Advanced Television

German pay-TV revenues €3bn+ this year

July 21, 2016

Pay-TV and VoD revenues in Europe’s German-speaking countries will surpass €3 billion this year, according to VPRT, the German commercial broadcasters’ association.

The VPRT reports that pay-TV and paid VoD revenues grew by 12 per cent in Germany last year to reach €2.5 billion, while revenues across Germany, Austria and Switzerland grew to €2.7 billion. The organisation predicts that revenues will grow by between 8 per cent and 11 per cent this year to reach €2.8 billion in Germany and €3 billion across the German-speaking countries.

Pay-TV subscribers increased by 6 per cent last year to reach 7.4 million in Germany and 8.2 million in the German-speaking area. The VPRT predicts that there will be 7.8 million subscribers in Germany and 8.7 million in the entire German-speaking area by the end of this year.

The VPRT reports there are now 105 pay-TV channels in Germany, including nine kids channels 16 documentary services, 16 music channels, 21 sports services and 43 entertainment services.

“Pay-TV and paid video-on-demand achieved new record figures in German-speaking territories during last year and are set for further growth in 2016. The key driver behind this development is a rich variety of programmes and services, be it documentaries, children´s programmes, music, sport or entertainment,” said Frank Giersberg, member of the board of directors, market and business development, VPRT.

“The data presented today by VPRT prove that an increasing number of viewers are prepared to pay for the quality programmes offered by pay TV channels. Sky will continue to encourage this trend by consistently enhancing our offering. By investing in original series productions, technological innovations, such as the introduction of Ultra HD, and in expansion of our channel portfolio – for instance with today´s launch of Sky Arts HD – we are making Sky even more attractive for existing and potential customers. Anyone looking for high-quality, diversified entertainment can´t escape pay TV and Sky,” added Carsten Schmidt, CEO, Sky Deutschland.

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