Day 3 of NEM Dubrovnik 2025 delivered a rich and diverse program, reflecting the complexity and dynamism of today’s TV landscape. Industry leaders came together to discuss regulatory frameworks, shifting market trends, content strategies and the role of global brand positioning. With exclusive showcases, high-level discussions, and a screening of the Oscar-nominated short film The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, the third day offered a comprehensive look at the direction of the TV sector. It concluded with ABBA Night with Pickbox & Viaplay – Mamma Mia! at Dubrovnik’s venue Lazareti, rounding off a day full of business and networking.

The day started with the panel “Europe’s Audiovisual Future: Do We Have the Necessary Conditions to Succeed?”, which brought together industry voices from Viaplay, European Audiovisual Observatory, EFAD and POP TV. The panel explored whether the Audiovisual Media Services Directive effectively supports growth and European content production, particularly among streamers.

Branko Čakarmiš, Strategic Advisor at POP TV, suggested and emphasized the importance of focusing on Europe’s own strengths instead of trying to compete with global giants. Rather than playing by rules set by bigger markets, Europe should support its own game, he claims - one that values local, authentic stories. For smaller markets, quotas often do more harm than good, especially in the creative sector. Instead of forcing platforms to meet arbitrary targets, that funding should be redirected to local projects where it truly matters, said Čakarmiš.

Chris Marcich, CEO, Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), President, Association of European Film Agency Directors (EFAD), President, AGICOA, shared his perspective on the Audiovisual Media Services Directive: “On one level, the directive has indeed been successful – we have reached the target of 30% or more European content, which is an achievement in itself. However, there are areas that clearly require improvement. At this point, there are loopholes in the directive, and we’re seeing little to no tangible benefit from it, particularly when it comes to investment in smaller countries.”

One of the highlights of the day was the screening of the Oscar-nominated short film The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, followed by a Q&A session with the director Nebojša Slijepčević and producer Danijel Pek, moderated by Sanja Božić-Ljubičić. The film was available for viewing in dedicated screening corner throughout the whole NEM Dubrovnik event.

In a keynote Q&A titled “The Power of Global TV Brands”, Bob McCourt, Chief Operating Officer of Commercial and International, Fremantle explored how strong global IP and brand identity shape market success. He highlighted the enduring appeal of long-running series and franchises, such as Got Talent and Baywatch, and discussed the key factors behind their continued relevance in a constantly evolving global landscape.

Addressing the success of global formats in local markets, McCourt said: “This region remains an incredible market for entertainment formats. For example, there are 22 local versions of Got Talent, 12 of Idol, 10 of Family Feud, and 12 of The Price Is Right. These types of shows also continue to thrive on social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. In 2024, we were the seventh publisher of content globally on YouTube. Our local production companies work alongside the broadcaster to manage the social channels for all of our talent shows and game shows for both promotional purposes and commercial purposes.”

Mark James, VP, International Sales and Louise Padfield-Wilkins, Sales Director presented Lionsgate’s upcoming programming slate, offering an exclusive first look at the brand-new Robin Hood.

Oneplay’s Lenka Szántó offered a preview of standout 2025 titles, highlighting upcoming originals and the platform’s next steps following the merger of O2TV and Voyo.

The presentation "Viaplay & Pickbox: Partnering for Growth in Southeast Europe“ highlighted their strategic partnership, focusing on true crime, format-ready IP, and scalable distribution. Viaplay’s partnership-first approach brings bold Nordic and European storytelling to the region, with Pickbox as a key example of successful regional collaboration. When introducing Vanda Rapti, EVP, Viaplay Select & Content Distribution at Viaplay Group and EVP & Chief Commercial Officer, North America and Viaplay Select, Sanja Božić-Ljubičić explained: “Pickbox has always been committed to offering distinctive content—something that sets us apart in a crowded market. Our partnership with Viaplay is a prime example - one that pushes the boundaries of the regional streaming market. As a result, premium Nordic content is available exclusively on Pickbox NOW and Pickbox TV. This partnership brings together the best of both worlds: Pickbox’s strong local presence, and Viaplay’s top-tier production quality. Together, we’re creating a content offer that stands out for both its quality and exclusivity.”

Eutelsat Group addressed the future of linear TV with a presentation aimed at debunking myths and showing growth potential.

The importance of leadership in public service media was discussed in the panel “Leadership in Public Media Services”, featuring high-level representatives from EBU, Croatian National Television (HRT), RTV Slovenia, Latvian Public Media and Bulgarian National Radio.

Antipiracy efforts were in focus during the panel “Piracy and Profit Loss”, which included representatives from Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA), Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe (ACT), Croatian Telecom, Telemach Croatia and ITV Studios

The day closed with the panel “Streamers Are Becoming Operators and Operators Are Becoming Streamers?”, sponsored by Backscreen. Executives from Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Global Content Distribution, RTL Croatia and Pro Plus Slovenia, A1 International Business, Deutsche Telekom AG, and Tet Latvia discussed how emerging trends point to streamers increasingly adding linear channels, while operators continue to integrate streaming platforms, prompting debate over whether the two sides will remain partners or evolve into competitors.

Uldis Tatarčuks, CEO at Tet Latvia, shared his insights on the ever-relevant and dynamic topic of the ongoing battle between operators and streamers: “From my perspective, we are all competing for the client's attention, yet at the same time, we are active participants in a much larger process – the rapid evolution of the industry in a constantly changing world."

While the market was in full swing, one of the exhibitors, AMC Networks International Central and Northern Europe (AMCNI CNE), has announced a significant multi-territory agreement with M7 Group, owned by Canal+, one of Europe’s largest pay-TV providers.