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Technicolor exiting patent licensing business

In line with its objective to simplify the Group’s structure and allocate its capital and resources to its operating businesses, media and entertainment technology specialist Technicolor has confirmed that it is in negotiations for a strategic transaction relating to its patent licensing business. While there is no assurance that a transaction will take place, Technicolor […]

December 19, 2017

Turksat hits demonstrators with lawsuit

The July 2016 demonstrations across Turkey, and which resulted in mass arrests of demonstrators, has now seen Turksat start legal proceedings against the opposition Gulenist party, and its leader Fetullah Gülen. 162 suspects, many already in custody, are named in the action. Turksat is claiming $1.8 million in damages. Turksat’s headquarters in Ankara were hit […]

December 19, 2017

Kent named Discovery GM for Australia and NZ

Discovery Communications has appointed Rebecca Kent as General Manager, Australia and New Zealand. In her new role, she reports into James Gibbons, Executive Vice President, General Manager UK, Australia and New Zealand & Head of Commercial Development EMEA. Kent will focus on growing the existing business which consists of eight channels in Australia and six channels […]

December 19, 2017

Isherwood appointed BBC Group Finance Director

Glyn Isherwood has been appointed the BBC’s Group Finance and Operations Director. He will join the BBC in the new year from Channel 4, where he is currently Group Finance Director. Deputy Director-General Anne Bulford says: “Glyn is highly experienced at providing long-term financial strategy and ensuring strong business performance of creative and digital organisations. […]

December 19, 2017

Didja raises $12m in new funding

Didja, a technology company dedicated to augmenting the TV experience, has secured an additional $12 million (€10.15m) in funding, bringing the total capital raised to $22 million to date. The round was led by Vestech Partners, a private equity investment group, in addition to other angel investors and family offices. Much of the funds will […]

December 19, 2017

India approves Dish TV, Videocon D2H merger

India’s Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has approved the proposed merger between two of the country’s major DTH broadcasters. Official approval was given on December 15th for a scheme that was first mooted back in November 2016. The combined businesses will have more than 29 million subscribers according to their September 30th data. Dish TV […]

December 18, 2017By Chris Forrester

India doubles STB tax

India has slapped a 20 per cent import tariff on set-top boxes, up from 10 per cent, as part of its scheme to encourage more local production. Most locals see the move as a means of curbing the supply of equipment from China. Typically, the country imports about 10 million STBs a month, while the […]

December 18, 2017By Chris Forrester

FCC ends net neutrality

As anticipated, the US Federal Communications Commission has voted three-to-two along party lines to restore what it says is the longstanding, bipartisan light-touch regulatory framework that has fostered rapid Internet growth, openness, and freedom for nearly 20 years. Following detailed legal and economic analysis, as well as extensive examination of comments from consumers and stakeholders, […]

December 15, 2017By Colin Mann

Sky, BT cross-supply channel deal

In a move set to benefit consumers and customers of both pay-TV platforms, Sky has concluded an agreement with BT which means Sky customers will have their choice of sports all through a single Sky TV subscription, while also broadening the reach of Sky’s entertainment channel brands to all major pay-TV services in the UK […]

December 15, 2017By Colin Mann

VR Industry Forum to publish industry guidelines at CES

The Virtual Reality Industry Forum (VRIF) has announced the general availability of its first set of VR Industry Guidelines, which includes topics relevant for VR content production, distribution, security and consumption. At CES 2018, VRIF will present the new guidelines in its 2-hour masterclass, outline its 2018 roadmap, and showcase VR demonstrations from Fraunhofer and […]

December 15, 2017