Warner Bros. Discovery’s Olympic triumph and future plans
A summer of success for Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery U.K. head Andrew Georgiou recently shared insights into the company’s remarkable summer, highlighting the Olympic Games as a significant driver of success. Speaking at the Royal Television Society conference in London, Georgiou emphasized the impact of the Olympics on their subscriber base, noting, ”We had more subscribers come on after Day 4 [of the Olympics] than we had in the entire Tokyo games.” This surge in subscribers underscores the event’s power to captivate audiences and boost engagement.
The challenge of retaining subscribers
While the Olympics provided a substantial boost, Georgiou acknowledged the ongoing challenge of retaining these new subscribers. “On linear, we outstripped our growth…so for us, it’s done a fantastic job across all of the markets. The challenge, of course, is keeping the customers,” he remarked. This highlights the importance of continuous innovation and content delivery to maintain viewer interest.
Insights from industry leaders
Georgiou’s panel, titled “How to win audiences and influence them,” featured prominent figures from the media industry, including Sky Studios CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz, Walt Disney EMEA’s senior VP Nami Patel, and Channel 5 president Sarah Rose. Moderated by a Financial Times journalist, the discussion delved into strategies for engaging audiences in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
The power of live TV
Georgiou highlighted the unique appeal of live television, stating, “What live [TV] does is give people a reason to engage at the same time. It focuses a global population on a single event.” This shared experience is a powerful tool for media companies, fostering a sense of community and real-time engagement among viewers.
The future of WBD’s streaming service
Looking ahead, Georgiou confirmed that WBD’s streaming service, Max, is set to launch in the U.K. in 2026. However, the specifics of its partnership with Sky remain uncertain. Despite a long-standing exclusive content deal that brought shows like House of the Dragon and Succession to Sky platforms, no new agreement has been reached. Frot-Coutaz expressed optimism about future collaborations, stating, “From Sky’s perspective, the partnership deal with WBD had been successful, and we hope to find a way to work together in the future.”
Sky’s evolving landscape
Sky has faced its own set of challenges, including corporate reshuffles and the departure of key executives. Frot-Coutaz, who now oversees both content creation and broadcasting, acknowledged the competitive landscape, saying, “The world is fragmenting, there’s no question about that. As a creator and a curator, you have to think slightly differently about what you commission and what you acquire.”
Paramount’s uncertain future
Paramount is navigating its own era of uncertainty, particularly in the U.K., as it prepares for a merger with Skydance Media. This merger raises concerns for Channel 5, which may find itself at risk. Sarah Rose, president of Channel 5, commented on the situation, stating, ”It may disappoint you, but it’s a huge relief to me that I can’t talk about the transaction. From a U.K. perspective within an American organization, they have recognized the value of what we’re creating and continue to invest in us.”
Reflections on the RTS conference
The Royal Television Society conference, sponsored by Netflix, featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Ted Sarandos, soccer star David Beckham, and U.K. PSB heads Tim Davie, Carolyn McCall, and Alex Mahon. These industry leaders provided valuable insights into the evolving media landscape and the strategies needed to thrive in a competitive environment.
Final thoughts
The media industry is in a state of constant evolution, driven by technological advancements and changing viewer preferences. As companies like Warner Bros. Discovery, Sky, and Paramount navigate these changes, their ability to innovate and adapt will determine their success. The insights shared at the Royal Television Society conference underscore the importance of strategic partnerships, engaging content, and a deep understanding of audience behavior in shaping the future of media.
For more information on the latest movies and TV series, check out the trailers for House of the Dragon and Succession.