European, Middle Eastern and African TV subscriptions fell by 0.66 million in Q3 2019, according to the informitv Multiscreen Index, as part of a 2.09 million decrease worldwide.
In Europe, Sky had a net loss of subscribers for the first time, losing 98,000 across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Italy. AT&T Premium TV lost the most subscribers to the tune of 1.16 million.
The largest gain was by Vodafone Germany, following the acquisition of Unitymedia from Liberty Global, now claiming 13.71 million TV subscribers.
informitv found that 41 of the 100 services in the Multiscreen Index reported subscriber gains, but these were offset by losses elsewhere, resulting in a net loss of 0.46 per cent in the third quarter.
“Despite some subscriber attrition, corporate consolidation is creating some very large players with economies of scale,” said Multiscreen Index editor Dr William Cooper. “With substantial recurring revenues they can still afford to lose some customers.”
