The Savoy Theatre is currently awash with pink apex predators as it hosts the spectacular Mean Girls musical. Next door at The Savoy Hotel, it was all generosity in the programme of insights delivered at the inaugural MIP London, in the final days of February.
One of the leading European industry markets, MIP London, saw over 2,800 delegates from over 80 countries converge on the capital, and specifically IET London and The Savoy, for a week of business discussion, sales, and opportunity.
Star power was delivered from the outset, in the shape of a packed fireside conversation between David Beckham and Netflix Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria.
For UK and international distribution colleagues, there were impressive industry stars taking centre stage on Wednesday, as leading LinkedIn voice and global entertainment commentator Evan Shapiro participated in a dynamic fireside with Pedro Pina, Vice President and Head of YouTube Europe, Middle East and Africa, speaking to the reach and unique monetisation model of YouTube. Evan also joined UK Tubi General Manager Ross Appleton, who spoke to the sheer size of the Tubi catalogue, noting that it has more programmes than both BBC and ITV, with their focus on fandoms and genres that have been underserved by other streamers, with a viewer centric approach.
The concept of ‘bonfires and fireworks’ proved a popular discussion point with regard to MAX and sports programming, where fireworks are the big splashes such as boxing matches that grab huge audiences, and bonfires are the longer running engagement pieces, such as established series.
The final morning of presentations at MIP London saw BASE and DEGI Member OMDIA take to the stage, represented by the always engaging insights expert Maria Rua Agueta, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia. In her presentation, ‘A Tale of Two Streaming Giants: Revenue Models and Reach’, Maria discussed the latest Omdia research that revealed Netflix is on track to surpass YouTube in total video revenue for the first time in 2025.
Speaking to the fundamental difference in their revenue models, Maria highlighted Netflix will have more than 340 million paying subscribers in 2025, with over 600 million users benefiting from its content. YouTube reaches more than two billion users globally, leveraging its massive scale through advertising and premium subscriptions.
For access to the full Omdia presentation from the day, please contact Maria on [email protected]
MIP London is confirmed to return in 2026 to the IET London and The Savoy Hotel.
