In the fourth of a series of interviews with leading broadcasters and production and distribution companies in Central and Eastern Europe ahead of this year’s NATPE Budapest, Broadband TV News speaks with Christoph Mainusch, Co-CEO Central European Media Enterprises.
Do viewers’ tastes differ in the six markets CME is present in, and if so, how does it address the issue?
There are differences and similarities. TV is a local business. Locally produced content follows the specific taste and preference of the local audience. But, of course, there are formats which are successful across all our markets. Our organisational structure is based on these principles. CME is a decentralised organisation and programme decisions are made locally, while our programme teams regularly exchange their experiences to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
Does CME have a unified strategy for programming production/distribution in the six markets, or does it strategy vary from market to market?
Programme decisions are made based on the local specifics and the local TV landscape and, hence, vary from market to market.
Roughly what percentage of programming is produced in-house or acquired, either in individual markets or for the group as a whole?
Access and primetime programmes of our main channels are mainly produced locally. All major genres are represented in that programme mix, from game shows to reality, from local fiction to big event shows.
Do CME stations undertake co-productions with other companies? Have any been particularly successful?
The success of a programme is driven by many factors, just to mention a few: the idea, possibly a proven format, good authors, key talent, and high production value. We produce our programmes in-house, with an external production house, or as co-productions – whatever promises to create the best outcome in the individual case. There is no specific rule so the teams decide that on a case-by-case basis. Our priority is producing high quality content, so we accomplish that in a way that makes the most sense given the situation.
Are any programmes produced by individual CME stations, either in-house or as co-productions, shown by other stations in the group?
Local productions in one market are foreign programmes in another. Yes, sometimes we broadcast one local production in another market. Also, if we believe a programme that was successful in one market has potential in another market, the format is remade and adapted for the other market. We also acquire formats for the majority our countries when we believe that they can be successful across our markets. Some examples are formats like Idols, The Voice, Masterchef, The Farm, and Your Face Sounds Familiar.
How can you see CME’s programming strategy develop over the next few years?
We lead in all our markets and we obviously intend to maintain this strong position. Our channel portfolio and programme brands are key drivers of this. So our strategy is to keep the best shows, and develop additional programmes that will become strong brands tomorrow. We are innovative, nimble and the most attractive home for our creative talent.