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Media Veteran Barnett Leads CME's Digital Shift
18 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Barnett aims to transform CME from TV-first to digital-first.
- CME generated €468M in H1 2025, with Czech Republic leading.
- CME partners with local media for content leverage.
Sam Barnett, a prominent figure in international media, is now the CEO of Central European Media Enterprises (CME). His mandate is to lead the broadcaster's strategic pivot from a television-centric model to a digital-first approach, prioritizing streaming and online content. This transition mirrors successful strategies employed by global media companies.
CME, a major independent broadcaster in Central and Eastern Europe, serves approximately 49 million viewers. In the first half of 2025, the company achieved revenues of €468 million. The Czech Republic emerged as CME's largest market, generating €169 million, followed by Romania and Slovakia, underscoring the regional economic significance of its operations.
Barnett emphasizes the importance of premium local content and leveraging digital platforms. He believes CME's strong linear TV heritage, combined with advanced data analytics and AI, will allow it to compete effectively against international streamers. The company also seeks collaboration with local media entities to enhance its market presence.
