News | Corporate, RTL Group | Berlin, 03/06/2019

RTL Radio Deutschland To Launch ‘Audio Now’

With “Audio Now”, RTL Radio Deutschland will launch a central audio platform for Germany on March 21. The offer will combine the best podcasts as well as specially selected audio content from German radio stations, podcast producers, and audio providers. Exclusive podcasts and audio series from the Bertelsmann Content Alliance will also be included.

RTL Radio Deutschland’s new offer “Audio Now” aims to become for audio what “TV Now”, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland’s big streaming platform, is for video in Germany: a central platform that compiles the medium’s most attractive content. The offer carries the motto “Hier hörst du alles” (You hear everything here) will launch on March 21.

“Audio Now” will combine the best podcasts as well as specially selected audio content from German radio stations, podcast producers and audio providers, as RTL Radio Deutschland announced. Additionally, “Audio Now” will be the home of exclusive podcasts and audio series from the Bertelsmann Content Alliance. Since February 1, it has been managing the cooperation of all of Bertelsmann’s content businesses in Germany, including Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, RTL Radio Deutschland, the TV production company UFA, Verlagsgruppe Random House, Gruner + Jahr, and the music company BMG.

RTL Radio Deutschland expects that “Audio Now” will be a unique offer in Germany that targets a broad user base. While classic radio retains a large number of listeners, “Audio Now” will cover the increasing need for individualized, non-linear and professionally produced audio content about various subjects and areas of life, as the company announced in a press release yesterday. All content will be available from March 21 in the free app for streaming and download.

Stephan Schmitter, CEO of RTL Radio Deutschland, said: “We aim to make ‘Audio Now’ Germany’s leading portal for high-quality podcasts and audio-on-demand content. We currently perceive a rapid increase of interest in and use of professionally produced audio content.” Well-made podcasts inform, entertain and fascinate people whether they are on the go or at home, according to Schmitter. “As audio experts we want to provide the best material for the ears anytime, anyplace, and for optimum use.” With “Audio Now”, the company looks forward to giving a new home to creative German audio productions as well as established audio offers, which also guarantees transparency about their users and use.