Letter of Vice Chairman and Managing Director
In 2010, the Telecom Italia Media Group achieved appreciable results in quantitative and qualitative terms alike.
The operating and financial results it has achieved far exceed the objectives of its industrial plan, despite the difficult market scenario. Among them, I would like to cite the fact that, for the first time since 2003, we have posted a positive EBITDA and improved our capital structure, thanks to recapitalization and the positive financial operations, which characterized the year that just ended.
At the same time, 2010 was an especially important year due also to the achievements of all business segments. I would like to cite the expanded offer of Group publications, with new shows as well as the launch of new Digital Terrestrial (La7D and MTV+) and web channels (La7.TV and the new Mtvnews.it and Nickjr.it portals). For example, the increase in La7's audience share, attained above all in the second half of the year, confirms that these publishing choices appeal to an increasingly demanding and selective TV audience.
From an industrial standpoint as well, important steps have been taken with continuation of digitalization and greater infrastructural efficiency of the broadcast network throughout the country, fully in keeping with the switch-off calendar. Furthermore, in terms of technological innovation, the Group has made important advances, in some cases staying a step ahead of its main competitors. I would like to cite the first TV catch-up on the Internet (La7.TV) and the first 3D broadcast on free television of a live event in Italy (rugby test match).
Special attention has also been paid to the desire to contribute to socio-environmental protection. In line with the Telecom Italia Group's corporate responsibility policies, our Group has been involved in numerous activities devoted to social commitment through communication initiatives on specific channels. In addition to La7, MTV Italia has also conducted its activities along the lines of the past, always finding the right communication channel to support key social initiatives, based above all on the complex nature of its target market.
The Group's most significant initiatives over the year were:
on La7 for World Environment Day (June 5, 2010) the broadcast of documentaries and films such as Missione Natura Speciale, Il Mondo degli Oceani, Fast Food Nation, Il Mondo Animale; on La7D, Changing Climate; on the La7.it website, the campaign against the death penalty.
On the MTV Italia circuit the "Tocca a Noi" multimedia project got young people involved in creating a grassroots bill, the "Ghana" operation supporting UNICEF's activities, as well as a live broadcast recounting stories with great social significance made by and for young people.
Our Group has also been committed to continuing to guarantee the rights of our employees, supporting them in achieving their professional goals and helping to shape the awareness required not only to protect corporate know-how, but also to preserve the environment, respecting the principles of the Global Compact, the UN initiative that brings together the companies, institutions and organizations of civil society that have decided to collaborate to achieve sustainable development. Our Group has adhered to these principles since 2004, confirming our commitment to socially responsible business.
As in the past, the results for 2010 represent the new point of departure on which to shape the future, maintaining our ethical and moral values, and never neglecting the concept of transparency as the hallmark of our Group and the people who are part of it.
| Giovanni Stella |