Staff turnover in the global TV industry peaked in 2007, with 31.3 percent of employees changing jobs during the year, according to research by Informa Telecoms & Media. Turnover was lowest amongst senior executives and the Networks & Channels and Distributor sectors saw the highest levels of staff turnover last year. The previous record year of 1997 saw 31.1 percent staff turnover recorded.
In a study of 11,960 TV executives worldwide, the turnover rate was highest amongst administrative staff and junior executives at 38 percent, while the levels of staff leaving for positions elsewhere were lowest amongst Technology Providers (19.8%.).
Commenting on this peak in staff turnover in the broadcast industry, Adam Thomas, Media Research Manager at Informa, said: "More generally the changes seem to have been prompted by the increasing rise of digital TV. Some 60 million homes worldwide changed from analogue to digital during 2007. This unprecedented level of transformation leaves the broadcast industry desperate for expertise across the business; whether it be technical skills for technology providers, or creative brilliance to help fill the increasing number of digital channels that need compelling content to outshine their competitors."
The study also found that results varied significantly between regions. The most developed countries experienced higher turnover rates, with North America showing rates of 35.3 percent and Western Europe recording 34.3 percent. The least developed regions of Africa and the Middle East reported the lowest rates of turnover – 21.2 percent and 23.5 percent respectively.
