die konsequente Anwendung bestehender europäischer Vorgaben Aufsicht Jugendmedienschutz Regulierung

EU KIDS Act: Kinder schützen statt Regeln stapeln

Die Medienanstalten positionieren sich zum EU KIDS Act: Für einen wirksamen Kinder- und Jugendschutz braucht es die konsequente Anwendung bestehender europäischer Vorgaben.

ZDFneo Hits Ratings Highs with Hollywood Films

ZDFneo achieved strong television ratings on Saturday evening, driven by a lineup of Hollywood films including two 'Men in Black' movies and 'Hancock'. The channel reached a daily market share of 4.0 percent among viewers aged 14-49, outperforming Kabel Eins and RTLzwei. The movie 'Men in Black' at 20:15 drew 180,000 young viewers (4.9% market share), followed by 'Men in Black 3' with a 5.1% share. 'Hancock' later held 380,000 viewers, with 7.5% market share in the younger demographic. Earlier in the day, 'Terra X' documentaries and the science show 'Maithink X' also performed well. The 'Tatort' repeat on WDR also attracted 700,000 viewers. All data is based on AGF Videoforschung.

• ZDFneo achieved a daily market share of 4.0% among viewers aged 14-49 on Saturday.
• 'Men in Black' at 20:15 reached 180,000 young viewers (4.9% market share).
• 'Men in Black 3' followed with 5.1% market share among young viewers.

RTLzwei moves 'Love Island VIP' to late night slot

German broadcaster RTLzwei is moving the reality show 'Love Island VIP' from its 20:15 prime time slot to a late-night slot on Wednesdays at 22:15 starting October 22. The move follows disappointing linear ratings, with only 150,000 viewers tuning in this week and market shares of 1.9% and 2.6% among 14-49 year-olds. The show, produced by ITV Studios Germany, has been successful on the RTL+ streaming platform but underperformed on linear TV. RTLzwei is replacing it with the classic docu-soap 'Zuhause im Glück'. Other affected shows include 'Maison Tabou' (now after midnight) and 'Stranger Sins' (now at 1:30). This decision aligns with RTLzwei's strategy to plan streaming and linear programming independently, as articulated by managing director Thorsten Braun. The move reflects a broader trend of separating content performance across distribution channels.

• 'Love Island VIP' moves from 20:15 to 22:15 on Wednesdays starting October 22.
• Only 150,000 viewers watched the show this week in linear TV.
• Market shares among 14-49 year-olds were 1.9% and 2.6%.

RTL's 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' Hits High Young Audience Share

On Wednesday, RTL's special '3 Million Euro Week' of 'Wer wird Millionär?' featured exclusively pensioners as contestants, attracting 520,000 viewers aged 14-49 and achieving an 18.2% market share in that demographic, the highest since January. Total viewership reached 2.75 million, making RTL the most successful private broadcaster with a 16.6% share. In contrast, Vox's 'Stern TV Reportage' and RTLzwei's 'Love Island VIP' underperformed. The special week concludes with a final on Thursday.

• 520,000 viewers aged 14-49 watched 'Wer wird Millionär?' on October 7, 2026.
• RTL achieved an 18.2% market share among 14-49 year olds, the highest since January.
• Total audience for the show was 2.75 million viewers, with a 16.6% all-viewer market share.