Streaming
News articles and original analysis on the topics of streaming media; connected television (CTV); free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST), ad-supported video on-demand (AVOD), subscription video on-demand (SVOD), virtual multi-video programming distributors (vMVPD), streaming audio services, social video platforms, smart TV platforms and streaming hardware manufacturers.
HappyKids adds MLB Clubhouse in first major sports league partnership
The deal marks HappyKids’ first partnership with a major sports league and gives MLB another distribution outlet for youth-focused content.
Paramount, Comcast may wind down SkyShowtime joint venture
Comcast and Paramount are undertaking a strategic review of SkyShowtime's business in Europe, and could shut down the service; no final decision has been made.
Prime Video adds short-form news clips to streaming service
The clips will appear in the Trending Topics and Local News carousels and will initially be available on smart TVs and other living room devices.
Tech companies form new lobbying group to press for streaming-friendly policies
Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video and Google's YouTube are founding members of the Streaming Access and Choice Alliance, which will lobby lawmakers for favorable policy.
Gray Media brings 111 local TV news streams to Local Now
Local Now is expanding the amount of local television news content available on its platform through a new deal with broadcaster Gray Media.
Spectrum News launches California-specific news initiative on YouTube
New stories will publish regularly on the Spectrum News California YouTube channel, with a weekly recap airing Thursdays at 8 p.m. on Spectrum News channels.
FIRST ON THE DESK
AMC Global Media launches free streamer in some European countries
AMC has launched SELEKT Light in Czechia and Slovakia, replacing its former AMC Mikro service with a free, advertising-supported streaming platform.
Stingray expands distribution on LG Channels in 13 new countries
The rollout includes localized Stingray Music channels tailored to individual markets like France, Germany and Spain.
Parks Associates: Fox-Roku deal highlights value of TV operating systems
Roku is one of the most-used streaming platforms in America — and that prominence has invited some scrutiny over Fox's proposal to acquire the company for $22 billion.
DATA
Filing: Justice Department seeks information about Fox-Roku deal
Antitrust concerns are focused in part on whether Fox could favor Tubi or other Fox services within Roku’s streaming platform and advertising ecosystem.
Plex releases refreshed Plexamp for desktop, mobile devices
The release is Plexamp’s first in more than a year, according to a long-time Plex executive; native desktop apps are now available for Windows, Mac and Linux computers.
FIRST ON THE DESK
RTBF shifts ad monetization to server-guided insertion with Bitmovin, AIP
The deployment combines AIP’s AdBlendr platform with Bitmovin’s Player, allowing RTBF to monetize live and time-shifted streams without generating per-user manifests.