MediaTech Radar
March 2025
MediaTech Radar is a monthly newsletter authored by IABM’s Business Intelligence Unit. It focuses on a spotlight topic in MediaTech and reflects on a series of past, present and future business developments in the industry. In this edition, our spotlight topic is business transformation, the subject of the first of three MegatrendTM reports to be published this year, as well as a forum to be presented on the IABM Impact Stage at NAB Show Las Vegas in April.
MediaTech Spotlight: Business Transformation
A spotlight topic in MediaTech.
Business transformation is more than just a buzzword – it’s a fundamental shift in how organizations operate to stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. It involves rethinking strategies, embracing cutting-edge technologies, and reshaping business models to drive efficiency, growth, and competitiveness. Whether it’s adapting to shifting consumer behaviors or leveraging digital innovation, transformation is key to long-term success.
In the MediaTech industry, business transformation means reimagining how content is created, distributed and monetized. To navigate emerging technologies, changing audience expectations, and volatile market conditions, companies must evolve to stay viable. This includes integrating digital platforms, optimizing workflows and finding new ways to engage audiences while maximizing revenue opportunities. In short, MediaTech transformation isn’t just about keeping up – it’s about leading the way.
It’s a subject that we’re passionate about at IABM, in fact it’s one of the vital themes impacting the industry today that we will be spotlighting at NAB Show Las Vegas in April. It’s also the subject of the first of three MegatrendTM reports to be published by the Business Intelligence Unit this year, and will be available to download from our reports platform MediaTech Vantage™ from 28th March for Gold and Platinum members, or available for purchase as a single report.
The report contains insight from a survey of senior industry leaders covering a range of topics related to business transformation, including key drivers, technologies and challenges. It also showcases practical peer-to-peer advice from a range of industry experts on how to plan and execute a transformation strategy, navigate the ensuing challenges and achieve a successful outcome.
Some selected insights from the report include:
- Technological innovation is the biggest driver of business transformation overall, but comes slightly behind revenue growth and customer experience improvement for smaller companies.
- Cost optimization is significantly more important in North America relative to other regions, with market saturation, competition and consolidation being key contributing factors in North America.
- AI is the most pivotal technology in business transformation. particularly for larger companies.
- Budget constraints are the overall biggest challenge in business transformation, followed by resistance to change and talent shortages.
- Collaborations and partnerships play a crucial role in successful business transformation.
MediaTech Watchlist: ITV, NEP Europe, Telia, DAZN, Netflix and others.
A watchlist of selected past, present and future business developments in MediaTech.
- ITV Studios achieved record profits in 2024 despite a drop in overall revenue. A focus on transformation has enabled greater profitability for the organization, with £40 million of savings being achieved as part of the ongoing transformation and efficiency programme.
- NEP Europe announced a new organizational structure in February, transforming into three new regional groups to focus on providing media solutions and hands-on, local service to its customers while still retaining synergies.
- Oslo-based publishing company Telia plans to sell its TV & Media business to Schibsted Media. Telia acquired much of its broadcasting interests from Bonnier Broadcasting in December 2019 for SEK 9.2 billion. However, like AT&T and BT before it, Telia is now retrenching to its traditional communications and distribution business.
- Financial pressures have resulted in Technicolor filing for administration. The company stated that it had been “unable to secure a viable path forward” despite “exhaustive efforts — including restructuring initiatives, discussions with potential investors, and exploring acquisition opportunities”.
- Last year, UK broadcasters reduced spending on high-end episodic TV by a quarter—reaching their lowest level in nearly a decade—while streaming platforms increased their investment in British-made shows by 27%.
- Saudi Arabia will invest $1bn in DAZN and form a new joint venture. Surj Sports Investment, the sporting arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), will acquire a “single-digit” minority stake in DAZN, after the loss-making broadcaster secured the rights to show this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup tournament for $1 billion.
- WBD’s premium streaming service Max is to launch in Turkey, absorbing Turkish streamer BluTV in the process and stating investment in Turkish originals will increase as part of the strategy.
- Illustrating the trend of democratisation in MediaTech, Fox Corporation has acquired Red Seat Ventures, one of the top 10 podcast networks in the US with about 200 million monthly active users. Paul Cheesbrough, CEO at Tubi Media Group (owned by Fox) said, “the creator economy is one of the fastest growing media categories worldwide by measure of reach and influence, and consumers are increasingly looking to get their information, insights and entertainment directly from the voices and brands they trust across these platforms.”
- Netflix has increased its subscription prices in the UK by 18%. The company justified this decision by stating it wants to continue to invest in programming and deliver more value for its members. Meanwhile, the streaming service is considering a bid for F1’s US broadcasting rights from the 2026 season.
Thank you for reading this newsletter. If there are topics you would like us to cover or if you have information/ideas that you would like to share, please get in touch with us.
The IABM Business Intelligence Unit
