UK TV Exports break £2billion barrier despite ongoing challenges
Exports of British-owned TV programmes such as Doctor Who, Ludwig, Nightsleeper and All Creatures Great and Small, returned to growth after several unsettling years in global markets, breaking the £2billion barrier for first time (£2.02 billion in 24/25 compared with £1.82 billion in 23/24).
Pact’s UK TV Exports report, compiled by 3Vision, found that while conditions remain challenging, businesses are working harder for revenues and finding more innovative ways to window and sell content. The proportion of library TV sales increased by four percentage points to 44 per cent which suggests back catalogues are providing a budget-starved market with an economic solution to finding great content.
The US remains the largest destination for UK TV exports, up 34 per cent year-on-year, despite US media companies creating significant challenges over past three years.
Many of the countries that showed a decline last year have returned to growth, most notably with Italy (64 per cent increase versus 23 per cent decline in 23/24), and France (61 per cent increase versus 21 per cent decline in 23/24).
Elsewhere in Europe, Poland (26 per cent), Belgium (27 per cent) and Spain (18 per cent) all achieved double-digit growth.
Outside Europe, Mexico, South Africa and China saw the steepest declines in exports, falling 56 per cent, 53 per cent and 44 per cent respectively. Only China and Japan have shown consecutive years of decline.
As a whole, North America recorded the highest year-on-year growth with 32 per cent, reaching an all-time high of £977 million. Europe (18 per cent) and Australia (17 per cent) both showed strong growth whilst Latin America and Asia continued their downward trend, falling 28 per cent and 29 per cent respectively. Sub-Saharan Africa showed a significant fall with revenues falling by 50 per cent year-on-year.
TV Exports by type
Finished programme sales remain the largest contributor to overall exports (53 per cent), with sales growing by 5 per cent to £1,069 million after last year’s decline, although this figure remains below 2022/23 levels.
International Production continued its upward trend, rising by 8 per cent to £349 million, while Formats and Co-Productions grew 13 per cent and 5 per cent respectively year-on-year, reaching £244 million and £126 million respectively.
There was a significant increase in the ‘Other’ category of revenue, relating to non-programme consumer products, to £212 million, representing 11 per cent of total exports.
TV Sales by Service Type
Against the expected direction of travel, TV sales to broadcasters continued to increase (up 4 per cent to 54 per cent year-on-year), leading to the same percentage decline in sales to VOD services.
TV Sales by Genre
Scripted drama continued to dominate, accounting for 46 per cent of revenue, with its share of total exports up 3 per cent year-on-year.
Entertainment’s share fell by 3 per cent after a 6 per cent gain last year, now representing 24 per cent of exports. Comedy and Factual saw small declines in their export shares, whilst Kids experienced 2 per cent growth.
Commenting on the report, Pact CEO John McVay OBE, said: “The report shows that yet again despite the global economic challenges, British TV content continues to be attractive to international audiences. Although experiences for each distributor varies, the strength and quality of library catalogues is proving to be important as we navigate these difficulties over the coming years.”
Louise Pedersen, CEO, All3Media International, said: “Overall the report indicates some encouraging signs, specifically in the US where we are hoping to see further recovery in the pre-sale and acquisition territory. The UK has produced some very strong long-running library titles with proven global appeal - iconic detective series such as Midsomer Murders and warmer family dramas such as All Creatures Great and Small from our catalogue - and these series reliably deliver audiences for our terrestrial buyers and platforms over repeated licence cycles. Additionally, our A-list led scripted titles such as Joan performed well and another staple of the UK production sector, the high-end thriller, saw The Tourist attract buyers’ attention across international markets.”
Bob McCourt, COO, Commercial and International, Fremantle, said: “Despite a challenging year for the market, it’s been a strong year for Fremantle and UK content globally. With UK TV exports including The Responder Season 2, Big Mood, and Nightsleeper reaching record highs across the market, we’re seeing renewed confidence and increased demand for British creativity across all 28 territories we operate in. Growth in key territories such as the US, France, Italy, Spain and Australia underlines the strength and versatility of our slate – from entertainment and drama to film and documentaries.
“Library content remains an important and dependable part of our business, with catalogue sales playing an increasingly central role in global distribution, which highlights the enduring appeal and value of our storytelling. As we move through 2025, we remain focused on delivering powerful, world-class programming and strengthening partnerships that bring irresistible entertainment to audiences everywhere.”
Janet Brown, President, Global Content Sales, BBC Studios, said: “In a dynamic and unpredictable market landscape, today’s report demonstrates that British storytelling remains a powerful force internationally. BBC Studios is fortunate to work with exceptional creatives across our units, labels, and partners and together we continue to deliver outstanding British IP to audiences worldwide. We are proud to steward one of the most broad and sought-after content portfolios with globally celebrated titles like Doctor Who, Mammals, and Asia.”
Ruth Berry, President, Global Partnerships & Zoo 55, ITV Studios, said: “Some really encouraging results to this important annual barometer of the UK export market, that I’m pleased to say we’re seeing reflected in our day to day business. While buyers are definitely being selective, there has been an increasingly healthy appetite for exciting titles like After The Flood, Ludwig, and Love Island All Stars, that fit platform and broadcaster creative and scheduling needs. The US was our largest export market last year and is expanding day by day, along with Canada and Australia and the Nordics. In addition to strong catalogue sales, with the launch of Zoo 55 we are further maximising the value of our 95,000 hours of content and moving it to audiences, wherever they want to watch it.”
Pact’s UK TV Exports Report, sponsored by Fremantle, BBC Studios, ITV Studios, All3Media International and undertaken by 3Vision, surveys over 20 UK distributors about their international sales and any challenges they have faced in the past year, as well as any they expect to come in the next 12 months.