UK TV Industry Revenue Reaches $5.1 B, Boosted by US Streaming Giants

Pact’s latest census shows the British television market earned £3.81 billion ($5.1 billion) in the most recent year, a 4.1% increase over the previous period. The surge is attributed to a rise in international commissions, which made up 41.1% of total revenue and grew by £214 million (15.8%). US streaming services, notably Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, lifted their UK production budgets, fueling an all-time high level of foreign investment.

In contrast, revenue from domestic broadcasters dropped below £2 billion for the first time in five years, reflecting lower spend from one outlet, ITV and multichannel operators. Despite the decline, public-service commissions still contributed £1.42 billion, or 85.9% of total revenue. Pact also noted modest gains in non-TV activities and a 12.7% rise in secondary-rights income to a record £575 million. CEO Nigel Warner warned that while foreign investment is strong, the sector remains vulnerable to shrinking domestic funding.