News round-up: BBC warns of SVOD threat & digital Winter Olympics

BBC chief warns of SVOD threat

The rise of Netflix and streaming video on-demand (SVOD) services, incluidng Netflix and Amazon, will directly threaten the future of British television, according to BBC Director General Tony Hall. In a speech, Hall warned of the “serious threat” to investment in locally produced programmes. Advanced Television reported the predicted fall in spend could be around £500 million a year over the next ten years. 

Digital take over of 2018 Winter Olympics 

Discovery Communications has partnered with Eurosport to digitally transform the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. TVB Europe reported the Games will be aired in an interactive format for audiences to engage and watch more than 4,000 hours of coverage across 100 events. The campaign which will launch in November will enable fans to take control of their viewing with access to augmented reality and short form content as well as 900 hours of live action.  

Liberty Global’s CTO to become CEO

Balan Nair, currently the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer will take up the position of President and Chief Executive of its Latin American and Carribean operation. It is expected the split-off from Liberty Global will occur by the end of 2017. Advanced Television reported, Nair brings with him almost 25 years experience currently managing the group’s fixed and mobile network operations, broadband and video product development and strategic planning.

Huawei to expand SVOD service 

Chinese technology and mobile company Huawei will launch a Netflix-style SVOD service for Spain and Italy early next year. According to Variety, the launch is a test case for potentially a broader roll-out beyond the Chinese market. The service will offer international and local content with the payment offerings yet to be announced.  

Huawei and LG 5G trials

Huawei and LG U+ have successfully completed the first live pre-commercial trail of UHD IPTV over a 5G fixed wireless acess (FWA) network. The trial was aimed at commercial FWA applications and according to Broadband TV News, the trial has set a solid foundation for the LG U+ 5G commercial launch and contributed a significant milestone in the progression of the 5G deployment.   

London plans for ’Hollywood’ film studio

London mayor, Sadiq Khan announced a “Hollywood-scale film studio” is one step closer after a study found the site in Dagenham East would be ideal. The hunt is now on for investors to back the development. The Guardian reported London is the third busiest city in the world for film production and the development of a new film studio will help keep up with the demand of production.  

UK warned to prepare for digital revolution 

Digital technology advances could boost and revolutionise the UK manufacturing industry, creating 175,000 new jobs and the potential to unlock £455bn over the next decade. An independent review of the industry was chaired by Siemens bosss, Jurgen Maier, reported The Guardian. A deal between the governement and industry could position the UK as a leader in new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, virtual reality (VR) and 3D printing. 

House of Cards cancelled after S6

Netflix announced it has cancelled its first original television series, House of Cards, The Telegraph reported amid allegations that Kevin Spacey sexually harrassed actor Anthony Rapp, 14 years old at the time. According to the Australian edition of The Guardian, a Netflix spokesperson said the decision to end the programme was not a response to the allegations. 

Samsung rivals Apple profits

Profits are predicted to rival Apple with sales  to manufacuters in memory chips and display panelts growing 51%. Samsung reported record profits and increased demand for its memory chips, touchscreens and smartphones. After a surprise exist of its previous boss, The Telegraph reported Samsung has promoted three current executives to joint Chief Executive positions.