Potential of Eastern European pay-TV "now being realised"

June 23, 2008 - The potential of pay-TV in Central and Eastern European is "now being realised", according to a new report from Informa Telecoms & Media, which projects that the region's pay-TV sector will increase from US$5.6bn in 2007 to US$12bn by 2013.

Once advertising revenues are included, the sector will be worth over US$23bn by 2013, according to the report "Eastern European Television - 12th Edition". Adam Thomas, Media Research Manager for Informa and author of the report, said: “The countries of Central and Eastern Europe already offer a wide range of attractive opportunities for international TV players and investors. And this positive environment will only get better, with a period of extensive merger and acquisition activity expected over the next few years.”

Eastern Europe: pay-TV revenues ($mn)

Source: Informa Telecoms & Media

The region is also reported to be making good progress in upgrading networks to digital TV, finding that the current 22mn digital television homes at present will grow to 35.7mn by 2013. According to Thomas. “Digital satellite has led the way so far, with cable slower off the marks towards digital conversion. But with IPTV making some inroads in the region, there is evidence of cable now looking to upgrade with greater urgency.”