Frank Dietz, Super RTL’s SVP of content investments and key partnerships, is preparing to exit the German kids channel that he brought to prominence in the global market. 

Dietz is leaving at the end of this month after more than 25 years with the company, he tells Kidscreen. He doesn’t know what’s next for him, but he’s excited to start a new chapter. 

His departure is part of a round of roughly 600 layoffs that RTL announced in December in a bid to cope with weaker ad revenues. The broadcaster isn’t prepared at this time to say who will replace Dietz, according to an RTL spokesperson. 

But Super RTL CEO Oliver Schablitzki praised Dietz’s leadership and engagement in a statement to Kidscreen. “Frank has been a cornerstone of Super RTL for 25 years, establishing and driving the success of our content strategy and strategic investments, as well as establishing long-term partnerships that underpin a vital part of our business. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and contribution to our company as both a colleague and friend, and we wish him all the best for his next adventures.”

Dietz played a key role in greenlighting and acquiring many kids series from around the world for the channel, including hits like Bob the Builder, PAW Patrol and Grizzy & the Lemmings. 

He started his career in the music industry, heading up international sales at BMG France before landing a role as a manager of acquisitions and co-productions at ZDF Enterprises, and then making his way to Super RTL in 2000. 

He’s seen a lot of change over the course of his long career there—from the booming “heyday” of children’s content, to the chaotic period when Disney sold its 50% stake in the channel to RTL Group in 2021 and the company had to fill the programming gaps that emerged. And today, Super RTL holds a place as a leader in Germany’s kids market. 

“I’m grateful for all my time in the industry,” says Dietz. “We got to experience the very positive side of this industry, and we were extremely blessed to be free to choose to work with some amazing production companies.” 

The reality of the business today is more complicated. The ad market has slowed for all broadcasters, streamers have a lot more power, and YouTube has never been more important. 

But despite these challenges, Dietz has high hopes for the channel he spent so much time building and nurturing. The “magic potion” for Super RTL’s success has always been that it lets “people do their jobs at their best”. 

“I want to thank my colleagues, partners and those who have become friends during all these amazing years,” he says. “It has been an incredible journey that I would not change. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and experienced together, and I look forward to staying in touch.”