Romania, close to becoming the biggest market for media group CME

Central European Media Enterprises (CME), one of the biggest media groups in the region, announced an 8.1% increase (like for like - lfl) in net revenues in the first quarter of 2017, to USD 135 million. The growth was driven mainly by the operations in Romania, which saw a 25% lfl increase in revenues, to USD 38.9 million. The group’s revenues in Romania thus reached almost the same level as the revenues in the Czech Republic (USD 39.5 million), which has long been the group’s biggest market in terms of sales. Romania also became the most profitable market for CME in the first quarter, after a 62% lfl increase in operational profit before amortization and depreciation (OIBDA), to USD 14.7 million. The group’s overall OIBDA went up by 35%, to USD 22.1 million. CME owns PRO TV, the biggest media company in Romania. PRO TV, the leading broadcaster in Romania in terms of audience, runs popular international formats such as Romania’s Got Talent, The Voice of Romania, and MasterChef, as well as popular local shows, such as Las Fierbinti – the most popular local comedy series. The TV station prepares to launch the popular adventure show Fort Boyard, which will feature Romanian celebrities battling for the treasures of the French island citadel. Romania, fastest growing market for media group CME in 2016 editor@romania-insider.com