Reacting to AT&T’s Stock Market guidance that it expects to lose 390K traditional video subscribers, netted against a gain of 300K OTT subscribers, Craig Moffett, Partner and Senior Analyst at research firm MoffettNathanson has suggested that, in addition to general cord-cutting pressures, satellite TV is particularly affected. AT&T’s 8-K filing states: “The video net losses […]
James Murdoch has seen off a potential shareholder revolt to be reappointed to the Board of Sky plc at the company’s AGM. Shareholders had been urged to vote against his re-election as chair because of concerns about his independence. Institutional Shareholder Services, Glass Lewis and Pirc, which between them advise many of the world’s biggest […]
UK comms regulator Ofcom has published a progress update on work to clear spectrum in the 700MHz band, to make it available for mobile broadband use. In November 2014, Ofcom decided to make spectrum in the 700MHz band available for mobile data as soon as practicably possible. This involves clearing some of the spectrum currently […]
In a move that links the existing UltraViolet digital content ownership system with Disney’s Movies Anywhere cloud-based digital movie service, five Hollywood studios and four major digital retailers are teaming up for a fresh digital movies initiative. Featuring films from Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Walt Disney Studios (encompassing Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm), Twentieth […]
Six licensees in the northwest of England have been found guilty of dishonest reception of a television transmission by showing Sky Sports to customers without a commercial agreement from Sky. In the first of three cases, Janet Ferguson, Lisa Kaye and Arnold Martin of The Mayflower in Bootle, Merseyside, were found guilty in their absence […]
A bankruptcy court in Florida has ruled that Amit Bhalla, a retailer of IPTV streaming devices with unauthorised channels, cannot use a bankruptcy case to shield himself from monetary liability for copyright infringement. In 2016, the US District Court for the Central District of California issued a permanent injunction halting the unlawful distribution of television […]
US cable industry research and development lab CableLabs has completed the Full Duplex DOCSIS 3.1 specification, designed to help cable operators find cost-effective solutions to meet the growing demand for faster broadband speeds. “In the United States, more than 90 per cent of households are connected to an HFC (hybrid fibre-coaxial) network, and consumers typically […]
AMC Networks International (AMCNI) has announced the appointment of Marco Frazier to a newly created role as Senior Vice President, International Distribution – Digital and New Platforms. In this position, Frazier will oversee worldwide distribution of AMC Networks International’s linear channels with new and digital media platforms. He will continue to report to Ed Palluth, […]
Digital security specialist Kudelski has agreed a patent cross license and technology collaboration with streaming set-top box provider Roku. The comprehensive agreement provides each company the freedom to operate with respect to the other’s patent portfolios. The agreement also establishes a framework for the companies to collaborate on incorporating Kudelski’s security solutions with Roku’s platforms […]
Ofcom chief executive Sharon White has said she is “absolutely confident” that the broadcasting regulator was right in ruling that the planned purchase of Sky by Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox would not undermine its broadcasting standards. Culture Secretary Karen Bradley chose to disregard Ofcom’s judgement that the deal should only be referred to the […]