With this acquisition, RTL Nederland is expanding its family of radio stations, comprising market leader Radio 538 and digital station RTL Lounge Radio which was launched end of October 2009 (Backstage reported). Radio 538 will handle the day-to-day operation of Radio 10 Gold.
Bert Habets, CEO of RTL Nederland, said: “With Radio 538 we will reach a broad target audience in which men are also well represented. The Radio 10 Gold audience consists mainly of women. This acquisition will provide a valuable addition to our family of stations in terms of both listeners and customers. It is a good feeling to start the new year with this acquisition.”
John de Mol, who has owned Radio 10 Gold since 2003, said: “For Talpa, it makes sense to have Radio 10 Gold join RTL Nederland, because that is good for the station. By operating alongside Radio 538, Radio 10 Gold will get the attention it deserves. Since I am a shareholder in RTL Nederland, it's not like I'm saying farewell – and that feels good.”
Since 2007, John de Mol’s Talpa Media Holding has been a minority shareholder of RTL Nederland, holding a 26.3 per cent stake.
In 2005 Radio 10 Gold received the “Marconi Award” for best radio station. Listeners can tune in to Radio 10 Gold via cable, satellite and the internet (www.radio10gold.nl).
6 January 2010 - RTL Nederland, The Netherlands