European Film and Television Industry Faces Competition from Major American Studios and Digital Platforms

The European film and television industry is facing stiff competition from major American studios and digital platforms such as YouTube, according to Giuseppe Abbamonte, director for media policy at the European Commission.

In a recent address at the MIA Market in Rome, Abbamonte emphasized that the challenge of international competition requires European producers to secure new sources of financing to stay ahead. This includes not just attracting foreign investment but also retaining control over original intellectual property.

To remain competitive, European producers need to become more robust financially and capable of taking on risks, according to Abbamonte. He stressed that investing in companies rather than individual projects is crucial for long-term success.

The comments come as the MIA Market conference kicked off with a panel discussion focusing on EU-wide audiovisual policy amidst a rapidly changing global business landscape characterized by consolidation and acquisitions. European companies are being acquired by American rivals, leading to concerns about market dominance.

Comcast's acquisition of Sky in the UK is one notable example, with the deal valued at $2.1 billion. Similarly, RTL in Germany is merging its free-to-air broadcaster with the country's top pay-TV group, which was recently acquired from Comcast.

The MIA Market in Rome is taking place amidst a rapidly changing media landscape where European producers are under pressure to adapt and compete globally. This comes as the continent's top TV networks are merging or being acquired by larger players, making it increasingly difficult for smaller companies to thrive.

MediaForEurope, an Italian company, has been expanding its reach across Europe with last year's acquisition of ProSiebenSat.1 in Germany, adding it to a stable that already includes Mediaset and Telecinco. This consolidation is partly driven by the growing threat from digital platforms like YouTube, which are encroaching on traditional linear TV audiences.

The industry's shift towards original IP has also become a major focus, with producers seeking new ways to reach audiences across various screens. MIA Market delegates will be grappling with the challenges of creating and distributing content that resonates with diverse audiences in an increasingly fragmented market.

Alessandro Usai, president of ANICA, highlighted the need for European producers to scale up and become more competitive globally. He noted that many of these companies are too small and often risk being acquired by foreign players or losing control over their original IP.

Usai's comments come as several major TV networks in Europe are undergoing significant changes, with RTL in Germany merging its free-to-air broadcaster with the country's top pay-TV group. This trend suggests a broader consolidation of European media assets, further underscoring the need for producers to adapt and grow to remain relevant.

European producers are exploring ways to pool resources and expertise in an effort to stay competitive in the global market. This trend is part of a broader initiative aimed at supporting sustainable production strategies, which was signed by Italian and French cultural ministers in June 2026.

The European Commission has also been working on establishing a new investment fund that would provide private institutional investors with direct access to European entertainment and media content opportunities. The goal of this initiative is to attract international financing for European content with global potential.

According to Antonino Stefanucci, senior mandate manager for the European Commission, cultural products have significant economic value. He pointed out that Hollywood and Korean K-dramas are successful examples of how cultural content can break out globally with the right financing.

The commission wants companies that can retain intellectual property rights rather than selling them to foreign investors. This would enable European businesses to fund their domestic market and support local content creation.

By investing in companies, Europe aims to strengthen its position in the global entertainment industry and promote sustainable growth in the sector.