Streamers including Netflix, Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery form European VOD Coalition 

A new body representing the interests of video-on-demand companies in Europe has been formed.

Based in Brussels, the European VOD Coalition promises to give a voice to the European audiovisual streaming sector and engage with policy makers across Europe. 

At launch, the Coalition’s members include CHILI, FilmDoo, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Nokzedoc, Nordic Entertainment Group AG, Paramount, Pickbox, Sky, Sooner, StarzPlay, TVN, Univerciné Belgium and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Announcing the launch, the Coalition said that more Europeans watch content through streaming than any other way, with VOD subscriptions in the EU expected to reach 140 million by the end of 2022.

Julia Maxwell, Vice-President of Regulatory and Public Affairs at Nordic Entertainment Group, said: “Streaming Video-On-Demand services such as our Viaplay service are the fastest growing and most innovative media and entertainment companies in Europe. We invest in sustainable and diverse content production across Europe to provide consumers with a rich variety of local and international programming. 

“Forward-facing policy-making is required to encourage this European success story, reflect the rapid evolution of consumer preferences, and ensure continued investment by network operators in Europe’s internet delivery infrastructure. There has never been a greater demand for European storytelling or opportunity for talent and content creators to flourish.”

Daniel Friedlaender, Director of European Affairs at Sky and Chair of the Coalition, said: “Creators and content makers have a greater choice of partners than ever before through our members. Their work is reaching wider audiences, with our content being watched across the world. 

“Now is the time to keep encouraging VOD companies’ investments in the region, not to over-regulate. We want to keep innovating, entering new markets and making and distributing the best content in the world.”