In its European Media - MediaWatch XXXVI note, Barclays identifies a shortlist of European media companies that the bank believes combine defensible business models with attractive valuations at a time when the sector is grappling with prolonged derating and investor anxiety over artificial intelligence.
Barclays frames its selections around three characteristics: structural resilience to AI-driven substitution, strong competitive positions within their respective niches, and valuation levels that offer differentiated opportunities for earnings delivery and possible rerating.
Canal+
Barclays describes Canal+ as a value-oriented recovery story. The firm notes several long-standing uncertainties have been resolved, including matters related to the MultiChoice acquisition and tax overhangs. Improved disclosure and expectations for significant synergies are cited as underpinnings for stronger free cash flow generation going forward. Given the group's diverse exposure across pay-TV and content, Barclays views Canal+ as relatively insulated from AI disruption. The bank highlights that the stock is trading on a low earnings multiple and that the risk-reward profile could be appealing if the company executes on its plans.
CTS Eventim
CTS Eventim is presented as benefiting from deep competitive moats in live entertainment and ticketing - areas Barclays regards as among the least vulnerable to AI substitution. The report emphasizes that live experiences are supply-constrained and not easily disrupted through technology, while CTS Eventim's vertical integration reinforces its market standing. Barclays notes the stock has undergone a sharp valuation derating amid short-term integration noise and is now trading near historical lows, which the bank views as an attractive entry point ahead of margin recovery and renewed growth.
Informa
Barclays points to Informa's combination of defensive characteristics and steady growth. The bank highlights Informa's leadership in exhibitions and academic publishing, businesses whose value accrues from real-world events, trusted brands and curated content - factors that carry limited exposure to AI substitution risk, in Barclays' view. With solid organic momentum and an attractive free cash flow yield, Barclays considers Informa capable of delivering dependable earnings and benefiting from rerating should investor confidence improve.
JCDecaux
JCDecaux is identified as a high-quality leader in outdoor advertising operating in a subsector with minimal AI disruption risk. Barclays acknowledges near-term growth has been muted by tough comparisons but points to medium-term support from contract wins, growth in programmatic advertising and improving free cash flow discipline. The bank highlights that the stock trades at an undemanding valuation and offers exposure to cyclical recovery without the structural threats facing many other media subsectors.
RELX
Barclays describes RELX as its most controversial selection, yet potentially the most rewarding. While market sentiment has penalized the shares on AI fears, the bank notes that most of RELX's profits are generated by businesses dependent on proprietary data, trusted brands and workflow integration - areas it considers difficult for AI to displace. Barclays also highlights that RELX is actively deploying AI to enhance its offerings, supporting multi-year growth. The sharp derating, the report argues, creates an opportunity for meaningful upside if perceptions align with fundamentals.
Overall, Barclays' note presents these names as examples of where valuation, business quality and cash generation converge to produce differentiated investment cases inside a broadly challenged media sector. The selections span pay-TV and content distribution, live events and ticketing, exhibitions and publishing, outdoor advertising and data-driven information services.