Impact of downturn becoming clearer for broadcast manufacturers

The 61 broadcast and media technology manufacturers tracked by industry association the IABM reported total sales of US$8.6bn (€5.8bn) for 2009.

Global sales of broadcast and media technology suppliers have decreased year on year by 4.4% compared to an increase of 10.6% one year ago. While 57% of companies in the index are still reporting that they remain profitable, the aggregate market profitability has declined globally by 11% year-on-year. Of those companies in the index that are now reporting losses, some 53% have moved from profit into loss in the last twelve months. 

“It is clear that we are now seeing the full impact of the global economic downturn reflected in our quarterly Industry Index,” noted Peter White, IABM director general. “We have witnessed a sharp and sustained decline in sales and profitability figures in 2009 and the year-on-year change has been made all the more stark when compared to the excellent Olympic year of 2008. We are, however, now beginning to see an improvement in sales activity but it could be some time before any recovery is reflected in deliveries.”