RTL Deutschland has confirmed it will cut around 600 jobs as part of a major organisational restructuring, following reports circulating yesterday about large-scale redundancies at the German media group.
The company said the measures are designed to sharpen its strategic focus on streaming, with RTL+ continuing to post strong growth and expected to become profitable in 2026. RTL Deutschland described the cuts as “socially responsible”, to be carried out through a severance programme and phased-retirement options in coordination with works councils.
The decision comes against the backdrop of a rapidly transforming TV market. According to the broadcaster, linear TV advertising revenues in Germany have fallen by more than 20% since 2019, while RTL+ has grown from 800,000 paying subscribers in 2019 to over 6.6 million by the end of September 2025. Usage, subscriber numbers and revenues are “continuing to grow dynamically”, the company noted.
CEO Stephan Schmitter said the restructuring was essential to keep the organisation competitive amid structural and economic pressures. “The media market is undergoing profound change,” he said. “To remain successful and competitive in the long term, we are aligning RTL Deutschland even more consistently with the streaming business. With the dynamic growth of RTL+ and the planned acquisition of Sky, we have a strong foundation for future success.”
Schmitter stressed that content and editorial responsibility would remain at the heart of the business, backed by targeted investment in entertainment, sport, news and new technologies. But he acknowledged the scale of the changes: “These measures are far-reaching, but absolutely necessary and will strengthen RTL Deutschland’s position in light of structural and economic challenges.”
RTL Deutschland employs around 7,500 people across TV, streaming, print, digital, radio and podcast brands, including RTL, VOX, ntv, GEO and Stern. The group said all parts of the organisation will be affected by the restructuring as it repositions itself for a streaming-first future.
