New York – YOU On Demand Holdings, Inc., a multi-platform entertainment and video on demand company in China, announced on March 13 that it has signed agreements with Nelvana Enterprises, Sesame Workshop and HiT Entertainment Ltd. to offer popular children's titles through its brand new YOU Kids On Demand subscription platform, which will be launched later this year. Additional details will be released closer to the platform's debut. All three deals allow for distribution across digital … [Read more...] about YOU Kids On Demand subscription service launched in China
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Alibaba buys ChinaVision controlling stake for $804 million
(Reuters) – China's largest e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding has agreed to buy a controlling stake in ChinaVision Media Group Ltd for $804 million, giving it access to TV and movie content as competition in the world's biggest Internet market becomes increasingly cutthroat. The pact, which sent ChinaVision's stock surging, comes amid a flurry of deals as Alibaba, social media giant Tencent Holdings Ltd and search engine Baidu Inc seek to expand into each other's turf. This week … [Read more...] about Alibaba buys ChinaVision controlling stake for $804 million
Former NBC and CNN chiefs launch online SVOD service
Los Angeles – Jeff Gaspin, former chairman of NBC Universal Television, and Jon Klein, former president of CNN/U.S., are launching a new subscription-based online platform called TAPP, which will be home to scores of video networks built around personalities with super-fan followings. TAPP stands for “TV APP”. TAPP channels will feature the nation's top thought leaders in the fields of sports, politics, religion, relationships, entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, fitness and … [Read more...] about Former NBC and CNN chiefs launch online SVOD service
BBC unveils new BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer, launched on Christmas day 2007, is now available on over 1000 devices across four screens – mobile, tablet, computer and TV. The apps have been downloaded over 28m times and in January 2014 there were 315 million requests – averaging over 10 million requests a day. Over 10 billion programmes have been requested in the six years since launch, with over 3 billion of these coming in 2013 alone. Tony Hall, Director-General, BBC, commented: “This is an exciting day for … [Read more...] about BBC unveils new BBC iPlayer
Fox promotes Kristen Finney to SVOD SVP
London – Kristen Finney has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Worldwide Pay Television and Subscription on Demand (SVOD) for Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, effective immediately. The announcement was made on March 10 by Gina Brogi, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Pay Television and SVOD. In her new position, Finney will work to expand the studio’s extensive SVOD business globally. She will continue to be responsible for licensing the studio’s film and … [Read more...] about Fox promotes Kristen Finney to SVOD SVP
HBO GO launches in the Philippines
Philippines – HBO Asia launched its broadband streaming service, HBO GO, in the Philippines on March 10, exclusively on SKYcable. This is the second territory in Asia where HBO GO is available, the first being Hong Kong. HBO GO’s broadband streaming service allows users to enjoy over 1,000 hours of uncut award-winning HBO and CINEMAX Original content on multiple devices including computers, tablets and smartphones (iOS and Android) anywhere, anytime. Subscribers of HBO GO will be the … [Read more...] about HBO GO launches in the Philippines