Research consultancy Futuresource expects a number of broadcasters to launch 4K channels during 2014. Test transmissions from the likes of SES Astra could start showcasing the technology in 2013. Futuresource’s forecasts suggest that by 2020, the sale of 4K-equipped receivers could amount to some 15 per cent of the overall TV set market and a […]
Mediaset’s on-demand offer, Premium Play, has surpassed one million users, of which 750,000 are active via an Internet connection. Premium Play, which launched in February 2011, is providing over 3,000 content (including football channels and HD) for subscribers of the pay-TV service Mediaset Premium, at no extra cost. The service has been averaging 10,000 new […]
French media company the TF1 Group and US programmer Discovery Communications have confirmed that they have entered into exclusive negotiations to forge a strategic alliance intended to create value for both companies across their numerous complementary business activities in three key areas: driving the growth of Eurosport; enhancing both companies’ pay-TV offerings in France; and […]
Continued growth in the German free TV market and the continued global success of production arm FremantleMedia’s Got Talent and X Factor TV formats helped parent company RTL Group to improved third-quarter financials. Revenue for the quarter was up 5.5 per cent to €1.296 billion, with operating profits up 5.8 per cent to €165 million. […]
Companies within international production conglomerate Banijay Group in France and the US have begun creating online programming for new premium branded channels as part of the YouTube Original Content Initiative. Banijay Group company Air Productions, in partnership with France Télévisions, has launched a new channel which is an extension of its popular live music show […]
BSkyB’s newly-acquired international distribution arm, Sky Vision, is making its debut appearance at the MIPCOM programming market in Cannes, which opens October 8th. BSkyB bought Parthenon Media Group in July and this has now changed its name to Sky Vision, and is being used to market Sky’s commissioned programming to international broadcasters. Earlier distributions deals, […]
Sky has opened Sky Skills Studios in West London – a pioneering new educational facility which will invite up to 12,000 young people per year to experience a behind-the-scenes TV production environment. Sky Skills Studios will be used by students aged eight to 18, from across the UK and Ireland, and will provide teachers with […]
Cloud platform specialist Akamai Technologies has unveiled its new Sola Media Solutions portfolio, designed to offer customers a powerful, yet easy-to-use way to address the challenges of online media workflow, storage and delivery. Built on the Akamai Intelligent Platform, Akamai’s Sola Media is designed to provide unmatched scale and reliability to support customers’ objectives for […]
Sony Pictures Television (SPT) has taken a majority stake in British production company Left Bank Pictures, signalling a significant move into scripted production in the UK. Under this new agreement, SPT will also distribute future Left Bank Pictures television content, both finished programming and formats, and will have a first look distribution option on feature […]
Sky is to establish a new distribution arm to market the international rights to its originated content. As part of the move, Sky has completed the acquisition of Parthenon Media Group, an independent international distribution and multi-media rights management company. In line with Sky’s on-going commitment to increasing its investment in original content, the creation […]