Henry Mauriss, CEO of international television network ClearTV, is sounding the alarm on what he calls a “defining moment” for media entrepreneurship. In a bold call to action, Mauriss urges both emerging creators and legacy institutions to rethink outdated content pipelines and adopt entrepreneurial frameworks that empower creativity, increase access, and foster global collaboration.
“We’re not just in a content crisis—we’re in a distribution crisis,” Mauriss said during a recent media summit. “The next great idea is not going to come from a boardroom. It’s going to come from a bedroom studio in Birmingham or a sidewalk story in Seoul. The question is: will the system make room for it?”
The Opportunity Gap: Media by the Numbers
Recent statistics underscore the need for change:
According to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook, user-generated content is projected to account for 50% of all video consumption by 2027.
Yet fewer than 10% of independent creators monetize their content sustainably, according to a YouTube Creators Report.
Meanwhile, the top five media conglomerates control over 70% of traditional TV and cable content in the U.S. and UK combined.
“We have the talent, we have the technology,” Mauriss noted. “What we need is the infrastructure—and the mindset—to make entrepreneurship in media the rule, not the exception.”
An Entrepreneurial Framework for Media
Mauriss argues that media must adopt a more agile, decentralized approach to content creation and distribution, not unlike tech startups.
“We need to treat creators like founders,” he said. “Give them tools, data, ownership—and get out of the way.”
He is advocating for:
Creator equity in platform partnerships
Revenue-sharing models that favor small-scale production teams
Cross-border collaboration hubs in cities like London, Toronto, and Seoul
Mentorship pipelines between media executives and emerging creators
“These aren’t radical ideas,” Mauriss added. “They’re just long overdue.”
ClearTV’s Commitment
Mauriss has backed his words with action. ClearTV recently launched a pilot program in the UK to fund short-form video series by independent London-based creators. It also provides technical support, marketing access, and IP protection—cornerstones of Mauriss’s entrepreneurial philosophy. Next up are Amsterdam and even Bucharest.
“It’s not charity—it’s strategy,” he explained. “When creators thrive, platforms do too. It’s a win-win.”
Rather than relying solely on institutions to lead the way, Mauriss encourages individuals to take charge of their own media journeys.
“If you have a story, tell it. If you have a camera, use it. If you have something to say, say it loudly—and build your own audience if you have to,” he said. “Don’t wait for permission. Media is no longer gated. It’s global—and it’s yours.”
He also advises creators and entrepreneurs to:
Study new business models like freemium content and NFT-backed IP
Build direct-to-audience channels via social platforms or streaming startups
Learn from other industries, especially tech and e-commerce, for monetization strategies
Join global creator networks and collaborate across borders
“We’re all in this together,” Mauriss concluded. “The next golden age of media won’t be built in studios—it’ll be built in the margins, by risk-takers with vision. My job—and our industry’s job—is to support them.”
About Henry Mauriss:
Henry Mauriss is the CEO of ClearTV, a television network operating across the US, UK, and Europe. He is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in consumer branding, financial platforms, and media innovation. A vocal advocate for democratizing media access, he also supports philanthropic efforts aimed at social reintegration and homelessness.
Media ContactContact Person: Henry MaurissEmail: Send EmailState: CaliforniaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.henry-mauriss.com/
