Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. was co-founded in 1991 by Americans Ronald Lauder and Mark Palmer in Germany as CEDC GmbH (Central European Development Corporation),[3] and later changed its name and reincorporated in the Netherlands as Central European Media Enterprises (CME). It started broadcasting its first channel in the Czech Republic in 1994.
On 23 March 2009, Time Warner announced it would invest $241.5 million in CME for a 31% stake.[4] By 2Q 2013, Time Warner had acquired a controlling interest in CME in a series of transactions.[5]
In October 2019, AT&T signed an agreement to sell WarnerMedia's stake to PPF.[6][7] The transaction valued at $2.1 billion was completed in October 2020.[8]
On 14 February 2022, Central European Media Enterprises announced buying RTL Hrvatska from RTL Group for €50 million. The transaction was closed on 1 June 2022.[9][10][11]
Operations
CME is the broadcast market leader in most countries where it has television stations. CME currently operates 46 television channels broadcasting to approximately 49 million people across 6 geographic segments. CME develops and produces content for its television channels, and its content is also consumed through subscription and advertising VOD.[12]
It also operates the Voyo streaming platform that provides on demand local content in all of CME’s geographic regions
In 2023, CME launched its ESG strategy branded CME Cares.[13] This initiative was created to communicate CME’s efforts to leave a lasting positive impact on its environment, communities, and societies. CME Cares aims to offer socially responsible content, implement sustainable production practices, aid underprivileged communities, and follow transparent business practices.
CME Content Academy
In 2022 Central European Media Enterprises Ltd. launched CME Content Academy. The two-year course is designed to provide participants with a foundation across various film-making disciplines, enabling students to become TV professionals.[14]
