Europe Media Report - September 2023

European broadcasters shift to internet-based distribution and 5G workflows to counter declining terrestrial reach.

Eduardo Fichmann · Factory Capital — Operating Partner3 October 2023Period: September 20234 min read

Last updated 8 June 2026

50%↓

UK FTA audience vs pre-streaming levels (2022)

50%↓

Projected UK household terrestrial antenna connection rate (2030)

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Companies covered:BBCITVChannel 4Channel 5Everyone TVNetflixArqivaBAIOrangeDAZNBroadpeakAmazonFrance TelevisionsTVU NetworksStarlinkAppleTelefonica

Abstract

This report examines the structural shift in European media distribution, highlighted by the UK's launch of Freely, a natively integrated app for smart TVs that bypasses terrestrial antennas. It analyzes the decline of traditional free-to-air audiences, which have dropped to 50% of their pre-streaming levels. Additionally, the brief covers France.tv's adoption of 5G-enabled cloud workflows for live news and Orange's strategic bundling of Apple One to drive customer stickiness in the competitive Spanish quad-play market.

Key Takeaways

Traditional UK broadcast TV audiences have halved since the rise of streaming, prompting the launch of the internet-based Freely platform.
Terrestrial antenna dependency in the UK is forecast to drop from 85% to 50% of households by the end of the decade.
France.tv has successfully tested 5G and Starlink for live news, threatening the traditional satellite-based outside production model.

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Frequently Asked Questions

UK free-to-air audiences have already collapsed to 50% of their pre-streaming levels. Terrestrial antenna dependency is forecast to drop from 85% of households today to just 50% by 2030, necessitating a pivot to IP-native platforms like Freely.

France.tv has proven the viability of 5G and Starlink for live news production, threatening the traditional satellite-based outside broadcast model. Furthermore, the adoption of mABR technology allows operators to reduce live streaming traffic costs by as much as 90%.

Orange Spain is bundling the EUR 22.95 monthly Apple One family plan to subsidize expensive football rights and drive mobile subscriber stickiness. This move is a direct response to the expiration of Telefonica’s wholesale obligations, which forces competitors to negotiate for sports content on an arms-length basis.

Europe Media Report - September 2023

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