https://www.satsupreme.com/ Latest satellite TV and broadcast industry news en Sat, 18 Jul 2026 20:36:11 GMT vBulletin 300 https://www.satsupreme.com/images/misc/rss.png https://www.satsupreme.com/ https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472636-Viaplay-transformation-remains-on-track?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:07:55 GMT Viaplay transformation remains on track July 17, 2026 12.36 Europe/London By Julian Clover Viaplay Group says its transformation plan remains on track, as improved profitability in the second quarter was accompanied by the planned sale of its Dutch operations and continued integration of DTH platform Allente. The Nordic streaming and TV group reported Q2 net sales of SEK 5.51 billion, compared with SEK 4.31 billion a year earlier. Core operations EBITDA before associated company income and items affecting comparability rose to SEK 458 million from a pro forma SEK 412 million. Group operating income increased to SEK 253 million from SEK 88 million, while net income was SEK 70 million, compared with a loss of SEK 49 million in Q2 2025. CEO Jørgen Madsen Lindemann said Q2 continued the pattern seen in the first quarter, with the group moving “steadily along our long-term transformation path”. He said the integration of Allente was proceeding according to plan, while the divestment of the Netherlands would reduce debt and refocus the group on the Nordics. Viaplay announced after the end of the period that it would sell its Dutch operations for €142 million, or around SEK 1.57 billion, subject to regulatory, lender and other approvals. Financial net debt stood at SEK 5.12 billion at the end of Q2, before proceeds from the sale. The company said streaming subscription sales rose 7% organically. The Viaplay subscriber base was stable year-on-year, with direct-to-consumer growth offset by a smaller B2B base as the group prioritised “value over volume” in distribution partnerships. Both D2C and B2B revenues increased, helped by higher ARPU and a greater mix of premium sports subscribers. Non-streaming subscription sales, which include almost all Allente revenues, declined 3% organically, reflecting structural changes in DTH and linear TV distribution. Allente ARPU continued to rise both year-on-year and sequentially. Advertising sales were slightly higher organically, with digital and radio growth offsetting continued weakness in linear TV advertising. Other sales fell 15%, mainly due to lower scripted content sales. Sports remained central to Viaplay’s proposition, with the end of the English Premier League and Football League seasons, Danish Superliga, UEFA club competitions, Formula One and golf majors all contributing to viewing and sales during the quarter. Viaplay reiterated its 2026 targets, expecting core operations sales to be stable organically and core EBITDA before ACI and IAC to reach SEK 1.0-1.4 billion. It continues to target a double-digit EBITDA margin by 2028. Viaplay transformation remains on track
July 17, 2026 12.36 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Viaplay Group says its transformation plan remains on track, as improved profitability in the second quarter was accompanied by the planned sale of its Dutch operations and continued integration of DTH platform Allente.

The Nordic streaming and TV group reported Q2 net sales of SEK 5.51 billion, compared with SEK 4.31 billion a year earlier.

Core operations EBITDA before associated company income and items affecting comparability rose to SEK 458 million from a pro forma SEK 412 million. Group operating income increased to SEK 253 million from SEK 88 million, while net income was SEK 70 million, compared with a loss of SEK 49 million in Q2 2025.

CEO Jørgen Madsen Lindemann said Q2 continued the pattern seen in the first quarter, with the group moving “steadily along our long-term transformation path”. He said the integration of Allente was proceeding according to plan, while the divestment of the Netherlands would reduce debt and refocus the group on the Nordics.

Viaplay announced after the end of the period that it would sell its Dutch operations for €142 million, or around SEK 1.57 billion, subject to regulatory, lender and other approvals. Financial net debt stood at SEK 5.12 billion at the end of Q2, before proceeds from the sale.

The company said streaming subscription sales rose 7% organically. The Viaplay subscriber base was stable year-on-year, with direct-to-consumer growth offset by a smaller B2B base as the group prioritised “value over volume” in distribution partnerships. Both D2C and B2B revenues increased, helped by higher ARPU and a greater mix of premium sports subscribers.

Non-streaming subscription sales, which include almost all Allente revenues, declined 3% organically, reflecting structural changes in DTH and linear TV distribution. Allente ARPU continued to rise both year-on-year and sequentially.

Advertising sales were slightly higher organically, with digital and radio growth offsetting continued weakness in linear TV advertising. Other sales fell 15%, mainly due to lower scripted content sales.

Sports remained central to Viaplay’s proposition, with the end of the English Premier League and Football League seasons, Danish Superliga, UEFA club competitions, Formula One and golf majors all contributing to viewing and sales during the quarter.

Viaplay reiterated its 2026 targets, expecting core operations sales to be stable organically and core EBITDA before ACI and IAC to reach SEK 1.0-1.4 billion. It continues to target a double-digit EBITDA margin by 2028. ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472636-Viaplay-transformation-remains-on-track https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472635-FACT-and-Sky-target-Irish-IPTV-resellers?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:07:10 GMT FACT and Sky target Irish IPTV resellers July 17, 2026 12.18 Europe/London By Julian Clover FACT and Sky have issued legal warnings to 10 suspected illegal IPTV resellers in Ireland as part of their latest action against so-called dodgy boxes. The cease-and-desist notices were served on individuals operating in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Laois and Limerick, following investigations by FACT and Sky. The resellers have been told to stop selling illegal IPTV subscriptions or face possible civil proceedings or referral to the Gardaí. The services are believed to have supplied thousands of end-users with unauthorised access to premium TV, films and live sport. FACT also warned that people using illegal services could have their details identified and passed to authorities. Nick Sumner, FACT Investigation Manager, said illegal streaming depended on “a chain of people who promote, sell and provide access to unauthorised content”. “Resellers are often the direct link between illegal streaming operations and members of the public,” he said. “They sell subscriptions locally through personal recommendations, social media and messaging services, while exposing customers to unreliable services and wider risks involving fraud, malware and the misuse of personal information.” The action follows a series of Irish enforcement moves by Sky and FACT. Earlier this year, Sky obtained a High Court order requiring Revolut to disclose the details of 304 subscribers and 10 resellers linked to the IPTV Is Easy service. Sky subsequently sent cease-and-desist letters to around 200 individuals who had paid for illegal subscriptions. In September 2025, FACT and Sky also served legal notices on 15 shops and resellers across nine counties accused of selling illegal streaming subscriptions, supplying configured devices or referring customers to resellers. There have also been recent court outcomes in Ireland. In July 2025, the High Court ordered County Wexford man David Dunbar, who ran IPTV Is Easy, to pay €480,000 in damages to Sky, with a further €30,000 fine for contempt of court. In 2024, Naas Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Kildare-based King Kong Media operator Ciaran Donovan to three years and four months in prison, with the final two years suspended, for money laundering offences linked to more than €900,000 in criminal proceeds. Matthew Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, said: “Illegal streaming is not a victimless crime – it damages jobs, drains investment from the Irish creative industries, and places viewers at risk. It also puts money into the hands of criminals.” The campaign comes as broadcasters and rights holders continue to focus enforcement on illegal IPTV resellers and customers, particularly around live sport, where piracy remains a significant challenge. FACT and Sky target Irish IPTV resellers
July 17, 2026 12.18 Europe/London By Julian Clover


FACT and Sky have issued legal warnings to 10 suspected illegal IPTV resellers in Ireland as part of their latest action against so-called dodgy boxes.

The cease-and-desist notices were served on individuals operating in Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Laois and Limerick, following investigations by FACT and Sky. The resellers have been told to stop selling illegal IPTV subscriptions or face possible civil proceedings or referral to the Gardaí.

The services are believed to have supplied thousands of end-users with unauthorised access to premium TV, films and live sport. FACT also warned that people using illegal services could have their details identified and passed to authorities.

Nick Sumner, FACT Investigation Manager, said illegal streaming depended on “a chain of people who promote, sell and provide access to unauthorised content”.

“Resellers are often the direct link between illegal streaming operations and members of the public,” he said. “They sell subscriptions locally through personal recommendations, social media and messaging services, while exposing customers to unreliable services and wider risks involving fraud, malware and the misuse of personal information.”

The action follows a series of Irish enforcement moves by Sky and FACT. Earlier this year, Sky obtained a High Court order requiring Revolut to disclose the details of 304 subscribers and 10 resellers linked to the IPTV Is Easy service. Sky subsequently sent cease-and-desist letters to around 200 individuals who had paid for illegal subscriptions.

In September 2025, FACT and Sky also served legal notices on 15 shops and resellers across nine counties accused of selling illegal streaming subscriptions, supplying configured devices or referring customers to resellers.

There have also been recent court outcomes in Ireland. In July 2025, the High Court ordered County Wexford man David Dunbar, who ran IPTV Is Easy, to pay €480,000 in damages to Sky, with a further €30,000 fine for contempt of court. In 2024, Naas Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Kildare-based King Kong Media operator Ciaran Donovan to three years and four months in prison, with the final two years suspended, for money laundering offences linked to more than €900,000 in criminal proceeds.

Matthew Hibbert, Group Director of Anti-Piracy at Sky, said: “Illegal streaming is not a victimless crime – it damages jobs, drains investment from the Irish creative industries, and places viewers at risk. It also puts money into the hands of criminals.”

The campaign comes as broadcasters and rights holders continue to focus enforcement on illegal IPTV resellers and customers, particularly around live sport, where piracy remains a significant challenge. ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472635-FACT-and-Sky-target-Irish-IPTV-resellers https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472634-W-Sport-launches-streaming-app?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:06:29 GMT W-Sport launches streaming app July 17, 2026 12.08 Europe/London By Julian Clover W-Sport has launched a direct-to-consumer streaming app dedicated to women’s sport. W-Sport Player is available on desktop, iOS and Android in selected territories across Europe, Asia and Africa. The service brings together live events, on-demand coverage, highlights, original programming and documentaries. Subscriptions are priced from $2.99 per month or $20 annually. W-Sport says subscribers will have access to up to 10 live events a week, with live and catch-up viewing available. The launch coincides with a summer schedule covering international baseball, softball, cricket and equestrian, with women’s football competitions set to return later in the year. Rights listed for the platform include the Barclays Women’s Super League, Frauen-Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, Serie A Women, Coppa Italia and SuperCoppa, Gainbridge Super League and OBOS Damallsvenskan. The service also features netball, athletics, cycling, sailing, triathlon and other sports, alongside documentary content. Kelly Butler, co-founder and CEO of W-Sport, said: “Women’s sport has never had more momentum, and fans increasingly expect to watch whenever and wherever they choose. W-Sport Player allows us to connect directly with audiences around the world and is another important step in our mission because women’s sport is our only priority.” W-Sport worked with South African OTT specialist Discover Digital to develop the app. The launch adds a DTC offer to W-Sport’s existing channel distribution. The company says it operates in more than 70 countries and reaches over 40 million households through broadcast partners across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. W-Sport launches streaming app
July 17, 2026 12.08 Europe/London By Julian Clover


W-Sport has launched a direct-to-consumer streaming app dedicated to women’s sport.

W-Sport Player is available on desktop, iOS and Android in selected territories across Europe, Asia and Africa. The service brings together live events, on-demand coverage, highlights, original programming and documentaries.

Subscriptions are priced from $2.99 per month or $20 annually. W-Sport says subscribers will have access to up to 10 live events a week, with live and catch-up viewing available.

The launch coincides with a summer schedule covering international baseball, softball, cricket and equestrian, with women’s football competitions set to return later in the year. Rights listed for the platform include the Barclays Women’s Super League, Frauen-Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, Serie A Women, Coppa Italia and SuperCoppa, Gainbridge Super League and OBOS Damallsvenskan.

The service also features netball, athletics, cycling, sailing, triathlon and other sports, alongside documentary content.

Kelly Butler, co-founder and CEO of W-Sport, said: “Women’s sport has never had more momentum, and fans increasingly expect to watch whenever and wherever they choose. W-Sport Player allows us to connect directly with audiences around the world and is another important step in our mission because women’s sport is our only priority.”

W-Sport worked with South African OTT specialist Discover Digital to develop the app.

The launch adds a DTC offer to W-Sport’s existing channel distribution. The company says it operates in more than 70 countries and reaches over 40 million households through broadcast partners across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472634-W-Sport-launches-streaming-app https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472633-Telia-reiterates-outlook-after-stronger-Q2?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:05:50 GMT Telia reiterates outlook after stronger Q2 July 17, 2026 11.28 Europe/London By Julian Clover Telia Company has reiterated its full-year guidance after reporting improved service revenue and EBITDA growth in the second quarter. The Nordic and Baltic operator reported revenue of SEK 20.7 billion, compared with SEK 19.8 billion a year earlier. Service revenue increased 2.8% on a like-for-like basis, its strongest growth in four years, driven mainly by Sweden, Norway and the Baltics. Adjusted EBITDA rose 3.4% like for like, helped by service revenue growth across all markets and lower operating costs. Operating income increased to SEK 3.7 billion from SEK 3.4 billion, while net income rose to SEK 2.4 billion. Free cash flow slipped slightly to SEK 2.2 billion from SEK 2.3 billion. “We continued our good momentum from the first quarter with solid service revenue development and EBITDA growth,” said Patrik Hofbauer, Telia president and CEO. “This reflects strong demand for Telia’s secure, reliable and high-quality connectivity, as well as our cost and capital discipline.” Sweden remained the main growth driver, supported by convergent offers across mobile, broadband and TV. Telia also discontinued its Halebop mid-market brand as part of a simplification programme. The group completed the acquisition of Bredband2 in February, having secured 96.7% of the Swedish broadband operator’s shares. In Norway, Telia said its turnaround was progressing, with service revenue returning to growth across mobile, broadband and TV. Its planned mobile RAN combination with Ice is expected to become operational in the second half of 2026. Telia’s TV platform also saw record demand during Sweden’s and Norway’s FIFA World Cup matches, with more than 770,000 concurrent TV streams. The company said the platform performed with high quality during the traffic peak. The group is also increasing its focus on sovereign and mission-critical services. In Sweden, it has signed an MoU with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Brookfield to develop sovereign AI services and applications, and has launched sovereign IoT and 5G standalone-based critical IoT connectivity services. Telia said it is still working to finalise agreements for the divestment of its Latvian operations. Last year, it signed an MoU with the Republic of Latvia, Latvenergo and LVRTC covering the sale of its stakes in fixed operator Tet and mobile operator LMT, where it holds 49% and an effective 60.3% respectively. For the first half, Telia revenue rose to SEK 40.7 billion from SEK 39.8 billion, while like-for-like adjusted EBITDA increased 3.6%. Telia reiterates outlook after stronger Q2
July 17, 2026 11.28 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Telia Company has reiterated its full-year guidance after reporting improved service revenue and EBITDA growth in the second quarter.

The Nordic and Baltic operator reported revenue of SEK 20.7 billion, compared with SEK 19.8 billion a year earlier. Service revenue increased 2.8% on a like-for-like basis, its strongest growth in four years, driven mainly by Sweden, Norway and the Baltics.

Adjusted EBITDA rose 3.4% like for like, helped by service revenue growth across all markets and lower operating costs. Operating income increased to SEK 3.7 billion from SEK 3.4 billion, while net income rose to SEK 2.4 billion. Free cash flow slipped slightly to SEK 2.2 billion from SEK 2.3 billion.

“We continued our good momentum from the first quarter with solid service revenue development and EBITDA growth,” said Patrik Hofbauer, Telia president and CEO. “This reflects strong demand for Telia’s secure, reliable and high-quality connectivity, as well as our cost and capital discipline.”

Sweden remained the main growth driver, supported by convergent offers across mobile, broadband and TV. Telia also discontinued its Halebop mid-market brand as part of a simplification programme. The group completed the acquisition of Bredband2 in February, having secured 96.7% of the Swedish broadband operator’s shares.

In Norway, Telia said its turnaround was progressing, with service revenue returning to growth across mobile, broadband and TV. Its planned mobile RAN combination with Ice is expected to become operational in the second half of 2026.

Telia’s TV platform also saw record demand during Sweden’s and Norway’s FIFA World Cup matches, with more than 770,000 concurrent TV streams. The company said the platform performed with high quality during the traffic peak.

The group is also increasing its focus on sovereign and mission-critical services. In Sweden, it has signed an MoU with KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Brookfield to develop sovereign AI services and applications, and has launched sovereign IoT and 5G standalone-based critical IoT connectivity services.

Telia said it is still working to finalise agreements for the divestment of its Latvian operations. Last year, it signed an MoU with the Republic of Latvia, Latvenergo and LVRTC covering the sale of its stakes in fixed operator Tet and mobile operator LMT, where it holds 49% and an effective 60.3% respectively.

For the first half, Telia revenue rose to SEK 40.7 billion from SEK 39.8 billion, while like-for-like adjusted EBITDA increased 3.6%. ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472633-Telia-reiterates-outlook-after-stronger-Q2 https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472632-Channel-4-appoints-strategy-chief?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:05:14 GMT Channel 4 appoints strategy chief
July 17, 2026 11.22 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Channel 4 has appointed Simon Rexworthy as Chief Strategy & Corporate Development Officer.

Rexworthy will report to Chief Executive Priya Dogra and join the broadcaster’s Executive Committee later this month. He will lead Channel 4’s corporate strategy, transformation and development agenda, including long-term planning, partnerships, revenue diversification and innovation around new technologies and AI.

He joins from MultiChoice South Africa, where he was Chief Strategy and Product Officer, responsible for product strategy and development across streaming, internet and TV products.

Rexworthy has more than 20 years’ experience across pay-TV and streaming. His previous roles include Chief Strategy, Data & Insights Officer at Showmax and senior strategy and commercial positions at Sky, including Director of International Streaming Development.

Dogra said Rexworthy was joining “at a pivotal moment” as Channel 4 defines its strategy and works to build long-term sustainability. She said his experience in strategy, partnerships, streaming and commercial development would help shape the broadcaster’s next phase.

The appointment comes as Channel 4 continues to adapt its commercially funded public service model to a more digital-led market, with streaming growth, partnerships and non-advertising revenue becoming increasingly important to its future strategy. ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472632-Channel-4-appoints-strategy-chief https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472631-Virgin-Media-highlights-late-night-scrolling?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:04:40 GMT Virgin Media highlights late-night scrolling July 17, 2026 10.53 Europe/London By Julian Clover Dr Tomasz Hollanek Dr Tomasz Hollanek Virgin Media O2 says more than a fifth of UK adults use their phone after midnight during the working week, rising to more than a quarter at weekends. Research commissioned with Akamai found that 21% of adults use their phone past midnight on weekdays, increasing to 26% at weekends. More than three quarters take their mobile phone to bed, while 29% say their phone has a negative impact on their bedtime routine. The findings are being used to promote Virgin Media’s Essential Security product, which is available to broadband customers at no additional cost. Powered by Akamai, the service can block selected website categories, including social media, gambling and adult content, across devices connected to the home broadband network during chosen hours. The survey of 2,000 UK adults found social media was the most common late-night activity, cited by 54% of respondents, followed by watching reels or videos at 43% and messaging friends at 40%. The same proportion, 54%, said they would welcome technology that stopped them accessing social media at night. Younger adults reported the greatest difficulty in sticking to limits. Three in five 18-24 year-olds said they struggled to follow their own digital curfew every night. Virgin Media O2 also said parents were concerned about children’s device use, with 66% worried their children spend too much time online and 23% saying smartphones and connected devices were affecting their child’s sleep. However, 55% of parents were aware that they could block categories of websites but had not used the feature with their children. The research follows the launch of Virgin Media O2’s Digital Wellbeing Manifesto and its funding of a five-year Digital Wellbeing Observatory at the University of Cambridge’s Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence. Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said late-night scrolling had become a common habit and that Essential Security gave customers “simple tools to help them manage their screen time”. Dr Tomasz Hollanek at Cambridge University said the value of digital wellbeing tools was not only in restricting access, but in encouraging families to discuss how technology should be used. “Features such as social media curfews are not simply about restricting access – they create opportunities for parents and children to discuss, negotiate, and build healthier digital habits together, which is necessary for meaningful change,” he said. Virgin Media highlights late-night scrolling
July 17, 2026 10.53 Europe/London By Julian Clover

Dr Tomasz Hollanek
Dr Tomasz Hollanek
Virgin Media O2 says more than a fifth of UK adults use their phone after midnight during the working week, rising to more than a quarter at weekends.

Research commissioned with Akamai found that 21% of adults use their phone past midnight on weekdays, increasing to 26% at weekends. More than three quarters take their mobile phone to bed, while 29% say their phone has a negative impact on their bedtime routine.

The findings are being used to promote Virgin Media’s Essential Security product, which is available to broadband customers at no additional cost. Powered by Akamai, the service can block selected website categories, including social media, gambling and adult content, across devices connected to the home broadband network during chosen hours.

The survey of 2,000 UK adults found social media was the most common late-night activity, cited by 54% of respondents, followed by watching reels or videos at 43% and messaging friends at 40%. The same proportion, 54%, said they would welcome technology that stopped them accessing social media at night.

Younger adults reported the greatest difficulty in sticking to limits. Three in five 18-24 year-olds said they struggled to follow their own digital curfew every night.

Virgin Media O2 also said parents were concerned about children’s device use, with 66% worried their children spend too much time online and 23% saying smartphones and connected devices were affecting their child’s sleep. However, 55% of parents were aware that they could block categories of websites but had not used the feature with their children.

The research follows the launch of Virgin Media O2’s Digital Wellbeing Manifesto and its funding of a five-year Digital Wellbeing Observatory at the University of Cambridge’s Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence.

Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2, said late-night scrolling had become a common habit and that Essential Security gave customers “simple tools to help them manage their screen time”.

Dr Tomasz Hollanek at Cambridge University said the value of digital wellbeing tools was not only in restricting access, but in encouraging families to discuss how technology should be used.

“Features such as social media curfews are not simply about restricting access – they create opportunities for parents and children to discuss, negotiate, and build healthier digital habits together, which is necessary for meaningful change,” he said. ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472631-Virgin-Media-highlights-late-night-scrolling https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472630-Netflix-growth-slows-despite-higher-revenues?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:04:05 GMT Netflix growth slows despite higher revenues
July 17, 2026 09.37 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Netflix reported higher second quarter revenues and profits, but investor attention has shifted to slowing growth, a weaker-than-expected outlook and the company’s decision to reduce the frequency of its viewing disclosures.

Revenue rose 13.4% year-on-year to $12.56 billion, broadly in line with Netflix’s guidance but slightly below Wall Street expectations. Operating income increased 11% to $4.19 billion, while net income rose to $3.4 billion. Operating margin was 33.4%.

For the third quarter, Netflix is forecasting revenue of $12.86 billion, representing growth of 11.7%. That would mark a further deceleration from 16.2% in Q1 and 13.4% in Q2. The company has narrowed its full-year revenue guidance to $51.0-$51.4 billion, implying growth of 13%-14%.

CFO Spence Neumann told analysts the company did not manage the business quarter by quarter, adding that Q3 would still be driven by “increases in memberships and pricing and higher ads revenue”. He said Netflix continued to see “healthy acquisition and retention trends” and that recent price increases were performing as expected.

Netflix no longer reports paid subscribers each quarter, but the earnings call referred to a global footprint of around 330 million subscription households. The company said membership growth remained one of the main revenue drivers, alongside pricing and advertising.

The company has previously asked not to be judged on the metric of subscriber numbers and arguably that’s now happening.

Shares fell after the results, with AP reporting a 7.2% decline in after-hours trading, as investors focused on the softer Q3 forecast and modest growth in viewing.

Netflix said members watched more than 97 billion hours in the first half of 2026, up 2% year-on-year, compared with 1.5% growth in 2025. However, the company will now publish its What We Watched report annually from 2027, rather than twice a year. Netflix said the move was intended to keep attention on its primary financial metrics of revenue and operating profit.

The company is also expanding beyond traditional series and films. It cited video podcasts, creator-led programming, live sport, games and its recent integration of TF1 programming in France as examples of a broader entertainment strategy. Live programming is expected to account for just over 5% of content spend this year, but only around 1% of viewing hours, though Netflix said live events had generated six of its 10 biggest new member sign-up days over the past five years.

Technology was another major theme. Netflix said it is using large language models to improve discovery and member preferences, alongside new voice search and AI-powered natural language search. Generative AI workflows have been used in around 300 titles in 2026, mostly in post-production.

Co-CEO Ted Sarandos said AI was helping productions deliver sequences more quickly and cheaply, but added: “Movies are being made by people who make movies. AI provides them with better tools to make them even better.”

Netflix also said cloud TV games were gaining traction. FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition and Unhinged were described as its two most successful cloud game launches, while monthly active players for cloud games have risen elevenfold since last October.

Sources: Netflix Q2 shareholder letter and earnings call transcript; [AP](https://apnews.com/article/6a02a255f...512d09eaa545); [Netflix investor relations](https://ir.netflix.net/ir-overview/profile/). ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472630-Netflix-growth-slows-despite-higher-revenues https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472629-Trump-drops-BBC%C2%92s-commercial-arm-from-Panorama-lawsuit?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:02:44 GMT Trump drops BBC’s commercial arm from Panorama lawsuit July 17, 2026 US President Donald Trump has removed the BBC’s commercial arm from his defamation lawsuit over a misleading episode of Panorama, but he is still pursuing his multi-billion dollar claim against the BBC as a whole. In late 2025, Trump sued the BBC and subsidiaries BBC Studios Productions and BBC Studios Distribution over a 2024 Panorama episode that manipulated a speech he gave before the storming of the US Capitol in January 2021. The BBC argued that the Studios companies had “no role in creating or producing the documentary, and did not broadcast it in the US”. A court filing on July 16th confirmed Trump’s agreement that the claims against BBC Studios should be dismissed, but added: “President Trump shall continue prosecuting his causes of action against defendant British Broadcasting Corporation.” Trump is suing for up to $10 billion. The lawsuit, filed in Florida, accuses the BBC of “intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring” his speech. The BBC has apologised for an editing error that gave “the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action”. However, the BBC has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the programme doesn’t meet the legal criteria for defamation and wasn’t made available on its US platforms. In June, Trump’s lawyers admitted they had no evidence that the documentary was available in the US on the BBC’s BritBox subscription service, as they had originally claimed, or on the BBC website, BBC Select or through US broadcasters. Earlier this week, the president’s lawyers challenged the BBC’s motion to dismiss the claim, saying the broadcaster had put forward “an untenable proposition” and the case’s dismissal would be “a wrongful and unjust result”, reports the BBC, They said a jury should decide on the defamation issue, and that the BBC’s geo-blocking technology did not reliably prevent US-based viewers from watching its UK-only iPlayer streaming platform. They added that the documentary’s production staff gave several people instructions on how to watch it in the US, and also pointed to a post promoting the programme on X. “Together, the evidence shows coordinated BBC conduct directed toward the United States, not ‘mere accessibility’,” his legal papers said. “The BBC created an election-timed documentary about a Florida-resident US presidential candidate, promoted it globally through an unrestricted official channel, and positioned it for international and U.S. consumption.” Meanwhile, last month the US government said it was “considering participating in this litigation” after the BBC served subpoenas for information from a number of federal agencies. A trial date in February 2027 has been scheduled, should the case progress. Trump drops BBC’s commercial arm from Panorama lawsuit
July 17, 2026



US President Donald Trump has removed the BBC’s commercial arm from his defamation lawsuit over a misleading episode of Panorama, but he is still pursuing his multi-billion dollar claim against the BBC as a whole.

In late 2025, Trump sued the BBC and subsidiaries BBC Studios Productions and BBC Studios Distribution over a 2024 Panorama episode that manipulated a speech he gave before the storming of the US Capitol in January 2021. The BBC argued that the Studios companies had “no role in creating or producing the documentary, and did not broadcast it in the US”.


A court filing on July 16th confirmed Trump’s agreement that the claims against BBC Studios should be dismissed, but added: “President Trump shall continue prosecuting his causes of action against defendant British Broadcasting Corporation.”

Trump is suing for up to $10 billion. The lawsuit, filed in Florida, accuses the BBC of “intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring” his speech.

The BBC has apologised for an editing error that gave “the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action”.

However, the BBC has asked the court to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the programme doesn’t meet the legal criteria for defamation and wasn’t made available on its US platforms.

In June, Trump’s lawyers admitted they had no evidence that the documentary was available in the US on the BBC’s BritBox subscription service, as they had originally claimed, or on the BBC website, BBC Select or through US broadcasters.

Earlier this week, the president’s lawyers challenged the BBC’s motion to dismiss the claim, saying the broadcaster had put forward “an untenable proposition” and the case’s dismissal would be “a wrongful and unjust result”, reports the BBC, They said a jury should decide on the defamation issue, and that the BBC’s geo-blocking technology did not reliably prevent US-based viewers from watching its UK-only iPlayer streaming platform. They added that the documentary’s production staff gave several people instructions on how to watch it in the US, and also pointed to a post promoting the programme on X.

“Together, the evidence shows coordinated BBC conduct directed toward the United States, not ‘mere accessibility’,” his legal papers said. “The BBC created an election-timed documentary about a Florida-resident US presidential candidate, promoted it globally through an unrestricted official channel, and positioned it for international and U.S. consumption.”

Meanwhile, last month the US government said it was “considering participating in this litigation” after the BBC served subpoenas for information from a number of federal agencies.

A trial date in February 2027 has been scheduled, should the case progress. ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472629-Trump-drops-BBC%C2%92s-commercial-arm-from-Panorama-lawsuit https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472628-Data-World-Cup-ad-costs-up-17?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:02:12 GMT Data: World Cup ad costs up 17% July 17, 2026 The World Cup final takes place on July 19th, closing out the most expensive advertising period in years. Data from creator marketing platform Billo shows advertisers’ price of a single video ad rose 17 per cent in June, the tournament’s first month, compared with the average from July through September 2025. There was an increase in 13 of the 15 e-commerce categories tracked. Costs typically climb as an event nears its climax, and the final will draw the largest audience for the entire event. The analysis also showed that, unsurprisingly, the category that benefited from the World Cup the most was Sporting Goods. Their relevance helped them to achieve a 28.9 per cent hook rate, making it the highest of 15 tracked categories. Purchases tied to those ads rose 26 per cent over the 2025 monthly average, while click-through rates climbed about 31 per cent. Billo, a marketplace connecting brands with video creators, analyzed more than 13,000 ads across 15 categories on Meta, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Its data points to a way forward for small businesses this week and after the final: spend on relevance, not just budget. Donatas Smailys, CEO of Billo, said rising costs and global campaigns leave small businesses with few good options. “The World Cup creates a battle for attention that goes far beyond the matches themselves,” commented Smailys. “Big brands can run campaigns across TV, social media, sponsorships, and creators all at once. Small businesses are chasing the same customers, but they can’t respond by matching that budget.” Billo isn’t the only one tracking rising ad costs. According to Common Thread Collective, Meta’s cost per thousand impressions, what it costs to show an ad to 1,000 people, hit a four-year high this summer, above $17, up from roughly $12 in summer 2024. WARC expects the World Cup to add $10.5 billion to global ad spending this quarter. “When advertising gets this competitive, a business really has three choices,” Smailys added. “Spend more, reach fewer people, or find a more relevant way to get noticed. The third option is what we saw play out in Sporting Goods this June.” Sporting Goods Beat Reach with Relevance Relevance is exactly what saved sporting goods, the category most connected to the tournament. Billo’s data shows sporting goods ads had a hook rate of 28.9 per cent, the highest of all 15 categories tracked, meaning more viewers kept watching past the first few seconds instead of scrolling past. Purchase numbers tied to those ads rose 26 per cent compared with the category’s 2025 monthly average, and click-through rates climbed about 31 per cent. Sporting goods advertisers also got roughly 15 per cent more revenue per dollar than the overall June average, while spending about 16 per cent less per ad than June’s average in other categories. However the ads for this category were still more expensive than last year. Spend per ad in the category still rose, about 37 per cent above if we compare it to the sporting goods 2025 benchmark. “Sporting goods matched what people were already watching and talking about. However, the lesson for smaller brands isn’t to bolt a football reference onto every ad,” continued Smailys. “It’s finding a real connection between the product and the moment – getting ready for a match, hosting friends, whatever people are already doing.” The Playbook for the Final Week Billo’s advice for before and after the final: don’t invest everything in one big ad. Build a few shorter versions with different hooks and people instead, test, and put the budget behind whichever one works. Target communities that already care about a sport or team, rather than the whole tournament audience. “Right now, betting everything on one ad is risky,” Smailys added. “Post a few ideas organically first and let the audience tell you what’s landing – that signal is free. Give creators a clear brief and let them run with it, then put money behind the one that’s already working. And prices drop once the final’s over, so that’s your chance to make back some of what this month cost.” Data: World Cup ad costs up 17%
July 17, 2026



The World Cup final takes place on July 19th, closing out the most expensive advertising period in years. Data from creator marketing platform Billo shows advertisers’ price of a single video ad rose 17 per cent in June, the tournament’s first month, compared with the average from July through September 2025. There was an increase in 13 of the 15 e-commerce categories tracked. Costs typically climb as an event nears its climax, and the final will draw the largest audience for the entire event.

The analysis also showed that, unsurprisingly, the category that benefited from the World Cup the most was Sporting Goods. Their relevance helped them to achieve a 28.9 per cent hook rate, making it the highest of 15 tracked categories. Purchases tied to those ads rose 26 per cent over the 2025 monthly average, while click-through rates climbed about 31 per cent.


Billo, a marketplace connecting brands with video creators, analyzed more than 13,000 ads across 15 categories on Meta, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Its data points to a way forward for small businesses this week and after the final: spend on relevance, not just budget.

Donatas Smailys, CEO of Billo, said rising costs and global campaigns leave small businesses with few good options.

“The World Cup creates a battle for attention that goes far beyond the matches themselves,” commented Smailys. “Big brands can run campaigns across TV, social media, sponsorships, and creators all at once. Small businesses are chasing the same customers, but they can’t respond by matching that budget.”

Billo isn’t the only one tracking rising ad costs. According to Common Thread Collective, Meta’s cost per thousand impressions, what it costs to show an ad to 1,000 people, hit a four-year high this summer, above $17, up from roughly $12 in summer 2024. WARC expects the World Cup to add $10.5 billion to global ad spending this quarter.

“When advertising gets this competitive, a business really has three choices,” Smailys added. “Spend more, reach fewer people, or find a more relevant way to get noticed. The third option is what we saw play out in Sporting Goods this June.”

Sporting Goods Beat Reach with Relevance

Relevance is exactly what saved sporting goods, the category most connected to the tournament. Billo’s data shows sporting goods ads had a hook rate of 28.9 per cent, the highest of all 15 categories tracked, meaning more viewers kept watching past the first few seconds instead of scrolling past. Purchase numbers tied to those ads rose 26 per cent compared with the category’s 2025 monthly average, and click-through rates climbed about 31 per cent.

Sporting goods advertisers also got roughly 15 per cent more revenue per dollar than the overall June average, while spending about 16 per cent less per ad than June’s average in other categories.

However the ads for this category were still more expensive than last year. Spend per ad in the category still rose, about 37 per cent above if we compare it to the sporting goods 2025 benchmark.

“Sporting goods matched what people were already watching and talking about. However, the lesson for smaller brands isn’t to bolt a football reference onto every ad,” continued Smailys. “It’s finding a real connection between the product and the moment – getting ready for a match, hosting friends, whatever people are already doing.”

The Playbook for the Final Week

Billo’s advice for before and after the final: don’t invest everything in one big ad. Build a few shorter versions with different hooks and people instead, test, and put the budget behind whichever one works. Target communities that already care about a sport or team, rather than the whole tournament audience.

“Right now, betting everything on one ad is risky,” Smailys added. “Post a few ideas organically first and let the audience tell you what’s landing – that signal is free. Give creators a clear brief and let them run with it, then put money behind the one that’s already working. And prices drop once the final’s over, so that’s your chance to make back some of what this month cost.” ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472628-Data-World-Cup-ad-costs-up-17 https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472627-Viaplay-reports-%C2%93busy-Q2-with-still-much-to-do%C2%94?goto=newpost Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:01:03 GMT Viaplay reports “busy Q2 with still much to do”
July 17, 2026



Viaplay, the Nordic streaming and entertainment group, has reported Core operations net sales of SEK 5,509 million up 1 per cent on an organic basis, and Core operations EBITDA before ACI and IAC increased to SEK 458 million in Q2. Group net sales stood at SEK 5,513m and operating income at SEK 253 million.

Viaplay announced the sale of its Dutch operations to Videoland for €142 million in the quarter “to focus on the Nordics and reduce net debt levels”. The deal is expected to close in the coming months. Financial net debt amounted to SEK 5.12 billion at end of period before proceeds from sale. The group noted there were no changes its to 2026 financial targets or long-term ambitions, and that the Allente Group integration is “on track”.


In a lengthy statement, Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, President & CEO, said: “Q2 continued the pattern that we saw in the first quarter of the year, as we moved steadily along our long-term transformation path. The integration of Allente has proceeded according to plan. We have extended key content rights on market terms, and moved a number of our key partnership agreements onto a more commercially competitive basis. The recently announced divestment of our Dutch operations will enable us to reduce our net debt levels and operationally focus the Group on our home Nordic markets. We are on track to deliver our 2026 financial targets, and we still have much to do to deliver our longer-term ambitions of double-digit EBITDA margins and healthy free cash flow generation.”

“Sales for our Core operations were up 1 per cent year-on-year on an organic basis, and reflected largely the same dynamics as in Q1. Streaming subscription sales were up 7 per cent on an organic basis. The Viaplay subscriber base was stable year on year, as our D2C base continued to grow while the decline in the B2B base reflected the focus on ‘value over volume’ in our distribution partner agreements.”

“Both D2C and B2B revenues were up and driven by higher ARPU levels due to the positive mix effect of the higher number of premium sports subscribers and the work that we have done with our B2B distributors. It is clear that the breadth and depth of our high quality and year-round sports offering is a consistent differentiator for us.”

“Non-streaming subscription sales include almost all of Allente’s sales and were down 3 per cent on an organic basis. This development reflects long-term and structural changes in customer behaviour, which affects both the Allente DTH subscriber base and the number of subscribers to our linear TV channels through third party distributors. New pricing and packaging initiatives are regularly introduced in our work with partners to drive up ARPU levels. Allente’s ARPU was up again, both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter.”

“Our advertising sales were up slightly on an organic basis, as continued high levels of growth in digital advertising sales, as well as higher radio advertising sales, offset the ongoing decline in linear TV advertising sales. Our ‘Other’ sales were down 15 per cent on an organic basis, and reflected the lower level of scripted content sales in particular.”

“Our Q2 content line-up combined the very best in premium sports, local storytelling and international hits. The culmination of the English Premier and Football League seasons and Danish Superliga, the final rounds of the UEFA club championships, Formula One motor-racing, and golf from three of the four majors all attracted large scale audiences and drove viewing and sales in the quarter.”

“The non-sports slate included the successful premieres of several new local productions including ‘Helvetesuka’ and ‘Charterfeber’ spin-off ‘Skjærgårdsfeber’ in Norway, together with a local version of ‘Charterfeber’ and ‘Middag på Michelin-restauranterne’ in Denmark. The international content slate was further strengthened with international hit ‘Sandokan’, while our movie offering featured Hollywood titles such as ‘Materialists’ and Swedish original film ‘Det är något som inte stämmer’.”

“Operating expenditure for our Core operations was up year-on-year, and primarily reflected the inflation embedded in our legacy and multi-year content agreements. The inflation was offset to a large extent by SG&A efficiencies, including initial synergies arising from the Allente integration, and positive FX effects.”

“Our Core operations EBITDA before ACI and IAC was up and included approximately SEK 110 million of positive year-on-year FX effects. There is no change to our expectation that the integration of Allente will yield SEK 300 to 400 million of annual full run-rate cash synergies in 2027, and that some of these synergies will be realised this year. The cash cost of the integration is still expected to be between SEK 270 and 330 million, and to be reported as an IAC during 2026.”

“We reported positive free cash flow this quarter as positive operating free cash flow from our Core operations more than offset the minor changes in working capital, the ongoing cash drag from the discontinued Non-core operations, our cash borrowing costs and low levels of capital expenditure. The working capital development was positively impacted by differences in the timing of payments, which will unwind in the coming quarters.”

“We continue to expect full year 2026 sales for our Core operations to be stable year-on-year on an organic basis, and full year 2026 Core operation EBITDA before ACI and IAC to be between SEK 1.0 and 1.4 billion. There is also no change to our longer-term ambition for a stable organic sales development, and a double-digit EBITDA margin for 2028. We are working with our partners to extend key content and distribution agreements on market terms, in order to be able to deliver our transformation plan. Where this is not possible, we exit the agreements and find alternatives.”

“The delivery of our transformation plan will strengthen our cash flows and enable us to deleverage our balance sheet over time. This is also why we took the decision to sell our Dutch operations a few weeks ago. The completion of the deal will reduce our net debt and put us in a better position financially. It will also return the Group to a sole focus and capital allocation to the Nordic markets, where we have a scale advantage and most synergy potential.”

“In summary, Q2 was a busy quarter in which we made progress along the path towards our Group targets and ambitions. There is still much to do, and we are constantly focused on becoming more relevant and more resilient. Our key focus is to rebuild a Group that can both entertain and create sustainable value for our customers, our people, our partners and our owners,” he concluded. ]]> Daily Satellite TV News tokoroko https://www.satsupreme.com/showthread.php/472627-Viaplay-reports-%C2%93busy-Q2-with-still-much-to-do%C2%94