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Advertising Leads $4.2 Trillion Global Entertainment And Media Growth By 2030

by News Editor

Global entertainment and media revenue is expected to reach $4.2 trillion by 2030, with advertising, streaming and live experiences driving much of the expansion, according to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2026–2030.

The report covers 12 sectors across 53 countries and territories and forecasts average annual growth of 3.4%. Digital ecosystems are expected to generate most of the additional $600 billion in revenue by the end of the decade.

Advertising Becomes The Main Growth Driver

Advertising revenue passed $1 trillion in 2025 and is forecast to reach $1.4 trillion by 2030, growing 5.6% annually. AI-powered, real-time personalisation is expected to help advertisers target audiences more precisely and increase the value of digital impressions.

Internet advertising revenue rose 12.2% to $755.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow 7.2% annually through 2030. Advertising is therefore expected to overtake consumer spending in 2026.

Consumer spending is forecast to grow 2.5% annually, while connectivity revenue from internet access is expected to increase 2.3%. Connectivity will nevertheless remain the largest of the three main segments, with revenue rising from $1.3 trillion in 2025 to $1.5 trillion in 2030.

Streaming Growth Slows In Mature Markets

Streaming revenue is projected to grow 6.1% annually through 2030, although expansion is expected to slow in established markets as consumers become less willing to pay for multiple subscriptions.

“Subscription fatigue” could encourage consolidation, partnerships and bundled services, while advertising is expected to become more important for platforms offering lower-cost plans. Advertising currently accounts for 19.4% of streaming revenue and is forecast to reach 22.6% by 2030.

Traditional television is moving in the opposite direction. Global revenue fell 2.7% to $360.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to decline to $341.2 billion by 2030 as audiences shift towards digital platforms.

Live Experiences Continue To Expand

Cinema is expected to continue its recovery, with global box office revenue forecast to grow 3.5% annually to $39.5 billion by 2030.

Asia-Pacific is projected to see the strongest growth among major regions, with box office revenue rising from $13.8 billion in 2025 to about $17 billion. Europe, the Middle East and Africa are expected to increase from $8.6 billion to $10.1 billion, while North America is forecast to reach about $9.9 billion.

Cinema, live music, out-of-home entertainment, trade shows and online betting are collectively expected to grow 5.2% annually to $294 billion by 2030, reflecting continued demand for shared and in-person experiences.

Music, Events And Online Gambling Gain Ground

Revenue across music, radio and podcasts is forecast to rise from $125.5 billion in 2025 to $145.1 billion in 2030. Streaming will remain the largest component at $56.6 billion, while live music revenue is expected to exceed $41.5 billion. Business events are also expanding, with exhibitor spending projected to increase from $38 billion in 2025 to $44.6 billion in 2030.

Online gambling is among the fastest-growing segments in the report. Across 10 markets, gross online gambling revenue more than doubled from $37.1 billion in 2021 to $79.5 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach $119.7 billion by 2030.

Overall, PwC expects the industry’s next phase of growth to be shaped by AI-enabled advertising and digital services, while consumer demand for live and immersive experiences continues to support traditional entertainment segments.

Bank Of England Holds Rates At 3.75% In Split Vote As Inflation Risks Rise

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

The Bank of England kept its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% on Thursday, but the decision was not unanimous. In a 6-3 vote, the Monetary Policy Committee kept rates unchanged, while three members backed a 25-basis-point increase to 4%. Renewed energy price pressures have added to concerns that inflation could remain elevated.

Inflation Pressures Remain

Policymakers said inflation “is likely to rise further over coming quarters,” citing higher and more volatile crude oil and refined energy prices since the conflict began.

So far, there has been “little evidence” of significant second-round effects, such as broader wage and price increases. Inflation risks, however, are now “tilted to the upside” and have increased since the July Monetary Policy Report.

Energy Prices Add To Inflation Risks

Brent crude has risen 36% since July, reaching $106 a barrel on Sept. 14, while UK wholesale gas prices increased 78% to 207 pence per therm.

Higher energy costs can feed into transport, production and household expenses, raising costs across supply chains. Refinery pressures have also pushed crack spreads, the difference between refined fuel and crude prices, well above pre-conflict levels.

Economy Shows Resilience

Despite the inflation risks, UK economic activity has held up slightly better than the Bank expected. A softer labor market and higher borrowing costs are expected to help reduce inflation over time.

Previous monetary tightening is still working through the economy, according to policymakers. So far, the latest energy shock has not produced clear evidence of a broader wage-price spiral.

Major Central Banks Take Different Paths

The decision comes during a busy period for global monetary policy. The Federal Reserve raised rates Wednesday to 3.75%-4% in its first increase since 2023, while the European Central Bank recently lifted its deposit rate to 2.5%.

The Bank of Japan is due to announce its decision Friday, with markets expecting a rate increase. Thursday’s split vote shows that pressure for tighter policy remains within the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

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