A central theme discussed was the rise of platform convergence. Traditional broadcasters are adopting streaming tactics, while streamers increasingly resemble broadcasters by embracing scheduled content drops. As a result, the line between Linear TV, BVOD (Broadcaster Video on Demand), and SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) services continues to blur. Countries like Belgium and the UK illustrate this trend; Auvio in Belgium now hosts an extensive catalog of over 1,000 daily programs, while in the UK, BVOD platforms like the BBC’s iPlayer are becoming household staples. In many regions, BVOD platforms now compete head-to-head with SVOD in content variety and audience reach.
The conference also highlighted "Scheduling and Platformisation" as a strategy to optimize viewership and monetization. Data showed nuanced regional consumption patterns, where viewer preferences and the popularity of specific platforms significantly differ. Notably, the demand for live-streamed events is rising, urging SVOD platforms to consider integrating sports and live entertainment into their lineups. This shift reflects the evolving “windowing” strategy that tailors content release schedules across platforms to maximize reach and revenue.
On the content side, scripted dramas with social themes, military dramas, and nostalgic reboots dominate across territories. Reality and unscripted formats are also evolving, with investigative game shows and studio-based competition formats gaining traction. This diversity in content responds to audience demand for both engaging narratives and real-time interaction, underscoring the need for innovative formats that cater to modern viewers’ tastes.
In the scripted section, a few titles were mentioned:
Ultimately, the insights presented at the conference emphasized how content providers must be adaptive, leveraging a balance of scheduling, genre diversity, and cross-platform strategies to capture and retain audiences in a highly competitive media landscape
- "Borderline" – A crime drama delving into societal issues, produced by ZDF Studios and Further South Productions. This title has already gained traction in Germany, Ireland, and the UK, resonating with audiences through its powerful narrative and reflective themes.
- "The Command" – A military-themed drama from Aetios Productions that has seen increased demand across markets. This genre, with its intense focus on military settings, is one of the fastest-growing categories globally.
- "The Sentinels" – Another military drama that further exemplifies the trend of high-stakes, action-driven storytelling in scripted formats.
- "Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience" – This series taps into the global K-pop phenomenon, featuring an intimate exploration of the industry and its idols. Produced by Moon & Back in collaboration with SM Entertainment, it’s particularly popular among young adults.
In the unscripted part, the titles mentioned were:
- "The Floor" – Produced by Talpa Studios, this new format has quickly gained popularity, with over 15 international adaptations. Its game-show style and interactive elements have made it a top choice for viewers looking for dynamic competition formats.
- "Werewolves" – A unique investigative competition from France, challenging participants to "find the culprit or die." With strong viewership among young adults, its combination of suspense and strategy provides a fresh take on interactive reality TV.
- "Master of the Game" – Produced by Fremantle France, this competition series emphasizes strategy and social dynamics, capturing audience interest with its challenging format and immersive experience.
- "A Party to Die For" – Featuring celebrities navigating a fictional investigation, this series combines game elements with real-life mystery, appealing to fans of unscripted formats that blend entertainment with suspense.
Ultimately, the insights presented at the conference emphasized how content providers must be adaptive, leveraging a balance of scheduling, genre diversity, and cross-platform strategies to capture and retain audiences in a highly competitive media landscape