The responsibility of media companies today is increasingly viewed beyond news programming or standalone CSR campaigns. More attention is being placed on content that can shape audience perceptions over time, open important social conversations, and create broader cultural impact. In this context, Central European Media Enterprises (CME) introduced a new platform dedicated to the production of socially impactful content.
During this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the company officially launched the CME Social Impact Center, a platform focused on the development and production of socially impactful projects. The initiative was presented during the Marché du Film Producers Network Breakfast as part of the impACT Day programme, with the platform introduced by Hana de Goeij, Director of Responsible Content and Social Purpose at CME and founder of the new center.
According to the company, the CME Social Impact Center will develop and co-produce projects across all markets where the company operates, including the Czech Republic through TV Nova, Slovakia through Markíza, Slovenia through POP TV, Bulgaria through bTV, Croatia through RTL, and Romania and Moldova through PRO TV. The first series and accompanying impact campaigns are expected to launch within the next year.
“We have a successful track record of spotlighting important issues and giving a voice to those who don’t have a platform but have a lot to say. The CME Social Impact Center is a logical next step in our strategy of responsible content. It’s an opportunity to help accelerate positive social change in our region through powerful storytelling,” said Hana de Goeij.
The company also emphasized that the initiative is not intended as a one-off CSR project, but as part of a long-term content development strategy.
“As the biggest content producer in Central and Eastern Europe, CME recognizes the responsibility that comes with our scale and reach. We are proud to be a broadcaster that is not only commercially successful, but also respected across Europe for producing responsible, meaningful content that reflects and supports the societies we serve,” said Sam Barnett, CEO of CME.
The company has already confirmed the first two projects that received development approval. One of them is a creative documentary series by Radiana Bozhikova and Dobromir Ivanov about cervical cancer for Bulgarian streaming platform VOYO and broadcaster bTV. The second project is being developed for RTL Hrvatska as a mobile-first series by Eugenija Prša and Filip Dizdar.
