European television powerhouse RTL Group saw double-digit drops in both revenue and operating profits in the first half of 2020 as the company, which controls production giant Fremantle (American Idol) and networks including Germany's RTL TV and France's M6, was hard hit by COVID-19-driven declines in TV ad sales.
Group revenue at RTL fell 16.4 percent to $3.13 billion (€2.652 billion) in the first half, with second quarter revenue slumping a massive 28.3 percent to $1.4 billion (€1.186 billion).
The group reported operating profits (EBITA) of $284 million (€241 million),for the half, a 55.2 percent drop on the same period last year.