QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 200314, 2004





UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 20-F


o

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR


/x/OR

ý


ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20022003

OR


OR

o


TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 1-21302


SBS BROADCASTING S.A.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

LUXEMBORGLUXEMBOURG
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

8-10, rue Mathias Hardt
L-1717 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
(Address of principal executive offices)


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g)12(b) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d)12(g) of the Act:

Common Shares, par value €2.00 per share
7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004
12% Senior Notes due 2008

        Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None


Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital orof common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.report:

Ordinary Shares: 28,604,886

31,873,328

        Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:

ý Yes        o No

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow:

o Item 17        ý Item 18





TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 Page
PART I

ITEM 1 —1—

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

1

ITEM 2 —2—

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

1

ITEM 3 —3—

KEY INFORMATION

 

2

ITEM 4 —4—

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

1415

ITEM 5 —5—

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

4642

ITEM 6 —6—

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

6460

ITEM 7 —7—

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

7369

ITEM 8 —8—

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

7974

ITEM 9 —9—

THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

8276

ITEM 10 —10—

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

8478

ITEM 11 —11—

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

9485

ITEM 12 —12—

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

9687

PART II


II-1

ITEM 13 —13—

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

II-188

ITEM 14 —14—

MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

II-188
ITEM 15—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES88
ITEM 16A—AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT88
ITEM 16B—CODE OF ETHICS88
ITEM 16C—PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES89
ITEM 16D—EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES89
ITEM 16E—PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS89

PART III


III-1

ITEM 17 —17—

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

III-190

ITEM 18 —18—

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

III-190

ITEM 19 —19—

EXHIBITS

 

III-290

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

F-1

iii



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Some of the statements in this annual report and the information incorporated by reference are forward-looking. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to competition, trends and anticipated developments in the broadcasting industry and in internet technology.related industries. These forward-looking statements also include statements relating to our performance in "Item 4—Information on the Company" and "Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects". In addition, we may make forward-looking statements in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in written material,materials, press releases and oral statements issued by us or on our behalf. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations or those of our officers (including statements preceded by, followed by or that include forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "continues" or similar expressions or comparable terminology) with respect to various matters.

        It is important to note that our actual results in the future could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements depending on various important factors. These factors include:

        All forward-looking statements in this annual report and the information incorporated by reference are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made by us or on our behalf, in this annual report or otherwise. In addition, please note that the matters set forth under "Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors" constitute cautionary statements identifying important factors with respect to these forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties, that could cause actual results in the future to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.


USE OF TERMS AND PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION

        Unless the context otherwise requires, in this annual report all references to the "Company" or "SBS" are to SBS Broadcasting S.A. and all references to "we", "us" or "us"the "SBS group", are to SBS and its consolidated subsidiaries. Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information contained in this document has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP").

        This annual report contains market data and other statistical information, which has been obtained from various industry publications and other independent sources. In some cases, where such data and/or information was not available independently, we have made estimates. We have not independently verified this market data and statistical information, and we cannot assure you of its accuracy or reliability.

iiiii



PART I

ITEM 1—IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

        This item is not applicable.


ITEM 2—OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

        This item is not applicable.

1




ITEM 3—KEY INFORMATION

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

        The consolidated historical financial data set forth below as of December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2002,2003, and for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2002,2003, are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. EffectiveSince January 1, 2002, we preparehave prepared our consolidated financial statements in euro. Prior to January 1, 2002, we reported in U.S. dollars. All prior period financial statements have been restated in euro. The StatementStatements of Operations were translated using a weighted average exchange rate for the applicable period. Balance Sheets were translated using the applicable period end rate. You should read the data in conjunction with our financial statements and the financial statements of TVN Sp. z o.o. ("TVN") and the accompanying notes and "Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" included elsewhere in this annual report. The dates of acquisitions or start-ups of our operating entities affect the comparability of the operating data in different periods is affected by the dates of acquisitions or start-ups of our television and radio stations.periods.

 
 Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 1998(4)
 1999
 2000
 2001
 2002
 
 
 (in thousands of euro, except per share data)

 
Statement of Operations Data:           
Net revenue €315,564 €387,389 €462,104 €479,853 €510,854 
Station operating expenses 236,417 278,601 332,812 352,668 365,963 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 61,957 76,240 91,292 89,694 94,190 
Corporate expenses 8,620 10,258 13,581 16,567 14,515 
Non-cash compensation 1,028 1,935 700 3,006 1,559 
Depreciation and amortization expenses 18,089 19,069 25,109 31,610 22,912 
Non-recurring and restructuring expenses  9,222 2,268 16,933  
  
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss) (10,547)(7,936)(3,658)(30,625)11,715 
Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries (3,183)(13,213)(24,536)(25,749)(33,232)
Interest expense, net (16,572)(13,595)(7,496)(18,558)(25,175)
Foreign exchange gains (losses), net (2,877)(8,532)(12,105)5,243 20,491 
Investment gains (losses), net 338 397 (33,351)(43,565)(2,957)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt    (3,249)1,335 
Other expense, net (2,375)(85)(16,362)(3,760)(2,601)
Income taxes (571)(504)(1,139)(185)(666)
Minority interest in (income) losses 5,431 3,257 (631)6,618 (4,634)
  
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss €(30,356)€(40,211)€(99,278)€(113,830)€(35,724)
Net loss, per Common Share, basic and diluted(1) €(2.07)€(2.23)€(3.81)€(4.08)€(1.25)
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding (in thousands) 14,677 18,027 26,065 27,880 28,492 

Supplemental Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Operating income (loss) per Common Share, basic and diluted €(0.72)€(0.44)€(0.14)€(1.10)€0.41 
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities (27,487)(46,813)(39,709)(10,319)11,459 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(2)     1.07 

2


 
 Years Ended December 31,
 
 
 1999
 2000
 2001
 2002
 2003
 
 
 (in thousands of euro, except per share data)

 
Statement of Operations Data:           
Net revenue 387,389 462,104 479,853 510,854 581,691 
Station operating expenses 278,601 332,812 352,668 365,963 388,176 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 76,240 91,292 89,694 94,190 105,355 
Corporate expenses 10,258 13,581 16,567 14,515 15,109 
Non-cash compensation 1,935 700 3,006 1,559 4,966 
Depreciation and amortization expenses(1) 19,069 25,109 31,610 22,912 24,880 
Non-recurring and restructuring expenses 9,222 2,268 16,933   
  
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss) (7,936)(3,658)(30,625)11,715 43,205 
Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries (13,213)(24,536)(25,749)(33,232)(7,273)
Interest expense, net (13,595)(7,496)(18,558)(25,175)(24,619)
Foreign exchange gains (losses), net (8,532)(12,105)5,243 20,491 12,167 
Investment gains (losses), net 397 (33,351)(43,565)(2,957)29,121 
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt   (3,249)1,335 (140)
Other expense, net (85)(16,362)(3,760)(2,601)(2,605)
Income taxes (504)(1,139)(185)(666)(12,750)
Minority interest in (income) losses 3,257 (631)6,618 (4,634)(6,836)
  
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) (40,211)(99,278)(113,830)(35,724)30,270 

Net income (loss) per Common Share(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
—basic (2.23)(3.81)(4.08)(1.25)1.05 
—diluted (2.23)(3.81)(4.08)(1.25)1.04 
Weighted average Common Shares outstanding (in thousands)           
—basic 18,027 26,065 27,880 28,492 28,754 
—diluted 18,027 26,065 27,880 28,492 29,172 

Supplemental Information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Operating income (loss) per Common Share (Basic) (0.44)(0.14)(1.10)0.41 1.50 
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities (46,813)(39,709)(10,319)11,459 78,880 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(3)    1.07 2.65 


 December 31,

 

December 31,


 1998
 1999
 2000
 2001
 2002
 1999
 2000
 2001
 2002
 2003

 (in thousands of euro)

 (in thousands of euro)

Balance Sheet Data:                    
Current assets €217,682 €281,192 €304,466 €282,762 €294,153 281,192 304,466 282,762 294,153 466,183
Total assets 366,676 489,307 756,719 702,633 667,511 489,307 756,719 702,633 667,511 799,278
Current liabilities 101,024 170,814 192,522 179,954 177,275 170,814 192,522 179,954 177,275 228,516
Long-term debt, less current portion(3)(4) 241,065 107,717 198,261 239,199 223,981 107,717 198,261 239,199 223,981 161,422
Shareholders' equity (deficit) (15,406)160,237 300,646 233,633 198,706
Shareholders' equity 160,237 300,646 233,633 198,706 278,067

(1)
Beginning January 1, 2002, we no longer amortize goodwill.

(2)
We have not paid any dividends for any of the periods presented. Net lossincome (loss) per Common Share basic and diluted, is calculated by dividing net lossincome (loss) by the weighted average Common Shares outstanding.

(2)(3)
For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges. For purposes of determining the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings are defined as income before income taxes and minority interest plus equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries and fixed charges. Fixed charges include interest expense and a portion of rental expense deemed to be attributable to interest expense. Earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by €32.0 million, €29.8 million, €73.0 million and €94.5 million in the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively.

(3)(4)
AllThe years ended December 31, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 include capitalized lease obligations; the year ended December 31, 1998, includes €133,075,000 of our convertible subordinated debentures then outstanding; the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2001,2002, include, €64,267,000, €74,657,000, €80,602,000, €84,260,000 and €84,260,000,€66,749,000, respectively of our convertible subordinated notes7% Convertible Subordinated Notes then outstanding; the year ended December 31, 2002, includes €66,749,000 of our convertible subordinated notes currently outstanding; and the periodsyears ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, include €135,000,000 of our 12% Senior Notes currently outstanding.

(4)
Asthen outstanding; the euro was not introduced until January 1, 1999, the statement of operations for year ended December 31, 1998, will not be comparable2003, includes €134,700,000 of our Senior Notes currently outstanding, and €17,813,000 deferred consideration related to the financial statementsacquisition of other companies that reportRadio 1 in eurosNorway and that restated amounts from a different currency than the Luxembourg franc.Radio 2 in Denmark.


EXCHANGE RATES

        Our consolidated broadcasting operationsoperating entities generate revenues primarily in Norwegian kroner ("NOK"), Swedish kronor ("SEK"), Danish kroner ("DKK"), Hungarian forint ("HUF") and euro ("€"), and incur substantial operating expenses in these currencies. We also incur significant operating expenses for programming in U.S. dollar ("$US$" or "$") and other currencies. Balance sheet accounts are translated from foreign currencies into euro at the period-end exchange rates and statement of operations accounts are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. Any resulting translation adjustments are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders' equity. Currency translation adjustments relating to our transactions and those of our subsidiaries in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity involved are reflected in the results of operations.

        The following table presents the year-end and annual average exchange rates against the euro for the currencies in Norway (Norwegian kroner), Sweden (Swedish kronor), Denmark (Danish kroner), Hungary (Hungarian forint) and Poland (Polish zloty) at the dates and for the periods indicated.

 
 1999
 2000
 2001
 2002
 2003
Norwegian kroner equivalent of €1.00          
 —end of period 8.08 8.23 7.95 7.28 8.41
 —average during period 8.31 8.11 8.05 7.51 8.00
Swedish kronor equivalent of €1.00          
 —end of period 8.56 8.83 9.30 9.15 9.08
 —average during period 8.81 8.45 9.26 9.16 9.12
Danish kroner equivalent of €1.00          
 —end of period 7.44 7.46 7.44 7.43 7.45
 —average during period 7.44 7.45 7.45 7.43 7.43
Hungarian forint equivalent of €1.00          
 —end of period 254.70 265.00 245.18 236.29 262.50
 —average during period 252.75 260.03 256.59 242.96 253.47
Polish zloty equivalent of €1.00          
 —end of period 4.16 3.85 3.50 4.02 4.70
 —average during period 4.23 4.01 3.67 3.86 4.40

(1)
The year-end exchange rates presented below are the rates quoted by the European Central Bank ("ECB") based on the daily concertation procedure between central banks within and outside the European System of Central Banks, which takes place daily at 2:15 p.m. ECB time; and the average rates

3



presented below were determined by averaging the daily rates of the respective currencies during the periods indicated.

 
 1998(1)
 1999
 2000
 2001
 2002
Norwegian kroner equivalent of €1.00          
 —end of period 8.87 8.08 8.23 7.95 7.28
 —average during period 8.39 8.31 8.11 8.05 7.51

Swedish kronor equivalent of €1.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 —end of period 9.40 8.56 8.83 9.30 9.15
 —average during period 8.83 8.81 8.45 9.26 9.16

Danish kroner equivalent of €1.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 —end of period 7.45 7.44 7.46 7.44 7.43
 —average during period 7.45 7.44 7.45 7.45 7.43

Hungarian forint equivalent of €1.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 —end of period 255.55 254.70 265.00 245.18 236.29
 —average during period 238.13 252.75 260.03 256.59 242.96

Polish zloty equivalent of €1.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 —end of period   4.16 3.85 3.50 4.02
 —average during period   4.23 4.01 3.67 3.86

(1)
The year-end and average exchange rates of Luxembourg francs converted into euro at the exchange rate set by the Council of the European Union for use as of January 1, 1999, of €1 = LUF40.3399.

        The table below sets forth, for the periods and dates indicated, the exchange rate for the U.S. dollar against the euro based on the noon buying rate in New York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("the Noon Buying Rate") for such currency, and the average rates presented below were determined by averaging the daily Noon Buying Rates for this currency during the periods indicated below.


Euro/U.S. dollar Exchange Rates
(euro per U.S. dollar)

 
 End of
Period

 Average
Rate(1)

 High
 Low
  
1998(2) 0.86 0.90 0.93 0.84  
1999 1.00 0.94 1.00 0.84  
2000 1.07 1.09 1.21 0.97  
2001 1.12 1.12 1.20 1.05  
2002 0.95 1.06 1.16 0.95  

November 2002

 

 

 

 

 

1.01

 

0.99

 

 
December 2002     1.01 0.95  
January 2003     0.97 0.92  
February 2003     0.93 0.92  
March 2003     0.95 0.90  
April 2003     0.94 0.89  
May 1st through May 12, 2003     0.89 0.87  
 
 End of
Period

 Average
Rate(1)

 High
 Low
1999 1.00 0.94 1.00 0.84
2000 1.07 1.09 1.21 0.97
2001 1.12 1.12 1.20 1.05
2002 0.95 1.06 1.16 0.95
2003 0.79 0.88 0.97 0.79

November 2003

 

 

 

 

 

0.88

 

0.83
December 2003     0.84 0.79
January 2004     0.81 0.78
February 2004     0.81 0.78
March 2004     0.83 0.80
April 2004     0.85 0.81
May 1 through May 10, 2004     0.84 0.82

(1)
The average of the Noon Buying Rates on the last business day of each full month or portion of a month during the relevant period.

(2)
The year-end, average, high and low Noon Buying Rates of Luxembourg francs converted into euro at the exchange rate set by the Council of the European Union for use as of January 1, 1999, of €1 = LUF40.3399

4




Risk FactorsRISK FACTORS

        You should consider carefully the factors described below, as well as the other information included in this annual report, before making an investment decision relating to our registered securities.

        This annual report also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See "Forward-Looking Statements". above. Our actual results in the future could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks that we face described below and elsewhere in this annual report.

Risks Relating to the Company

We have a history of losses.may not be profitable in the future.

        Since our inception, we have incurred operating losses every year, exceptThe Company operates in 1993a highly competitive, consumer-driven and in 2002,rapidly changing media and net losses every year.entertainment industry. Our future ability to generate operating profits and net profits will depend upon a number of factors that are difficult to predict, such as our ability to:

        There areOur future ability to generate operating profits and net profits also depends on a number of external factors over which we have no control, such as the level of economic growth, and consumer and advertising spending in our markets.markets and the possible negative effect of the fragmentation of consumer leisure and entertainment time caused by a greater number of choices resulting from technological developments. We cannot guarantee that our efforts to makekeep our existing operations profitable will be successful or that we will continue to be profitable in the future.

We are highly leveraged and our substantial indebtedness and other factors mayOur debt service obligations could adversely affect our ability to service debt.business.

        We are highly leveraged.        At December 31, 2002,2003, we had total consolidated debt of €232.0€164.8 million and total shareholders' equity of €198.7€278.1 million. Our consolidated interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2002,2003, was €26.8€26.3 million. Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the year ended December 31, 2002,2003, was 1.07.2.65.

        By an indenture dated as of June 14, 2001, between SBS and The indenture for ourBank of New York, as trustee, we issued €135 million aggregate principal amount of 12% Senior Notes due 2008 (which we refer to as our Senior Notes) restricts our ability. Interest is payable on the Senior Notes in arrears on each June 15 and December 15, with the outstanding principal amount due on June 15, 2008. We are restricted from incurring indebtedness outside certain ordinary course amounts and subject to among other things, incur additional debtcertain exceptions, unless we satisfy a leverage ratio test and make investments.a senior leverage ratio test. In addition, we are limited from incurring indebtedness at our subsidiaries' ability to incur debt beyond asubsidiaries and secured indebtedness at the Company with certain amount is limited by this indenture.exceptions. These restrictions may impede our ability to finance programming expenditures, acquisitions and other business opportunities. If we cannot service our debt or obtain additional financing, as needed, this would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

        Our ability to pay interest on our Senior Notes and to satisfy our other debt obligations will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, certain of which are beyond our control. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fundIn addition, our debt service obligations could have important consequences to our business, including the following:


5



SBSThe Company depends on its subsidiaries and associated companies to provide it with funds to meet its obligations. If the Company'sits subsidiaries or associated companies are unable to pay dividends or otherwise distribute cash, or make cash payments to the Company, when the Company needs additional cash flow, the Company may be unable to satisfy its obligations underincluding its Senior Notes, including the payment of and interest on our Senior Notes.debt obligations.

        SBS is a holding company with no direct operations and few assets other than the stock of its subsidiaries and its equity interests in associated companies over which it has no or limited management control. The Company is dependent on the cash flows of its subsidiaries and its associated companies to meet its debt and other obligations, including the payment of principal of and interest on ourthe Senior Notes. If the Company'sOur subsidiaries or associated companies are unable or unwilling to pay dividends or otherwise distribute cash, or make cash payments to the Company when it needs additional cash flow, it may be unable to meet these obligations. We currently rely on the repayment of intercompany loans and payment of management services fees as a means of upstreaming cash to the Company, and certain of these arrangements are on an informal basis. The Company's subsidiaries and associated companies are separate and distinct legal entities thatand have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due under our Senior Notes or to make any funds available for payment of amounts due under our Senior Notes, whether by dividends, loans or other payments. None of the Company's subsidiaries or associated companies guarantees the payment of our Senior Notes. We currently rely on the repayment of intercompany loans and payment of management services fees as a means of upstreaming cash to the Company, and certain of these arrangements are on an informal basis. If the Company's subsidiaries or associated companies are unable or unwilling to pay dividends or otherwise distribute cash, or make cash payments to the Company when it needs additional cash flow, it may be unable to meet its debt and other obligations.

        In addition, the ability of the Company's subsidiaries and associated companies to make any payments or advances to the Company is limited by:

        Currently, we believethe Company believes that most of ourits restricted subsidiaries (see definition of designation(as defined below) are able to pay dividends, subject to us pursuant to applicable law.local law capital requirements. In some cases, one or more methods of making payments or advances to the Company are limited by contract. Further, in certain circumstances, prior or subsequent approval of any such payments or advances may be required from applicable regulatory bodies, other governmental entities or our equity partners. Additionally, to the extent that dividends are paid by companies which we do not wholly own, other owners will receive their pro rata portion of any distributions and that amountthose amounts will thus become permanently unavailable for payments on our Senior Notes.to us. For more information, see "Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources".

Our management control over certain of our jointly-owned subsidiaries is subject to the rights of our local partners.

        We own certain of our subsidiaries jointly with various strategic local partners. While we have management control over our jointly-owned consolidated subsidiaries, such as those that operate the television stations SBS6, NET5 and Veronica in The Netherlands, TV2 in Hungary and TVNorge in Norway, our local partners hold certain voting power and/or protective minority rights. Therefore, without the consent of the relevant partners, we may be unable to cause these companies to take certain actions that we may favor, such as distributing dividends, making significant acquisitions, carrying out capital increases, incurring borrowings or implementing new strategies.



Designation of subsidiaries as "restricted" or "unrestricted" under the indenture for our Senior Notes and the other terms of our indenture may impose material restrictions on our business.

        Under the indenture for our Senior Notes, our subsidiaries have been designated as either restricted subsidiaries or unrestricted subsidiaries. The companies which have been designated as restricted subsidiaries contributed €553.1 million to our consolidated net revenues in 2003, and the companies which have been designated as unrestricted subsidiaries contributed €28.6 million to our consolidated net revenues in 2003. We and our restricted subsidiaries are subject to the restrictive covenants of the indenture governing our Senior Notes, which limit or restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other actions:

        These restrictions could make it more difficult for us to expand, finance our operations or engage in business activities that may be of interest to us, which may have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial position or prospects.

Our unrestricted subsidiaries are not subject to the restrictions contained in the indenture for our Senior Notes.

        While we have an unlimited right under the indenture for our Senior Notes to invest in our restricted subsidiaries, our ability to invest in our unrestricted subsidiaries, joint ventures and other entities is limited, although we retain the ability to make significant investments in such entities, subject to complying with the indenture for our Senior Notes. This covenant may limit our ability to acquire new investments or establish joint ventures. Also, to the extent that our unrestricted subsidiaries fail to generate income or cash flow, we will be limited in our ability to provide them with additional financial support and may be required to sell them or discontinue their operations. Any such actions may require a significant amount of management time and attention. Subject to complying with the indenture for our Senior Notes, we may redesignate an unrestricted subsidiary as a restricted subsidiary and are likely to do so under circumstances in which such a redesignation provides benefits to us in the form of increased flexibility under the indenture for our Senior Notes to make restricted payments and incur debt.



We cannot assure you that our cash flow and capital resources will be sufficient for payment of our debt in the future.

        Our ability to pay interest on our Senior Notes and to satisfy our other debt obligations will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, certain of which are beyond our control. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations we could face substantial liquidity problems, and we might be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures or programming expenditures, obtain additional equity capital, restructure our debt, or dispose of material assets or operations to meet debt service and other obligations, and we cannot assure you as to the timing of such sales or the proceeds, which we could realize from such sales. See "Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources".

We may require additional external sources of capital to develop and expand our business.

        The acquisition, ownership, development and operation of broadcasting operations requires substantial capital. Based upon market conditions and other factors, we may raise additional capital to fund our capital expenditures, operations, cash debt service and other cash needs. However, our requirements with respect to these cash needs are based upon our current estimates of future capital expenditures and operating results, which rely on a variety of assumptions that may not be accurate. Our actual needs may increase significantly in the future.

        We may need to obtain additional financing ifIf our plans or assumptions change, our assumptions prove inaccurate, we make investments in or acquisitions of other companies or we experience unexpected costs or competitive pressures. Wepressures, we may also need to seek alternative financing if we are not able to repay our $65 million 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 and our €135 million 12% Senior Notes due 2008 with cash from operations.obtain additional financing. Our actual capital needs may increase significantly in the future.

        Sources of financing may include public or private debt or equity financings, sale of assets or other financing arrangements. Any additional equity or equity-linked financing may dilute our Common Shares. In addition, we cannot offer any assurance that such additional financing will be available or

6



available on acceptable terms or within the limitations contained in our other financing arrangements, including the indenture governing our €135 million 12% Senior Notes due 2008.Notes. This indenture also limits, and we expect any future credit agreement or other debt agreement to limit, our ability to incur additional debt. These limits could adversely affect our ability to finance our business plan.

        We conduct operations through our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay us dividends, make loans or otherwise make funds available to us, except that some of our subsidiaries have limited obligations to us under intercompany loan agreements and management services agreements. In addition, payments of dividends and the making of loans and advances or other payments to us by our subsidiaries are subject in some cases to statutory or contractual restrictions, are dependent upon the earnings of those subsidiaries and are subject to various business considerations. Therefore, our ability to obtain additional debt financing may be limited as we may have limited sources of cash flow available for debt service.

Our management control over certain of our jointly-owned subsidiaries is subject to the rights of our local partners.

        We own certain of our subsidiaries jointly with various strategic local partners. While we have management control over our jointly-owned subsidiaries, such as SBS6, NET5 and V8 in The Netherlands and TVNorge in Norway, our local partners hold certain voting power and/or protective minority rights. Therefore, without the consent of the relevant partners, we may be unable to cause these companies to take certain actions that we may favor, such as to distribute dividends, make significant acquisitions, capital increases, borrowings or to implement new strategies.

Designation of subsidiaries as "restricted" or "unrestricted" under the indenture for our Senior Notes and the terms of our indebtedness may adversely affect the development of our business.

        Under the indenture for our Senior Notes, our subsidiaries have been designated as either restricted subsidiaries or unrestricted subsidiaries. The companies which have been designated as restricted subsidiaries contributed €397.7 million to our consolidated net revenues in 2002, and the companies which have been designated as unrestricted subsidiaries contributed €113.2 million to our consolidated net revenues in 2002. We and our restricted subsidiaries are subject to the restrictive covenants of the indenture for our Senior Notes, which may adversely affect our ability to engage in our business activities and which limit or restrict our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other actions:

7


Our unrestricted subsidiaries are not subject to the restrictions contained in the indenture for our Senior Notes.

        While we have an unlimited right under the indenture for our Senior Notes to invest in our restricted subsidiaries, our ability to invest in our unrestricted subsidiaries, joint ventures and other entities is limited, although we retain the ability to make significant investments in such entities, subject to the indenture for our Senior Notes. This covenant may limit our ability to acquire new investments or establish joint ventures. Also, to the extent that our unrestricted subsidiaries fail to generate income or cash flow, we will be limited in our ability to provide them with additional financial support and may be required to sell them or discontinue their operations. Any such actions may require a significant amount of management time and attention. We may at any time redesignate an unrestricted subsidiary as a restricted subsidiary and are likely to do so under circumstances in which such a redesignation provides benefits to us in the form of increased flexibility under the indenture for our Senior Notes to make restricted payments and incur debt.

We rely on external sources for a significant proportion of our programming.

        Our revenues are substantially dependent upon having access to a sufficient supply of attractive programs on economically acceptable terms and conditions. Also, in compliance with local regulations, we are required to achieve specified percentages of domestic content in some markets, which may necessitate production of local programming for a specific domestic market. We currently purchase programming under the terms of several program license agreements. We cannot guarantee that in the future we will be successful in renewing or renegotiating these agreements or otherwise acquiring these programs on competitive terms and conditions. If we cannot maintain our quality of programming, our ratings may suffer. A decline in ratings for our broadcasting businesses would likely result in reduced advertising revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our programming may become more expensive.

        Our cost of programming may increase as we attempt to upgrade the quality of our programming and/or broadcast a greater number of locally-produced programs. Our cost of programming could also increase as a result of competition for available programming and initiatives taken by political and other organizations, including the European Union, to increase the amount of locally-produced programming required to be broadcast. See "Item 4—Information on the Company—Regulation" for a discussion of such requirements. Increases in our cost of programming could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We are subject to risks relating to fluctuations in exchange ratesrates.

        As of January 1, 2002, theThe reporting currency of SBS is the euro, but our subsidiaries use their local currencies as their functional currencies. The results of our consolidated subsidiaries in Denmark, Hungary, Norway and Sweden are translated from the local currency into euro. An increase in the value of the euro relative to other Europeanthe functional currencies of our subsidiaries that do not use the euro would have a negative impact on our consolidated revenues, but a positive impact on our consolidated expenses.

8


        We are also exposed to risks associated with foreign currency transactions denominated in U.S. dollars, specifically program right contracts and principal and interest payments on our $65 million Convertible Notes due in 2004.contracts. We enter into forward exchange contracts for a significant portion of our U.S. dollar denominateddollar-denominated program rights to reduce currency risk related to acquisitions of program rights. As we do not hedge all of our U.S. dollar denominateddollar-denominated program right contracts, and we do not currently hedge our U.S. dollar denominated debt, a decrease in the value of the euro to the U.S. dollar would have an adverse effect on our reported results of operations and financial condition.

For a detailed analysis of our exposure to exchange rate risk, see "Item 11—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk".

Our leverageInvestors may be unable to enforce civil liabilities and debt service obligations could adversely affectjudgments against us and our business.directors and officers.

        We are highly leveraged. Asincorporated under the laws of December 31, 2002, we had total consolidated debt of €232.0 millionLuxembourg, and shareholders' equity of €198.7 million. Our consolidated interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2002, was €26.8 million. Our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the year ended December 31, 2002, was 1.07.

        Our level of debt could have important consequences to our business, including the following:

adjudicate original actions predicated upon such provisions.

Risks Relating to Our Industry

Our operating results are primarily dependent on the sale of commercial advertising time.

        Our business relies heavilydepends significantly on advertising revenues, which depend partly upon prevailinga number of factors, including general economic conditions. Our advertising revenues depend onconditions, our stations' broadcast reach, television and radio listening levels, the relative popularity of our programming and the pricing of advertising time. Furthermore, increases in advertising spending have generally corresponded to economic recoveries, while decreases have generally corresponded to general economic downturns and recessions. There can be no assuranceWe cannot assure you that advertising spending in our local markets will not decline in the future. If our television and radio audience shares decline for any reason, there can be no assurancewe cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our current levels of advertising income or the rates we can charge advertisers. We must also compete for advertising revenues with other forms of advertising media, such as newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising, teleshopping services, telephone directory advertising, on-line advertising and direct mail. Any resulting decline in our advertising revenues could have a material adverse effect on our financial conditionscondition and results of operations.

Regulatory restrictions and changes in regulatory environment may negatively affect us.

        Broadcast operations in our existing markets and in new markets that we may enter are subject to extensive government regulation. These regulations govern matters such as the issuance, renewal, transfer and ownership of station licenses, the timing and content of programming and the timing, content and amount of commercial advertising permitted. There are also regulations requiring that certain percentages of programming be produced or originated in local markets and/or originated in local language.

9



For those of our television stations established in a member state of the European Union or the European Economic Area, European and independent production quotas also apply. Furthermore, regulations in many of our markets limit foreign ownership of television and radio broadcasters and may limit our ability to increase our interests in local subsidiaries or to acquire interests in new local broadcasting companies. See "Item 4—Information on the Company—Regulation" for a discussion of these requirements. More restrictive licensing, programming or foreign ownership requirements may be adopted in the future, which could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect our business or prospects.

We require operating licenses and authorizations, and we cannot give any assurance that new licenses will be issued to us, our current licenses will be renewed or reissued or that nonone of our licenses will be revoked.

        We require licenses or other authorizations from various national authorities to conduct our broadcasting business. Our current broadcast licences expire at various dates. We cannot guarantee that these licenses and authorizations will be issued or that our current licenses or authorizations will be renewed or reissued following their expiration or that they will not be revoked. See "Item 8—Financial Information—Legal Proceedings". For additional information on the licenses and authorizations used in our business,businesses, see "Item 4—Information on the Company—Regulation". Although we believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable laws, rules, regulations and licensing requirements, we cannot give any assurance that we will continue to be in compliance, or that more restrictive laws, rules, regulations, enforcement policies or licensing requirements will not be adopted in the future, which could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect our business or prospects. In addition, changes in laws, regulations or governmental policy affecting our business activities, such as decisions by regulators as to the granting, amendment, renewal, revocation or termination of licenses or broadcast agreements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.



We rely on external sources for a significant proportion of our programming.

        Our revenues are substantially dependent upon having access to a sufficient supply of attractive programs on economically acceptable terms and conditions. Also, in compliance with local regulations, we are required to achieve specified percentages of domestic content in some markets, which may necessitate production of local programming for a specific domestic market. We currently purchase programming under the terms of various program license agreements. We cannot guarantee that in the future we will be successful in renewing or renegotiating these agreements or otherwise acquiring these programs on competitive terms and conditions. If we cannot maintain our quality of programming, our ratings may suffer. A decline in ratings for our broadcasting businesses would likely result in reduced advertising revenues, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our programming may become more expensive.

        Our cost of programming may increase as we attempt to upgrade the quality of our programming and/or broadcast a greater number of locally-produced programs. Our cost of programming could also increase as a result of competition for available programming and initiatives taken by political and other organizations, including the European Union, to increase the amount of locally-produced programming required to be broadcast. See "Item 4—Information on the Company—Regulation" for a discussion of such requirements. Increases in our cost of programming could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We depend on various third parties to carry our television signals in our markets.

        We currently depend on numerous third-party operators, including cable systems, satellite and terrestrial transmission systems and pay television platforms, to carry our signals in our markets. We cannot assure you that these third-party operators will continue to carry our signals on favorable economic terms, or at all. Any material decrease in the distribution of our signal could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to significant competition.

        Our television and radio stations compete for audience, programming and advertising revenues with other television and radio stations in their respective markets. For advertising revenues, our stations also compete with other forms of advertising media, such as newspapers, magazines, billboards and similar forms of outdoor advertising, teleshopping services, telephone directory advertising, on-line advertising and direct mail. Some of our competitors are government-supported operations or are part of larger companies that have substantially greater financial resources than we have.

        In each of our principal television markets, we primarily compete with three basic types of television stations:

        All of the above types are distributed via various means, including over-the-air, satellite-to-cable, and satellite-to-dish ("direct-to-home").

and digital terrestrial television. We compete with non-commercial, publicly-owned television stations for viewers and programming but not for advertising revenues. For more detailed discussions about the markets in which we operate, see "Item 4—Information on the Company".

        Our Dutch print operations compete for subscribers and advertising revenues with print and electronic media, and, in particular, with publishers of other weekly printed television and radio



program guides and electronic program guides. See "Item 4—Information on the Company—Review of Localization and Print Operations". The entrance of competitors to the market of published television and radio program information could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our business is subject to significant, rapid changes in technology.

        The implementation of systems other than analogue terrestrial broadcasting, including digital terrestrial broadcasting, digital cable and satellite distribution systems, could adversely affect our

10



business. We cannot predictexpect the countries in which we operate to change from analogue to digital broadcasting independently, at different times and under different regulatory regimes. The timing of the further development and implementation of these technologies oris not fully known and we cannot predict the effect of such technological changes on us.us, or our stations' ability to have access to existing and future distribution channels controlled by third parties. Accordingly, there can be no assurancewe cannot assure you that the technologies we currently employ will not become obsolete or subject to intense competition in the future. We may be required to expend substantial financial resources on the development or implementation of new alternative technologies in the future and new distribution systems may require us to acquire additional distribution and content rights.

Risks Relating to Our Common Shares

The price of our Common Shares is likely tomay be volatile.

        The market price of our Common Shares has fluctuated in the pastcould fluctuate and is likely to continue tomay be volatile in the future.volatile. Factors that could cause such volatility may include, among other things:

        Many of these factors are beyond our control. These factors may materially adversely affect the market price of our Common Shares, regardless of our operating performance.

The market price of our Common Shares could be adversely affected by potential future sales and issuances.

        Holders of approximately 6.47 million of our Common Shares have rights to require us to facilitate and pay certain costs relating to registered public offerings of their Common Shares and/or rights to participate in registered public offerings of Common Shares. At December 31, 2002, we hadWe have a total of 8.2 million stock options and restricted stock units outstanding $70 million 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004, which can be converted into up to 2.4and have reserved a total of 9.3 million Common Shares at an exercise price of $29.13 per share. We have reserved approximately 7.0 million Common Shares for future issuance upon the exercise of optionsshare incentives granted under our share incentive plans.plans (i.e., restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units). Issuances or sales of substantial amounts of our Common Shares in the public market, or the perception that such issuances or sales may occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Common Shares and could adversely affect our ability to raise capital through subsequent offerings of equity.

Investors may be unable to enforce civil liabilities and judgments against us and our directors and officers.

        We are incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg, and substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. A majority of our directors and officers are not residents of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of their assets are located outside the United States. As a result, investors may not be able to serve process within the United States or to enforce judgments against us or many of our directors and officers based upon civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States. In addition, foreign courts may not enforce judgments of U.S. courts predicated upon

11




the civil liability provisions of the United States securities laws. They also may refuse to adjudicate original actions predicated upon such provisions.

Risks Relating to Our €135 million 12%our Senior Notes Due 2008

As SBS is a holding company, the right of our holders of Senior Notes to receive payments on the Senior Notes is effectively subordinated to any debt of SBS's subsidiaries and could be adversely affected if any of these subsidiaries declares bankruptcy, liquidates or reorganizes.

        The Senior Notes are senior debt of SBS and rank (i) pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future unsecured debt of SBS and (ii) senior to any debt of SBS that is expressly subordinated to the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to all liabilities of our subsidiaries and to our secured obligations to the extent of the collateral securing such obligations.

        The Company is organized as a holding company. The Company conducts essentially all of its operations through its subsidiaries and depends primarily on the earnings and cash flows of these subsidiaries to meet the Company's debt obligations, including its obligations with respect to ourthe Senior Notes. The Company's subsidiaries have other liabilities, including contingent liabilities, which could be substantial. These subsidiaries' assets constitute substantially all of the Company's operating assets. Because the Company's subsidiaries do not guarantee the payment of principal and interest on our Senior Notes, the holders of our Senior Notes will not have any direct claim on the Company's subsidiaries' assets. Therefore, all existing and future obligations of the Company's subsidiaries, including debt, taxes, trade payables and other liabilities, must be paid in full before any amounts would become available for distribution to the holders of our Senior Notes.

        In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of the Company's subsidiaries, holders of their debt and their trade creditors will generally be entitled to payment of their claims from the assets of those subsidiaries before any assets are made available for distribution to the Company as a shareholder. As of December 31, 2002,2003, our Senior Notes would have been effectively subordinated to €30.3€12.2 million of debt and €174.3€191.8 million of other liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries (including their trade payables and excluding intercompany liabilities). As of December 31, 2002,2003, the Company's subsidiaries had approximately €387.3€478.6 million of intercompany obligations payable to the Company. In addition, under the terms of the indenture for our Senior Notes, the Company's subsidiaries may incur a limited amount of additional debt. See "Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources".

We may incur debt in the future that is secured by our assets and that would rank senior to our Senior Notes.

        The terms of the indenture for our Senior Notes, as well as our other debt agreements, will, subject to certain tests, permit us to incur secured debt. If we do so, the rights of holders of our Senior Notes will rank junior to the rights of the holders of all of our secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing our secured debt.

We may not have sufficient resources to meet our change of control purchase requirements.

        Upon the occurrence of specified change of control events, as described in our Senior Notes and the related indenture, each holder of our Senior Notes will have the right to require us to purchase such Senior Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the date of purchase. We may not have sufficient financial resources to purchase all of the Senior Notes that holders may tender to us upon a change of control. The occurrence of a change of control could also constitute an event of default under any future debt obligation of SBS or any of its subsidiaries and could create certain rights on the part of International Trading and Investments Holdings S.A. ("ITI") and its affiliates to sell us additional shares in TVN.subsidiaries.



Holders of our Senior Notes may not be able to sell ourtheir Senior Notes, market trading prices for ourthe Senior Notes may continue to be volatile and we cannot give assurance that an active trading market for our Senior Notes will develop.continue to exist.

12



        We cannot give assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for our Senior Notes. The liquidity of, and trading market for, our Senior Notes will dependdepends upon the number of holders of our Senior Notes, our own financial performance, the market for similar securities, the interest of securities dealers in making a market in our Senior Notes and other factors. The liquidity of, and trading market for, our Senior Notes may also be adversely affected by a general decline in the financial markets or by declines in the market for similar securities. Such declines may adversely affect such liquidity and trading markets independent of the financial performance of, and prospects for, the Company. Historically, the market for high-yield debt securities, such as our Senior Notes, has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of those securities. Our Senior Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

Luxembourg or other local insolvency laws to which we or our subsidiaries may be subject may not be as favourablefavorable to the holders of our Senior Notes as U.S. insolvency laws.

        Due to the nature of Luxembourg's insolvency laws, the ability of holders of our Senior Notes to protect their interests in SBS may be more limited than would be the case under U.S. bankruptcy laws. This is because our liabilities in respect of our Senior Notes will be paid in the event of a winding up after payment of all secured debts, the cost of liquidation and those of our debts, which are entitled to priority under Luxembourg law. PreferentialOther debts that would rank senior to the Senior Notes include:

        If the liquidator or administrator can show that we have given "preference" to any person by defrauding the rights of creditors generally regardless of when this fraud occurred, a court has the power, among other things, to void the preferential transaction. This provision of Luxembourg insolvency law may affect transactions entered into or payments made by us during the period before liquidation or administration.

        Under Luxembourg law, there is generally no consolidation of the assets and liabilities of a group of companies in the event of bankruptcy. Each individual company would thus most likely be treated separately by a bankruptcy administrator appointed by the relevant court. The assets of our subsidiaries would thus first be used to satisfy the debts of each respective subsidiary and only the remaining surplus (if any) of a subsidiary would benefit our creditors. As a result, the ability of the holders of our Senior Notes to protect their interests as a creditor of a parent of a subsidiary may not be as strong under Luxembourg law as it would be under U.S. law, or the laws of other countries.

        Virtually all of our subsidiaries are incorporated in jurisdictions other than the United States and are subject to the insolvency laws of those jurisdictions. The insolvency laws of these jurisdictions may not be as favourablefavorable to interests of the holders of our Senior Notes as creditors as the laws of the United States or other jurisdictions.

13



ITEM 4—INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY


History and overview of the companyITEM 4—INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY

        We are a European television and radio broadcasting company.company with complimentary print operations. We believe our potential combined television and radio audience reach is among the largest of commercial broadcasting groups in Europe. The combined population in the markets in which we currently operate is approximately 14090 million. We acquire, package and distribute programming and other content via television channels, radio stations and the Internet in Europe. We currently own interests in 1310 television stations and 2122 radio networks operating a total of 53 radio stations overall across 119 countries in Europe, together with various related destination and promotional web sites. We operate all of these television and radio stations with the exception of the Polish television stations TVN and TVN7, prima TV in RomaniaRomania. In addition we own and ATVoperate the company that publishes the weekly television and radio guide,Veronica Magazine, the largest weekly publication in Austria.The Netherlands, with a circulation of approximately 1.1 million. We derive revenue primarily through sales of advertising to multi-national, national, regional and local advertisers.advertisers and sales of magazine subscriptions. In the year ended December 31, 2002,2003, we had consolidated net revenue of €510.9€581.7 million and consolidated operating income of €11.7€43.2 million.


HISTORY OF THE COMPANY

        SBS Broadcasting S.A. is a Luxembourg SociésociéAnonymeanonyme that is subject to the provisions of the law on Commercial Companies of August 10, 1915, as amended. SBS Broadcasting S.A. was founded on October 24, 1989, published as memorial number 88 on March 20, 1990, and is registered with the Trade Register of Luxembourg under register number B31 996. The registered office of SBS Broadcasting S.A. is 8-10, rue Mathias Hardt, L-1717 Luxembourg, and theLuxembourg. The telephone number is +352 40 7878.261 2151 and the fax number is +352 2612 3301.

        We were originally created to acquire and operate television broadcastingtelevision-broadcasting operations in Scandinavia. In 1990, we acquired a 51% interest in TVNorge, a national satellite-to-cable television station and over-the-air network in Norway and a controlling interest in Kanal 2, a local television station in Copenhagen, Denmark. Between September 1991 and September 1995, we acquired 100% of Kanal 5, a satellite-to-cable television station based in the United Kingdom but broadcasting in Sweden.

        We commenced our radio broadcasting operations in 1994, and we own significant interests in and operate 2122 radio stationsnetworks in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Greece.

        In 1995, we expanded our operations to include television properties outside Scandinavia by establishing VT4, a wholly-owned, UK based,UK-based, satellite-to-cable television station. Since March 1, 2002, VT4's program isVT4 has been broadcast out of Flanders, Belgium, under a license granted by the Flemish Media Commission. In 1995, we also established SBS6, a satellite-to-cable station in The Netherlands. We continued our Dutch expansion, launching NET5 in 1999 and V8Veronica in 2001, two satellite-to-cable stations reaching approximately 96% of the television households in The Netherlands.

        In Hungary, we launched TV2 in October October��1997, in which we owned a 49% voting interest and a 61.5% economic interest. In August 2000, we purchased an additional 22.5% economic interest in TV2. On February 21, 2000,In May 2002, we acquired all100% of theMTM Produkcio Kft. ("MTM Productions"), a Hungarian broadcasting assetstelevision production company that produces programming for TV2. As part of Central Europeanthis transaction, we acquired Concorde Media Enterprises, Ltd ("CME"), including programming inventories, real estate,Beteiligungs GmbH's ownership interest in MTM Productions. In addition, we acquired Ferenc Tolvaly and related tangible and intangible assets. We simultaneously agreed to sell 50% of those assets to CLT UFA S.A.Robert Prokopp's ownership interest in MTM Productions.

        In 1999, in exchange for contributing subtitling agreements for a majority of our television stations, we acquired 51% of Broadcast Text International ("BTI"), one of Europe's largest suppliers of localization services, such as subtitling for television, and in 2000, we acquired the remaining 49% of BTI from Telenor Plus A/S ("Telenor").

        In December 1999, for $10 million we acquired a minority interest in Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. ("Lions Gate"), a North American integrated entertainment company engaged in the development, production and distribution of feature films, television series, movies-of-the-week,

14




mini-series and animated programming. Other investors in Lions Gate include Vulcan Ventures, Tele-München, Capital Research and Management Company and Fidelity Investments.

        On March 9, 2000, we exercised our option to acquire, for a nominal amount, 86% of the shares of Amerom Television Ltd. ("Amerom"). Amerom owns 100% of Amerom Television S.r.l., the owner and operator of prima TV, an over-the-air and satellite-to-cable television station that reaches approximately 53% of the television households in Romania. On July 18, 2001, we completed the issuance of new shares representing 53.5% of Romanian Broadcasting Corporation Limited ("RBC") to Romanian Investment and Development S.r.l. ("RID"). RBC is a newly formedthe SBS subsidiary that currently holds an 82%80% interest in Amerom. RID is controlled by the General Manager of prima TV. We continue to own 46.5% of RBC. Accordingly, we currently own 38%37% of prima TV, an over-the-air and satellite-to-cable television station that reaches approximately 53% of the television households in Romania.TV.

        On July 26, 2000, we acquired from International Trading and Investments Holdings S.A. ("ITI") a 33% interest in TVN, Poland's second largest private television station. On December 23, 2002, we sold a 2.6% equity interest in TVN to ITI for a cash consideration of $11 million (€10.5 million) and, on December 2, 2003, we granted ITI an option to acquire all ofsold our remaining 30.4% equity interest in TVN. See "Item 10—Additional Information—Material Contracts".TVN for €131.6 million.

        On November 5, 2001, we acquired a 20% equity interest in ATV Privat-TV Services AG ("ATV"), an Austrian satellite-to-cable television station, from certain of ATV's existing shareholders. See "Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions".

        Over the last several years,On December 4, 2003, we sold our interests in two of our television stations. On November 26, 2001, we sold our 50% interest in TV3ATV for €1.0 million.

        On September 1, 2003, we completed our acquisitions of certain media assets from Veronica Holding B.V. in Switzerland to Tamedia, a leading Swiss publisher, for nominal consideration. In October 2000, we sold all of our interest in Kanal A in Slovenia to CME for $12.5 million.

        In May 2002, we acquired 100% of MTM Produkcio Kft. ("MTM Productions"), a Hungarian television production company that produces programming for TV2.The Netherlands. As part of thisthe transaction, weour Dutch subsidiary SBS Broadcasting B.V. obtained the exclusive right to use the "Veronica" brand for television, print and related uses. In addition, SBS Broadcasting B.V. acquired Concorde Media Beteiligungs GmbH's ownershipthe company that owns and publishes the weekly Dutch television and radio guidesVeronica Magazine andSatellite. Veronica Magazine is the largest weekly publication in The Netherlands, with an average circulation of approximately 1.1 million in 2003. As consideration for the transaction, Veronica Holding was issued a 10% equity interest in MTM Productions. See "Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions". In addition, we acquired Ferenc Tolvaly and Robert Prokopp's ownership interest in MTM Productions. See "Item 10—Additional Information—Material Contracts".SBS Broadcasting B.V., subject to a final purchase price adjustment.

        Set forth below is summary information regarding our operating results for 2002:2003:

Summary of 20022003 operating results by segment (in millions of euro except for percentages)

Source

Source

 Revenue
 Operating Income
 Source

 Revenue
 Operating
Income

 
Television broadcast operationsTelevision broadcast operations 470.7 23.9 Television broadcast operations 514.1 58.1 
% of total 92%86%% of total 88%92%
Radio broadcast operationsRadio broadcast operations 35.6 1.2 Radio broadcast operations 46.6 2.7 
% of total 7%4%% of total 8%4%
New media operations 4.6 2.7 
Print operationsPrint operations 21.0 2.5 
% of total 1%10%% of total 4%4%
Total 510.9 27.8 
Total 581.7 63.3 

Television

        Our television programming strategy has been to combine original, locally produced content (often(some produced by our stations) with quality feature films and other international content from various studios. We strive to ensure that our programming reflects audience interests in each of our local markets. We also seek to benefit from the economies of group buying and local production.

15




        Set forth below is summary information regarding our television stations and their markets:


Summary of SBS Television Investments

Station
 Market
 Reach(1)
 SBS
Ownership

 Other
Owners

 Type of
Signal

 Daily
Broadcast
Hours(2)

 Initial
SBS
Investment

 2002
Sales(3)

 Contribution to
2002 SBS
Revenue

  Market
 Reach(1)
 SBS
Ownership

 Other
Owners

 Type of
Signal

 Daily
Broadcast
Hours(2)

 Initial
SBS
Investment

 2003
Sales(3)

 Contribution
to
2003 SBS
Revenue

 
TV Norge Norway 85%51% TV2 Satellite-to-cable Over-the-air 20 1990 € 50.6 10% Norway 88%51% TV2 Satellite-to-cable
Over-the-air
 24 1990  52.5 9%
Kanal 5 Sweden 61%100%   Satellite-to-cable 21 1991 67.7 13% Sweden 64%100%   Satellite-to-cable 22 1991  83.0 14%
TvDanmark1 Denmark 58%100%   Satellite-to-cable 22 2000 22.1 4%
TvDanmark2 Denmark 76%100%   Satellite-to-cable Over-the-air 22 1990 18.0 4%
TvDanmark Denmark 76%100%   Satellite-to-cable 22 1990  19.7 3%
Kanal 5 Denmark 58%100%   Satellite-to-cable
Over-the-air
 22 2000  20.4 4%
VT4 Belgium(4)97%100%   Satellite-to-cable 13 1994 43.3 8% Belgium(4) 97%100%   Satellite-to-cable 15 1994  53.5 9%
SBS6 Netherlands 96%70% De Telegraaf Satellite-to-cable 24 1995 111.0 22% Netherlands 96%63% De Telegraaf, Veronica Holding BV Satellite-to-cable 24 1995  112.1 19%
Net5 Netherlands 96%70% De Telegraaf Satellite-to-cable 16 1999 61.5 12% Netherlands 96%63% De Telegraaf, Veronica Holding BV Satellite-to-cable 16 1999  65.7 11%
V8 Netherlands 96%70% De Telegraaf Satellite-to-cable 24(5)2001 21.1 4%
Veronica Netherlands 96%63% De Telegraaf, Veronica Holding BV Satellite-to-cable 24(5)2001  24.9 4%
TV2 Hungary 93%84%/49%(6) MTM, Tele-Munchen Over-the-air 21 1997 69.0 14% Hungary 95%84%/49%(6)MTM, Tele-München Over-the-air 21 1997  78.6 14%
prima TV(7) Romania 53%38% RBC Ltd. Satellite-to-cable Over-the-air 20 2000 10.4   Romania 53%37% RBC Ltd. Satellite-to-cable
Over-the-air
 20 2000  13.2  
TVN(7) Poland 85%30.4% ITI Satellite-to-cable Over-the-air 24 2000 136.6  
TVN7(7) Poland 35%30.4% ITI Satellite-to-cable 24 2002 7.5   
ATV(7) Austria 75%20%   Satellite-to-cable 24 2001 1.5  

(1)
Represents number of households (in millions) that have access to our signal.

(2)
Represents average daily broadcast in hours.

(3)
Represents net revenue by the station for the year ended December 31, 20022003 (in millions of euro).

(4)
Broadcast targets Belgian Flemish speaking community.

(5)
V8/Veronica/Fox Kids is a 24 hour24-hour station in which we control programming between 6:00pm and 1:00.00am. Fox Kids controlcontrols programming between 6:00 am00am and 6:00pm and we and Fox Kids jointly control programming between 1:00am and 6:00 am.00am.

(6)
Our economic interest is 84% and our voting interest is 49%.

(7)
These stations areThis station is not consolidated in the results of SBS andas its results are recorded under the equity method. Our ownership interest is indirectly held and represents ultimate proportionate ownership in prima TV.

Programming

        Coordinated group buying allows our individual stations to benefit from improved access to product and volume pricing. Group purchasing arrangements are generally only usedpricing in respect ofboth the acquisition of international programs which in 2002and the acquisition of formats. In 2003, the acquired programs represented the majority of our consolidated television stations' programming hours and 40% of our consolidated television stations' programming costs. We currently have multi-country programming agreements with Warner Bros. for Scandinavia and The Netherlands, and Poland, with Universal Studios for Scandinavia, The Netherlands, Belgium and Hungary, with Disney for Scandinavia, The Netherlands and Belgium and with Paramount for The Netherlands, Belgium and Hungary. From these suppliers we acquire local broadcast rights to feature films and international series. Beside the above, our suppliers also include DreamWorks, Sony Television, 20th Century Fox, MGM, the BBC, Granada, ZDF, Venevision, Protele, Alliance Atlantis and a number of others.

        Our locally produced programming (including sports), frequently, depending on the particular program and local market, frequently results in higher ratings during prime time hours. In 2002,2003, locally produced programming represented approximately 60% of our consolidated television stations' total programming costs. We believe that



locally produced programming, serves as an audience magnet for the overall station and increases ratings, brand awareness and demand for commercial airtime within a respective market's advertising community. We believeincluding our local news programming in Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands and Hungary, has particular audience appeal and reinforces our stations' local image.image, as well as serves as an audience magnet for the overall station. It also increases ratings, brand awareness and the demand for commercial airtime within a respective market's advertising community.

        We        Part of our local production budgets are allocated toward the acquisition and production of major international formats. Coordinated group buying allows our individual stations to acquire local broadcast rightsformats that would otherwise not be available to feature films and successful international series and subtitle or dub them into the local language. Our suppliers include: Paramount, DreamWorks, The Walt Disney Company ("Disney"), Sony Television, Universal Studios, Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox, MGM, the

16



BBC (United Kingdom), Granada (United Kingdom), ZDF (Germany), Venevision (Venezuela), Protele (Mexico) and Alliance Atlantis.

        In November 1996, we entered into an agreement with DreamWorks. The agreement grants us the right to broadcast the first 50 films produced and distributed by DreamWorks, with a delay in broadcastthem. A few of the films for approximately three years from their respective theatrical release datesmore well-known formats that we have acquired in the United States. Films began to become availablethis manner include:Big Brother (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary and Romania),Temptation Island (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands and Belgium),The Bachelor (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary and Belgium),The Apprentice andExtreme Makeover(Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Belgium).

        To further leverage our group's effectiveness in our territories where language similarities exist, we have implemented a program of seeking internationally recognized formats that can be jointly produced by more than one territory. For example, we have producedSurvivor,Temptation Island andPeking Express using Dutch and Belgian (Flemish speaking) participants for broadcast in The Netherlands and Belgium. Similarly, we have producedTemptation Island,The Bachelor/Bachelorette,Joe Millionaire,Extreme Makeover and other series using participants from Sweden, Norway and Denmark. These co-productions have the autumnbenefit of 1999. We also have rightsmaking available to all first run television productions produced by DreamWorksthe stations expensive programming that they might not have been broadcast by one of the six largest networks in the United States.able to afford to produce on their own.

Radio

        We commenced our radio broadcasting operations in 1994. We own significant interests in, and operate, 2122 radio networks operating a total of 53 radio stations overall in Europe. Our European radio stations include operations in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Greece. Our radio strategy targets young audiences between the ages of 18 and 39, focusing mainly on adult contemporary formats. Our consolidated radio operations generated net revenues of, €37.8 million, €36.0 million, and €35.6 million and €46.6 million, or 8%7%, 7% and 7%8% of our total consolidated net revenue, in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2002,2003, respectively.

New MediaPrint

        In 1999,September 2003, we formed our SBS New Media division to expand our Internet-related activities. We have taken a conservative approach to new media and focus only on those opportunitiesacquired Veronica Uitgeverij B.V., the company that complement ourpublishes the weekly television and radio operationsguide, Veronica Magazine, which is the largest weekly publication in The Netherlands, with a circulation of approximately 1.1 million. Through this acquisition we expect to capitalize on synergies to be gained from cross promotion between our print business and do not require significant development expenditures.our Dutch television channels. Our new mediaprint operations generated net revenues of €5.6 million, €11.5 million and €4.6€21.0 million, or 1%, 3% and 1%4% of our total consolidated net revenues,revenue in 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively.2003.

        Recently, we sold our 4.3% interest in BetandWin.com Interactive Entertainment AG for €1.7 million in cash.

Organizational Structure

        We have created a highly flexible operating structure that grants considerable authority to our national and local operations so that they can make decisions tailored to the needs and circumstances of their individual markets. At the group level, we analyze and monitor programming and financial performance centrally and coordinate program commitments, purchases and multinational productions so as to benefit from group-wide knowledge and economies of scale. Sales, marketing and most programming decisions are taken on a station-by-station basis at the local level, albeit within centrally approved budgets. At the group level, we also control operating strategies, budgets, material financial commitments, multinational sales and the selection of senior-level station management.

        For a complete list of our subsidiaries and affiliates, see Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report.

17





Our StrategyOUR STRATEGY

        Our strategy is to continue to develop and expand our television and radio broadcasting and print businesses, as well as to develop new analogue and digital channels and formats using our existing platforms and programming expertise. We aim to achieve this by concentrating on the following:

•        •    ExpandExpanding audience share and advertising sales in our current markets

        We identify and target the most attractive demographic segments and target groups in each market to increase our audience share and advertising sales. We pursue both larger audiences and increased audience viewing hours through our mix of local productions and foreign programming developed for these market segments. As our audiences and audience viewing hours grow, we believe the value of our broadcasting for advertisers increases significantly. To maximize the value of our advertising reach, we seek to adopt local "best practices"best practices sales procedures across all of our stations and pursue multinational sales and cross-selling opportunities across our television, radio and radioprint businesses.

•        •    IncreaseIncreasing our control over programming content and cost

        We seek constantly to improve the quality perceptionand perceptions of our programming, which, at approximately 50% of our total revenues, is our single largest cost, and to reduce our costs by increasing our control over programming. We attempt to use our multinational purchasing power to achieve better pricing and content, license conditions / periodsterms and control of residual rights, including additional broadcast and ancillary rights. We seek to acquire lifetime rights for the majority of our local programming purchases. In addition, we continue to seek to exploit opportunities to introduce locally successful formats across all of our stations and to increase the percentage of co-productions within our territories and stations, in particular among our Scandinavian stations and between our Benelux stations.

•    Maintaining our focus on improving operating margins

        We alsointend to maintain our focus on improving our operating margins through cost controls and improved ratings performance aimed at key target demographic groups desired by advertisers. In addition, we are implementing advertising airtime yield management systems and practices across our television group in order to optimize the yield on our advertising inventory, increase our access to programming through joint ventures with or the acquisitionefficiency of direct or indirect interests in suppliers of successful programming formats.advertising campaigns and raise margins.

•        •    ExpandExpanding in existing broadcastingmedia markets

        We regularly review and consider opportunities to expand our broadcast operations in our existing media markets. We seekintend to pursue opportunities with which we can leverage our existing operations and other assets in order to achieve greater presence in our local markets and economies of scale. For example, we expanded our Scandinavian radio assets in 2003 and are seeking to develop them further by implementing the SBS group's practices, improving their ratings performance, and maximizing efficiencies within and among our Scandinavian radio stations. We also acquiredVeronica Magazine in 2003, the largest weekly television guide in The Netherlands, and are seeking to take full advantage of the cross-promotion opportunities betweenVeronica Magazine and our Dutch television channels.

•        •    ExpandExpanding into new broadcasting markets

        We intend to pursue opportunities selectively in new broadcast markets that complement our existing broadcastmedia operations. We generally seek opportunities in markets that generallyin Western and Central Europe in which television and radio have a lower television and/orshare of total advertising, share, often due to having a shorter history of commercial television and/or radio broadcasting, which resultscan result in less competition and faster growth potential than comparable, more developed markets..markets offer. As we have in the past, we intend tomay pursue these opportunities in conjunction with strong local partners.



•        •    DevelopDeveloping additional revenue streams

        To diversify our revenues from advertising, we are developing and pursuing additional revenue streams. We have begun to secure carriage fees for some of our existing channels from cable and satellite operators and are using our existing content libraries and our expertise to develop programming designed for subscription-based channels for pay television platforms, UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System)third-generation multimedia mobile telecommunication systems and other applications. We also intend to bid forseek to obtain new digital licenses in our existing markets, as well as in new territories, as regulatory and competitive conditions permit. Furthermore, as television broadcasting becomes increasingly digital, over the next years, we intend to develop interactive services, including interactive programming and advertising.

18




INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

Television

        In 1990, we began acquiring and operating television broadcasting operations in Europe. We currently own significant interests, and operate television stations in various European territories, including Scandinavia, Belgium, The Netherlands and Hungary.

        Unlike in the United States, television broadcasting in Europe began with government-owned and operated-operated television stations that did not sell advertising. In the 1960s, commercial television broadcasting began in Western Europe, initially in the United Kingdom and subsequently in other countries. Scandinavia, Belgium and The Netherlands only permitted commercial television beginning in the late 1980s. Hungary Romania and PolandRomania only awarded licenses for commercial television beginning in 1997 1993, and 1992,1993, respectively.

        As a consequence, commercial television advertising in our markets is less developed as compared to other major media markets such as the United States. Accordingly, we believe there is potential for considerable growth of television advertising in our markets. In general the growth of the television advertising is mainly affected by economic growth (growth in the Gross Domestic Product) ("GDP"), growth of the individual advertising markets, growth in television share of advertising (expenditure per capita), increase in penetration / television household coverage, increase in viewing and in viewers shares, and population growth.

        Set forth below is information on the growth in television advertising expenditures 1998 to 20022003 for the countries and regions indicated:



 Gross Domestic Product
(in US$ billions)

 Total Advertising
Expenditure
(in US$ millions)

 Television
Advertising
(in US$ millions)

 Population
(in millions)

 Television
Advertising
Per Capita

 
 Gross Domestic Product
(in US$ billions)

 Total Advertising
Expenditure
(in US$ millions)

 Television Advertising
(in US$ millions)

 Population
(in millions)

 Television
Advertising
Per Capita

 


 1998
 2002
 1998
 2002
 1998
 2002
 1998
 2002
 1998
 2002
 
 1998
 2003
 1998
 2003
 1998
 2003
 1998
 2002
 1998
 2003
 
NorwayNorway $123.4 $169.7 $1,211 $1,457 $380 $509 4.4 4.5 $86 $113 Norway $141.8 $197.4 $1,363 $1,717 $427 $595 4.4 4.5 $97 $132 
SwedenSweden 184.5 218.9 1,515 1,517 308 325 8.9 8.8 35 37 Sweden 202.7 247.6 1,616 1,630 329 354 8.9 8.8 37 40 
DenmarkDenmark 138.8 166.9 1,344 1,302 241 210 5.3 5.3 45 40 Denmark 146.3 179.0 1,417 1,406 255 241 5.3 5.3 48 45 
BelgiumBelgium 201.6 237.4 1,371 1,702 587 759 10.2 10.3 58 74 Belgium 211.9 251.7 1,441 2,020 617 903 10.2 10.3 60 88 
The NetherlandsThe Netherlands 304.8 397.3 2,050 2,876 881 1,461 15.7 16.0 56 91 The Netherlands 320.4 426.9 3,173 3,156 589 730 15.7 16.0 38 46 
HungaryHungary 35.2 56.3 507 1,117 282 718 10.1 9.9 28 73 Hungary 39.1 70.7 564 1,488 313 997 10.1 9.9 31 101 
RomaniaRomania 42.1 41.3 211 174 131 142 22.5 22.4 6 6 Romania 42.1 47.5 215 153 131 100 22.5 22.4 6 4 
Poland 159.3 182.1 1,243 2,509 692 1,576 38.7 38.6 18 41 
Austria 169.8 192.6 1,335 1,619 318 398 8.1 8.1 39 49 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total SBS MarketsTotal SBS Markets $1,359.5 $1,662.5 $10,787 $14,273 $3,820 $6,098 123.9 123.9 $31 $49 Total SBS Markets $1,104.3 $1,420.8 $9,789 $11,570 $2,661 $3,920 77.1 77.2 $35 $51 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
— growth   22%   32%   60%  0%   60%—growth   29%   18%   47%  0%   52%

Other

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
European Union(2) $7,496.2 $8,868.8 $62,220 $72,455 $18,013 $20,968 374.7 376.9 $48 $56 
EuropeEurope $7,896.2 $9,676.3 $66,473 $78,553 $20,588 $26,043 452.8 454.7 $45 $57 
— growth   18%   16%   16%  1%   16%—growth   23%   18%   26%  0%   27%
United StatesUnited States $8,781.5 $10,509.8 $120,743 $143,469 $43,471 $51,640 270.6 284.8 $161 $181 United States $8,781.5 $10,878.9 $120,743 $148,786 $43,471 $52,821 270.6 284.8 $161 $185 
— growth   20%   19%   19%  5%   13%—growth   24%   23%   22%  5%   15%

(1)

Source: Zenith Media, Advertising Expenditure Forecasts, December 2002.2003. Zenith Media figures for advertising spending are calculated on different bases for different countries. For example, for some of the countries listed above, Zenith Media figures are based on advertising spending net of discounts and/or agency commissions, while for other countries the figures are based on advertising spending before subtracting discounts and agency commissions. As a result, Zenith Media figures are only generally indicative of relative market sizes.

(2)
European Union total includes all member states (other than Luxembourg) as of December 31, 2002.

19


Transmission

        The two basic methods of television transmission in use in our markets are (1) over-the-air television ("terrestrial") broadcasting, which can be either local or national in scope, and (2) satellite-to-cable and satellite-to-dish ("direct-to-home")(or direct-to-home) broadcasting. In over-the-air broadcasting,



the station operator obtains a license from the appropriate regulatory authority to broadcast its signal at an established frequency and power over one or more land-based transmitters, each with a limited geographic range. In satellite-to-cable broadcasting, the station operator transmits its programming signal to a satellite which redirects the signal either to a ground-based antenna that is connected to a cable system or, in the case of direct-to-home broadcasting, to a home television via a satellite dish. In satellite-to-cable and direct-to-home broadcasting, the signal may originate from the territory where the viewer is situated or may be broadcast from abroad. In all of our markets, governments regulate programming, commercial advertising and other matters relating to broadcast operations. See "—Competition, Property and Regulation—also "Item 4—Information on the Company—Regulation" for additional information. In the territories in which we operate terrestial broadcasting systems, we have agreements with terrestrial transmission companies. In addition, we have agreements with one or more satellite and/or cable operators providing for the transmission of our broadcast signals.

        While over-the-air broadcasters can typically be received by virtually all of the television households in the geographic area covered by their broadcast signals, satellite-to-cable and direct-to-home broadcasters can only be received by television households connected to a cable system or by households that have satellite dishes positioned to receive the broadcasts directly. The percentages of television households connected to a cable system or capable of receiving direct-to-home broadcasting have increased over the past few years. The following table estimates the percentages of television households connected to a cable system and/or capable of receiving direct-to-home broadcasting via a satellite dish in the countries indicated at December 31, 2002.2003.


 Television households with:
  Television households with:
 
Country

 Cable
 Satellite dish
  Cable
 Satellite dish
 
Norway 49%18% 46%31%
Sweden 45%22% 64%30%
Denmark 63%16% 58%21%
Belgium 94%6% 94%8%
The Netherlands 94%7% 94%6%
Hungary 50%16% 55%17%
Romania 57%1% 57%1%
Poland 34%20%
Austria 33%45%


Source:

European Digital Pay TV Revenues Market assessment and forecasts to 2006, published in January 2004 by Screen Digest, London and, for Romania only, Western, Central and Eastern Europe MediaFact Pocket Books, published in March 2003 by Zenith Media.

Ratings

        Commercial television stations generate the majority of their revenues from the sale of advertising time. Advertising rates charged by television stations are based, in large part, on the percentage of television households in a designated market area tuned to a particular station during a particular time period and the demographic characteristics of those households. We believe that the availability of more reliable and accurate ratings information, such as the information provided by people meters installed in the territories in which we operate, accelerates the development of commercial television, because more accurate ratings information should help to convince advertisers to allocate a greater percentage of their advertising budgets to television advertising.

20



Radio

        In 1994, we began acquiring and operating radio stations in Europe. We own significant interests, and operate radio stations in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Greece. Commercial radio has operated for approximately 1314 years in Denmark, 89 years in Sweden, 1716 years in Norway, 18 years in Finland and 1415 years in Greece. Radio advertising expenditures in our existing markets increased from



an estimated $153$228 million in 1998, to an estimated $192$282 million in 2002.2003. We intend to expand radio broadcast operations into our existing and targeted television markets and into other markets as opportunities arise.

        Commercial radio advertising reflects considerably less penetration in our markets as compared to major media markets such as the United States. For example, we estimate that in 2002In 2003, radio advertising accounted only 3%for less than 4% of all advertising expenditures in theour markets, that we serve, compared to 14%13% for the United States and 5% for the European Union.Europe. Accordingly, we believe there is potential for considerable growth of radio advertising in our markets.

        Set forth below is information on the growth of radio advertising expenditures 1998 to 20022003 for the countries and regions indicated:



 Gross Domestic Product
(in US$ billions)

 Total Advertising
Expenditure
(in US$ millions)

 Radio
Advertising
(in US$ millions)

 Population
(in millions)

 Radio
Advertising
Per Capita

 
 Gross Domestic Product
(in US$ billions)

 Total Advertising
Expenditure
(in US$ millions)

 Radio Advertising
(in US$ millions)

 Population
(in millions)

 Radio
Advertising
Per Capita

 


 1998
 2002
 1998
 2002
 1998
 2002
 1998
 2002
 1998
 2002
 
 1998
 2003
 1998
 2003
 1998
 2003
 1998
 2002
 1998
 2003
 
DenmarkDenmark $138.8 $166.9 $1,344 $1,302 $22 $29 5.3 5.3 $4 $5 Denmark $146.3 $179.0 $1,417 $1,406 $23 $32 5.3 5.3 $4 $6 
SwedenSweden 184.5 218.9 1,515 1,517 50 50 8.9 8.8 6 6 Sweden 202.7 247.6 1,616 1,630 53 56 8.9 8.8 6 6 
NorwayNorway 141.8 197.4 1,363 1,717 68 59 4.4 4.5 15 13 
FinlandFinland 159.3 182.1 1,243 2,509 31 40 5.2 5.2 6 8 Finland 108.7 136.2 915 1,015 32 45 5.2 5.2 6 9 
GreeceGreece 169.8 192.6 1,335 1,619 50 73 10.0 10.0 5 7 Greece 99.1 142.1 1,145 2,065 52 90 10.5 10.0 5 9 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total SBS MarketsTotal SBS Markets $652.4 $760.5 $5,437 $6,947 $153 $192 29.4 29.3 $5 $7 Total SBS Markets $698.6 $902.3 $6,456 $7,833 $228 $282 34.3 33.8 $7 $9 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
— growth   17%   28%   25%  0%   26%—growth   29%   21%   24%  -1%   29%

Other

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
European Union(3) $7,496.2 $8,868.8 $62,220 $72,455 $2,901 $3,466 374.7 376.9 $8 $9 
EuropeEurope $7,896.2 $9,676.3 $66,473 $78,553 $3,311 $4,204 452.8 454.7 $7 $9 
— growth   18%   16%   19%  1%   19%—growth   23%   18%   27%  1%   29%
United StatesUnited States $8,781.5 $10,509.8 $120,743 $143,469 $43,471 $51,640 270.6 284.8 $161 $181 United States $8,781.5 $10,878.9 $120,743 $148,786 $15,411 $19,986 270.6 284.8 $57 $70 
— growth   20%   19%   19%  5%   13%—growth   24%   23%   30%  5%   23%

(1)
Source: Zenith Media, Advertising Expenditure Forecasts, December 2002.2003. Zenith Media figures for advertising spending are calculated on different bases for different countries. For example, for some of the countries listed above, Zenith Media figures are based on advertising spending net of discounts and/or agency commissions, while for other countries the figures are based on advertising spending before subtracting discounts and agency commissions. As a result, Zenith Media figures are only generally indicative of relative market sizes.

(2)
European Union total includes all member states (other than Luxembourg) as of December 31, 2002.

Advertising

        In 2002,2003, the broadcasting markets in which we operate generated an estimated $18.4$11.6 billion in total advertising expenditures. In 2002,2003, television advertising accounted for an estimated 43%34% of total advertising expenditures in our current television markets, as compared to an estimated 32%33% and 35% for the European UnionEurope and the United States, respectively. In 2002,2003, radio advertising accounted for an estimated 3.5%4% of total advertising expenditures in our current radio markets, as compared to an estimated 5.4%5% and 13.5%13% for the European UnionEurope and the United States, respectively. In 2003, magazine advertising accounted for an estimated 24% of total advertising in the market in which we operate. Our operating strategies anticipate that total advertising expenditures in our markets will continue to grow and that television's and radio's respective shares of total advertising expenditures in most of our markets will

21



increase further, as advertisers increasingly use television and radio as more integral parts of their advertising strategies.

        Television and radio advertising expenditures in a given market are a function of general economic conditions, television viewing and radio listening habits, the strength and appeal of competing media (such as print and outdoor media), literacy rates and advertiser acceptance of television and radio as advertising media. No single advertiser provides us with as much asmore than 10% of our consolidated advertising revenues.



        Our broadcasting revenues are primarily generated from the sale of advertising time on our television and radio stations. In 2002,2003, advertising sales represented approximately 83% of the net revenues generated by our consolidated television operations and approximately 79% of the net revenues generated by our consolidated radio operations. The remaining revenue was derived from other sources, such as cable subscription fees, sale of airtime (including teleshopping), teletext fees, sponsoring and non-cash revenues from barter transactions, whereby advertising time is exchanged for goods or services (such as advertising in other media, travel or lodging) in respect of which we might otherwise incur cash expenditures. Our advertising sales tend to be lowest in the third quarter of each calendar year, which includes the summer holiday schedule (July and August), and highest during the fourth quarter. Advertising sales also tend to be higher in the second half of the calendar year. As is common in the broadcasting business, we pay commissions for advertising placed on our stations and we provide incentive discounts and rebates to advertisers. Advertising revenues are recorded net of all such commissions, discounts and rebates. While we seek to develop and maintain long-term relationships with our advertising clients, most advertising arrangements do not extend beyond one year, although they are generally renewed. Substantially all of our advertising sales are for cash, but we do enter into minor amounts of barter transactions as discussed above. We have also exchanged minor amounts of advertising time that would otherwise be unsold for certain of our interests in our new media businesses.investments.

        Television advertising in our markets is bought and sold in a variety of ways. Advertisers, acting directly or through intermediaries, such as advertising agencies and media buyers, purchase advertising time pursuant to annual agreements and ad hoc agreements. The price paid by the advertiser is generally based on the particular television station's rate card, less a discount based on the importance of the advertiser and the volume of advertising being committed. The intermediary receives an agency commission. The rate card value of a television station's advertising time is based upon a variety of factors, including the relative strength of the station within the marketplace, the season, the day of the week, the time of day and the number of commercial impressions (viewership) actually delivered by the station within specified demographics (gender, age and affluence). A station's viewership is a function of the station's technical reach, the number of households watching television at a particular time and the relative popularity of the station's programming (ratings). In our markets, approximately 70-75% of most television stations' advertising sales are generated in prime time viewing hours (19:00(7:00pm to 23:00)11:00pm), and advertisers typically enter into up-front annual agreements that provide for pricing terms based upon projected advertising volumes. While these agreements are generally only indicative of the advertisers' ultimate advertising purchases, they may control pricing for as much as 70-75% of a station's actual annual advertising sales because favorablefavourable pricing is dependant upon the indicative volumes being achieved.

        Radio advertising in our markets is generally sold pursuant to ad hoc agreements rather than annual agreements and advertisers are more likely to be regional or local businesses than is the case in television. Radio advertising rates are based upon the number of stations competing in a particular marketplace and each station's ability to attract and retain listening audiences in demographic groups that advertisers wish to reach. A radio station's audience is determined based on periodic ratings surveys that measure the size and demographics of the audience tuned to a particular station and the time spent listening.

22





REVIEW OF TELEVISION OPERATIONS

Norway(TVNorge)

        In Norway, we own a 51% interest in, and operate, TVNorge, a national satellite-to-cable television station and over-the-air network. Our television operations in Norway generated net revenues of €55.0 million, €47.1 million, and €50.6 million and €52.5 million, or 12%10%, 10% and 10%9% of our total consolidated net revenues in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 20022003, respectively.

        In October 1988, the Norwegian government adopted legislation to deregulate cable television, which permitted private television advertising on satellite-to-cable channels. In response, in February 1990, we acquired a 51% interest in TVNorge, a national satellite-to-cable broadcaster. TV2, one of the other private commercial stations in Norway, owns the remaining 49%.

        In December 1995, the Norwegian government legalized the simultaneous transmission of a broadcast signal through multiple local television stations in Norway. TVNorge utilized this opportunity and entered into co-operation agreements with 21 local television stations. In response, we have increased the numberbeginning of local2003, TV Norge entered into a second co-operation period for a 3-year term with 16 of these stations, affiliated with TVNorge to approximately 20, which has increased the station's television household penetration from approximately 61% in 199670% to approximately 85%89% at the end of 2002. This co-operation ended at December 31, 2002 and TVNorge renewed the co-operation with 15 stations for 2003. TheTVNorge's affiliated stations have "must-carry" status and TVNorge benefits from this status in all local cable networks. During 2002, TVNorge switched from analogue to digital distribution, which did not affect TVNorge's overall distribution.also operates a local television station in Oslo, called TVNorge-Oslo.

        TVNorge broadcast an average of 20broadcasted 24 hours per day in 20022003. TVNorge's programming schedule includes locally-producedlocally produced programs (including news) and international series and films. American produced programs broadcast by TVNorge are subtitled in Norwegian and in 20022003 includedC.S.I., C.S.I. Miami, Smallville, Boston Public, Dharma & Greg,Gilmore Girls, The Bachelor, Extreme Makeover, Will & Grace, Gilmore Girls, The BoldOsbournes, Buffy the Vampire and the Beautifulmany others. andProfiler. During 2002, locally-produced2003, locally produced programming, which included the local version ofBig Brother71 Degrees North and the daily talkshow71 degrees North,Mess-tv, represented an average of approximately 310 hours per day of TVNorge's broadcast time.

        TVNorge has sold advertising time to leading advertisers that regularly advertise on TVNorge, including Orkla, Landbruket, Coop,L'oreal, Norgesgruppen, Procter & Gamble, Midelfart & Co., IcaICA Ahold Group, Elkjoep, Hjemmet Mortensen/Egmont, Coca-Cola, Krafts Foods NorwayMaster Food and Kid Interior.

        TVNorge's principal competitors are NRK1 and NRK2, non-commercial television stations financed by license fees; TV2, a privately-owned,privately owned, commercial television station; and TV3, a privately-owned,privately owned, commercial television station, serving all three Scandinavian countries. TVNorge competes with NRK1 and NRK2 for viewers and programming, but not for advertising revenue, because NRK1 and NRK2 are non-commercial television stations.

23



        Set forth below is information about each of the major television broadcasters in Norway as of December 31, 2002.2003.


 Norway Television Market Television Station
  Norwegian Television Market Television Stations

 NRK1
 NRK2
 TV2
 TV3
 TVNorge
  NRK1
 NRK2
 TV2
 TV3
 TVNorge
Estimated coverage(1) 100%82%97%62%85% 100% 84% 97% 64% 89%
Ownership Government Government Private Private (MTG)Private (SBS/TV2) Government Government Private Private (MTG) Private (SBS/TV2)
Type of signal Over-the-air Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable/Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable/Over-the-air network  Over-the-air Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable/Over- the-air Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable/Over-the-air
Commercial advertising No No Yes Yes Yes  No No Yes Yes Yes
Estimated average daily broadcast hours(1) 14 6 18 19 20  14 6 18 20 24

(1)
Source: Company estimates.

Sweden (Kanal 5)(Kanal 5)

        We broadcast into Sweden through Kanal 5, a wholly-owned, UK-based, satellite-to-cable and direct-to-home television station. Our television operations into Sweden generated net revenues of €61.6 million, €54.4 million, and €67.7 million and €83.0 million, or 13%11%, 11%13% and 13%14% of our total consolidated net revenues in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2002,2003, respectively.

        Commercial television advertising began in Sweden in late 1988 when TV3 began its operations. We entered the Swedish market in September 1991 when we acquired 75% of Kanal 5. In September 1995, we acquired the remaining 25%.

        Kanal 5 broadcast an average of 2122 hours per day in 2002.2003. Kanal 5's programming schedule includes locally-producedlocally produced programs and international series and feature films, many of which are well known in the United States. American-produced programs broadcast by Kanal 5 are subtitled in Swedish and in 20022003 includedC.S.I., Friends, Frasier, Spin CityGilmore Girls andThird Watch. Locally-producedLocally produced programming, which includedThe Bachelor, Big Brother Temptation Island,Motorjournalen, Roomservice andPopstarsTjockholmen, represented an average of approximately 2 hours per day of Kanal 5's broadcast time in 2002.2003.

        In 2002,2003, Kanal 5's advertising base included leading advertisers that regularly advertise on Kanal 5 including Carlsberg, Orkla,Coca-Cola, GlaxoSmithKline, ICA Ahold Group, McDonald's L'Oréal, Kraft Freia Marabou, Coca-Cola,Orkla, Procter & Gamble GlaxoSmithKline and McDonald's.Vodafone.

        Kanal 5's principal competitors are SVT1 and SVT2, both of which are government-owned, non-commercial television stations, and TV3 and TV4, privately-owned, commercial television stations. Kanal 5 competes with SVT1 and SVT2 for viewers and programming, but not for advertising revenues, because SVT1 and SVT2 are non-commercial television stations.

24



        Set forth below is information about each of the major television broadcasters serving Sweden as of December 31, 2002.2003.


 Sweden Television Market Television Station
  Swedish Television Market Television Stations

 SVT1
 SVT2
 TV3
 TV4
 Kanal 5
  SVT1
 SVT2
 TV3
 TV4
 Kanal 5
Estimated coverage(1) 100%100%64%100%61% 100% 100% 62% 100% 64%
Ownership Government Government Private (MTG)Private Private (SBS) Government Government Private (MTG) Private Private (SBS)
Type of signal Over-the-air Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable  Over-the-air Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable
Commercial advertising No No Yes Yes Yes  No No Yes Yes Yes
Estimated average daily broadcast hours(2) 18 16 21 19 21  18 16 22 19 22

(1)
Source: MMS Established SurveySurvey.

(2)
Source: Company estimates.

Denmark (TvDanmark 1(TvDanmark and TvDanmark 2)Kanal 5)

        In Denmark, we operate two television stations: TvDanmark 2,(formerly TvDanmark 2), a wholly-owned entity operating under a network of 9 local participating stations transmitting over-the-air, as well as cableDanish license; and direct-to-home; andKanal 5 (formerly TvDanmark 1,1), which unlike TvDanmark 2 operates from the United Kingdom under a United KingdomU.K. satellite broadcasting license. On April 4, 2004, TvDanmark 1 and TvDanmark 2 were rebranded and relaunched as Kanal 5 and TvDanmark, respectively. Our television operations in and into Denmark generated net revenues of €37.9€46.7 million, €46.7€40.1 million and €40.1 million, or 8%10%, 10%8% and 8%7% of our total consolidated net revenues in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2002,2003, respectively.

        TvDanmark 1 is a wholly-owned, UK-based satellite-to-cable and direct-to-home television station broadcasting from London alongside its Swedish sister channel Kanal 5. TvDanmark 1 generates additional revenues from monthly subscription fees. The distribution of TvDanmark 1 includes the single largest nationwide cable network consisting of 650,000 households. The estimated reach for TvDanmark 1 is approximately 58% of all television households as of December 31, 2002.

        TvDanmark 2 is distributed by over-the-air transmission through 97 affiliated network stations, as well as on cable and digital direct-to-home. Its network stations are "must carry" in their local areas, thus guaranteeing distribution in all local cable households. The estimated reach for TvDanmark 2 iswas approximately 76% of all television households as of December 31, 2002.2003.



        Kanal 5 is a wholly-owned, UK-based satellite-to-cable and direct-to-home television station broadcasting from London. Kanal 5 generates additional revenues from monthly subscription fees. The distribution of Kanal 5 includes the single largest nationwide cable network, which consists of approximately 650,000 households. The estimated reach for Kanal 5 was approximately 58% of all television households as of December 31, 2003.

        In 2002,2003, TvDanmark 1 and TvDanmark 2Kanal 5 broadcast an average of 22 hours per day. TheseThe stations broadcast a number of locally-producedlocally produced programs, including local news, a Danish production of48 Hours and the entertainment formatMake My Day. The successful Danish developed formatsSuper SellersTemptation Island andSense of MurderBig Brother. premiered on TvDanmark last year, both formats have been sold to several other countries. Sports broadcast on the channels includes WRC World Rally Championship, Danish Professional Boxing and major football events, for example, the English F.A. Cup,Spanish Primera División, theGerman Bundes League and theUEFA Cup.Cup. During 2002, locally-produced2003, locally produced programming represented an average of approximately three hours per day of thesethe stations' broadcast time. American-produced programs broadcast in 20022003 includedSpin City, Frasier, C.S.I., C.S.I. Miami, Gilmore Girls, Will & Grace, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and block busters movies, likesuch asThe MatrixPerfect Storm andSixth SenseThree Kings..

        Our stations serving Denmark sold advertising to leading advertisers that regularly advertise on our Danish stations including Colgate, Unilever, Nestlé, Teledanmark, Coca-Cola, Arla Foods and Procter & Gamble.

        TvDanmark 1'sTvDanmark's and TvDanmark 2'sKanal 5's principal competitors are DR1 and DR2, government-owned, non-commercial television stations; TV2 and Zulu, government-owned, commercial television stations; and TV3 and 3+, privately-owned, commercial cable and satellite television stations. TvDanmark 1 and

25



2 Kanal 5 compete with DR1 and DR2 for viewers and programming, but not for advertising revenues, because DR1 and DR2 are non-commercial television stations.

        Set forth below is information about each of the major television broadcasters in or into Denmark as of December 31, 2002.2003.


 Denmark Television Market Television Station
  Danish Television Market Television Stations

 DR1
 DR2
 TV2
 Zulu
 TV3
 3+
 TvDanmark 1
 TvDanmark 2(2)
  DR1
 DR2
 TV2
 Zulu
 TV3
 3+
 Kanal 5
 TvDanmark(2)
Estimated coverage(1) 100%80%100%70%71%71%58%76% 100% 83% 100% 54% 68% 66% 58% 76%
Ownership Government Government Government Government Private (MTG)Private (MTG)Private (SBS)Private (SBS) Govern-
ment
 Govern-
ment
 Govern-
ment
 Govern-
ment
 Private
(MTG)
 Private
(MTG)
 Private
(SBS)
 Private
(SBS)
Type of signal Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable/Over-the-air Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable/ Over-the-air network  Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable/
Over-the-air
 Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable/
Over-the-air network
Commercial advertising No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes  No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Estimated average daily broadcast hours(1) 20 11 20 17 22 21 22 22 
Estimated average daily Broadcast hours(1) 20 11 20 17 22 21 22 22

(1)
Source: Company estimates.

(2)
Coverage represents households reached by TvDanmark, 2, a network of 97 local, over-the-air stations including TvDanmark Kanal 2 and TvDanmark Fyn.

Belgium (VT4)(VT4)

        We began broadcasting into Flemish Belgium in February 1995 by establishing VT4, a wholly-owned, UK-based, satellite-to-cable television station. On March 1, 2002, VT4 Ltd contributed the assets and liabilities of its Belgium operations to a Belgian company, SBS5 N.V., which has since been renamed SBS Belgium N.V. Since March 1, 2002, VT4's programVT4 is broadcast out of Flanders using a license granted by Flemish Media Commission ("(Vlaams Commissariaat voor de Media"Media). VT4 has "must-carry" status on all cable networks in Flanders. VT4 is a Flemish-language cable television station that targets the Flemish-speaking community in Belgium and is carried by all of the cable operators in that community. Our television operations in Flemish Belgium generated net revenues of €51.0 million, €45.7 million,



43.3 million and €43.3€53.5 million, or 11%10%, 10%8% and 8%9% of our total consolidated net revenues in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2002,2003, respectively.

        Belgium is made up of three regions: (1) Flanders, the Flemish-speaking region; (2) Wallonia, the French-speaking region; and (3) Brussels, a bilingual (French and Flemish) region. Each region has its own media regulations, state television network, commercial broadcasters, pay television services and cable networks.

        In 2002,2003, VT4 broadcast an average of 1315 hours per day. VT4 broadcasts a number of USU.S. programs that are subtitled in Flemish, includingC.S.I., Popular,C.S.I. Miami, Friends, Frasier, Dawsons Creek andScrubs, The Simpsons and Sex and the City, as well as locally produced feature presentations, includingExpeditie Robinson, Temptation Island, Zo zijn we niet getrouwdBachelor and Chris & Co. Locally-producedLocally produced programming represented an average of approximately 2.5three hours per day of VT4's broadcast time during 2002.

26


2003.

        Leading advertisers that regularly advertise on VT4 include Procter & Gamble, Danone, Master Foods, Kellogg Company and Nestlé.

        VT4's Internet access service, vt4.net, was the first free access Internet service provider in Flemish Belgium. vt4.net currently has approximately 188,800 subscribers.

        There are currently five principal television stations serving Flanders. Public service broadcaster VRT operates two government non-commercial over-the-air channels, TV1 (which started in 1953) and CANVASCanvas (which started in 1977). VTM, a private commercial channel, was launched in 1989 with the approval of the Flemish government to provide a commercial alternative to the state-owned Flemish channels. In February 1995, VMM, VTM's operator, launched a second channel, Kanaal 2.Kanaaltwee. VTM and Kanaal 2Kanaaltwee have must-carry status on all cable networks in Flanders. Between 1989 and February 1995, when Kanaal 2Kanaaltwee and VT4 began broadcasting, VTM was the only commercial channel targeting the Flemish audience (although sponsorship and public interest commercials are permitted on the VRT stations).

        Set forth below is information regarding each of the major television broadcasters serving Flanders as of December 31, 2002.2003.


Flanders Television Market Television Station


 Flemish Television Market Television Stations

 VRT TV1
 VRT CANVAS
 VTM
 Kanaal 2
 VT4
  VRT TV1
 VRT CANVAS
 VTM
 Kanaaltwee
 VT4
Estimated coverage(1) 100%100%97%97%97% 100% 100% 98% 98% 98%
Ownership Government Government Private Private Private (SBS) Government Government Private Private Private (SBS)
Type of signal Over-the-air and Cable Over-the-air and Cable Cable Cable Cable  Over-the-air and Cable Over-the-air and Cable Cable Cable Cable
Commercial advertising No No Yes Yes Yes  No No Yes Yes Yes
Estimated average daily broadcast hours(1) 21 9 20 10 13  22 13 18 14 15

(1)
Source: Company estimates.

The Netherlands (SBS6,(SBS6, NET5 and V8)Veronica)

        In The Netherlands, we own a 70%63% interest in, and operate, SBS6 and NET5, national satellite-to-cable television stations. We andTogether with Fox Kids Europe Channels B.V. ("FoxKids"Fox Kids") each, we own a 50% interest in the TV10 license in the Netherlands. Under the licenseNetherlands, under which we operate V8,Veronica, a 70% owned63%-owned national satellite-to-cable television station. We provide programming and sell advertising for the hours from 6:00 pm00pm until 1:00 am00am and Fox Kids provides programming and sell advertising for the hours from 6:00 am00am until 6:00 pm.00pm. The hours between 1:00 am00am and 6:00 am00am are programmed and sold jointly. Our television operations in The Netherlands generated consolidated net revenues of €140.7 million, €160.4 million, and €193.6 million and €201.3 million, or 30%33%, 33%38% and 38%35% of our total consolidated net revenues in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2002,2003, respectively. In 2001, only V8's fourth quarter revenues are included in the consolidated revenues.



        We began operations in The Netherlands in August 1995 by establishing SBS6, a satellite-to-cable station. In May 1996, De Telegraaf N.V. ("De Telegraaf"), the largest newspaper in The Netherlands, acquired 30% of SBS6. In September 2003, Veronica Holding B.V. was issued a 10% equity interest in our Dutch subsidiary, SBS Broadcasting B.V., diluting our equity ownership to 63% and the De Telegraaf equity ownership to 27%. In March 1999, we launched NET5 and in May 2001, we launched V8, both satellite-to-cable stations. On September 20, 2003, V8 was rebranded and relaunched into Veronica. Our three stations reach approximately 96% of the television households in The Netherlands. As ofOn January 7, 2002, we acquired the remaining 51% interest in Cameo Support BV,B.V., the production company ofHart van Nederland andHet Nieuws.

        In 2002,2003, SBS6, NET5 and V8Veronica broadcast an average of 24, 1624 and 7 hours per day, respectively. V8 and Fox Kids jointly broadcast 24 hours per day. The programming is provided by existing agreements

27



with certain local production facilities and several of our international programming sources. Programs broadcast in 20022003 includedHart van Nederland,Weekend Miljonairs, Robinson Island, Temptation Island andAlly McBeal. Locally-producedLocally produced programming represented an average of approximately five hours per day of SBS6's, two hours per day of NET5's and 0.5 hours per day of V8'sVeronica's broadcast time in 2002.2003.

        Leading advertisers that regularly advertise on SBS6, NET5 and V8Veronica include Nestlé, Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Heineken, Mars, Rijksvoorlichtingsdienst and KPN.

        The Netherlands has three public commercial television channels, NED 1, 2NED1, NED2 and 3,NED3, which divide broadcast time primarily among eight public broadcasters. These channels are beneficiaries of an obligatory license fee payable by all television households and also sell advertising through a single government-operated sales organization. The non-government owned stations (including SBS6, NET5 and V8)Veronica) do not benefit from the obligatory license fee. Private commercial television was introduced in The Netherlands with the launch of RTL4 in 1989. RTL4 is a satellite-to-cable station broadcasting from Luxembourg. In October 1993, RTL launched a second private commercial satellite-to-cable television station, RTL5. In addition, RTL operates a satellite-to-cable station that changed itsunder the name in 2001Yorin from Veronica to Yorin.The Netherlands.

        Set forth below is information about each of the major television broadcasters in The Netherlands as of December 31,2002.31, 2003.


Netherlands Television Market Television Station


 Dutch Television Market Television Stations

 NED1
 NED2
 NED3
 RTL4
 RTL5
 Yorin
 SBS6
 NET5
 V8(1)
  NED1
 NED2
 NED3
 RTL4
 RTL5
 Yorin
 SBS6
 NET5
 Veronica/
Fox Kids(1)

Estimated coverage(2) 100%100%100%96%96%96%96%96%96% 100% 100% 100% 96% 96% 96% 96% 96% 96%
Ownership Government Government Government Private Private Private Private (SBS/De Telegraaf)Private (SBS/De Telegraaf)Private (SBS/De Telegraaf)   Government   Private Private Private Private Private Private
             SBS, De Telegraaf and Veronica Holding
Type of signal Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-
to-cable
 Satellite-
to-cable
 Satellite-
to-cable
  Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable
Commercial advertising Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Estimated average daily broadcast hours(2) 14 14 13 24 24 24 24 16 24  24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24

(1)
V8/Veronica/Fox Kids is a 24-hour station in which we control programming between 6:00 pm00pm and 1:00 am,00am, Fox Kids controls programming between 6:00 am00am and 6:00 pm00pm and we and Fox Kids jointly control programming between 1:00 am00am and 6:00 am.00am.

(2)
Source: Company estimates.

Hungary (TV2)(TV2)

        In Hungary, we have a 49% voting interest and an 84% economic interest in, and, together with our local partner MTM-TV2 Kft and with Tele-München, operate TV2, a national over-the-air



television station. Our television operations in Hungary generated net revenues of €62.3 million, €69.2 million, and €69.0 million and €78.6 million, or 13%, 14% and 14% of our total consolidated net revenues in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2002, respectively.2003.

        In 2002,2003, TV2 broadcast an average of 21.521 hours per day. TV2 broadcastbroadcasts American-produced programs broadcast in Hungarian, includeincluding, Melrose Place, Central Park West, Xena,Friends, JAG, Relic Hunter, FriendsSmallville, Sliders andEarly EditionKnight Rider Team. Locally-producedLocally produced programming, including news, talk shows, current affairs programming and a local versionversions of the reality show,shows such asBig Brother andThe Bachelor represented an average of approximately sixseven hours per day in 2002.2003.

        Leading international advertisers that regularly advertise on TV2 include Beiersdorf, Ferrero, Henkel, Kraft,Masterfoods, Nestlé-L'Oréal, Procter & Gamble, Reckitt- Benckiser,Reckitt-Benckiser, Unilever, Vodafone and Wrigley.

        Aside from TV2, Hungary has one other national private television broadcaster, RTL Klub. RTL Klub is also a general interest commercial channel broadcasting a range of locally produced entertainment programs, as well as foreign films and series. Hungary has three public commercial

28



television channels, MTV1, MTV2 and Duna TV. In addition, there are two terrestrial stations broadcasting on a local basis and a number of cable and satellite stations whose signals can be received within Hungary.

        TV2's capital requirements have been funded through equity contributions or interim loans by its shareholders and by bank loans as described in "Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources".

        Set forth below is information about each of the major television broadcasters in Hungary as of December 31, 2002.2003.


Hungary Television Market Television Station


 Hungarian Television Market Television Stations

 MTV1
 MTV2
 RTL-KLUB
 TV2
  MTV1
 MTV2
 RTL-KLUB
 TV2
Estimated coverage(1) 98%58%94%95% 98% 58% 94% 95%
Ownership Government Government Private Private (SBS) Government Government Private Private (SBS)
Type of Signal Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Over-the-air Over-the-air  Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Over-the-air Over-the-air
Commercial advertising Yes Yes Yes Yes  Yes Yes Yes Yes
Estimated average daily broadcast hours(1) 20.5 24 20.5 21.5  20 24 20 21

(1)
Source: AGB Hungary.

Romania (prima TV)(prima TV)

        On March 9, 2000, we exercised our option to acquire,acquired, for a nominal amount, 86% of the shares of Amerom Television Ltd. ("Amerom").Amerom. Amerom owns 100% of Amerom Television S.r.l., the owner and operator of prima TV in Romania.TV. On July 18, 2001, we completed the issuance, for $6 million, of new shares representing 53.5% of Romanian Broadcasting Corporation Limited ("RBC")RBC to Romanian Investment and Development S.r.l. ("RID"),RID, a company controlled by the General Manager of prima TV. At the time of RID's investment, RBC was a wholly-owned SBSour subsidiary that held an 86% interest in Amerom. We continue to own 46.5% of RBC. Substantially all of the $6 million investment in RBC has been used to fund the operations of prima TV for 2001 and 2002. RBC's interest in Amerom has subsequently been diluted to 82%80% following the issue of shares representing 4%6% of the capital of Amerom to certain managers of prima TV, including its General Manager. Such shares were issued in accordance with the terms of the original acquisition agreements. These managers areAccordingly, we currently entitled to be issued a further 2%own 37% of the capital of Amerom under that agreement.prima TV. All the other shareholders in Amerom have exercised an option, granted to them under the original acquisition agreement, to put their shareholding in Amerom onto RBC. The consideration for such shares is to be determined by an independent valuation of Amerom.Amerom, which is pending completion. Our television operations in Romania generated net revenues of €2.7 million, €8.3 million, and €10.4 million and €13.2 million for 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2002,2003, respectively.

        In 2002,2003, prima TV broadcast an average of 20 hours per day. Foreign-produced programs broadcast by prima TV are subtitled in Romanian, includingMash,Silk Stalkings, Relic Hunter, 18 Wheels of Fortune, Amigas & RivalesMutant X, Sliders, FBI Files. Locally-producedLocally produced programming, including News and Sports, local versions ofWho Wants to Be a Millionaire?Big Brother, Star Factory, andBig Class Reunion, Kids Say The Darndest ThingsSense of Murder, and original formats asBanc Show, Objectiv,The Bickering Chronicle,Police in



Action, andReporter Incognito represented an average of approximately 12 hours per day in 2002. Since September,2003. In 2003 prima TV produced and broadcast two football matches per week during the first Romanian drama series"Between Friends".Football League season.

        Leading advertisers that regularly advertise on prima TV include Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Romtelecom, Cosmorom, Mobifon, Mobilrom,Orange, Kraft Foods, Brow Union, URBB, Interbrew, Nestle, L'Oreal, Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Wrigley's. Prima TV's major competitors include two public commercial

29



television channels, TVR1 and TVR2, and a number of private broadcasters, including ProTV and Antena l.

        Set forth below is information about each of the major television broadcasters in Romania as of December 31, 2002.2003.


Romania Television Market Television Station


 Romanian Television Market Television Stations

 ProTV
 Antena 1
 TVR
 Tele7abc
 prima TV
  ProTV
 Antena 1
 TVR
 Tele7abc
 prima TV
Estimated coverage(1) 56%57%98%(2)40%53%(3) 56% 57% 98%(2) 40% 53%(3)
Ownership Private Private Government Private Private (SBS/Others) Private Private Government Private Private (SBS/Others)
Type of Signal Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air  Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air
Commercial advertising Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes  Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Estimated average daily broadcast hours(1) 24 24 19 24 20  24 24 19 24 20

(1)
Source: Company estimates.

(2)
Coverage figure is for TVR1 only. We estimate that TVR2 has 55% coverage.

(3)
In urban areas with populations of 50,000 or more, we estimate prima TV has approximately 83% coverage.

Poland (TVN and TVN7)

        On July 26, 2000, we acquired from International Trading and Investments Holdings S.A. ("ITI") a 33% interest, together with an option to acquire an additional 17% interest, in TVN, a national over-the-air television station. On December 23, 2002, we sold 2.6% of our interest back to ITI. ITI and its affiliates continue to own the remaining 69.6% of TVN with an option to acquire all of our remaining 30.4% equity interest in TVN. In 2002, TVN reported revenues of PLN 555.8 million (€144.1 million).

        On March 1, 2002, TVN successfully launched a new channel, TVNSiedem ("TVN7"). TVN7 is distributed via satellite and cable and targets viewers aged 16 to 49. TVN7 allows TVN to maximize use of its programming library and generate incremental advertising revenues, whilst benefiting from TVN's existing infrastructure.

        In 2002, TVN broadcast 24 hours per day. American-produced programs broadcast by TVN are subtitled, voiced over or dubbed in Polish, including a number of Warner Brothers programs,The Sopranos, Beverly Hills 90210 andWest Wing. Locally-produced programming includes a local version ofBig Brother, Dog Eat Dog andLove Bugs. TVN has rights of first refusal in Poland for all formats of Endemol, a Dutch-based production company.

        Leading advertisers that regularly advertise on TVN include Unilever, Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Danone, Colgate Palmolive, Coca Cola, SC Johnson and Nestle.

        Poland has two public commercial television channels, TVP1 and TVP2, and a number of private channels, the largest of which are Polsat and TVN. In addition, Poland has approximately 13 regional terrestrial stations broadcasting on a local basis and over 20 Polish language cable and satellite channels, including pay television and digital platforms. Set forth below is information about each of the major television broadcasters in Poland as of December 31, 2002.

30




Poland Television Market Television StationREVIEW OF LOCALIZATION AND PRINT OPERATIONS

 
 TVP1
 TVP2
 Polsat
 TVN/TVN7
 
Estimated coverage(1) 100%100%98%85%/35%(2)
Ownership Government Government Private Private (SBS/ITI)
Type of Signal Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air Over-the-air 
Commercial advertising Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Estimated average daily broadcast hours(1) 20 19 24 24 

(1)
Source: AGB

(2)
AGB measures household penetration by the ability of a household to detect a television signal, regardless of quality. On this basis, AGB estimates TVN's household penetration at 84%. In contrast, TVN measures its own household penetration based on the ability of a household to receive a quality signal. On this basis, TVN calculates its household penetration to be 70%.

Austria (ATV)

        On November 5, 2001, we completed the acquisition of a 20% shareholding in ATV Privat-TV Services AG ("ATV"), an Austrian satellite-to-cable television station, for total consideration of ATS 47,190,000 ($3.4 million) of cash and 108,082 of our Common Shares. For more information, see "Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources".

        In 2002, ATV broadcast an average of 24 hours per day and locally-produced programming, including productions like News, Society, and Tabloid magazine, represented an average of approximately 1,5 hours per day. American-produced programs dubbed in German included films likeRobinson Crusoe, A river runs through it andPlunkett & McLeane and series likeStargate, Andromeda andXena.

        Leading advertisers that regularly advertise on ATV include agencies (Pan Media, Omnimedia), Teleshopping (QVC), BAWAG/PSK-group, Telekom Austria, Sony.

        The main provider of television programs is the state-run ORF (ORF1, ORF2). We believe that the ORF is ATV's main competitor. ATV's additional competition comes primarily from the German channels, as set forth in the table below.

        On February 1, 2002, ATV was awarded a 10-year broadcast license from the KommAustria (The Austrian Communication Authority) to broadcast terrestrially in Austria. This license will allow ATV to terrestrially reach approximately 75% of the Austrian households. It is anticipated that this coverage will be reached during Summer 2003.

        Set forth below is information about each of the major television broadcasters in Austria as of December 31, 2002.

31




Austria Television Market Television Station

 
 ORF 1
 ORF 2
 Programs(2)
 ATV
 
Estimated coverage(1) 97%97%30%30%
Ownership Government Government Private Private (SBS, Concorde Media, Tele München, Ingebe (BAWAG), UPC, Generali, Erste Bank) 
Type of signal Over-the-air Over-the-air Satellite-to-cable Satellite-to-cable 
Commercial advertising Yes Yes Yes Yes 
Estimated average daily broadcast hours(1) 24 24 24 24 

(1)
Source: Focus.

(2)
German stations RTL, RTL II, Super RTL, SAT1, ProSieben and Kabe11 broadcasting their signal into Austria with advertising breaks targeted at the Austrian market.

Localization (BTI)(BTI)

        In 1999, we acquired 51% of BTI in exchange for contributing subtitling agreements for a majority of our television stations, and in 2000, we acquired the remaining 49% of BTI from Telenor Plus A/S ("Telenor"). BTI generated external net revenues of €4.0 million, €5.9 million, and €6.3 million equal to 1% of our total consolidated net revenuesand €5.0 million for 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2002,2003, respectively. The BTI group consists of local subtitling companies located in the following European capitals: London, Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Amsterdam, Brussels and Brussels.Budapest. During 2003, the BTI group established a company located in Los Angeles in the United States in order to meet the growing demand for DVD subtitling. The local offices all have local management, although sales, marketing and technical support are coordinated through our London office. BTI has approximately 35% of the international broadcast subtitling market in Europe and a substantial share of the local markets in the subtitling regions of Europe, and supplies a full range of localization services, such as subtitling for television, cinema and DVD, translation of documents, computer games, and multimedia presentations, as well as localization of web pages. Each year BTI subtitles more than 50,000 hours of television programs, feature movies and documentaries.

        The bulk of BTI's sales are in the multilingual market and services different European and Middle Eastern regions. Todaymarket. Currently, BTI supplies first class translation subtitling to and from most European languages, either through our own offices or through a well-established network of companies and freelancers. This is aWe expect this market we expect to grow in the coming years. Another key market for the future is the DVD subtitling market, which has revolutionized the home-entertainment industry.market.

        In 2002,2003, approximately 40%50% of BTI's volume came from our own channels and 60%50% from other clients, such as National Geographic, BBC Worldwide Services, Canal Plus, United Pan-Europe Communications N.V. ("UPC") and local Scandinavian channels such as Metropol (in Norway)National Geographic.

Print (Veronica Magazine)

        On September 1, 2003, SBS's Dutch subsidiary, SBS Broadcasting B.V., acquired the company that owns and TV4 (in Sweden)publishes the weekly television and radio guideVeronica Magazine. As a result of this



transaction, Veronica Holding B.V. was issued a 10% equity interest in SBS Broadcasting B.V., subject to a final purchase price adjustment.

32        From September 1, 2003, until December 31, 2003,Veronica Magazine generated revenue of approximately €21 million and had operating income of approximately €2.5 million. During 2003, 60% ofVeronica Magazine's total revenues were from subscription sales, 30% from advertising sales and 8% from sales of individual copies.


Veronica Magazine is the largest weekly publication in The Netherlands, with an average circulation of approximately 1.1 million in 2003, of which over 900,000 are subscribers and most of which are long-term subscribers. The second largest weekly television and radio guide in The Netherlands is theAVRObode/Televizier, which is published by Dutch public broadcaster AVRO, with an average circulation in 2003 of approximately 723,000, followed by Dutch public broadcasters' guidesVARA TV Magazine,Mikrogids andTroskompas, each with an average circulation of less than 500,000 in 2003. (Source: HOI, Instituut voor Media Auditing, The Netherlands.)

Veronica Magazine publishes detailed weekly television and radio listings and related features on specific programs or their stars. In addition,Veronica Magazine also includes articles on a number of other topics of general interest to its readers, including celebrity news, features and interviews, sports, fashion, travel, health and beauty, new products and games, movie reviews and related features and interviews. As a result of this diverse content, we believe thatVeronica Magazine appeals to a larger and broader audience than most of the other Dutch listings guides which are more narrowly focused.

        Currently, all of the leading weekly Dutch television and radio magazine guides are published by, or in connection with, Dutch television broadcasters. Publishers of Dutch newspapers and magazines may include weekly listings data in their publications or launch television and radio guides if the program data, which is proprietary, becomes widely available to publishers, which is not currently the case. Increased competition from other publishers of weekly television and radio programme information for subscribers and advertising revenues could have an adverse impact on the financial results of our print operations.


Review of Radio operationsREVIEW OF OUR RADIO OPERATIONS

        In Denmark, we own 100% of Nordisk RadioreklameSBS Radio A/S through which we operate Kiss FM, The Voice and Radio 2, which are semi-national networks comprising five and six stations, respectively, reaching approximately 60% of the population. SBS Radio A/S also operates Pop FM in Copenhagen, The Voice and Pop FMNyhedsradioen 24/7, which is a news station operating on cable.

        In Sweden, we own 51% of SBS Radio AB, through which we operate Mix Megapol, a national network of 16 stations reaching approximately 80% of the population. SBS Radio AB also operates Radio City in Odense, POP FM Aarhus (95% owned)Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmoe; Vinyl in Stockholm, Landskrona and Malmoe; Lugna Melodier in Helsingborg and Malmoe; and 106.7 Rockklassiker and E-FM 107.5 in Stockholm.

        In Norway, we own 100% of Radio 1 AS, through which we operate Radio 1 in Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen and Trondheim; and The Voice in Aarhus (95% owned). In Sweden, we ownOslo and operate Radio City in Stockholm, Radio City in Malmoe, Radio City in Gothenbourg, Radio 106.7 RockKlassiker and Radio Easy FM in Stockholm. Together with a local newspaper we operate Radio City in Österssund (50% owned).Bergen.

        In Finland, we own andSBS Finland Oy, through which we operate Radio Sata in Turku, Radio Mega in Oulu, Radio 957 in Tampere, Radio Jyväskylä in Jyväskylä, Radio City in Helsinki (90% owned) and Kiss FM a semi nationaland Radio City, which are semi-national radio networknetworks covering 79% of the population in Finland.

        Set forth below is our percentage ownership information regarding In addition, we operate the Iskelmä/Schlager radio network in Finland:Finland, in which we hold the following percentages:

Station

SBS Ownership
Iskelmä in Turku 100%
Iskelmä in Lohja41%
Iskelmä in Pirkanmaa 28%
IkslemäIsklemä in Jyväskylä 28%
Iskelmä in Kotka, Kouvola and Lappeenranta 28%
Iskelmä in Lohja40.6%

        In Greece, we own 70% of and operate a 70% interest in LAMPSI FM ("Lampsi"), a radio station located in Athens. Lampsi currently operates under a four-year broadcasting license granted on March 14, 2002 pursuant to a license tender process,process. See also "Item 4—Information on March 14, 2002. See "—Regulation—Greece" and "Item 8—Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—Greece"the Company—Regulation".

33


        Set forth below is information for 20022003 regarding our radio stations and their markets.

Station

 Market
 Station Format
 Target Demographics
 Audience Reach(1)
 Total Number of Commercial Stations in Market
Denmark          
The Voice(2)(3) Copenhagen Contemporary Hit Radio Age 18-34 43% 8
The Voice(2)(3) Odense Contemporary Hit Radio Age 18-34 41% 6
The Voice(2)(3) Aarhus Contemporary Hit Radio Age 18-34 40% 7
Pop FM(3) Copenhagen Adult Contemporary Age 25-44 23% 8
Pop FM(3) Odense Adult Contemporary Age 25-44 21% 6
Pop FM(3) Århus Adult Contemporary Age 25-44 10% 7
Kiss FM(3) Copenhagen Dance Hit Radio Age 15-24 9% 8

Sweden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Radio City Stockholm Adult Contemporary Age 20-39 33% 10
106.7 Rockklassiker Stockholm Classic Rock Age 25-49 27% 10
Easy FM Stockholm Adult Contemporary Age 20-49 19% 10
Radio City Gothenbourg Adult Contemporary Age 20-39 55% 5
Radio City Malmoe Adult Contemporary Age 20-39 38% 4
Radio City Österssund Adult Contemporary Age 20-39 40% 2

Finland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
KISS FM(4) Finland Contemporary Hit Radio Age 15-34 47% Semi-national
Radio City Helsinki Classic Rock Age 25-44 20% 12
Radio Sata Turku Adult Contemporary Age 25-54 32% 12
Iskelmäradio Turku/Tampere/Jyväskylä/South East/South West Finnish Hits Age 30-54 31% Semi-national
Radio 957 Tampere Adult Contemporary Age 25-54 30% 10
Radio Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Adult Contemporary Age 25-44 26% 11
Radio Mega Oulu Adult Contemporary Age 25-54 41% 9

Greece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Lampsi Athens Contemporary Hit Radio Age 13-34 28% 35

34

Station

 Market
 Station Format
 Target
Demographics

 Audience
Reach(1)

 Total Number of Commercial Stations/Networks in Market

Denmark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The Voice Semi-national network Contemporary Hit Radio Age 15-30 43%5
Radio 2 Semi-national network Soft Adult Contemporary Age 25-39 34%5
Pop FM Copenhagen Adult Contemporary Age 25-39 22%7
Nyhedsradioen 24/7 Cable News Age 25+ 1%5

Sweden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Mix Megapol National network Variety Adult Contemporary Age 25-44 31%3
Radio City Stockholm Contemporary Hit Radio Age 15-24 36%10
106.7 Rockklassiker Stockholm Classic Rock Age 25-44 36%10
E-FM107.5 Stockholm 1980's gold Age 20-34 17%10
Vinyl Stockholm, Malmoe and Landskrona 1960's oldies Age 50-64 36%3
Radio City Gothenburg Adult Contemporary Age 20-34 52%5
Radio City Malmoe Adult Contemporary Age 20-34 38%8
Lugna Melodier Malmoe and Helsingborg Soft Adult Contemporary Age 20-49 17%11

Norway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Radio 1 Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim Contemporary Hit Radio Age 18-34 49%4
The Voice Oslo and Bergen Contemporary Hit Radio Age 13-25 6%15

Finland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
KISS FM Semi-national network Contemporary Hit Radio Age 15-34 38%6
Radio City Semi-national network Classic Rock Age 20-39 19%6
Iskelmäradio Semi-national network Schlager Age 35-54 24%6
Radio Sata Turku Adult Contemporary Age 25-44 18%12
Radio 957 Tampere Adult Contemporary Age 25-44 35%9
Radio Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Adult Contemporary Age 25-44 28%9
Radio Mega Oulu Adult Contemporary Age 25-54 31%9

Greece

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Lampsi Athens Contemporary Hit Radio Age 13-34 32%40

(1)
Sources: With respect to audience reach: inIn Sweden, Radioundersoekningar AB; in Finland, Kansallinen Radionkuuntelutukimus; in Denmark, Gallup; in Norway, Radioundersøkelsen, TNS Gallup and in Greece, Bari Report. Audience reach is the percentage of the audience in the target demographic that has listened to the station at least once over a one-week period.

(2)
The Voice is a group of owned and affiliated radio stations located throughout Denmark. The audience reach figure for The Voice represents a national reach.

(3)
The Voice, Pop FM and Kiss FM broadcast in multiple markets.

(4)
KISS FM is licensed to broadcast into all major cities and regions across Finland.


SeasonalitySEASONALITY

        Television advertisingAdvertising sales in our markets tend to be lowest during the third quarter of each calendar year, which includes the summer holiday schedule (typically July and August), and highest during the fourth quarter. Television advertisingAdvertising sales are generally slightly higher in the second half of each year.




Competition, Property and RegulationCOMPETITION

Competition

        Our television and radio stations compete for audience, programming and advertising revenues with other television and radio stations in their respective markets. For advertising revenues, they also compete with other forms of advertising media, such as newspapers, magazines, outdoor advertising, teleshopping services, telephone directory advertising, on-line advertising, and direct mail. Some competitors are government-supported operations or are part of larger corporations with substantially greater financial resources than ourselves.

        In each of our principal television markets, we primarily compete with three basic types of television stations: publicly-owned, non-commercial and commercial television stations and privately-owned, commercial television stations, including also pay or subscription television stations. All of such types are distributed via various means, over-the-air, satellite-to-cable and direct-to-home. While we compete for viewers and programming with non-commercial, publicly-owned television stations in each of our markets, we do not compete with those stations for national advertising revenues. Some competitors are government supported operations or are part of larger corporations with substantially greater financial resources than ourselves.

        A number of foreign satellite channels are carried on cable systems in the markets in which we operate. While these channels generate some audience ratings, they do not generally broadcast advertising directed at specific local markets and, therefore, do not compete directly with us for local advertising revenues. These channels include, among others, MTV Europe, CNBC, Eurosport, TV5 Europe, Discovery, BBC World and CNN International.

        Our Dutch print operations compete for subscribers and advertising revenues with other print and electronic media, and, in particular, with publishers of other weekly television and radio program guides and electronic program guides.

Property
PROPERTY

        We own or lease, through our subsidiaries, properties in each market in which we operate, from which we conduct our sales, production, broadcasting and administrative activities. We also lease transmitters, transmitting towers and transponders for our broadcast operations. We believe that our facilities are adequate for our current operations. Our current commitments under operating leases for 2003 are approximately €112€93.7 million. See note 17 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

Regulation
REGULATION

        Set forth below is a general summary of broadcasting and Internet-related regulations promulgated by the European Union and countries in which we operate.

35



Broadcasting Regulations

        Within the European Union, broadcasters are required to obtain a broadcasting license in the member state in which they are established. Under EU law, broadcasters validly licensed in one member state may freely broadcast to or retransmit their programming in other member states.

        Although there are some differences in the broadcasting and advertising laws across the countries in which we operate, some legislative provisions, particularly those relating to broadcast advertising, are similar. In each country in which we operate, advertising is generally required to conform to good marketing practice and unfair competition laws and is prohibited from misleading the audience, using subliminal techniques or promoting illegal goods and services. Similarly, it is generally prohibited in every country in which we operate forfrom broadcasting programming or advertising targeted towards children to endangerwhich endangers children's moral, psychological or physical development, especially through the inclusion of pornographic, exploitative or gratuitously violent content. Furthermore, in most countries in which our broadcasts are carried, we are required to observe advertising restrictions concerning tobacco, alcohol and prescription drug products.



European Union

        SevenEight of the countries into which our programs are broadcast or from which we broadcast are EU member states: the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Greece, Finland, and The Netherlands and Hungary and we operate under broadcasting licenses issued by the authorities of each of these member states. Our operations within these countries fall within the ambit of EC broadcasting and advertising laws. The Television Without Frontiers Directive (Council Directive 89/552/EEC of 3 October 1989, OJL 298 of 17 October 1989, p.23, as amended by Directive 97/84/EC of 30 June 1997, OJL 202 of 30 July 1997, p.60) (the "Television Directive") establishes basic principles for the regulation of broadcasting activity in the European Union. In essence, it requires member states to ensure that broadcasts emanating from itstheir territory comply with the national broadcasting rules in thatthose member state,states, and it requires that each member state demand certain minimum standards of all broadcasting services regulated by the authorities of such state. Member states are free to impose more detailed or stricter rules in the areas covered by the directive on television broadcasters within their jurisdiction.

        Likewise, any states wishing to join the EU must incorporate a large portion of EU law, including the Television Directive. Hungary, Poland and Romania are all in the process of completing this process, but only Hungary has implemented the Television Directive into national law. Poland has partially aligned its legislation with the Television Directive and Romania (which is expected to join the EU later than Hungary and Poland) has yet to implement it.

        The Agreement on the European Economic Area ("EEA Agreement") has been ratified by all the members of European Free Trade Association ("EFTA") and EU member states (except Switzerland, which has decided not to participate in the EEA) and became effective on January 1, 1994. The EEA Agreement requires parties to incorporate a large portion of existing EU law (the "acquis communautaire") as of January 1, 1994, the date on which the EEA Agreement became effective, and any subsequent EU laws, which are within the scope of the Agreement. As a result, the relevant EU rules on broadcasting-related matters apply to such member states (e.g., Norway).

        The Television Directive mandates that all EU member state broadcasters shall be regulated by the authorities of the member state in which the broadcaster is established and that certain minimum broadcasting regulations should be applied by each member state to all broadcasters within its jurisdiction. All member states are required to permit the reception or retransmission in their territories of a broadcaster's programs broadcast from another member state, provided that the broadcaster is licensed under the broadcasting laws of another member state.

36        Likewise, any states wishing to join the EU must incorporate a large portion of EU law, including the Television Directive. Hungary joined the EU on May 1, 2004, and has implemented the Television Directive into national law. Romania (which is expected to join the EU in 2007) has also adopted a legislative framework to align its legislation with the Television Directive.



        The Agreement on the European Economic Area ("EEA Agreement") has been ratified by all the members of European Free Trade Association ("EFTA") and EU member states and became effective on January 1, 1994. The EEA Agreement requires parties to incorporate a large portion of existing EU law (theacquis communautaire) as of January 1, 1994, the date on which the EEA Agreement became effective, and any subsequent EU laws, which are within the scope of the EEA Agreement. As a result, the relevant EU rules on broadcasting-related matters apply to EFTA member states that are not EU member states, such as Norway.

        The Television Directive sets minimum standards regarding program content, European and independent production quotas for programming and the content, quantity and scheduling of television advertising. Broadcasts within the European Union may not seriously damage the physical, mental or moral development of children, especially as a result of pornographic or gratuitously violent content, and broadcasts likely to inflict such damage may only be aired at a time or using technical measures designed to ensure that minors cannot watch the programs. In addition, broadcasts may not contain any incitement to hatred on the grounds of race, nationality, religion or gender.

        Member states must, where practicable and by appropriate means, use their best efforts to reserve a majority of broadcasting time (not including news, sports events, games, advertising, teletext and teleshopping programming) for European programming. Furthermore, at least 10% of broadcasting time or, at each member state's discretion, 10% of a broadcaster's programming budget, must be devoted to independently produced European programming, an adequate proportion of which must have been produced within the last five years.

        In addition, member states may designate certain major events that cannot be broadcast exclusively by a single television station if the effect is to deprive a large proportion of the public of any member state from seeing a specific event on a live or deferred basis.

The Television Directive sets out detailed regulations concerning television advertising and television advertising targeting children. In general, television advertisements and teleshopping may not be misleading and must be readily distinguishable from ordinary programming. Television advertisements and teleshopping must respect human dignity and religious or political beliefs and may



not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender, religion or nationality, or encourage behavior prejudicial to public health and safety or the environment. The advertising of tobacco products and prescription medicines is prohibited and advertisements for alcoholic beverages are subject to additional regulations. Television advertising targeting children may not exploit their credulity or inexperience. Advertisements or teleshopping may only interrupt programs longer than 45 minutes once in every complete 45-minute period, or, for programs shorter than 45 minutes, must be separated by at least 20-minute intervals. Children's programs less than 30 minutes long may not be interrupted by advertisements or teleshopping. Advertising may not exceed 15% of daily broadcasting time, and a maximum of 20% of any one-hour period of broadcasting time may be devoted to advertising and teleshopping.

        The Rental and Lending RightsEuropean Commission has recently completed a review of the Television Directive. Any formal proposals to amend the Television Directive (No. 92/100/EEC of November 19, 1992) provides writers, composers, directors, performers, producers (and possibly set designers, cinematographers, choreographers, film editors and visual artists) whose work is embodiedare expected to be presented in films or other television programming indefinitely continuing equity claims for payments in compensation for rental and lending of their works. Although there is significant national variation in the implementation of this directive, this directive may result in higher costs for us and our competitors' European programming.late 2004.

        The EC Directive on Satellite Broadcasting and Cable Retransmission (No. 93/83/EEC of September 27, 1993) (the "Satellite and Cable Directive") requires member states to permit a satellite broadcaster to obtain the necessary copyright licenses for its programs in just one country (generally, the country in which the satellite broadcaster is established), rather than obtaining copyright licenses in each country in which the broadcast is received.

        The Term of Copyright Directive (93/98 of October 29, 1993) requires greater conformity in the term of copyright protection for copyrighted works, including films. This will result in a longer period of copyright protection for films and other television programs.

37


        The Distance Selling Directive (1997/7/EC) was adopted by the European Union in 1997 and has been implemented in a majority of European Union member states, including the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. Essentially, it concerns the protection and legal rights of consumers in respect of distant contracts, e.g. it applies to transactions where the buyer and seller never meet, and covers teleshopping and the Internet.

        The Copyright in the Information Society Directive (2001/29/EC) was due to be implemented by December 22, 2002. It has now been implemented in seven of the member states, including the United Kingdom, Denmark and Greece. The directive aims to harmonize copyright law as it applies to the Internet and digital technology. The directive requires member states to provide three key rights for rights holders, including the rights of "making available to the public", essentially a new right in many jurisdictions introduced to deal with the protection of copyright material used in on-line, interactive and on-demand services, as well as more traditional broadcasting.

Council of Europe

        The Transfrontier Convention (the "Convention") established by the Council of Europe contains provisions that are substantially similar to the Television Directive with two significant effects:

    It allows EU member states to designate certain major events as events that cannot be broadcast exclusively by a single television station if the effect is to deprive a large proportion of the public of any member state from seeing a specified event on a live or deferred basis;

    It provides that if a broadcaster wholly or principally directs transmissions at a member state, other than the one in which it is established for the purpose of evading the laws of the member state at which the broadcasts are directed, that broadcaster can become subject to the laws of the country of reception.

    National Regulations

    National RegulationNorway

    Norway

            The Norwegian Broadcasting Act of December 4, 1992 (the "Norwegian Act") empowers the Norwegian Ministry of Cultural and Church Affairs (the "Ministry") to grant franchiseslicenses for private television broadcasting. The Ministry has granted TVNorge a provisional franchiselicense to operate a satellite television station in Norway. Although the franchiseThe license currently has no specific expiration date or conditions attached to it. The Ministry issued at the end of 2003 a Green Paper in which it we anticipateis proposed to replace licenses for operating satellite broadcasting television with a registration requirement at the Norwegian Mass Media Authority. It is anticipated that the Ministryproposed change will impose a limit on the duration of the franchise in the future. We believe we are currently in compliance in substantially all material respects with the conditions imposed by the relevant broadcasting regulations.

    come into force during 2004. The Norwegian Act is substantially similar to the EU regulations with respect to television advertising and programming.

            In Norway, we and our affiliates have necessary licenses for local radio broadcasting, which expire on December 31, 2006. Local radio broadcasting in Norway is governed by the Norwegian Act and the broadcasting regulations. According to the broadcasting regulations, no entity may have a holding in more than one license for local radio broadcasting in one and the same license area. Furthermore, no entity may control more than one-third of the total national local radio broadcasting market, which is measured through the potential number of listeners, being equivalent to the number of inhabitants of the relevant area. The Ministry has recently issued a Green Paper in which it is proposed to repeal these restrictions. Radio advertising is restricted to 15% of daily broadcasting time and to 12 minutes per hour.

    Sweden

            In Sweden, we and our affiliates have the necessary licenses for local radio broadcasting, which expire on December 31, 2008. We believe we are currently in compliance in all material respects with the conditions imposed by the2008, except for three licenses, and the relevant broadcasting regulations.which expire on December 31, 2004.

            RadioLocal radio broadcasting in Sweden is governed by the Radio and Television Act (1996) and monitored by the LocalSwedish Radio and Television Authority. In addition, the Electronic Communications Act (1993), as amended. Atprovides for provisions regarding the license to use radio transmitters in connection with local radio broadcasting. Activities under the Electronic Communications Act are monitored by the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency.

            Pursuant to the Radio and Television Act at least one-thirdthree hours of the radio broadcast time in each 24 hour broadcast periodbetween 6:00am and 9:00pm must contain programs produced specifically for the radio channel. Commercials may beFollowing provisional regulations that were introduced when the Radio and Television Act was amended in 2001, certain provisions of the abrogated Local Radio Act shall continue to apply until December 31, 2008 to those of our licenses that expire in 2008, including the requirement that at least one-third of the broadcasts during each 24-hour period must consist of material specifically produced for the channel. For licenses granted after July 1, 2001, including those of our licenses expiring in 2004, the license conditions contain other, individual requirements on broadcast for upcontent. Advertising is restricted to eight minutes eachper hour.

            Swedish broadcasting legislation applies to broadcasters established either in Sweden or in a foreign country that is not a party to the EEA Agreement. Our wholly owned subsidiary, Kanal 5 Limited, is a United Kingdom company and is the holder of a satellite television services license in the United Kingdom. Accordingly, Kanal 5 is not subject to regulation in Sweden. See "—United Kingdom" below.below and see also "Item 8—Financial Information—Legal Proceedings" for further information on a claim alleging that Kanal 5 ought to be licensed in Sweden and not in the United Kingdom. Our wholly ownedwholly-owned Swedish subsidiary, Kanal 5 AB, has been granted permission to operate a terrestrial digital television service in Sweden.

            Swedish law provides that the violation of any statutory provision (for example, the provision in the 1996 Act on the prohibition of advertising aimed at children under the age of 12) is regarded as an unfair marketing practice, which contravenes the Marketing Act. In 1997, the European Court of Justice (the "ECJ") ruled that the Marketing Act does not apply to the broadcasts by TV3 in which

    38




    advertising is aimed at children under the age of 12. Like Kanal 5, TV3 is a satellite services operator licensed in the United Kingdom. The ECJ concluded that TV3 was under the jurisdiction of United Kingdom broadcasting legislation, which permitted advertising aimed at children, and the Marketing Act did not apply to TV3. We believe that, as a United Kingdom licensed broadcaster, Kanal 5 is also exempt from the provisions of the Marketing Act.

    Denmark

            In Denmark, we and our affiliates have the necessary operating agreements with the license holders for our TvDanmark 2 television station and our radio operations, which expire on various dates (except for TvDanmark's its television satellite license, which is of indefinite duration). The main television license, which is for the Copenhagen area, expires in MarchSeptember 2008. We believe we are currently in compliance in all material respects with the conditions imposed on us by the operating agreements with the license holders and the relevant broadcasting regulations. Because TvDanmark 1Kanal 5 (Denmark) is a satellite channel established in the United Kingdom, TvDanmark 1Kanal 5 is not subject to regulation in Denmark.

            Amendments to theThe Danish Radio and Television Activities Act which became effective January 1, 1997, provideprovides for, among other things, the networking of local television stations. Pursuant to this legislation, the local television committee in Copenhagen granted a network license to a new company, Kanal 60 A/S, to permit 24-hour transmission until September 30, 2008 in Copenhagen. Our subsidiaries, Kanal 2 Primetime A/S and TvDanmark A/S (which do not have broadcasting licenses themselves) have entered into contracts with Kanal 60 A/S and 9nine local channels that have enabled the networked transmission of the TvDanmark 2 channel since April 7, 1997.

            In Denmark, radio broadcasting licenses are issued by municipal radio and television committees to local associations in accordance with the Danish Radio and Television Act. In addition to the broadcasting licenses, the use of radio frequencies in Denmark must be authorized by virtue of a license granted by the Danish National IT and Telecom Agency. The Radio and Television Broadcasting Act requires local radio associations to carry on their programming services independently but allows them to enter into production agreements with providers of radio programs. By entering into such production agreements with the holders of licenses, our Danish subsidiaries SBS Radio A/S, Radio2 A/S and Nyhedsradioen 24-7 A/S (which do not have such licenses themselves) have obtained the right to broadcast radio programs in several parts of Denmark. Under the Radio and Television Broadcasting Act, radio advertising is restricted to 15% of daily broadcasting time and to 12 minutes per hour.

    Finland

            In Finland, we and our affiliates holdhave the necessary licenses for radio broadcasting, in Finland. These licenses are valid untilwhich expire on December 31, 2006. We believe we are currently in compliance in all material respects with the conditions imposed by the licenses and the relevant broadcasting regulations.

            The Finnish Television and Radio Broadcasting Act restricts1998 regulates the public broadcast of radio programming. The licensing authority is the Council of State and the implementation of the act is supervised by the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The effective implementation of the legislation is vested in Finland's Communications Regulatory Authority and as applicable the Consumer Ombudsman. Radio advertising is restricted to 10% of daily broadcasting time and to 24 minutes during any two-hour back-to-back broadcast period.

    Belgium

            Until February 28, 2002, VT4 was established inIn Belgium, we and our affiliates have the United Kingdom and was thus subject to United Kingdom, not Belgian, regulations. See "Item 8—Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—Belgium". On March 1, 2002, VT4 transferred the assets and liabilities of its Belgium operations to SBS5 N.V., a Belgium company which was renamed as SBS Belgium N.V.necessary licenses for television broadcasting for VT4. VT4 is now broadcast out of Flanders, using a license granted by the Flemish Media Commission("Vlaams Commissariaat voor de Media")Media) on January 29, 2001. Licenses are granted for a period of nine years. VT4 is subject to the Flemish Media Act and related regulations as of March 1, 2002. The Flemish Media Act regulates the licensing of public and commercial television broadcasting. Licenses are granted for a period of nine years.

    United Kingdom

            In the United Kingdom, we and our affiliates have the necessary licenses for the television broadcasting operations of Kanal 5 (Sweden) and TvDanmark 1, each of which is licensed in the United Kingdom as a satellite broadcaster. The licenses of Kanal 5 and TvDanmark 1 expire in July 2006, and October 2009, respectively. We believe we are currently in compliance in all material respects with the conditions imposed by the licenses and the relevant broadcasting regulations.(Denmark).

            Kanal 5 (Sweden) and TvDanmark 1Kanal 5 (Denmark) are licensed in the United Kingdom by the Office of Communications ("OFCOM"), the regulatory authority which replaced the Independent Television



    Commission ("ITC") asat the end of 2003. Previously, Kanal 5 (Sweden) and Kanal 5 (Denmark) held satellite television services ("STS") operators.licenses issued by the ITC. These were converted to television licensable content services ("TLCS") issued by OFCOM under the new UK regulatory and licensing regime introduced by the Communications Act 2003. TLCS licenses are of indefinite duration unless surrendered or revoked. There are no foreign ownership restrictions applying to TLCS licenses. The STSTLCS licenses placecontain specific

    39



    conditions as to the operations of service providers includingproviders. OFCOM is intending to set out general standards and specific advertising and sponsorship standards in new codes. These will be under consultation in the obligationcourse of 2004. In the meantime, the TLCS licenses require licensees to abide by the ITC's Codes of Practices. The key Codes of Practice are: (1) the ITC Program Code; and (2) the ITC Code of Program Sponsorship; (3) the ITC Code of Advertising Standards; (4) the ITC Rules on the Amount of Advertising and Scheduling of Advertising; (5) the ITC Code on Sports and other Listed Events; and (6) the ITC Code on Electronic Program Guides.Sponsorship.

            The UK Broadcasting Act contains restrictions intendedOFCOM has recently been consulting on a proposal to preventcontract out a large part of the accumulation of interests in certain licensed broadcasting services and limits cross-media ownership. The UK Broadcasting Act also prohibits any persons from holding or having a qualifying interest (that is, more than 20%) in two or more specified licenses issued by the ITC where that person's share of national audience time exceeds 15%. These media ownership rules are due to undergo a number of changes when the new Communications Bill (as discussed below) comes into force. The duration of any STS license, including the Kanal 5 and TvDanmark 1 licenses, is ten years and such licenses may be renewed for one or more further periods of ten years. There are no foreign ownership restrictions applying to STS licenses.

            The regulation of broadcast advertising to an industry co-regulator as part of a self-regulatory system operating under the communications industries insupervision of the United Kingdom has undergone extensive review in recent years. As a result, a new regulatory regime is dueAdvertising Standards Association. A decision isexpected to be introduced, as set outtaken in the Communications Bill. The Bill is expected to receive royal assent in November 2003.

            The centerpieceautumn of the new regulatory regime is the creation of a single independent regulatory body for the communications and media industry, an Office of Communications ("OFCOM"), which will take the form of a corporate body operating at arms length from the government and be governed by a Chairman, a Chief Executive and other executive and non-executive members. OFCOM will replace various regulators currently regulating telecommunications, television, radio and the electronic communications sector including the Broadcasting Standards Commission, the ITC, OFTEL, the Radio Authority and the Radio Communications Agency. It will aim to reduce the regulatory burden upon communications operators by using general authorizations rather than individual licenses wherever possible.

            Under the Communications Bill, STS licenses will be abolished and replaced with television licensable content services licenses. The Bill envisages that licensees will need to comply with standards set by OFCOM and embodied in a code, which will contain similar principles to those currently set out in the ITC Codes. The Bill contains transitional provisions so that any person holding an abolished license will be regulated by OFCOM as if that person held a television licensable content service license and will need to comply with OFCOM's standards code.2004.

    The Netherlands

            In The Netherlands, we and our affiliates have the necessary licenses for television broadcasting for SBS6 and NET5, which expire in August 2005 and January 2004,March 2005, respectively. We furthermorealso have the necessary licenses for the Tele 6 and Via 5 teleshopping channels, which will expire in July 2006. We believeIn addition, we are currently in compliance in all material respects with the conditions imposed by the licenses and all relevant broadcasting regulations. We also own a 50% interest in TV10 Holdings LLC, which owns TV10 B.V. TV10 B.V. holds the television broadcasting license by which we broadcast V8,Veronica (formerly known as V8), which expires in May 2005. Through our wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary, V8 Broadcasting B.V. (formerly Lamalea Investments B.V.), we provide programming and sell advertising for the broadcast hours of V8. See "Item 4—Information on the Company—Television—The Netherlands".Veronica.

            The 1987 Dutch"Mediawet"Mediawet and the 1987"Mediabesluit"Mediabesluit regulate the licensing of public television and radio broadcasting, as well as commercial broadcasting, transmitted either over-the-air, by cable or by satellite. The licensing of the use of frequency space with respect to over-the-air broadcasting is regulated in the Telecommunications Act. Licenses for commercial broadcasting are granted by a body called theCommissariaat voor de Media. Licenses for both television and radio are validgranted for a period of five years.

    40



    Hungary

            In Hungary, we and our affiliates have the necessary license for television broadcasting, pursuant to a broadcasting agreement (the "Broadcasting Agreement") dated July 9, 1997, between TV2 and National Radio and Television Committee (the "ORTT"), an independent authority whose members are elected and supervised by the Hungarian Parliament, for television broadcasting, which expires in July 2007.

            The Radio and Television Broadcasting Act 1996 has beenwas amended in 2002 in order to harmonizefor the harmonization of Hungarian media lawlaws with EU laws and regulations (the "Hungarian Broadcasting Act").

    The Hungarian Broadcasting Act specifies that broadcasters must be natural persons, residents or legal entities registered in Hungary. The Hungarian Broadcasting Act furthermorealso establishes rules in relation to program content, which are similar to the requirements imposed by the EU.European Union. The Act, among othersother things, provides that national television channels, such as TV2, must broadcast at least one 20-minute news service during prime time (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.)30pm to 9:30pm). National and regional television channels must spend at least 6% of their annual total advertising revenue on new Hungarian productions.

            The Hungarian Broadcasting Act also contains certain cross-media ownership restrictions between print and electronic media. In the case of national television broadcasters like TV2, no single natural or legal person may hold—hold, whether directly or indirectly—indirectly, more than 49% of the voting shares in any such broadcaster. Any person having a decisive interest (more than 25%) in a national broadcaster may not hold a decisive interest in any other Hungarian broadcaster with the exception of thematic channels, and at channels. At



    least 26% of the voting shares in a national broadcaster must be held by Hungarian natural persons or legal entities registered in Hungary and that a majority of the board of directors of a national broadcaster must be Hungarian nationals resident in Hungary.

            Among other things, the Broadcasting Agreement sets out TV2's obligations with respect to program structure, including its public service programming obligations. Under the Broadcasting Agreement, TV2 is also required to submit semi-annual reports to the ORTT demonstrating TV2's performance of its obligations under the Broadcasting Agreement. The ORTT has attempted to imposeimposed fines orand other sanctions on TV2 from time to time for violation of the Hungarian Broadcasting Act and the Broadcasting Agreement, substantially all of which TV2 has appealed to the Hungarian courts. See "Item 8—Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—Hungary". The Broadcasting Agreement was amended as of January 1, 2004. The amended Broadcasting Agreement reduces certain of TV2's public service programming obligations. In certain cases it also sets lower fine levels than the original Broadcasting Agreement. The amended Broadcasting Agreement also regulates the protection of minors more rigorously and establishes increased penalties for breaches of the associated provisions of the Agreement.

    Romania

            In Romania, we and our affiliates have the necessary licenses for television broadcasting for prima TV. Its license for satellite television broadcasting expires in February 2007, and its license for terrestrial television broadcasting expires in September 2003.2012. Licenses are granted for nine-year periods and can be renewed for anotheradditional nine-year period. We believe prima TV is currently in compliance in all material respects with the conditions imposed by the license and the relevant broadcasting regulations.

    41


    periods.

            The Romanian Radio and Television Broadcasting Act 1992,Audio-visual Law, as amended, specifies that private broadcasters that are subject to the jurisdiction of Romania have to be organized as commercial companies. A person cannot be a direct or indirect majority investor in or shareholder of more than one broadcasting company, nor may a majority investor in or shareholder of one broadcasting company hold more than 20% of the share capital of any other broadcasting company. There are no foreign ownership restrictions. Any legal entity or individual that holds or becomes the holder of 10% or more of the socialshare capital or voting rights of a commercial company holding an audiovisual or broadcasting license or of a company that controls a company holding such a license is obligedobligated to notify the Council thereof, within one month from reaching such a quota.this threshold. The Romanian Broadcasting Act furthermoreAudio-visual Law also aims at preventing the creation of a dominant position in the formation of public opinion, which is considered to exist, at a national level, in caserespect of a broadcaster whose market share exceeds 30% of the total market of services at the national level and, at a local or regional level, in caserespect of a broadcaster whose market share exceeds 25% of the market of services at the local or regional level.

    The Romanian Broadcasting ActAudio-visual Law provides regulations similar to those imposed by the European Union.

    PolandGreece

            Broadcasting activities in Poland are regulated by the Radio and Television Broadcasting Act 1992 (the "Polish Broadcasting Act") and the Telecommunications Law 2000, under which it is necessary to obtain a license in order to broadcast television and radio channels and a permit to useIn Greece, broadcasting facilities.

            We broadcast in Poland through TVN, in which we currently hold an indirect 30.4% equity interest, see "Item 10—Additional Information—Material Contracts". TVN's broadcasting licenses for its channel TVN will expire on various dates between November 2004 and August 2008. TVN's license for TVN7 will expire in February 2012. TVN believes that it is currently in compliance in all material respects with the terms and conditions of all its licenses, with the exception of its license for broadcasting of TVN via satellite for which TVN has not obtained a regulatory consent relating to the investment of TVN's foreign shareholder, Strateurop International B.V. ("Strateurop"). The failure to obtain this consent may give rise to grounds for the revocation of TVN's satellite broadcasting license. However, because all of TVN's broadcasting activities are terrestrial and not by satellite, the importance of this particular license for TVN's broadcasting activities is not considered to be material. In addition, the requirement to obtain consent for Strateurop's investment is unclear, because Strateurop's investment predated the May 2000 law establishing the requirement. Accordingly, the risk of such revocation is considered to be insignificant. TVN7 is distributed primarily by direct-to-home and by satellite-to-cable.

            Under the Polish Broadcasting Act, foreign ownership in a broadcaster's share capital may not exceed 33% and the broadcaster's articles of association or statutes must contain a clause, which provides that Polish citizens resident in Poland constitute a majority of the members of the board of directors and the board of management of the company. A breach of the restrictions on foreign participation can lead to the revocation of a license. It is necessary to notify, and to obtain prior permission from the President of the Broadcasting Council for the acquisition by a foreign entity, or an affiliate of a foreign entity, of shares in a broadcaster's share capital. If such approval is not obtained, the acquisition may be nullified.

            The Polish Broadcasting Act provides regulations similar to those imposed by the European Union. Programming content restrictions provide that TV broadcasters are required to allocate at least 30% of their quarterly airtime to programs originally produced in the Polish language (this does not refer to news, sporting events, commercials or telesales). In the case of music programs, TV and radio

    42



    broadcasters are required to allocate at least 30% of monthly airtime to music and songs, which are either connected with the Polish culture or performed in Polish or by Polish artists.

            On January 1, 2001, a new Telecommunications Act came into force. This act applies to broadcasters' activities as it regulates, among other things, the use by broadcasters of broadcasting facilities (i.e. frequencies). The act aims to simplify the procedures and criteria involved in providing authorization for the use and provision of telecommunications services. The act further stipulates that transmission of radio and television signals requires the permission of the Chairman of the Telecommunication Office, and such permission is usually granted for a period of ten years.

    Greece

            Greek broadcasting law provides for the licensing and operational framework of both radio and television broadcasting. Broadcasting licenses are issued, renewed and revoked by the Greek Ministry of Press and Mass Media (the "Greek Ministry") with the consent of the National Radio & Television Commission (the "NRTC"). Licenses for the operation of radio stations are granted to public legal entities, Greek or other EU citizens, companies controlled by Greek or other EU citizens or companies registered pursuant tothat have been formed under the legislative frameworklegislation of aan EU member state havingand which maintain their main registered offices in the European Union.an EU state, provided that a constant and permanent nexus to that state can be evidenced. Greek rules limit the granting of such licenses to companies in which non-EU shareholders directlyshareholders' stake in the total equity of the company exceeds 25%. The shares of a broadcasting company must be registered. If registered shares of a broadcasting company are owned by a legal entity, then that entity's shares must be registered and must be owned by individuals. Companies limited by shares whose shares are traded on a local or indirectly hold lessforeign exchanges may own up to 25% of the equity of a radio licensed company. As described more fully below, we are involved in pending proceedings regarding the



    interpretation and legality of these provisions. An individual or entity may not be granted more than 25%one radio broadcasting license and may only participate in total and prohibit the same personone company that has such a license. Shareholders are prohibited from holding an interest,owning equity, whether directly or indirectly, in more than one radio station or in more than two of the three categories of mass media (radio, television and press). The same restrictions apply in relation to the management of such companies. Greek law also requires broadcasting companies to notify the authorities of any significant structural change, any share pledge agreement and any loan or facility agreement exceeding 15% of the total share capital of the company.

            Law 2863/2000 has been issued by the Greek Parliament with respect to the NRTC and other authorities regulating the radio-television services sector. Pursuant to this law, the NRTC has become an independent administrative authority, which is not subject to supervision by other bodies. The NRTC exercises direct supervision in the radio and television services sector, by issuing enforceable administrative acts.

            Under Greek law, all radio stations, including Lampsi, broadcasting on November 1, 1999, were deemed to be operating lawfully until the current licensing process, which was then being initiated by the Greek Ministry, of Press and Mass Media (the "Greek Ministry"), was finalized. On March 14, 2001, Lampsi submitted an application for a radio license in accordance with the new license tender procedures. On March 27, 2001, the Greek Ministry ordered Lampsi, as well as a number of other radio stations, to suspend their operations, effective immediately, on the grounds that their continued operations would interfere with the communications of the Greek civil aviation authority in connection with the commencement of operation of the new Athens International Airport (the "Order"). We believe that Lampsi was in compliance in all material respects with relevant Greek radio laws and regulations; an injunction against the Order was sought in the Greek courts but was denied. We also filed a complaint with the European Commission. In the meantime, we submitted an application for a new license as part of a tender process organisedorganized by the NRTC. On March 14, 2002, a broadcasting license was granted to Lampsi under the terms of the license tender process.process, which license expires in March 2006. Lampsi successfully resumed on-air operations on March 19, 2002. Seven radio stations however, have submitted applications before the Greek Council of State for the annulment of the licenses that were granted to Lampsi and fourteen other radio stations as part of the license tender process. The applications are pending. See "Item 8—Financial Information—Legal Proceedings—Greece".

    43



    Austria

            In Austria, ATV Privatfernseh-GmbH ("ATV") obtained the only nationwide license for terrestrial TV-broadcasting under the new Private TV-Act on January 31, 2002. The license expires ten years after granting. Apart from the terrestrial broadcasting license, ATV also obtained licenses for satellite and cable television broadcasting. Whereas several other companies are licensed to provide satellite and cable television broadcasting, terrestrial television may only be broadcast by ATV and the state owned Austrian Broadcasting Corporation ("ORF").

    Internet RegulationRegulations

            Regulation of Internet activities takes two forms: existing laws at the EU and national levels apply to the extent they are relevant to such activities and additional rules specifically targeting Internet activities may apply.

            In 1995, the European Community adopted a Data Protection Directive harmonizing the protection of individual rights with regard to the processing of personal data and the free movement of such data across the EEA (the "Data Protection Directive"). The deadline for implementing this directive was October 24, 1998. In addition, the European Community has adopted several regulations aimed at activity on the Internet such as the Electronic Commerce Directive, the Electronic Signatures Directive, the Distance Selling Directive and the Copyright Directive. These directives set forth EU rules for determining which nation's law will apply to such Internet activities.

            Directive 2000/31/EC of June 8, 2000, known as the Electronic Commerce Directive, is concerned with the legal aspects of information society services, in particular electronic commerce in the internal market. It gives broadcast organizations exclusive rights relating to the on-line exploitation of their broadcastsmarket and provides legal protection against the circumvention of technological measures to avoid infringing reproduction, communication to the public and distribution of their broadcasts.covers services such as video on demand. This directive was due to have been implemented by EU member states by January 16, 2002. The Electronic Signatures Directive (1999/93/EC of December 13, 1999) sets out a EU framework for the use of electronic signatures and was due to have been implemented by July 19, 2001. The Distance Selling Directive (97/7/EC adopted on May 20, 1997) concerns the protection and legal rights of consumers in respect of distant contracts and should have been implemented by June 4, 2000. According to the European Commission, none of these directives appear to have been implemented by all the EU member states by the set deadlines.

            Directive 2000/29/EC of May 22, 2000, known as the Copyright Directive, harmonizes the core rights relevant to uses of copyright material in the information society and electronic commerce, namely the rights of reproduction (copying) and communication (electronic transmission, including digital broadcasting and "on-demand" services). This directive was due to be implemented by December 22, 2002.

            In 2002, the EU adopted a regulatory framework for regulation of electronic communications networks and services. The framework regulates communications networks, including the Internet, as well as the transmission of signals over these networks, such as telecommunications and email, but excluding the transmission or editing of content. The framework consists of five directives: a framework directive and four directives dealing with authorisation, access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and services, universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services, and the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector. The framework is supplemented by a further directive on competition in the markets for electronic communications networks and services. This regulatory framework is unlikely to have a significant impact on the activities of the company.

    44



            As noted above, each country may also have regulations specifically targeting Internet activity. The type and the extent of such regulation will vary by country. We cannot be certain that existing or proposed legislation regulating the Internet that may come into force in the European Union or in any country where we plan to conduct Internet activities would not have an adverse impact on our current and planned Internet activities.


    U.S. AgentAGENT

            Our U.S. agent for service is CT Corporation System, 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York 10011.

    45





    ITEM 5—OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

            This discussion includes forward-looking statements. Our actual results in the future could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. See "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors". You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our financial statements and the financial statements of TVN and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this annual report.


    Operating ResultsOPERATING RESULTS

    Overview

            We create, acquire, package and distribute programming and other content via television channels, radio stations and the internetInternet in Europe. We currently own and operate television stations that broadcast in or into Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Flemish Belgium, The Netherlands and Hungary. Additionally, we own 40%37% of prima TV, a television station in Romania, a 30.4% interest in TVN, Poland's second largest private television broadcaster, and a 20% interest in the Austrian television station ATV.Romania. We also own and operate radio stations in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Greece.Greece, and theVeronica Magazine, a weekly television and radio guide in The Netherlands. We intend to continue acquiring interests and developing television and radio stations in our current markets and other parts of Europe as opportunities arise.

            Our consolidated financial statements for 2002 compared with those for 2001 reflect a reduction in amortization expense of €16.3 million of goodwill in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which became effective January 1, 2002.

            Our consolidated financial statements for 2003 reflect the sale of our 30.4% equity interest in TVN and TVN7 in Poland in December 2003, our acquisition of the print operations from Veronica Holding B.V. in September 2003, the acquisition of radio operations in Norway and Denmark in September 2003, and the merger of our Swedish Radio operations with Bonnier Radio AB in October 2003. The impact of the transactions is discussed in "Results of Operations".

            Currency translation adjustments relating to our transactions and those of our subsidiaries in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity involved are reflected in the results of operations. Currency rate fluctuations reduced euro-reported revenues and euro-reported operating income by €6.6 million and €235,000, respectively, when comparing 2003 to 2002, and increased euro-reported revenues and reduced euro-reported operating income by €8.1 million and €294,000, respectively, when comparing 2002 to 2001.

            In 2002 and 2003, the euro displayed a strengthening trend versus the U.S. dollar. This trend has reduced our cost of acquiring U.S. programming rights. However, since December 31, 2003, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against the euro by 4%. Future exchange rate trends cannot be predicted with any certainty.

            For a more detailed description of our operations, see "Item 4—Information on the Company".

            In 2002, 83%2003, 80% of our total revenue derived from the sale of advertising time on our television and radio stations, and other revenues, such as cable and magazine subscription fees, sale of air time (including teleshopping), teletext fees, product placements and non-cash revenues from barter transactions accounted for the remaining 17%20%. Our most significant station operating expenses are programming and distribution expenses, employee salaries and commissions, and advertising and promotional expenditures.

            Inflationary trends in the markets in which we operate were stable (downward in the case of Hungary) from 2001 through 2003. Such trends have an impact upon many of our operating costs. In 2003, inflation in our markets ranged from approximately 2% to 4% in Western Europe to



    approximately 5% in Hungary. Management does not believe that current inflationary trends will have a material effect upon our business, although future inflationary trends cannot be predicted with any certainty.

    Recent Developments

      Television

            On May 14, 2002 the Company acquired 100% of MTM Produkcio Kft. ("MTM Productions"), a Hungarian television production company that produces programming for TV2. As part of this transaction, the Company acquired, for $225,000 (€241,000), Concorde Media Beteiligungs GmbH's ownership interest in MTM Productions. In addition, the Company acquired Ferenc Tolvaly and Robert Prokopp's ownership interest in MTM Productions for an aggregate purchase price of $2.8 million (€2.9 million).

            At the same time as the transaction described above took place, on May 14, 2002, as part of an overall re-organization of TV2, we entered into an agreement with Albene Befektetesi Kft. (to be renamed MTM-TV2 Kft.) ("Albene"), MTM, the controlling shareholders. Albene is a subsidiary of MTM, which in turn is a company controlled by MTM's controlling shareholders. Pursuant to this agreement, we made an initial payment of $3.3 million (€3.8 million) to Albene, with the ability to make a further payment of $5.0 million (€5.7 million), towards the purchase of Albene's 16% interest in TV2. Our present intention is to assign this agreement, in whole or in part, to a Hungarian partner, as the Hungarian Media laws prohibit us from holding more than 49% of the voting rights in TV2 and require that a Hungarian person or legal entity owns at least 26% of the voting rights in a Hungarian company.

            On December 23, 2002,2, 2003, we sold a 2.6% equity interest in TVN to ITI for a cash consideration of $11 million (€10.5 million). In connection with the sale, the Company granted ITI an option to purchase all of our remaining 30.4% equity interest in TVN and TVN7 in Poland to ITI for €131.6 million, at a loss of €8.9 million.

            On December 4, 2003, we sold our 20% equity interest in ATV in Austria for €1.0 million, at a gain of €1.0 million.

    Radio

            In July 2003, we agreed to acquire Radio 1 Norge AS in Norway and Radio 2 A/S in Denmark from wholly-owned subsidiaries of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and from Norsk Aller AS, respectively. The total purchase price of these acquisitions was approximately €17.5 million, payable in SBS Common Shares, subject to certain guarantees. The acquisitions were completed on September 8, 2003.

            In July 2003, we also agreed to merge our Swedish radio operations with Bonnier Radio AB. The jointly owned company, SBS Radio AB, is 51%-owned and controlled by SBS and 49%-owned by Bonnier. The merger, which comprises our five Swedish stations and Bonnier's 14 Swedish stations, was completed on October 1, 2003.

    Print

            On September 1, 2003, we completed our acquisitions of certain media assets from Veronica Holding B.V. in The Netherlands. In the transaction, our Dutch subsidiary, SBS Broadcasting B.V., obtained the exclusive right to use the "Veronica" brand for television, print and related uses and subsequently rebranded and relaunched its television channel V8 as Veronica on September 20, 2003. In addition, SBS Broadcasting B.V. acquired the company that publishes the weekly television and radio guideVeronica Magazine. Veronica Magazine is the largest weekly publication in The Netherlands, with a circulation of approximately 1.1 million. As consideration for this transaction, Veronica Holding was issued a 10% equity interest in SBS Broadcasting B.V., subject to a final purchase price adjustment. We recorded a non-cash investment gain of €29.2 million on this transaction, which is reflected in our net income for the greater of our pro rata share of

    46



    (i) twelve times TVN's average EBITDA for 2002 and 2003 less TVN's net debt, or (ii) twelve times TVN's 2003 EBITDA less net debt, with a minimum cash consideration of $130 million. The call option is exercisable untilyear ended December 31, 2003.

    Other

            On March 24,April 15, 2003, the Company, TV2 and Postabank entered into various agreements whereby Postabank extendedwe sold our 4.3% interest in BetandWin.com Interactive Entertainment AG for €1.7 million.

            In June 2003, we sold 4,012 shares of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.'s 5.25% Convertible Redeemable Preferred Shares, Series A, to Lions Gate Entertainment for $9.0 million (€7.7 million), realizing a loanloss of HUF 1.4 billion (€5.7 million) to TV2 (the "New Loan"), secured by a guarantee issued by the Company, to replace the previous loan agreement dated€0.7 million. We retain 1.7 million warrants that are exercisable for Common Shares of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

            On November 18, 2003, we called for redemption of all of our 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due December 1, 1997. The maturity date of the New Loan is March 24, 2006. All of the2004, which had an outstanding principal amount of $53.6 million after the New Loan is payablerepurchase and cancellation of $11.4 million on October 31, 2003. By the maturity date. Interest onredemption date, December 19, 2003, holders of notes with a total principal amount of $53.2 million had elected to



    convert their notes into 1,827,047 SBS Common Shares at the New Loan accrues at 9.24%conversion price of $29.13 per annum, payable quarterly in arrears.

    Radio

            On October 22, 2002, we sold our interest in Publimusic to Talpa Management B.V. ("Talpa") as part of a transaction involving the sale of 100% of Publimusic to Talpa.Common Share. The cash consideration receivedremaining outstanding principal amount, $0.4 million, was €10.2 million, of which our share was approximately €7.1 million. As part of the transaction, Publimusic will be entitled to receive €1.8 million in advertising time on SBS6, NET5 and V8, which must be used before December 31, 2004, subject to availability. In addition, Talpa may be able to recover up to approximately 31% of the cash consideration in the transaction from the sellers under certain circumstances related to the granting of radio broadcasting licenses in The Netherlands.redeemed for cash.

    Financial Reporting and Accounting

            Effective January 1, 2002, we prepare our financial statements in euro. Consistent with prior years, we prepare them in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles ("US GAAP").GAAP. Comparative prior year financial statements have been restated to reflect the euro as the reporting currency.

            Our consolidated broadcasting operations generate revenues primarily in Norwegian kroner, Swedish kronor, Danish kroner, Hungarian forint and euro, and incur substantial operating expenses in these currencies. We also incur significant operating expenses for programming in U.S. dollardollars and other currencies. Balance sheet accounts are translated from foreign currencies into euro at the period-end exchange rates and statement of operations accounts are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. Any resulting translation adjustments are recorded as other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholders' equity. Currency translation adjustments relating to our transactions and those of our subsidiaries in currencies other than

            In the functional currencydiscussions of the entity involved are reflected inresults for the results of operations. Currency rate fluctuations increased euro reported revenues and reduced euro reported operating income by €8.1 million and €294,000, respectively, when comparingyear ended December 31, 2003, compared to the year ended December 31, 2002, we divide our operations into three segments:

      "Television operations", which include: TVNorge (in Norway); Kanal 5 (in Sweden); TvDanmark and Kanal 5 (in Denmark) and jointly referred to as "our Danish Television operations"; VT4 (in Flemish Belgium); SBS6, NET5 and Veronica (in The Netherlands) and jointly referred to as "our Dutch Television operations"; TV2, and from June 2002 MTM-Produktion and Interaktive (in Hungary) and jointly referred to as "our Hungarian Television operations"; and other related operations that are not material. Our New Media activities are no longer considered a reportable segment and the year endedresults are included within our Television operations.

      "Radio operations", which include: The Voice, Pop FM and from September 2003 Radio 2 (in Denmark) and jointly referred to as "our Danish Radio operations"; The Voice in Stockholm, Radio City in Malmoe and Gothenburg, Radio 106.7 Rockklassiker and Easy FM in Stockholm, and, since October 2003, Mix Megapol and Vinyl (in Sweden) and jointly referred to as "our Swedish Radio operations"; from September 2003, Radio 1 and The Voice (in Norway) and jointly referred to as "our Norwegian Radio operations"; Radio Sata, Radio Mega, KISS FM, Radio City, Radio 957, Radio POP and Iskelmäradio (in Finland) and jointly referred to as "our Finnish Radio operations"; and Lampsi FM (in Greece).

      "Print operations", which includeVeronica Magazine andSatellite in The Netherlands. We acquired these magazines on September 1, 2003, and accordingly, the results of operations have been reflected in our consolidated financial statements since that date.

            Results from TVN and TVN7 in Poland (through December 31, 2001,2, 2003), prima TV in Romania, ATV in Austria (through December 4, 2003), and reduced euro reported revenues and euro reported operating loss by €5.1 million and €120,000, respectively, when comparingRadio Noordzee in The Netherlands (through October 21, 2002) are not included in the year ended December 31, 2001,operations referred to above, but are included in equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated subsidiaries. These are subsidiaries in which we hold an interest of less than half of the year ended December 31, 2000.voting rights or are otherwise unable to exercise control over the operations.

            In the discussions of the results for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to the year ended December 31, 2001, we report our operations in threetwo segments:

      "Television operations", which include: TVNorge (in Norway); Kanal 5 (in Sweden); TvDanmark 1 and TvDanmark 2Kanal 5 (in Denmark), jointly referred to as "our Danish Television operations"; VT4 (in Flemish Belgium); SBS6, NET5 and, from October 1, 2001, V8Veronica (in The Netherlands), jointly referred to as "our Dutch Television operations"; TV2, and from June 2002 MTM-Produktion and Interaktive (in Hungary), jointly referred to as "our Hungarian Television

        operations"; prima TV (in Romania) through to June 30, 2001, and other related operations that are not material.

    47 Our New Media activities are no longer considered a reportable segment and the results are included within Television Operations.


            Results from TV3 in Switzerland (through to November 30, 2001), TVN in Poland, prima TV in Romania (from July 1, 2001), V8Veronica in The Netherlands (from April 1 to September 30, 2001), ATV in Austria (from November 1, 2001), and Radio Noordzee in The Netherlands (through to October 21, 2002) are not included in the operations referred to above, but are included in equity in income (loss) from unconsolidated subsidiaries. Except for V8,Veronica, these are subsidiaries in which we holdheld an interest of less than half of the voting rights or arewere otherwise unable to exercise control over the operations. At the time of the acquisition of V8,Veronica, and for most of 2001, the Company was pursuing a sale of a majority interest in V8, and accordingly, control over the station was considered to be temporary.

            In the discussions of the results for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to the year ended December 31, 2000, we report our operations in three segments:

            Results from TV3 in Switzerland (through to November 30, 2001), TVN in Poland (from August 1, 2000), V8 in The Netherlands (from April 1 to September 30, 2001), prima TV in Romania (from July 1, 2001), ATV in Austria (from November 1, 2001), Kanal A in Slovenia (through to September 30, 2000), and Radio Noordzee in The Netherlands are not included in the operations referred to above, but are included in equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries. Except for V8, these are subsidiaries in which we hold an interest of less than half of the voting rights or are otherwise unable to exercise control over the operations. At the time of the acquisition of V8, and for most of 2001, the Company was pursuing a sale of a majority interest in V8,Veronica, and accordingly, control over the station was considered to be temporary.

            When analyzing results within the different segments of operations for any particular period, the sums of the individual items reported within each segment may differ from the consolidated total.

    48



    Differences are primarily attributable to corporate charges, eliminations between segments and items attributable to entities, which are not separately disclosed but are included within the totals for the different categories.

    Operating Expenses as a Percentage of Net Revenue

     
     Year ended December 31,
     
     
     2001
     2002
     2003
     
    Net revenue 100.0%100.0%100.0%
    Operating expenses:       
    Station operating expenses 73.5%71.6%66.7%
    Selling, general and administrative expenses 18.7%18.4%18.1%
    Corporate expenses 3.5%2.8%2.6%
    Non-cash compensation 0.6%0.3%0.9%
    Depreciation and Amortization 6.6%4.5%4.3%

    Results of Operations

    Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year ended December 31, 2002

    Net Revenue

            Net revenue increased €70.8 million, or 14%, from €510.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €581.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase was primarily attributable to increased net revenues of €38.9 million, or 8%, at our Television operations.

            The increase in net revenues at our Television operations was mainly due to increased viewing shares at most of our stations. Net revenues at Kanal 5 and our Hungarian Television operations increased €15.3 million, or 23%, and €9.6 million, or 14%, respectively. Our Dutch Television operations had increased net revenues of €7.7 million, or 4%, VT4 had increased net revenues of €



    8.0 million, or 18%, and TVNorge had increased net revenues of €2.0 million, or 4%. Our Danish Television operations had marginally increased net revenues.

            Our Radio operations net revenues increased €11.0 million, or 31%, mainly due to increased revenues at our Finnish Radio operations and Lampsi, and net revenues at our newly acquired operations.

            Our newly acquired Print operations had net revenues of €21.0 million.

    Station Operating Expenses

            Station operating expenses increased €22.2 million, or 6%, from €366.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €388.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, mainly due to expenses at our newly acquired operations. Station operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net revenues were 71.6% and 66.7% for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

            Station operating expenses at our Television operations increased €5.8 million, or 2%, mainly due to increased programming expenses of €4.4 million, €2.5 million and €2.2 million at our Hungarian Television operations, VT4 and Kanal 5, respectively. Such increases were partly offset by decreased station operating expenses at TVNorge of €3.9 million, or 10%, mainly due to savings made on the change in 2002 from analogue to digital distribution.

            Our Radio operations had increased station operating expenses of €3.8 million, or 26%, mainly due to expenses at our newly acquired operations.

            Our newly acquired Print operations had print and distribution expenses of €12.6 million.

    Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

            Selling, general and administrative expenses increased €11.2 million, or 12%, from €94.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €105.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, primarily due to expenses at our newly acquired operations of €9.4 million. Excluding such increases, the selling, general and administrative expenses increased €1.8 million, or 2%. Selling, general and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of net revenues were 18.4% and 18.1% for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

            Selling, general and administrative expenses at our Television operations increased €1.2 million, or 2%, mainly due to increased external expenses of €1.5 million at our Dutch Television operations, primarily increased office rent and salaries, and increased external expenses of €2.4 million at Kanal 5, primarily related to accrued performance bonuses and other expenses associated with the increase in revenues. These increases were partially offset by decreased selling, general and administrative expenses of €0.8 million and €0.5 million at TV Norge and TV2 in Hungary, respectively.

            Our Radio operations had increased selling, general and administrative expenses of €4.8 million, or 29%, primarily due to expenses at our newly acquired operations.

            Our newly acquired Print operations had selling, general and administrative expenses of €5.2 million.

    Corporate Expenses

            Corporate expenses increased €0.6 million, or 4%, from €14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €15.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, mainly due to an increase in performance bonuses. Corporate expenses expressed as a percentage of net revenues were 2.8% and 2.6% for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.



    Non-cash Compensation

            Non-cash compensation increased €3.4 million, from €1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase primarily relates to the impact of our increasing share price over the second half of 2003 on options to purchase 466,667 shares of common stock previously granted to certain of our employees. These options are subject to variable accounting treatment, unlike the rest of our share incentives. Non-cash compensation expressed as a percentage of net revenues was 0.3% and 0.9% for the year ended December 31, 2002, and 2003, respectively.

    Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

            Depreciation and amortization expenses increased €2.0 million, or 9%, from €22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, mainly due to depreciation and amortization at our newly acquired operations. Depreciation and amortization expenses expressed as a percentage of net revenues were 4.5% and 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively.

    Operating Income

            Operating income increased €31.5 million, from €11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €43.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, primarily due to increased operating income of €31.5 million at our Television operations.

            The increase in operating income at our Television operations was primarily attributable to increased operating income at Kanal 5 and our Dutch Television operations of €10.4 million, and €4.6 million, respectively. The increase was also attributable to improved performance at our Hungarian Television operations of €5.9 million, at VT4 of €5.9 million and at TVNorge of €6.5 million.

            Our Radio operations had increased operating income of €1.5 million, mainly due to increased operating income at our Finnish Radio operations and Lampsi.

            Our newly acquired Print operations had an operating income of €2.5 million.

    Equity in Loss from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries

            Equity in loss from unconsolidated subsidiaries decreased €25.9 million, from €33.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, mainly due to an impairment charge of €32.9 million recorded in 2002 on our investment in TVN in Poland, compared to a loss of €8.9 million recorded in 2003 on the sale of our investment. The decrease was also attributable to the absence in 2003 of net losses of €5.1 million associated with our interest in ATV in Austria recorded in the year ended December 31, 2002. We expect the impact of equity in loss from unconsolidated subsidiaries will be less significant in 2004 than in prior years due to the sale of our interest in TVN in December 2003.

    Net Interest Expense

            Net interest expense decreased €0.6 million, or 2%, from €25.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €24.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The decrease was primarily attributable to reduced interest expense on our 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes due to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the euro and the repurchase of $10 million face value of the notes in December 2002 and March 2003. This decrease was partly offset by a €2.2 million loss on an interest rate swap related to our 12% Senior Notes. We expect net interest expense to decrease in 2004 due to the redemption of our 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes in December 2003.



    Foreign Exchange Gains

            Foreign exchange gains decreased €8.3 million, from €20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to €12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, primarily attributable to a lower currency gain in 2003 on our U.S. dollar-denominated debt. We expect the impact of foreign exchange gains or losses will be less significant in 2004 due to the redemption of our 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes in December 2003.

    Investment Gains (Losses)

            Investment gains (losses) improved €32.1 million, from a loss of €3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to a gain of €29.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, mainly due to a non-cash, non recurring investment gain realized on our share of the transfer of 10% equity interest in our Dutch Television operations as consideration for the newly acquired Print operations.

    Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt

            In the year ended December 31, 2003, we recorded a loss of €0.1 million realized on the repurchase and cancellation of $16.4 million face value of our 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes, compared to a gain of €1.3 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2002, on the repurchase and cancellation of $5.0 million of our 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes.

    Other Expenses, Net

            Other expenses, net, were unchanged at €2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2002, and 2003.

    Income Taxes

            Income taxes increased €12.1 million, from €0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 to €12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, mainly due to increased taxes at our Dutch Television operations and Kanal 5 of €8.9 million and €2.3 million, respectively. We expect the percentage of income that will be subject to tax payments will increase in the near future due to the anticipated utilization of our existing loss carry-forwards.

    Net Income (Loss)

            As a result of the foregoing, our net income (loss) improved €66.0 million, from a loss of €35.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to an income of €30.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Without the non-cash investment gain on the Veronica transaction, the net income (loss) improved €36.8 million from a loss of €35.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, to an income of €1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.

    Year ended December 31, 2002, compared to year ended December 31, 2001

    Net Revenue

            Net revenue increased €31.0 million, or 6%, from €479.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to €510.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase was primarily due to increased net revenues of €38.3€31.4 million, or 9%7%, at our Television operations.

            The increase in net revenues at our Television operations was mainly due to increased net revenues of €33.2 million, or 21%, from our Dutch Television operations, mainly due toprimarily resulting from increased revenues of €16.6 million from V8, which we neither owned in the first quarter of 2001, nor consolidated in the second and third quarter of 2001. Excluding revenues from V8, our Dutch



    Television operations had increased revenues of €16.6 million, or 11%, partly due to an increase in revenues from sponsored programs, and partly due to an increase in the television advertising market. Kanal 5 had increased net revenues of €13.3 million, or 24%, mainly due to improved viewing shares, and TVNorge had increased net revenues of €3.4 million, or 7%, mainly due to an increase in the television advertising market. Such increases were offset by a decrease of €2.9 million related to prima TV, which was not consolidated from July 1, 2001. Our Danish Television operations had decreased revenues of €6.6 million, or 14%, mainly due to a decrease in viewing shares. VT4 had decreased revenues of €2.4 million, or 5%, mainly due to decreased barter revenues of €3.1 million, which corresponded to the decrease in marketing expenses at VT4. Our Hungarian Television operations had unchanged revenues.

            Our Radio operation's net revenues decreased €357,000, or 1%, mainly due to decreased revenues in our Swedish and Finnish Radio operations, which resulted from decreases in the local radio advertising markets. Such decreases were partly offset by increased revenue of €711,000 at Lampsi, which was not broadcasting in the period from March 27, 2001, to March 19, 2002.

            SBS New Media net revenues decreased €6.9 million, or 60%, due to an expected decrease in advertising revenues arising from campaigns placed at our television and radio stations by e-ventures in which we have an equity stake. For further information regarding Lampsi's license, please see "Item 8Financial Information—Legal Proceedings".

    Station Operating Expenses

            Station operating expenses increased €13.3 million, or 4%, from €352.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €366.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, mainly due to increased station operating expenses of €19.8 million at V8, which was not owned by us in the first quarter of 2001 and not consolidated in the second and third quarter of 2001. This increase was offset by the absence in 2002 of station operating expenses of €4.3 million at prima TV, which was not consolidated from July 1, 2001. On a same stations basis, station operating expenses decreased €2.4 million, or 1%, from €339.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €337.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Station operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net revenues were 73.5% and 71.6% for the year ended December 31, 2001, and 2002, respectively.

            Excluding V8 and prima TV, our Television operations had decreased station operating expenses of €2.4 million, or 1%, for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to the year ended December 31, 2001, mainly due to decreased station operating expenses at our Danish Television operations and TVNorge of €9.5 million, or 24%, and €4.7 million, or 11%, respectively. Such decreases were partly offset by increased station operating expenses of €8.2 million, or 19%, at our Hungarian Television

    49



    operations, mainly due to the cost of theBig Brother show, which was launched on September 1, 2002, to support the re-launch of the station.

            Our Radio operations had increased station operating expenses of €227,000, or 2%, primarily due to increased expenses related to The Voice and Pop FM in Aarhus, which was not owned by us in the first three quarters of the year ended December 31, 2001, and increased expenses at Lampsi, which was not broadcasting in the period from March 27, 2001, to March 19, 2002. For further information regarding Lampsi's license, please see "Item 8Financial Information—Legal Proceedings".

    This increase was partly offset by general savings at our Swedish and Finnish Radio operations.

            SBS New Media had decreased station operating expenses of €70,000.

    Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

            Selling, general and administrative expenses increased €4.5 million, or 5%, from €89.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €94.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. Selling, general and administrative expenses expressed as a percentage of net revenues were 18.7% and 18.4% for the year ended December 31, 2001, and 2002, respectively.



            Selling, general and administrative expenses at our Television operations increased €5.5€5.2 million, or 8%7%, mainly due to an increase of €5.2 million at V8, which was not owned by us in the first quarter of 2001, and not consolidated in the second and third quarter of 2001. The increase was also due to increased selling, general and administrative expenses at our Hungarian Television operations, our Dutch television operations (excluding V8) and Kanal 5, of €2.6 million, €1.8 million and €1.1 million, respectively. The increase at our Hungarian Television operations was mainly due to selling, general and administrative expenses at MTM-Produktion and Interaktive, which we did not own in 2001. Kanal 5 had increased selling, general and administrative expenses mainly due to performance bonuses paid to management and staff in recognition of a significant increase in the operating income for the station compared to 2001. The Dutch television operations had increased expenses associated with the lease of the new premises. Such increases were offset by decreased marketing expenses of €3.9 million at VT4 corresponding to the decrease in barter revenues, and by the absence in 2002 of selling, general and administrative expenses of €974,000 at prima TV, which was not consolidated from July 1, 2001.

            Our Radio operations had lower selling, general and administrative expenses of €709,000, or 4%, primarily due to general savings at our Swedish and Finnish Radio operations. Such savings were partly offset by expenses at The Voice and Pop FM in Aarhus, which was not owned by us in the first three quarters of the year ended December 31, 2001.

            SBS New Media had decreased selling, general and administrative expenses of €325,000, due to general savings at vt4.net.

    Corporate Expenses

            Corporate expenses decreased €2.1 million, or 12%, from €16.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, mainly as a result of the corporate restructuring in 2001. Corporate expenses expressed as a percentage of net revenues were 3.5% and 2.8% for the year ended December 31, 2001, and 2002, respectively.

    Non-cash Compensation

            Non-cash compensation decreased €1.4 million, or 48%, from €3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, mainly due to the absence in 2002 of the compensation expense for our former Chief Operating Officer.

    50



    Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

            Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased €8.7 million, or 28%, from €31.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. This decrease was mainly attributable to the absence in 2002 of goodwill amortization of €6.2 million, as the company has applied Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets(" ("FAS 142"), effective January 1, 2002. FAS 142 prohibits the amortization of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, but requires that these assets be reviewed for impairment at least annually. Based on our analysis, no impairment charges were recorded in 2002. Intangible assets with finite lives will continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives. Additionally, FAS 142 requires that goodwill included in the carrying value of equity method investments no longer be amortized. The decrease was also partially due to a €1 million decrease in amortization on our investment in local broadcasting licenses in Norway and to lower depreciation on production equipment. Depreciation and amortization expenses expressed as a percentage of net revenues were 6.6% and 4.5% for the years ended December 31, 2001, and 2002, respectively.

    Operating Income (Loss)

            Operating income (loss) improved €42.3 million, or 138%, from a loss of €30.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to an income of €11.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, primarily as a result of improved operating income (loss) of €27.3€20.6 million at our Television operations.



            The improvement in our operating income (loss) was achieved despite an increased operating loss in 2002 of €9.2 million at V8, which was not owned by us in the first quarter of 2001, and not consolidated in the second and third quarter of 2001. This loss was partly offset by the absence of losses in 2002 of €3.1 million at prima TV, which was not consolidated from July 1, 2001, and decreased losses of €501,000 at Lampsi, which was not broadcasting in the period from March 27, 2001, to March 19, 2002. Excluding the operating results from V8, prima TV and Lampsi, our same station operating income (loss) improved €48.0 million, from a loss of €22.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to an income of €25.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, primarily due to increased operating income at Kanal 5 and our Dutch Television operations (excluding V8) of €13.3 million and €11.6 million, respectively, and due to a decrease in losses at our Danish Television operations and TVNorge of €8.9 million and €8.0 million, respectively. In addition, the improvement was due to the absence in 2002 of restructuring and other non-recurring expenses of €12.6 million and €4.4 million, respectively. Such improvements were partly offset by a lower operating income of €13.7 million at our Hungarian Television operations.

    Equity in Loss from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries

            Equity in loss from unconsolidated subsidiaries increased €7.5 million, or 29%, from €25.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €33.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase was mainly attributable to an impairment charge of €27.1 million recorded on our equity investment in TVN and TVN7 in Poland, and a loss of €5.1 million related to our investment in ATV in Austria. Such increased losses were partly offset by the absence in 2002 of net losses of €8.1 million from V8 in second and third quarter of 2001, when we did not consolidate the results of V8, net losses of €6.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2001, associated with our interest in TV3 in Switzerland, which was sold in November 2001, and the absence of goodwill amortization of €10.1 million related to our equity investments in TVN and TVN7 in Poland, Radio Noordzee and V8, for the year ended December 31, 2001.

    51



    Net Interest Expense

            Net interest expense increased €6.6 million, or 36%, from €18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €25.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase was primarily attributable to reduced interest income related to cash balances and increased interest expense related to our €135 million 12% Senior Notes.

    Foreign Exchange Gains

            Foreign exchange gains increased €15.3 million, or 291%, from €5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, mainly due to non-cash gains on our 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes and gains on U.S. dollar-denominated programming liabilities, as a result of the euro strengthening against the U.S. dollar.

    Investment Loss

            Investment loss decreased €40.6 million, from a loss of €43.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 to a loss of €3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002. This improvement was primarily due to the absence in 2002 of write-offs on our New Medianon-consolidated investments. The loss in 2002 is mainly due to a write downwrite-down of our investment in Lions Gate to its fair market value.

    Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt

            In the year ended December 31, 2002, we recorded a gain of €1.3 million realized on the extinguishmentrepurchase and cancellation of $5 million face value of our 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes. In the



    year ended December 31, 2001, we wrote off deferred financing cost of €3.2 million associated with a €134 million facility with DLJ Capital Funding Inc., which was repaid with the proceeds from the €135 million 12% Senior Notes. The gain (loss) is included in continuing operations due to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145,Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections ("FAS 145"), which rescinds the classification of gain (loss) on extinguishments of debt as extraordinary items unless they are unusual and infrequent.

    Other Expenses, Net

            Other expenses, net, decreased €1.2 million, or 31%, from €3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to €2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, mainly due to the absence in 2002 of a write-off of €1.2 million of our investment in HOT Italy.

    Net Loss

            As a result of the foregoing, our net loss decreased €78.1 million from a loss of €113.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, to a loss of €35.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.

    52


    Year ended December 31, 2001, compared to year ended December 31, 2000

    Net Revenue

            Net revenue increased €17.8 million, or 4%, from €462.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €479.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily attributable to increased net revenue of €13.7 million, or 3%, from our Television operations.

            The increase in net revenue at our Television operations, was mainly due to increased net revenue from TV2, in Hungary, and our Dutch and Danish Television operations. Despite an estimated decrease in the Dutch net television advertising market of 6%, our Dutch Television operations had increased net revenue of €19.7 million, or 14%, primarily due to increased net revenue at NET5 resulting from increased viewing shares and to a lesser extent from net revenue of €4.5 million from V8, which we did not own in the year ended December 31, 2000. Despite an estimated decrease in the Danish television advertising market of 4%, for the year ended December 31, 2001, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2000, our Danish television operations had increased net revenue of €8.9 million, or 23%, primarily due to increased viewing shares. TV2 had increased net revenue of €6.8 million, or 11%, primarily due to increased prices. The improved net revenue at TV2 and our Dutch and Danish Television operations were partly offset by decreased net revenues of €7.8 million, or 14%, at TV Norge, due to the absence in 2001 of non-recurring revenues from the settlement with TV2 (in Norway), wherein TV2 agreed to compensate TVNorge for failing to generate certain specified audience levels. Such non-recurring revenues amounted to €16.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. When these non-recurring revenues are excluded in the year ended December 31, 2000, TVNorge's net revenue increased €8.2 million, or 21%, mainly due to increased viewing shares. VT4 had decreased net revenue of €5.3 million, or 10%, primarily due to decreased viewing shares, and Kanal 5 had decreased net revenue of €7.2 million, or 12%, due to an estimated decrease of 12% in the net television advertising market in the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to the year ended December 31, 2000.

            Our Radio operations net revenue decreased €1.8 million, or 5%, mainly due to decreased revenue in Greece, where Lampsi went off the air in March 2001, due to the license situation.

            SBS New Media net revenue increased €5.9 million, or 104%, mainly resulting from increased advertising revenues arising from campaigns placed at our television and radio stations by e-ventures in which we have an equity stake.

            Station operating expenses increased €19.9 million, or 6%, from €332.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €352.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily due to increased station operating expenses of €18.7 million, or 6%, from our Television operations.

            The increase in station operating expenses at our Television operations, was mainly due to increased programming expenses of €8.3 million at SBS6 and NET5 in The Netherlands and station operating expenses of €8.2 million from V8, which we did not own in the year ended December 31, 2000.

            Our Radio operations had increased station operating expenses of €1.0 million, or 7%, mainly due to increased programming, music royalty and distribution expenses.

            SBS New Media had increased station operating expenses of €237,000, or 64%.

    Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

            Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased €1.6 million, or 2%, from €91.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €89.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily due to decreases from our Television operations.

    53



            The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses at our Television operations, was mainly due to decreased expenses at Kanal 5 of €3.6 million, or 22%. Such decrease was partly offset by selling, general and administrative expenses of €907,000 from V8, which we did not own in the year ended December 31, 2000, and by increased expenses at TV2 in Hungary of €1.8 million, or 15%.

            Our Radio operations had decreased selling, general and administrative expenses of €176,000.

            SBS New Media had decreased selling, general and administrative expenses of €388,000, or 23%.

    Corporate Expenses

            Corporate expenses increased €3.0 million, or 22%, from €13.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €16.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, mainly due to higher staffing levels and a general increase in expense levels.

    Non-cash Compensation

            Non-cash compensation increased €2.3 million, from €700,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. Non-cash compensation comprises the historical cost of shares granted to employees for services provided and/or as part of an employment termination agreement.

    Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

            Depreciation and amortization expenses increased €6.5 million, or 26%, from €25.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €31.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, mainly attributable to increased depreciation expense associated with production equipment at Kanal 5 and our Danish Television operations. The increase was also partially attributable to increased amortization of goodwill on acquired businesses.

    Restructuring Expenses

            In the year ended December 31, 2001, we had restructuring expenses of €12.6 million, mainly comprising termination charges in relation to closing down, restructuring or merges of operations and corporate offices, and charges related to reduction in the number of employees across the group.

    Non-recurring Expenses

            Non-recurring expenses increased €2.1 million, or 93%, from €2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The non-recurring expenses comprise the write-off in 2001 of goodwill related to our acquisition of Lampsi and expenses of €2.3 million incurred in 2000 in connection with a proposed exchange offer with UPC.

    Operating Loss

            Operating loss increased €26.9 million, from €3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €30.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily attributable to restructuring expenses of €12.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2001, and increased operating losses of €10.1 million at our television operations. The increased operating loss at our television operations was primarily due to the absence in 2001 of non-recurring revenues recognized in 2000 of €16.1 million from the settlement with TV2 (in Norway), wherein TV2 agreed to compensate TVNorge for failing to generate certain specific audience levels and operating losses of €4.7 million at V8, which was not owned by us in the year ended December 31, 2000. Excluding the non-recurring revenues from TV2 (in Norway) in 2000 and the V8 losses in 2001, the Television operations had increased operating income of €10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2000.

    54



    Equity in Loss from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries

            Equity in loss from unconsolidated subsidiaries increased €1.2 million, or 5%, from €24.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €25.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The increase was primarily attributable to losses up to September 30, 2001, associated with V8 in The Netherlands, which we did not own in 2000, and amortization of goodwill associated with TVN in Poland. These losses were partly offset by decreased losses at TV3 in Switzerland, which was sold in November 2001, and the non-recurrence of losses in 2001 associated with our interest in Kanal A (in Slovenia), which was sold in October 2000.

    Net Interest Expense

            Net interest expense increased €11.1 million, from €7.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The increase was primarily attributable to increased interest expense related to our €134 million bridge facility with DLJ Capital Funding Inc., which was repaid in full in June 2001, from the net proceeds from our issuance of €135 million 12% Senior Notes due 2008, and interest payable on the Senior Notes.

    Foreign Exchange Gains (Losses), Net

            Foreign exchange gains (losses), net, improved by €17.3 million, from a loss of €12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to a gain of €5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily attributable to a currency gain on our Euro-denominated net debt and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other European currencies at a slower pace during 2001 as compared to 2000.

    Investment Losses, Net

            Investment losses, net, increased €10.2 million, or 31%, from €33.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €43.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily attributable to increased write-down of certain of our SBS New Media investments. In the year ended December 31, 2001, investment losses included write-down of our investments in ZeniMax (€16.7 million), Hollywood Stock Exchange (€10.1 million), Resfeber (€3.3 million), BetandWin (€3.3 million) and Telitas (€2.7 million).

    Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt

            In June 2001, we recognized a loss on extinguishments of debt of €3.2 million related to the write-off of deferred financial cost associated with our €134 million bridge facility with DLJ Capital Funding Inc. which was repaid in full in June 2001. The loss is included in continuing operations due to the adoption of FAS 145, which rescinds the classification of gain (loss) on extinguishments of debt as extraordinary items unless they are unusual and infrequent.

    Other Expenses, Net

            Other expenses, net, decreased €12.6 million, from €16.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, mainly due to the non-recurring write down of HOT Italy in 2000.

    Net Loss

            As a result of the foregoing, our net loss increased €14.5 million, or 15%, from €99.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, to €113.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.


    Liquidity And Capital ResourcesLIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

            At December 31, 2002,2003, we had cash and cash equivalents of €67.0€245.8 million, and we had working capital of €116.9€237.7 million.

    55



            We conduct our operations through our subsidiaries. Therefore, our primary internal source of cash and our ability to service debt are dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings, or upon loans or other payments of funds by those subsidiaries, to us. The subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to service our debt, or to make any funds available for our debt, whether by dividends, loans or other payments. In addition, payments of dividends and the making of loans and advances or other payments to us by our subsidiaries are subject in some cases to statutory or contractual restrictions, are dependent upon the earnings of those subsidiaries and are subject to various business considerations. See "Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Company: SBS dependsCompany".

            Our operating cash flows result primarily from cash received from the sale of advertising on its subsidiariesour television, and associate companies to provide it with funds to meet its obligations butradio stations and the subsidiariessale of advertising in and associated companies are not obliged to repaysubscriptions of our Senior Notes. If the Company's subsidiaries or associated companies are unable to pay dividends or otherwise distribute cash or makeprint publications offset by cash payments to the Company when the Company needs additional cash flow, the company may be unable to satisfy its obligation under its Senior Notes.

    we make for program rights, advertising and marketing costs, employee compensation, and interest payments on our long-term debt obligations. Cash provided by operations was €11.5€78.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2002,2003, compared to cash used in operations of €10.3€11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.2002. The improvement was primarily due to an increase in operating income recorded during 2002for 2003 compared to operating losses recorded during 2001.2002, and prepaid subscription fees in our newly acquired print operations.

            Cash provided by investing activities was €132.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to cash used in investing activities wasof €14.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to cash used in investing activities of €29.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.2002. The decreaseimprovement was primarily due to the sale of a 2.6%our 30.4% interest in TVN that resulted in cash proceeds of €10.5 million and the sale€131.6 million. From 2001 through 2003, we sold a substantial majority of our interest in Radio Noordzee that resulted innon-consolidated investments. Our non-consolidated investments represented less than 1% of our total assets at December 31, 2003 and therefore cash proceeds from any future sales of €7.1 million.our current non-consolidated investment holdings are not expected to be significant.

            During the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2002,2003, we had capital expenditures of €36.9 million, €19.2 million, €25.2 million and €24.6€18.3 million, respectively. Capital expenditures include expenditures on fixed assets, which consist primarily of broadcasting equipment used at our television and radio stations, and expenditures on broadcast license fees. In 2000 ourFor 2004, we expect to have capital expenditures were comparatively high, mainly dueof €20 million to investments of €10.0 million in technical equipment for use in connection with local productions. The equipment was used for productions ofBig Brother in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Switzerland.€25 million.

            Cash used in financing activities was €23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared to cash provided by financing activities wasof €0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, compared to2002. The use of cash provided by financing activities of €25.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The decrease was primarily due our new financing in 2001the redemption of €135$16.4 million of 12% Seniorour 7% Convertible



    Subordinated Notes due 2008 in financing obtained offset by the2004, repayment of €104 million under an existing financing arrangement. In 2002, our 70% owned Dutch subsidiary obtained a newsubsidiary's financing facility of €11.8 million.

            In November 1997, we sold an aggregatemillion and scheduled loan repayments of $75.0€3.4 million at TV2 in Hungary. The use of the cash was offset by €9.5 million in principal amountproceeds from stock option exercises.

    Convertible Notes

            On November 18, 2003, we called for redemption of all of the 7% Convertible Subordinated Notes, Due 2004, (the "1997 Notes"). Interest onwhich had an outstanding principal amount of $53.6 million after the 1997 Notes is payable semi-annually in Junerepurchase and cancellation of $16.4 million during 2003. By the redemption date, December each year. Holders19, 2003, holders of the 1997 Notes are entitlednotes with a total principal amount of $53.2 million had elected to convert the 1997 Notestheir notes into 1,827,047 SBS Common Shares at athe conversion price of $29.13 per share. After December 5, 2000, the 1997Common Share. The remaining outstanding principal amount, $0.4 million, was redeemed for cash.

    Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part at our option, including accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. In November 2002, we acquired and redeemed $5 million of the 1997 Notes and in March 2003, we acquired and redeemed $5 million of the 1997 Notes. At December 31, 2002, the 1997 Notes had a carrying value of €66.7 million.

            On June 14, 2001, we issued an aggregate principal amount of €135 million of 12% Senior Notes due June 15, 2008, described in "Item 10—Material Contracts".2008. Interest is payable semi-annually in June and December. The terms of the indenture agreement of the notesSenior Notes restrict our ability to obtain additional financing, pay dividends, and make additional investments. The terms also require us to maintain certain debt to EBITDA operating ratios. We are in compliance with our debt covenants as of

    56


    December 31, 2002. We can secure2003, at which date our additional debt of up to €27.8 millionborrowing capacity under the terms of the covenants based upon the December 31, 2002, ratios.

            In December 1999, we agreed with TVNorge and TV2 (in Norway) to terminate the cooperation, program and guarantee agreements, because of unsatisfactory ratings performance of the station under the aegis of TV2. Under the agreement, TV2 had assumed full responsibility for programming, scheduling and promotion of TVNorge. As of January 1, 2000, TVNorge regained full control and authority of its own programming, scheduling and promotion. As settlement under the now terminated cooperation and guarantee agreements, TV2 has paid TVNorge NOK 335indenture was €140 million (€40.8 million) in cash overon a two-year period, and agreed to compensate TVNorge NOK 30 million (3.8 million) in free airtime on TV2 oversenior secured basis. For a three-year period. TV2 has received NOK 10 million (€1.2 million) from us in 2000, in settlement of the program agreement pursuant to which TV2 had the ongoing right to acquire programming from the TVNorge program libraries on favorable terms.more detailed review see "Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors".

            On February 18, 2000, we entered into a term sheet with CME, which set outor after June 15, 2005, the Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company at 106% of the principal terms and conditions agreed toamount in connection with a contemplated transaction between CME and us in Hungary, Poland and Slovenia. On February 21, 2000, we acquired all2005, at 103% of CME's broadcasting assets, including programming inventories, real estate, and related tangible and intangible assets in Hungary for a total consideration of approximately €16.9 million. We simultaneously agreed to sell 50% of these Hungarian assets to CLT-UFA for $9 million (€9 million), payable over three years. On February 21, 2000, we further agreed with CME that we would have a call option to acquire all of CME's rights to $40 million in aggregatethe principal amount in 2006 and at par value in 2007 and thereafter. Before June 15, 2005, the Company may redeem all or part of convertiblethe notes at the Make-Whole Price, which is defined as the present value of ITI Holdings for $37.3 million (€39.9 million)the principal, premium and interest payments that CME would have a put optionbe payable if the note was redeemed on June 15, 2005, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to require us to purchase the ITI notes for $25 million. On June 29, 2000,redemption date. In December 2003, we exercised our option to acquire the ITI notes.

            Effective March 1, 2000, we acquired a 70% interest in a company that owns and operates Lampsi, a radio station located in Athens, Greece. The purchase price was €6.8redeemed €0.3 million of which 60% was paid at closing and the remaining 40%, which was contingent on the receipt of a broadcast license, was paid in April 2002.Senior Notes.

    Romania

            On March 9, 2000, we exercised our option to acquire, for a nominal amount, 86% of the shares of Amerom, Television Ltd ("Amerom"), which owns 100% of Amerom Television S.r.l., the owner and operator of prima TV in Romania. On July 18, 2001, we completed the issuance, for $6 million (€7.0 million), of new shares representing 53.5% of Romanian Broadcasting Corporation Limited ("RBC"),RBC, a newly formed SBS subsidiary that at the time held an 86% interest in Amerom, to Romanian Investment and Development S.r.l. ("RID"),RID, a company controlled by the General Manager of prima TV. We continue to own 46.5% of RBC. Substantially all of the $6 million investment in RBC has been used to fund the operating requirements of prima TV for 2001 and 2002. RBC's interest in Amerom has subsequently been diluted to 82%80% following the issue of shares representing 4%6% of the capital of Amerom to certain managers of prima TV, including its General Manager. Such shares were issued in accordance with the terms of the original acquisition agreements. These managers are currently entitled to be issued a further 2% of the capital of Amerom under that agreement. All the other shareholders in Amerom have exercised an option, granted to them under the original acquisition agreement, to put their shareholding in Amerom on RBC. The consideration for such shares is to be determined by an independent valuation of Amerom. For three calendar years after the third anniversary of closing the transaction, we have a call option to increase our RBC ownership to 75% and RID has a put option to cause us to increase our RBC ownership up to 75%. The call and put options are exercisable at a price equal to a multiple of eight times the average annual EBITDA of RBC during the two-year period beginning January 1 of the year prior to the year in which the option is exercised.

    57




    EBRD Loan (Hungary)

            On July 26, 2000, we acquired from ITI a 33% interest in TVN, Poland's second largest private television station, in exchange for consideration consisting of 666,666 of our Common Shares, the surrender to ITI of the notes we acquired from CME and $91.6 million (€97.6 million) in cash. In connection with this agreement we currently indemnify ITI against our pro rata share of any payments made by ITI pursuant to guarantees provided by them on behalf of TVN to certain bank lenders and program suppliers. At December 31, 2002, our maximum exposure in connection with such indemnity was approximately €22 million.

            We have acquired a 12.5% shareholding in ZeniMax in consideration of (i) the payment of $10.0 million (€11.6 million) cash, which was paid in 2000 and (ii) the issuance of 181,818 SBS Common Shares in May 2001. We wrote off our €16.7 million investment in ZeniMax in 2001.

            On September 7, 2000, we entered into a €150 million secured loan facility agreement with DLJ Capital Funding, Inc. Amounts drawn under such facility were primarily used to finance the TVN acquisition and for general corporate purposes. On March 2, 2001, this facility was converted to a €134 million secured loan facility with a final maturity date of June 30, 2001. On June 14, 2001, we issued an aggregate principal amount of €135 million of 12% Senior Notes due June 15, 2008, described in "Item 10—Material Contracts" and repaid in full the amount outstanding under the secured loan facility.

            On April 12, 2001, our Dutch operations acquired in consideration of 866,013 Common Shares, a 50% interest in TV 10 B.V. in The Netherlands from News Corp. Fox Kids Europe Channels B.V. ("Fox Kids"), owns the other 50%. Under the license held by TV 10 B.V., we operate V8, a 70% owned national satellite-to-cable television station. In connection with this transaction our Dutch operations received from De Telegraaf a loan of $4.3 million (€4.9 million), which was repaid in full in 2002.

            On September 25, 2001, TV2 in Hungary executed amendments to its loan agreements (the "EBRD Loan") with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Kereskedelmi es Hitelbank Rt. and Orszagos Takarekpenztar es Kereskedelmi Bank Rt (collectively, the "Hungarian Lenders"). Pursuant to these amendments, TV2 repaid $13.6 million (€14.8 million) of the facilities, financed in part through a €12 million loan to TV2 from SBS of which €8.3 million remains outstanding under the amended EBRD Loan.SBS. In order to comply with the indenture relating to our 12% Senior Notes, due 2008, the amended EBRD Loan does not include restrictions on the ability of TV2 to pay dividends to us or make payments to us via management contracts or loans to shareholders. In addition, the Hungarian Lenders agreed that the shareholder loans owed by TV2 to us need no longer be subordinated to TV2's other obligations and that the Project Funds Agreement, pursuant to which we had agreed to fund TV2 under certain circumstances, could be terminated. In connection with these agreements, SBS has executed guarantees of TV2's obligations to the Hungarian Lenders under the amended EBRD Loan. TV2 has executed an agreement to indemnify us for any amounts paid by SBS under these guarantees. The EBRD Loan is repayable in escalating semi annual instalments commencing in June 2000, and has a final maturity in December 2005. Interest is payable semi annuallysemi-annually at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 3.5%.

            On November 5, 2001, we acquired a 20% equity interest in ATV, an Austrian satellite-to-cable television station, from certain of ATV's existing shareholders. We paid approximately €3.4 million of cash and issued 101,082 of our Common Shares in consideration for the 20% interest in ATV. We also issued 7,000 of our Common Shares to Allegro Privatstiftung in consideration for Allegro's advance of €213,658 to ATV on our behalf. This consideration included the Company's share of ATV's funding requirements for 2001. On April 18, 2002, we exercised our right under the ATV shareholders' agreement to exchange our 20% equity interest in ATV for subordinated loans totalling €6.6 million held by other certain other ATV shareholders. On April 26, 2002, the other ATV shareholders waived their rights to repayment of all of their subordinated loans in order to satisfy Austrian capitalizationHungary

    58



    requirements. As a result, there are currently no outstanding subordinated loans to ATV, subject to our conversion right, and accordingly we have retained our 20% interest for the time being. We continue to have the right to exchange our ATV shares for subordinated loans to ATV made by ATV shareholders who are parties to the ATV shareholders' agreement as they make subordinated loans to ATV in the future.        On May 14, 2002 the Company acquired 100% of MTM Produkcio Kft. ("MTM Productions"),Productions, a Hungarian television production company that produces programming for TV2. As part of this transaction, the Company acquired, for $225,000 (€241,000), Concorde Media Beteiligungs GmbH'sConcorde's ownership interest in MTM Productions. In addition, the Company acquired Ferenc Tolvaly and Robert Prokopp's ownership interest in MTM Productions for an aggregate purchase price of $2.8 million (€2.9 million).

            At the same time as the transaction described above took place, on May 14, 2002, as part of an overall re-organization of TV2, we entered into an agreement with Albene Befektetesi Kft. (to be renamed MTM-TV2 Kft.) ("Albene"), MTM and the controlling shareholders. Albene is a subsidiary of MTM, which in turn is a company controlled by MTM's controlling shareholders. Pursuant to this agreement, we made an initial payment of $3.3 million (€3.8 million) to Albene, with the ability to make a further payment of $5.0 million (€5.54.0 million), towards the purchase of Albene's 16% interest in TV2. Our present intention is to assign this agreement, in whole or in part, to a Hungarian partner, as the Hungarian Media laws prohibit us from holding more than 49% of the voting rights in TV2 and require that a Hungarian person or legal entity owns at least 26% of the voting rights in a Hungarian company.

    ING Loan (The Netherlands)

            We operate our Dutch Television operations through SBS Broadcasting B.V., our 70%63%-owned subsidiary. In October 2002, SBS Broadcasting B.V. borrowed €11.8 million from ING Bank N.V. on a secured basis and used the proceeds to repay in full shareholder loans from us and De Telegraaf incurred in connection with the acquisition of V8Veronica (the "ING Loan"). SBS has guaranteed the ING Loan and SBS Broadcasting B.V. has agreed to indemnify us for any amount paid by SBS under the guarantee. The ING Loan iswas repayable in quarterly installments of €737,500, commencing January 2, 2003. Interest iswas payable quarterly at a floating rate of EURIBOR plus 1.75%. The loan was fully repaid in December 2003.

    Radio Noordzee disposal

            On October 22, 2002, we sold our 35% indirect interest in Publimusic to Talpa Management B.V. ("Talpa") as part of a transaction involving the sale of 100% of Publimusic to Talpa. The cash consideration received was €10.2 million, of which our share was approximately €7.1 million. As part of the transaction, Publimusic will be entitled to receivereceived €1.8 million in advertising time on SBS6, NET5 and V8, which must be used before December 31, 2004, subject to availability.Veronica. In



    addition, Talpa may be able to recover up to approximately 31% of the cash consideration in the transaction from the sellers under certain circumstances related to the granting of radio broadcasting licenses in The Netherlands.

    TVN Poland

            On December 23, 2002, we sold a 2.6% equity interest in TVN to ITI for a cash consideration of $11 million (€10.5 million). In connection with the sale, the Company granted ITI an option to purchase all of, and on December 2, 2003 we sold our remaining 30.4% equity interest in TVN for the greater of our pro rata share of (i) twelve times TVN's average EBITDA for 2002 and 2003 less TVN's net debt, or (ii) twelve times TVN's 2003 EBITDA less net debt, with a minimum cash consideration of $130€131.6 million. The call option is exercisable until December 31, 2003.

    Postabank Loan (Hungary)

            On March 24, 2003, the Company, TV2 and Postabank entered into various agreements whereby Postabank extended a loan of HUF 1.4 billion (€5.75.3 million) to TV2 (the "New Loan"), secured by a guarantee issued by the Company, to replace the previous loan agreement dated December 1, 1997. The maturity date of the New Loan is March 24, 2006. All of the outstanding principal amount of the New Loan is payable on the maturity date.March 24, 2006. Interest on the New Loan accrues at 9.24% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears.

    59BetandWin.com



            On April 15, 2003, we sold our 4.3% interest in BetandWin.com Interactive Entertainment AG for €1.7 million.

    Lions Gate

            In June 2003, we sold 4,012 shares of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.'s 5.25% Convertible Redeemable Preferred Shares, Series A to Lions Gate Entertainment for $9.0 million (€7.7 million), realizing a cashloss of €0.7 million. We retain 1.7 million warrants that are exercisable for common shares of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

    ATV (Austria)

            On December 4, 2003, we sold our 20% equity interest in ATV in Austria for €1.0 million at a gain of €1.0 million.

    Radio Acquisitions—Norway and Denmark

            On September 8, 2003, we completed the acquisitions of Radio 1 Norge AS in Norway and Radio 2 A/S in Denmark from wholly owned subsidiaries of Clear Channel Communications, Inc. and from Norsk Aller AS. The total purchase price of these acquisitions was €17.5 million, payable in SBS common shares. At closing we issued a total of 856,494 common shares to the sellers, who have agreed not to sell such shares for a period of twelve months without our consent ("the lock-up period"). After the lock-up period, the sellers have agreed to coordinate with us their sale of the number of shares required to settle the €17.5 million consideration plus interest accrued at a rate of €1.76% per annum. Any excess number of common shares will be returned to us. Should the proceeds from the sale of 856,494 common shares be insufficient to settle the consideration plus accrued interest, any shortfall will become payable in cash. Alternatively, we can settle the entire obligation at any time in cash.

    Radio Sweden

            On October 1, 2003, we entered into a merger between our Swedish radio operations and Bonnier Radio AB in a transaction, in which we contributed our Swedish radio assets valued at SEK 96.0 million and SEK 37.5 million in cash. As part of the transaction, we granted Bonnier an option to put its 49% equity interest in SBS Radio AB (the "Bonnier shares") to us in June in each



    year from 2006 through 2012, at an amount equal to 49% of 12 times EBITDA less net debt in SBS Radio AB (for 2006 and 2007), or the fair market value of the Bonnier shares (for the years 2008 through 2012). Concurrently, Bonnier granted us an option to call the Bonnier shares in July in each year from 2006 through 2012, at the higher of (a) an amount equal to 49% of 13.5 times EBITDA less net debt in SBS Radio AB, or (b) SEK 400 million plus interest compounded semi-annually from October 1, 2003.

    Available Credit Lines

            As of December 31, 2003, we had credit lines available amounting to €14.5 million.

            We believe that our current cash balances together with available credit will be adequate to satisfy our anticipated operating and capital requirements for the foreseeable future (see Capital"Capital and Commercial Commitments)Commitments" below). Our future liquidity is contingent upon continued improved operating results of our existing television and radio stations.operations. Our ability to realize these improvements will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and to legal, financial, business, regulatory, industry and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. See "Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors".

    Capital and Commercial Commitments

            The following table and discussion reflect the Company's significant commercial obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 31, 2002,2003 (in thousands):


     Payment Due by Period
     Payment Due by Period
    Capital Commitment

     Total
     Less than 1 Year
     1-3 years
     4-5 years
     After 5 years
    Total
     Less than 1 Year
     1–3 years
     4–5 years
     After 5 years
    Long term debt €230,692 €6,711 €78,058 €10,888 €135,035
    Long-term debt 146,937 3,328 8,621 134,988 
    Interest on long term debt 101,157 21,873 37,715 32,469 8,100 74,439 16,987 33,152 24,300 
    Other non-current liabilities 29,405  29,405  
    Operating leases 112,352 27,338 53,628 18,178 13,208 93,682 33,031 33,778 16,335 10,538
    Program contracts 331,832 190,618 126,167 15,047  349,527 162,284 152,309 34,934 

            The amounts in the table above were calculated using the interest rates as of December 31, 2002,2003 for variable rate debt agreements and the foreign exchange rates as of December 31, 2002,2003 for commitments not denominated in euro.

            Upon a change of control, our €135 million of 12% Senior Notes, due June 15, 2008, would be payable at 101% of the face amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

            In December 2003, the Company's shareholders authorized the Company to repurchase up to approximately 10% of its subscribed capital, which currently would amount to up to approximately 3.2 million Common Shares. The Company's repurchases of Common Shares may take place in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at prevailing prices but may in no event be for more than €40 per Common Share, and may be effected from time to time as directed by the Company's Board of Directors. The authorization is valid until June 2005. The Board of Directors has not yet authorized the Company to repurchase any of its Common Shares but may do so in the future depending upon the price of SBS Common Shares, market conditions, the Company's cash position and other relevant considerations.

    Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

    As part of our agreements forrelating to the sale and purchase of our unconsolidated subsidiaries, we have certaina contractual commitments which arecommitment that is not included as liabilities ona liability in our consolidated balance sheet, nor are included in the above table as theour obligation, if any, is not known at this time. The contractual commitments areMore specifically, as follows:

            In connection with our agreement with ITI regarding our investment in TVN, we currently indemnify ITI against our pro rata share of any payments made by ITI pursuant to guarantees provided by them on behalf of TVN to certain bank lenders and program suppliers. At December 31, 2002, our maximum exposure in connection with such indemnity was approximately €22 million.

            In connection with our agreement with ITI regarding our investment in TVN, in the event that we become subject to certain changes of control, ITI would have the right to require us to purchase ITI's remaining interest in TVN under certain conditions, failing which ITI may have the right to purchase our interest in TVN.

            As discussed under Liquidity"Liquidity and Capital Resources,Resources—Romania", we may be required to purchase an additional 29.5% interest in RBC,



    which controls prima TV in Romania. The purchase price iswould be equal to a multiple of eight times the average annual EBITDA. We also guarantee the obligations of RBC under a put option agreement with the minority shareholders of Ameron.

            We anticipate that we will fund any such obligations and commitments withfrom our available cash flow from operations and borrowings under a new or amended credit facility.resources.


    CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

            The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and

    60



    liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. The SEC has defined a company's critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of the company's financial condition and results of operations, and which require the company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this definition, we have identified the critical accounting policies and judgments addressed below. Although we believe that our estimates, assumptions and judgments are reasonable, they are based upon information presently available. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates under different assumptions, judgments or conditions.

            The Company's accounting for itsour program rights inventory requires judgment as to the likelihood that such assets will generate sufficient revenue to cover the associated expense by attracting an appropriate audience. The carrying value of our program rights inventory is reviewed periodically and at least annually to determine whether a write-down is required. The Company has writtenWe wrote down the value of certain programs by €3.9€4.8 million and €4.8€7.9 million in the years ended December 31, 2001,2002, and 2002,2003, respectively, based upon our analysis. The amortization of ourOur program rights are expensed when aired or amortized on an accelerated basis when we are entitled to more than one airing. Amortization is estimated in accordance with SFAS 63, —Financial Reporting by Broadcasters andbased upon our historical experience with similar program types.

    Investments

            We have invested in equity securities of other companies. We are required to evaluate our investments for other-than temporaryother-than-temporary impairment. Our assessment is based on:on all available evidence, including the duration of the investment and extent to which the investment's market price (if available) is less than our carrying value, the financial health of the investee, the investments' expected future operational performance and liquidity, and regional and industry economic forecasts. Based upon the available evidence, we have determined that certain investments have incurred an



    other-than-temporary impairment. As a result, we have written down these investments to their fair value. Fair value is determined based upon quoted market prices (if available) or our estimate of fair value based upon the above factors. We recorded impairments to our investments of €33.4 million, €42.5 million, €32.9 million and €32.9€8.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2002,2003 respectively.

            We are required to assess whether the value of our long-lived assets, including our buildings, improvements, technical and other equipment, and amortizable intangible assets have been impaired. An assessment is required whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. We do not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used, or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. There were no events that required us to perform an assessment of our long-lived assets during 2002.2003. If events or circumstances change, we may be required to record impairment charges not previously recorded for these assets.

            Effective January, 1, 2002,We account for our business acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting. The total cost of acquisitions is allocated to the underlying net assets, based on their respective estimated fair values. Determining the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities requires significant judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives, and market trends, among other items. We use independent third parties to assist us in estimating the fair value of certain assets.

            Our accounting policy is to record gains or losses on the issuance of subsidiary stock. Therefore, upon the issuance of a 10% equity interest in SBS Broadcasting B.V., we recorded a gain of €29.2 million. This policy is consistent with our prior subsidiary stock transactions. Without this gain our net income would have been €1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The valuation of our subsidiary stock was based upon a valuation from an independent third party.

            We are required to test our goodwill for impairment at least annually. Our test includes the estimation of the fair value of our reporting units. As our reporting units are not separately traded, we are required to estimate their fair value. Our estimation of fair value is based on

    61


    expected future operating performance, discount rates, and valuations of other European broadcasters. We did not record any impairment of our goodwill as a result of annual impairment tests. We will be required to complete a goodwill test annually or earlier if changes in the operating results of the reporting unit or changes in the valuation of other European broadcasters occur. Future impairment tests may result in a material impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets if such adverse conditions occur.

            In April 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145,Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections ("FAS 145"), which rescinds the classification of gain (loss) on extinguishments of debt as extraordinary items unless they are unusual and infrequent. The Company adopted FAS 145 during 2002 and as a result the prior year extraordinary loss related to a debt extinguishment has been reclassified to continuing operations in the caption "Gain (loss) on extinguishments of debt". See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for details on amounts reclassified.

            In June 2002January 2003, the FASB issued StatementInterpretation No. 46,Consolidation of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146,Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal ActivitiesVariable Interest Entities ("FAS 146"FIN 46"). FAS 146 addresses, and in December 2003, issued a revision to FIN 46. FIN 46 is an effort to expand upon and strengthen existing accounting guidance as to when a company should consolidate the financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exitresults of another entity. FIN 46 requires "variable interest entities", which are defined as consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the expected losses of the entity or disposal activities and nullifies EITF Issue No. 94-3,Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costsis entitled to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred inreceive a Restructuring)majority of expected residual returns of the entity, or both. The company that is required to consolidate a variable interest entity is referred to as the entity's primary beneficiary. The. FAS 146 states



    interpretation also requires certain disclosures about variable interest entities that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity shall be recognized and measured initially at its fair value in the periodcompany is not required to consolidate, but in which the liability is incurred, except forit has a liability for one-time termination benefits that are incurred over a period of time. FAS 146significant variable interest.

            The consolidation and disclosure requirements applied immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. For all variable interest entities created prior to February 1, 2003, FIN 46 is effective for exit or disposal activities initiatedperiods ending after March 15, 2004, except for entities that are considered Special Purpose Entities, to which the provisions apply as of December 31, 2002, and does2003.

            We are not impact prior restructuring activities. The Company adopted FAS 146 on Januarythe primary beneficiary of any variable interest entities created after February 1, 2003, and there was no currentnor do we expect the final adoption of this statement to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

            In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45,Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees,Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others ("FIN 45"), an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. FIN 45 clarifies the requirements of FAS No. 5,Accounting for Contingencies, relating to the guarantor's accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of certain types of guarantees. The disclosure provisions of FIN 45 are effective for financial statements of periods that end after December 15, 2002. However, the provisions for initial recognition and measurement are effective on a prospective basis for guarantees that are issued or modified after December 31, 2002. FIN 45 does not currently have any impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations or financial position. The Company has provided the disclosures required under FIN 45 in Note 17 to its consolidated financial statements.

            In December 2002, FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure ("FAS 148"). FAS 148 amends FAS 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. FAS 148 requires accounting policy note disclosures to provide the method of stock option accounting for each year presented in the financial statements. FAS 148 also amends transition provisions for companies that elect to adopt FAS 123. The Company has provided the disclosures required under FAS 148 in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.


    Trends InformationTREND INFORMATION

            The principal trend known to management that will affect our revenues and profitability is the growth of the commercial television market in our existing markets and in the new markets that we may enter. The pace and extent of such trends cannot be predicted.predicted with any certainty.

    62



            Inflationary trends in the markets in which we operate have been stable (downward in the case of Hungary) in the last three years. Such trends have an impact upon many of our operating costs. Currently,In 2003, inflation in our markets rangesranged from approximately 2–4%2-4% in Western Europe to approximately 5% in Hungary. Management does not believe that current inflationary trends will have a material effect upon our business. Futurebusiness, although future inflationary trends cannot be predicted.predicted with any certainty.

            ForIn 2002 and 2003, the past year the euro has displayed a strengthening trend versus the U.S. dollar. This trend has reduced our cost of acquiring U.S. programming rights. However, since December 31, 2003, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against the euro by 4%. Future exchange rate trends cannot be predicted.predicted with any certainty.

    63




    ITEM 6—DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES


    Directors and Executive OfficersDIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

            The following table sets forth as of April 15, 2003,30, 2004, the name, age and position of individuals who serve as our directors and executive officers.

    Name

     Age
     Position
    Harry Evans Sloan 5354 Executive Chairman of the Board
    Michael Finkelstein 6768 Vice Chairman
    Markus Tellenbach 4243 Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
    Juergen von Schwerin 4647 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    Erik TannerT. Moe 4445 Senior Vice President Business & Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Company Secretary
    Frank Eijken 4849 Senior Vice President International Sales & Marketing
    Eric Hansen 4546 Senior Vice President Radio Division
    Anthony Ghee 4546 Director
    Herbert G. Kloiber 5556 Director
    Benjamin Lorenz 5355 Director
    Edward McKinley 5051 Director
    James McNamara 4950 Director
    Shane O'Neill 4142 Director
    Mark Schneider 47Director
    Jan Wejchert5348 Director

            Under the terms of our articles of incorporation, as amended, our directors may be elected for terms of up to six years and serve until their successors are elected. It has been our practice to elect directors for one-year terms. Under our articles, the board consists of at least five directors at any one time. Our boardBoard of directorsDirectors currently consists of eleventen members. All board members can be contacted through our Luxembourg.Luxembourg office.

    Biographical Information

    Mr. Sloan has served as Executive Chairman since September 2002, and Chairman of the Board since April 1990, having previously served as Chief Executive Officer from January 1993 to September 2001. Prior to joining SBS, Mr. Sloan served for six years as the co-chairman of New World Entertainment, Ltd., a motion picture studio and supplier of prime time network television programming, that Mr. Sloan and his partner acquired in 1983. Mr. Sloan is a director of ZeniMax Media Inc. ("ZeniMax") and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Mr. Sloan is a citizen of the United States.

            Mr. Finkelstein has served as Vice Chairman of the Board of SBS since February 1998. Mr. Finkelstein served as Chief Executive Officer of SBS from September 2001 to August 2002, when he retired. Mr. Finkelstein has served as a non-executive director of the Company since April 1997.1997, with the exception of the period from September 2001 to August 2002, when he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. From 1989 until 1997, Mr. Finkelstein was the founder and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Communications Corporation, which owned and operated television stations in the United States. Mr. Finkelstein is a citizen of the United States.

            Mr. Tellenbach has served as a Directordirector of SBS since December 2002. Mr. Tellenbach has served as Chief Executive Officer of SBS since August 2002, and was appointed President in September 2001. Prior to that, Mr. Tellenbach served as Chief Operating Officer of SBS from February 2001 to August 2002. From 1999 until 2000, he was Chairman of the BoardChief Executive Officer of KirchPay TV GmbH & Co., and Chief Executive Officer of Premiere World, Germany's leading pay TV operator. From 1994 to 1999,

    64



    Mr. Tellenbach served as Managing Director of VOX Fernsehen, a national general television entertainment broadcaster in Germany. Mr. Tellenbach is a citizen of Switzerland.



            Mr. von Schwerin has served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of SBS since November 2001. From May 2001 until November 2001, Mr. von Schwerin served as Senior Vice President Finance and Development of SBS. From 1992 to 2000,2001, Mr. von Schwerin served in several Managing Directormanaging director positions with ProSiebenProSiebenSat.1 Group of companies, as well as Head of Finance of MGM Media Gruppe Muenchen.München. From 1986 to 1992, Mr. von Schwerin served in several positions for Deutsche Bank in Germany and Australia, including Financial Analyst of Corporate Finance and Vice President of Project Finance. Mr. von Schwerin is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany.

            Mr. Moe has served as Senior Vice President Business & Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Company Secretary of SBS since May 2002, having previously served as Vice President and General Counsel since October 2000, and as Company Secretary since December 2001. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Moe was Vice President of Business Development and General Counsel at Central European Media Enterprises LimitedLtd. (CME). From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Moe worked as a corporate associatean attorney with the international law firm Shearman & Sterling in New York.York, specialising in international finance. Previously, Mr. Moe worked as an attorney in Washington, D.C. with Inter-American Development Bank from 1991 to 1993 and the law firm Arnold & Porter from 1989 to 1991. Mr. Moe is a citizen of the United States.

            Mr. Eijken has served as Senior Vice President International Sales & Marketing of SBS since January 2003. From 2000, MrMr. Eijken served as Executive Director Sales and Marketing for SBS Broadcasting B.V., which operates SBS's three Dutch television channels. Prior to that, Mr. Eijken launched IP Netherlands in 1989, where he was managing directorManaging Director for ten years. IP Netherlands is the exclusive sales house for the Holland Media Group, which operates the RTL channels in the Netherlands. From 1977 to 1989, Mr. Eijken worked at The Reader's Digest in theThe Netherlands where his last position was Executive Vice President. Mr. Eijken is a citizen of theThe Netherlands.

            Mr. Hansen has served as Senior Vice President Radio Division of SBS since September 2002. From 1999 to September 2002, Mr. Hansen served as General Manager of SBS's Scandinavian radio operations. He was appointed general manager of the Voice in 1994 and promotedFrom 1989 to Managing Director in 1998.August 2002, Mr. Hansen began his career in the radio industry in 1989 when he became Sales Director of theworked at The Voice, a Copenhagen-based radio station and a subsidiary company of SBS. MrSBS, where he began as Sales Director. He became General Manager of The Voice in 1994 and was promoted to Managing Director in 1998. Mr. Hansen is a citizen of Denmark.

            Mr. Ghee has served as a director of SBS since October 1994. Since 1994,May 1, 2003, Mr. Ghee has been a partner in the EnglishAnglo/German law firm Ashurst Morris CrispTaylor Wessing, where he specializes in the areas of broadcasting, cable, satellite and telecommunications law. Prior to that, he was a partner in the English law firm Ashurst. He has been SBS'SBS's principal European media law adviser since 1990 and served as Company Secretary of SBS from October 1992 until December 1996. Mr. Ghee also serves as a director of CanwestFireworks Entertainment (UK) Limited. Ashurst Morris CrispTaylor Wessing (and previously Ashurst) provides legal services to SBS from time to time as and when requested by management. In 2002,From January 1, 2003 to April 30, 2003, Ashurst Morris Crisp received fees from SBS in the amount of approximately £175,000.€36,000 and from May 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003, Taylor Wessing received fees from SBS in the amount of approximately €19,000. Mr. Ghee is a citizen of the United Kingdom and Australia.Australia.

            Dr. Herbert Kloiber has served as a director of SBS since April 1998. Dr. Kloiber is ChairmanManaging Director of Tele München Group and has held this position since 1977. Tele München Group is one of Germany's leading television production and distribution companies. Dr. Kloiber is a member of the Advisory CouncilBoard of one of Germany's largest banks, Bayerische Hypo-und Vereinsbank AG and a member of the Supervisory Board of the Bavarian Film Funding Organization. He also serves onas a member of the BoardsSupervisory Board of RTL II Fernsehen GmbH & Co., Munich, and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of ATV Privatfernseh-GmbH, Vienna. Dr. Kloiber is a citizen of Austria.

            Mr. Lorenz has served as a director of SBS since December 2001. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Lorenz served as Group Chairman of Merrill Lynch International Banks and Chairman & Managing Director

    65




    of Merrill Lynch International Bank Ltd. Previously, he held various senior management positions with Merrill Lynch. Mr. Lorenz is a citizen of the United Kingdom.

            Mr. McKinley has served as a director of SBS since March 2002. Mr. McKinley is a Senior Advisor at Warburg Pincus LLC. Between 1993 and 2002, he was responsible for the company's private equity activity in Europe. Mr. McKinley has been with Warburg Pincus for 19over 20 years. Prior to taking on his responsibilities in Europe, he opened and ran the firm's office in Los Angeles. Prior to joining Warburg Pincus, he was a consultant with McKinsey & Co., Inc. for four years in New York. Mr. McKinley is a citizen of the United States.

    Mr. McNamara has served as a director of SBS since July 1998. Mr. McNamara is President and Chief Executive Officer of Telemundo Communications Group and has held this position since August 1999. From 1996 until 1998, Mr. McNamara was presidentPresident of Universal Television Enterprises in the United States. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of New World Entertainment, Ltd. Mr. McNamara is a citizen of the United States.

            Mr. O'Neill has served as a director of SBS since December 2002. Mr. O'Neill is currently Chief Strategy Officer and memberPresident of the Management Boardchello media division of UPC.UGC Europe, Inc. From 1999 to 2002, Mr. O'Neill served as Managing Director of Strategy, Acquisitions and Corporate Development at UPC. Prior to that, from 1992 to 1999, MrMr. O'Neill was an investment banker with Goldman Sachs in London, New York and Sydney, Australia. From 1988 to 1992, Mr. O'Neill was an investment banker in Sydney, Australia for Macquarie Bank. Mr. O'Neill is a Directordirector of Primacom AG and UPC. Mr. O'Neill is a citizen of the Republic of Ireland and Australia.

            Mr. Schneider has served as director of SBS since December 1999. Since September 2003, Mr. Schneider is a member of the Board of UGC Holdings, Inc., the largest shareholder of UPC. From 1997 until 2001, Mr. Schneider washas served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Boardchello media division of UPC. UGC Europe, B.V., a wholly owned subsidiaryInc. From April 1997 to September 1998, he served as President of UGC Holdings Inc, owns 6,000,000UPC and from September 1998 until September 2001, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company's Common Shares.UPC. Mr. Schneider is a director of UnitedGlobalCom, Inc. ("UGC"), Priority Telecom, ispire corporation ltd, Austarltd., United Communications Ltd ZeniMax Media Inc., and ncubed.ZeniMax. Mr. Schneider is a citizen of the United States.

    Mr. Wejchert has served as a director of SBS since December 2000. Mr. Wejchert is one of the founders and President and Chief Executive Officer of ITI Group. ITI through its subsidiaries is a 49% shareholder of ITI TV Holding Sp. z o.o., which owns a 69.6% interest in TVN, a Polish private television station, in which SBS has the remaining 30.4% interest. Mr. Wejchert has served as a member of the supervisory board of TVN since 1997. Mr. Wejchert was also the founding Chairman of the Polish Business Round Table and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Club Committee. He has been a member of the US-Poland Action 7 Commission since 1991. Mr. Wejchert established the first private licensed foreign company in Poland in 1976. During 2001, ITI, through various subsidiaries and associated companies, engaged in a variety of commercial transactions with TVN. Mr. Wejchert is a citizen of Poland.

    Arrangements for Election of Directors

            Pursuant to the June 1999a private placement agreement with UPC, the Company hasdated January 27, 2000, SBS agreed to nominate one UPC designee for election as a director of SBS so long as UGC Holdings, Inc. ("UGCH") and its affiliated companies hold at least 3,000,000 Common Shares or 8% of SBS's outstanding Common Shares. In April 2003, as part of its recapitalization process, UPC sold its 6,000,000 Common Shares in SBS to UnitedGlobalCom Europe B.V. ("UGC Europe"), a wholly-owned Dutch subsidiary of UGC. In connection with the Company.share transfer agreements, SBS, UPC, UGCH and UGC Europe entered into a novation agreement, dated April 8, 2003, whereby all rights and benefits of UPC under the private placement agreement and any related instruments were assigned to UGC Europe, including the right to designate one director for nomination to the SBS Board. Mark Schneider is currently serving as UPC'sUGC Europe's designee.

            Pursuant to the relationship agreement dated July 26, 2000, with ITI, and other parties named therein, the Company has agreed, for so long as we own at least 33% of TVN and ITI holds at least 666,666 of our Common Shares, to use its reasonable efforts to nominate one ITI designee for election as a director of the Company. The agreement further provides that ITI would be entitled to a designee in the event that ITI owns more than 15% of our outstanding share capital and to an additional

    66



    designee in the event ITI owns more than 25% of our outstanding share capital. In December 2002, the Company sold a 2.6% equity stake in TVN to ITI.

            In connection with our agreement with ITI relating to our acquisition of 33% of TVN from ITI, Mr. Jan Wejchert was elected toa member of our board at the annual general meetingBoard from December 2000 until he resigned in December 2000. Mr. Wejchert holds 33,333 five-year warrants to purchase our Common Shares, of which 22,222 are currently exercisable.August 2003. For further information, see also "Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions".


    CompensationCOMPENSATION

    Directors' Fees and Expenses

            Directors of SBS with the exception of the Executive Chairman, Harry Evans Sloan, (see "—Employment and Consulting Agreements") receive no fees or other compensation for serving as a director. Directors are entitled to reimbursement of expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings of the boardBoard of directorsDirectors or its committees. On December 5, 2003, as compensation for Board services upon election to the Board of Directors following the Annual General Meeting of



    Shareholders of the Company, non-executive directors, other than directors who serve by contract or who provide professional services to the Company, received a ten-year option to purchase an aggregate of 90,000 SBS Common Shares, exercisable at $31.05 per share, vesting in full upon completion of one year's Board service. Of the option to purchase 90,000 Common Shares referred to in the proceeding sentence, 10,000 Common Shares were awarded to each of the following non-executive directors: Messrs. Finkelstein, Kloiber, Lorenz, McKinley, McNamara and O'Neill. In addition, a further option to purchase 10,000 Common Shares were granted to each of Messrs. Lorenz, McKinley and McNamara for prior services on the Audit and Compensation Committees of the Company. The options referred to in the proceeding sentence vested immediately upon issuance and are currently exercisable. All of the foregoing stock option awards were approved by a majority of disinterested directors of the Company, prior to shareholder approval on December 5, 2003.

    Executive Compensation

    Cash Compensation

            An aggregate of approximately €3.2€5.9 million, was paid in cash by us to our executive officers as a group for services rendered during 20022003 in all capacities. In addition such officers were granted a total of 1,366,674654,000 options and 60,000 shares of restricted stock in addition to salary.their salaries. At their respective dates of grant, these options and restricted shares had an estimated aggregate fair market value of €15.5€8.2 million, based upon the Black Scholes pricing model as more fully described in Note 9 of our financial statements.

    Employment and Consulting Agreements

            Mr. Sloan has an agreement to serve as Executive Chairman of the SBS Group and Executive Chairman of the Board of SBSDirectors for a fixed term of two years, effective September 1, 2002. In consideration of suchUnder this agreement, Mr. Sloan will receivereceives an annual salary of $400,000. During the appointment, Mr. Sloan will beis entitled to receive an annual incentivestrategic bonus based on performance at the discretion of the Compensation Committee if the Company meets annual operating and financial performance measures established by the Board of Directors.Directors, and a contractual target bonus based upon a percentage of the financial performance of the SBS group measured by comparing the Company's actual consolidated EBITDA performance against budgeted EBITDA. Mr. Sloan and his immediate family are entitled to be members of any pension or health insurance scheme established by the Company or any other member of the SBS Groupgroup for its employees. Under the agreement, on July 1, 2002, Mr. Sloan has beenwas granted (on July 1, 2002) a ten-year option to purchase 666,674 Common Shares, exercisable at $17.71 per Common Share, vesting in four equal cumulative semi-annual installments,instalments, commencing March 1, 2003, and expires onexpiring July 1, 2012. The terms of benefit upon termination under this agreement should the agreement be terminated without cause if, in the reasonable judgment of a majority of the Board of Directors of SBS that such termination is in the best interest of the SBS Group, Mr. Sloan will be entitled to receive payment of annual salary for the remainder of the term of the agreement and the immediate vesting of all outstanding options as well as a termination bonus for each remaining year of the agreement on a pro rata basis. Under a previous agreement, on September 1, 2001, Mr. Sloan was granted a ten-year option to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 Common Shares, exercisable with respect to 66,667 Common Shares at $26.00 per Common Share and with respect to 33,333 Common Shares at $33.00 per Common Share, vesting in four equal cumulative semi-annual installments,instalments, commencing on June 30, 2002, and expiresexpiring August 31, 2011. Of the option to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 Common Shares referred to in the preceding sentence, in March 2003, Mr. Sloan elected to (i) forfeit the option to purchase 16,667 Common Shares at $26.00 per Common Share that vested on December 31, 2002, (ii) forfeit the option to purchase 25,000 Common Shares that were due to vest on June 30, 2003 at $33.00 per Common Share, and (iii) forfeit the option to purchase 25,000 Common Shares at $33.00 per Common Share that were due to vest on December 31, 2003, therefore forfeiting the option to purchase a total of 66,667 Common Shares. The remaining option to purchase 33,333 Common Shares areis fully vested and

    67



    currently exercisable. Under a previous agreement, Mr. Sloan was awarded a ten-year option to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $25.00 per Common Share with respect to 666,667 Common Shares and $30.00 per Common Share for the remaining 333,333 shares, vesting in six equal semi-annual installments beginning oninstalments, commencing June 30, 1999, and expires onexpiring December 31, 2008. The option to purchase



    1,000,000 Common Shares referred to in the preceding sentence areis fully vested and currently exercisable. In connection with his previous employment agreements, Mr. Sloan was granted: (i) a ten-year option to acquire 306,134 Common Shares, subject to anti-dilution protection, at an exercise price of $16.875 per Common Share, due to expire on March 4, 2003, were granted a 3 year extensionwhich was extended to March 6, 2006 by the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors on December 10, 2002, to expire on March 6, 2006;2002; and (ii) three ten-year options to purchase an aggregate of 500,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $18.00 per Common Share for 250,000 shares, $22.50 per Common Share for 125,000 shares and $27.00 per Common Share for the remaining 125,000 shares, all of which expire on August 14, 2004; and (iii) two ten-year options to purchase an aggregate of 500,000 Common Share, exercisable at $18.00 per Common Share for 250,000 shares and $22.50 per Common Share for the remaining 250,000 shares, both of which expire on December 31, 2006. The options referred to in the preceding sentence are fully vested and currently exercisable.

            Mr. Tellenbach serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of SBS pursuant to an agreement between SBS and Convers Media Europe Limited Partnership ("Convers Media"), which expires in December 2005. Convers Media received €800,000 for the period from January 1, 2002, through August 31, 2002, under a previous agreement, and was entitled to receive €400,000 for the period from September 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002, under the agreement currently in effect. Convers Media was entitled to receive €500,000 as an annual incentive management fee for calendar 2002. For calendar years 2003, 2004 and 2005, Convers Media will receive from SBS €1,200,000 per year. Convers Media will also be entitled to an annual incentive management fee based upon the performance of the SBS.SBS group. The annual incentive management fee is variable and dependent upon the consolidated EBITDA performance of the SBS Group.group. The target bonus per annum is €600,000. Under the agreement, on December 5, 2003, Mr. Tellenbach was (i) granted a ten-year option to purchase 300,000 Common Shares, exercisable at €25.52 per Common Share, vesting in eight equal cumulative semi-annual instalments, commencing June 5, 2004 and expiring December 4, 2013, with vesting subject to the continuation of the service agreement between Convers Media and the Company, and (ii) a restricted stock award of 40,000 Common Shares that will vest and become exercisable in eight equal cumulative semi-annual instalments, commencing June 5, 2004, with vesting subject to the continuation of the service agreement. All of the unvested options and restricted stock will vest and become exercisable on December 31, 2005, if the Company does not offer to renew or extend the service agreement. On July 2, 2002, Mr. Tellenbach was granted a ten-year option to purchase 400,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $17.71 per Common Share, vestingwhich was converted to €14.186 per Common Share on March 1, 2004. The option vests in four equal cumulative semi-annual installments,instalments, commencing on January 1, 2003, and expires onexpiring July 1, 2012. Under a previous agreement, Mr. Tellenbach was granted a ten-year option to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 Common Shares, exercisable with respect to 200,000 Common Shares at $27.39 per Common Share and at $34.24 per Common Share for the remaining 100,000 shares, vesting in six equal cumulative semi-annual installmentsinstalments, commencing on August 31, 2001, and expiring on November 21, 2010. Of the option to purchase 300,000 Common Shares referred to in the preceding sentence, in March 2002, the Compensation Committee accelerated the vesting of the option to purchase 100,000 Common Shares scheduled to vest between April 1, 2002 and March 30, 2003 to vest as of April 1, 2002. Consequently, of the option to purchase 300,000 Common Shares, 200,000 Common Shares became exercisable as of that date. In March 2003, Mr. Tellenbach elected to forfeit the option to purchase the remaining 100,000 Common Shares by (i) forfeiting the option to purchase 50,000 Common Shares that werewas scheduled to vest on August 31, 2003, and (ii) forfeiting a further option to purchase 50,000 Common Shares that werewas scheduled to vest on February 28, 2004.

            Mr. von Schwerin has an agreement with SBS to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President until December 31, 2004 at an annual salary of $300,000 through May 31, 2003, and $350,000 from June 1, 2003, until December 31, 2004.$350,000. Mr. von Schwerin is entitled to a monthly housing and cost of living allowance of $2,700, and may receive an annual incentive bonus based on performance.upon performance, with a target bonus of one-third of his annual salary. The salary, housing and cost of living allowance are payable in euros at the average U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate for the twelve-month period ending April 30, 2002. Mr. von Schwerin and his immediate family are entitled to be members of any pension or health insurance scheme established by the Company or any other member of the SBS Groupgroup for its employees. In connectionOn December 5, 2003, Mr. von Schwerin was awarded (i) a ten-year option to purchase 150,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $31.05 per Common Share,



    vesting in eight equal cumulative semi-annual instalments, commencing June 5, 2004, expiring December 4, 2013, with suchvesting subject to the continuation of the service agreement between Mr. von Schwerin and the Company, and (ii) a restricted stock award of 20,000 Common Shares that will vest and become exercisable in eight equal cumulative semi-annual instalments, commencing June 5, 2004, with vesting subject to the continuation of the service agreement. All of the unvested options and restricted stock will vest and become exercisable on December 31, 2004, if the Company does not offer to renew or extend the service agreement. On July 2, 2002, Mr. von Schwerin was awarded a ten-year option to purchase 100,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $17.71 per Common Share. This option vests in four equal cumulative semi-annual

    68



    installments, instalments, commencing January 1, 2003, and expires onexpiring July 1, 2012. UnderIn connection with a previousprior agreement, Mr. von Schwerin was awarded a ten-year option to purchase an aggregate of 60,000 Common Shares, exercisable with respect to 40,000 Common Shares at $25.50 per Common Share and $31.875 per Common Share for the remaining 20,000 Common Shares, vesting in six equal cumulative semi-annual installmentsinstalments, commencing November 15, 2001 and expires onexpiring May 15, 2011. Of the option to purchase 60,000 Common Shares referred to in the proceeding sentence, in March 2002, the Compensation Committee accelerated the vesting of the option to purchase 10,00020,000 Common Shares scheduled to vest between April 1, 2002 and March 30, 2003 to vest as of April 1, 2002. Consequently, the option to purchase 30,000 Common Shares became exercisable of that date and the remaining option to purchase 30,00040,000 Common Shares will vestbecame exercisable in threetwo equal installmentsinstalments on May 15, 2003, November 15, 2003 and May 15, 2004, respectively.2004.

            Mr. Moe has an agreement with SBS to serve as Senior Vice President Business & Legal Affairs, General Counsel and Company Secretary until December 31, 2004.2004, at an annual salary of $350,000. Mr. Moe's annual base salary is $300,000 to May 31, 2003, and $350,000 from June 1, 2003, through December 31, 2004. HeMoe is also entitled to receive a monthly housing and cost of living allowance of $2,700, and may receive an annual incentive bonus based upon performance.performance, with a target bonus of one-third of his annual salary. The salary, housing and cost of living allowance are payable in euros at the average U.S. dollar/euro exchange rate for the twelve-month period ending April 30, 2002. Mr. Moe and his immediate family are entitled to be a membermembers of any pension or health insurance scheme established by the Company or any other member of the SBS Groupgroup for its employees. In consideration of such agreement,On December 5, 2003, Mr. Moe has been grantedwas awarded a ten-year option to purchase 150,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $31.05 per Common Share, vesting in eight cumulative semi-annual instalments, commencing June 5, 2004, expiring December 3, 2013, with vesting subject to the continuation of the service agreement between Mr. Moe and the Company. All of the unvested options will become exercisable on December 31, 2004, if the Company does not offer to renew or extend the service agreement. On July 2, 2002, Mr. Moe was awarded a ten-year option to purchase 100,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $17.71 per Common Share, vesting in four equal cumulative semi-annual installments,instalments, commencing January 1, 2003 and expiresexpiring July 1, 2012. In connection with a prior agreement, Mr. Moe was awarded a ten-year option to purchase an aggregate of 60,000 Common Shares, exercisable with respect to 40,000 Common Shares at $25.50 per Common Share and $31.875 for the remaining 20,000 Common Shares. The option to purchase 60,000 Common Shares referred to in the preceding sentence is fully vested and currently exercisable.

            Mr. Eijken has an agreement with SBS to serve as Senior Vice President International Sales & Marketing until December 14, 2004,2005, at an annual base salary of €350,000. Mr. Eijken will be entitled to an annual incentive bonus based upon performance, with a target bonus of €180,000 in 2003; €200,000 in 2004,2004; and €220,000 in 2005. The actual bonus will be based on total budget revenues of at least 80% of the SBS television group for the relevant calendar year. Mr. Eijken and his immediate family are entitled to be members of any pension or health insurance scheme established by the Company or any other member of the SBS Groupgroup for its employees. In connection with such agreement, on December 11, 2002, Mr. Eijken was awarded a ten-year option to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $15.21 per Common Share.Share, which was converted to €14.373 per Common Share on April 8, 2003. This option vests in six equal cumulative semi-annual installmentsinstalments, commencing July 1, 2003 and expires onexpiring December 10, 2012. In November 2000, Mr. Eijken was awarded a ten-year option to purchase 12,500 Common Shares, exercisable with respect to 8,333 Common Shares at $25.50 per Common Share and $31.875 per Common Share for the remaining 4,167 Common Shares, vesting in six equal cumulative semi-annual installments



    instalments, commencing May 31, 2001 and expiresexpiring November 21, 2010. In February 2000, Mr. Eijken was awarded a ten-year option to purchase an aggregate of 25,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $60 per Common Share. The option to purchase 25,00012,500 Common Shares referred to in the preceding sentence is fully vested and currently exercisable.

    69


    In February 2000, Mr. Eijken was awarded a ten-year option to purchase 25,000 Common Shares, exercisable at $60 per Common Share which he exchanged for 1,238 Common Shares in July 2003.

            Mr. Hansen has an agreement with SBS to serve as Senior Vice President Radio Division until December 31, 2004, at an annual salary of €220,000 through December 31, 2003, and €250,000 from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2004. Mr. Hansen is entitled to receive an annual incentive bonus based upon performance.performance, with a target bonus of €120,000 in 2004. On December 5, 2003, Mr. Hansen was awarded a ten-year option to purchase 50,000 Common Shares, exercisable at €25.52 per Common Share, vesting in eight equal cumulative semi-annual instalments, commencing June 5, 2004, expiring June 4, 2014, with vesting subject to the continuation of the service agreement between Mr. Hansen and the Company. In August 2003, Mr. Hansen was awarded a ten-year option to purchase 4,000 Common Shares exercisable at €19.98 per Common Share, vesting in four equal cumulative semi-annual instalments commencing February 8, 2004 and expiring August 7, 2013. In February 2000, for his services as Managing Director of the Voice, a Copenhagen-based radio station and a subsidiary of SBS, Mr. Hansen was awarded a ten-year option to purchase 8,750 Common Shares exercisable at $60.00 per Common Share, vesting in six equal cumulative semi-annual installments commencing August 15, 2000, and expires February 15, 2010. With respect to the option to purchase 8,750 Common Shares, in December 2002, the Board of Directors ratified a stock option exchange offer adopted by the Compensation Committee to exchange stock options at strike prices of between $60.00 and $40.00. Mr. Hansen was eligible to participate in the option exchange offer andwhich he exchanged the option to purchase 8,750 Common Shares at $60.00 per Common Share for 489 Common Shares at a strike price of €15.75 per Common Share. A share certificate in respect of the shares subscribed was issued to Mr. Hansen in December 2002. In November 2000, Mr. Hansen was awarded a ten-year option to purchase an aggregate of 8,750 Common Shares, exercisable with respect to 5,833 Common Shares at $25.50 per Common Share and $31.875 per Common Share for the remaining 2,917 Common Shares, vesting in six equal cumulative semi-annual installments,instalments, commencing May 31, 2001 and expiresexpiring November 21, 2010. Of the option to purchase 8,750 Common Shares referred to in the proceeding sentence 5,834 haveis fully vested and are currently exercisable.

    Share Incentive Plans

    1992 and 1994 Share Incentive Plans

            SBSThe Company has adopted, and the shareholders have approved, a 1992 Share Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, and a 1994 Share Incentive Plan. As ofThe Share Incentive Plans are intended to strengthen the Company's ability to attract, motivate and retain key employees and, in particular, to provide the Company with the flexibility necessary to compete effectively in the employment marketplace for highly skilled personnel.

            Since December 31,8, 2002, options can no longer be issued under the 1992 Share Incentive Plan, expired andalthough options granted pursuant to the Company now operates its1992 Share Incentive Plan underwill remain outstanding. Under the 1994 Plan. TheShare Incentive Plan, the Company's Board of Directors, upon recommendation by the Compensation Committee, of our board of directors may grant options to acquire Common Shares to one or more of our employees, including officers, directors or consultants. TheSubject to approval by the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee generally may determine the number of Common Shares to be subject to an option grant, the exercise price of an option, and the term during which an option may be exercised (which may not continue for more than 10 years after the date of grant).exercised. The Compensation Committee may from time to time authorize by amendment to or waiver of an option grant,adjustment in the exercise price of, the number of Common Shares subject to, the restrictions upon or term of, any option granted to participants any extension or acceleration ofunder the option to purchase Common Shares. We have1994 Share Incentive Plan.

            The Company has reserved an aggregate of 7,800,000 Common Shares for issuance upon the exercise of options granted or to be granted under the share incentive plan.1992 and 1994 Share Incentive Plans. As of April 15, 2003, 7,353,96830, 2004, options haveto purchase 7,799,968 Common Shares had been granted under the share incentive plan.

            The share incentive plans are intended to strengthen our ability to attract, motivate1992 and retain key employees, and, in particular, to provide us with the flexibility necessary to compete effectively in the employment marketplace for highly skilled personnel.

            Our board of directors has granted additional options to acquire Common Shares within its authority outside of the scope of the1994 Share Incentive Plans, of which 234,865 were fully vested and exercised in May 2002.Plans.

            As of April 15, 2003,30, 2004, options to purchase an aggregate of 6,968,9686,702,802 Common Shares were outstanding under the 1992 and 1994 Share Incentive Plan.Plans. Of this aggregate total,amount, options to purchase 5,763,4045,983,425 Common Shares were either fully vested or would become fully vestedvest within 60 days of April 15, 2003.30, 2004. The options provide forhave exercise prices of between $13.00 and $60.00 per Common Share, with expiration dates ranging from May 5, 2002,August 2004 to December 12, 2012.August 2013. As of April 15, 2003,30, 2004, all of our executive officers and directors as a group (15(14 persons) held options to purchase an aggregate of 3,464,4034,108,392 Common Shares.



    2004 Share Incentive Plan

            The Company has adopted and the shareholders approved in December 2003, a new 2004 Share Incentive Plan to replace the 1994 Share Incentive Plan, which expires on October 17, 2004, although options granted pursuant to the 1994 Plan Share Incentive Plan will remain outstanding. The 2004 Share Incentive Plan (herein after the "Plan") established by the Company permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock and restricted stock units. The Plan will remain effective until all shares subject to it shall have been acquired in accordance with the Plan's provisions. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the long-term interests of the Company and its shareholders by strengthening the ability to attract, recruit and retain key employees of the Company.

            The Plan will be administered by the Board of Directors or a Committee of the Board, who may amend, modify, suspend or terminate the Plan. However, material amendments to the Plan will require shareholder approval. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, redeem or exchange awards under the Plan in consideration for cash, Common Shares, options, SARs or a combination of both. The Board of Directors may also in its discretion, amend the terms of outstanding awards under the Plan, provided that the amendments are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan.

            The Company has reserved an aggregate of 2,500,000 Common Shares for future issuance under the Plan. As of April 30, 2004, the total number of share incentives granted was 1,494,400. Of this aggregate amount, 800,000 share incentives were issued to executive officers and directors, including 60,000 Common Shares of restricted stock. Share Incentive Awards that terminate without issue of shares shall be available again for grant under the Plan.

    Long-Term Employees Stock Ownership Plan

            In addition to the stock option grantsShare Incentive Plans outlined above, we maintainthe Company established a Long-Term Employees'Employees Stock Ownership Plan (the "Stock"1995 Stock Plan"). in 1995. A total of 60,000 of our Common Shares have been reserved

    70



    under the 1995 Stock Plan for awards to employees. Each award of shares vests in three installments on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of award, subject to the employees continuing in our employment until the third anniversary of the date of award. As of April 15, 2003,30, 2004, 48,000 sharesCommon Shares had been awarded under this plan,the 1995 Stock Plan, 44,667 of which havehad vested and shares have been issued. Of the 48,000 shares awarded,Common Shares referred to in the preceding sentence, 3,333 Common Shares were forfeited and, as a result, 15,333 Common Shares are available for future issuance.issuance under the 1995 Stock Plan.


    Board PracticesBOARD PRACTICES

    Committees of the Board of Directors

            The standing committees of the boardBoard of directorsDirectors consist of an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. Ad hoc committees of members of the boardBoard of directorsDirectors are convened periodically to deal with specific projects in which we are involved.

    Audit Committee

            The Audit Committee meets periodically with representatives of our auditors, Ernst & Young Accountants, to make inquiries regarding the manner in which their respective responsibilities are being discharged in relation to each audit of our financial statements. The Audit Committee also recommends to the boardBoard of directorsDirectors the annual appointment of the auditors, with whom the committee reviews the scope of audit and non-audit assignments and related fees, our accounting principles and the adequacy of internal controls. The Audit Committee was formed in January 1993, and currently is comprised of Messrs. Lorenz (its chairman), McNamara and McKinley. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. Management of the Company has the primary responsibility for the Company's financial statements and its reporting process, including all systems of internal controls. The Audit Committee is responsible for the oversight



    of all aspects of the Company's legal and regulatory compliance, financial reporting, internal control and audit functions.

    Compensation Committee

            The Compensation Committee reviews the salaries, bonuses stock option awards and share ownershipincentive awards for ourthe principal executive officers.officers of the Company. The Compensation Committee was formed in January 1993 and currently is comprisedconsists of Messrs. McNamara (its chairman), Lorenz, McKinley and McKinley.Schneider, who joined the Committee in October 2003.


    EmployeesEMPLOYEES

            As of December 31, 2002,2003, we had approximately 1,2051,507 full-time employees, not including employees of ATV, prima TV and TVN.TV. As of that date we also had approximately 483500 freelance workers, whom we hire as independent contractors. We believe that the number of our employees who are members of unions is not significant.

    71



            The following table sets out the number of full-time employees at each of our operations for the past three years excluding our unconsolidated subsidiaries.


     As of December 31,
     As of December 31,
    Operation

    2000
     2001
     2002
    2001
     2002
     2003
    TVNorge 84 82 78 82 78 82
    Kanal 5 107 104 92 104 92 97
    TvDanmark 184 148 140
    TvDanmark & Kanal 5 148 140 136
    VT4 139 94 93 94 93 93
    SBS6/NET5/V8 116 149 299
    SBS6/NET5/Veronica 149 299 321
    TV2 152 123 121 123 121 110
    Broadcast Text 34 91 73 91 73 73
    Radio Voice 68 63 75
    Radio Denmark 63 75 107
    Radio Sweden 95 83 79 83 79 120
    Radio Norway   81
    Radio Finland 144 137 110 137 110 109
    Lampsi 21 17 23 17 23 24
    Veronica Magazine   128
    SBS Corporate 35 29 23 29 23 26
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Total 1,179 1,120 1,205
     

    1,120

     

    1,205

     

    1,507
     
     
     
     
     
     

            The following table breaks down the number of our full-time employees by function for the past three years excluding our unconsolidated subsidiaries.

     
      
     As of December 31,
     
     Function

     
     2000
     2001
    2002
    Programming 292 332 273
    Local production 105 54 140
    News 72 53 115
    Technicians 71 88 69
    Sales 253 284 284
    Marketing 102 91 99
    New Media 92 4 
    Administration 192 214 225
      
     
     
    Total 1,179 1,120 1,205
      
     
     

    72


     
     As of December 31,
    Function

     2001
     2002
     2003
    Programming 332 273 377
    Local production 54 140 173
    News 53 115 114
    Technicians 88 69 86
    Sales 284 284 374
    Marketing 91 99 112
    Administration 218 225 271
      
     
     

    Total

     

    1,120

     

    1,205

     

    1,507
      
     
     


    ITEM 7—MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

    Certain ShareholdersCERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS

            The following table sets forth information as of April 15, 2003,30, 2004, with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Common Shares by each person who we know beneficially owns more than 5% of our Common Shares, each director and executive officer of the Company and all directors and executive officers as a group. As of that date, there were 28,604,88631,993,327 Common Shares issued and outstanding. None of the following shareholders have different voting rights with respect to the Common Shares owned by them.

     
     Common Shares
    Beneficially Owned(1)

     
     
     Number
     Percentage
     
    Greater than 5% Shareholders     
    UnitedGlobalCom Europe B.V.(2) 6,000,000 21.0%
    Janus Capital Corporation(3) 2,090,810 7.3%
    EnTrust Capital Inc(4) 2,075,482 7.2%
    CanWest Global Communications Corp(5) 2,032,300 7.1%
    Capital Research and Management(6) 1,918,000 6.7%
    SMALLCAP World Fund Inc(6) 1,800,000 6.2%
    State Farm Insurance Companies(7) 1,593,181 5.5%
    Reed Conner & Birdwell Investments LLC(8) 1,901,286 6.6%

    Directors and Executive Officers

     

     

     

     

     
    Harry Evans Sloan(9) 3,325,502 10.7%
    Michael Finkelstein(10) 575,636 2.0%
    Anthony Ghee   
    Herbert G. Kloiber (11) 999,582 3.5%
    Benjamin H. Lorenz   
    Edward McKinley   
    James McNamara(12) 100,000 * 
    Shane O'Neill   
    Mark Schneider(13)   
    Markus Tellenbach(14) 300,000 1%
    Jan Wejchert(15)   
    Juergen von Schwerin(16) 65,000 * 
    Erik Tanner Moe(17) 85,000 * 
    Frank Eijken(18) 33,333 * 
    Eric Hansen(19) 6,323 * 
    All directors and executive officers as a group (15 person)(20) 5,480,336 17.1%
     
     Common Shares
    Beneficially Owned(1)

     
     
     Number
     Percentage
     
    Greater than 5% Shareholders     
    UGC Europe(2) 6,000,000 18.8%
    Fidelity Management & Research Company(3) 2,898,293 9.1%
    Janus Capital Corporation(4) 2,067,000 6.5%
    Capital Research and Management(5) 2,005,000 6.3%
    SMALLCAP World Fund Inc(5) 1,855,000 5.8%
    State Farm Insurance Companies(6) 1,593,181 5.0%

    Directors and Executive Officers

     

     

     

     

     
    Harry Evans Sloan(7) 3,658,839 10.5%
    Michael Finkelstein(8) 489,536 1.5%
    Anthony Ghee   
    Herbert G. Kloiber(9) 676,000 2.1%
    Benjamin H. Lorenz(10) 10,000 * 
    Edward McKinley(11) 30,000 * 
    James McNamara(12) 110,000 * 
    Shane O'Neill(13)   
    Mark Schneider(14)   
    Markus Tellenbach(15) 500,000 1.5%
    Juergen von Schwerin(16) 135,000 * 
    Erik T. Moe(17) 135,000 * 
    Frank Eijken(18) 47,071 * 
    Eric Hansen(19) 11,239 * 
      
     
     
    All directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons)(20) 5,802,685 16.1%
      
     
     

    *
    Less than 1.0%

    (1)
    Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to the Common Shares beneficially owned. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.Commission (the "SEC"). In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of such person, shares subject to options or warrants held by such person that are currently exercisable or that become exercisable within 60 days following April 15, 2003,30, 2004, are deemed outstanding. However, such shares are not deemed outstanding for purpose of computing the percentage of ownership of any other person.

    (2)
    As part of the recapitalisation process of UPC, the 6,000,000 Common Shares, representing 21%18.8% of our outstanding Common Shares, that were held by UPC Investments I B.V. and that were acquired from UPC pursuant to a share purchase and sale agreement dated August 30, 2000, have been sold and transferred to a wholly ownedwholly-owned Dutch subsidiary of UnitedGlobalCom, Inc. ("UGC") UnitedGlobalComUGC, UGC Europe, B.V. ("UGC Europe"), by agreements dated April 8, 2003 respectively April 9, 2003. Our boardBoard of directorsDirectors has authorized UPC and UGC Europe to exceed the share ownership limit contained in our Articles of Incorporation, which limits any person or entity from owning more than 20% of our Common

    73