Viacom to rebrand OTT as Paramount+

ViacomCBS has unveiled plans to rebrand OTT service CBS Access as Paramount+, with the company unveiling plans for an international rollout next year.

The name change, which will take place next year, aims to reflect the expanded content lineup that has joined the service following the Viacom-CBS merger in 2019. 

ViacomCBS’s move follows the launch of a number of new OTT services from its major US rivals, including Disney+, NBCU’s Peacock, and WarnerMedia’s HBO Max.

“Paramount is an iconic and storied brand beloved by consumers all over the world, and it is synonymous with quality, integrity and world-class storytelling,” said Bob Bakish, President and CEO, ViacomCBS. “With Paramount+, we’re excited to establish one global streaming brand in the broad-pay segment that will draw on the sheer breadth and depth of the ViacomCBS portfolio to offer an extraordinary collection of content for everyone to enjoy.”

BritBox launches on UK’s Freesat

BritBox has launched on the Freesat platform for viewers in the UK.

The service - a joint venture between ITV and the BBC - launched in the UK last year, following a successful launch in the US and Canada.

It has already been made available on a number of platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Google Chromecast, as well as LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Toshiba, JVC, Hitachi and Bush TVs.

Alistair Thom, CEO of Freesat said, “2020 has been a huge year for Freesat with the release of our new set top boxes and the welcoming of new content partners to the platform. The launch of BritBox promises even greater programming choice and we cannot wait to bring its mix of the best of British TV to our customers as we’re sure that it will resonate significantly with them.”

ITV sets 2030 net zero carbon emissions target

ITV has announced plans to become a net zero carbon business by 2030.

The broadcaster  will work alongside colleagues, suppliers, programme makers and Bafta’s Albert consortium to achieve net zero across its scope 1&2 emissions and business travel as well as programming.

It intends to require all programme makers to achieve albert certification therefore reducing the impact of their production, as well as take part in albert’s Creative Offsets programme that invests in certified tree planting projects that take out of the atmosphere the volume of carbon emitted as a result of the production, thereby reducing the carbon footprint to zero.

According to ITV, it will also reach its target by a reduction of 46 per cent in emissions from its buildings and energy use and a reduction of 28 per cent in business travel and supplier emissions.

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