ProSiebenSat.1 partners with Magine for OTT
January 23, 2014
By Colin Mann
Cloud-based TV platform Magine is partnering with German commercial broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1. This is the first time a third-party deal has been made to distribute ProSiebenSat.1 channels via OTT services. Magine is set to launch the service in Germany in March 2014.
This agreement includes: SAT.1, ProSieben, kabel eins, sixx, SAT.1 Gold and ProSieben MAXX, with viewers being able to access linear programming through Magine. Magine is accessible to German beta users through tablets, smartphones, computers, and Smart TVs, including models from Samsung and LG, with available channels including ARD, ZDF, RTL, and a selection of further TV channels.
Conrad Albert, Executive Board Member Legal, Distribution and Regulatory Affairs at ProSiebenSat.1, said that for years, ProSiebenSat.1 had promoted the mobile distribution of TV content with its second-screen offers. “In the future, viewers will also be able to receive our TV broadcasts, including highlights like The Voice of Germany or their favourite TV series or the latest movie, on their mobile devices via live stream. Magine is a strong partner that will further promote the mobile distribution of our TV programmes.”
Mattias Hjelmstedt, CEO and co-founder of Magine, welcomed ProSiebenSat.1 as a key broadcasting partner, adding that the company was delighted that it could now offer German users access to the future of TV with such a comprehensive selection of major channels. “We are very proud that ProSiebenSat.1 has chosen Magine as the first platform for the next generation of viewing for their channels, and look forward to working together to offer the best possible viewing experience for their audiences.”
According to Hjelmstedt, Magine offers broadcasters security on two fronts: firstly, they can maximise their reach by offering viewers new ways to access their content; and secondly – and even more importantly – Magine complies with existing legal requirements and procedures. “This, along with the intuitive and simple user experience of Magine, makes us a credible and exciting choice for content-providers,” he claimed.