Omdia Predicts a Global Programming Spend Rebound to $206 Billion by 2025

In the ever-evolving landscape of media and entertainment, Omdia has issued a proactive forecast indicating a robust recovery of programming expenditures. According to their analysis, global programming spending is poised to surge to an impressive $206 billion by 2025, reflecting a 5.3% increase over previous figures after a challenging year in 2024. This anticipated uptrend is particularly notable in North America, which is expected to lead the recovery with a substantial 6.7% growth.

During the Content London event, Maria Rua Aguete, the Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia, shared insights on the transformative trends that are currently reshaping the industry. A pivotal element in this resurgence is the rising influence of Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) platforms. These platforms, including prominent players such as Tubi, Pluto TV, and Samsung TV Plus, are rapidly expanding their reach, thus creating fresh opportunities for content creators.

Rua Aguete noted, "With platforms like Samsung TV Plus achieving over 200 million monthly active users, and Roku catching up with 140 million, the market landscape is changing."
This growth trajectory is further boosted by strategic collaborations between hardware giants like Samsung and LG and content creators aiming at producing original content. The transition from merely repurposing existing library content to generating exclusive, original productions is pivotal in positioning creators for success in this transformed market.

Highlighting the importance of these partnerships, Rua Aguete stated, "Hardware manufacturers are launching exclusive FAST channels and innovating across the board. This evolution represents a watershed moment for content producers. By collaborating with these platforms, they can access a burgeoning market focused on original content. Even if these platforms might not fully finance projects, engaging in co-productions can mitigate risks and expand visibility."

Omdia's consumer research underlines that exclusive content continues to attract subscriptions to both paid and free services. A notable example of this trend is Amazon's recent partnership with Samsung TV Plus for the exclusive premiere of 'The Rings of Power', showcasing a commitment to unique content offerings.

The presentation at Content London emphasized the potential that lies ahead, as hardware firms and FAST platforms are reinventing traditional distribution models. Engaging in these transformative partnerships is crucial for content creators seeking to navigate and thrive in this rapidly evolving industry landscape.

Rua Aguete encapsulated the essence of the opportunities available by stating, "For producers, aligning with hardware companies and FAST platforms is pivotal in unlocking new revenue streams and reaching wider audiences. This approach paves the way for continued growth in an exciting yet challenging industry."

Understanding the implications of this forecast is essential for industry stakeholders, including content creators, distributors, and advertisers, as it highlights the shifting dynamics driven by technological advances and consumer demand. As Omdia continues to monitor these developments, the prospect of a rejuvenated programming budget signals a promising future for the global media and entertainment sector.

The Omdia report serves as a guiding light for those in the media arena to recalibrate their strategies for growth and sustainability in an increasingly competitive environment. With dedicated innovations and strategic partnerships emerging, the landscape is ripe for organizations ready to embrace the changes at hand.

In summary, as the programming spend is set to rise, the thriving collaborations among hardware providers and streaming platforms will play a significant role in this invigorating phase, thus marking a defining moment for the content production ecosystem as we look towards 2025 and beyond.