Upcoming Trade Shows in Portugal for Entertainment & Media

Portugal’s entertainment and media industry has an unenviable task ahead – adapt to a challenging economic climate. Financial pressures against the backdrop of digital innovations and fast-paced changes in consumer behaviors have created an obstacle course for traditional media companies. The aftermath of the economic recession from 2011 to 2015 has left many media companies in a precarious financial position. High levels of debt and low stock market capitalization have posed considerable hurdles for major players like Cofina, Media Capital and Impresa. The total debt of these three leading Portuguese media groups surpassed €371 million in the first nine months of 2017. In the realm of digital publishing, paywall models have been adopted by newspapers such as Público, Correio da Manhã and Diário de Notícias. However, the willingness of consumers to pay for online news remains low with advertising revenue still serving as the primary income source. Digital-born publishers like Observador have sought alternative revenue streams through branded and sponsored content, alongside efforts to combat ad-blockers. The challenges extend beyond financial constraints. A 2017 report revealed that over half of Portuguese journalists earn less than €1,000 per month with a significant portion facing precarious employment conditions. Despite these hardships, trust in the media and journalism remains relatively high among Portuguese citizens, despite debates surrounding the proliferation of 'fake news.' In response to concerns about media credibility, social media watchdog pages like Os truques da imprensa portuguesa have emerged, holding mainstream media outlets accountable and fostering greater transparency. Additionally, initiatives such as the Barómetro de Notícias provide insights into media consumption patterns and audience perceptions. Amidst these challenges, certain media brands have managed to carve out distinct identities, with SIC Notícias and Público earning praise for their accuracy and reliability, while SAPO, TVI, and Correio da Manhã are valued for their entertaining content.