Observed Signal · Jul 31, 2026 · Programming Relaunch · Source: Meedia · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
RTL Radio Integrates TV Brands, Adds Oliver Geissen
RTL Radio Deutschland will more closely integrate television brands and personalities into its radio programming under a relaunch scheduled for 3 August 2026. CEO Nina Gerhardt said the nationwide station will be renamed “RTL Radio Feel Good Music” and will feature radio-adapted versions of RTL TV magazines such as Punkt and Exclusiv, plus a radio iteration of the “Ultimative Chartshow” with Oliver Geissen. Simon Kober will host a new morning show and Sarah Oswald will be a regular voice. Gerhardt emphasized the goal of leveraging RTL’s TV assets to create distinctive audio formats rather than simply promoting TV programming. Additional RTL personalities are planned for September and October.
National broadcaster program relaunch expands cross-channel brand extensions and creates potential new audio inventory and advertising opportunities, but it is a broadcaster-specific programming change rather than a major platform or industry-wide policy shift.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- RTL Radio is relaunching its nationwide station on 3 August 2026 under the name "RTL Radio Feel Good Music".
- RTL Radio Deutschland CEO Nina Gerhardt announced plans to bring RTL TV brands and faces into the radio program, including radio-adapted versions of "Punkt" and "Exclusiv".
- A radio branch of the "Ultimative Chartshow" with Oliver Geissen is planned; Simon Kober will host the new morning show and Sarah Oswald will appear regularly.
- RTL Radio's national service will separate more clearly from its Berlin sister station 104.6 RTL, according to Gerhardt.
- Further prominent RTL personalities are scheduled to join programming in September and October 2026.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mapped“Dabei kündigt RTL-Radio-Deutschland-CEO Nina Gerhardt an, dass sich das bisherige nationale RTL Radio deutlich von seinem Berliner Schwester...”
“Unter dem neuen Namen “RTL Radio Feel Good Music” setze der Sender auf ein Musikformat, das mit der Entertainment-Welt von RTL verknüpft wer...”
“Oliver Geissens Dauerbrennersendung "Die ultimative Chartshow" geistert seit 2003 durchs RTL-Programm, jetzt erhält sie auch Radio-Präsenz. ...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
RTL Radio to Relaunch as Nationwide 'Feel Good Music'
RTL Radio Deutschland is preparing a nationwide relaunch of its RTL Radio service, positioning it as "RTL Radio Feel Good Music" and moving away from the regional 104.6 RTL sound. The group, now organised under RTL Deutschland rather than the RTL Group, will leverage its national DAB+ presence (Bundesmux) and integrate TV-originated formats and personalities into radio programming while saying the station will not become a pure promotional vehicle for TV. The relaunch includes a new morning show host (Simon Kober), use of Patrick Linke as station voice, additions such as Sarah Oswald and Oliver Geissen's "Ultimative Chartshow," and planned changes signalled for August 3. The interview also highlights commercial pressures on radio due to declining ad revenues, inflation and distribution fragmentation, while noting radio’s continued high reach.
RTL Radio adopts 'Feel Good Music' brand
RTL Radio has rebranded nationwide under the new brand promise “Feel Good Music,” replacing its previous claim “Deutschlands Hit-Radio.” The station shifts its music programming to a broader mix from the 1980s to today, moving toward an Adult-Contemporary orientation and focusing on a positive listening experience rather than pure hit rotation. RTL Radio will also bring back more moderated daytime programming: from 3 August 2026 the station plans to resume live/more-hosted segments, with Simon Kober slated for the morning show. CEO Nina Gerhardt is leading the repositioning, which the publisher says responds to changed listener needs.
Thorsten Schorn Joins RTL Radio with New Show
Thorsten Schorn, known for his 25-year tenure at WDR and as the voice of Vox's 'Shopping Queen', is moving to RTL Radio to co-host the 'Schorn-Show' with Andrea Ostermann, starting September 14. The daily show airs weekdays from 10 AM to 3 PM and features 'Feel Good Music.' Schorn emphasizes the importance of personality within strict radio formats and highlights radio's enduring strength in providing familiarity and emotional connection. He will continue his street interviews and remain involved with WDR for events like the Cologne Carnival and the Eurovision Song Contest. The move is part of RTL's strategy to integrate radio and TV, leveraging personalities like Schorn across platforms. RTL Radio, which relaunched in early August, is available nationwide via DAB+.
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