waipu.tv vs Zattoo

Fernsehen 2030: Zuschauer wollen KI, aber die Kontrolle behalten

Aktuelle waipu.tv Umfrage zum Fernsehverhalten in 4 - 5 Jahren. Wie entwickeln sich die Einflüsse von KI auf das Entertainmentverhalten und was beschäftigt die Menschen in Deutschland schon heute.

44% of Germans Struggle to Find TV Content Despite Abundance

A representative survey commissioned by TV provider Waipu.TV, conducted in August 2026 among over a thousand Germans, reveals a widespread content discovery dilemma. 44% of respondents say they cannot always find suitable programming despite extensive offerings, and an equal share sometimes end up watching nothing after extended searching. Only 30% know immediately what to watch upon arriving home. The survey also highlights strong consumer demand for simpler content discovery: 45% want easier findability, and 35% desire all content on a single surface. A majority (59%) would welcome AI-powered content suggestions, yet only 4% would allow AI to autonomously select films or plan their TV evening. Markus Härtenstein, CEO of Exaring AG, Waipu.TV's operator, emphasizes the need for simple access to entertainment variety and for AI to aid discovery while keeping the final choice personal.

• 44% of German respondents find no suitable TV program despite large content choice.
• 44% of respondents sometimes stop watching altogether after a prolonged search.
• 45% of respondents desire easier content findability; 35% want all content on one interface.

Freenet acquires full control of waipu.tv

German mobile carrier Freenet AG is acquiring the remaining 25% stake in Exaring AG, operator of online TV platform waipu.tv, from minority shareholders for an initial €76 million, valuing the company at around €300 million. Additional performance-based earn-out payments of up to €50 million may follow based on future success. The acquisition, fully financed from liquid funds, abandons plans for a waipu.tv IPO. Freenet sees waipu.tv's IPTV offering as a strategic growth driver in the German market, including potential in programmatic advertising, and maintains its dividend outlook. Waipu.tv serves approximately two million customers and holds a 20-25% market share in German IPTV. CEO Robin Harries and CFO Ingo Arnold highlighted the strategic benefits.

• Freenet acquires remaining 25% of Exaring AG, owner of waipu.tv, for initial €76 million.
• Company valuation is about €300 million; earn-out payments up to €50 million are possible.
• Acquisition is fully financed from liquid funds.

Tina Rodriguez appointed CEO of Zattoo

Zattoo's Board of Directors has officially appointed Tina Rodriguez as CEO. Rodriguez, who joined the company in January 2026 as Chief Consumer Officer, had been serving as interim CEO since April 2026 following the departure of Roger Elsener to SRF. The board, led by chairman Daniel Mönch, praised her clear strategic leadership and role in driving transformation. Under her interim leadership, Zattoo achieved key milestones, including a marketing partnership with Ströer, the launch of its own FAST channel 'Zeno True Crime', and new B2B clients such as Joyn Schweiz for Zattoo Ingest. Additionally, Zattoo Orchestrate went live with Estonian TV provider Elisa Eesti. Before Zattoo, Rodriguez held leadership roles at Liberty Global, Sunrise, UPC Schweiz, and Unitymedia.

• Tina Rodriguez is officially appointed CEO of Zattoo.
• She joined Zattoo in January 2026 as Chief Consumer Officer and became interim CEO in April 2026.
• Previous CEO Roger Elsener left to join SRF.

Tina Rodriguez Officially Appointed CEO of Zattoo

Tina Rodriguez has been officially appointed as the permanent CEO of Zattoo by its board of directors, following her interim leadership since April. She joined the streaming provider earlier this year as Chief Consumer Officer and took over the helm after Roger Elsener's departure to SRF. Under her leadership, Zattoo secured a marketing partnership with Ströer, entered the FAST channel business with Zeno True Crime, and gained new B2B clients such as Joyn Schweiz. Additionally, Zattoo Orchestrate successfully went live with Elisa Eesti, a milestone for the company's modular portfolio. Rodriguez brings experience from Liberty Global, Sunrise, UPC Schweiz, and Unitymedia. Her permanent appointment ensures strategic continuity and stability as Zattoo continues its transformation and innovation initiatives in a changing market.

• Tina Rodriguez was appointed permanent CEO of Zattoo.
• She had served as interim CEO since April after Roger Elsener left for SRF.
• Under her leadership, Zattoo partnered with Ströer for marketing.