The Euro 50 Q&A – Christian Anting, ‘n’

The latest issue of Digital TV Europe was dedicated to the Euro 50, our annual survey of the views of 50 of Europe’s leaders in pay TV and broadband. We asked our readers to nominate individuals who had made a difference across five categories: content, new media, technology, marketing and overall industry leadership. Over the next few weeks we will publish interviews with the executives that make up Digital TV Europe’s Euro 50, 2011.

Despite the competitive nature of the Polish DTH market, TVN’s n continues to attract customers. Christian Anting, COO and VP of the management board, ITI Neovision, has played a key role in differentiating the operator with a strong HD play. At over 30, ‘n’ offers more HD channels than any other pay TV platform in Poland.

Age 41



Education Graduated in Economics and Finance from the University of Augsburg in Germany.



Previous positions  Worked in the digital TV business for the past 15 years, starting with Kirch Group and then joined SBS Broadcasting, holding several positions including senior vice-president digital media, managing director of The Voice TV and CEO of Canal Plus Nordic.

Last year’s highlights Establishing ‘n’ as the largest HD DTH platform in central and eastern Europe with more than one million customers and reaching EBITDA break-even for the first time since the launch of the platform five years ago. Another highlight was our launch of the first regular 3D service in the region, nShow 3D on ‘n’.

Most significant industry development The strong growth in consumer demand for TV services available anytime and anywhere. Our industry is just at the beginning of creating new products and content propositions for multiscreen environments.

Goals for next year The launch of our new TV service nGo, allowing customers to access content anywhere, anytime. From live sports to movies and top local productions, our customers will have the chance to watch linear and non-linear programmes anywhere and anytime, be it on the 60 inch flat screen TV at home or through a portable device. In Poland, the countdown for analogue shut-down has begun and is targeted to happen in mid 2013. Out of the three million terrestrial households affected, there is roughly one million that will ultimately become DTH subscribers and our platform is specially suited to attract a large part of these households.

Industry challenges and opportunities The biggest challenge will be the low visibilty on macro-economic factors and the decline in consumer confidence. 2012 is a big television year with the European Football Championship in Poland/Ukraine and the London Olympics. Hopefully these two major sports events will help restore confidence. Meanwhile, the biggest opportunity comes from the convergence of services and multi-screen, multiplatform propositions. The strong demand from consumers for these type of services will further increase.

Alternative career choice Professional football player.

TV character most identified with Mr. Miyagi: “Man who catch fly with chopstick accomplish anything.”

Most admired personality Steve Jobs for his vision and creative genius.

Life outside work I love to be outdoors with my family and I am a passionate football player.