en.Wedoany.com Reported - The third-day agenda of NEM Dubrovnik 2026 focused on media consolidation, artificial intelligence, and YouTube's strategic role as a distribution platform, with executives discussing the impact of global media mergers on the competitive landscape, content strategies, and investment decisions.
This annual summit for the Central and Eastern European television industry brought together executives from broadcasters, streaming platforms, distributors, and technology providers. In a panel moderated by Omdia's Maria Rua Aguete, participants noted that large-scale mergers are reshaping the competitive landscape, content strategies, and investment priorities in the media sector. Former Warner Bros. Discovery executive Jaime Cooke cautioned companies involved in mergers against being distracted by internal integration, emphasizing that local content is crucial for all parties present, and advised organizations to set clear goals and avoid internal conflicts.
YouTube's role in television distribution strategies emerged as another major topic. In a discussion moderated by Ampere Analysis co-founder Guy Bisson, broadcasters and content owners indicated they are upgrading YouTube from a marketing tool to a core distribution channel, particularly targeting younger audiences consuming content on connected TVs. Antenna Group CEO Henning Tewes delivered a keynote speech exploring how entertainment companies can balance local market relevance with regional scale, suggesting that success comes from creating "gravity"—the pull to attract viewers and the attachment that brings them back.
Artificial intelligence remained a key agenda item. A session sponsored by Wiztivi explored how AI is transforming content discovery, with industry executives discussing the shift from traditional recommendation engines to more predictive and personalized viewing experiences. Digital piracy, micro-drama formats, and the industry's tendency to chase technological trends were also highlighted as notable topics. In a closing panel on overhyped industry developments, Hearst Networks executive Izabella Wiley warned against repeatedly declaring the death of traditional television, noting that the media industry has a habit of falling in love with the next big thing and declaring everything else obsolete, while audiences continue to embrace great stories wherever they find them.
The day also featured presentations from Lionsgate and A+E Global Media, including a preview of the documentary series "World War II: Tom Hanks," which consists of 20 episodes examining World War II through archival footage and expert analysis. NEM Dubrovnik concludes this week, bringing together participants from the Central and Eastern European and broader international television industries.
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