SWR launches HbbTV teletext for smart TVs 1:25 PM (45 minutes ago)
German public broadcaster ARD’s South-Western regional affiliate SWR has introduced a modernised version of its teletext as an HbbTV-based service.
This new offering provides viewers with a contemporary way to access information on their smart TVs without requiring an internet connection.
The updated ‘SWR Text’ service builds upon the classic teletext experience, featuring an enhanced design accessible via HbbTV. Viewers whose TV sets support the open HbbTV standard can access the service using the teletext button or the red button on their remote controls.
The modernised version offers new features such as customisable colours and a zoom function to adjust text size.
Despite this upgrade, SWR assures that traditional teletext will remain available for older TV sets, ensuring continuity for all users.
Renault to offer TF1 streaming app in its vehicles 6:53 AM (7 hours ago)
TF1 Group and the Renault brand have announced the free TF1+ streaming app will be available in connected vehicles equipped with OpenR Link technology.
The app will be available for free download to compatible vehicles in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland.
Owners of a Renault model equipped with the OpenR Link multimedia system with integrated Google (based on Android Automotive 12) will be able to enjoy more than 30,000 hours of premium and family content offered by TF1+ for free, safely while the car is stationary.
Claire Basini, Deputy CEO of the TF1 group in charge of B2C activities said: “We are very pleased with the partnership with Renault, which strengthens the accessibility of the free TF1+ streaming platform on all screens, offering a new way to enjoy our content on the go. This partnership illustrates our shared commitment to innovate for our users, offering them an ever richer and more optimized experience.”
Arnaud Belloni, Global Marketing Director of the Renault brand added: “This partnership is fully in line with our in-car streaming strategy, offering our customers direct access to the best premium content. With TF1+, we are taking a new step towards making their Renault a place to live and discover.”
This new partnership is part of TF1+’s strategy to reach as many people as possible, on all screens and at all times, while allowing Renault to expand the catalogue of apps available in its vehicles to offer its customers an enriched on-board experience and ever-higher-quality in-car content.
As France’s leading free streaming platform, TF1+ already attracts more than 34 million streamers each month.
TF1+ will also be pre-installed on the home screen of the all-new Renault 4 E-Tech electric, which is scheduled to go on sale next June.
CNN Prima introduces new news app 6:42 AM (7 hours ago)
Czech news channel CNN Prima NEWS has introduced a new news application offering access to the latest articles and videos at home or abroad.
In addition, the application allows users to send viewer videos or information about events in their local area with a few clicks, which can then appear on CNN Prima NEWS.
A built in QR code reader allows users to quickly load articles directly in the application, regularly supplementing reports with interesting information that did not fit into the TV footage.
There’s also a special section for the popular ZOO Nové Beginnings, broadcast nightly at 18.00, and a button that allows viewers can easily upload photos of their pets to the programme.
The CNN Prima NEWS app can be found in the stores for the most popular mobile operating systems, Google Play and the App Store.
Sam Barnett leaves MBC for CME 3:11 AM (10 hours ago)
Sam Barnett, has been appointed as CME’s Chief Executive Officer, effective May 1, 2025.
The news, released by Central Media Enterprises, as MBC Group named Mike Sneesby as his successor.
“I’m very happy to welcome Sam to CME. After conducting a thorough succession process, we are confident that Sam’s global expertise and leadership experience make him the right person to lead CME in the future,” said Didier Stoessel, PPF Chief Investment Officer and CME’s current CEO, responsible for the Czech and Romanian markets.
In his new role, Barnett will succeed Stoessel, who will now concentrate on his responsibilities as Chief Investment Officer.
Since its acquisition by PPF four years ago, CME has undergone significant transformation as it moved from a linear-focused broadcaster to a linear and digital media group. The extraordinary growth of the Czech-Slovak subscriber base of the Voyo streaming service, from 30,000 to 950,000, the launch of Oneplay, an integrated over-the-top video streaming and live television platform, and the ongoing audience leadership of CME’s television channels across most of its markets underline the strength of CME’s business.
Commenting on his appointment Barnett said: “For over three decades, CME has always performed at the top of its game as the leading television entertainment and news source across multiple markets. The ongoing digitalization, forcing an evolution of viewing habits, is an opportunity that CME has seized. I look forward to building on this strategic advantage, maintaining CME’s pole position as the go-to source of video content in Central and Southeastern Europe.”
Waleed Al-Ibrahim, MBC GROUP Chairman said Barnett had played a key role in the development of the Group. “I wish him great success in his move to Europe. Looking ahead, we have ambitious growth and expansion plans, and I’m confident that Mike Sneesby, along with our stellar team, will propel the group to new heights.”
Sneesby served as CEO of Nine Entertainment (2021–2024), Australia’s largest media company. Previously, he was the CEO and founder of Stan (2013–2021), which he built into one of the most successful streaming platforms. He also served as CEO of the e-commerce platform Cudo, and as Vice President of IPTV at Intigral.
SkyShowtime to launch across Polsat Plus Group 1:39 AM (12 hours ago)
SkyShowtime and Polsat Plus Group have announced a new partnership that will bring SkyShowtime’s collection of Hollywood blockbusters, exclusive series, and local originals to new and existing Plus and Polsat Box customers, as well as Polsat Box Go users.
A number of packages will be available, including Plus – access to the service for PLN 15 per month together with any subscription with a 24-month contract; Polsat Box – access to the service and two linear channels SkyShowtime 1 and SkyShowtime 2 for PLN 10 per month as part of a 24-month subscription to M Sport, L, XL (satellite and cable IPTV), or Bogaty (Internet TV with decoder) packages. Alternative packages are available starting at PLN 15 per month as part of a 24-month subscription; and Polsat Box Go – access to Sky Showtime and its two TV channels, SkyShowtime 1 and SkyShowtime 2. A Premium package is also available at a promotional price of PLN 50 per month.
Hristina Georgieva, Chief Business Officer at SkyShowtime, said: “As we continue to expand SkyShowtime’s footprint in Central Eastern Europe, we are extremely proud to announce this comprehensive partnership with Polsat Plus Group in Poland. We always strive to get closer to our audience and give them easier and varied ways to access Sky Showtime’s incredible entertainment line-up. Our Polsat partnership is a big step towards achieving this.”
Michał Sobolewski, Executive Vice President of Polkomtel, Polsat Plus Group, added the partnership would enrich the Group’s streaming offer. “From now on, Polsat Box and Plus customers have access to four popular services with Polish and international content on a variety of topics. In turn, our Polsat Box Go service provides the opportunity to combine the Premium package with two major services, including SkyShowtime.”
Backed by Comcast and Paramount Global, SkyShowtime offers content from Sky and Paramount+ including all seasons of the cult series Yellowstone, Landman, Lioness, as well as exclusive series, including The Day of the Jackal, The Agency and Dexter: Original Sin. Polish SkyShowtime Original series Sleboda debuted on the service in December with another Polish SkyShowtime original production, Langer, scheduled to premiere this spring.
Tennis Channel launches on waipu.tv 1:35 AM (12 hours ago)
German TV streaming service waipu.tv has added the Tennis Channel to its line-up, providing viewers with live matches, original programming, and in-depth coverage of the sport.
The channel, operated by US media company Sinclair Broadcast Group, is now available to all waipu.tv customers.
The Tennis Channel shows live footage from major team competitions, including the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, United Cup, and the 1. Tennis Channel Bundesliga. Additionally, the channel airs selected ATP and WTA Tour events held in Germany, as well as ATP Challenger Tour matches.
Viewers can also watch classic encounters, exclusive series, player profiles, and documentaries. While most content is in English language, selected matches will feature German commentary.
The channel’s launch on waipu.tv coincides with the Billie Jean King Cup group stage in The Hague (10-12 April), where a German team will compete. Further upcoming events include the Porsche Grand Prix (WTA 500) in Stuttgart (14-21 April), the Boss Open (ATP 250) in Stuttgart, the Terra Wortmann Open (ATP 500) in Halle, and the Bad Homburg Open (WTA 500).
Telenet launches entertainment marketplace 1:21 AM (12 hours ago)
Telenet has launched a new entertainment marketplace that allows customers to manage their entertainment subscriptions across TV, broadband, and mobile channels.
Powered by Bango’s Digital Vending Machine, the super bundling service is currently available through My Telenet.
“Our goal is to provide customers with the most seamless and engaging entertainment subscription experiences,” said Ivor Micallef, Director Product Entertainment at Telenet group. “In a highly competitive industry, the Bango DVM sets us apart, allowing us to deliver a sophisticated variety of bundled entertainment subscription offers. Customers can easily activate, deactivate, and access the best deals, putting them in complete control of their subscriptions via a single Telenet bill.”
Through Bango, Telenet gains access to a rapidly growing network of global subscription providers. This allows for the swift deployment of new subscriptions, ensuring customers always have access to the latest entertainment options. Insights from Bango DVM enable Telenet to tailor subscription offerings to suit different customer preferences.
“We’re excited to be partners with Telenet in bringing their visionary entertainment marketplace to life. With so many subscription services enabled through the Bango DVM including leading streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+, telcos can quickly bring to market sophisticated bundling offers. Telcos like Telenet group are leading the way by providing a simple, centralised platform that enhances the customer experience and makes access to and management of subscription services effortless.” said Anil Malhotra, CMO at Bango.
Telenet group is part of Telenet Group Holding NV and is a 100% owned subsidiary of Liberty Global.
Maria Kyriacou nominated for ProSiebenSat.1 Supervisory Board Chair 7 Apr 6:01 AM (yesterday, 6:01 am)
German media company ProSiebenSat.1 has announced the nomination of Maria Kyriacou for election to its Supervisory Board at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 28 May 2025.
If elected, Kyriacou is also set to succeed Dr Andreas Wiele as Chair of the Supervisory Board, following his decision not to seek re-election.
Kyriacou brings nearly three decades of leadership experience in the global media industry, with expertise spanning strategy, operations, and finance. Her previous roles include senior leadership positions at Paramount Global, ITV Studios, and The Walt Disney Company. At Paramount, she oversaw international broadcast and studio operations outside the US, while at ITV Studios, she played a pivotal role in the expansion of global franchises such as The Voice and Love Island. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director at Informa and has previously held board positions at Wizz Air and FAT Face Group.
Wiele, outgoing Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said: “We are pleased to propose Maria Kyriacou as a candidate for the Supervisory Board and my succession. Her extensive experience and proven leadership in the global media industry make her ideally suited to help guide the successful transformation that ProSiebenSat.1 has undertaken in recent years.”
Kyriacou added: “It is an honour to be nominated for the Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1. The company has an impressive legacy in the entertainment industry, and I look forward to working with the Board and management team to drive innovation, growth, and value creation for all stakeholders.”
In addition to Kyriacou’s nomination, ProSiebenSat.1 confirmed that Dr Katrin Burkhardt and Simone Scettri will stand for re-election to the Supervisory Board.
Samsung now supporting Netflix in HDR10+ 7 Apr 5:08 AM (yesterday, 5:08 am)
Samsung Electronics has announced its smart TVs and monitors will now support Netflix shows and movies in HDR10+.
The technology offers viewers richer contrast, deeper colours and greater visual depth.
“HDR10+ enhances the way we watch content, delivering deeper contrast and more vibrant colors for a truly cinematic experience,” said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to bring this technology to Netflix’s 300 million plus members and will continue collaborating with various partners to expand HDR10+ support across our product lineup and the broader streaming ecosystem.”
Netflix says AV1-HDR10+ now accounts for 50% of all eligible viewing hours. It plans to offer an HDR10+ experience for all HDR titles by the end of this year
HDR10+ is a next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) technology pioneered by Samsung, designed to optimize picture quality scene by scene. By dynamically adjusting brightness and contrast levels, HDR10+ ensures that each frame is displayed with exceptional clarity and detail, staying true to the creator’s intent.
The metadata within HDR10 only allows for a one-size-fits-all tone mapping of the content for display devices. It cannot account for dynamic contrast across scenes, which most content contains.
Its left to HDR10+ and rival Dolby Vision improve on this with dynamic metadata that provides content image statistics on a per-frame basis, enabling optimized tone mapping adjustments for each scene.
Sky reiterates commitment to CityFibre deal as altnet continues funding drive 7 Apr 5:00 AM (yesterday, 5:00 am)
Sky has reportedly reiterated its commitment to providing broadband services over the CityFibre network as the altnet continues in its pursuit of £1.5 billion in new funding.
According to the Financial Times, Sky met CityFibre lenders last week to confirm plans to move customers to the network next year. These include NatWest and ING.
Sky currently has 5.7 million broadband customers, but instead of running its own infrastructure, it leases capacity from BT Openreach. By partnering with CityFibre, Sky will not only be able to move some of its customers to the network, but also create a marketing opportunity in areas where CityFibre provides higher speeds than its incumbent rival.
Announced last August, Sky’s Full Fibre Broadband is expected to be available on CityFibre’s full fibre network from later this year and will include over 1.3 million homes in hard-to-reach areas through CityFibre’s extensive participation in the Government’s Project Gigabit Programme.
CityFibre has £3.9 billion of debt and has previously said that without fresh funds it would run out of cash by mid-2025.
It is anticipated that new equity and debt financing will be secured over the next couple of months.