RTL 7 (Netherlands)

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RTL 7

Launched	August 12, 2005
Network	RTL Nederland
Owned by	RTL Group
Picture format	576i (PAL) 16:9
Audience share	4.0% (2006, [1])
Country	Netherlands
Headquarters	Hilversum, Netherlands
Replaced	Yorin
Sister channel(s)	RTL 4, RTL 5, RTL 8
Website	www.rtl7.nl
Availability
Satellite
Astra 1H
Cable
Ziggo	Channel 7
UPC	Channel 7

RTL 7 is the 3rd channel from the RTL Group in the Netherlands. It was formerly known as Veronica and Yorin.

[edit] Why RTL 7?

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When Dutch media tycoon and Big Brother-inventor John de Mol announced to launch a tv-channel named Talpa, and contracted many popular Dutch tv-hosts, the RTL Group felt the need for reorganising its channels. Apart from a physical renewal, the setup of its channels RTL 4, RTL 5 and Yorin were changed. To emphasise the three channel's connection the name Yorin was replaced by RTL 7. Practically all former Yorin shows were moved to RTL 5, whereas that channel's programmes continued on RTL 7.

The origin of the number 7, instead of a more logical 6, goes back to 1995 when the original channel Veronica was founded. Around the same time commercial channel SBS 6 appeared and also claimed channel 6 of the remote control. Veronica/Yorin lost the battle for remote control button 6. Also, SBS6 was originally managed by Fons van Westerloo, who later became head of RTL Nederland before the rebranding operation.

Officially RTL 7 - along with RTL 4, RTL 5 and RTL 8 - is headquartered in Luxembourg, broadcasting under a Luxembourgish TV license. This allows them to avoid more severe control by the Dutch media authorities as Luxembourg's television watchdog is less strict. Yorin used to be based in The Netherlands, but moved to Luxemburg after the RTL 7 rebrand.^{[citation needed]}

RTL 7 also broadcast A1 Grand Prix, Formula One, Dakar Rally, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500 Live.