RTL Aktuell's Swan Song Garners High Viewership
- The farewell broadcast is garnering impressive viewership figures.
For over 32 heart-stopping years, the duo of Peter Kloeppel (65) and Ulrike von der Groeben (67) graced the screens of "RTL Aktuell". Becoming a staple in German television, they starred in a whopping 4,580 broadcasts. It comes as no shock, then, that their farewell drew such interest. According to AGF Videoforschung and GfK, an astounding 2.74 million viewers tuned in to catch their final news segment.
RTL Aktuell's Parting Gift to Kloeppel and von der Groeben
On August 23, "RTL Aktuell" achieved an impressive 18.9% market share among the general audience. Among the key 14-49 demographic, they surpassed expectations with a staggering 24.1%, drawing in 554,000 viewers. These numbers are even more remarkable, considering that "RTL Aktuell" typically boasts an 15.3% market share among the general audience and a 16.7% among the 14-49 demographic throughout the year.
Kloeppel and von der Groeben's Retirement Celebrated
In a touching tribute, RTL invited star moderator Frauke Ludowig (60) to host a special broadcast tracing back the most memorable moments from "RTL Aktuell's" storied past. This unforgettable special, entitled "RTL Aktuell Spezial: Abschied," drew in a remarkable 2.56 million viewers, garnering a 16.0% market share among the general audience. The young and restless 14-49 demographic showed their appreciation, too, with 569,000 viewers tuning in, granting an impressive 22.1% market share.
Curtain Call after 32 Years Together
In March 2024, Peter Kloeppel and Ulrike von der Groeben made the bittersweet announcement that they would retire in August. Kloeppel, who joined the "RTL Aktuell" team as the USA correspondent since 1990 and later assumed the role of the main news' chief moderator in 1992, has been a vital part of the crew for over 30 years. Since 1989, Von der Groeben has also been an invaluable asset to the team, holding positions as a redakteurin and sports moderator.
- In their farewell segment, Ulrike of the Groeben and Peter Kloeppel shared heartfelt messages with their loyal viewers, expressing their gratitude for the support they've received over their 32-year career on RTL Aktuell.
- Despite retiring from RTL Aktuell, Ulrike of the Groeben and Peter Kloeppel continue to stay active in the industry, occasionally appearing as guests on other shows, demonstrating their enduring influence in German television.
