The BBC is procuring a contract worth £25 million a year to promote its programmes using paid media channels. That is a significant increase on its previous commitment of around £15 million a year. It reflects the difficulty in reaching younger audiences through its own broadcast channels.
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The top 10 television services in the United States lost 1.41 million subscribers between them in the second quarter of 2019, as reported by the informitv Multiscreen Index. The Sling TV online service was the only one of the top 10 to gain subscribers in the quarter, which was the worst so far for television subscriber losses in the United States.
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The Salto video platform joint venture between France Télévisions, TF1 and M6 has received approval from the French competition authority, subject to undertakings from the broadcast partners. It is due to be launched in the first quarter of 2020.
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Traditional television viewing in the United Kingdom has fallen but still comprises around 70% of television viewing time. Public service broadcasters account for half of that, with viewing of BBC television falling to an average of less than an hour a day, or under half an hour for those aged 25-34. Around half of homes in the United Kingdom now subscribe to video streaming services. The second annual Ofcom Media Nations Report reviews some key trends in television and video. Whether the glass is half full or half empty depends on your view.
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Viacom revealed that the number of monthly active users of its free Pluto TV platform in the United States has increased from 12 million at the start of 2019 to 18 million in July, a dramatic increase of 50%. A merger of Viacom and CBS is widely anticipated, reuniting the companies that were separated in 2006.
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Online video company Roku passed 30 million active accounts by the end of the second quarter of 2019. Average revenue of more than $20 per account took quarterly net revenue over $250 million, producing a net loss of $9.3 million. Annual revenue is on target for over $1 billion.
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