Vintage TV is a UK broadcast channel dedicated to showing the best concerts, intimate live sessions, festivals, exclusive artist interviews and a unique archive of vintage videos.
A start-up in 2007, the channel had grown rapidly and was available on most of the UK’s TV platforms running a 24-hour playout.
Due to its organic growth the company had become over-reliant on a limited number of key outsource suppliers and was paying above market rate for key services.
Excess costs also prevented the channel from being available on Freeview, the largest of the UK broadcast platforms thus significantly limiting its revenue and potential.
Over a nine-month period the following changes were implemented to help the organisation:
The same large and dominant supplier provided playout and satellite services causing issues related to performance and billing.
Playout services were moved to a smaller, more cost effective and much more nimble provider. This made a significant impact to monthly operating costs, provided enhanced services and reduced the negotiating power of the primary supplier.
As well as playout services the new provider also took on scheduling thus removing an additional cost that sat with the business.
Finally the move also facilitated changes to the channel graphics thereby supporting the creative team.
Key distribution platforms were renewed on terms favourable to the company and with enhanced credit management. This supported further expansion.
The key revenue source for the company is ad sales.
Following the expanded distribution, the agency agreement was re-negotiated to provide up-front payments to support the expansion and more favourable terms on revenue growth.
Negotiations were conducted to add an additional platform, Freeview, for the broadcaster, thereby doubling its programming output.
Freeview was a significant investment and it was essential that it performed well. To ensure a successful launch, care was taken over the negotiation with the UK regulatory authorities to secure a favourable channel position. Negotiations were also held with the platform service provider supplier and favourable terms were achieved.
Vintage TV has expanded successfully and significantly increasing its reach and revenue. As well as increasing audience share this has secured additional investment for the business.
As a Hawk Media Partner, Dan Cherowbrier is providing CTO/COO services for Vintage TV.
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