Media and entertainment industry

The media and entertainment industry is being reshaped by rapidly shifting consumer habits, new revenue models and technology that is changing how content is created, distributed and monetized. From film and television to streaming and broadcast, gaming and esports, music and publishing, companies across the sector are competing for audience attention while managing rising costs and margin pressure.

RSM helps media and entertainment companies turn that disruption into advantage. Our industry-focused assurance, tax, and media and entertainment consulting professionals work alongside middle market leaders to adapt to changing consumer habits, evolving revenue models and new market demands—so you can protect profitability today and invest in growth for what’s next.

What is the media and entertainment industry?

The media and entertainment industry encompasses the companies that create, produce, distribute and monetize content and experiences for audiences—spanning film, television, streaming, broadcast, gaming, music, publishing and live events. It is defined by fast-moving consumer habits, high content costs, and constantly evolving distribution and revenue models.

Key industry subsectors:

• Film and television
• Professional sports
• Streaming and broadcast
• Gaming and esports
• Publishing

Industry challenges:

• Generative artificial intelligence and labour disputes
• Streaming saturation and profitability
• Big tech dominance
• Discretionary spending and global pressures
• Data silos and operations

RSM provides media and entertainment companies with assurance, tax and consulting services to adapt to changing consumer habits, revenue models and market demands.

Media and entertainment industry trends

Consumer habits are changing faster than ever, and media and entertainment companies are under pressure to understand where audiences spend time, how they prefer to pay and which experiences are worth a premium. The strongest companies are using data, technology and disciplined operating models to make faster decisions about content investment, distribution, rights management and monetization.

Several themes cut across every subsector: balancing growth with profitability, protecting valuable intellectual property, modernizing fragmented systems and building governance around emerging technologies. These trends are reshaping how content is made, distributed, measured and monetized.

These trends are reshaping how content is made, distributed, measured and monetized. The following trends are of particular interest:

AI integration in content and productionGenerative AI is accelerating production, localization, visual effects, audience segmentation and personalization. For studios, streamers, publishers and gaming companies, AI can reduce cycle times and improve content discovery, but it also introduces new risks related to intellectual property ownership, talent agreements, data quality, model governance and brand trust. Leaders need clear policies, controls and operating models to capture efficiency without increasing legal, reputational or compliance exposure.

The dominance of short-form and creator economiesShort-form video, social platforms and creator-led content are commanding audience attention and advertising budgets, challenging traditional editorial calendars, production models and release windows. Brands, broadcasters and publishers are rethinking how they partner with creators, measure engagement and convert fragmented attention into lasting customer relationships. The opportunity is significant, but monetization can be unpredictable without the right data, rights management and performance measurement capabilities.

Convergence of gaming, sports and streamingGaming, sports, streaming and live experiences are increasingly competing for the same viewers, subscribers, sponsors and advertising dollars. Interactive formats, alternate broadcasts, in-game commerce, sports betting integrations and fan data strategies are expanding the ways companies engage audiences beyond a single screen or event. This convergence increases the value of media rights and fan data, while adding complexity to revenue recognition, partnerships, cybersecurity and platform investment decisions.

Hybrid monetization and advertising evolutionSubscription, ad-supported and transactional models are combining as companies look for more durable paths to profitability. Streaming services are adjusting pricing, bundling, ad tiers and churn strategies, while publishers, broadcasters and rights holders are testing new ways to package content and data-driven advertising. Success depends on understanding customer lifetime value, optimizing ad technology and making disciplined decisions about content spend, pricing and distribution partnerships.

Resurgence of live and immersive experiencesLive events, sports, concerts, festivals and immersive formats continue to draw audiences seeking shared, premium experiences. At the same time, organizations must manage higher production costs, labour constraints, venue economics, sponsorship expectations and technology investments that enhance the fan experience. Companies that connect live engagement with digital content, loyalty programs and first-party data can extend the value of an event well beyond the venue.

Media and entertainment industry outlook

The near-term to midterm outlook for media and entertainment is shaped by several converging forces. Ongoing trade war implications and global economic pressures are testing discretionary spending and cross-border production. Technology advancements—especially in the sports industry and live experiences—are opening new revenue streams, while continued box-office success underscores the enduring value of premium content. At the same time, AI disruption is redefining cost structures and competitive dynamics. RSM helps leaders plan for multiple scenarios and act with confidence.

Media and entertainment industry services and solutions

RSM brings audit, tax, and media and entertainment consulting together in a single, industry-focused team that understands the economics of content, audiences and rights. Whether you are a studio, streamer, broadcaster, label, publisher, sports organization or gaming company, we help you protect margins, manage risk and fund your next stage of growth.

Explore how RSM supports each media and entertainment subsector below.

Frequently asked questions