NEM Dubrovnik 2025: AI, streaming and new media industry challenges
The next edition of the New Europe Market (NEM) is just around the corner and will take place in Dubrovnik from June 9 to 12, 2025, at the Dubrovnik Palace. A lot has happened in the media and television market since NEM 2024. There were many ideas, predictions, and discussions around key challenges, especially in content distribution and media technologies.
Not all those forecasts came true, but for us, it was a very intense and productive year. New partnerships have led to real growth and concrete solutions that are already delivering value on the market.
That’s why I’m genuinely curious about this year’s edition and whether it will bring a similar wave of fresh ideas, especially with AI now firmly in the spotlight and ongoing shifts in the streaming landscape. The agenda is well structured across the days, which makes it easier to plan meetings with both existing and new partners, while staying focused on what really matters.
Below is a short overview based on the official program:
Day 1 (Monday, June 9) A strong start focused on trends and distribution. The NEM Kickoff features sessions such as “Content Trends in the Era of Trump” and “Case Studies on AI-Powered Media Growth.” This is followed by a panel on windowing and exclusivity, a keynote by Bob McCourt (Fremantle) on global TV brands, and the discussion “FTA vs. Pay-TV vs. Streamers: Battle for Live Events?” The day wraps up with coffee networking and a happy hour.
Day 2 (Tuesday, June 10) Leadership and operational challenges take center stage. Panels on public media, a Q&A with Bartosz Witak (BBC Studios), a session on the Max strategy from Warner Bros. Discovery, the panel “Piracy and Profit Loss,” and “Streamers Becoming Operators?” The day also includes a presentation by Emilie Anthonis (MPA EMEA) and content showcases from Disney, Globo, Amazon MGM Studios, and Lionsgate.
Day 3 (Wednesday, June 11) Advertising, regulation, and content costs. Highlights include “TV Ads vs. Digital Ads” with Google and Omdia, the discussion “Europe’s Audiovisual Future,” the panel “How Inflation Affects Content,” and the presentation “Viaplay and Pickbox: Partnering for Growth.” Additional showcases feature Spain, TVP, and Oneplay, followed by an evening networking event sponsored by Calinos and Eutelsat.
Day 4 (Thursday, June 12) The closing day focuses on regulation and storytelling, with Oscar-related references, final takeaways, and last networking opportunities.
The key themes this year include content windowing and exclusivity, live event rights, piracy, TV vs. digital advertising, regulation (such as AVMS), rising content costs, partnerships between streamers and operators, and AI in media. Together, these topics clearly reflect the industry’s current pain while also highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration.
Interestingly, what we’ve been working on at N7 Mobile over the past year aligns almost perfectly with these discussions. During our scheduled meetings, we’ll be showcasing our solutions - details are available on our website. In particular:
AI-Rekomendator Content Search™ An AI-driven recommendation system that goes beyond titles, searching across content, metadata, and descriptions. It delivers personalized results based on user history and preferences. A strong match for AI and distribution discussions, helping improve engagement, ARPU, and NPS.
Operator Tier Launcher A custom STB launcher integrating OTT and TV services such as Netflix, HBO, Amazon, and DVB-T/C. Highly relevant to conversations about streamer–operator partnerships, offering seamless access to both live and on-demand content—crucial in the competition for live events.
OTT/VOD Platform - PLAY NOW Applications for mobile, STB, and Smart TV with 4K, DRM, and Google Assistant support. Well-suited to EU regulatory requirements, content cost challenges, and secure scaling—especially across Southern and Eastern Europe.
Personally, I’m most interested in discussions around AI in media and streamer - operator partnerships - areas where opinions often diverge, whether around AI ethics or the balance between exclusivity and accessibility. Topics like piracy and AVMS regulation are also likely to spark strong debates, as the industry continues to navigate the line between protection and innovation. But these conversations are exactly what drives progress, and N7 Mobile’s AI and OTT solutions are designed to support that evolution in an efficient and creative way.
See you in Dubrovnik!
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to book a meeting.
