Broadcasting consolidation: European content needs scale
The cultural and social relevance of European broadcasting is in danger of being diluted.
Increasing pressure over the commercial free-to-air model threatens high-reach news delivery.
In-market mergers among European broadcasters may be necessary to reach the critical size to sustain high-quality, content-driven platforms.
Related reports
Sky and ITV broadcast: Creating a British streaming champion
13 November 2025Comcast/Sky is in preliminary discussions to acquire ITV’s broadcast and streaming operations. With a larger audience footprint, better tech and a broader range of British content, the rationale is that the merged entity would be better placed to compete with global streaming giants.
The belief will be that the downward momentum of both parties will be slowed, and the offering is more likely to be a primary viewing choice. There is a danger that ITV may lose some of its unique identity.
The deal will need to clear regulatory hurdles including concerns on media plurality. The harder test will be convincing the CMA that the relevant advertising market is wider than just broadcasters.
Italy’s MediaForEurope (MFE) is set to become the majority shareholder of Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 (P7S1) and the largest FTA broadcaster in Europe.
In a consolidating German market, P7S1 had no alternative credible option than to accept the (increased) MFE offer.
MFE believes that its new leadership position in European broadcasting will allow it to challenge platforms such as YouTube for regional advertising budgets.
Sky Deutschland and RTL: The right match
27 June 2025Comcast is selling Sky Deutschland to RTL Group, for a €150 million cash consideration, but with a performance-dependent variable of up to €377 million
In a fluid but competitive German market, RTL vies for leadership
Having turned Sky Deutschland around, this divestment allows Sky to be much more focused on core regions with more diversified businesses
Free-to-air television: Consolidation and the public interest
8 November 2021The transition from linear to digital and on-demand usage has the potential to unravel national television ecosystems. Global tech monopolists may eventually control the interface and content discovery paths, pushing European providers down the supply chain.
Maintaining cultural sovereignty over the industry’s architecture is a prerequisite of a thriving, pluralistic ‘electronic public square’, as well as a high performing and locally-relevant creative economy.
Only consolidated commercial broadcasters have sufficient scale to steer national markets towards digital models where European content providers retain prominence and their ability to set the popular cultural agenda.
Sky and ITV broadcast: Creating a British streaming champion
13 November 2025Comcast/Sky is in preliminary discussions to acquire ITV’s broadcast and streaming operations. With a larger audience footprint, better tech and a broader range of British content, the rationale is that the merged entity would be better placed to compete with global streaming giants.
The belief will be that the downward momentum of both parties will be slowed, and the offering is more likely to be a primary viewing choice. There is a danger that ITV may lose some of its unique identity.
The deal will need to clear regulatory hurdles including concerns on media plurality. The harder test will be convincing the CMA that the relevant advertising market is wider than just broadcasters.
Italy’s MediaForEurope (MFE) is set to become the majority shareholder of Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 (P7S1) and the largest FTA broadcaster in Europe.
In a consolidating German market, P7S1 had no alternative credible option than to accept the (increased) MFE offer.
MFE believes that its new leadership position in European broadcasting will allow it to challenge platforms such as YouTube for regional advertising budgets.
Sky Deutschland and RTL: The right match
27 June 2025Comcast is selling Sky Deutschland to RTL Group, for a €150 million cash consideration, but with a performance-dependent variable of up to €377 million
In a fluid but competitive German market, RTL vies for leadership
Having turned Sky Deutschland around, this divestment allows Sky to be much more focused on core regions with more diversified businesses
Free-to-air television: Consolidation and the public interest
8 November 2021The transition from linear to digital and on-demand usage has the potential to unravel national television ecosystems. Global tech monopolists may eventually control the interface and content discovery paths, pushing European providers down the supply chain.
Maintaining cultural sovereignty over the industry’s architecture is a prerequisite of a thriving, pluralistic ‘electronic public square’, as well as a high performing and locally-relevant creative economy.
Only consolidated commercial broadcasters have sufficient scale to steer national markets towards digital models where European content providers retain prominence and their ability to set the popular cultural agenda.