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Tag: Warner Bros Discovery

  • Sesame Street’s new global playground: Netflix

    Sesame Street’s new global playground: Netflix

    MUMBAI: Netflix has tossed a lifeline to Sesame Street, bringing the beloved children’s show to its 300 million subscribers while keeping it on PBS in the US. The 56-year-old kids’ favourite will now stream new episodes on both Netflix and PBS on the same day, a rescue move after HBO dropped its funding.

    The deal is a double delight for Sesame Street fans—new episodes will be available worldwide on Netflix, while PBS viewers in the US will continue to get free access. But behind the cheerful puppets, it’s a story of survival.

    Sesame Workshop, the non-profit behind the iconic show, has been struggling financially after losing its lucrative HBO deal, which paid $30 million to $35 million a year. Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO’s parent, decided to drop the series as it shifts away from children’s content.

    To cope with the financial blow, Sesame Workshop laid off 20 per cent of its staff this year and warned that the Netflix deal will bring in significantly less revenue. But it’s not all doom and gloom. With Netflix’s global reach and PBS’s trusted brand, Sesame Street is now set to reach more kids than ever.

    In Season 56, the show will focus on character-driven stories, with each episode featuring an 11-minute tale packed with humour and heart. Classic characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster will return, along with a peek inside the iconic 123 Sesame Street building.

    “This unique public-private partnership allows us to continue our mission of educating kids, now with Netflix’s global reach and PBS’s community trust,” said Sesame Workshop CEO Sherrie Rollins Westin.

    Sesame Street’s Netflix run will also include 90 hours of classic episodes, bringing the joy of learning to a new generation.

     For kids and parents, the message is clear: the street is still where the fun and learning meet.

  • Amit Gupta promoted at Warner Bros Discovery as sr director, APAC ancillary & Hyderabad content operations

    Amit Gupta promoted at Warner Bros Discovery as sr director, APAC ancillary & Hyderabad content operations

    MUMBAI:  Amit Gupta has stepped into a new adventure as senior director – APAC ancillary and Hyderabad content operations at Warner Bros Discovery, adding another star-studded chapter to his 25-year career in the media and entertainment industry.

    Gupta, who previously served as director – program operations for South Asia at the same company, has been a master of content logistics and operations. From running the show for kids and English movie channels at Turner to leading creative services and broadcast post at Prime Focus Technologies, he has been the backstage wizard keeping the content flowing.

    Before joining Warner Bros. Discovery, Gupta sharpened his craft at Reliance MediaWorks as AVP – technical and operations, and earlier at Sony Entertainment Television, where he steered the post-production department. He even donned the hat of a senior video editor at Applause Entertainment and freelanced as an online video editor, giving him a deep understanding of the creative and operational sides of the business.

    In his new role, Gupta will oversee APAC’s ancillary operations and lead the Hyderabad content hub, playing a critical role in delivering Warner Bros Discovery’s magic across the region. With a career that’s a mix of big names and bigger responsibilities, Gupta’s latest gig is set to be another hit on his list.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery reports mixed bag in Q1 2025

    Warner Bros. Discovery reports mixed bag in Q1 2025

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) delivered a tale of two halves in Q1 2025 — streaming surged, but studios and traditional networks struggled. The media giant reported total revenues of $9 billion, a 10 per cent dip from last year’s $10 billion.

    Streaming revenues soared by nine per cent to $2.7 billion, with global subscribers hitting 122.3 million, up 5.3 million from Q4 2024. Advertising revenue in streaming shot up by 35 per cent, driven by a surge in ad-lite subscribers. Adjusted EBITDA in streaming rocketed to $339 million from just $86 million in the same period last year.

    Studios revenue dropped 16 per cent to $2.3 billion, hurt by a 27 per cent plunge in box office revenues. Hits like Dune: Part Two and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire couldn’t prevent a fall in theatrical revenue. Games revenue was a washout, plummeting by 48 per cent, as 2025 saw no major game releases.

    Global streaming ARPU decreased nine per cent  ex-FX to $7.11, primarily attributable to growth in lower ARPU international markets and a five per cent decrease in domestic streaming ARPU to $11.15, primarily driven by a broader wholesale distribution of Max Basic with ads. Content revenue decreased seven per cent  ex-FX, as the launch of Max in new international markets, including Australia in the current year quarter, resulted in lower third-party licensing. HBO’s The White Lotus  had a record-setting season in the ratings and ranked among the five most streamed shows of March.

    Global linear networks revenue fell seven per cent to $4.8 billion, weighed down by an eight per cent decline in distribution revenue and an 11 per cent fall in advertising. Domestic pay-TV subscribers continued to desert traditional networks, dragging the numbers down.

    The company slashed debt by $2.2 billion but was left with $38 billion in gross debt and $4 billion in cash. Free cash flow took a 23 per cent hit, sliding to $302 million from $390 million in Q1 2024.

  • Streaming ahead of the curve with springserve’s ad tech revamp

    Streaming ahead of the curve with springserve’s ad tech revamp

    MUMBAI: Magnite is turning up the volume in the streaming ad world with the next-gen launch of its Springserve video platform, an upgraded OTT/CTV solution that fuses the precision of its award-winning ad server with the programmatic prowess of Magnite’s Streaming SSP. It’s a bold move aimed at simplifying ad delivery and maximising monetisation for major players like Disney, Roku, LG, Paramount, Samsung and Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Tailored for the evolving needs of global streaming giants, the platform now connecting buyers to 99 per cent of US streaming supply and has been validated by Jounce Media’s March 2025 Supply Path Benchmarking Report. For media owners, the new tech means smarter yield, streamlined workflows and real-time visibility across ad operations.

    “As the CTV space matures, there’s a significant opportunity to enhance the advertising process for media owners and buyers,” said Magnite president for revenue Sean Buckley. “We’re building this next generation of Spring Serve specifically to help our clients and partners stay ahead of these emerging opportunities. By unifying the programmatic layer as a complementary step in the buying process, not only does it give buyers greater transparency, predictability, and control over their ad placements, but it lays the foundation for more effective monetisation and yield management for media owners.”

    “Disney continues to expand our global streaming footprint in collaboration with Magnite—unlocking more premium inventory and making it even easier for advertisers to access our portfolio at scale,” said Disney SVP for addressable sales Jamie Power. “Together, we’re advancing a shared vision for innovation—one that prioritizes automation, flexibility, and smarter tools to help our partners drive meaningful impact in the live streaming space.”

    “Controlling demand sources and optimizing ad placements in real time is essential to our strategy,” said LG Ad Solutions SVP of operations Kelly McMahon. “SpringServe gives us the power to orchestrate everything in one platform balancing programmatic demand and direct deals more effectively, without compromising the viewer experience.”

    “Working with valuable partners like Magnite has enabled Paramount to further optimize our programmatic demand sources, driving greater efficiency and performance while preserving a seamless viewing experience for our audiences,” said Paramount SVP of partnerships Christopher Owen. “Continued advancements in programmatic play a meaningful role in our ongoing success both as a company and as part of the broader industry.”

    “Together with Magnite, we can create more opportunities for advertisers that offer platform transparency and flexibility across monetization, demand access, and user experience optimization,” said Roku SVP of global media revenue and growth Jay Askinasi. “SpringServe connects us more directly with DSPs, streamlining operations and augmenting revenue potential. This is an approach we believe will help attract greater advertising investment into the CTV ecosystem.”

    “Our long-standing partnership with Magnite has been instrumental in shaping our video monetization strategy, and we’re excited to partner with Magnite as they advance the SpringServe video platform,” said Warner Bros. Discovery SVP for revenue strategy and operations Jill Steinhauser. “We’re particularly looking forward to benefiting from the performance enhancements that enable faster ad loads and real-time pacing.”

    “Magnite helps fuel the premium, open internet,” said The Trade Desk SVP of inventory development Will Doherty. “Combined with tools like OpenPath, the next generation of SpringServe is accretive to advertisers and publishers and most importantly so consumers can continue to enjoy the content we all love like CTV, journalism and more.”

    “Magnite’s unified SpringServe platform offers significant clarity and cohesion in the streaming TV marketplace,” said Groupm US  chief media officer, Susan Schiekofer. “By providing deeper insight into the supply path and stronger alignment with premium inventory at scale, it empowers us to make smarter, faster buying decisions and ultimately deliver better outcomes for our clients.”

    “At OMG, we believe it’s a core right for advertisers to control and know where their ads deliver,” said Omnicom Media Group SVP of video and programmatic Ryan Eusanio. “Magnite’s SpringServe video platform helps us give our clients more control of their premium video strategy and enables better curation and targeting for campaigns.”

    The new SpringServe boasts a centralised deal dashboard, intelligent ad decisioning, automated routing for optimal ad delivery, and seamless integration with Magnite Access for data-driven targeting. It also simplifies operations with a revamped user interface and real-time reporting tools.

    As competition in CTV heats up, Magnite’s play positions it as the adtech partner of choice for streaming’s biggest names where precision meets premium, and innovation gets centre screen.

  • John Malone steps down from Warner Bros Discovery board, takes up chair emeritus role

    John Malone steps down from Warner Bros Discovery board, takes up chair emeritus role

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has announced that media veteran John C Malone will not seek re-election to its board at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. Instead, he will step into the role of chair emeritus, a move that keeps him close to the action but without the formalities of a board seat. He has been associated with Discovery since 2008 and is an independent director of WBD. 

    Malone, a titan of the cable and media world, has long been a strategic force behind the company. WBD boss David Zaslav was effusive in his praise, calling him “one of the most brilliant strategic minds our industry has ever known” and crediting him with helping to steer Discovery and, later, Warner Bros. Discovery through an era of rapid transformation.

    “John’s insights have been invaluable. He has shaped our strategy, helped us tackle industry-defining challenges and seize game-changing opportunities,” said Zaslav. “I look forward to continuing this journey with him.”

    Board chair Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr echoed the sentiment, calling Malone “instrumental” in guiding WBD’s strategy through an evolving media landscape.

    For his part, Malone remains bullish on the company’s future. “The board and management team have made WBD more resilient, agile and positioned for profitable growth,” he said. “I look forward to staying involved—not just as a significant shareholder but as a trusted voice as the company explores strategic and structural opportunities ahead.”

    Malone’s departure makes room for Anton Levy, who WBD plans to nominate for election. Post-meeting, the board will have 13 members, 12 of them independent.  

    Malone meanwhile continues as chairman of the board and interim chief executive officer of Liberty Media Corp and Liberty Broadband Corp, and chairman of the board of Liberty Global.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery unveils Shiva-inspired mural in Mumbai

    Warner Bros. Discovery unveils Shiva-inspired mural in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery, in collaboration with Aravani Art Project & ting, has brought mythology to life through a striking artistic tribute. To celebrate the launch of Legends of Shiva with Amish on Discovery Channel India and discovery+, a bold Ardhanarishwara mural now adorns a Mumbai billboard, symbolising the balance of masculine and feminine energies.

    Created by the Aravani Art Project, a collective of transgender and non-binary artists, the mural represents identity beyond gender, echoing the themes explored in the series. Its creation was captured in a digital film by ting and ting studios, amplifying the message of self-expression and inclusion.

    Warner Bros. Discovery head of marketing south Asia Janhavi Vyas remarked, “India is a land of contrasts, and few figures embody this duality like Lord Shiva. He is both a recluse and a householder, a seamless blend of masculine and feminine. This initiative goes beyond just promotion it is a step towards inclusion, recognition, and celebrating diversity. At Warner Bros. Discovery, we are committed to fostering a world where every voice is heard and valued.”

    Ting partner Sudharshan Anandkumar added, “At ting, we craft stories that do more than just promote they spark conversations. Collaborating on Legends of Shiva with Amish allowed us to showcase mythology in a way that resonates with today’s world. The Ardhanarishwara mural is more than art, it is a symbol of balance and inclusivity. Through our digital film, we wanted to emphasise that mythology isn’t just history it is a living dialogue that continues to inspire.”

    This initiative goes beyond television, elevating unheard voices and reaffirming the timeless relevance of Shiva’s teachings in contemporary society.

  • Harshit Sahni steps up as senior director at Warner Bros. Discovery

    Harshit Sahni steps up as senior director at Warner Bros. Discovery

    MUMBAI: Big moves, bigger responsibilities—Harshit Sahni has taken on a new leadership role as senior director – cluster revenue head for factual & lifestyle, eurosport, international business – south Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery. With over two decades of experience in media, advertising, and revenue strategy, Sahni is all set to steer the business into new territories of growth and innovation.

    Having already made an impact as cluster revenue head since September 2024, Sahni now takes the reins at a crucial time for the industry. With advertising dynamics shifting and digital transformation accelerating, he aims to push the boundaries of content monetisation and strategic partnerships in south Asia’s evolving media ecosystem.

    His track record speaks volumes. At Warner Bros. Discovery and previously at Discovery Inc., Sony Pictures Networks, and Star News, Sahni has consistently driven advertising revenue, built strategic partnerships, and spearheaded innovative sales models. From launching ad-sales operations in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives to securing 80 per cent market share in key partnerships, he has been a key player in shaping the industry’s revenue streams.

    A results-driven leader, Sahni has a history of crafting integrated advertising solutions, establishing new revenue streams, and pioneering business models that redefine commercial success. His ability to forecast trends, optimise advertising strategies, and execute high-impact campaigns makes him a force to reckon with in the world of factual entertainment and lifestyle content.

    The future of factual & lifestyle media in south Asia looks promising, and with Sahni leading the charge, expect innovative advertising models, strategic brand partnerships, and bold revenue strategies that redefine content monetisation.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery unveils legends of Shiva with Amish Tripathi

    Warner Bros. Discovery unveils legends of Shiva with Amish Tripathi

    MUMBAI : Warner Bros. Discovery is bringing mythology to life once again with Legends of Shiva with Amish, the next chapter in its acclaimed legends series. Unveiled at the New Delhi world book fair, the series sees bestselling author Amish Tripathi embark on a journey through India’s sacred. landscapes, joined by Warner Bros. Discovery south Asia head of factual & lifestyle cluster Sai Abishek.

    This three-part series follows  Tripathi on a captivating journey across India from the mystic Himalayas to the sacred ghats of Varanasi and the ancient temples of south India as he explores the legacy, symbolism, and enduring influence of Lord Shiva.

    Sai Abishek expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Following the success of Legends of Ramayana, we are delighted to collaborate with Tripathi once again. The demand for fact-based storytelling rooted in mythology and history is growing, and we remain committed to bringing such untold stories to our audiences.”

  • FAST frenzy: Viewers binge more, advertisers cash in, everyone wins!

    FAST frenzy: Viewers binge more, advertisers cash in, everyone wins!

    MUMBAI: Not too long ago, TV lovers had two choices—pay up for endless subscriptions or rely on old-school cable. But just when you thought you were stuck juggling streaming bills like a circus act, FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) swooped in like a digital superhero. Forget flipping channels—now, viewers get premium content for free, advertisers get their dream audience, and content providers rake in the ad dollars. It’s a win-win-win, and Amagi’s latest Global FAST Report 14 Edition proves it.

    The report unveils staggering double-digit growth in both hours of viewing (HOV) and ad impressions, making it clear that FAST isn’t some fleeting trend—it’s an advertising revolution. Gone are the days when ads interrupted your binge session; now, they power the very shows you love.

    Amagi crunched the numbers from 3,300+ channels streaming via its SSAI (Server-Side Ad Insertion) platform, Amagi Thunderstorm. The results? A jaw-dropping 95 per cent YoY surge in global HOV and a 65 per cent jump in ad impressions—because when it comes to FAST, the stream never stops, and neither do the ad dollars. If streaming had a crystal ball, it would be flashing ‘bright future ahead!’

    Key takeaways:

    . U.S. and Canada keep the FAST train running at full throttle, contributing the lion’s share of global ad impressions and HOV. Who needs cable when free streaming is this good?

    .  APAC is the new streaming superstar, boasting a blockbuster 132 per cent YoY increase in HOV and a 130 per cent spike in ad impressions. If FAST were a stock, you’d want to buy in now.

    . LATAM and EMEA aren’t sitting on the sidelines, with entertainment, news, and documentaries leading the charge. Because who doesn’t love free content that informs and entertains?

    .  Entertainment remains the undisputed champion of FAST, making up 40–45 per cent of global HOV. Drama, reality TV, and movies—FAST has it all, without the price tag.

    .  New FAST channels are shaking up the game, with 25 per cent of global HOV and ad impressions coming from channels launched after December 2023. The future of TV is FAST, and it’s only getting started.

    The streaming wars may be ongoing, but FAST has found its niche. Unlike SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand), which relies on subscription models, FAST offers premium content free-of-cost, funded entirely by ads. Viewers have spoken, and their preference for free, high-quality content has set the stage for an advertising revolution.

    Amagi’s consumer survey of 500+ U.S. households revealed key trends:

    . 75 per cent of respondents watch free, ad-supported streaming content.

    . 66 per cent reported watching FAST channels multiple times per week.

    . 67 per cent noticed and engaged with overlay ads, proving the model’s efficacy for advertisers.

    FAST isn’t just standing alone—it’s merging with traditional Pay TV and SVOD models. Pay TV services now offer FAST channels, SVOD giants like Warner Bros. Discovery are experimenting with ad-supported tiers, and FAST services are enhancing their content portfolios with premium offerings.

    With global advertisers shifting their focus from Pay TV to CTV (Connected TV) and FAST, content providers are being forced to rethink their distribution strategies. Industry leaders like Dazn are already unifying conventional broadcasting with FAST to create a seamless viewing experience.

    As more regions embrace FAST, expect to see a sharper focus on localised content, better ad targeting, and stronger partnerships between streaming giants and advertisers. The numbers don’t lie—a 95 per cent rise in viewing hours and a 65 per cent spike in ad impressions make one thing clear: FAST isn’t slowing down—it’s just getting warmed up.

    So, whether you’re an advertiser chasing eyeballs, a content creator searching for the next big platform, or just someone who loves free TV with a side of perfectly timed ads, FAST is your new best friend. 

  • Anil Kumar joins Skandha Media as director of growth & biz development

    Anil Kumar joins Skandha Media as director of growth & biz development

    MUMBAI:  Cloud-based playout, broadcast, and OTT solutions provider Skandha Media Services has appointed Anil Kumar as director of growth and business development.

    Kumar brings over seven years of industry experience, having previously served as director of SaaS, south Asia at TVU Networks and India sales head at Amagi. He has contributed to high-profile projects with leading brands including Warner Bros. Discovery, Viacom18, Samsung TV  Plus, IndiaTV, and Shemaroo.

    In his new role, Kumar will spearhead Skandha’s growth strategy by driving adoption of its cloud and AI-powered ad monetisation tools within general entertainment and news platforms, while expanding its live sports streaming customer base. He will focus on gathering client insights, forging new technology partnerships, and expanding the company’s reseller network.

    Skandha Media Services founder & CEO Yogesh Salian said: “Anil’s proven track record in sales, data-driven decision-making, and his extensive industry network will be invaluable as we strategically broaden our presence across south Asia and beyond.”

    Said Kumar: “Skandha’s culture of creativity, leadership, and its reputation for delivering first-class playout services for major events like those on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema were key factors in my decision. I look forward to contributing to its continued growth.”

    Kumar holds a bachelor of engineering from BIT Sindri Engineering College and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow, where he was recognised as “the most creative mind” on campus. He is also a published author, sketch artist, and mentor to young professionals.