ITV

Tag: CBS

  • OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    MUMBAI: Online platforms such as Amazon and the streaming giant Netflix have ramped up their investment in programming, investing US$ 7.5 billion last year which is more than HBO, Turner and CBS in most countries including Australia and South Korea.

    Netflix invested over twice as much on original programming as the entire Australian TV market, a new report stated. In India, it could look at licensing deals and produce more local language content as it seeks to strengthen its presence here.

    The US-based company, which expanded into over 130 markets, entered India a few months ago and rivals streaming sites or platforms such as Star India’s Hotstar, SonyLiv, YuppTV, Spuul, Ditto TV, Eros Now, and Hungama. All these are betting on growing smartphone and Internet use to drive growth. Netflix could soon be introducing ‘download-and-go’ offline streaming.

    Between 2013 and 2015, Amazon and Netflix doubled their annual investments on programming. In 2013, Amazon spent US$ 1.22 billion, that jumped to US$ 2.67 billion in 2015. In the corresponding period, Netflix investments rose from US$ 2.38 billion to US$ 4.91 billion, a IHS Markit report stated while examining how TV programme producers are adapting to the era of internet TV.

    “Netflix and Amazon investments are only topped by Disney ($11.84 billion) and NBC ($10.27 billion),” said IHS Technology senior principal analyst Tim Westcott,.

    Netflix added over 50 per cent more subscribers than expected in the third quarter as original shows such as “Stranger Things” drew new international viewers and kept US customers despite a price hike, according to FactSet StreetAccount.

    Other online platforms such as China’s Youku Toudu, iQifyi, Tencent and Hulu in the US have also increased their investment in original programming and acquisitions.

    “More and more consumers are watching content online, shaking the foundations of the traditional TV industry,” Westcott said. “However, it’s premature to declare that the era of linear TV is over,” he added.

    Westcott estimated that, in 2015, the US represented 33 per cent of worldwide expenditure on TV programming, with US$ 43 billion invested across free-to-air, pay TV and online.” “Netflix and Amazon, though they are US companies, are now commissioning for multiple territories, so we have treated them as global platforms.”

    The biggest markets in Western Europe were the UK with $10.7 billion, Germany ($7.3 billion), France ($6.6 billion) and Italy ($4.6 billion). “Notably, China is now the second largest market in Asia Pacific, with $8.4 billion invested last year,” Westcott said. Japan is the largest in the region with $9.8 billion, followed by South Korea ($2.6 billion), Australia and India—both on $2.4 billion.

    Netflix considers pouring money into building its stable of licensed and original movies and TV shows. Content spending will rise to $6 billion next year, a $1 billion increase from 2016, its CEO Reed Hastings has said.

    It faces competition from the likes of Amazon and Hulu. Figures released in the World TV Production Report 2016 claim Netflix spent US$ 4.91bn on new programming the last year, compared to Australia’s total market spend of US$2.4bn. Amazon, which may reportedly launch in Australia in a few months, increased its programming investment in 2016 to US$ 2.67bn from US$ 1.22bn in 2015, although far below Disney’s spend of US$ 11.84bn in 2016.

    In India however Netflix has branded itself in the premium bracket and therefore has some disadvantage as far as pricing is concerned. A majorly English language content makes business difficult for Netflix in India. More local language content and licensing deals could help in this context. Netflix, which has not disclosed its subscribers base in India, may need to adopt a localisation strategy for growth in the country.

  • OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    OTT players spend exceeds traditional broadcasters; Netflix weighing Indian content to drive growth

    MUMBAI: Online platforms such as Amazon and the streaming giant Netflix have ramped up their investment in programming, investing US$ 7.5 billion last year which is more than HBO, Turner and CBS in most countries including Australia and South Korea.

    Netflix invested over twice as much on original programming as the entire Australian TV market, a new report stated. In India, it could look at licensing deals and produce more local language content as it seeks to strengthen its presence here.

    The US-based company, which expanded into over 130 markets, entered India a few months ago and rivals streaming sites or platforms such as Star India’s Hotstar, SonyLiv, YuppTV, Spuul, Ditto TV, Eros Now, and Hungama. All these are betting on growing smartphone and Internet use to drive growth. Netflix could soon be introducing ‘download-and-go’ offline streaming.

    Between 2013 and 2015, Amazon and Netflix doubled their annual investments on programming. In 2013, Amazon spent US$ 1.22 billion, that jumped to US$ 2.67 billion in 2015. In the corresponding period, Netflix investments rose from US$ 2.38 billion to US$ 4.91 billion, a IHS Markit report stated while examining how TV programme producers are adapting to the era of internet TV.

    “Netflix and Amazon investments are only topped by Disney ($11.84 billion) and NBC ($10.27 billion),” said IHS Technology senior principal analyst Tim Westcott,.

    Netflix added over 50 per cent more subscribers than expected in the third quarter as original shows such as “Stranger Things” drew new international viewers and kept US customers despite a price hike, according to FactSet StreetAccount.

    Other online platforms such as China’s Youku Toudu, iQifyi, Tencent and Hulu in the US have also increased their investment in original programming and acquisitions.

    “More and more consumers are watching content online, shaking the foundations of the traditional TV industry,” Westcott said. “However, it’s premature to declare that the era of linear TV is over,” he added.

    Westcott estimated that, in 2015, the US represented 33 per cent of worldwide expenditure on TV programming, with US$ 43 billion invested across free-to-air, pay TV and online.” “Netflix and Amazon, though they are US companies, are now commissioning for multiple territories, so we have treated them as global platforms.”

    The biggest markets in Western Europe were the UK with $10.7 billion, Germany ($7.3 billion), France ($6.6 billion) and Italy ($4.6 billion). “Notably, China is now the second largest market in Asia Pacific, with $8.4 billion invested last year,” Westcott said. Japan is the largest in the region with $9.8 billion, followed by South Korea ($2.6 billion), Australia and India—both on $2.4 billion.

    Netflix considers pouring money into building its stable of licensed and original movies and TV shows. Content spending will rise to $6 billion next year, a $1 billion increase from 2016, its CEO Reed Hastings has said.

    It faces competition from the likes of Amazon and Hulu. Figures released in the World TV Production Report 2016 claim Netflix spent US$ 4.91bn on new programming the last year, compared to Australia’s total market spend of US$2.4bn. Amazon, which may reportedly launch in Australia in a few months, increased its programming investment in 2016 to US$ 2.67bn from US$ 1.22bn in 2015, although far below Disney’s spend of US$ 11.84bn in 2016.

    In India however Netflix has branded itself in the premium bracket and therefore has some disadvantage as far as pricing is concerned. A majorly English language content makes business difficult for Netflix in India. More local language content and licensing deals could help in this context. Netflix, which has not disclosed its subscribers base in India, may need to adopt a localisation strategy for growth in the country.

  • TV News and Facebook Live

    TV News and Facebook Live

    Television’s last bastion – live news – could be under threat. At least if one goes by the traction that two events got when they were broadcast live on social media last week. These were not shot with fancy news cameras by specialist videographers; they were shot using simple smart phones. The broadcast platform: Facebook, which has more than a billion users world wide and more than 150 million in India.

    The first was when Lavish Reynolds opened up her Facebook Live app and started filming her boyfriend Philando Castile bleeding to death after being shot by the Falcon Heights, Minnesota police in their car at a traffic stop. And she kept continuously reporting from the aftermath of the scene. Apparently, the cops had stopped Castile’s car as it had a broken taillight. And they had asked him to bring out his ID and licence. Castile, Reynolds, states during the broadcast informed the police that he had a licensed firearm, but he was reaching in his pocket for his wallet to bring out his ID. The policeman, despite being informed of this, pumped four bullets into him, Reynolds says.

    That video on Facebook has got more than 5.6 million views at the time of writing.

    And it led to protests and rallies against police violence across the US of A the next day.

    In Dallas, bullets rang out loud and clear during one of the rallies protesting police brutality. Six policemen were shot at by a sniper – Micah Xavier Johnson – from a building. Five of them died. Others were injured. Johnson who holed out against the policeman in a garage was later killed with the help of a robot and an explosive device.

    The action on the streets, with the police scrambling around, was filmed by Michael Kevin Bautista and streamed live on Facebook. The video had been watched 5.6 million times once again at the time of writing. Michael got instant fame, getting onto CNN, BBC Radio, CBS, the Washington Post and TMZ apart from a host of other news outlets.

    While a large chunk of TV viewers in the US have switched to OTT and VOD services, for their entertainment, cutting off their cable TV connections, most of them are still relying on TV channels for news. This is because TV broadcast helps make understanding news developments easier. But the fact is that news and its analysis is dependent on the slant that producers, reporters, owners – some with vested interests – give it.

    Media observers say that the two developments mentioned above could be the fore bearers of the new age of un-curated, raw, reportage of developments – or news – as they happen on the ground during crime scenes, war, accidents, acts of violence or what have you. What would make this kind of reportage interesting is that it would be presented without any bias or agenda.

    Imagine the scenario: lay Facebook users the world over whipping out their phones, filming incidents and reporting on them live. This could run into thousands and even hundreds of thousands. With viewers possibly running into millions as happened in the case of Reynolds and Bautista. The numbers could be higher too. Take Candace Payne who went live on Facebook, filming herself wearing a Chebacca mask and cackling away. The video has until the time of writing grossed 150 million views.

    What could the emergence of tools such as Facebook Live and Twitter’s Periscope mean for Indian news TV? There’s disruption waiting to definitely happen with Indian news channels. Some amount of cynicism has crept in among those in the know about the way news is being presented by a majority of the news outlets. There’s always doubt on top of most viewers minds as most TV news channel promoters either have political or economic linkages or leaning.

    The time could not be very far when Facebook Live could really start kicking in India. India is a mobile first nation with more than 250 million smart phone owners and around the same number surfing the net on their phones. Around 150 million young and old alike are always logged onto their Facebook accounts.

    Give it a thought: if even 10 per cent of them tune into a development shot by a Facebooker and streamed live, the numbers would be more than the viewers than what the top TV news channels attract.

    Clearly this is a phenomenon waiting to happen. Again and again. All it would require is a trigger or triggers. And a million news channels would suddenly pop up on Facebook. Giving out unadulterated, independent updates of developments.

    In such a scenario a few questions need to be answered. Are not the regulations for broadcast news TV pretty rigid? Will the government seek to regulate and monitor the millions of Facebook live streams? Should it do so at all? Television news broadcast has a code of conduct, some of which is being followed. Could a new code of conduct be put in for Facebook Live news bearers? And will it be followed? How will that happen?

    There are many other queries that could need an answer.

    For that it’s over to the ministry of information and broadcasting. And if needed to the Telecom Regulatory of India.

  • TV News and Facebook Live

    TV News and Facebook Live

    Television’s last bastion – live news – could be under threat. At least if one goes by the traction that two events got when they were broadcast live on social media last week. These were not shot with fancy news cameras by specialist videographers; they were shot using simple smart phones. The broadcast platform: Facebook, which has more than a billion users world wide and more than 150 million in India.

    The first was when Lavish Reynolds opened up her Facebook Live app and started filming her boyfriend Philando Castile bleeding to death after being shot by the Falcon Heights, Minnesota police in their car at a traffic stop. And she kept continuously reporting from the aftermath of the scene. Apparently, the cops had stopped Castile’s car as it had a broken taillight. And they had asked him to bring out his ID and licence. Castile, Reynolds, states during the broadcast informed the police that he had a licensed firearm, but he was reaching in his pocket for his wallet to bring out his ID. The policeman, despite being informed of this, pumped four bullets into him, Reynolds says.

    That video on Facebook has got more than 5.6 million views at the time of writing.

    And it led to protests and rallies against police violence across the US of A the next day.

    In Dallas, bullets rang out loud and clear during one of the rallies protesting police brutality. Six policemen were shot at by a sniper – Micah Xavier Johnson – from a building. Five of them died. Others were injured. Johnson who holed out against the policeman in a garage was later killed with the help of a robot and an explosive device.

    The action on the streets, with the police scrambling around, was filmed by Michael Kevin Bautista and streamed live on Facebook. The video had been watched 5.6 million times once again at the time of writing. Michael got instant fame, getting onto CNN, BBC Radio, CBS, the Washington Post and TMZ apart from a host of other news outlets.

    While a large chunk of TV viewers in the US have switched to OTT and VOD services, for their entertainment, cutting off their cable TV connections, most of them are still relying on TV channels for news. This is because TV broadcast helps make understanding news developments easier. But the fact is that news and its analysis is dependent on the slant that producers, reporters, owners – some with vested interests – give it.

    Media observers say that the two developments mentioned above could be the fore bearers of the new age of un-curated, raw, reportage of developments – or news – as they happen on the ground during crime scenes, war, accidents, acts of violence or what have you. What would make this kind of reportage interesting is that it would be presented without any bias or agenda.

    Imagine the scenario: lay Facebook users the world over whipping out their phones, filming incidents and reporting on them live. This could run into thousands and even hundreds of thousands. With viewers possibly running into millions as happened in the case of Reynolds and Bautista. The numbers could be higher too. Take Candace Payne who went live on Facebook, filming herself wearing a Chebacca mask and cackling away. The video has until the time of writing grossed 150 million views.

    What could the emergence of tools such as Facebook Live and Twitter’s Periscope mean for Indian news TV? There’s disruption waiting to definitely happen with Indian news channels. Some amount of cynicism has crept in among those in the know about the way news is being presented by a majority of the news outlets. There’s always doubt on top of most viewers minds as most TV news channel promoters either have political or economic linkages or leaning.

    The time could not be very far when Facebook Live could really start kicking in India. India is a mobile first nation with more than 250 million smart phone owners and around the same number surfing the net on their phones. Around 150 million young and old alike are always logged onto their Facebook accounts.

    Give it a thought: if even 10 per cent of them tune into a development shot by a Facebooker and streamed live, the numbers would be more than the viewers than what the top TV news channels attract.

    Clearly this is a phenomenon waiting to happen. Again and again. All it would require is a trigger or triggers. And a million news channels would suddenly pop up on Facebook. Giving out unadulterated, independent updates of developments.

    In such a scenario a few questions need to be answered. Are not the regulations for broadcast news TV pretty rigid? Will the government seek to regulate and monitor the millions of Facebook live streams? Should it do so at all? Television news broadcast has a code of conduct, some of which is being followed. Could a new code of conduct be put in for Facebook Live news bearers? And will it be followed? How will that happen?

    There are many other queries that could need an answer.

    For that it’s over to the ministry of information and broadcasting. And if needed to the Telecom Regulatory of India.

  • YouTube ‘Unplugged’ likely to launch in 2017; ESPN, ABC, CBS ready to sign

    YouTube ‘Unplugged’ likely to launch in 2017; ESPN, ABC, CBS ready to sign

    MUMBAI: YouTube is working on deals with a few broadcasters including ESPN, ABC, and CBS for providing their TV service online without payment of any cable subscription.

    While these three broadcasters seem closest to confirmation, there are reports that other large networks are also expected to soon get in on the action. The launch is expected in six to nine months or early next year.

    The online streaming service may choose to give up smaller networks like HGTV, and try to replicate them with similar channels made up of YouTube videos.

    A Bloomberg report said YouTube plans to call the service Unplugged and hopes to offer it for under $35 per month. The plan is to include a selection of key channels and to potentially sell small bundles of additional channels as add-ons.

    However, YouTube Unplugged is bound to face some stiff competition whenever it eventually launches, with so many other established online TV services. It is learnt that YouTube’s plans might not go off completely without a hitch, as they are certainly not the only players in the space. There is Dish Network, Sony, and Hulu.com that are also offering similar deals for those who do not want to subscribe to cable.

    YouTube Red, a subscription service that offers access to original shows, “doesn’t appear to be a hit.” And reports say this is “not surprising, given that many of YouTube’s one billion-plus visitors a month grew up not paying for anything on YouTube.”

    It will be interesting to see how well the bigger broadcasters can play with major web streaming services.

  • YouTube ‘Unplugged’ likely to launch in 2017; ESPN, ABC, CBS ready to sign

    YouTube ‘Unplugged’ likely to launch in 2017; ESPN, ABC, CBS ready to sign

    MUMBAI: YouTube is working on deals with a few broadcasters including ESPN, ABC, and CBS for providing their TV service online without payment of any cable subscription.

    While these three broadcasters seem closest to confirmation, there are reports that other large networks are also expected to soon get in on the action. The launch is expected in six to nine months or early next year.

    The online streaming service may choose to give up smaller networks like HGTV, and try to replicate them with similar channels made up of YouTube videos.

    A Bloomberg report said YouTube plans to call the service Unplugged and hopes to offer it for under $35 per month. The plan is to include a selection of key channels and to potentially sell small bundles of additional channels as add-ons.

    However, YouTube Unplugged is bound to face some stiff competition whenever it eventually launches, with so many other established online TV services. It is learnt that YouTube’s plans might not go off completely without a hitch, as they are certainly not the only players in the space. There is Dish Network, Sony, and Hulu.com that are also offering similar deals for those who do not want to subscribe to cable.

    YouTube Red, a subscription service that offers access to original shows, “doesn’t appear to be a hit.” And reports say this is “not surprising, given that many of YouTube’s one billion-plus visitors a month grew up not paying for anything on YouTube.”

    It will be interesting to see how well the bigger broadcasters can play with major web streaming services.

  • FremantleMedia ties-up with Pop for 176 episodes of ‘Baywatch’ in the US

    FremantleMedia ties-up with Pop for 176 episodes of ‘Baywatch’ in the US

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International and Pop, a network celebrating the fun of being a fan, have tied up to bring action drama Baywatch for the viewers this month. A joint venture of CBS and Lionsgate, Pop is present in over 80 mn households.

    The series, regarded as one of the most-watched shows in worldwide television history, chronicles the lives of a team of hot young lifeguards set against the beautiful sun soaked beaches of Malibu, California.

    FMNA SVPsSales and distribution Caroline Kusser said, “We’re delighted to be working with Pop to bring this much loved cult classic back to TV screens. Iconic characters, explosive storylines and of course, those famous red bathing suits ignited a huge global fan base and I’ve no doubt its return is set to become staple viewing this summer.”

    Baywatch has aired in more than 148 countries worldwide and was produced by FremantleMedia North America. It is distributed worldwide by FremantleMedia International.

  • FremantleMedia ties-up with Pop for 176 episodes of ‘Baywatch’ in the US

    FremantleMedia ties-up with Pop for 176 episodes of ‘Baywatch’ in the US

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International and Pop, a network celebrating the fun of being a fan, have tied up to bring action drama Baywatch for the viewers this month. A joint venture of CBS and Lionsgate, Pop is present in over 80 mn households.

    The series, regarded as one of the most-watched shows in worldwide television history, chronicles the lives of a team of hot young lifeguards set against the beautiful sun soaked beaches of Malibu, California.

    FMNA SVPsSales and distribution Caroline Kusser said, “We’re delighted to be working with Pop to bring this much loved cult classic back to TV screens. Iconic characters, explosive storylines and of course, those famous red bathing suits ignited a huge global fan base and I’ve no doubt its return is set to become staple viewing this summer.”

    Baywatch has aired in more than 148 countries worldwide and was produced by FremantleMedia North America. It is distributed worldwide by FremantleMedia International.

  • After CBS, Sumner Redstone steps down as Viacom chairman; Philippe Dauman to succeed

    After CBS, Sumner Redstone steps down as Viacom chairman; Philippe Dauman to succeed

    MUMBAI: After stepping down from the post of executive chairman of CBS, Sumner M. Redstone has now also given up the chairmanship of Viacom Inc. Redstone has been named to the newly created position of chairman emeritus. The Viacom Board elected Viacom CEO and president Philippe Dauman as executive chairman, succeeding Redstone in that role.

    “Sumner Redstone’s contributions to Viacom and the media industry are legendary,” said William Schwartz, Of Counsel to the law firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft and chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee of Viacom’s Board of Directors. “He has successfully led Viacom with a dedication to building a global business for the benefit of all shareholders. On behalf of the Viacom Board, his colleagues and all our shareholders, we want to thank Sumner for his vision and leadership. There is no one who loves this company more and we will continue to be inspired by his wisdom in the years to come.”

    “Philippe has been instrumental with Sumner in every aspect of Viacom’s success for nearly 30 years and most recently as CEO has taken on the tough task of navigating our future in a time of unprecedented innovation and disruption. He has laid out a strategic long-term vision for the company that we fully endorse. We have complete confidence that his dedication to Viacom, his global experience and his determination to further our culture of creativity and innovation will continue to serve the interests of all shareholders and build long-term value,” he said.

    “In choosing a successor to Sumner,” Schwartz added, “the Board considered the need for seasoned leadership in this time of unprecedented change, Philippe’s business experience and unparalleled knowledge of Viacom, and his long-term vision for the Company. We believe his becoming Executive Chairman is in the best interests of the company and all shareholders.”

    Schwartz added that the board has also extended an offer to Viacom’s non-executive vice chair Shari Redstone to become mon-executive chairman. Shari Redstone declined the offer and will continue in her role as non-executive vice chair.

    Dauman said, “I am honored to succeed my friend and long-time colleague Sumner in the role of executive chairman. His steadfast belief in our company and the power of entertainment will always be an inspiration for me and I look forward to carrying forward his leadership role as a champion for all shareholders. I am gratified by the continued confidence and support of the Board of Directors and all of my colleagues at Viacom whose creativity and unrelenting hard work is evident in our recent successes across the company.”

    Dauman was named president and CEO of Viacom Inc. in September 2006 and has served on the Company’s Board of Directors since 1987. Previously, he was co-chairman and CEO of DND Capital Partners, L.L.C., a private equity firm specialising in media and telecommunications investments, from May 2000 until September 2006. Prior to co-founding DND Capital Partners, Dauman served in several positions at Viacom.

  • After CBS, Sumner Redstone steps down as Viacom chairman; Philippe Dauman to succeed

    After CBS, Sumner Redstone steps down as Viacom chairman; Philippe Dauman to succeed

    MUMBAI: After stepping down from the post of executive chairman of CBS, Sumner M. Redstone has now also given up the chairmanship of Viacom Inc. Redstone has been named to the newly created position of chairman emeritus. The Viacom Board elected Viacom CEO and president Philippe Dauman as executive chairman, succeeding Redstone in that role.

    “Sumner Redstone’s contributions to Viacom and the media industry are legendary,” said William Schwartz, Of Counsel to the law firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft and chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee of Viacom’s Board of Directors. “He has successfully led Viacom with a dedication to building a global business for the benefit of all shareholders. On behalf of the Viacom Board, his colleagues and all our shareholders, we want to thank Sumner for his vision and leadership. There is no one who loves this company more and we will continue to be inspired by his wisdom in the years to come.”

    “Philippe has been instrumental with Sumner in every aspect of Viacom’s success for nearly 30 years and most recently as CEO has taken on the tough task of navigating our future in a time of unprecedented innovation and disruption. He has laid out a strategic long-term vision for the company that we fully endorse. We have complete confidence that his dedication to Viacom, his global experience and his determination to further our culture of creativity and innovation will continue to serve the interests of all shareholders and build long-term value,” he said.

    “In choosing a successor to Sumner,” Schwartz added, “the Board considered the need for seasoned leadership in this time of unprecedented change, Philippe’s business experience and unparalleled knowledge of Viacom, and his long-term vision for the Company. We believe his becoming Executive Chairman is in the best interests of the company and all shareholders.”

    Schwartz added that the board has also extended an offer to Viacom’s non-executive vice chair Shari Redstone to become mon-executive chairman. Shari Redstone declined the offer and will continue in her role as non-executive vice chair.

    Dauman said, “I am honored to succeed my friend and long-time colleague Sumner in the role of executive chairman. His steadfast belief in our company and the power of entertainment will always be an inspiration for me and I look forward to carrying forward his leadership role as a champion for all shareholders. I am gratified by the continued confidence and support of the Board of Directors and all of my colleagues at Viacom whose creativity and unrelenting hard work is evident in our recent successes across the company.”

    Dauman was named president and CEO of Viacom Inc. in September 2006 and has served on the Company’s Board of Directors since 1987. Previously, he was co-chairman and CEO of DND Capital Partners, L.L.C., a private equity firm specialising in media and telecommunications investments, from May 2000 until September 2006. Prior to co-founding DND Capital Partners, Dauman served in several positions at Viacom.