MTG Corporate Responsibility Report 2009
The 2009 Modern Responsibility Report presents Modern Times Group’s (MTG) effort to embed corporate responsibility across its broadcasting and media operations while navigating the aftermath of the 2008‑09 financial crisis. The report’s thesis is that a structured, multi‑pillar responsibility programme can coexist with commercial growth, even as the group expands its channel portfolio and geographic reach.
In 2009 MTG recorded net sales of SEK 14.2 billion and launched three new channels—TV3 Puls, Prima COOL and Viasat Hockey—while completing a major restructuring of its Bulgarian assets. Despite revenue growth, operating income fell to a loss of SEK 1.4 billion and basic earnings per share turned negative at ‑30.86 SEK. The responsibility framework, introduced in 2004, is now governed by the CEO, board directors, a central committee and local “Green Ambassadors,” with KPIs, internal audits and external consultancy guiding progress. Targets for 2010 include broader KPI coverage, reduced carbon emissions and enhanced stakeholder communication across business, broadcast‑marketing, colleague and community dimensions.
Employee engagement proved strong: 86 % of the 2,906 staff across 38 national markets completed the annual survey, 88 % expressed enthusiasm for their work and 90 % embraced the company’s three lead words. Gender balance approached parity overall (52 % male, 48 % female) though managerial levels remained skewed (63 % male, 37 % female). Internal recruitment accounted for 40 % of hires.
The carbon footprint for 2009 amounted to roughly 13 000 t CO₂e across 19 countries, split evenly between facilities and office‑supply material use, with an intensity of 4.2 t CO₂e per employee (0.9 t per MSEK turnover). ISO 14001 certification for the Swedish radio division and energy‑efficient headquarters illustrate concrete mitigation steps. Partnerships with WWF and Sweden’s BLICC, together with expanded carbon‑footprint audits, underscore MTG’s commitment to environmental stewardship within the
Modern Times GroupJan 2009