The streaming platform is on track to create 141 projects in Europe this year. In 2019, it plans to make 221 movies, shows, documentaries and specials—including 153 originals. Across the continent, Netflix will spend close to US$1 billion on original productions this year. (Financial Times)

Talking point: “We’re seeing a need in our biggest European markets for more local series and regional programming,” said Erik Barmack, Netflix vice-president of international originals. But its spending is concerning to European broadcasters, who are struggling as audiences continue to prefer on-demand services over “linear” viewing—watching a show at a certain time. This week, the U.K.’s media watchdog urged its public broadcasters to create a jointly-owned streaming service that would showcase top British programming. Similarly, Sharon White, chief of the U.K.’s Office of Communications, suggested public broadcasters develop a joint streaming service, warning that cord-cutting is “no longer just a U.S. phenomenon.”