German media group ProSiebenSat.1 is planning to invest more in local content in 2024 for its streaming platform Joyn as well its TV stations.
ProSiebenSat.1 said it will increase its programming budget by around €80 million to around €1.05 billion in the coming year, with a focus on locally produced content.
As part of the move, ProSiebenSat.1 said it will further reduce the share of US licensed content it offers.
The company said that the long-standing practice of acquiring US licensed content on the basis of extensive long-term output deals with Hollywood studios will end. In the future, ProSiebenSat.1 will continue to acquire US licensed content on a selective basis.
Bert Habets, Group CEO of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE said: “The success of our programmes in recent months clearly shows that our local programming offensive is paying off. Our viewers are watching more local content on all our channels and especially on Joyn. We are now taking the next strategic step and will invest significantly more in local content from 2024, offering our viewers a unique programming experience to serve very different media usage interests and, above all, to differentiate ourselves from the competitors of Joyn.”
Martin Mildner, Group CFO of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE said the investment in local content would “significantly expand our offering on Joyn… and differentiate our TV stations even more strongly than before from US streaming platforms with live and local content.”
UK launches copyright consultation for creative industries and AI developers
The UK government has launched a consultation looking at how copyright-protected material can be used to train AI models.
Shinfield Studios’ Nick Smith and Ian Johnson to retire
Shinfield Studios’ joint Managing Directors Nick Smith and Ian Johnson are to retire from their positions at the end of the year.
BBC and ITV confirm rights deal for FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030
BBC Sport and ITV have agreed a deal for live coverage of the FIFA World Cups in 2026 and 2030 across TV, audio and digital platforms.
US writers call on Hollywood studios to take action against AI firms
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has called on Hollywood studios to “come off the sidelines” and prevent tech companies from allegedly using its members’ works to train AI platforms.
Arte joins European Broadcasting Union
Arte, the Franco-German public service broadcaster, has become the newest member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).