Bangladesh, which has only just permitted DTH broadcasts (via operator RealVu) to start, has slapped a ban on the country’s embryonic IPTV and VoD service providers. The local regulator (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, BTRC) already has something of a reactionary reputation. In 2013 it slapped a similar ‘ban’ on online blogging, as well as limited […]
Chris Rock is making his return to the stand-up comedy, following an eight-year absence, with two upcoming Netflix comedy specials in a deal reportedly worth $40 million (€36.3m). Rock will tape his first show for the streaming giant in 2017, according to Variety, with a second to follow at an unconfirmed time. Rock previously recorded […]
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) intends limiting the amount that broadcasters can charge viewers for watching HD channels. TRAI’s draft new consumer tariffs say that HD channels may only be charged at three times the rate of Standard Definition (SD) channels. If an existing SD channel is ‘mirrored’ by an HD version then […]
Pro-copyright consumer education body the Industry Trust for IP Awareness and The Walt Disney Company have launched a collaboration on the animated feature film, Moana, in the latest instalment in the ‘Moments Worth Paying For’ campaign. The 35” trailer, will run across cinema screens nationwide and features Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson – who voices Maui […]
Normally at this time of the year, Sky reveals its Q1 numbers. This year it is different, and the statement is converted into a much reduced market statement, and missing many important elements, not least many of its key performance indicators. Some of this extra information will be unveiled at a dedicated Investor day on […]
France’s Canal+ Group says it is going on the offensive, entirely revamping its TV packages, and widening its distribution channels to reach more subscribers and grow its market. The Group is introducing a simpler choice of options under the Canal brand, including the Canal+ channels and all the themed channels previously available from CanalSAT (the […]
Start-up OTT television streaming service Pluto TV has raised $30 million (€22.7m) from investors including ProSiebenSat.1 and Scripps Networks Interactive to fund a European expansion. Other participants in the Series B round include Sallfort PrivatBank and existing investors US Venture Partners, Sky, Luminari Capital, Chicago Ventures, and Thirdwave Capital Partners. The new funding gives Pluto […]
The BBC is set to cut some 300 of its programme-making team as its production arm prepares to be spun off in a separate unit and the prospect of losing shows to the commercial sector. Cuts are reported to be across the board, covering drama, comedy, entertainment and factual and represents a reduction of over […]
Station groups representing nearly 400 US TV broadcasters and a host of broadcasting equipment and service suppliers are releasing a comprehensive planning guide for a transition to ATSC 3.0, the broadcast TV service that will allow local stations to warn viewers in emergencies more effectively, provide higher quality broadcasts, and develop new services for an […]
MTG has entered into an agreement to acquire 35 per cent of InnoGames, a global online games developer and publisher, from Eight Roads Ventures and the Company’s founders. The transaction is based on an Enterprise Value of €260 million for 100 per cent of the company. MTG has an option to acquire a further 16 […]