Odds 2023
RTL is at the forefront among young audiences – ZDF is the overall winner
The private broadcaster RTL is ahead in the 14 to 49 age group. photo
© Britta Pedersen/dpa
For the twelfth time in a row, the second place wins in the overall audience. In the 14 to 49 age group, the private broadcaster RTL is ahead and is fighting back a double-digit market share.
In 2023, ZDF was once again the television station with the highest ratings in Germany. The private broadcaster However, RTL and the third programs have noticeably increased their overall audience. With a market share of 14.6 percent, the second was at the top as of December 28th – for the twelfth time in a row. The average audience rating for ZDF’s main program was exactly at the previous year’s level.
In second place among viewers aged three and over are ARD’s third programs, which achieved a total of 13.8 percent, i.e. 0.4 percentage points more. The first came in behind with 11.9 percent (minus 0.4 points). RTL came fourth in terms of overall audience as the strongest private broadcaster with 7.9 percent (plus 0.4). This is followed by Vox with 4.7 percent (unchanged), Sat.1 on par with 4.7 percent (minus 0.4), Kabel eins with 3.2 percent (plus 0.2), ProSieben with 3.0 percent (minus 0.3), ZDFneo with 2.6 percent (unchanged) and RTLzwei with 2.4 percent (minus 0.2).
In the target group of 14 to 49 year olds, which is important for advertising sales, the picture is somewhat different. RTL remains at the top there with an average of 10.0 percent (plus 0.1 points). This is followed by ProSieben with 7.7 percent (minus 0.5 points), Das Erste with 7.5 percent (minus 0.4 points) and ZDF with 7.1 percent (minus 0.2 points). Vox was watched by 6.7 percent of the target group (the same), Sat.1 came in at 6.5 percent (minus 0.1 points), the third parties at 6.2 percent (plus 0.3 points), Kabel eins at 4.5 percent (plus 0.2 points). RTLzwei achieved 4.0 percent (minus 0.1 points).
The designated RTL Germany managing director Stephan Schmitter said according to the statement: “We are particularly proud that in an extremely competitive environment RTL is the only major channel to gain market share at 14-59 and is the only channel to regain a double-digit market share at 14-49 and has significantly increased his lead over number 2.” A few days ago, ZDF director Norbert Himmler summarized: “Our success shows that we are at the heart of society with our offering.”