SVOD

Parrot Analytics: Netflix Spanish content rises in originals list for Spain

Netflix’s Spanish-language originals featured prominently in Parrot Analytics list of the most ‘in demand’ digital originals in Spain for the week ending August 12. Parrot Analytics analyses the demand for recent popular digital titles across international markets, based on the application of artificial intelligence to expressions of demand across social media, fan sites, peer-to-peer protocols and […]

HBO launches in Baltic states on Telia platforms

HBO is launching on Telia’s platforms and Latvia’s LMT network in the Baltic states. In Latvia, HBO will be available on Telia-backed telco Lattelcom’s network and on Lattelecom and Telia-backed mobile operator LMT’s network. The launch will bring content including Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies, Westworld and True Detective to Latvian subscribers, with most […]

Hulu acquires Jeopardy!

Hulu has acquired the syndicated game show Jeopardy!, which made its debut on the streamer this week. For the premiere, Hulu curated some of Jeopardy’s flagship special events, which featured some of the show’s fan-favourite contestants from its 35-year history. The game show holds the Guinness World Records title for the most Emmy Awards won by a TV […]

Starzplay to launch in France, Italy and Spain

Lionsgate-owned subscription video-on-demand service Starzplay has struck agreements to launch branded channels in France, Italy and Spain following its earlier launches in the UK and Germany. Starzplay launched on Amazon Channels in the UK and Germany in May, bringing shows such as Vida and Sweetbitter and popular series such as Boss, Party Down, Survivor’s Remorse and Swedish Dicks to subscribers in those countries. “We’re […]

Viacom moving ahead with OTT plan and US$1bn studio production goal

Viacom is moving ahead with plans to launch a new direct-to-consumer platform in the US as well as ramping up its studio production initiative globally to create new first-run content for third-party platforms, according to CEO Bob Bakish. Speaking to analysts after the company posted its fiscal Q3 results, Bakish said that one element of […]

NBCUniversal mulling new approach to streaming

Comcast’s NBCUniversal is considering a new approach to streaming services, where it would ‘pay’ users to watch, according to reports. Tentatively titled Watch Back, the service would feature episodes of TV shows from NBCU channels NBC, USA and Bravo as well as those from outside websites, according to a report by The Information. Although none of […]

Disney’s streaming play and Fox’s Sky bid

Disney CEO Bob Iger this week used the company’s Q3 results to open the door of the room in which the Mouse House’s new streaming service is being prepared a fraction, giving investors a peek at what is envisaged. Iger told analysts that Disney will “continue to move full steam ahead with our direct-to-consumer strategy”, […]

Iger unveils plans for ‘Disney Play’ streaming service

Disney is “on track” to launch its Disney-branded streaming service late next year, with “numerous original projects currently in various stages of development and production”, according to CEO Bog Iger. Speaking to analysts after the company reported less-than-stellar Q3 results, Iger said that Disney will “continue to move full steam ahead with our direct-to-consumer strategy”, […]

Eleven Sports agrees UK deal with Facebook ahead of streaming service launch

Sports broadcaster Eleven Sports has teamed up with Facebook to make the social media platforms its free-to-air partner in the UK and Ireland. The partnership is the latest extension to Eleven’s various collaborations with Facebook and comes ahead of the planned launch of its own online streaming service in the UK and Ireland, expected later […]

Obamas make first hire for Netflix production outfit

Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama have made the first hire for Higher Ground Productions, the entity through which they will produce content for Netflix. Priya Swaminathan, a veteran entertainment executive, will work closely with the duo on new Hollywood projects, according to The Hollywood Reporter. It is not yet clear […]