BBC Studios vs Fremantle

Mattel Partners with BBC's Bluey Across Multiple Brands

Mattel announced a multi-year global licensing partnership with BBC Studios to bring the animated series Bluey to five of its major brands: Fisher-Price's Little People, Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and UNO. This move is part of Mattel's strategic shift from a traditional toy maker to a 'brand management company' focused on building lifelong fandom through an ecosystem of toys, entertainment, and live experiences. The partnership was announced by Mattel's chief marketing and brand officer, Roberto Stanichi, at ADWEEK's Brandweek. The collaboration aims to leverage Bluey's emotional resonance to deepen consumer engagement and expand Mattel's franchise ecosystem, aligning with its brand pillars of centering fans and creating immersive experiences.

• Mattel and BBC Studios signed a multi-year global licensing partnership for Bluey.
• Bluey characters will appear in Fisher-Price Little People, Barbie, Polly Pocket, Hot Wheels, and UNO products.
• The deal was announced by Mattel's CMO Roberto Stanichi at ADWEEK's Brandweek.

BBC Studios unveils next generation of reality formats at MIPCOM 2026

The Yacht, The Big Date, Silent Attraction and Dancing With The Stars: The Next Pro launching to international buyers in session Reality Check: A New Era of Unscripted Formats, on Monday 12 October.

BBC Studios ANZ appoints new Senior Vice President, Head of Streaming & Channels

Liz Baldwin will lead the streaming and channel strategy across Australia and New Zealand.

Disney Moves American Idol Production from California to Georgia

Disney and producer Fremantle are relocating production of American Idol from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area in Georgia for its 25th season, driven by Georgia's tax credits of up to 30% for unscripted productions. This move marks another loss for California's entertainment industry, following The Masked Singer's relocation to New Jersey. California's incentive program excludes certain unscripted formats, making it less competitive. The show is expected to premiere in early 2027, with current host and judges expected to continue pending contract negotiations. The move underscores the economic pressures pushing reality TV production out of California, impacting local crews and vendors.

• American Idol production is moving from Los Angeles to the Atlanta area in Georgia for its 25th season.
• Producer Fremantle is in final talks with a studio complex near Atlanta, with the deal not yet signed.
• Georgia offers tax credits of up to 30% for unscripted productions spending at least $500,000 in the state.

Fremantle listed on State of Streaming directory

This State of Streaming directory page lists Fremantle as a company entry with a link to its corporate website and ticker symbol (RRTL). The page indicates there is no coverage yet for Fremantle on the site. The listing appears alongside State of Streaming site features and links to related streaming-industry articles and resources, plus a promotional download for a 2026 Advertiser's Guide to Streaming TV.

• Fremantle is listed in the State of Streaming directory.
• Ticker: RRTL (as shown on the directory page).
• Corporate website link provided: https://fremantle.com/.

RTL H1 Results Show Significant Sky Effect

RTL Group reported H1 results—the first to include Sky Deutschland after the June 1 closing—showing group revenue up 3.9% to about €2.9 billion (roughly flat +0.1% excluding Sky). Adjusted EBITA rose to €239 million, €79 million higher year-on-year, with Sky contributing €60 million in June. RTL raised 2026 revenue guidance by €1 billion to €7.1–7.2 billion while keeping adjusted EBITA guidance around €725 million and reiterated targets of €250 million annual synergies within three years and a medium-term €1 billion adjusted EBITA. Streaming revenue grew 27% to €299 million and delivered a €31 million H1 profit (vs. a €34 million loss a year earlier), helping offset weakening traditional ad sales. RTL+ had 7.6 million German subscribers; including Sky the group counts 12.4 million paid subscribers in DACH. Clément Schwebig has been CEO since May 2026.

• H1 revenue ~€2.9bn, +3.9% including Sky; +0.1% excluding Sky.
• Adjusted EBITA €239m, €79m above H1 2025; Sky contributed €60m in June.
• 2026 revenue guidance increased by €1bn to €7.1–7.2bn; adjusted EBITA guidance ~€725m; targets: €250m synergies in three years and €1bn medium-term adjusted EBITA.