The RNF GmbH, which operates the regional television channel Rhein-Neckar-Fernsehen (RNF), has filed for insolvency at the Heidelberg District Court. Despite this development, the channel plans to continue its regular broadcasting operations for the time being.
Fourth consecutive insolvency
RNF GmbH has filed for insolvency at the Heidelberg District Court. This move follows the withdrawal of the main shareholder, Manfred Lautenschläger, who had joined RNF only in 2021 and supported the TV station with investments in the millions. According to the “Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung”, this money was used to finance a new TV studio in Heidelberg, among other things.
This marks the fourth time RNF has faced insolvency, with the most recent occurrence just before Lautenschläger’s involvement. The channel cites insufficient advertising revenue as the reason for its current financial difficulties, despite a roughly 20% increase in viewership since 2021. RNF states that it has been unable to secure “the necessary monetary support” from companies in the region. The company now aims to create an efficient basis for future operations in collaboration with insolvency administrator Henrik Schmoll.
Historical context and current situation
The channel’s first insolvency was preceded by the loss of its license for RTL local television, which also meant the loss of secured income. The two subsequent bankruptcies were triggered by the withdrawal of respective financiers – the Mannheim media group Dr. Haas and Heidelberg software entrepreneur Andreas Schneider-Neureither.
Despite these challenges, RNF reports a daily viewership of 230,000. The channel can be received via cable or watched via livestream on the TV station’s website. For now, RNF intends to maintain its normal broadcasting operations, even as it navigates through this latest financial crisis.
