Weekly news round-up: ITV, C4 & Sky unite and Apple to drop Qualcomm

ITV, C4 & Sky champion TV advertising 
Britain’s three biggest commercial broadcasters have banded together to face down the threat from the online technology giants. Director’s from ITV, Channel 4 and Sky gave a joint interview defending TV’s ability to build a brand and reach young viewers like no other medium. Campaign reported their decision to speak out comes as Netflix, Amazon and Apple raise investment in subscription-based premium online video and Google and Facebook continue to push ad-funded video platforms. 

Apple to drop Qualcomm chips
Apple and Qualcomm’s relationship could be coming to an end. According to Telecoms.com, analysts from Nomura Instinet have predicted 2018 will see Apple drop chip maker Qualcomm from its supply chain, favouring a cheaper option from Intel. The news sent Qualcomm shares down 6.5% with estimates that Apple could save around $100 million.    

Broadcom’s final offer for Qualcomm 
A “best and final” offer has been put on the table by Broadcom Ltd, offering $121 billion to acquire Qualcomm Inc. The takeover battle would be one of the biggest technology acquisitions reported Reuters, as the market dominance from smartphone providers such as Apple and Samsung negotiate down prices on chips. The decision with be reviewed by Qualcomm’s board of directors.  

Successful 5G trials by Nokia and Qualcomm
Nokia and Qualcomm announced they have successfully completed an interoperability trial in the 3.5Ghz and 28Ghz spectrum, compliant with the global 3GPP 5G NR specification, reported Telecoms.com. The trials made use of the traditional spectrum and the hyped millimetre-wave frequencies as well as the commercially available Nokia AirScale base station and prototypes from Qualcomm. 

21st Century Fox confident of Sky deal
21st Century Fox remains confident that it can secure control of Sky, despite the ruling by UK Competition and Markets Authority that the deal would go against what is best for the public interest. Broadband TV News reported Fox Chief Executive James Murdoch said he hoped discussions with the regulator would resolve concerns and plans for Fox to sell majority of its assets to Disney remains in play. The move would enable Fox to focus on news and sports, with a reported increase 4.6% in revenue.     

Esports shunned by Olympians  
The International Olympics Committee officially recognised competitive computer gaming as a sport, however, not everyone is convinced. According to Reuters, Alpine skier and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Ted Ligety said esports don’t belong alongside physical sports in the Olympics. A sponsor of the Olympics, Intel Corp wrapped up its esports tournament earlier this week, with some players eager for the competitive gaming to be included in the Olympic competitions. 

Live streaming the winter Olympics 
The International Olympic Committee confirmed the Winter Games in PyeongChang will be available to live stream across Indian and the sub-continent, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Olympics announced it will be the first time live coverage will be shared on a global digital platform, accessible on mobile, as well as YouTube and have a dedicated Google search experience. 

Amazon, Virgin Media, Liberty Global and All3Media commission drama project 
Liberty Global and Virgin Media are teaming up with Amazon Prime Video and All3Media International to commission a psychological thriller series The Feed from The Walking Dead writer Channing Powell, and Studio Lambert. The series is planned to premiere globally in 2019 and marks the first major commissioning project funded by Virgin Media partnered with Amazon.