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First Annual ACT Conference - Brussels, 6 November 2008
 

First Annual ACT Conference – Content in the Multiplatform World 

On 6 November 2008, about 200 policy-makers, politicians and industry stakeholders gathered for the First Annual ACT Conference to discuss about “Content in the Multiplatform World”. 

The day was opened by Ross Biggam, Director General ACT, who introduced Viviane Reding, Commissioner for the Information Society & Media, as well as CEOs and senior management from all over Europe to discuss about the contribution of commercial broadcasters to an innovative European multiplatform environment.

In her speech Commissioner Reding highlighted that commercial broadcasters saw many opportunities but also some challenges in the move forward into the multiplatform world. When presenting the “bouquet” of policy initiatives impacting on broadcasters she pointed at the increasing competition in this market but stressed that “experienced broadcasters have the competitive advantage of the know-how, the experience and the sound reputation attached to a brand”.		  


Commissioner Reding also called on Member States to keep the light-touch approached reflected in the AVMS-Directive with regard to advertising provisions and product placement, as this “explicitly takes into account the economic impact of audiovisual media services, including the employment opportunities and the contribution to growth they offer to society”.

During the first CEO-Roundtable Nicolas de Tavernost, ACT President & Chairman of the Executive Board M6 Group, Gina Nieri, Member of the Board Mediaset and Anu Nissinen, CEO Sanoma Entertainment Ltd. debated about “Responses of commercial broadcasters to a changing media landscape”. There was far-reaching consensus about the great impact of change on all players in the market, which required commercial broadcasters to be pro-active and take the lead in finding innovative ways of how to adapt existing services and programmes and diversify revenue streams.

The adaptation of business models also formed part of the discussion at the second CEO-Roundtable at which Michael Garin, CEO Central and European Media Enterprises (CME), Lee Bartlett, Managing Director ITV and Jorma Härkonen, Senior Vice President MTV Media, debated about free-to-air players entering pay-TV or the growth opportunities in the Central and Eastern European market and new forms of programming.

In the afternoon speakers from all over Europe presented their latest innovations in the field of technology and programming. Issues that have been discussed included new service launches such as mobile TV, catch-up TV or video on demand as well as digital advertising or the launch of thematic channels.