Observed Signal · May 28, 2026 · Partnership · Source: DWDL · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
RTLzwei expands FAST business with Samsung TV Plus channels
RTLzwei announced a partnership with Samsung TV Plus to launch two new FAST (Free Ad‑supported Streaming Television) channels that will run its formats "Grip - Das Motormagazin" and "Die Geissens" around the clock. RTLzwei says the move is part of a broader content distribution diversification; programming and technical distribution are supported by Wurl and initial monetisation will run via Samsung Ads, with RTLzwei's Ad Alliance and El Cartel Brothers to follow. RTLzwei already operates FAST channels via a partnership with Waipu.TV but chose Samsung TV Plus rather than its own RTL+ for this expansion. Separately, Autentic is launching a German version of the Wheels & Steel FAST channel across Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Titan OS and Rakuten TV, expanding its FAST footprint in the German‑language market.
Expands CTV/FAST inventory and ad monetisation opportunities in the German market via a major platform (Samsung TV Plus), affecting publishers, advertisers and CTV monetisation strategies.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- RTLzwei partnered with Samsung TV Plus to launch two FAST channels featuring "Grip" and "Die Geissens".
- Programming and technical distribution for RTLzwei's FAST channels will be handled with Wurl; monetisation initially via Samsung Ads.
- RTLzwei previously runs two FAST channels with Waipu.TV but chose Samsung TV Plus rather than RTL+ for these new channels.
- Autentic launched a German version of the Wheels & Steel FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, Titan OS and Rakuten TV.
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ARD Plus and High View Launch 'ARD Plus Zoo' FAST Channel
WDR Mediagroup’s commercial streaming subsidiary ARD Plus, together with distribution partner High View, will launch a new FAST (free ad‑supported streaming) channel called ARD Plus Zoo. The channel — ARD Plus’s third FAST offering after Lindenstraße and Krimi — is scheduled to begin distribution on Samsung TV Plus on 2026-05-28. Programming will aggregate long-running ARD zoo documentary series (e.g., "Elefant, Tiger & Co." and spin-offs) and additional animal‑welfare and care formats, with continuous thematic updates and bundled episode blocks. WDR Mediagroup says the channel will be rolled out to further platforms after the Samsung TV Plus debut.
High View Launches Paramount FAST Channels on Samsung TV Plus
German FAST channel operator High View has signed a licensing deal with Paramount to launch ad-supported streaming channels based on classic series. A dedicated 24/7 "Beverly Hills, 90210" channel is now available on Samsung TV Plus, and additional single-IP channels for "Lucky Dog – Der Hundetrainer" and the Western classic "Rauchende Colts" (Gunsmoke) are also launching. Advertising sales for the channels is handled by High View's subsidiary Goldvertise. High View already operates several ad-supported streaming channels for ARD Plus. The deal is notable because Paramount operates its own FAST platform, Pluto TV, yet is licensing premium library content to an external German operator. Executives from Paramount and High View described the agreement as a partnership to broaden reach and expand High View's FAST business. Samsung TV Plus also welcomed the expanded offering.
Frank Vogel Appointed Deputy Chairman of AGF Supervisory Board
Frank Vogel, CEO of Ad Alliance, has been elected as the new Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board at AGF Videoforschung, Germany's leading TV audience measurement body. He succeeds Carsten Schwecke, who resigned from the position after leaving RTL earlier this year. Schwecke is set to become Managing Director of MediaMarktSaturn Marketing starting November 1. Matthias Eckert of Hessischer Rundfunk remains Chairman. Vogel, who has led Ad Alliance since 2022 and since June 2026 also oversees RTL's national and international marketing and adtech strategy, brings extensive experience in marketing and market research. AGF Videoforschung's CEO, Kerstin Niederauer-Kopf, emphasized the importance of this appointment for the further development of their measurement systems and standards.
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