CEE’s favorite TV market with a view, NEM Dubrovnik 2023, started on June 5^th after TV industry leaders from across the world arrived in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Until June 8^th, Dubrovnik is the central location for TV industry professionals, decision makers and buyers interested in doing TV business combined with inspirational keynote speeches, informative panel discussions and presentations along with premieres and networking among participants and guests in a comfortable setting.

Bigger than ever, the jubilee edition started with a record number of participants, exhibitors, and sponsors. Networking was opened with a coffee break provided by OIV digital signal and networks.

Frank Spotnitz, CEO & Executive Producer, Big Light Productions and one of NEM’s favourite frequent visitors was introduced as the first of a record 11 keynote speakers. Mr. Spotnitz shared insights into the ever-changing TV industry: “If we are to improve European television, then it seems to me that a good first step is having core values that we know we are striving to live up to. We need more practical, concrete strategies put into place – in all territories in Europe, but especially in smaller countries where resources are in shorter supply. That lack of economic power might may be seen as a handicap, but it can also be seen as an advantage – places where change is easier to embrace because of their size.”

Presentation FAST Revenues by Maria Rua Aguete, Omdia followed at the Panel Room where data predictions for FAST business were first announced for CEE - there is less consumer interest in FAST since pay TV is still growing and traditional free-to-air viewing is also strong. In Eastern Europe FAST revenues will double in the next 5 years, reaching $42m by 2028.

The first day was also a tribute to ten exciting years of building New Europe Market (NEM). During the panel 10 Years of NEM sponsored by Mediavision, Sanja Božić-Ljubičić, CEO of Pickbox,  Mediatranslations, Mediavision and NEM, gathered long-standing supporters and friends of NEM:

·        Sabrina Pluvinage, Video Sales Director Europe, Eutelsat

·        Branko Čakarmiš, General Director, Pro Plus

·        Pavel Stantchev, CEO, TV2 Media Group and Planet TV

·        Adrian Ježina, CEO, Telemach Croatia and Telemach Slovenia

They reminisced over the past decade, remembering various anecdotes and unforgettable moments shared at the TV market to which they all gladly return each year. “It’s amazing to see how this event grew up. It is the only event where you can see your competitors and exchange ideas. This closed circle is so full of energy” said Pavel Stantchev and Branko Čakarmiš added: “NEM started with a small idea which turned into a world class event for our industry. “

As a proud sponsor of the opening night, Sony Pictures Television held an exclusive screening of Alert: Missing Persons Unit featuring very special guests, Dania Ramirez (Sweet Tooth, Once Upon a Time, Entourage) and Ryan Broussard (Only Murders in the Building, Sistas, Black Bird). During the Q&A session, hosted by Mark Young (EVP, Distribution, SPT, EMEA), the show's stars shared their delight at Fox's quick second season renewal following its multi-platform success, discussed Carla Kettner (Panhandle, The Blacklist, Bones) taking the reins as showrunner of Alert’s second season, with John Eisendrath executive producing, and how the series will continue to deliver powerful storytelling.

The atmosphere was perfectly warmed up for Party by Eutelsat where everyone enjoyed the night and established the mood for exciting panels, keynote speakers and networking events expected in the days to come, the perfect ending of NEM Dubrovnik 2023 day one. 

For more information visit the official website NEM Dubrovnik 2023.