In the following, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board present their annual report on corporate governance at the Company in accordance with the recommendation given in Item 3.10 of the German Corporate Governance Code (GCGC) (Deutscher Corporate Governance Kodex — DCGK) and give their view on the Code’s proposals.

The Executive Board and Supervisory Board regard good corporate governance as an essential component of responsible, transparent management and control geared toward long-term value creation. The German Corporate Governance Code establishes a standard for transparent control and management of companies that is particularly aligned to the interests of shareholders. Many of the principles contained in the German Corporate Governance Code have already long been standard practice at ProSiebenSat.1.

Specific issues relating to corporate governance at ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE and ProSiebenSat.1 Group are presented in more detail in the Management Declaration in accordance with Sections 289f and 315d of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch — HGB); this includes in particular the annual Declaration of with the German Corporate Governance Code and stipulations on the equal participation of women in management positions at the two management levels below the Executive Board. Supplementary statements such as a description of the working procedures of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board, stipulations on the equal participation of women in management positions on the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board, a presentation of the composition and working procedures of the committees, and supplementary information regarding capital market communications and accounting principles can be found in this Corporate Governance Report.

002 / Amended Regulations

The content of Section 289f and Section 315d HGB corresponds to that of Section 289a and Section 315(5) HGB respectively. The regulations were amended with effect from April 19, 2017, by the German Act to Strengthen Non-Financial Reporting by Companies in Their Management Reports and Group Management Reports (CSR Directive Implementation Act) dated April 11, 2017 (BGBl. I, p. 802). They are applicable to annual and consolidated financial statements and to management reports and Group management reports for financial years beginning after December 31, 2016.

In the Non-Financial Statement in accordance with section 289c and section 315c (1) of the German Commercial Code (HGB), ProSiebenSat.1 also reports on the main non-financial aspects for the financial year 2017 with the corresponding information needed in order to understand the Company’s business development, results and position as well as the effects of its business activities on the non-financial aspects.

Fundamentals of Corporate Governance

ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE is a listed European stock corporation (Societas Europaea — SE), with its registered office located in Germany. Thus, in addition to the German Corporate Governance Code, the formal structure for corporate governance is derived from German and European law, notably the law governing European Companies (SEs), stock corporation and capital markets law, and the Articles of Incorporation of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE.

Information on Corporate Governance Practices

The Executive Board believes that sustained economic success in a competitive environment can only be achieved by ensuring that all action taken is in compliance with the applicable laws. Therefore, preventing and other breaches of law are key success factors with regard to strengthening our market position and achieving our corporate targets. In addition to preventing corruption, the Company particularly focuses on antitrust legislation and media law as well as data protection due to increasing digitalization of the Group’s activities.

ProSiebenSat.1 Group has implemented a compliance management system (CMS) to monitor compliance with the law. The main objective of the CMS is to ensure that all employees always think and act with integrity and in accordance with the law and thus to prevent law- and rule-breaking from the start. In view of its Group structure, ProSiebenSat.1 has established both a central and a decentralized compliance organization. The central organization is made up of the Compliance Board and the Group’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO), who are assisted in the performance of their duties by experts from other areas, such as the Legal department. The Compliance Board and the CCO support and advise the Executive Board in implementing, monitoring, and updating the CMS. The CCO is entrusted with implementing the CMS in the Group, carries out risk analyses and training, and advises the Executive Board on the development and implementation of appropriate measures to minimize risk. In addition, he or she monitors legal developments and makes proposals for updating the CMS. The decentralized compliance organization is represented by Unit Compliance Officers (UCOs), who are appointed in Group entities. Overall responsibility for the CMS lies with the Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE as the parent company of ProSiebenSat.1 Group.

ProSiebenSat.1 Group has laid down basic guidelines and policies in its Code of Conduct. The guidelines define the general standards for conduct in business, legal and ethical matters and also govern how employees can report misconduct in the Company. They serve all members of the Executive Board, the management, and the employees of ProSiebenSat.1 Group as a binding reference and regulatory framework for dealing with each other and with business partners, customers, suppliers, and other third parties. The Code of Conduct can be downloaded from the Internet at www.prosiebensat1.com/en/investor-relations/corporate-governance/code-of-conduct

The Company’s Governing Bodies

As a European Company (Societas Europaea — SE), ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE operates under a via its three governing bodies: the Annual General Meeting, the Supervisory Board (supervisory body) and the Executive Board (managing body). Those bodies’ duties and powers are governed by Council Regulation (EC) No 2157/2001 of October 8, 2001 on the Statute for a European Company (SE), the SE Implementation Act (Gesetz zur Ausführung der SE-VO — SEAG), the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz — AktG) and the Articles of Incorporation of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE.

A clear separation of powers is maintained between the management function and the supervisory function. The managing body is the Executive Board, which is overseen and advised by the Supervisory Board on management of the Company. All transactions and decisions of fundamental significance for the Company are undertaken by the Executive Board in close consultation with the Supervisory Board. To this end, open communication and close cooperation between the two bodies is of particular importance. This Corporate Governance Report describes the working procedures of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board and the cooperation between them. The remuneration paid to the members of the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board is described in the Compensation Report, which is part of the Combined Management Report.

The Company’s shareholders exercise their rights of co-administration and oversight at the Annual General Meeting, which is handled rapidly by the chair of the meeting and should be finished after four to six hours at the latest. Parts of the Annual General Meeting are also broadcast online. Each common share confers one vote at the Annual General Meeting. The shareholders are notified of the items on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting and the resolutions proposed by the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board in a timely manner in the meeting invitation. The Executive Board ensures that a proxy is appointed to exercise shareholders’ voting rights as per their instructions and thus make it easier for shareholders to exercise their rights. The proxy is present and available at the Annual General Meeting, and shareholders or their representatives are able to authorize and issue instructions to the proxy up until the day before the respective Annual General Meeting. In the event of a takeover offer, the Executive Board may convene an Extraordinary General Meeting at which the shareholders will discuss the takeover offer and possibly adopt corporate law measures.

Composition of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board

According to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the Executive Board must be composed of one or more members. The number of Executive Board members is determined by the Supervisory Board. As of December 31, 2017, the Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE had six members (previous year: seven members). Members of the Executive Board are appointed and removed by the Supervisory Board in accordance with Article 39 (2) SE Regulation. In accordance with Section 7 (2) Sentence 1 of the articles of incorporation in conjunction with Article 46 SE Regulation, Executive Board members are appointed for a maximum period of five years. Reappointments are permitted for a maximum of five years respectively. Members of the Executive Board, page 258, Takeover-Related Disclosures

The Articles of Incorporation stipulate that the Supervisory Board must have nine members, all of whom are to be elected by the Annual General Meeting. As in the previous year, the Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE had nine members as of December 31, 2017. New Supervisory Board members take part in a structured onboarding process, in which they are familiarized with the Company and their tasks. Members of the Supervisory Board, page 259

Targets for Executive Board Composition and Stipulations Concerning the Equal Participation of Women on the Executive Board in Accordance with Section 111(5) of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) in Conjunction with Article 9(1) lit. c) ii) of the SE Regulation and Description of the Diversity Concept for the Executive Board in Accordance with Sections 289f (2) No. 6 and 315d of the German Commercial Code (HGB)

On May 12, 2017, the Supervisory Board resolved to set a target for the equal participation of women on the Executive Board of at least one woman. The deadline for implementing this target is December 31, 2019. The appointment of Sabine Eckhardt as of January 1, 2017, put one female member on the Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE. This means that the Executive Board already fulfills this target for the equal participation of women on the Executive Board in its current composition.

ProSiebenSat.1 values the diversity of individual characteristics, experience, and expertise that its employees and managers contribute to the Company, and regards diversity as an important success factor for the Group’s development. In particular, the proportion of men and women at the Company and in management positions is a key diversity aspect for ProSiebenSat.1. Besides the proportion of women, no other aspects have been defined as targets for the Executive Board yet.

On September 30, 2015, the Supervisory Board initially decided in accordance with Section 111(5) AktG in conjunction with Art. 9(1) lit. c) ii) of the SE Regulation in the interests of flexibility with regard to future appointments of Executive Board members

  • to refrain from making any changes to the composition of the Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE prior to June 30, 2017, thus setting a target of 0% for the share of women on the Executive Board,
  • to nonetheless reconsider such target should it appear necessary or are intended — even before June 30, 2017 — to alter the composition of the Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE.

This target was set because at that point of time there was no female representation on the Executive Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, the contracts of the Executive Board members in office at that time extended beyond June 30, 2017, and the Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE did not wish to increase the number of Executive Board members merely on the basis of the statutory change enacted in Section 111(5) of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG).

Targets for Supervisory Board Composition and Stipulations Concerning the Equal Participation of Women on the Supervisory Board in Accordance with Section 111(5) of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG) in Conjunction with Article 9(1) lit. c) ii) of the SE Regulation, Description of the Skills Profile for the Supervisory Board in Accordance with Item 5.4.1 GCGC, and Description of the Diversity Concept for the Supervisory Board in Accordance with Sections 289f (2) No. 6 and 315d of the German Commercial Code (HGB)

Having thoroughly reviewed the recommendations of Items 5.4.1(2) and (3) of the German Corporate Governance Code regarding the specific targets for its composition, the Supervisory Board has set targets for its composition that take account of the specifics of the Company pursuant to Section 111(5) of the Stock Corporation Act in conjunction with Article 9(1) lit. c) ii) of the SE Regulation, most recently on March 12, 2018. The Supervisory Board has accordingly set the following targets:

  • the share of independent Supervisory Board members within the meaning of Item 5.4.2 of the German Corporate Governance Code should be at least 30%;
  • the share of women should be at least 1/3 (one third), to be attained by no later than March 31, 2019;
  • the members of the Supervisory Board should have specific international expertise and experience in the areas of broadcasting, media, and communication;
  • the international activities of the Company should be taken into account. The Supervisory Board should be filled with members who, based on their origin or professional activities, represent regions or cultures in which the Company has significant business operations. In this context, diversity should also be taken into account when appointing members to the Supervisory Board, and the current level of diversity should be maintained. The Supervisory Board should be filled with members who, based on their origin, their personal background, their education, or professional activities, are able to contribute a wide range of experience and specific expertise;
  • the Supervisory Board will continue to assess how it intends to handle potential or actual conflicts of interest in order to continue to guarantee unbiased supervision of and provision of advice to the Executive Board of the Company in the Company’s best interests in each individual case within the legal framework and taking into account the German Corporate Governance Code;
  • the age limit of 70 at the time of appointment to the Supervisory Board, as stipulated in the rules of procedure adopted by the Supervisory Board, should continue to apply;
  • individuals who have been members of the Company’s Supervisory Board for three full consecutive terms, and thus generally for fifteen years, should as a rule no longer be nominated for reelection to the Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board already meets the aforementioned targets it has set for its composition pursuant to the German Corporate Governance Code and the Stock Corporation Act. The Supervisory Board had already adopted the targets mentioned above in a resolution dated June 30, 2015. However, the proportion of women was initially 33% and was to be achieved by June 30, 2017; the composition of the Supervisory Board as of June 30, 2017, also fulfilled this target. As independent members of the Supervisory Board, the Supervisory Board considers Dr. Werner Brandt, Dr. Marion Helmes, Lawrence Aidam, Adam Cahen, Erik A. H. Huggers, Ketan Mehta, and Prof. Dr. Rolf Nonnenmacher. Supervisory Board members Antoinette P. Aris and Angelika Gifford had evidence of conflicts of interest mentioned in the Report of the Supervisory Board.

The described targets for the Supervisory Board’s composition and stipulations concerning the equal participation of women on the Supervisory Board in accordance with section 111(5) AktG in conjunction with Art. 9(1) lit. c) ii) of the SE Regulation form part of the diversity concept for the Supervisory Board in accordance with sections 289f(2) No. 6 and 315d HGB. In light of the adjusted recommendation of the German Corporate Governance Code (GCGC) in the currently applicable version dated February 7, 2017, with regard to Item 5.4.1 (Composition of the Supervisory Board), the Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE also developed a skills profile for the committee as a whole and adopted this on March 12, 2018, so as to ensure qualified advice and monitoring of the Company by the Supervisory Board. The committee as a whole already satisfies the requirements in its current composition.

Each member of the Supervisory Board should contribute essential general expertise, with the effect that the corresponding candidates are able to perform the tasks of the Supervisory Board in an international media/digital group based on their personality, independence, motivation, and integrity. In addition, it should be ensured that the topic of diversity is taken into account in the nomination of candidates by the Supervisory Board’s Presiding and Nomination Committee to the Supervisory Board as a whole and subsequently to the Annual General Meeting.

The expertise and experience required for qualified and successful work by the Supervisory Board should – in keeping with the Supervisory Board’s nature as a collegial body – be ensured by all members of the Supervisory Board together.

Overall, the Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE should have the skills and expertise considered to be material in view of ProSiebenSat.1 Group’s activities. This particularly includes in-depth knowledge with regard to:

  • Experience in the management of a listed, internationally operating company;
  • In-depth understanding of ProSiebenSat.1 Group’s different business areas – particularly content and broadcasting, distribution, digital entertainment, e-commerce, and production – and of the Group’s market environment and media regulation/policy;
  • In-depth knowledge in the field of digital business development, digital diversification and platform strategies (such as or ), data and advertising technology, and M&A;
  • In-depth knowledge in the field of accounting, financial reporting, and auditing;
  • In-depth knowledge in the fields of controlling and risk management;
  • In-depth knowledge in the fields of human resources development and management;
  • In-depth knowledge in the fields of governance and compliance.

In addition, at least one independent member of the Supervisory Board, who is the Chairman of the Audit & Finance Committee, must have specific expertise and experience in the areas of accounting principles and internal controlling methods.

When putting forward nominations to the Annual General Meeting, particular attention should be paid to the personality, integrity, motivation, and independence of the candidates. In addition, existing and prospective Supervisory Board members should comply with the limit recommended in Item 5.4.5 of the GCGC with regard to mandates at listed companies outside the Group or on supervisory bodies of companies outside the Group that make comparable demands.

With regard to nominations by the Supervisory Board to the Annual General Meeting, all requirements (in relation to the articles of incorporation, the rules of procedure for the Supervisory Board, and the German Corporate Governance Code) should be met and the above targets should be taken into account so as to ensure overall fulfillment of the skills profile for the Supervisory Board as a whole.

If a position is possibly to be restaffed, it should first be checked which of the corresponding areas of expertise are lacking or need to be strengthened on the Supervisory Board. Based on this requirements profile, candidates with the corresponding expertise or skills should then be identified. With a view to continuous Supervisory Board work and sustainable, efficient succession planning, the specified age limit for members of the Supervisory Board should also be taken into account here.

Working Procedures of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board

Each member of the Executive Board is assigned an area of responsibility regarding which that member keeps his or her colleagues on the Executive Board continuously updated. Rules of procedure enacted by the Supervisory Board for the Executive Board and updated as necessary govern the cooperation between the Executive Board members and the Executive Board members’ areas of responsibility. As a rule, the full Executive Board meets on a weekly basis; the meetings are chaired by the CEO. One of the functions of the meetings is to adopt resolutions on measures and transactions that require the consent of the full Executive Board under the Executive Board’s rules of procedure. When voting on resolutions, at least half of the Executive Board members must participate in the vote. Resolutions of the full Executive Board are adopted by simple majority. In the event of a tie, the CEO casts the deciding vote. When significant events occur, any Board member may call an extraordinary meeting of the full Executive Board; the Supervisory Board may likewise call such meetings. The Executive Board may also adopt resolutions outside of the meetings by casting votes verbally, by phone, in writing, or by text message. Written minutes of every meeting of the full Executive Board and of every resolution adopted outside of the meetings are prepared and signed by the CEO or the chairman of the meeting. The minutes are then promptly forwarded to each member of the Executive Board in writing or by text message; if none of the individuals who attended the meeting or took part in the resolution object to the content or the wording of the minutes within one week of dispatch, the minutes shall be deemed approved. In addition to the regular Executive Board meetings, a strategy workshop is held at least once a year. The workshops serve to prioritize strategic targets across the Group and to define the strategy for the current financial year in cooperation with senior executives from the various business units.

Further details on the working procedures of the Executive Board are included in the rules of procedure defined by the Supervisory Board for the Executive Board, which notably also govern the allocation of responsibilities and matters reserved for the full Executive Board.

The Executive Board provides the Supervisory Board with prompt and complete information — both in writing and at the Supervisory Board’s quarterly meetings — on planning, business performance, and the situation of the Company, including risk management and compliance matters. Where indicated, an extraordinary meeting of the Supervisory Board is called to address important events. The Executive Board includes the Supervisory Board in Company planning and strategy as well as in all matters of fundamental importance to the Company. The Company’s Articles of Incorporation and the rules of procedure for the Executive Board stipulate that all significant transactions must be approved by the Supervisory Board. Such significant transactions requiring the consent of the Supervisory Board include adopting the annual budget, making major acquisitions or divestments, and investing in program licenses. More information on cooperation between the Executive Board and the Supervisory Board and on the significant matters on which they consulted in financial year 2017 is available in the Report of the Supervisory Board.

The Supervisory Board holds a minimum of two meetings during the first half of the financial year and two meetings during the second half. To facilitate its work, the Supervisory Board has adopted rules of procedure to supplement the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation. The rules of procedure stipulate that the chairman of the Supervisory Board is to coordinate the work of the Supervisory Board, chair the Supervisory Board meetings, and represent the Supervisory Board’s interests externally. In the case of investor meetings, the chairman of the Supervisory Board holds discussions on topics specific to the Supervisory Board in an appropriate framework. For example, at the Company’s Capital Markets Day in December 2017 it took a stand regarding ProSiebenSat.1’s strategic realignment. As a rule, the Supervisory Board adopts its resolutions at the Supervisory Board meetings. However, on instruction of the Supervisory Board chairman, resolutions may also be adopted on conference calls, in videoconferencing sessions or outside of the meetings. Equally admissible is the adoption of resolutions via a combination of voting at meetings and voting via other methods.

The Supervisory Board is deemed to constitute a quorum if at least half of its members participate in the vote. Resolutions of the Supervisory Board are generally adopted by simple majority of the votes cast, unless otherwise prescribed by law. In the event of a tie, the deciding vote is cast by the chairman of the Supervisory Board, or in his absence the deputy chairman.

The meetings of the Supervisory Board are recorded in minutes that are signed by the chairman. A written record is also kept of resolutions adopted outside of the meetings. A copy of the minutes, or of resolutions adopted outside of meetings, is sent promptly to all members of the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board members participating in the meetings or voting on the resolutions may raise objections to the minutes. Objections must be made in writing to the chairman of the Supervisory Board within one month of the minutes being sent out. Otherwise, the minutes shall be deemed approved.

Prof. Dr. Rolf Nonnenmacher, who is also chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee, meets the requirements of Sections 100(5) and 107(4) of the Stock Corporation Act in conjunction with Article 9(1) lit. c) ii) of the SE Regulation and Item 5.3.2 Sentences 2 and 3 of the German Corporate Governance Code as an independent, expert member. In other respects, the members of the Audit and Finance Committee are, as a whole, familiar with the sector in which the Company operates pursuant to Sections 100(5) and 107(4) of the Stock Corporation Act in conjunction with Article 9(1) lit. c) ii) of the SE Regulation.

The members of the full Supervisory Board are, as a whole, also familiar with the sector in which the Company operates pursuant to Section 100(5) of the Stock Corporation Act in conjunction with Article 9(1) lit. c) ii) of the SE Regulation. All Supervisory Board members must report any conflicts of interest without delay to the Supervisory Board’s Presiding and Nomination Committee, particularly those conflicts that may arise from exercising an advisory or executive function vis-à-vis customers, suppliers, creditors, or other business partners.

The recommendation contained in Item 5.6. of the German Corporate Governance Code states that the Supervisory Board should examine the efficiency of its activities on a regular basis. The review extends primarily to the Supervisory Board’s view of its mission, the organization of its activities, the independence of its members, the handling of potential conflicts of interest, and the composition of its committees.

Composition and Working Procedures of the Committees

The Executive Board has not formed any committees; the Supervisory Board established four committees in financial year 2017. The Supervisory Board decides on the composition of its committees. In selecting committee members, potential conflicts of interest involving Board members are taken into account, as are their professional qualifications. (Fig. 003)

003 / Composition of the Supervisory Board committees as of December 31, 2017

PRESIDING AND NOMINATION COMMITTEE:

Dr. Werner Brandt (co-chairman), Dr. Marion Helmes (co-chairwoman), Lawrence Aidem, Ketan Mehta

AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE:

Prof. Dr. Rolf Nonnenmacher (chairman and independent financial expert within the meaning of Sections 100(5) and 107(4) of the Stock Corporation Act in conjunction with Article 9(1) lit. c) ii) of the SE Regulation and Item 5.3.2 Sentences 2 and 3 of the German Corporate Governance Code), Antoinette (Annet) P. Aris, Dr. Marion Helmes

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE:

Dr. Werner Brandt (chairman), Antoinette (Annet) P. Aris, Angelika Gifford, Dr. Marion Helmes

CAPITAL MARKETS COMMITTEE:

Dr. Werner Brandt (chairman), Antoinette (Annet) P. Aris, Dr. Marion Helmes, Ketan Mehta, Prof. Dr. Rolf Nonnenmacher

The committees of the Supervisory Board normally meet once per quarter. The Capital Markets Committee meets only when the consent of the Supervisory Board is required for the Executive Board to utilize the Company’s Authorized Capital and for associated measures. To the extent permitted by law, the committees have been entrusted with adopting resolutions concerning various Supervisory Board tasks, especially approving certain management actions. A committee is deemed to constitute a quorum when at least half — and under no circumstances less than three — of its members participate in the vote. Committee resolutions are normally adopted by a simple majority vote. In the event of a tie, the committee chairman casts the deciding vote. Written minutes are prepared of each committee meeting and are signed by the committee chairman. Resolutions adopted outside of the meetings are also recorded in writing. Minutes and the text of resolutions adopted are sent to all members of the committee concerned. These shall be deemed approved if no committee member who was present at the meeting, or who took part in the vote on the resolution, objects to the content within one week of dispatch. The committee chairmen report on the work of the committees at the meetings of the Supervisory Board.

The CFO, the Chief Legal Officer, and the independent auditor participate regularly in the meetings of the Audit and Finance Committee. In addition, the chairman of the Audit and Finance Committee invites employees — in particular senior executives — from the areas of finance and accounting to provide information at meetings if required. The Audit and Finance Committee meets without any Executive Board members being present at least once per financial year. The Supervisory Board has issued rules of procedure to govern the work of the Audit and Finance Committee. In addition, the Audit and Finance Committee and the auditors maintain a regular dialog between meetings..

Individual Breakdown of Meeting Participation

The Supervisory Board sees it as part of good corporate governance to disclose an individual breakdown of participation in meetings of the plenary Supervisory Board and meetings of the Supervisory Board committees. (Fig. 004)

004 / Individual breakdown of meeting participation in financial year 2017

 

Meeting participation

Present in %

The Capital Markets Committee did not hold any meetings in financial year 2017.

FULL SUPERVISORY BOARD

 

 

Dr. Werner Brandt, Chairman (since June 26, 2014)

12/12

100

Dr. Marion Helmes, Vice Chairwoman
(since June 26, 2014, Vice Chairwoman since May 21, 2015)

12/12

100

Lawrence Aidem (since June 26, 2014)

11/12

92

Antoinette (Annet) P. Aris (since June 26, 2014)

12/12

100

Adam Cahan (since June 26, 2014)

12/12

100

Angelika Gifford (since May 21, 2015)

12/12

100

Erik Adrianus Hubertus Huggers (since June 26, 2014)

12/12

100

Ketan Mehta (since November 24, 2015)

12/12

100

Prof. Dr. Rolf Nonnenmacher (since May 21, 2015)

12/12

100

PRESIDING AND NOMINATION COMMITTEE

 

 

Dr. Werner Brandt, Co-Chairman (since June 26, 2014)

4/4

100

Dr. Marion Helmes, Co-Chairwoman (since May 21, 2015)

4/4

100

Lawrence Aidem (since June 26, 2014)

4/4

100

Ketan Mehta (since June 30, 2016)

4/4

100

AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

 

Prof. Dr. Rolf Nonnenmacher, Chairman (since May 21, 2015)

5/5

100

Antoinette (Annet) P. Aris (since June 26, 2014)

5/5

100

Dr. Marion Helmes (since June 26, 2014)

5/5

100

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

 

Dr. Werner Brandt, Chairman (since June 26, 2014)

2/2

100

Antoinette (Annet) P. Aris (since June 26, 2014)

2/2

100

Angelika Gifford (since May 21, 2015)

2/2

100

Dr. Marion Helmes (since May 21, 2015)

2/2

100

Capital Market Communications and Accounting Policies

  • Transparency: We aim to strengthen trust among shareholders, capital providers, and other interested parties through openness and transparency. For that reason, ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE reports regularly on key business developments and changes within the Group. In addition, the Company holds a Capital Market Day once a year. The Company generally provides information simultaneously to all shareholders, media representatives, and other interested parties. Given the international nature of our stakeholders, we provide reports in English as well.

    To ensure fair communication and prompt disclosure both in Germany and elsewhere, the Company makes use of the Internet as one of its main communication channels. All relevant corporate information is published on our website at www.prosiebensat1.com/en/Annual reports, half-yearly financial reports, quarterly statements, current stock price charts, and company presentations can be downloaded from the website at any time. The website includes a special section dedicated to the Annual General Meeting, where the Group provides information on organizational and legal matters relating to the Annual General Meeting. The meeting agenda can be found here, and the CEO’s speech and the results of votes are made available after the meeting. In the Corporate Governance section, ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE also publishes the annual Corporate Governance Report, the current Management Declaration pursuant to Sections 289f, 315d and 315e of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch — HGB), and the Declaration of Compliance with the German Corporate Governance Code in accordance with Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act, which includes an archive of previous declarations of compliance and the Company’s Articles of Incorporation.
  • Regular reporting and ad hoc disclosures: Four times a year, ProSiebenSat.1 Group presents information on the Group’s business performance as well as its financial position and earnings as part of the Company’s annual and interim financial reporting. As required by law, matters that could significantly influence the price of the Company’s stock are announced immediately in ad hoc disclosures outside of the scheduled reports and are made available on the Internet without delay.
  • Financial calendar: The financial calendar presents the release dates of financial reports and statements well in advance, along with other important dates such as the date of the Annual General Meeting. The calendar is available on the ProSiebenSat.1 website and is also reproduced in the 2017 Annual Report.
  • Significant voting rights: Notifications of changes in significant voting rights pursuant to Sections 33 et seq. of the German Securities Trading Act (Wertpapierhandelsgesetz — WpHG) are published immediately upon receipt. Current information is available at www.prosiebensat1.com/en/investor-relations/publications/voting-rights- notifications
  • Directors’ dealings notifications: Directors’ dealings notifications in accordance with Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 (Market Abuse Regulation — MAR) are likewise published at www.prosieben sat1.com/en/investor-relations/publications/directors-dealings immediately upon receipt. In financial year 2017, twelve transactions in company stock or in financial instruments relating to company stock were reported to ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE by management personnel or related parties in compliance with Article 19 of the Market Abuse Regulation.
  • Shareholdings of the Executive Board and Supervisory Board: As of December 31, 2017, members of the Executive Board held a total of 64,450 shares and members of the Supervisory Board a total of 26,180 shares in ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE. (Fig. 005)
005 / Individualized shareholdings of the Executive board and the Supervisory Board as of December 31, 2017

 

Number of shares

EXECUTIVE BOARD

 

Thomas Ebeling

44,750

Conrad Albert

10,500

Sabine Eckhardt

2,000

Jan David Frouman

3,000

Dr. Jan Kemper

0

Christof Wahl

4,200

SUPERVISORY BOARD

 

Dr. Werner Brandt

10,000

Dr. Marion Helmes

4,240

Lawrence Aidem

1,239

Antoinette (P.) Aris

1,340

Adam Cahan

1,275

Angelika Gifford

1,431

Erik Adrianus Hubertus Huggers

1,776

Ketan Mehta

2,115

Prof. Dr. Rolf Nonnenmacher

2,764

Under the share-based payment plan (Group Share Plan), performance share units (PSUs) are issued to participants. After the end of a four-year holding period starting at the beginning of the year of issue, participants are entitled, at the Company’s discretion, to receive shares of the Company or to a corresponding payment in cash in the amount of the market value of these shares. In March 2016, the Company and the Supervisory Board, as applicable, decided to avail itself of the right to settle its obligation in cash, for which reason the PSUs will be paid out in cash following expiration of the respective holding period (see Note 31 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements: Share-based payment). The conversion factor by which the PSUs are converted into ProSiebenSat.1 shares or an equivalent amount in cash after the end of the holding period depends on the achievement of predefined annual targets during the holding period. In financial year 2017, Executive Board members held a total of 392,938 PSUs. Compensation Report

  • Accounting and audit of financial statements: ProSiebenSat.1 Group’s financial reporting conforms to the IFRSs (International Financial Reporting Standards) as adopted by the European Union. The Annual Financial Statements of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE, the Group parent, are prepared under the accounting principles of the German Commercial Code (HGB). Both the single-entity financial statements of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE and the Consolidated Financial Statements are available on the Company’s website at www.prosiebensat1.com/en/. Both sets of financial statements are audited and issued an audit opinion by an independent accounting and auditing firm. The financial statements for financial year 2017 were duly audited by KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft (KPMG), Munich office, with Haiko Schmidt acting as the lead auditor. They were issued an unqualified audit opinion on February 21, 2018. Haiko Schmidt has worked with the Company since financial year 2012 as lead auditor at KPMG.
  • Stock option plans and similar securities-based incentive systems: Information on ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE’s share-based payment plan (Group Share Plan), the Mid Term Incentive Plan (MTI) to be paid out in cash, the former stock option plan (Long Term Incentive Plan), and the employee stock option plan (MyShares) can be found in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and in the Management Report. Notes, page 181, Compensation Report, The ProSiebenSat.1 Share
Compliance
Compliance is part of corporate governance. It refers to compliance with laws, directives, and voluntary codes within the company.
Glossary
Corruption
Corruption is ‘the abuse of entrusted power for private gains´ and can be instigated by individuals or organizations. In the Guidelines, corruption includes practices such as bribery, facilitation payments, fraud, extortion, collusion, and money laundering. It also includes an offer or receipt of any gift, loan, fee, reward, or other advantage to or from any person.
Glossary
Dual broadcasting system
A dual broadcasting system means the concurrent existence of private and public broadcasters. The most important difference between the two broadcasting systems is in the form and purpose of the organization. The duty of the public broadcasting organizations, with the main stations ARD and ZDF, is the “basic provision of the population with information.” Their financing is guaranteed by law and provided by license fees. The private providers operate as independent commercial enterprises, obtaining most of their revenues from marketing advertising.
Glossary
Addressable TV
Addressable TV describes the opportunity to broadcast digital advertising in linear television programming selectively — i. e. nationally, regionally or according to target group — on Internet- connected TV sets by means of HbbTV technology. It thus combines the reach of the television mass medium with the targeted addressability of the online world. In this context, the so-called SwitchIn is a possible advertising format: The digital advertising window covers part of the screen as soon as the viewer switches to a ProSiebenSat.1 channel.
Glossary
Digital out of Home
Digital out of Home means outdoor digital advertising, i. e. media outside of one’s own four walls: LED boards or digital backlit billboards on roads, at train stations and airports, in public transport or at point of sale (e. g. electronics stores, food stores, convenience stores). DooH is a distinct media type that has built up relevant cumulative reach, which differs from traditional outdoor advertising (billboards): DooH allows advertisers to use video advertising in order to follow the mobile target group through the day and thus effectively extend television campaigns, for example.
Glossary