Politics
-
Another Cable TV Operator Switching to Streaming Video
The migration from pay-TV to over-the-top video among distributors is gaining momentum. Gigabit Minnesota, a regional pay-TV operator near Minneapolis, is getting out of the TV distribution business. In an acknowledgment of changing market forces toward streaming video, Gigabit has begun informing its 10,000 customers that it would cease distributing linear TV on Jan. 31. … Continue reading “Another Cable TV Operator Switching to Streaming Video”
-
Amazon Greenlights Four New Local Latin American Originals
Amazon has greenlit four new local original series from Argentina, Chile and Colombia, marking the first-ever locally produced Amazon Originals to launch in these countries that will also be available exclusively on Prime Video in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The four scripted series announced consist of Argentinean original “Iosi, El Espía Arrepentido (“Iosi, … Continue reading “Amazon Greenlights Four New Local Latin American Originals”
-
Netflix Opening Italian Office in Rome
Netflix continues its European charm offensive, reportedly setting up Italian operations (with 30 employees) in Rome — a week after doing the same in Paris. Both regional headquarters include increased investment in local content production, in addition to paying taxes. “Since the launch of the service in Italy in 2015 we have been welcomed with … Continue reading “Netflix Opening Italian Office in Rome”
-
Comcast CFO: We’re Not ‘Chasing’ Unprofitable Consumers
Following the disclosure that cable giant Comcast lost 149,000 pay-TV subscribers in the quarter, and 733,000 subs in 2019, with increased sub losses mounting in 2020, CFO Mike Cavanagh went on the offensive on the Jan. 23 fiscal call, dismissing much of the sub losses to so-called unprofitable customers. It’s a slippery strategy considering ongoing … Continue reading “Comcast CFO: We’re Not ‘Chasing’ Unprofitable Consumers”
-
Sarandos: Awards, Movie Marketing Drives Netflix Viewership
Netflix is again spending millions marketing select movies (The Irishman, Marriage Story, etc.) for industry acclaim, including the upcoming Academy Awards on Feb. 9. While Irishman has generated much of the media attention and nominations, Marriage Story has taken home the awards hardware, notably for supporting actress Laura Dern. Follow us on Instagram Speaking on … Continue reading “Sarandos: Awards, Movie Marketing Drives Netflix Viewership”
-
‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Leads Golden Globes as Traditional Studios Dominate Film Categories, Streamers Take a Handful of TV Trophies
Traditional studios led the way in the film categories, while streamers and Pay-TV networks divvied up the TV categories at the 77th Annual Golden Globes ceremony Jan. 5 in a ceremony held in Los Angeles and broadcast on NBC. The Golden Globes are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and are seen as one … Continue reading “‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Leads Golden Globes as Traditional Studios Dominate Film Categories, Streamers Take a Handful of TV Trophies”
-
Ivanka Trump Named CES Keynote Speaker
Just before Christmas, Ivanka Trump, advisor to her father, President Donald Trump, was quietly named one of several keynote speakers at the upcoming CES Jan. 7-12, 2020, in Las Vegas. Ms. Trump will take the keynote stage with Gary Shapiro, CEO of CTA, on Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. PT in the Venetian’s Palazzo Ballroom. … Continue reading “Ivanka Trump Named CES Keynote Speaker”
-
DOJ Looking to End 1940s-Era Theatrical Movie Distribution Rules
The Department of Justice’s antitrust division is considering ending 1940s-era legislation that prohibits studios from owning movie theaters and controlling the exhibitor release slate, among other provisions. Known as the Paramount decrees, antitrust efforts at the time led to the 1948 U.S. Supreme Court ruling against Paramount Pictures and other major studios that ended studio … Continue reading “DOJ Looking to End 1940s-Era Theatrical Movie Distribution Rules”
-
Poland Seeks Correction to Netflix Nazi Death Camp Guard Documentary
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has asked Netflix to make changes to a documentary that features a map showing Nazi death camps inside the borders of modern day Poland. At issue are World War II concentration camps built on Polish soil used to intern and kill millions of Polish Jews and depicted in the miniseries … Continue reading “Poland Seeks Correction to Netflix Nazi Death Camp Guard Documentary”
-
Reed Hastings Defends Netflix Censoring Content in Saudi Arabia
Netflix is the biggest subscription streaming video service in the world with more than 158 million subscribers, including about 1 million in Saudi Arabia. Speaking Nov. 6 at The New York Times DealBook confab in New York, co-founder/CEO Reed Hastings was asked about the streamer’s decision earlier this year to delete an episode of “Patriot … Continue reading “Reed Hastings Defends Netflix Censoring Content in Saudi Arabia”
-
Netflix’s Seth Meyers Comedy Special Lets Viewers Skip Trump Jokes
Netflix introduced binge-streaming, content recommendation software and fast-tracking credits and intros on original series. Now the subscription streaming pioneer is letting users skip jokes in a comedy special. The concept reportedly originated from former SNL writer/comic Seth Meyers, whose comedy special, “Lobby Baby,” bows Nov. 5 on Netflix. The comic suggested viewers have the option … Continue reading “Netflix’s Seth Meyers Comedy Special Lets Viewers Skip Trump Jokes”