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Enders Analysis provides a subscription research service covering the media, entertainment, mobile and fixed telecommunications industries in Europe, with a special focus on new technologies and media.

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The PSBs’ ability to fulfil their public service objectives is becoming compromised by declining TV audiences, mainly due to the rise of online platforms and the decline in funding levels.

Part of the solution lies in collaboration between the PSBs themselves, potentially through shared tech stacks across players.

Collaboration with third-party online platforms is also required. The Media Act is introducing prominence requirements for connected TVs, but extending this regulatory regime to video-sharing and AI platforms needs much more developed thought to clearly articulate its aims and begin to iron out its practical challenges.

“This momentum with creators is something Snap can build on to make advertisers excited about the platform again,” said Jamie MacEwan, senior research analyst at Enders Analysis. “Getting noticed above the noise is key as Snap relies on a relatively small number of advertisers, so even a handful deciding to divert that spend elsewhere is a problem, but that also means Snap has an opportunity to swing back into a strong position.”

 

Although original programming is now cutting through—a validation of expansion in output—licensed content remains the backbone of Prime Video’s offering, c.80% of all viewing since March 2024.

Viewership of UK originals fluctuates significantly with reliance on standout titles, whereas US content, including high-volume dramas, maintains a steady audience.

Football coverage has been a draw for viewers: the Premier League, now lost, brought in older, male audiences. After an underwhelming initial phase of the last Champions League, Prime Video’s top pick of fixtures proved beneficial in the knockout round.

François Godard, an analyst at the British consulting firm Enders Analysis, believes the takeover is advantageous for the German company because management can now focus on its operational business again: "The takeover provides Pro Sieben Sat 1 with a more solid financial basis and better prepares it for crises."

A larger group like MFE can offset regional economic weaknesses. This is already an advantage, because the advertising market in Italy and Spain is growing while Germany is in recession. Furthermore, Godard says, more resources are available for investments in technology.

Analyst Godard sees the greatest risk in management: "Will the Italians find the right balance between strategic orientation and local autonomy?" In Spain, he says, this has been achieved.

Broadband market revenue dipped back into negative territory in Q2, due to pricing pressure on both existing and new customers.

CityFibre’s capital raise puts it in pole position for altnet consolidation, while TalkTalk’s will enable it to compete much more effectively in the retail space.

Fierce competition is likely to continue unless and until retail altnets do the rational thing and consolidate into a wholesale model.

Furthermore, while it is difficult for Canal+ to compete with these giants on global blockbusters, "with this investment, the group is strengthening its differentiation in French cinema where competition is weaker," underlines François Godard, analyst at Ender Analysis.

And in a context where the film offering is very large, theater managers are increasingly tempted to quickly remove a film if it doesn't prove itself in the first week. "As a producer, distributor, and ultimately an exhibitor, Canal+ will be able to refine its strategy by maintaining a film it believes in," adds the expert.

 

The now-listed company is making a real strategic move. "It's strengthening its position in the film industry, which differentiates it from the competition of streaming giants. It's a great vertical integration move—on the face of it—," notes François Godard, an analyst at Enders. Vivendi, the former parent company of Canal+, was already a shareholder in Banijay, the audiovisual production giant.