The first day of NEM began with a great panel discussion that featured international media experts who spoke of the enormous potential and future of television in the Central Eastern European (CEE) region.

The panel discussed a pressing and important question concerning the future of TV channels; and featured Jay Tallon, Senior Vice President High Growth Markets, CEMA, BBC Worldwide; Pete Smith, Managing Director, Antenna International; Bartosz Witak, Vice President and General Manager, CEE & Israel, Viacom International Media Networks; and John Rossiter, General Manager, Central Europe, Sony Pictures Television Networks.

Jay Tallon announced the launch of new specialized BBC channels in the CEE region that include BCC Earth, which has won 44 awards from around the world. During the panel, she went on to explain that the “CEE region is very important for BBC. Taking into consideration the competition in the region, we want to develop our relationships with regional partners in order to build new platforms. We do not need to be afraid of new platforms and services, because now we have more room to develop.”

Pete Smith announced that a new regional manager will soon be named, and that the focus of Antenna Group in the region is to develop new platforms; despite the leading position of linear channels in the region.

Bartosz Witak emphasized the importance of traditional channels in the CEE region and the potential in the region to develop new platforms and channels. Even through content being watch on new devices quickly change; Mr. Witak believes that this is an opportunity for growth.

Regarding competition from VOD and OTT platforms, John Rossiter doesn’t think the industry should be scared of new platforms. “These new platforms represent new opportunities for the industry to wake up and react to change. Their enthusiasm and creativity are lessons that we can all learn from.”
All of the panelists agreed that the future of linear channels is not bleak, and that new platforms offer new possibilities for the development of the television industry.

At an exclusive event, NEM in cooperation with HBO Adria revealed the Iron Throne. This is the first time the throne has been revealed in its original home in King’s Landing. Marin Kariž, HBO Adria manager responsible for Croatia, explained the importance and popularity of Game of Thrones in the region, and expressed his satisfaction with this year’s edition of NEM. Sanja Božič-Ljubičić personally welcomed each of the attendees, and together with Mr. Kariž uncovered the famous replica of the Iron Throne.