RTL Deutschland again underscores its commitment to social cohesion with “Diversity Week,” which this year takes place from March 23 to 29. During the week, programming across the company’s platforms will center on diversity in all its dimensions. This year’s theme is “Alles, was uns zusammenbringt” (Everything That Brings Us Together). Throughout the week, RTL Deutschland will highlight the value of community and solidarity. At a time when differences are often emphasized, the initiative deliberately focuses on the connections that strengthen German society. Unique life stories and powerful personal causes illustrate what unites people regardless of background, gender, or life path: humanity and empathy.
“Diversity Week” has been part of the company-wide initiative “Vielfalt verbindet” (Diversity Connects) since 2022. Through this initiative, RTL Deutschland promotes tolerance, equality, and social cohesion across its platforms. The aim is to highlight diversity as a fundamental element of an open and democratic society. “For RTL Deutschland, diversity isn’t just a buzzword – it’s part of our everyday reality, both in our programming and in how we work together,” says Ingrid Heisserer, Chief Human Resources & Financial Officer, RTL Deutschland. “Diversity Week is very close to our hearts. It reflects our social responsibility and shows that a sense of community grows when people treat each other with respect, openness, and empathy. When we focus on what connects us, cohesion grows – and that’s exactly why we’re giving diversity a stage.”
‘Diversity Week’ 2026 at a glance
RTL highlights the importance of education as a key to equal opportunity in the weekly series “Eine Chance für die Bildung” (A Chance for Education) on “Punkt 12.” Among other places, reporters visit a school in a socially disadvantaged area that is taking new approaches despite difficult conditions, and finding ways to overcome the challenges it faces. Another segment looks at a school where educators are actively working to promote equal opportunities. The teachers support students far beyond the classroom to help ensure that every child has a fair chance at the future, regardless of background or social environment.
Actor Max von der Groeben appears on “Punkt 8,” “Punkt 12,” and “RTL Exclusiv” to talk about his new film “Das gewisse Etwas” (That Certain Something). The movie follows a father and son who go on the run after a jewel robbery and unexpectedly end up joining a travel group made up of people with disabilities. To avoid being discovered, they pretend to be a missing participant and his caretaker. The result is an unusual story full of human encounters and surprising shifts in perspective.
Another segment accompanies Mathias Mester, a former German Paralympic track-and-field athlete, on a visit to ten-year-old Mali from Solingen. Mali lives with the extremely rare genetic condition MOPD2, which affects only around 50 to 150 people worldwide. The two spend time together in everyday situations, including athletics training. Their encounter shows how joy, courage, and confidence can overcome barriers. The “Stiftung RTL – Wir helfen Kindern” (RTL Foundation – We Help Children) supports initiatives like this for children with rare diseases. Mathias Mester will also take viewers behind the scenes of the hit show “Let’s Dance” for “RTL Exclusiv.”
Return to the ‘Herbstresidenz’
The “RTL Nachtjournal” visits Reyyan Alshebl, who came to Germany as a Syrian refugee in 2015 and was elected mayor of Ostelsheim in 2023. Vox presents another highlight with the return to the “Herbstresidenz” (Autumn Residence) in the new episode “Herbstresidenz – Ein Jahr danach” (Autumn Residence – One Year Later), airing on March 25 at 20:15. The extraordinary intergenerational project featuring Tim Mälzer and André Dietz revisits participants and explores how their lives have developed since the project began. The initiative trains people with disabilities as qualified everyday assistants in elderly care. The program examines whether the project could serve as a model for other institutions. Tim Mälzer and André Dietz look back on the experience together with everyone involved.
The Vox show “Shopping Queen” also reflects lived diversity during this week with contestants from different backgrounds, life paths, and generations. On “Das perfekte Dinner,” Vox’s interior-decoration professionals set an example for diversity, openness, and community throughout the week. Vox up will broadcast the free-to-air premiere of the documentary “Jamies Mut zur Legasthenie: Vom Missverständnis zum Meisterkoch” (Jamie’s Courage with Dyslexia: From Misunderstanding to Master Chef) on March 25 starting at 23:15. In the documentary, TV chef Jamie Oliver – himself one of the most prominent people with dyslexia in the UK – examines the daily challenges faced by schoolchildren with dyslexia. He joins teachers, parents, charities, and affected children in advocating for greater awareness and effective improvements in the education system.
Telling everyday stories of diversity on social media
The new video podcast “Gemischtwarenladen – vollgefüllt mit Migra-Geschichten” (General Store – Fully Stocked with Migration Stories) launches on RTL+ on April 8. Three hosts from immigrant backgrounds speak with guests such as rapper Eko Fresh and singer Luna Simao about heritage, identity, and growing up between cultures. Personal, relatable, and often humorous, the format explores a variety of migrant perspectives in a natural, carefully researched, and engaging way.
RTL Deutschland’s social media channels complement the themed week with informative posts that broaden perspectives and highlight everyday stories of diversity. Topics range from identity and self-expression to neurodiversity, invisible illnesses, heritage, and life in a diverse society. The posts also address realities such as invisible disabilities and everyday discrimination caused by seemingly harmless remarks.
RTL+ brings together related content in a dedicated section for “Diversity Week.” RTL.de will continue to publish reports, news, and advice articles related to the initiative on the permanent landing page for “Vielfalt verbindet,” available at www.rtl.de/vielfalt.
Toggo radio promotes openness and respect
RTL Deutschland’s children’s and family station Toggo Radio also sets a clear example for openness and respect. Diversity topics are explored and explained in a child-friendly way every day in the morning show. For example, Toggo Radio speaks with the father of two transgender children about gender diversity. Segments on sign language, blind football, wheelsoccer, and everyday inclusion offer additional insights. In the program “Bea trifft,” Mathias Mester shares his personal experiences and emphasizes the importance of inclusion. Presenter Leandra Ibe also lends her voice to an accompanying radio spot and shares her personal perspective on diversity.
Stations belonging to RTL Radio Deutschland will also spotlight the themed week with a dedicated radio spot broadcast regularly on 104.6 RTL, 105’5 Spreeradio, Jam FM, Antenne Niedersachsen, 89.0 RTL, Radio Brocken, and Antenne Thüringen.
Cross-media marketing campaign
RTL Deutschland is supporting the themed week with a two-week marketing campaign starting March 16 under the theme “Vielfalt zeigt Gesicht” (Diversity Shows Its Face). Prominent faces of the campaign include “No Angels” singer Lucy Diakovska, world and European champion Mathias Mester, and football commentator Patrick “Coach” Esume. Emotional trailers and spots across TV and digital platforms, radio, and social media all feature the recurring introduction “Alles, was uns zusammenbringt.” Personal statements from the protagonists reinforce the central message of Diversity Week: Diversity becomes tangible when people treat one another with openness, respect, and empathy.
