ITV

Tag: North America

  • India: 40 per cent smartphone users stream live videos; leads in new subs

    India: 40 per cent smartphone users stream live videos; leads in new subs

    MUMBAI: There is a rise of 5G networks and consumers subscribing to the network. By 2022, there will be a growth in mobile broadband to 6.1 billion unique subscribers. Forecasting the trends in telecom sector across the world, Ericsson Mobility Report has pointed out that approximately half a billion users will be connected to 5G networks by 2022.

    North America (NA) will dominate the industry with nearly 25 per cent of 5G subscriptions in 2022. Asia Pacific will fall next with about 10 per cent of the share.

    The Middle East and Africa will shift from predominantly GSM/EDGE only to approximately 80 percent of users being connected to WCDMA/HSPA and LTE. The report further points out that the mobile subscriber base is estimated to scale 6.8 billion with over 95 per cent people being connected to 4G or 5G networks.

    Ericsson chief strategy officer and technology officer Ulf Ewaldsson opined that almost 90 per cent of smartphone subscriptions are on 3G and 4G networks today, and standardised 5G networks are expected to be available in 2020. He further added that 5G would help automation, IoT and big data.

    The world added 84 million new mobile subscriptions during the third quarter of 2016 with India leading regarding net additions with 15 million, with China closely following with 14 million new mobile subscribers.

    The report points out that the mobile video traffic will grow 50 per cent every year through 2022, accounting for about 75 per cent of all the mobile data traffic. Social media traffic will be the second type of traffic that will dominate the mobile traffic growing 39 per cent each year.

    As for as live streaming is concerned, two in every five smartphone users are interested in live streaming apps in India and other high-growth countries like Brazil, Indonesia and Oman. The reports suggest that the figure dropping to one in every five smartphone users in the United States of America.

    Along with 5G and Mobile Broadband, IoT will also see significant growth, with approximately 29 billion devices connected to the internet, out of which 18 billion of the devices relating to IoT.

  • India: 40 per cent smartphone users stream live videos; leads in new subs

    India: 40 per cent smartphone users stream live videos; leads in new subs

    MUMBAI: There is a rise of 5G networks and consumers subscribing to the network. By 2022, there will be a growth in mobile broadband to 6.1 billion unique subscribers. Forecasting the trends in telecom sector across the world, Ericsson Mobility Report has pointed out that approximately half a billion users will be connected to 5G networks by 2022.

    North America (NA) will dominate the industry with nearly 25 per cent of 5G subscriptions in 2022. Asia Pacific will fall next with about 10 per cent of the share.

    The Middle East and Africa will shift from predominantly GSM/EDGE only to approximately 80 percent of users being connected to WCDMA/HSPA and LTE. The report further points out that the mobile subscriber base is estimated to scale 6.8 billion with over 95 per cent people being connected to 4G or 5G networks.

    Ericsson chief strategy officer and technology officer Ulf Ewaldsson opined that almost 90 per cent of smartphone subscriptions are on 3G and 4G networks today, and standardised 5G networks are expected to be available in 2020. He further added that 5G would help automation, IoT and big data.

    The world added 84 million new mobile subscriptions during the third quarter of 2016 with India leading regarding net additions with 15 million, with China closely following with 14 million new mobile subscribers.

    The report points out that the mobile video traffic will grow 50 per cent every year through 2022, accounting for about 75 per cent of all the mobile data traffic. Social media traffic will be the second type of traffic that will dominate the mobile traffic growing 39 per cent each year.

    As for as live streaming is concerned, two in every five smartphone users are interested in live streaming apps in India and other high-growth countries like Brazil, Indonesia and Oman. The reports suggest that the figure dropping to one in every five smartphone users in the United States of America.

    Along with 5G and Mobile Broadband, IoT will also see significant growth, with approximately 29 billion devices connected to the internet, out of which 18 billion of the devices relating to IoT.

  • travelxp partners with AzamTV; brings content to Africa

    travelxp partners with AzamTV; brings content to Africa

    MUMBAI: After venturing into 4K, travelxp is in news for tying up with Azam Tv, and reaching out to audiences in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi & Rwanda. Azam TV is a brand in broadcasting industry in eastern Africa, and claims to have millions customers across the said countries.

    travexp is a Indian lifestyle channel attempting to make a mark internationally after its launched in February 2011. The customers of AzamTV will enjoy travel programming filmed in HD over 40 countries.

    Having a footprint in North America, Middle-East and the Indian Subcontinent, the channel’s entry into the east African region is a sure shot boost. The channel says that the shows like Xplore Hong Kong, Strictly Street, Bliss and Quest are favourite amongst its audiences.

    Commenting on the occasion, travelxp CEO and MD Prashant Chothani said “Africa is a market with enormous potential. The percentage penetration and growth of pay TV population is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. With content syndicated in over 40+countries, further reinforces our belief in our offerings and ability to match viewing preferences of our audiences. We are pleased to join hands with AzamTV to distribute our high quality content to entertain the viewers of Africa”

    Azam Media Limited COO Jacob Joseph added, “ We are glad to have travelxp in our bouquet. It is the most watched channel and perhaps the one &only channel that portray ‘ Life into Reality’. The channel that don’t settle for less but aimed for its best’.As our slogan ‘Entertainment for Everybody.’

  • travelxp partners with AzamTV; brings content to Africa

    travelxp partners with AzamTV; brings content to Africa

    MUMBAI: After venturing into 4K, travelxp is in news for tying up with Azam Tv, and reaching out to audiences in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi & Rwanda. Azam TV is a brand in broadcasting industry in eastern Africa, and claims to have millions customers across the said countries.

    travexp is a Indian lifestyle channel attempting to make a mark internationally after its launched in February 2011. The customers of AzamTV will enjoy travel programming filmed in HD over 40 countries.

    Having a footprint in North America, Middle-East and the Indian Subcontinent, the channel’s entry into the east African region is a sure shot boost. The channel says that the shows like Xplore Hong Kong, Strictly Street, Bliss and Quest are favourite amongst its audiences.

    Commenting on the occasion, travelxp CEO and MD Prashant Chothani said “Africa is a market with enormous potential. The percentage penetration and growth of pay TV population is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. With content syndicated in over 40+countries, further reinforces our belief in our offerings and ability to match viewing preferences of our audiences. We are pleased to join hands with AzamTV to distribute our high quality content to entertain the viewers of Africa”

    Azam Media Limited COO Jacob Joseph added, “ We are glad to have travelxp in our bouquet. It is the most watched channel and perhaps the one &only channel that portray ‘ Life into Reality’. The channel that don’t settle for less but aimed for its best’.As our slogan ‘Entertainment for Everybody.’

  • MPA & STVF announces knowledge exchange forum at STVF in Shanghai

    MPA & STVF announces knowledge exchange forum at STVF in Shanghai

    MUMBAI:  Media Partners Asia (MPA) and Shanghai TV Festival (STVF) announced a partnership to collaborate on the first ever knowledge exchange forum at the STVF in Shanghai on 10 June.

    China & the Global Video Opportunity Forum unites leaders from TV and digital video industries in China, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

    The exclusive thought leadership forum sets the stage for a cultural exchange between domestic and international media players and provides a unique networking platform for attendees.

    MPA Business Development vice president Reagan Chan said, “We are pleased to partner with Shanghai TV Festival and co-host this ground breaking forum, sharing perspectives and partnerships across the world’s leading media and entertainment markets.”

    STVF managing director Wenxia Fu said, “STVF is one of the most important platforms in Asia’s television industry for international cultural exchange and collaboration. Established in 1986, this year’s festival will be its 22 edition. We are thrilled to partner with MPA, Asia’s leading research and consulting company to bring us closer to our international counterparts for an unmatched knowledge sharing opportunity.”

    China’s TV and digital video markets lead in Asia Pacific, generating revenue of approximately US$50 billion, according to MPA, which could grow to more than US$75 billion by 2021, making content creation, production and distribution a vital part of China’s world leading media and entertainment ecosystem.

  • MPA & STVF announces knowledge exchange forum at STVF in Shanghai

    MPA & STVF announces knowledge exchange forum at STVF in Shanghai

    MUMBAI:  Media Partners Asia (MPA) and Shanghai TV Festival (STVF) announced a partnership to collaborate on the first ever knowledge exchange forum at the STVF in Shanghai on 10 June.

    China & the Global Video Opportunity Forum unites leaders from TV and digital video industries in China, Asia Pacific, Europe and North America.

    The exclusive thought leadership forum sets the stage for a cultural exchange between domestic and international media players and provides a unique networking platform for attendees.

    MPA Business Development vice president Reagan Chan said, “We are pleased to partner with Shanghai TV Festival and co-host this ground breaking forum, sharing perspectives and partnerships across the world’s leading media and entertainment markets.”

    STVF managing director Wenxia Fu said, “STVF is one of the most important platforms in Asia’s television industry for international cultural exchange and collaboration. Established in 1986, this year’s festival will be its 22 edition. We are thrilled to partner with MPA, Asia’s leading research and consulting company to bring us closer to our international counterparts for an unmatched knowledge sharing opportunity.”

    China’s TV and digital video markets lead in Asia Pacific, generating revenue of approximately US$50 billion, according to MPA, which could grow to more than US$75 billion by 2021, making content creation, production and distribution a vital part of China’s world leading media and entertainment ecosystem.

  • ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ pips ‘Avatar’ to become highest grossing film in N. America

    ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ pips ‘Avatar’ to become highest grossing film in N. America

    MUMBAI: With early box office results in mid-wee, Star Wars: The Force Awakens became the highest grossing film of all time in the North American market, surpassing the $760.5 million lifetime gross ofAvatar in a record-shattering 20 days of release. In addition, the film crossed the $800 million mark at the international box office on 6 January.

     

    Through 5 January, the film had grossed $758.2 million in North America and $799.1 million for a global total of $1,557.3 million since its 16 December global debut.

     

    Star Wars: The Force Awakens debuted in the US and Canada on 18 December, its first two weeks pushing the North American annual industry box office to an all-time high of $11 billion. 

     

    The movie has set numerous individual records including:

     

    · Fastest film to reach $100 million (21 hours), $200 million (3 days), $300 million (5 days), $400 million (8 days), $500 million (10 days), $600 million (12 days), and $700 million (16 days)

     

    · Biggest all-time debut and biggest December debut ($247.966 million), propelling the industry to the biggest overall moviegoing weekend of all time ($313.3 million for all films, 18 – 20 December)

     

    · Biggest second weekend of all time ($149.2 million), propelling the industry to the biggest overall Christmas weekend of all time ($296.4 million for all films, 25 – 27 December)

     

    · Biggest third weekend of all time ($90.2 million)

     

    · Biggest Thursday preview gross ($57 million)

     

    · Biggest Friday, opening, and single day ($119.1 million)

     

    · Biggest Sunday ($60.55 million), Monday ($40.1 million), and Tuesday ($37.3 million)

     

    · Biggest Christmas Day ($49.3 million) and New Year’s Day ($34.39 million)

     

    · Highest per-theater average for a wide debut ($59,982)

     

    · Biggest opening week ($390.85 million)

     

    · Biggest IMAX debut ($30.1 million)

     

    Globally, the film posted the highest global opening weekend of all time of $528.967 million and surpassed $1 billion in a record 12 days. It also had the biggest global IMAX debut ($48 million) and surpassed $152 million in IMAX in a record 19 days. It was the highest international debut in December history with $281 million, and it remains #1 in many territories after posting the biggest opening weekend in at least 18 major markets.

     

    Star Wars: The Force Awakens now heads into its fourth weekend of global release ahead of a debut in its final international market, China, on 9 January.

  • FremantleMedia International names Caroline Kusser as SVP

    FremantleMedia International names Caroline Kusser as SVP

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International (FMI) has named Caroline Kusser as SVP – sales and distribution of its US arm.

     

    The newly created position will be based in LA and report to the SEVP of television & digital distribution for North America, Lisa Honig.

     

    Kusser will be tasked with further building FMI’s reputation in the region and maximizing opportunities for its 22,000 hours’ worth of content across linear, digital and home entertainment platforms in the highly competitive US market.

     

    Honig said, “Caroline’s vast experience, pivotal drama distribution knowledge and exceptional relationships in the US will play an important part in FMI’s US expansion strategy and push into high-end drama. With teams in both New York and LA, a well-established history of sales across multiple genres and long-standing client relationships, we’re in a good position to take our business up to the next level and Caroline’s understanding of this key market will help us to achieve further success.”

     

    Kusser added, “It’s a really exciting time for FMI. I’m looking forward to joining its US team and helping to further enhance its reputation across the region.”

     

    Previous to joining FMI, Kusser set up Carokusser, a TV content distribution service whose clients included ZDF Enterprises. Kusser was also part of the Red Arrow International team for ten years and in 2011 was relocated to LA as the SVP of North America where she was responsible for establishing and building the group’s US business. Prior to Red Arrow International, Kusser held roles at Bavaria Media Television, peppermint and Beta Film.

  • US sports market to grow at 4% to touch $73.5 billion in 2019: PwC

    US sports market to grow at 4% to touch $73.5 billion in 2019: PwC

    MUMBAI: Even as India’s sports industry is on a growth path with broadcasters like Star India, Multi Screen Media and others promoting games like kabbadi, football, wrestling et al, the sports industry in North America has been one of the biggest revenue generators as a business. With North America’s sports market revenue crossing $60 billion in 2015, everyone from broadcasters, sports agencies and sponsors want a slice of the pie.

    So, what does the future hold for the sports industry in North America? How much more value will sports create? And will demand meet a sufficient supply? Let’s have a look. 

    According to a PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) report titled ‘At the Gate and Beyond: An Outlook for sports Market in North America through 2019,’ the sports market in North America will grow at a compound annual rate of four per cent across four segments analysed, from $60.5 billion in 2014 to touch $73.5 billion in 2019. 

    This year’s edition of report revitalises five-year revenue forecasts through 2019 with four key segment of the North American sports market namely gate revenues, media rights, sponsorship, and merchandising.   

    Gate revenues are primary market ticket sales for live sports events. The adoption of dynamic pricing for single game tickets has changed. With an increase on media rights revenue over gate revenue, it will make selling broadcast rights more important than selling tickets for the live events and making media rights the biggest contributor to gross sports revenue. 

    Local TV rights in Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Federation (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) will likely contribute to the overall sector growth with more than 35 per cent of current deals set to expire over the next five years, albeit on a smaller scale than the national rights deals entered by the major pro leagues, athletic conferences and other sanctioning bodies that are predominately driving industry-wide growth. 

    As far as gate revenues are concerned, leagues will have to find ways to bring in the crowds to stadiums. To maintain gate revenues, leagues are coming up with different innovations like rewards, fan (loyalty) rewards program and point systems. And in areas where past generations of rewards programs failed, new innovations will allow clubs to more efficiently track fan activities, understand fan preferences, and disseminate benefits to fans. 

    There will be many hurdles for sports leagues in terms of media ratings, as the popularity of live sports is in demand. There would be an increase in budgets of various sports cable networks for live programming for the viewers, battle over subscriber fees and bidding wars over desirable content. The rise in the compound rate is derived from subscriber base and as long as it stays strong, there might be an increase in the compound annual rate and vice versa. While media rights are projected to become the industry’s largest segment by 2018, its pace of growth is expected to slow towards the end of the five-year period. 

    As per the report, even with strong segment fundamentals, such as long term deals, higher renewal rates, and enhanced inventory yields, sponsorship is expected to be surpassed in size by media rights in 2015. The net effect of new inventory will depend on future economic conditions and the industry’s ability to expand sponsor rosters, while maintaining value proposition to existing partners. Approximately 40 per cent of major pro league teams are currently either without a deal or with existing deals set to expire in the next five years. 

    The report also suggests notable measures, which pro leagues should consider such as to expand retail shops and improve sale results of their representative merchandise, which are in-house operations of the retail business. Another measure would include positioning of official team store locations outside the stadium, arena or ballpark. 

    PwC also advised, “As consumer and advertisers continue to migrate toward internet-connected devices and second-screen activity, it is more likely the traditional pay-TV model will have transformed (e.g. smaller channel packages, reduced rates) by the next deal cycle of major sports property rights. As a result, the next deal cycle, currently outside the outlook period, is unlikely to realize the same rights-fee premiums as were applied during the current cycle as cable providers sought to secure ports content in support of the overall pay-TV package model.” 

    The cyclic nature of sports is a reflection of more stadiums being built, more television contracts being signed and advertising taking a major role in globalization of sports. It shows significance growth prospects for the future.

    With Indian broadcasters, sports enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs now waking up to the potential of the sports telecast and marketing business, a few lessons could be learnt from the west in order to extract the maximum from the various sports that are played in India.