British television exports returned to growth in 2024/25, breaking the £2.02 billion (€2.29 billion) barrier for the first time, according to the latest UK TV Exports report published by Pact. The surge marks a significant recovery after several turbulent years for global markets and reflects a renewed push by distributors to extract value from their catalogues.

Compiled by analyst firm 3Vision, the study highlights the growing importance of library sales, which accounted for 44% of all export revenues — up four percentage points on the previous year. Classic and recent back-catalogue titles such as Doctor Who, Ludwig, Nightsleeper and All Creatures Great and Small proved particularly resilient as international buyers turned to reliable products to fill schedules amid tightening budgets.

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The United States retained its position as the most lucrative territory for British programmes, with revenues soaring 34% year-on-year. North America posted the strongest regional growth overall, rising 32% to reach a record £977 million (€1.10 billion). Europe and Australia also performed robustly, up 18% and 17% respectively, while Italy and France rebounded sharply following last year’s downturns. By contrast, Latin America, Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa saw notable declines, with steep drops recorded in Mexico, South Africa and China.

Finished programmes continued to dominate the export mix. Sales climbed 5% to £1.069 billion (€1.20 billion) — equivalent to 53% of the total market and still shy of 2022/23 levels — while other revenue streams also showed steady progress. International production increased by 8% to £349 million (€394 million); formats and co-productions rose by 13% and 5% to £244 million (€276 million) and £126 million (€142 million), respectively, and revenue from non-programme consumer products grew to £212 million (€240 million), representing 11% of the overall figure.

Of the different genres, scripted content led the field once again, accounting for 46% of revenues and gaining three percentage points on the previous year. Entertainment dipped to a 24% share after last year’s gains, while comedy and factual registered small decreases. Kids’ content grew its share by two percentage points, and, in a counter-intuitive shift, the report noted a rise in sales to traditional broadcasters — now accounting for 54% of exports — and a corresponding decline in deals with VOD platforms.

Commenting on the findings, Pact CEO John McVay OBE emphasised the resilience of British IP in a challenging economic environment. “The report shows that yet again, despite the global economic challenges, British TV content continues to be attractive to international audiences […] Although experiences between distributors vary, the strength and quality of library catalogues is proving crucial as we navigate these difficulties over the coming years.”