According to the figures, the region will lead international markets with a projected compound annual growth rate of 9.6 per cent, outstripping all other global regions.
The E&M sector includes all forms of media consumption, from filmed entertainment, distribution, print and online, among others.
The PwC study also reflects the region’s penchant for converging media, with Asia-Pacific forecast to expand faster in this area than other global markets at 13.5 per cent, just ahead of Latin America at 12.1 per cent.
In terms of overall spending in the sector, Asia-Pacific is expected to reap US$175 billion for 2007, compared with the US ($309 billion) and Europe, Middle East and Africa ($229 billion).
“There are two things that are happening — the broadband push, particularly in countries like China, is critical here, as is the wireless factor,” said Marcel Fenez, global managing partner, entertainment & media practice, PwC.
“Broadband is very important, but there are still a lot of issues over business models, particularly in the online space, as well as illegal distribution. The piracy impact in the mobile and wireless sectors has been a lot less.”
