In the latest episode of RTL stories – The podcast, RTL Group’s SVP Content & Business Development explores how AI is reshaping creativity, production and storytelling and why human ideas still sit at the heart of every great hit.
“As a kid, I was crazy about big entertainment shows,” says Jan Peter Lacher, looking back on his early passion for TV that would eventually place him at the centre of RTL Group’s content, strategy and AI transformation efforts. More than 25 years later, that fascination with storytelling and audience connection still drives him.
In this episode of RTL stories – The podcast, Jan Peter reflects on how the media industry has transformed over the past two decades, from the era of mass-audience linear TV to today’s fragmented streaming and digital landscape. Having worked across programming, scheduling, transformation and business development, he offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on how RTL Group has adapted to changing viewing habits.
“We thought the best way to successfully participate in this development is to fragment ourselves,” he explains in the interview with Lisa Burke.
The conversation also explores how ideas evolve into global entertainment formats. Jan Peter discusses the importance of local creative expertise and collaboration across RTL Group, using The Traitors as an example of a format that successfully scaled across multiple markets. He also highlights the role of Fremantle in developing internationally successful IP and creating content that resonates with audiences worldwide.
But the main focus of the episode is the transformation currently reshaping the entire industry: artificial intelligence.
“For us at RTL Group, it’s probably the second biggest transformation after the transformation from linear to streaming,” says Jan Peter.
From production and post-production to creative development, dubbing, marketing and distribution, he shares concrete examples of how AI is already changing workflows across RTL Group and Fremantle.
The episode also dives into the opportunities and challenges that come with lowering barriers to content creation. As more creators enter the market and the volume of content continues to grow, Jan Peter explains why strong brands, trusted IP and editorial expertise may become even more valuable in the AI era.
“We are a hit-driven business,” he says. “One great idea can be a game changer.”
🎧 Listen to the full conversation!
