Advanced Television

Discovery to acquire Scripps for $14.6bn

Suggesting that the combination will accelerate growth across linear, digital and short-form platforms around the world and create a global leader in real life entertainment, Discovery Communications and Scripps Networks Interactive, have signed a definitive agreement for Discovery to acquire Scripps in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $14.6 billion (€12.44bn) or $90 per share, based on Discovery’s July 21st closing price. The purchase price […]

July 31, 2017

Freeview Play sales surge

Freeview has revealed that Freeview Play TVs account for more than half of all Smart HD TV sales in the UK. In June, 55 per cent of Smart HD TVs sold were Freeview Play enabled, a rise of 20 per cent since January 2017. Launched less than two years ago, Freeview Play brings UK consumers […]

July 31, 2017

SpaceX valued at $21.2bn

SpaceX has just raised $351 million (in its Series H fund-raising operation) and this values the rocket business at an impressive $21.2 billion (€18.06bn), a significant 76 per cent increase in value since its previous round of cash-raising, back in 2015 when the business was valued at “just” $12 billion. The details were published by […]

July 31, 2017By Chris Forrester

MPs call for poor broadband service compensation

The British Infrastructure Group of MPs (BIG) has called for UK Government to introduce legislation setting the terms for a broadband Universal Service Obligation, and for comms regulator Ofcom to consider fixed broadband speeds in a new system of automatic compensation. The recommendations are contained in Broadbad 2.0, a comprehensive investigation into broadband customer services […]

July 31, 2017By Colin Mann

BT promises £600m more for broadband upgrade

BT has proposed to provide universal broadband across the UK by 2020 in an attempt to stave off the spin-off of Openreach and /or a universal service obligation (see above). BT has made a voluntary commitment to offer 10MBps download and 1MBps upload speeds to 99 percent of premises by the end of 2020 expected […]

July 31, 2017

Telefónica reverses pay-TV sub decline

The launch of new convergent packages on Movistar Plus is reversing the downward trend in subscribers to Telefónica’s IPTV service. In the second quarter of the year, its pay-TV gained 51,000 subs versus a loss of 41,000 the previous quarter, reaching 3.666 million subscribers at the end of June. The growth was boosted by new […]

July 31, 2017From David Del Valle in Madrid

4K, HDR update for Apple TV?

A major update appears to be imminent for Apple TV and iTunes users, as the tech giant prepares to bring 4K and HDR video to its digital store and set-top box. Until now, Apple has only sold and rented digital content in SD or HD, but users in the UK have reported noticing references to […]

July 31, 2017

Discovery Q2 down 8%

Discovery’s Q2 net income dropped 8 per cent to $374 million. The company attributed the downturn to currency fluctuations and losses from investments – including in solar. Revenues for Discovery rose 2 per cent to $1.745 billion. At Discovery’s US networks, operating income rose 4 per cent to $567 million. Revenues rose 2 per cent […]

July 31, 2017

Amazon to increase content-spend in Q3

Amazon has revealed plans to increase investment in video content for its Prime Video service during Q3, despite reporting a year-on-decline in net income during Q2. Speaking on the company’sQ2 earnings call, CFOBrian Olsavsky said that Amazon would continue to build on its momentum in the video space, after it took a “significant step up” […]

July 31, 2017

Greece wants €35m minimum for TV broadcast licence

Greece is looking to raise at least €245 million for the 7 national broadcasting licences on offer in an auction by the Greek state. The highly controversial starting price has been set by the country’s National Council of Radio & Television (ESR). Many local commentators say that it is doubtful whether there are enough candidates […]

July 31, 2017By Chris Forrester