PSM are leading investors in European content

Together, public service media (PSM) are the largest investors in European audiovisual content, spending EUR 18.2 billion per year.

The latest research report by the EBU’s Media Intelligence Service (MIS) - PSM Investment in European Content 2017 - shows that PSM have actually increased their investment in content by 6.8% over the last five years (2011-2015), despite a minimal 1.4% increase in their revenues.

PSM offers good value for money with investment in content representing 54% of total PSM operating expenditure. At the same time, the top ten European commercial broadcasters devote only 32.5% of their cumulated operating revenues to content creation.

Over 83% of PSM programming expenditure is devoted to original productions (in-house, commissioned or co-productions), meaning they spent over EUR 15 billion directly on content creation in 2015. PSM TV organizations spend on average 31% of their programming budget on commissioned productions, making them key partners for the European independent production sector.

Head of MIS Roberto Suarez said: “PSM expenditure represents a huge, sustained investment in the European audiovisual industry. But the benefits are not only economical. Quality content is also vital in ensuring European citizens are well-informed about the world around them.

“It is essential that citizens can enjoy a wealth of locally produced content to reinforce national identities, promote democracy, enrich culture and foster shared values.”

EBU Members can download the full report here.

Contact detail