Today we learn ITV has confirmed it is in talks to sell its media business to Sky parent Comcast for £1.6 billion In what would inevitably be a significant change to the UK TV viewing landscape, ITV has Broadcasting Limited the potential sale of its broadcasting arm. This needs a lot of unpacking. What part(s) … >
Eagle-eyed viewers may well be wishing farewell to Apple TV+ — don’t rush to check your subscription, just say Welcome Apple TV In a piece of rebranding, Apple had now renamed Apple TV+ as Apple TV. We have no idea if others will follow (we’re looking at you Disney and Paramount), but Apple has now seen … >
Following the release of the BBC Annual Report, BBC Studios CEO Tom Fussell stressed the “crucial” nature of BBC Studios’ partnership with Disney along with the strength of Doctor Who, according to Deadline. Fussell says that BBC Studios is “really committed to Doctor Who and is continuing to look at ways in which we can … >
Max looks set to begin streaming in the UK in 2026 – what does that mean for Sky? Thanks to a report on Film Stories, we learn Warner Bros streaming service Max now all but confirmed for early 2026 UK launch. This takes information from a joint Sky and Warner Bros press release. Inevitably all such … >
In a post on BBC Complaints, the BBC stated that they have no further plans to employ generative artificial intelligence to promote Doctor Who. Summary of complaint: We received complaints about reports that the BBC is exploring generative AI in Doctor Who promotion. BBC response: As part of a small trial, marketing teams used generative … >
Paramount+ adverts are coming as they join an ever-increasing group of streamers — will Apple TV+ follow next? Thanks to Digital TV Europe, we read how Paramount+ will rollout adverts internationally this spring. Netflix seems to have a first mover advantage here, and recent financials suggest the move has been a success. Disney+ also has … >
The BBC has plans to experiment with generative AI in an effort to automate and thus streamline the distribution of promotional content. David Housden, Head of Media Inventory: Digital at the BBC explained how and why this experimentation begins with Doctor Who promotion. “We’re going to take it one step a time, starting simple and … >
BBC Studios takes full ownership of BritBox International in a £255 million deal Reported by both sides from different angles (BBC takes full ownership vs ITV sells its 50% share), it’s clear the deal has been some time coming. Since ITV launched ITVX, its focus has been there, with Britbox coverage increasingly limited. Now BritBox … >
Merger rumours concerning Paramount+ and Peacock demonstrate a market still in flux We’ve reported before on the ever-evolving market for streaming. Over the past two years the stories have been about how companies cope with the vast costs associated with market entry. More established brands (eg Disney) have spend big (Star Wars and Marvel), produced a lot … >
The Netflix Q4 2023 earnings show the benefit of reinvention Netflix (as of Jan 23, 2024) published it’s fourth quarter 2023 results with more than a little triumph. You can read all the details here, or focus the rather more accessible Letter to Shareholders (as most commentators seem to have done). Or, you could stay … >