Broadcast, Not Streaming, Drives UK TV’s Billion-Dollar Boom in the US

For the first time, U.S. sales of British television have surpassed the $1 billion mark, a boom driven not by streamers but by traditional broadcast networks, according to a new Pact report first highlighted by Deadline. While old-school TV's appetite is surging, investment from digital platforms has gone flat, marking a strategic pivot in the global content wars.

• Old school's new money: The numbers tell the story: traditional broadcasters accounted for half of all UK TV sales in 2024, while streamers made up just 33% of the total over £2 billion in global exports. The U.S. market alone saw its outlay jump 34% to a record $1.04 billion.

• The Doctor is out: The spending data aligns with streamers' recent programming decisions, such as Disney+ dropping Doctor Who after just two seasons. As networks look for proven, budget-friendly programming, back-catalogues and library content have become increasingly important, now making up 44% of sales.

While international sales hit a historic high, the boom masks a brewing crisis at home. UK distributors warn that soaring production costs and a chill in financing from commissioners threaten to choke the domestic production pipeline. The record 2024 sales represent a significant rebound for UK TV exports, which had seen a notable dip in international revenue the previous year.