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Marcus Insights
Navigating Europe's Broadcasting Industry: Strategies for Digital Transformation


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Role: Senior Manager of Corporate Strategy
Industry: Broadcasting in Europe

Situation: The broadcasting industry in Europe is at a crossroads, with traditional television losing ground to streaming services. As the Senior Manager of Corporate Strategy for a leading broadcasting company, the role involves navigating this shifting landscape, identifying opportunities for growth, and mitigating risks associated with declining viewership. Strengths include a vast content library and a strong brand presence. Weaknesses involve an outdated distribution model and slow adaptation to digital trends. Internal challenges include aligning various departments with the digital transformation vision and overcoming resistance to change. Strategic initiatives being considered are partnerships with tech companies, content diversification, and direct-to-consumer streaming platforms.

Question to Marcus:


What strategies should be prioritized to transform the company into a competitive player in the digital age while leveraging its traditional strengths?


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Based on your specific organizational details captured above, Marcus recommends the following areas for evaluation (in roughly decreasing priority). If you need any further clarification or details on the specific frameworks and concepts described below, please contact us: support@flevy.com.

Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation is essential for a broadcasting company in Europe to remain competitive in the current media landscape. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI, Machine Learning, and blockchain, the company can enhance content personalization, streamline operations, and safeguard digital rights.

AI and machine learning can analyze viewer preferences in real-time, allowing for the delivery of personalized content recommendations, thus increasing viewer engagement and loyalty. Blockchain technology can be used to manage digital rights and royalties efficiently, providing a transparent and secure method for content distribution. Integrating these technologies requires a robust infrastructure and a culture that embraces innovation. The company's vast content library and strong brand presence provide a solid foundation for building a personalized and secure digital experience. By prioritizing digital transformation, the broadcasting company can not only retain its current viewer base but also attract new audiences, especially younger demographics accustomed to digital-first content platforms.

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Partnerships and Alliances

Forming strategic partnerships and alliances with tech companies and other content creators is crucial for the broadcasting company's transition into the digital age. These collaborations can provide access to new technologies, platforms, and audiences, enabling the company to distribute its content more broadly and efficiently.

For example, partnering with a technology company specializing in streaming infrastructure can enhance the company's technical capabilities, allowing for the launch of a competitive direct-to-consumer streaming service. Additionally, alliances with independent content creators and studios can diversify the company's content library, making it more appealing to a wider range of viewers. These partnerships also open opportunities for co-branding and cross-promotion, further strengthening the company's market presence. In the European context, where diverse languages and cultures influence content preferences, partnerships can facilitate localized content production and distribution, ensuring relevance and engagement across different regions.

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Content Diversification

To engage a broader audience and counter the decline in traditional viewership, the broadcasting company must diversify its content offerings. This involves investing in original content production, licensing exclusive content, and exploring new formats and genres.

Original content, especially if it resonates with Local Cultures and languages, can significantly boost viewer engagement and loyalty. Exclusive licensing deals, on the other hand, can attract fans of popular shows and movies to the platform. Moreover, experimenting with new content formats such as short-form videos, podcasts, and interactive shows can capture the interest of younger audiences who prefer consuming content on digital platforms. Content diversification also entails leveraging the company's vast library by repurposing classic content for digital distribution, potentially attracting nostalgic viewers as well as introducing timeless content to new generations. This strategy not only capitalizes on the company's existing strengths but also positions it as a versatile and innovative content provider in the digital landscape.

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Direct-to-Consumer Streaming Platform

The development of a direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming platform is a strategic imperative to capture the growing demand for on-demand content. This platform will serve as a direct channel to engage with viewers, collect data on their preferences, and offer highly personalized content experiences.

Building a DTC platform allows the company to leverage its extensive content library and strong brand, providing a differentiated offering in a crowded market. The key to success lies in creating a user-friendly interface, ensuring high-quality streaming, and implementing effective content discovery mechanisms. Additionally, the platform should offer flexible subscription models to cater to various viewer preferences and price sensitivities. Given the Competitive Landscape, the company may also consider bundling additional services or exclusive content to enhance the Value Proposition. Entering the DTC space will require significant investment and a shift in business model, but it is a critical move to secure a direct relationship with audiences and drive future growth in the digital era.

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Organizational Change Management

As the broadcasting company embarks on this transformation journey, addressing internal challenges and managing Organizational Change effectively is paramount. Aligning various departments with the digital transformation vision involves clear communication of strategic goals, benefits, and the impact on each role.

Overcoming resistance to change requires a comprehensive Change Management plan, which includes training programs to upskill employees, creating cross-functional teams to foster collaboration, and establishing a feedback loop to address concerns and gather insights. Leadership plays a crucial role in driving change, demonstrating commitment to the transformation, and embodying the desired digital-first culture. Recognizing and rewarding early adopters and success stories can also motivate employees and build momentum. Given the company's traditional strengths and existing weaknesses, it is essential to strike a balance between leveraging the vast content library and strong brand presence while innovating and adapting to digital trends. By prioritizing organizational change management, the company can ensure a smoother transition and better alignment across the organization, paving the way for successful digital adoption and innovation.

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