Advanced Television

Broadcast

Research: Non-English content takes the lead in Netflix Originals

Research from Ampere Analysis highlights the critical role local Originals have played in Netflix’s international success in penetrating new markets. Audiences worldwide continue to show a strong preference for locally produced content, and in 2025, 52 per cent of Netflix’s Original TV season releases were non-English-language. Breaking into majority territory for the first time, this […]

February 17, 2026

WBD files proxy to approve Netflix deal; reopens Paramount talks

Netflix, has issued a statement regarding its “fully financed definitive agreement” with Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) to acquire Warner Bros, including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO. The news comes after reports emerged that WBD was reportedly close to reopening discussions with Paramount Skydance following a renewed offer. WBD confirmed today [February […]

February 17, 2026

Portugal: Over 53% watch streaming services

More than half of Portugal’s adult population (53.3 per cent, or 4.6 million people over 15 years of age) watched content via streaming services between September and December 2025. This represents a new national record and a 1.2 per cent increase from the previous year, an addition of 107,000 users. The study, conducted by Marktest’s […]

February 17, 2026From Branislav Pekic in Rome

Apple Podcasts to enable HLS video podcasts

Apple has announced what it calls “a transformative update” coming to Apple Podcasts this spring that will bring advanced video podcast capabilities to the app. This enhanced video podcast experience uses Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology to grant podcast creators with enhanced control and monetisation opportunities while delivering the highest-quality viewing experience for users. […]

February 17, 2026

BBFC to deliver age ratings for HBO Max in UK

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) and Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) have announced an agreement to ensure that content on HBO Max streaming service in the UK carries the BBFC’s rating and content advice when it launches on March 26th. The agreement focuses on the BBFC producing new, or supplying existing BBFC Classifications for […]

February 17, 2026By Nik Roseveare

HBO Max launching in New Zealand

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has announced that HBO Max will launch as a direct-to‑consumer streaming service in New Zealand, available from mid-2026. Following the launch in Australia in 2025, as well as Germany and Italy so far in 2026 and the UK and Ireland scheduled for March, the New Zealand direct-to-consumer launch is part of the next […]

February 17, 2026

India: Amazon MX Player launches on Whale TV

Amazon and Whale TV have announced the launch of Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, on the Whale TV platform in India, expanding access to free digital entertainment on connected televisions across the country. With this integration, Whale TV users in India can now stream Amazon MX Player’s catalogue directly through Whale TV’s […]

February 17, 2026

Global Player app on car infotainment systems

Global, the Media & Entertainment group, has announced that its Global Player app is now available directly within car infotainment systems, giving drivers a way to listen to their favourite stations, podcasts and playlists on the road. This builds on Global Player’s integration with BMW, the first car manufacturer to offer the app directly within […]

February 17, 2026

Sweden: Spotify adds 1m homes to Swedish audiobook market

In November 2025, Spotify launched audiobooks included in its premium subscriptions in Sweden. The launch has contributed to an 80 per cent increase in household penetration for audiobooks, corresponding to approximately 1 million households. In total, more than half of Swedish households now have access to audiobooks through a subscription reports Mediavision. “By including audiobooks […]

February 17, 2026

Microsoft launches Premier League Companion with The Overlap

Microsoft is kicking off a partnership with The Overlap, the popular podcast series from Gary Neville. The partnership will see the Premier League Companion, powered by Copilot, integrated into its content, bringing near real-time, data-driven insights to pundits and fans, enriching discussions and deepening engagement. The partnership, created by Sky Media and Microsoft, runs from […]

February 17, 2026By Nik Roseveare