The Head of the EBU’s Media Intelligence Service, Dr Roberto Suárez Candel, has delivered the opening keynote at the 2015 European Radio and Television Conference in Venice, Italy.

In his speech, on 5 November, he addressed the increasing complexity and uncertainty of the media sector and pointed out the main transformation trends and their implications. He explained how globalisation and consolidation of markets challenge access to financial resources, acquisition of content, talent attraction, etc for traditional broadcasters. He also commented on the growing role of platforms and device manufacturers, which are becoming new powerful gatekeepers.

Suárez Candel emphasized the importance of understanding the fragmentation of the audience and trust playing an important factor shaping media consumption. He said: "While big data about media consumption has become the new frontier for programming and audience measurement, you cannot forget the cultural and social aspects behind television watching and radio listening".

In his closing remarks, Suárez reminded attendees about the importance for national players (public and commercial) to establish partnerships to remain relevant, visible and accessible in the new audio-visual ecosystem. He also stressed the significant role of public service media in driving innovation and sustaining local industries, turning them into strong contributors to the development of modern societies.

The European Radio and Television conference brings together broadcasting and advertising managers, as well as researchers from all over the world, to discuss the ongoing transformations of the media sector with a special focus on audience measurement.