Video on demand (VOD) companies have officially launched the European VOD Coalition, a body that gives a voice to the exceptionally successful European audiovisual streaming sector.
It will engage with policy makers and regulators across Europe on behalf of companies who invest in and distribute audiovisual content in Europe as part of their core commercial activities.
The European VOD Coalition brings together VOD and digital entertainment companies that share common values and invest in and distribute audiovisual content in Europe. Members include CHILI, FilmDoo, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Nokzedoc, Nordic Entertainment Group AG, Paramount, Pickbox, Sky, Sooner, StarzPlay, TVN, Univerciné Belgium and Warner Bros Discovery.
VOD in Europe grew exponentially by 3,000% between 2010 and 2020, according to the European Audiovisual Observatory, with no other European media sector has experienced such growth. Today more Europeans watch their content through streaming than any other way, attracted by the diversity of content and a wide choice of services and offers. VOD subscriptions in the EU are expected to reach 140 million by the end of this year.
Commenting on the European VOD Coalition, Julia Maxwell, VP of regulatory and public affairs at Nordic Entertainment Group, said: “Streaming VOD services such as our Viaplay service are the fastest growing and most innovative media and entertainment companies in Europe. We invest in sustainable and diverse content production across Europe to provide consumers with a rich variety of local and international programming. Forward-facing policy making is required to encourage this European success story, reflect the rapid evolution of consumer preferences, and ensure continued investment by network operators in Europe’s internet delivery infrastructure. There has never been a greater demand for European storytelling or opportunity for talent and content creators to flourish”.
The growth of VOD has brought a wave of opportunities to the creative sector across Europe. Daniel Friedlaender, director of European Affairs at Sky and chair of the Coalition, added: “Creators and content makers have a greater choice of partners than ever before through our members. Their work is reaching wider audiences, with our content being watched across the world.
“Now is the time to keep encouraging VOD companies’ investments in the region, not to over-regulate. We want to keep innovating, entering new markets and making and distributing the best content in the world”.
