The series of shakeups and acquisitions that have started since the last Weekend Media Festival are significantly changing the landscape of the media scene across the region. The regional market is changing along with the global changes in the media market, and we have the opportunity to witness perhaps the biggest changes that could restructure the entire local media market.
Among the mergers, colabs and takeovers, the most prominent is the acquisition of the US investment fund KKR, owner of the N1 TV, which could soon add Croatia’s Nova TV to its portfolio. In Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, KKR is working on takeover of Pink, in Slovenia they are taking over Pop TV, while in Serbia they own the leading cable operator SBB, N1 Television, Sport Club and Grand.
By buying tv stations across the region, KKR is deeply changing the TV landscape, but also has a strong influence on other media, telecom market, independent productions, cable operators and perhaps even politics. Although probably the most significant actor of change, KKR is not the only one. One should not forget the big changes in the ownership structures of the largest domestic media houses that have reshuffled the print media market.
“This year, we had the opportunity to see significant media acquisitions and new collaborations that have a strong impact on the market in the region. We expect more interesting events by the Weekend, which we will then be able to discuss and analyze,” said Nikola Vrdoljak, program director.
The ‘Media Market Restructuring’ panel at the Weekend Media Festival will gather key people from the region to explain and bring us closer to what and why it is happening in the media scene, what it means for consumers and for further media development.
The largest regional communication festival this year is held from 20th to 23rd of September, as always in the former tobacco factory in Rovinj. This year’s festival partners are France and Germany, and one of the numerous guests will be Kristian Novak, currently the biggest star of Croatian literature. All marketers can apply their work to the seventh BalCannes, and the best digital works in the region will take home the most important digital award, SoMo Borac.
Apart from the constructive, and sometimes even provocative discussions on trends in the communications industry, the Weekend is known for the great parties. This year again visitors can expect a varied music program and socializing.
