Over a thousand TV channels could be set to leave the UK in the next 18 months, according to industry experts EMP on the impact of Brexit.
This new research has found that UK-based international broadcasters face very serious challenges in a post-Brexit world, and the report predicts that the consequent impact is likely to start being felt in the summer of 2017.
The UK is currently by far the biggest location in the EU for companies broadcasting television channels to other EU member states, but EMP’s research has identified that this pre-eminent position is now under threat.
The UK has a large domestic broadcasting market, a stable and well-respected regulatory regime, good access to highly-skilled workers, availability of excellent post-production facilities and a range of satellite uplinks and technical transmission providers, but a large part of the business activity that this industry supports is currently pan-European. The report shows that this is now at risk.
“In analysing the potential consequences of Brexit, our team has looked closely at the EU’s Country of Origin principle which is enshrined in the Audio-Visual Media Services Directive and which creates a common area for broadcasters,” said The report’s author, Ed Hall.
“Most experts and industry leaders we have consulted agree that any form of Brexit which puts the UK outside the AVMSD licensing regime is likely to threaten the status of the UK as a major television industry hub.”
EMP’s report predicts that channels will look to leave the UK and meet the COO requirements of an alternative EU member state. EMP have found several countries already keen to attract broadcasters from the UK.
