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.
IAB Tech Lab releases CTV Ad Portfolio, updates programmatic guidance
IAB Tech Lab on Thursday released a new Connected TV Ad Portfolio and an updated Guide to Programmatic CTV as the industry moves to standardize emerging ad formats across streaming platforms.
Comcast moves into gaming, brings Luna to X1, Xumo Stream Box
Comcast is making a push into gaming by partnering with Amazon to bring that company's gaming platform Luna to its X1 set-top boxes and Xumo Stream Box.
WARC: Midterm election, World Cup to boost ad spending in U.S. during 2026
WARC Media forecasts global ad spend will rise 8.9 percent to $1.19 trillion this year, with the U.S. contributing more than one third of total investment.
Pinterest acquires connected TV advertising firm tvScientific
Pinterest will acquire CTV ad platform tvScientific to extend its intent-driven advertising products into streaming video and strengthen outcome-based measurement.
Disney pulls plug on ESPN 3, shifts content to ESPN Unlimited
Disney has shut down ESPN 3 as it shifts its distribution strategy toward ESPN Unlimited, which carries all programming from ESPN’s cable networks and ESPN Plus.
YouTube TV to introduce lower-price, genre-based packages in 2026
YouTube TV will introduce new genre-based packages, including a sports plan, priced lower than its core programming tier.
Viewpoint: Netflix’s acquisition of WBD rooted into “Big 3” playbook
When it comes to major U.S. industries, three tends to be the magic number.
By:
David R. King
OPINION
Priya Dogra leaving Sky Group to become CEO of Channel 4
Channel 4 has named Sky advertising chief Priya Dogra as the public service broadcaster's new CEO, starting in March.
Prime Video sets Thursday Night Football record with Lions-Cowboys game
Amazon set a viewership record for its Thursday Night Football telecast between the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, which drew nearly 20 million sports fans.
Verizon lowers price of HBO Max streaming app for customers
Verizon is lowering the price of its HBO Max streaming perk for its wireless and home Internet customers, The Desk has learned.
FIRST ON THE DESK
LG Channels adds two new Stingray music channels
Smart television maker LG has added two new Stingray music channels to its streaming service LG Channels, the companies announced on Tuesday.
Nielsen: Football boosts time spent with ad-supported sources during Q3
Traditional linear TV accounted for a stronger share of ad-supported viewership than streaming during Q3, according to Nielsen.