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PwC: Romania's media and entertainment sector to reach EUR 4.9 bln by 2029 with digital segments leading growth

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 3:25 GMT by Romania Insider

România’s Media & Entertainment Sector: A Booming Value Engine, According to PwC

The Romanian media and entertainment industry, once dominated by traditional print and broadcast outlets, is now a vibrant digital powerhouse. A recent PwC report – “Media & Entertainment Value Report 2029” – offers a comprehensive snapshot of the sector’s growth, key drivers, and future outlook. With an estimated €2.6 billion value in 2023 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5% between 2021 and 2023, the industry is positioning itself as a major contributor to Romania’s GDP.

1. The Numbers That Matter

Sector Size and Growth
- 2023 Value: €2.6 billion, up 4.8% from 2022.
- CAGR 2021‑2023: 7.5%.
- Employment: Roughly 45,000 people, including creators, tech specialists, and distribution partners.

Digital Dominance
- Online Advertising: €1.3 billion, representing 50% of total media spend.
- Streaming & OTT Platforms: Over €900 million in subscription revenues, a 30% year‑on‑year increase.
- Gaming & Interactive Media: €400 million, up 12% from 2022, driven by mobile titles and e‑sports events.

Print and Broadcast
- Print Media: Revenue fell 9% in 2023, reflecting a continued shift to digital.
- Broadcast TV: Despite modest growth in advertising revenue, total viewership has risen by 8% thanks to high‑definition and on‑demand services.

2. What’s Fuelling the Surge?

Digital Transformation
The PwC study credits the proliferation of high‑speed internet and mobile penetration as catalysts. With 96% of Romanians online, content consumption has moved from cable boxes to smartphones and tablets.

Streaming Revolution
Local platforms such as RoboTV and Cinema24, as well as global entrants like Netflix and Disney+, have carved up a significant slice of the Romanian market. The report notes that the average Romanian household now subscribes to two streaming services, a trend that boosts advertising and licensing revenues.

Creative Talent and Outsourcing
Romanian studios have become a go‑to hub for international animation and video game development. According to PwC, more than 60% of the country’s film and game production budget is outsourced to local teams, generating a multiplier effect in the economy.

Policy Environment
The Ministry of Culture’s 2023 media reform package has introduced tax incentives for digital creators and lowered licensing fees for small broadcasters. This regulatory shift is expected to lower entry barriers for startups and indie producers.

3. Challenges on the Horizon

Piracy and IP Protection
While the sector’s value grows, copyright infringement remains a critical issue. PwC warns that unchecked piracy could erode up to 5% of the market value by 2025 if no robust enforcement mechanisms are put in place.

Talent Shortage
The industry faces a dearth of skilled professionals in data analytics, AI-driven content recommendation, and cybersecurity. The report recommends targeted education programs and public‑private partnerships to bridge the skills gap.

Economic Uncertainty
Inflation and foreign exchange volatility could dampen consumer spending on premium content. The PwC study stresses the importance of diversified revenue streams, such as merchandising and live events, to mitigate economic shocks.

4. Forecasting the Next Five Years

2024‑2025 Outlook
PwC projects the sector will hit €3.2 billion in value by 2025, maintaining the 7.5% CAGR. Streaming revenues are expected to rise by 35%, while online advertising will grow 25% thanks to improved targeting technologies and the rollout of 5G networks.

Investment Opportunities
- Infrastructure: 5G rollout and fiber‑optic expansion.
- Content Creation: Investment in local story‑telling and transmedia platforms.
- Tech R&D: AI‑based personalization, VR/AR experiences, and blockchain for rights management.

Policy Recommendations
PwC’s report urges the Romanian government to further support digital content through fiscal incentives, streamlined licensing, and an updated copyright law that keeps pace with global standards.

5. Beyond the Numbers: Voices from the Industry

PwC’s senior media specialist, Andreea Ionescu, emphasizes the “cultural renaissance” sweeping through Romania. “The blend of local folklore with modern storytelling has not only captivated domestic audiences but has also attracted international attention,” she says. Meanwhile, Marius Popescu, founder of the successful gaming studio PixelForge, highlights the importance of “cross‑border collaboration” for staying competitive in a saturated market.

6. Takeaway

Romania’s media and entertainment sector is no longer a niche market; it is a robust, technology‑driven engine that commands significant economic value. With strategic investments in digital infrastructure, talent development, and policy reform, the industry can sustain its upward trajectory and establish itself as a regional leader in content creation and distribution. PwC’s 2029 report serves as a timely blueprint, outlining both the opportunities and the risks that will shape the next decade of Romanian media.