Official YouTube SRT Verification for Appear’s X Platform
Appear has secured YouTube verification for Secure Rapid Transport (SRT) streaming on its X5, X10 and X20 hardware platforms. The certification confirms that Appear’s encoders meet YouTube’s reliability and performance standards for live, low‑latency delivery. The move follows a request from a major European broadcast platform and opens a direct, resilient path to YouTube Live for news, sports and event producers. Executives say the partnership strengthens Appear’s professional‑grade IP contribution portfolio and expands global audience reach.
HBO Max Launching in 12 New APAC Markets in March
Warner Bros Discovery will launch HBO Max direct‑to‑consumer in twelve Asia‑Pacific island markets on March 26, 2026. The rollout follows recent European launches in Italy and Germany and precedes the UK and Ireland debut. The service will bundle HBO, Harry Potter, DC, Cartoon Network, Max Originals...
ITV, Disney Expand Relationship with Primetime Linear Deal
ITV and Disney have extended their UK partnership by bringing two Hulu Original series to ITV1’s primetime linear schedule. The first, “The Stolen Girl,” premieres on February 25, followed later by “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.” The titles will air under...
Streaming Toward Win-Win Negotiation: Spotify Upgrades Its Negotiating Strategy
Spotify has shifted from confrontational royalty disputes to collaborative negotiations, exemplified by its 2023 royalty framework overhaul. The new model introduces a 1,000‑stream annual threshold, fraud penalties, and length requirements for non‑musical tracks, aiming to curb AI‑generated and low‑value content....
HELL ENERGY DRINK Renews Official Sponsorship with Zee Cine Awards
HELL Energy Drink has renewed its official sponsorship of the Zee Cine Awards 2026, marking a second straight year of partnership. The deal places the brand alongside the coveted “Viewers’ Choice Song of the Year” award, linking it directly to...
FOX 12 Plus Will Become The Home of the Portland Fire and Portland Thorns With New Focus On Women?s...
Portland’s WNBA expansion team, the Fire, and NWSL club, the Thorns, have signed a multi‑year media partnership with Gray Media’s KPDX (FOX 12 Plus). All Fire games will air on FOX 12 Plus with select simulcasts on FOX 12, while the Thorns continue their expanded...
Esperanza Securities Launches Asia S First Approved Entertainment Token Investment
Esperanza Fintech Securities secured approval from Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission to launch Asia's first regulated tokenized investment platform focused on live entertainment. The firm will issue security tokens through a managed fund, lowering entry barriers and enabling secondary‑market...
DMG Media’s Danny Groom on How AI Is Changing Content and Talent Strategy
DMG Media CEO Danny Groom told The Definitive AI Forum that AI is reshaping the Mail’s content model, moving from mass‑reach to targeted, personalized output. The company is piloting an AI‑powered dynamic paywall in Australia and has cut article volume...
John Langford to Become AEG International’s APAC President
AEG International named John Langford president of its Asia‑Pacific division, effective 1 April, with a Singapore base from September. He will steer AEG’s regional expansion across existing and upcoming venues, including the newly opened 17,500‑seat IG Arena in Nagoya and the 6,000‑seat UOB Live...
Government Advises on Future Regulation of EPGs
The UK government announced a two‑stage plan to close regulatory gaps in electronic programme guides (EPGs). Stage one will use secondary legislation to bring all EPGs delivered by existing regulated providers and portal services under Ofcom’s broadcast code by late...
Samsung Ads Launches Immersive Carousel Home Screen Ad Unit
Samsung Ads has introduced an Immersive Carousel ad unit for Samsung Smart TV home screens across Europe, allowing up to five interactive tiles that rotate automatically or can be navigated with the remote. The format appears on the home screen,...
Topshelf Records Drops Ekko Astral
Topshelf Records announced it is ending its relationship with Washington, D.C. punk band Ekko Astral and will not release their forthcoming album *The Beltway Is Burning*. The label cited the ongoing feud between frontwoman Jael Holzman and former drummer Miri...
Isaac Hayes’ Estate Reaches Settlement with Trump Over Use Of “Hold On, I’m Coming”
Isaac Hayes’ estate settled its lawsuit against former President Donald Trump over the unauthorized use of the 1966 hit “Hold On, I’m Coming.” The estate had sued for $3 million, citing more than 130 instances of the song at campaign events,...
IKEA Returns to Australian Survivor: Redemption as Major Brand Sponsor
IKEA is returning as the principal sponsor for Australian Survivor: Redemption, extending its partnership with Network 10 and Paramount+. The renewed deal deepens in‑show integration, featuring IKEA‑branded food rewards, sleep solutions, and daily gift‑card competitions during pivotal moments. The brand cites...
Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Delayed to Unannounced Date
Dragami Games announced that Lollipop Chainsaw RePOP – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, originally slated for March 26, 2026, has been delayed to an unspecified date. The postponement stems from significant updates required for both the new Switch 2 build and the...
Rob David Promoted to Senior Vice President of Animation at Mattel Studios
Mattel Studios announced Rob David’s promotion to Senior Vice President of Animation, effective immediately. In his new role, David will oversee development, creative and production for both adult and children’s animated series across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms, including YouTube....
DYPING: ESCAPE Launches March 13
DYPING: ESCAPE, the horror‑typing sequel from Heaviside Creations, will debut on PC via Steam on March 13 at $9.99, published by PLAYISM. The title builds on a free Unityroom hit that amassed over 500,000 plays, adding a deeper narrative and...
FAST Trend Report 2026: What’s Trending?
Free ad‑supported streaming TV (FAST) has become the new normal in 2026, reshaping audience habits, advertising models, and content monetisation. International programming, especially Asian dramas and anime, generated $8 billion in streaming revenue between 2020‑2024, while FAST sports channels grew 105%...
Data: Champions League on Prime Video Attracting New Advertisers
Amazon Ads reports a surge in demand for UEFA Champions League advertising on Prime Video, attracting brands across automotive, financial services, lifestyle and travel. Brand‑lift studies show average lifts of 20% in favourability, 14% in familiarity and 21% in purchase...
A Brave New Vision
The Atlanta Braves are launching their own regional sports network, BravesVision, to become the franchise’s official local TV home starting next season. The network will produce more than 140 games plus pre‑ and post‑game shows and will distribute content via...
It’s a Vix World
TelevisaUnivision reported a 5% YoY revenue decline to $4.8 billion in 2025, but highlighted the Direct‑to‑Consumer (DTC) segment as a bright spot. The Spanish‑language streamer Vix achieved full‑year profitability, contributing roughly a quarter of total revenue and 20% of adjusted OIBDA,...
X Plans to Combat AI-Generated Content While Promoting Grok
X announced new anti‑AI‑bot measures, including user‑added tags for AI‑generated posts and upgraded detection tools, while simultaneously promoting its Grok chatbot across the platform. Head of product Nikita Bier emphasized the need to protect the “human pulse” of X from synthetic...
Magna Charta: A New Generation Of Arena Headliners Break Through
The 2026 Magna Charta arena rankings place Madrid’s 17,453‑seat Movistar Arena at the top of Europe, reporting just under 2 million tickets and a $155 million gross. Close behind, Manchester’s 23,500‑capacity Co‑op Live logged 1.4 million tickets and nearly $150 million, highlighted by Bruce...
Team-Based CTF Game, Last Flag, Set For April 14th PC Launch, Demo Live Through March 2nd
Night Street Games announced that its debut title, Last Flag, will launch on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on April 14. The game is a 5v5, team‑based capture‑the‑flag shooter featuring 20‑minute, low‑pressure matches set in a retro...
Maureen McCollum Moves From WPR to WUWM Leadership Role
Maureen McCollum has been hired as Vice President of Content for Milwaukee NPR affiliate WUWM 89.7. The former Wisconsin Public Radio journalist and host will steer the station’s editorial strategy and drive its shift toward a multi‑platform public media model. McCollum...
Is The New York Times a Games Company? A Familiar Debate Continues
The New York Times now has more bundle subscribers than those who pay for news‑only, reflecting a strategic shift toward ancillary products such as Wordle, cooking guides, and The Athletic. The company has stopped offering a pure news subscription to new customers,...
Poor Judgment or a Principled Stand? Susan Rice's Spat with Trump Dissected
Former U.S. national security adviser Susan Rice, a Netflix board member, publicly criticized President Donald Trump on a podcast, prompting the president to demand her removal from the board. The outburst coincides with Netflix’s $82.7 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros....
Seal M on CROSS Surpasses 1 Million Global Pre-Registrations
NEXUS and PLAYWITH KOREA report 1.33 million global pre‑registrations for Seal M on CROSS, a mobile MMORPG that launched its registration window on February 11. The title adapts Seal Online’s cartoon‑style visuals and combo‑based combat for smartphones while integrating with the CROSS on‑chain full‑stack ecosystem....
TEGNA Brings More ‘9News’ To Denver Viewers
TEGNA has added two new 30‑minute “9News” broadcasts at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on its MyNetwork TV affiliate KTVD‑20 in the Denver‑Boulder market, also streaming via the 9News+ app. The 5:30 p.m. slot competes directly with NBC Nightly News on KUSA‑9. TEGNA...
Despite Appearing on MrBeast, This Amazon-Funded Party Game Is Closing Down After only Six Months on Steam
King of Meat, a multiplayer party platformer backed by Amazon Game Studios and developed by Glowmade, launched in October 2025 with a high‑budget trailer and a MrBeast Gaming promotion. Despite the star‑powered marketing, the game never attracted a sustainable player base,...
Weekly Dashboard – Feb. 20, 2026
ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro told CNBC that rumors of a Disney spinoff are unfounded, emphasizing that ESPN is a core component of Walt Disney Company’s long‑term strategy. He highlighted the network’s integrated approach, linking ESPN’s content with ABC broadcasts and...
OmniPlayer 3 Enters The U.S. Marketplace
M&I Broadcast Services, part of Valsoft, has introduced OmniPlayer 3, its flagship radio‑automation platform, to the U.S. market. The software, already a staple in the Dutch radio sector and used by the BBC, promises to streamline workflows and future‑proof broadcast operations....
An iHeartMedia Tweak Seek Requires A Redo
iHeartMedia filed an FCC minor‑change application to shift WROV‑FM’s city of license from Martinsville, Va., to New Castle, Va. The FCC’s Audio Division rejected iHeart’s claim that the move would serve a larger population, citing a staff engineering analysis that shows...
Traffic Control: Steady Business Sees Slight Slowdown On Global Tours, Strong Local Demand
Pollstar’s 2025 Magna Charta report reveals Europe and the UK generated $2.74 billion from the Top 100 tours, a drop of about 8 percent in both gross and tickets compared with the previous year. Imagine Dragons led the region with 1.48 million tickets and...
Big Questions, Crunch Issues & No Region Left Behind: Talking ILMC 2026 With Greg Parmley
ILMC 38 will convene in London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel from Feb. 24‑27, 2026, bringing together the live‑music ecosystem amid a volatile market. Greg Parmley highlighted the growing divide between thriving mega‑tours and struggling mid‑size venues, prompting dedicated sessions on the middle...
Daily Express Is the Next Reach Plc Title to Go Premium
The Daily Express has launched a new Express Premium subscription, offering ad‑lite reading, exclusive journalism, and perks like the Daily Expresso newsletter and enhanced commenting. New subscribers can try the service for £1 in the first month and receive priority...
David Ellison's Paramount Has some Breathing Room in Its Quest to Buy WBD Despite a Pressing Deadline
Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, is still courting Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) even though a shareholder vote is set for March 20. Netflix, the rival bidder, gave WBD a one‑week waiver on exclusivity, allowing direct talks with Paramount but...
A Big Week For A Tex-Mex Fast Casual Giant
Chipotle topped spot‑cable advertising for the week of Feb 16‑22, 2026, ranking only behind NCAA basketball promos on iHeartMedia’s Media Monitors. The fast‑casual chain out‑performed traditional advertisers such as Liberty Mutual, Progressive, and Chase, which also posted strong activity. Spot‑television rankings...
Let’s Get This Place Spiffed Up
Radio stations face mounting obsolete gear as technology advances, prompting a shift toward leaner facilities and consolidation. The article outlines a step‑by‑step plan for inventory audits, staff communication, and systematic removal of outdated equipment. It emphasizes documentation, recycling, and potential...
MSC Cruises Expands Entertainment with AI Robotics, New Game Shows and More
MSC Cruises is overhauling its 2026 entertainment slate, adding AI‑powered robotic dogs and humanoid robots, new original game shows, and refreshed music and production shows across its fleet. The pilot on MSC Bellissima will expand to Asian sailings and the...
Penn Settles Long-Running Fight With Activist Investor
Penn Entertainment announced the appointment of three independent directors—Heather Ace, Jeffrey Fox and Fabio Schiavolin—expanding its board from eight to eleven members and ending a two‑year dispute with activist investor HG Vora Capital Management. In exchange, Vora withdrew the lawsuit it...
NBCUniversal Brings Top Titles to London TV Screenings
NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution used this year’s London TV Screenings to debut three flagship series – the ensemble drama The Five-Star Weekend starring Jennifer Garner, the high‑octane thriller Prisoner featuring Tahar Rahim and Izuka Hoyle, and the character‑driven comedy Dog Park....
RAIN Notes: February 23
HeartMedia’s new study defines a growing audience – bicultural Latinos who identify equally as American and Hispanic – and highlights their media habits. Radio remains dominant, reaching nine‑in‑ten of this group each month, while 90% regularly consume English‑language content and...
SPI International & A1 Group Launch FilmBox+ in Southeast Europe
SPI International has rolled out its FilmBox+ streaming service in Bulgaria and Serbia through a partnership with telecom operator A1 Group. The launch builds on FilmBox+'s existing presence in Poland, Hungary and Romania, extending the brand’s reach in Southeast Europe....
Creatorville Appoints Head of Content
Maryana Brown has been appointed head of content at Creatorville, bringing a multi‑award‑winning background in platform‑native productions across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and podcasts. Previously, she held senior roles at LADbible Group and Strong Watch Studios, where she launched high‑view formats....
ABC Orders Tasma Walton’s WA Crime Drama Pilli Sisters PI to Series
ABC has ordered a six‑part crime drama titled Pilli Sisters PI, created and written by actress‑author Tasma Walton. The series follows Indigenous sisters running a private investigation firm in Fremantle, Western Australia, and will be filmed across the state. Production...
World of Warships: Legends Sets Final Steam Beta, Wargaming Publisher Sale Offers Discounts & Free Stuff
World of Warships: Legends will hold its final closed beta on Steam from March 12‑16, featuring full cross‑play and live‑server matchmaking. Players who participated in earlier tests receive automatic invitations, while new applicants can request access via the Steam page. Simultaneously,...
Cobalt Digital To Feature New End-to-End IPMX, ST 2110 Solutions At 2026 NAB Show
Cobalt Digital will unveil a suite of new end‑to‑end IPMX and SMPTE ST 2110 solutions at the 2026 NAB Show, including the blueCORE 1RU processor family, upgraded PACIFIC ULL‑DEC decoder with dual SDI/ST 2110 output, a factory‑installed DVB‑S/S2 demodulator, and hybrid satellite‑internet...
Salt-N-Pepa File Notice of Appeal over UMG Lawsuit Dismissal, with ‘Blurred Lines’ Lawyer as Counsel
Grammy‑winning rap duo Salt‑N‑Pepa have filed a notice of appeal after a district judge dismissed their lawsuit against Universal Music Group seeking to terminate UMG’s ownership of their master recordings. The lower‑court ruling held that the duo never owned the...
Com2uS’s New Destiny Child Idle RPG Is Expected to Release Globally This Year on Mobile with Rich Narrative and Visuals
Com2uS announced a partnership with SHIFTUP to revive the Destiny Child franchise as an idle RPG, targeting a global mobile launch in 2026. Development is handled by Com2uS’s TikiTaka Studio, known for high‑quality visuals in titles like Soul Strike and Arcana Tactics....