Weekly news round-up: BBC mega-merger & Turner opts for AWS

BBC to create $1.9BN entity 

The BBC’s commercial division, BBC Worldwide will be merged with its independent production unit BBC Studios in a strategic move, which shadows a global trend in vertical integration following the likes of ITV, Endemol Shine Group and Fremantle Media. Deadline shared that the merge will likely begin in April 2018 and be headed by Chief Executive Tim Davie with Mark Linsey named as Chief Creative Officer. 

Turner signs Amazon for the cloud

The broadcasting unit Turner, under Time Warner, has signed up for Amazon Web Services (AWS), in a move to migrate “decades of content” into the cloud. Reuters reported within the past year AWS has grown by 42% and account for close to 32% of the cloud computing market. Turner historically has used private storage operations and data centres for its cable channels which include CNN and TNT. 

Liberty Global and Vodafone to merge?

The cable giant Liberty Global is exploring the sale of its Swiss and Austrian assets that could create a $175 billion mega-merger with Vodafone, The Telegraph reported. The plans are in its early stages and major hurdles would need to be overcome, however the Liberty and Vodafone combined networks in the Netherlands could pave the way for a bigger venture collaboration in the future.   

Freeview bosses plan to safeguard UK production

US tech giants Amazon, Google and Apple could completely jeopardise the British film and TV industry says Freeview’s Managing Director Guy North. Speaking at an event in London, Broadband TV News reported that North said the UK industry needs to lead the charge. He explained the confusion consumers face in accessing content and the growth of on-demand viewing should not be underestimated. 

Sky chief calls out internet safety

Society faces a “tsunami of harms” according to Sky Chief Executive Jeremy Darroch who said the “veracity, safety and legality” of online content needs to be regulated. The Guardian reported Darroch’s call to the European Union to introduce new rules to make the internet safer and global online giants such as Google to be held accountable.    

China’s 5G plan in hiatus 

China announced its plan to become a global leader in OTT with the developments of 5G technology rolling out. The expected revenue has been forecast to reach $4.5 billion by 2012 but political control may restrict China’s ambitions. According to Variety, the production and import of creative content will be restricted following the introduction to cyberspace laws and censorship of importing foreign content.   

Social media giants co-operate in Brexit investigation  

Facebook and Twitter have agreed to submit information about Russian-backed Brexit posts to the House of Commons media watchdog. The Guardian suggested the EU referendum was influenced by false posts generated by Russian organisations. Facebook and Twitter have agreed to supply evidence to the committee in February 2018 in its ongoing investigation, it was reported Google had also agreed to co-operate.     

Australia to boost broadband capacity 

In an attempt to boost mobile capacity, The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced it will auction spectrum in bands. There is 1.8GHz remaining spectrum band unallocated and airwaves available located outside the major capital cities. Reported by Telecoms, ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin anticipated the spectrum to be used for mobile or fixed wireless broadband services.