The pan-European producer and broadcaster reported a 2.5% year-on-year drop in earnings before interest, tax and amortisation, to €502 million (£398 million).
Revenue for the six months to the end of June was down 0.9% to €2.86 billion, with net profits up 9.2% to €391 million.
Five saw its first half income fall by 12.4% to €212 million, although RTL said that the dip was solely down to the strength of the Euro against the pound.
Gerhard Zeiler, chief executive officer of RTL Group, said: “Our operating profit again exceeded EUR 500 million – despite a slowdown in several advertising markets, adverse currency effects and the special programme investment by Groupe M6 for the European football championship. Our half-year net result even reached a new record high.
“RTL Group continues to evolve its strategy. We’re stepping up our presence on all digital platforms to move with our audience. Our catch-up TV services in Germany, France, the UK and the Netherlands already register rapid viewer uptake. In Germany and France, we strengthened our internet portfolio with acquisitions. RTL Group will continue to invest in the fast-growing content and online advertising sectors, which complement our core business.
“We expect that the advertising market conditions will continue to be mixed across Europe, combined with low visibility. However, given the strength of our business, we remain confident for the outcome of the full year.”
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