European Broadcasting Union launches new Europe-wide broadcast industry research

European Broadcasting Union launches

new Europe-wide broadcast industry research

Geneva, 25 August 2011 – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), working with Futuresource Consulting, today announced the launch of new research into the key business challenges and future opportunities for European broadcasters in an evolving market.

This is the first study of its kind within the broadcast industry and will shed light on the shifting broadcast marketplace, consolidation, cost pressures and potential new revenue streams for the industry, as well as how buying behaviours may be changing on account of financial pressures. The results will be analysed within the context of the wider broadcast environment to ensure a thorough and long-term understanding of the marketplace.

“This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to providing our membership with the insight they need,” says Lieven Vermaele, Director, EBU Technology & Development. “In light of the many changes in broadcast technology and channels over recent years, this study will provide the foundations for new growth. From broadcast purchase decisions with major strategic implications, to identifying operational issues and solutions, our aim is to allow our Members to take effective and timely action in anticipation of industry change, ” concludes Mr Vermaele.

“There is no doubt that the broadcast industry is evolving in a number of key areas,” says Andrew Snoad, Director of Custom Solutions, Futuresource Consulting. “From an infrastructure perspective, the move from traditional broadcast equipment towards IT solutions continues to impact. Content delivery is also facing challenges. In recent years, the number of channels has skyrocketed. Traditional viewing may be challenged by a whole host of new platforms such as smartphone, PC and tablet. However, there are many opportunities for broadcasters to exploit additional revenue streams, and this is a driving force behind the research study.”

The basic concept for the study is that EBU Member broadcasters respond to requests for company-specific information, which remains confidential, and in return are given the aggregated (average) information. The EBU has called this ‘Project Fair Exchange’ for its Members.

The study will be conducted by Futuresource Consulting with public and commercial broadcasters across Europe and the findings will be delivered towards the end of 2011.