Imported drama series lose $1 billion in value

The value of imported drama series for European broadcasters was $5.4 billion in 2012; down by $1 billion (16%) on the 2008 total, according to the latest edition of the Imported Drama Series in Europe report.

The value of imported drama series to European broadcasters

                               2008     2009     2010     2011     2012
                            -------  -------  -------  -------  -------
IDS revenues ($ mil.)         6,427    5,897    5,778    5,782    5,404
IDS hours                   160,950  163,701  161,505  160,261  157,606
Average value per hour ($)   39,929   36,023   35,773   36,078   34,290

Michael Cluff, co-author of the report, said: “2012 shows a significant drop in value compared to previous years. Two-thirds of the fall can be explained by lower income generated by advertising and state grants/license fees. Although the rate of change varies substantially by country, the reminder of the drop seems to come from a combination of cash strapped channels cutting the easiest external costs and the longer term gradual movement of hours out of the high share channels and into secondary channels.”

Jonathan Bailey, co-author of the report, added: “The total number of imported drama series hours screened declined by only 2% between 2008 and 2012, but the hourly value dropped by 14% over this period.” A total of 1,677 imported drama series titles were analyzed for this report.

The value of imported drama series to European broadcasters by country in 2012 ($ million)

Italy was the top country by value created from imported drama series in 2012, closely followed by Germany. France was third. However, the UK was a long way behind as few imported dramas are aired on the main channels. Italy, Germany and France generated 55% of Europe’s total in 2012.

The Imported Drama Series in Europe report covers 119 channels (nearly all of which are free-to-air) across 21 territories. The value is calculated from advertising revenues received when screening these programs – and/or a proportion of funding to public broadcasters.