Last week, The Museum of the Future set up a pop-up house at SXSW 2025, hosting panels, workshops, and immersive experiences.

No, I wasn’t in Austin, but I’m curious. How did media professionals from Dubai end up discussing Middle Eastern storytelling and its powerful influence on global cinema?

At an event known for spotting the next big trends in tech, film, music, and culture.

Today’s program

1. SXSW & the Museum of the Future: two different worlds, one mission

2. Inside The Museum of the Future House at SXSW

3. So What?

And… Action!

Read more

Earlier this month, I was in Baghdad for an event with a name that says it all: Iraq Without Piracy Summit.

What does this event mean for the future of streaming in Iraq? And how could it impact the MENA region?

Today’s program

1. The impact of piracy in Iraq

2. Iraq Without Piracy Summit: key takeaways from the event

3. How alternatives to piracy can drive sustainable growth

And… Action!

The impact of piracy in Iraq

Before telling you what happened at the Iraq Without Piracy Summit (IWPS), let’s take a moment to understand the state of piracy in Iraq today and how it’s affecting the media and entertainment industry.

Piracy is a big part of how people in Iraq watch content. From illegal streaming services provided by ISPs to ad-supported websites and social media, it spreads easily because it’s cheap and easy to access:

• ISP-supported IPTV & OTT platforms

  The biggest challenge comes from Iraqi internet service providers (ISPs) bundling illegal streaming platforms with their internet subscriptions. Services like Cinemana, MyTV+, and Vodu give users access to premium content from around the world at no additional cost to the user as part of their package, making piracy feel like a built-in feature rather than an illegal alternative.

• Ad-supported piracy websites & Apps

  Another form of piracy comes from websites and apps that make money through advertising. Platforms like Egybest, Arab Lions, Akoam, and Cima4up bombard users with pop-ups, autoplay videos, and full-screen ads, often leading to scam sites.

• Piracy on Social Media & Messaging Apps

  Social media is also a big source of piracy. YouTube can host illegal copies of movies and TV shows, making money from ads. Messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp are also used to share and promote illegal streams, making it harder to stop.

Here are some screenshots from illegal streaming services in Iraq and MENA:

Read more

Couldn’t make it to the BroadcastPro Summit in Dubai last week?

Don’t worry, I’ve gathered the key discussions for you in my latest Summit Summaries.

Now it’s your chance to turn these highlights into actionable insights!

Today’s program

1. Sports panel: Strategic innovations in Sports broadcasting and fan engagement

2. CEO panel: How leaders are adapting to digital transformation in Media

3. So What? My key takeways from BroadcastPro24

And… Action!

Sports panel: Strategic innovations in Sports broadcasting and fan engagement

This panel focused on the main challenges and new ideas in sports broadcasting and fan engagement in the MENA region, with the following speakers:

• Dipesh Makwana, Business Development Sports – APAC / ME, Vizrt

• Amill Lone, CEO, Saudi Sports Company

• Danny Bates, Chief Operations Officer and co-founder, STARZPLAY

• Jamal AbdulNasser Ali, Broadcast & Television Production Director, UAE Pro League

• Maite Ventura, Managing Director for MENA, LALIGA

• Saeed Izadi, President Singapore, India, Middle East, NEP

Here are the main topics they discussed:

Read more

Hey streamers 👋

This week, it’s all about MIPCOM! To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the "Mother of All Entertainment Markets", I’m bringing you something special: not just one, but four exclusive articles.

I'll be covering the key highlights of the event, with a special focus on the three summits.

Today’s program

1. What to expect from the 40th edition of MIPCOM?

2. Applied AI: How Applied AI is reshaping the entertainment landscape

3. Global FAST & AVOD: The global rise of Ad-supported streaming

4. Connected TV: Unlocking new possibilities for content delivery

And… Action!

Why am I traveling to Cannes for MIPCOM?

My mission: Connect with content providers and streaming platforms to help them understand the MENA region better.

This year, I’ll be wearing my journalist hat and writing one article each day, straight from the press room full of journalists from top Media and Entertainment trade magazines!

• Monday: What to expect from MIPCOM 2024?

• Tuesday: Key insights from the Applied AI Summit

• Wednesday: Highlights from the Global FAST & AVOD Summit

• Thursday: What went down at the Connected TV Summit

On more thing: During the MIPCOM week, I offer a special 20% discount on my premium membership TSL+. You’ll join in time to receive my special report “Beyond the Game”, a guide to how streaming is transforming sports in MENA, including a summary of the sports rights available by platforms. To be released on October 31st.

What to expect from the 40th edition of MIPCOM?

If you work in Media and Entertainment, you’ve definitely heard of MIPCOM. Created 40 years ago, it's become a key event of the industry.

MIPCOM (Marché International des Programmes de Communication) is one of the largest global markets and conferences for the television and entertainment industry.

It’s organized annually in Cannes, France, bringing together content creators, distributors, and buyers from around the world to showcase, buy, and sell programs across all platforms.

It’s also the perfect event for discovering the latest trends.

And what better way to do that than by attending the premium conferences and events, carefully curated by the MIPCOM team?

Several events already took place on Sunday, including The Future of TV Distribution cocktails and panels aboard the SoFAST boat. I’ll be sharing the key insights with you shortly.

What conferences and events you should not miss today on Monday 21 October:

1. World Premiere of Obocchama-Kung: Bringing Japanese Anime To Life In India - 9:00 | Verriere Californie

Why you should go? Because a co-production between TV Asahi and Sony YAY is a wonderful idea! The stories and basic artworks are produced in Japan and the animation is produced in India. The speakers will talk about how the series came to life in 30 years after the initial series.

2. What All the Drama is About - Content that Travels - 9:45 - 10:15 | Producers’ Hub

Why you should go? Amanda Turnbull (Rise Studios) will be discussing the new report by VYND.IO, using AI to look intro how themes and topics are shaping Arabic content trends.

3. Super Monday with Japan - 10:30 to 16:00 | Hi5 Studio Foyer

Why you should go? I’ve always been fascinated by Japan, and MIPCOM is a wonderful opportunity to better understand the diversity of Japanese content and meet industry executive and experts from major TV broadcasters & Anime production companies.

4. Applied AI Summit Discussions - 10:15 to 12:00 | MIP Innovation Lab

Why you should go?AI is everywhere, the challenge won’t be about the technology but how to find the best use case to make sure AI can support out industry. These discussions should help you identify some of them

The “Applied AI Summit Discussions” will be followed by The Roundtables (14:30 - 15:30) and the Innovation Showcase (16:00 - 16:45)

5. Media Mastermind Keynotes presented By MIPCOM CANNES & Variety - 15: 15 - 17:40 | Grand Auditorium

Why you should go? Because Variety editors are la creme de la creme when it comes to analysing entertainment business.

Variety editors discuss global content industry trends and developments, followed by conversations with Jane Turton (CEO, ALL3MEDIA), Channing Dungey, (Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Television Group), and Tony Vinciquerra, (Chairman & CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment).

6. MIPCOM CANNES Opening Night Party & Red Carpet - From 19:00 | Hotel Majestic

Why you should go? You don’t want to miss the 40th birthday of MIPCOM ;) And the fireworks.

There are many other conferences and events. You can access the At The Glance program here:

Mipcom 24 Program

1.9MB ∙ PDF file

Download

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Found this article insightful? Don't keep it to yourself, share it with your team and start the conversation!

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Throughout the week, I’ll be updating the articles with the latest insights from the three summits:

Applied AI Summit

Full article coming on Tuesday, October 22

Global FAST & AVOD Summit

Full article coming on Wednesday, October 23

Connected TV Summit

Article coming on Thursday, October 24

I hope everyone has a great week, see you online next Monday. The same week, don’t miss my Hot Takes from MIPCOM 2024 during a live webinar on October 29th, with Marion Ranchet from Streaming Made Easy. Register here.

Master Streaming in MENA with exclusive data & analysis for streaming media professionals. Subscribe to TLS+:

Subscribe now

Read all the previous edition of The Streaming Lab here.

Download my latest report, STREAMING in MENA - August 2024. Exclusively available to TSL+ Prime members!

Interested in advertising with The Streaming Lab and reach a qualified audience in MENA? Email me.

Missed the MIPCOM CTV Summit presented by Alan Wolk yesterday?

Whether you were tied up in meetings, couldn’t make it to Cannes, or just need a refresher, I’ve got you covered!

Introducing Summit Summaries: quick, insightful recaps of the key discussions from yesterday's summit.

Now it’s your turn to turn these highlights into actionable insights for your business ;)

During the MIPCOM week, I offer a special 20% discount on my premium membership TSL+. You’ll join in time to receive my special report “Beyond the Game”, a guide to how streaming is transforming sports in MENA, including a summary of the sports rights available by platforms. To be released on October 31st.

The State of CTV: Market Dynamics and Emerging Opportunities

Alan Wolk introduced the session by emphasizing the importance of understanding the connected TV (CTV) industry. He highlighted the need for cooperation among media companies to compete against Tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and Google.

Read more

Missed the MIPCOM Global FAST & AVOD Summit presented by yesterday?

Whether you were tied up in meetings, couldn’t make it to Cannes, or just need a refresher, I’ve got you covered!

Introducing Summit Summaries: quick, insightful recaps of the key discussions from yesterday's summit.

Now it’s your turn to turn these highlights into actionable insights for your business ;)

During the MIPCOM week, I offer a special 20% discount on my premium membership TSL+. You’ll join in time to receive my special report “Beyond the Game”, a guide to how streaming is transforming sports in MENA, including a summary of the sports rights available by platforms. To be released on October 31st.

AVOD & FAST Insights

Global advertising and video subscription trends

Maria Rua Aguete discussed the significant growth in online video advertising, highlighting platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Despite some complaints, she emphasized the need to include these platforms in analysis.

The conversation touched on the division of online advertising into categories like social media and selective advertising. Maria questioned the definition of premium content, pointing out that premium online media advertising may be overstated.

Read more

Missed the MIPCOM AI Summit yesterday?

Whether you were tied up in meetings, couldn’t make it to Cannes, or just need a refresher, I’ve got you covered!

Introducing Summit Summaries: quick, insightful recaps of the key discussions from yesterday's summit.

Now it’s your turn to turn these highlights into actionable insights for your business ;)

During the MIPCOM week, I offer a special 20% discount on my premium membership TSL+. You’ll join in time to receive my special report “Beyond the Game”, a guide to how streaming is transforming sports in MENA, including a summary of the sports rights available by platforms. To be released on October 31st.

The Future of Media: Generative AI’s Transformation of Content Workflows

Evolution of Art and technology

Emily Golden, head of growth marketing at Runway, introduced the company's role in using AI to revolutionize art, entertainment, and human creativity. She emphasized the rapid growth of AI-generated content and predicted that within five years, 50% of online content will be AI-augmented.

Emily also traced the evolution of art, from the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Impressionism to the invention of the camera, which revolutionized visual capture and led to the coexistence of painting and photography.

“Within the next five years, 50% of online content generated by or augmented by AI” - Emily Golden, Head of Growth Marketing, Runway

Read more

Welcome to The Streaming Lab, a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals in the MENA region. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and receive it directly in your inbox every Monday.

Subscribe now

Today’s program

This week, The Streaming Lab is all about CABSAT. Today, you’re reading an article that presents the event and highlights the must-see conferences. Tune in on Tuesday for a special podcast packed with tips to help you make the most out of the event. In the coming days, you can also expect detailed articles on several participating Tech companies.

1. From Local Focus to International Spotlight

2. Top Conferences at Content Congress You Can't Miss

3. Don't Miss Out: Extra Special Activities

And… Action!

This newsletter is supported by Cleeng, a SaaS platform specialising in Subscriber Retention Management for Media & Entertainment.

Subscriber churn is a serious concern in MENA, for many reasons: growing competition with 60+ active players, subscription fatigue with SVOD services overload, and high content seasonality with Ramadan and major sports events. The challenge of 2024 will be to keep loyal subscribers, but how?

Cleeng can predict churn risk for you platform. Are your subscribers frequent churners, not engaged with content, affected by a poor experience or with a credit card expiring soon? Many OTT partners rely on their technology to manage video subscribers, keep them engaged and increase their lifetime value, including the NFL, TOD, NHK (The Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Tennis Channel and The Weather Channel.

The Cleeng team will be in Dubai for CABSAT 2024. The perfect opportunity to learn how you can future-proof your D2C streaming platform with their Subscriber Retention Management solution!

Meet with Cleeng's D2C experts at CABSAT

From Local Focus to International Spotlight

Just so you know, this isn't my first time at CABSAT. I've been attending this event every year since I moved to Dubai. This year’s a bit special though: CABSAT is marking its 30th anniversary, and I’m celebrating my 10th year of being part of it.

What are the main changes I noticed in the past 10 years?

Looking back, CABSAT has really changed. It used to be all about the latest cameras and those massive trucks prepared for blockbuster action stunts. And the local Telcos were stealing the show with their huge stands right in the middle of the main hall.

OTT and streaming were on the scene even then, but it was mostly the big names that were already in the region.

These days, things look a lot different.

The satellite and space tech worlds still have their spots, with with the SATExpo summit. But I’m not going to write about it since it’s not really our industry.

The event is trying to stay relevant to what’s key in streaming now: Content. That’s why they’ve named their main conference program the "Content Congress". But let’s be real, CABSAT isn’t exactly a hotspot for finding new shows or movies. It's not packed with content providers, distributors, or studios.

Most of the big tech companies will still be there, though. And now, they come from all over the world.

Something else that's caught my eye is how the event has grown. It used to be mostly about MENA, but now the organizers are aiming to make it the go-to event for the Media and Satellite scene across the MEASA region: Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

Do you think CABSAT has the potential to become the NAB SHOW of MEASA?

Top Conferences at Content Congress You Can't Miss

CABSAT features two key conferences: The SATExpo Summit and the Content Congress. Here are the must-attend sessions from the Content Congress for this year:

Navigating New Horizons - the Future of Media and Entertainment in MENA

When: Tuesday, 21st May 2024

Speaker: Karim Daoud (Strategy & Middle East)

• Media market prospects in the Middle East: comparative growth by segment, 2023-2027, MENA vs. Global

• Media Sector Trends - and implications/opportunities for the Middle East

• Role of Government in media sector development

• Forecast and Future Outlook

Mastermind Talks: Streaming in the Middle East

When: Tuesday, 21st May 2024

Speakers: Elie Habib (Anghami & OSN+), Natasha Matos-Hemingway (Shahid)

Moderator: Sanjay Raina

• Challenges of fragmentation in an increasingly competitive marketplace

• Audience insights, AI and anthropology

• Content acquisition and cost of content

• Customer acquisition and costs associated with it

• Road towards profitability

Panel Discussion: How does the MENA Watch TV?

When: Tuesday, 21st May 2024

Speaker: Manoj Mathew (Dubai Media)

Moderator: Moustapha Bekheet (PAM Inc.)

• FAST & furious growth: Which model is sustainable and profitable across territories?

• Future of linear TV - How fast is it dying?

• What are the strategies TV networks are adopting to sustain growth in linear TV?

• Is there a substantial difference in the way linear TV programming and channels are being curated?

• Is there still a large audience that watches linear TV and paying for it?

• The revenue holds that linear television is getting into – how are they sustaining business sustainability?

Fireside Chat: What AI could mean for the Middle East Media Industry

When: Wednesday, 22nd May 2024

Speaker: Dr. Naser Refaat (Rotana Media Group)

Moderator: Moustapha Bekheet (PAM Inc.)

• The role of media and current challenges to tradition media

• Tech trends shaping the industry – diversify, pivot, innovate

• Virtual production and audience of the future

• Overview of AI disruptions across the media industry - is it a viable proposition?

The Evolution of Non-English Content in MENA

When: Wednesday, 22nd May 2024

Speakers: Amanda Turnbull (Rise Studios), Wared Seger (Parrot Analytics)

• In the MENA region, over 50% of content demand is now for non-English titles

• Asian-language TV content, has surged in popularity, with dramas like Squid Game, The Glory and Big Bet making international waves

• MENA audiences are increasingly drawn to animation, doubling its demand share to 12% in five years, due to its wide-ranging appeal across age groups

Workshop: How to Create a YT Channel with the Help of AI

When: Thursday, 23rd May 2024

Speaker: Lesha Mansukhani (Nas Daily)

This workshop will take participants into various AI tools that can boost video production workflows on YouTube. They will discover how to leverage AI tools for content creation, social media management, and advertising.

Full agenda available HERE.

Don't Miss Out: Extra Special Activities

Here are some other events that stand out this year:

Co-Production Salon

In collaboration with H.CONSULT, the Co-Production Salon returns: a dedicated meeting lounge focused on investment opportunities in Arabic content.

Broadcast Pro ME Awards

The BroadcastProME Manufacturer Awards will celebrate the companies that are key to the MENA media sector.

Virtual Production Studio

An innovative on-site virtual production studio that will merge physical sets and props with virtual backgrounds.

Dubai Studio City Tour

Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour of Dubai Studio City's premier production and post-production facilities, the largest in the MENA region.

And finally: don’t forget CABSAT isn't just about the conferences. It's a prime spot for networking, catching up with old friends, and meeting new ones ;)

Stay tuned for more tips about CABSAT on The Streaming Lab podcast tomorrow, and in the coming days, we'll highlight the Tech providers participating in the event.

That’s all for today, what you can expect from CABSAT in Dubai next week. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues!

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I hope everyone has a great week, see you online next Monday. Until then, enjoy Dark Matter on Apple TV+. A man is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could've lived, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from a most terrifying foe: himself.

The Streaming Lab is a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals in the MENA region. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and receive it directly in your inbox every Monday.

Subscribe now

Read all the previous edition of The Streaming Lab here.

Interested in advertising with The Streaming Lab and reach a qualified audience in MENA? Email me.

Track the MENA streaming ecosystem and anticipate the future of the industry. Subscribe to TLS+

Welcome to The Streaming Lab, a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals in the MENA region. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and receive it directly in your inbox every Monday.

Subscribe now

Today’s program

You couldn’t make it to Cannes for MIPTV last week? Or you were sleeping during the Global AVOD & FAST summit? I’ve got your back. You’ll find below the summary of the first 2 sessions, and as a bonus: the full transcripts!

1. The State of FAST

2. Serving local audiences with optimized viewing experience

And… Action!

This newsletter is sponsored by WSC Sports, the global leader in AI-powered sports content

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The State of FAST

Presented by Alan Wolk, Co-Founder/Lead Analyst, TVREV

Alan Wolk unpacked the state of FAST in a presentation that was engaging and informative. Let's get into the essentials you don’t want to miss:

Understanding FAST

First off, let's clarify a common mix-up: FAST services and FAST channels are not the same. FAST services, like TUBI and Samsung TV Plus, provide the platform - handling the interface, marketing, and the aggregation of content. FAST channels, on the other hand, are the actual content streams you watch. Knowing this distinction is key to understanding the ecosystem and how content reaches you.

Quality over quantity

Remember the early days of cable with random, often irrelevant channels? FAST started similarly but is maturing rapidly. Major studios are now curating content for FAST platforms, focusing on high-quality offerings rather than just filling space. This shift towards quality means you’re likely to find more compelling and engaging content, reflecting a more curated viewing experience similar to the refinement of cable TV in the 1980s.

Enhancing User Experience

FAST isn't just throwing content at you, it's about delivering an enjoyable viewing experience. This includes designing better user interfaces that make it easier to navigate and discover new favorites. Integrating AI helps personalize your viewing suggestions, enhancing satisfaction and stickiness. The blending of linear and on-demand viewing options also means you can start with a live channel and easily switch to binge-watching earlier episodes if something catches your eye.

Global expansion

FAST services originated in the U.S. but are now making waves worldwide. In regions like India, where traditional streaming subscription costs are prohibitive for many, FAST offers a viable alternative. This global expansion is not just about spreading U.S. content worldwide; it’s also about fostering local content providers like Rakuten in Europe, which tailor content to regional tastes and preferences.

Diversifying content with Sports and News

While top-tier sports leagues may still be out of FAST's reach, there’s plenty of action for sports enthusiasts with niche but passionate followings, like CrossFit on Pluto TV. News is also making a big leap to FAST, particularly local news, which is transitioning from traditional cable to streaming platforms, offering viewers accessibility without extra costs. This local focus means content that’s more relevant to viewers’ immediate environments and interests.

Challenges in monetization

The big question for FAST is profitability. Unlike cable in the US, FAST doesn't collect retransmission fees, relying instead on ad revenue. The industry is still experimenting with effective monetization strategies, including dynamic ad placements and partnerships. How these platforms attract big-brand advertising and manage to measure viewer engagement accurately will be crucial for their financial sustainability.

Full transcript available here:

Serving Local Audiences with optimized viewing experience

Moderated by Alan Wolk, Co-Founder/Lead Analyst, TVREV

Jennifer Batty, Director of Content Partnerships - Samsunt TV Plus Europe and MENA & Maciej Gozdowski, Group Vice President - Streaming at Warner Bros. Discovery Poland

Moderated by Alan Wolk, we had Jennifer from Samsung TV Plus discussing their expansion in Europe and soon, the Middle East, and Maciej from Warner Bros. Discovery Poland, overseeing their streaming strategies.

User Interface perfection

Jennifer explained how Samsung TV Plus integrates both Linear and On-Demand content seamlessly. She detailed the user-friendly interface that features electronic program guides (EPGs) and favorite channels, making it easy for anyone to navigate, even if they are not tech wizards.

Content discovery challenges

Maciej discussed the challenges in content discovery due to the vast volume and variety available. He stressed the importance of strategic collaborations across broadcasters and producers to guide viewers effortlessly to their next favorite show or movie.

The power of local content

Jennifer provided specific examples of Samsung TV Plus strategy in Europe, where partnerships with local content providers are crucial. She mentioned collaborations in France with Altice media, in Spain with RTVE, and in the UK with BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, illustrating Samsung’s commitment to delivering region-specific content that resonates with local audiences.

Integrating News and Sports

As FAST platforms evolve, including diverse news sources and local sports content has become a priority. Jennifer discussed the strategy of blending international with local news to cater to diverse preferences, while Maciej mentioned leveraging popular local sports to draw in viewers.

Tech innovations

Both panelists discussed the role of AI in improving personalized viewer experiences. From smarter content recommendations to more targeted ads, AI is set to make streaming more intuitive and personalized.

Future projections

Looking to the future, Jennifer expressed excitement about the potential for FAST to become synonymous with television, anticipating a time when streaming is as straightforward as traditional TV. Maciej pondered the challenges of engaging younger audiences who prefer consuming content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

Alan Wolk wrapped up the panel by reflecting on the evolution of FAST and its growing role in the mainstream media consumption landscape. He highlighted the ongoing innovations that are likely to transform how we think about and interact with television.

Full transcript available here:

That’s all for today, what happened during the first hour of the Global FAST & AVOD Summit at MIPTV last week. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues!

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I hope everyone has a great week, see you online next Monday. Until then, enjoy Fallout on Prime Video. 200 years after the apocalypse, a peaceful denizen from a cozy fallout shelter is forced to return to the surface, and is shocked to discover the wasteland waiting for her.

The Streaming Lab is a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals in the MENA region. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and receive it directly in your inbox every Monday.

Subscribe now

Read all the previous edition of The Streaming Lab here.

Interested in advertising with The Streaming Lab and reach a qualified audience in MENA? Email me.

Track the MENA streaming ecosystem and anticipate the future of the industry. Subscribe to TLS+

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The State of FAST

Presented by Alan Wolk, Co-Founder/Lead Analyst, TVREV

To start off, I'm going to take you guys through something we call the state of FAST in about 10 minutes.

So first thing I want to do if there's one thing you guys take away from this today, it is what I'm going to tell you in this next slide. There are FAST services like TUBI and Samsung TV Plus, and the Roku channel, and Vizio watch free, LG channels. In FAST services, you will find FAST channels and AVOD. Now the FAST services are the ones who bring the interfaces, who deal with the advertising, who do the marketing and who do the aggregating. FAST services and FAST channels are two different things. So if that is the only thing you take away from today, my job here is done.

Let's now take a look at what is going on today in the FAST market. The first thing we have going on is quality over quantity. What does that mean? In the early days of FAST, it was sort of like the early days of cable. People really weren't sure what was going on. So a lot of what was VOD was Australian sitcoms in the 1960s and things like that. So what might not have been such a great audience for outside of Australia and other sorts of channels. And what we're seeing now is the big studios are getting involved. Warner Brothers is selling HBO content in a FAST and others producers are getting involved. So we're seeing also that the FAST services are cutting down the number of channels that they're taking. They're starting to curate a little bit more and they're basically making it better. And again, you can look at cable in the 1980s and that's similar what happened: it was just a bunch of random stuff and then everybody started getting identities and stuff got better. So that is one of the big things is happening in FAST right now.

Secondly, what we're seeing is a focus on user experience. Now that takes a whole bunch of different forms. So at its most basic level is basically making better interfaces, making it easier to find stuff to create things and a whole lot of FAST channels that goes back to the first point of these boosted quality. You're shedding some of these extra channels, making it easier to find things. We're going to start seeing AI brought in to help personalize the experience. We're also seeing more intersections of linear channels and AVOD. Now, people start watching on a linear channel and they're like: yeah, I want to watch that from the beginning. I want to go back and see some earlier episodes. So, as I said, much better interface, much better experience. And interface is really what's going to set the various FAST services apart from each other. Because at some level, they're also pushing out a fairly similar products. That's gonna make a big difference in the years to come.

The next thing we've noticed is that FAST is taking off globally. We saw the FAST services started in the US and from there, they should have moved on across the world. The US services started to push out globally. Companies like Tubi and Pluto, Samsung TV Plus are trying to expand themselves globally. But at the same time we're seeing FAST channels arise that are local that are European like Rakuten, and all around the world. What is super important about this is that in most of the world FAST is going to dominate the way people watch TV. Why is that? Because in most of the world people don't have disposable income for a streaming TV service or very few people do. Look at Netflix in India. Netflix started to charge $10 a head and they very quickly realized not a lot of the Indian population has $10. They cut it to 3 dollars but still don't get it: they don't have any disposable income. So FAST is going to become a beautiful way how most of the world watches television, and especially in countries where you're getting your well produced programming from the US and Europe. There are all these new markets having Nollywood and Bollywood with content that can be spread across the globe now. So we're going to start seeing a whole lot more of this being global and FAST being a real factor around the world.

Next thing is that Sports and News are coming to the FAST. The NBA or Premier League Soccer are probably not coming to FAST but there's a bunch of leisure sports that still have intense fan bases. Pluto TV has been running the CrossFit Games and apparently they have a strong fan base. We're also seeing shoulder contents and just last week, Roku in the US struck a deal with the NBA to run all of their shoulder content from the home games like interviews with players and it's a great deal for both of them because there's obviously a lot of dedicated basketball fans who will watch that. It helps the NBA promote their games and keeps people watching longer. It's a chance for a real good promotion with their other programming to basketball fans who might not watch it. So we're gonna start seeing this happen with a lot of different sports in both the live events and in the shoulder content.

News is another huge thing. In the US, you have all these local broadcasters and local news stations. And as people are moving away from broadcast and cable, they're like: what do we do now? They're looking to move their News shows onto FAST and asking themselves how do we make a 24 hours News shows something that lends itself to the FAST service. It should be free, people don’t have to pay for it and so there are a lot of governments that get involved in subsidizing it. And it's something that the FAST services themselves are seeing a lot of interest in. This is a way users can find out what's happening locally. A lot of the News in Sports that we're going to see is local too. We're seeing that in the US already, smaller colleges, even high school Sports on FAST local News and you can really play around with it. Users can get news about Cannes and not just about the whole of Provence. So that you can really play around with it as technology gets better.

The last piece of thoughts, is that they're still figuring out how to make real money. So we're still in the early stages. In the US the FAST services do not have the affiliate fees that make cable and broadcast, literally, 10s of billions with a B dollars every year. And we're still figuring out so much on this. How do we measure it? How are we actually monetizing it? What are people willing to pay for it? Our guess at TVREV is that at some point in the next couple of years, these ads that are on the subscription streaming services, like Netflix, Disney and HBO, are going to reach critical mass. And because at this point, they really don't have enough for the big brands. It's been nine figures from TV advertising that they have to move. But once they have 30 or 40 million, and Amazon certainly helped us with that, they’re gonna move the other big brands and budget there. As far as SVOD is the new primetime and FAST is the new cable, here's a lot of money: go! But until that happens, How are we monetizing this? Is this a real thing? So it's still taking some time. And again, measurement is a huge thing. How are we actually measuring this with third party verification in a way that advertisers feel comfortable? Don't take my experimental budget but $75 million. Anyway, so that is the state of fast in 10 minutes.

Serving local audiences with optimized viewing experience

Moderated by Alan Wolk, Co-Founder/Lead Analyst, TVREV

Maciej Gozdowski, Group Vice President - Streaming at Warner Bros. Discovery Poland & Jennifer Batty, Director of Content Partnerships - Samsunt TV Plus Europe and MENA

Alan Wolk:

So we're gonna be discussing serving local audiences with optimized viewing experiences, but we promise we won't get that nerdy about it. I want to let Jen and Maciej introduce themselves and tell you why you should care about what they have to say.

Jennifer Batty:

I'm Jennifer Batty. I'm head of content acquisitions for Samsung TV plus for Europe and also the rollout that we'll be doing towards the end of June July in the Middle East. We are currently in 16 countries in Europe and 24 countries worldwide. And as you know, Samsung is the number one manufacturer of televisions for I think in the last 18 years. If you buy a Samsung TV, you get Samsung TV Plus for free, which means that depending on the country that you're in, you can have access to 100 channels, 150 channels along with video On Demand.

Maciej Gozdowski:

I'm Maciej Gozdowski from Warner Bros. Discovery in Poland. I'm responsible for the whole streaming operation.

Alan Wolk:

We have somebody who's from an aggregator and somebody who's from a content providers, we can get two different opinions here. The first thing I want to ask you guys is something I actually just said which is that the overall interface is getting better because you do a better job of combining Linear and On Demand. Is that actually happening or did I made that up?

Jennifer Batty:

It is, if you are looking at how you access Samsung TV plus, you just turn your TV on. And as long as your TV is 2017 or newer, it's a smart television. You have all the Apps that are there. Within TV Plus we have EPGs, and your favorite channels that you like. It really is simple for somebody that doesn't work in media. And that doesn't know what FAST is. They're just watching any other channel that's out there. The difference is that we are FAST. We are Ad funded, and we do have content that's available On Demand. So, as you were saying earlier, we have in the UK Schitt's Creek which is a fabulous comedy. If you've missed it and you want to go back, you can go into the On Demand section. We have the majority of our content so it gives the consumer the opportunity for them to say, you know what, I want to watch this on demand now. It's definitely changing and it's evolving. I think the lines will continue to blur, and when you're looking at the difference between FAST Apps and the smart Apps that are out there, you will see Linear channels and On Demand all in the same rail. So as a consumer you can do whatever you'd like to.

Alan Wolk:

Maciej, as a content owner, is that something that you see as a positive thing?

Maciej Gozdowski:

Yes, absolutely. What is essential is how customers or viewers discover your content. The biggest problem we have right now is the variety of the content and the quality of the content. We have a lot of volume of content, but the content you need to find out is sometimes live TV, sometimes on demand, sometimes a transaction. So it's really tough to understand what are the customers needs. So, I think the cooperation between broadcasters, producers and manufacturers is important.

Alan Wolk:

As you guys are rolling out across the globe, like how are you looking at some of your local content versus you have a vision of more international and for anyone who has not seen Schitt's Creek, amazing show Canadian comedy series.

Jennifer Batty:

It is my favorite comedy show out there. I was talking about it. I am Canadian. So that does help. From that Samsung perspective, especially in Europe, local is king and queen. We have local partnerships. We have local teams, it's very important for us to bring local content. We talk about being a global business, but with a local sensitivity. So you know in France, we have a partnership here with Altice media. We do retransmission of their News channels. We have single IP FAST channels with them. Same thing with Newen and Mediawan. In Spain we have a partnership with RTVE, in Italy with Discovery. UK we have content from BBC, channel 4, ITV. I could go on and on, Germany with ZDF studios, we announced recently a strategic partnership with them. Local content is very important, we also localize International content. So if we're bringing something into Germany, we want it to be dubbed into German, whatever language it is, whatever country but local content is where we see the most consumption at this stage.

Alan Wolk:

Maciej, as you're on the other side and in Poland, a country that has not huge local programming, how are you guys approaching all of this international content?

Maciej Gozdowski:

We just launched 15 channels based on local content. But I think, the mix of both international and local content is the game changer to really attract the audience and convince them to watch. We have really strong local flavor in Poland as Warner Bros Discovery, and offer our customers the best mix of local and global content.

Alan Wolk:

Do you get the content dubbed or subtitled?

Maciej Gozdowski:

Poland is a strange Market because most of the content comes from international, but I think subtitles are enough.

Alan Wolk:

News have become really popular on FAST. How do you approach that because again, as you go global, it's not just CNN. So how do you deal with that?

Jennifer Batty:

So news is very important to Samsung TV Plus, not just in Europe, but worldwide. I think with what's going on around the world, people are looking at different areas and different ways to consume news and are looking for different types of news. They don't just want one News channel so we have partners across all of Europe. We have a News section that is very easy for users to find. We have local News also. We try to partner whenever we can with local News partners, but we do also bring in international News whether it's Euronews, France24 or you know, CNN. We want to have as diverse News as possible for our users, so you can look at it from an international perspective or from a local perspective. News is very much a key driver. Within the fast world we do retransmissions and we have all the News channels. So it's not really a different viewing experience.

Alan Wolk:

Right now is it getting easier to convince the users? I'm sure in the early days users were like “Samsung TV, what is it?”

Jennifer Batty:

Yes, I think when you look at Samsung TV Plus right now and you look at the quality of the content that we brought on board, and the strategic partners that we have across Europe, the content has gone from, you know, just somebody throwing a whole bunch of content together going, Hey, this is really cool this FAST business to some of the strongest IPs around the world. You talked about sports, we do a lot with sports. Consumers are turning their television on and what they want to see on Samsung is strong content, good quality, strong viewing experience, production value, just like they are when they're watching anything else. So we've really stepped up that game for us which is really exciting.

Alan Wolk:

Maciej can you explain to these guys what TVN is?

Maciej Gozdowski:

TVN is the most important TV station in Poland, for sure number one, with one of the best entertainment experience in the country. So also talking about News and the evening News. It's the most popular show I would say in the evening around the country and also available in streaming for free of course, but it's something which attracted the people the most.

Alan Wolk:

I know in the US a lot of local broadcasters do have an half hour News show twice a day. And now it's like okay, you have to make a whole 24, at least a 12 hour channel. What are some of the challenges on that and some of the issues that you have?

Jennifer Batty:

We don't, we haven't run into that. Because what we're doing is we're working with existing News channels. So we are working with somebody that has a News channel that's already there. They're not just taking a new show. I think we've been very lucky in respect for the countries that we are in, that there are the News channels that are out there. News is also something that you have to be incredibly careful with when you're curating channels to ensure that the News that's out there and what you're telling is what is as close to the truth as possible. We're very happy to have many partners with our News channels that we do have very strong and credible brands.

Alan Wolk:

Maciej, Warner globally has a lot of Sports programming. Is sports something that is heading over to FAST, whether it's the shoulder content, whether it's smaller leagues?

Maciej Gozdowski:

I think it's time, depending on the market. For example, in Poland, we have ski jumping, which is quite popular, and available also for free. So it has attracted customers in the weekend for sure. But I have no doubt that premium Sports content will be on paid streaming platforms only. As an example, I think that the Olympic Games will be on Max in the whole Europe, so I think it's time right now when sports comes to the streaming, we don't have problems like the same with technology that is going on with the network.

Alan Wolk:

There's some pretty cool stuff you can do with it too, because it's digital, right? Have you seen anything that’s pretty cool?

Maciej Gozdowski:

I think the Olympic Games this year will be something completely new. This experience will be completely different than what you have seen for years. So you could switch between a lot of channels, with coverage of everything. It's gonna be super easy, a lot of push information that something happens here something happens there. So if you are a sports fan, that will be a completely new experience.

Alan Wolk:

Jen, what are you thinking about the Olympics? Clearly that's on everybody's mind right now.

Jennifer Batty:

We do have partnerships with incredible brands that are out there in Sports brands and sports channels. So we are working with different channels and we have to see how we complement the broadcasters that have the Olympic rates which are very expensive. Can you do things like the road to the Olympics, following accolades, different things that we're working with our broadcasters to see who has that. But Sports from a TV Plus point of view is very important. We were one of the first FAST broadcasters to launch live sports. The partnership in Germany with DAZN: we were doing two or three live football matches a week with three of the biggest football leagues in Europe. We recently had six nations rugby that was live on some countries around Europe. We have a partnership with FIFA. So sports is a very big driver for us. Again, it goes back to News and Sports, what's driven viewership for decades. It really isn't that much different within the FAST world.

Alan Wolk:

There's still technical issues with live streaming Sports. You know, every year in the US when there is the Superbowl, people are like “ah, it's like, you know, 90 seconds behind broadcast”. Like, my friends were cheering in the next room. Are we getting past that now?

Jennifer Batty:

I think for us, the partners that we have are very strong Sports broadcasters. So they've been dealing with this in different realms for many years. I think the viewing experience is now fabulous. I think that you'll always want to do something where somebody in the other room might be a second ahead of you know, like, don't cheer when they score because I'm watching in the kitchen. But the feedback and the viewing experience has been very strong for us so far today.

Alan Wolk:

You are in TV so you are the technology in the end.

Jennifer Batty:

We are, but we also do work with a number of tech integrators. Because we are the screen, I think the expectations are a little bit stronger. People may not understand the behind the scenes sort of things that happens all over, they just think I'm watching Samsung like, oh what's happened? But we work very hard. We have an incredible tech team around the world that work really hard to make sure that the viewing experience is as strong as possible.

Alan Wolk:

Maciej, what are you seeing over there?

Maciej Gozdowski:

Observing this market for so many years, of course there are challenges, but the experience is pretty different. I think, what you describe like the 90 seconds, right now it doesn't happen. I think it's better and better and indeed of course there are challenges about the local network every few months. But I think we are in this moment of time when watching Sports live was really almost the same experience like with classic broadcasters.

Alan Wolk:

The other thing that comes up with Sports is that American Sports had tons of breaks. It's like the Joke has always said the last three minutes in an NBA game can last 20 minutes. And so there's a lot of opportunity for advertising but like things like European football, they don't have that kind of breaks, so how do you guys do work around that because you know FAST is asking for it.

Maciej Gozdowski:

Football is probably more predictable. We know where are the breaks and it's 15 minutes so it's a little bit I can say easier to manage. We also have the News channels and we have to insert the commercials. So I think with the sports we also have the problem, how to put the commercials as when to put the breaks is not always predictable. AI also helps us with that.

Jennifer Batty:

You know the Sports broadcasters that we have on FAST, they understand how the football game goes. The European broadcasters understand how the game goes and when the commercial breaks needs to go. The US has an interesting way to do it and I think that they sometimes slow things down so that they can go on with the commercial break. The broadcasters that we work within FAST are very smart. They understand the sort of nuances FAST now is incredible quality television, versus what it was when it first started, you know, not that long ago. The quality has changed and the partners that we see are people that have been in the media industry for decades. So the experience that they're bringing in the quality of the content they're bringing, whether it's sports, whether it's news, is so much stronger.

Alan Wolk:

About AI, do you think that personalizing the interface or making personalized channels for people, is something that we're going to start seeing? We'll just make the whole experience a lot better and a lot more personalized?

Jennifer Batty:

I think that we'll see a lot happening in the next couple of years. From the Samsung perspective, we've just recently launched our Galaxy phone with Samsung AI, which we announced just within the last couple of weeks. Of course, as soon as that gets announced, we're like, how is this going to work with TV Plus? How can we use these things to serve better content to the viewers? To serve better ads? How can we do that? It's something that from a Samsung perspective is very interesting. I think we will see different ways that we'll be able to utilize AI and if you think it's amazing.

Maciej Gozdowski:

The future is also on the FAST channels that will be more personalized, more individual channels. That's for sure the future of recommendation and the user interface. I think this is also a challenge on the big screens, as you have to take in to account the decision of not only one person but 3/4 persons. So it's not easy to recommend something and build a compromise in a few minutes. So challenges are in front of us but I think AI will be very helpful.

Alan Wolk:

So the last thing I'm going to ask is a question that we're asking everybody is looking to the future of the industry. What are you most excited about?

Jennifer Batty:

I don't know how long we need, whether it's six months, two years, three years, where we're not actually talking about FAST, we're just talking about television, and it just becomes the way of life and I do think we are going in that direction. When you're talking to somebody that's at home watching TV, they're just watching television. I think that it's incredible, where FAST is growing in the last few years, and it's getting even more exciting, I think in the next couple of years.

Maciej Gozdowski:

I think the challenge will come from the younger audience, how to attract this younger audience to watch something on the big screen. This is a global challenge. I feel like this is important to find the solution.

Alan Wolk:

That's a good point. Eventually FAST will just become free and there'll be a subscription and now that will be television. I think it's fascinating. How younger people who are doing a lot of TikTok and YouTube, like how are they are going to start interacting with TV? They can grow into it the way everyone else did, or is it just gonna be a completely different experience? It will be fascinating to see in the years to come. Well, thank you both very much for this. It's been great.

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Today’s program

What we can expect from the last Spring International Television Market in Cannes.

1. One Badge 3 Markets

2. Must-see Conferences & Events

3. CANNES Series Season 7

And… Action!

One Badge 3 Markets

MIPTV - The Marché International des Programmes de Télévision - launched in 1963 in Lyon with 119 companies from 19 countries. The Spring International Television Market quickly moved to Cannes in 1965 and is expecting this year thousands of delegates from 76 countries, including 135 exhibiting companies and more than 1,200 buyers.

Next year, MIPTV will be replaced by MIP London. As Lucy Smith, Entertainment Division Director RX France said “It had never been the case of relocating MIPTV, which was intrinsically tied to the city of Cannes. But rather acknowledging transformation in the industry and an already-busy events calendar that needed action and consolidation.”

Today, our spotlight is on MIPTV 2024. For the lucky ones to be heading to Cannes next week, prepare for not just 1 event, but 3: MIPDOC, MIPFORMATS, and MIDRAMA.

MIPDOC

When? During Pre-MIPTV Weekend 6-7 April 2024

What? The 26th International Documentary and Factual Co-Production Market and Screenings.

MIPDOC will gather the whole international doc & factual community, around 4 main activities:

• Pitch competition: A unique pitching contest that highlights new Documentary and Factual TV projects. Here are the finalists: Men of Dishonor, Quincy Jones: Music Man, Selfless, The Last Days of Kabul - Life and Death of a Republic and Unheard of. They will pitch their project on the MIPTV/MIPDOC stage at the Palais des Festivals on Saturday 6 April 2024 from 16.15 to 17.30.

• Conference program: A big weekend for Unscripted content, with two-day conference program, including keynote, panels, case studies and the MIPDOC Co-Production Summit. Full program available HERE.

• CANNESERIES International Documentary Official Selection: Buyers will be offered an exclusive first look at the official selection for the CANNESERIES Documentary Series Competition. Here are the 5 documentaries competing this year:

  • Dale Undercover (France)

  • DJ Mehdi: Made In France (France)

  • Teenagers (Canada)

  • Hard To Swallow (USA, Nigeria)

  • Hidden (Netherlands).

• Screenings: The MIPDOC Screenings Library offers buyers exclusive access to hundreds of documentary and factual programmes available online and onsite at MIPTV. However, only buyers will have the possibility to screen content on the MIPDOC Screenings Library ;)

MIPFORMATS

When? During Pre-MIPTV Weekend 6-7 April 2024

What? The world's largest gathering of formats producers, creators, buyers and distributors.

MIPFORMATS will gather formats producers, creators, buyers and distributors from over 40 countries, around 3 main activities:

• Pitch competition: A pitching competition for new, non-scripted entertainment formats not yet featured on linear or non-linear platforms. The finalists:

  • 25 (Norway)

  • A.I Of The Beholder (David Tobiasz)

  • The Stupid House (UK)

  • Unknown Champion (Germany)

  • Villa Incognito (Netherlands).

• Conference Programme: 2 days of conferences to explore the latest content trends in the international formats industry, including keynotes, panels, case studies, and more. Full programme available HERE.

• Fresh TV Formats: The newest formats content from across the globe in this Fresh TV screening of Virginia Mouseler.

MIPDRAMA

When? Sunday 7 April in the Palais des Festivals' Hi5 Theatre

What? The annual premium showcase of the most anticipated high-end drama series

MIPDRAMA is a unique and exclusive screening event, with 10 carefully curated upcoming drama series at early stage production. Here is the selection:

• Eva & Nicole (Spain)

• Icebreaker (Finland)

• Irreversible (Portugal)

• Miss Austen ( UK, USA)

• Palo Alto (Israel)

• See Her Again (Hong Kong, China)

• The Black Forest Murders (Germany)

• The Sentinels (France)

• Vahalla Project (Finland)

• We’re On It, Comrades! (Czech Republic)

Must-See Conferences & Events

Here is my selection of conferences and events you don’t want to miss this year!

Navigating Japan: Insights, Co-productions, and New Format from TBS

• When? Monday, 09:30 - 10:30

• Where? Verrière Californie

• Who? Presented by All3Media International, Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Inc. (TBS) and K7 Media

• What?

  • Tracking Japan's Unscripted Success Story (K7 Media)

  • The first co-production “Lovers or Liars?” (All3Media International and TBS)

  • Match My Moves - Choreo Countdown (TBS)

Back To The Future - Bridging the Past and Present to Shape Tomorrow's TV Landscape

• When? Monday, 11:00 - 11:30

• Where? Riviera Stage (R8)

• Who? Mark Endemano (Alix Partners)

MIP Global FAST & AVOD Summit

• When? Monday, 15:30 – 17:30

• Where? MIP Lab

• Who? Hosted by TVREV, With 3Vision, Google, OTTera, Samsung TV Plus, Titan OS, Tubi Media Group, Vevo, Warner Bros. Discovery – TVN

• What? The Global FAST & AVOD Summit takes a comprehensive look at the opportunities in ad-supported streaming, and how the model can be sustainable and profitable over time and across territories.

MIPTV Opening Night Party

• When? Monday, 19:00 - 23:00

• Where? Majestic Hotel

MIP Global FAST & AVOD: Ad-Supported Licensing & Distribution

• When? Tuesday, 9:00 - 10:00

• Where? Matchmaking Area (P3)

• Who? Mike Gould (Cineflix Rights), Stuart Pearson (Samsung TV Plus), Teresa Alonso Lopez (Rlaxx GmbH), Cédric Monnier (OKAST.TV), Cristina Sala (Samsung TV Plus), Keith Bedford (GM EMEA), Alejandro Veciana (Filmrise), Eddy Arias (Pluto TV), and Ben Pugh (SANDBOX Group)

• What? Recognised experts from across the sector will host tables and drive a relaxed and informed discussion around realities and opportunities in ad-supported content distribution.

Don’t forget to secure your seat HERE.

Thriving in The Sport Frenzy: Evaluating Sports as the Ultimate Viewer and Advertiser Magnet

• When? Tuesday, 09:45 - 10:15

• Where? Palais Stage

• Who? Marion Ranchet (The Local Act Consultancy), Scott Young (Warner Bros. Discovery), Scott Melvin (Buzz 16 Productions Ltd), Zoe Duffelen (SNTV)

• What? Streamers are investing massively in sportainment and sports rights taking over from pay TV and broadcasters. What is the strategy behind their moves into sport?

Shoppable TV: From Screen to Cart Turning TV Viewing into an extended Lifestyle Experience

• When? Tuesday, 15:45 – 16:15

• Where? Riviera Stage (R8)

• Who? Tony Marlow (LG Ad Solutions), Alan Wolk (TVREV)

• What? How are retail media, streaming platforms and brands teaming up to boost ad-performance and audience engagement? What are the opportunities offered by commerce content and TV merchandising?

MIP LONDON Presentation

• When? Tuesday, 18:00 – 19:00

• Where? Producers’ Hub & Lounge

• What? What can you expect from MIP LONDON in 2025?

International Women In Global Entertainment: Mentoring Breakfast

• When? Wednesday, 08:30 - 10:00

• Where? Riviera Stage (R8)

• Who? Kristina Hollstein, Jennifer Batty, Deniz Sasmaz Oflaz, Mika Kanaya, Christina Fon, Bunmi Akintonwa, Karine Riahi, Caroline Petit, Elizabeth LeBlanc

• What? This informal and empowering Breakfast Event has become an essential opportunity for women from all over the world to meet, network, inspire and offer professional support in their business.

Meet The Exerts: How To Develop Your Business

• When? Wednesday, 09:00 - 10:00

• Where? Riviera Stage (R8)

• Who? Valentin Romero (3BoxMedia), Rodolphe Boissau (UGGC Avocats), Danielle Lauren (Future Proofing Storytelling), Rémi tereszkiewicz (BetaSeries), Luehr-Martin Lemkau (Slick Strategy), Cédric Monnier (FAST4EU), Sébastien Janin (Media Musketeers Studios)

• What? Join the table hosts as they share their tips and tools to make the most of every business opportunity whether creation, development, sales or distribution.

Don’t forget to secure your seat HERE.

Innovation Summit: Tech & AI

• When? Wednesday, 10:30 - 12:15

• Where? Riviera Stage (R8)

• Who? Peter Robinson (Gone With Limited), Arash Pendari (Vionlabs), Craig Peters (Getty Images), Tom Bowers (Hypothesis Media), Guy Bisson (Ampere Analysis)

• What? This summit aims to explore the practical applications of cognitive media and generative AI, shedding light on how these advancements can be effectively integrated across various segments of the TV and media industry value chain.

Full program available here:

Miptv 2024 Programme

2.59MB ∙ PDF file

Download

Download

Cannes Series Season 7

The 7th edition of CANNESERIES, the Cannes International Series Festival, will take place alongside MIPTV 2024 from 5 to 10 April.

CANNESERIES Official Selection featured 8 series in the Long Form Competition, 8 series in the Short Form Competition, 5 series in the new Documentary Series Competition and 6 series Out of Competition.

You can review the full selection and book your tickets HERE. It’s free ;)

That’s all for today, what you can expect from the last MIPTV in Cannes next week. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues!

Share

I hope everyone has a great week, see you online next Monday. Until then, enjoy 3 Body Problem on Netflix. A fateful decision made in 1960s China reverberates in the present, where a group of scientists partner with a detective to confront an existential planetary threat.

The Streaming Lab is a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals in the MENA region. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and receive it directly in your inbox every Monday.

Subscribe now

Read all the previous edition of The Streaming Lab here.

Interested in advertising with The Streaming Lab and reach a qualified audience in MENA? Email me.

Track the MENA streaming ecosystem and anticipate the future of the industry. Subscribe to TLS+

Welcome to The Streaming Lab, a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and join 2,200+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.

Subscribe now

Today’s program

1. TV and OTT advertising: How can brands target their consumers?

2. IAB MENA CTV Whitepaper

3. Live sports advertising in the era of streaming

4. Are streaming video ads more effective than linear TV’s?

5. Smart TV OEM markets opportunities in MENA

6. Connected TV: Agency and media partners integration

7. Audience behaviour and measurement in MENA region

8. Harnessing the power of FAST TV channel in MENA

And… Action!

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The CTV Ad Days MENA 2023 event focused on exploring the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in CTV and OTT advertising in the Middle East and North Africa region. It brought together industry experts, technology leaders, and advertising professionals to discuss audience behavior, ads effectiveness, the impact of streaming, and the rise of FAST in MENA.

I summarized for you the 8 sessions:

1. TV and OTT advertising: How can brands target their consumers?

The panelists collectively emphasized the shift from traditional to digital advertising, highlighting the importance of local content and understanding regional audiences. The central role of data in advertising was a recurring theme, underlining the need for transparency, detailed consumer data, and the incorporation of data for targeted advertising. They also discussed the challenges in monetizing OTT platforms and the evolving nature of TV advertising, including potential growth in CTV. The discussion underscored the dynamic landscape of CTV and OTT advertising, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptation to current market trends.

Hamad Malik discussed the transition of advertising from traditional to digital platforms, emphasizing the significant role of local and regional companies in understanding their audience more effectively than global platforms. He highlighted STARZPLAY's strategic positioning in this landscape, focusing on content that aligns with family values and regional preferences. Hamad also pointed out the challenges of achieving scale beyond the major platforms and underscored the importance of data in enhancing targeting capabilities for OTT advertising.

Hamid Davari tackled the misconception about the obsolescence of TV, presenting data to show that linear TV consumption remains robust in the region. He argued for the enduring effectiveness of CTV as an advertising medium and discussed the challenges related to data transparency. Hamid emphasized the accurate and comprehensive data that are already available at OSN to inform advertising strategies.

Mazen Mansour emphasized the critical role of data in the advertising landscape, providing insights and statistics to demonstrate the shift towards a video-first market. He discussed the challenges faced in OTT advertising, including the predominance of mobile usage and the absence of effective monetization strategies on many platforms. Mazen highlighted the importance of understanding regional video consumption patterns and the potential for a more data-driven approach in CTV advertising.

Jeremy Bradley provided insights into the evolving TV market, stressing that the medium is changing rather than disappearing. He highlighted the significance of brand-safe, premium spaces in CTV broadcasting and the vital role of local content. Bradley also discussed the potential growth in CTV advertising and the integration of data into advertising strategies, foreseeing the emergence of a single measurement currency and a convergence in CTV advertising.

2. IAB MENA CTV Whitepaper

The IAB MENA CTV Whitepaper presented by Richard Fitzgerald offers a comprehensive overview of the Connected TV landscape in the MENA region. It includes a section on qualitative research on CTV approaches among IAB members, an in-depth analysis of CPMs comparing the US, Europe, and MENA, and various case studies highlighting best practices.

The paper discusses key market players, streaming devices, and measurement companies. It notes a wide CPM range and addresses the absence of major players like Netflix and Disney+ in MENA.

The whitepaper encourages participation in the IAB Task Force to further understand and develop the CTV market.

3. Live sports advertising in the era of streaming

The panelists emphasized the significant role of live sports in driving subscriber growth and advertising revenue in the streaming era. Hamad discussed STARZPLAY's strategic approach to acquiring and leveraging sports rights, while Freddy shared VUZ's innovative use of immersive 360-degree content to enhance the sports viewing experience. Both highlighted the importance of understanding audience preferences and the need for platforms to offer more than just live broadcasts to maintain viewer engagement.

Hamad Malik detailed STARZPLAY's substantial investment in sports rights, particularly in cricket and football. He highlighted the platform's extensive cricket rights portfolio, including major leagues and tournaments. Hamad also mentioned other sports rights, such as rugby and golf, acquired in partnership with Etisalat and Abu Dhabi Media. He emphasized the importance of being selective in rights acquisition, aligning them with the platform's objectives to drive subscription and advertising revenue. Hamad shared an anecdote about the significant subscriber acquisition driven by key football matches, underscoring the power of sports in attracting viewers.

Freddy Farhat focused on VUZ's unique approach to sports content through immersive 360-degree videos. He described how VUZ provides behind-the-scenes experiences in sports, targeting younger audiences, particularly Gen Z. Freddy mentioned a partnership with the European football leagues and their work with local influencers to create content around matches, offering fans new perspectives and experiences. He stressed that this immersive content complements traditional sports broadcasting by providing a more engaging and personalized experience.

4. Are streaming video ads more effective than linear TV’s?

The panelists underscored the critical importance of understanding specific audience behaviours and preferences in the choice between streaming video ads and linear TV ads. They agreed on the need for a holistic advertising strategy that encompasses both linear TV and streaming platforms for optimal reach and effectiveness. The discussion focused on the transition to more data-driven advertising approaches, the rise of streaming ads, and the challenges in assessing their effectiveness relative to traditional linear TV advertising.

Andrew Ene, representing the agency's perspective, discussed the strategies for targeting audiences based on a brand’s objectives. He noted that linear TV is often the primary tool for driving broad reach, particularly for brands aiming to engage a wide audience base. However, for targeting younger demographics or for specific audience segments, CTV is increasingly relevant. Andrew stressed the importance of a diversified investment in media to effectively capture audiences beyond the scope of linear TV.

Elio Khoury shared insights from the broadcaster’s viewpoint, presenting data that showed linear TV's robustness in the MENA region, especially with significant viewership on MBC channels and the growth of their streaming platform, Shahid. He suggested that OTT platforms complement traditional TV, advocating for a presence across both mediums to effectively target the entire audience.

Raja Yazigi, speaking from the perspective of a global brand, discussed how L'Oréal tailors its media strategy to target various audience segments across different brands. He described a shift towards a digital-first media mix, while still maintaining a significant presence in traditional linear media, depending on the specific brand and category needs. This approach aligns media buying with consumer behaviour to ensure effective reach and engagement.

5. Smart TV OEM markets opportunities in MENA

The panelists highlighted the significant growth and diversification in the smart TV market in MENA. They discussed the shift in consumer preferences towards larger and more sophisticated TVs, the importance of creating an integrated ecosystem for smart TV content, and the evolution of advertising strategies towards more targeted and data-driven approaches. The conversation underscored the need for innovation in both technology and content to meet changing consumer demands and enhance the overall viewing experience.

Mohamad Sharif Oubaid discussed the evolving consumer behavior in buying TVs, emphasizing the trend towards larger screens and smart features. He noted that consumers are looking for ease of use, multi-device experiences, and affordable options, with preferences varying across different MENA regions. For example, in the Gulf area, consumers lean towards more sophisticated technologies like 8K, whereas in Egypt, there's a notable shift towards larger TVs at affordable prices. Mohamad also highlighted the role of storytelling in advertising on CTVs, focusing on providing quality and relevant content to enhance the customer experience.

Eren Zeybek explained Vestel's approach to creating an ecosystem that supports both hardware and software for smart TVs. This includes understanding what audiences are looking for and tracking this information to improve future products. He also discussed the importance of content creators and advertisers in this ecosystem, emphasizing the need to support diverse content from various global sources.

Roxana Nicolescu shared insights into the shift of advertising towards CTV, highlighting its ability to solve major marketing problems like reaching audiences that have moved away from traditional TV to more on-demand content. She mentioned that CTV allows for better targeting measures and omnichannel strategies. Roxana also discussed the change in content strategy towards storytelling, tailored to each stage of the consumer journey, making advertising more relevant and effective.

6. Connected TV: Agency and media partners integration

The panelists highlighted the growing importance of CTV in the media landscape, discussing the need for better integration between agencies and media partners. They emphasized the importance of understanding the CTV market, navigating the challenges of inventory creation and client education, and exploring innovative ways to enhance client engagement. The discussion underlined the need for a balanced approach to prevent the cannibalization of linear TV revenues while capitalizing on the opportunities presented by CTV.

Richard Fitzgerald, as a publisher, described Augustus Media's approach to ad tech and streaming services, particularly for Smashi TV. He discussed the balance between creating inventory and meeting customer needs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the market size and infrastructure. He highlighted the challenges in building inventory and positioning, noting the need to educate consumers about CTV and find the right price points.

Joe Lahham shared insights from the creative agency perspective, discussing the limitations and potential of CTV for client engagement. He talked about the seasonal nature of client investment in CTV and the challenges in visibility and engagement on the platform. Joe emphasized the need for more interactivity and engagement options to enhance the creative potential of CTV.

Jad Saab outlined Shahid's strategy in integrating standard and digital media. He discussed the approach of balancing profitability on linear TV while driving expenditure towards digital formats, particularly CTV. Saab highlighted the importance of not cannibalizing linear TV revenues while encouraging clients to explore digital opportunities.

David Do Rosario spoke about the media planning challenges in CTV, emphasizing the need for educating media planners and strategists. He noted that CTV offers a unique opportunity for small and medium clients to access the big screen, which is typically out of reach due to high entry costs on linear TV.

7. Audience behaviour and measurement in MENA region

The speakers discussed the importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviors and the challenges in measuring the effectiveness of various media channels. They highlighted the need for a unified approach to measurement, considering both traditional and digital platforms. The conversation underscored the importance of understanding audience behavior, integrating data across channels, and employing innovative measurement techniques to accurately gauge advertising effectiveness.

Vipul Jain discussed the intersection of branding and performance in advertising, emphasizing that consumer perception doesn’t differentiate between the two. He highlighted TikTok's success in blending branding and performance, enhancing both demand creation and fulfillment.

Bassem Hoss spoke about the changing media landscape, particularly how consumer behavior dictates media selection and the importance of an adaptable media mix. He discussed the challenges of measurement in the current ecosystem, particularly in the context of cookieless browsers and the need for more sophisticated data analytics.

Samer Akhter highlighted the lack of expertise across different media channels and the importance of integrating data to create a unified consumer journey. He pointed out the gaps in current measurement practices and the need for a more holistic approach that encompasses all aspects of consumer behavior.

Ziad Issa emphasized the importance of measuring effectiveness, attribution, and relevance in advertising. He advocated for a standardized metrics across all platforms to accurately measure consumer behavior and the impact of different media channels.

8. Harnessing the power of FAST channel in MENA

The guests highlighted the evolving dynamics of the FAST market in the MENA region, discussing various strategies for content distribution and advertising. They emphasized the importance of understanding audience preferences, leveraging technology for dynamic ad insertions, and exploring innovative formats and partnerships. The conversation underscored the need for a clear definition and approach to FAST, considering its growing scope and potential in the region's media landscape.

Dr. Naser Refaat discussed Rotana Media Group's journey in implementing FAST, including the challenges and learnings encountered. He emphasized that FAST, whether traditional linear channels with digital ad breaks or purely digital channels, is characterized by streaming content with dynamic, targeted advertising. Dr. Naser explained how the scope of FAST is expanding to include various formats and technologies.

Mais Halaseh described Weyyak’s approach to FAST, including the launch of specific genre-based channels such as Weyyak Drama and Weyyak Action. She highlighted the process of testing different channel formats and content types to cater to diverse audience preferences. Mais also mentioned the recent launch of single IP channels based on popular content from their platform.

Shujah Farooq discussed OTTera’s experience in the FAST space, including powering household channels and monetizing them globally. He shared insights on the distribution and monetization strategies employed for FAST channels, highlighting the recent launch of their FAST platform in MENA: “Tarfeeh TV”.

Arnaud Verlhac provided insights from the perspective of a service provider offering end-to-end solutions including satellite service, IP delivery, cloud services, and FAST. He emphasized the strategic importance of FAST in MENAFLIX's offerings and his role in business development across the MENA region.

That’s all for today, the key discussions from 8 sessions at CTV Ad Days MENA 2023 event. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues.

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I hope everyone has a great week and see you online next Monday. Until then, enjoy Blood Coast on Netflix. A vicious drug dealer tries to overtake Marseille, a rogue police captain and his daredevil team welcome a new recruit with an agenda of her own.

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Interested in advertising with The Streaming Lab? Email me.

Get access to my exclusive data & insights about FAST in MENA. Contact me here.

Download my market reports STREAMING in MENA and STREAMING in INDIA.

I also work with streaming services, content creators, platform providers or media consultants and help them diversify their revenues. Contact me here.

Welcome to the 75th edition of The Streaming Lab, a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and join 2,000+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.

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Today’s program:

1. The summit unpacked

2. The nominee’s spotlight

3. And the Award goes to…

And… Action!

The summit unpacked

Conference venue: Dubai Knowledge Park Conference center

As the BroadcastProME Summit & Awards enters its 13th year, the day-long summit presents itself as a premier event for media professionals in the MENA region. The event on Wednesday in Dubai is set to unfold with a series of expert-led panels, designed to forge a future-ready blueprint for the entertainment, broadcast, and satellite industries.

The summit will start with a welcome address by Vijaya Cherian, promising a day filled with thought leadership. A key highlight will include a fireside chat with Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior VP of Dubai Media City, offering an insider’s view of the industry’s trajectory.

Participants will then engage with deep-dive panel discussions, beginning with a comprehensive look at the OTT landscape, dissecting consumer engagement, monetization models, and the effect of FAST on streaming. Notable industry figures like Nadine Samra and Zahra Zayat will lead these conversations.

Further sessions will promise to unpack OTT technologies, with panelists such as Dominic Farrell from MBC Group and Faraz Arshad from StarzPlay examining the nuts and bolts of content delivery and security.

Post a networking coffee break, the summit will resume with a focus on the cutting-edge advancements in virtual production. Moderated by Daniel Käfer, panelists like Fadi Radi will explore the potential of LED walls, motion capture, and the transformative power of real-time rendering.

As the morning sessions wrap, attention shifts towards IP broadcasting, cloud computing, and AI, with Nicolas Hans leading a dialogue on how these technologies are remolding the broadcast landscape.

Post-lunch, the sessions will resume with a keen eye on sports broadcasting. Karim Saade will moderate a panel discussing how OTT is reshaping fan engagement and the broadcasting of sports events.

The summit’s discourse then transitions to the future of content creation in MENA. Badih Fattouh will moderate a panel that debates the commercial viability of scripted versus unscripted content and the intricacies of attracting international productions.

The day’s discussions will conclude with the now famous « CEO panel » on navigating constant industry disruptions, analyzing the balance between traditional and streaming content delivery models. Who will be there?

• Joe Kawkabani, Chief Executive Officer, OSN

• Khalifa AlShamsi, Chief Executive Officer, e& life

• Paul Edwards, General Manager, Asharq Discovery

• Nadim Samara, Chief Commercial Officer, MBC Media Solutions

Each session will be an opportunity for MENA’s broadcast and streaming professionals to gather insights, anticipate future trends, and network with peers, setting the stage for a summit that promises to be as informative as it is influential.

The nominee’s spotlight

Awards venue: Ritz Carlton JBR

In the dynamic realm of MENA's media industry, the BroadcastPro ME Awards stand out as the standard-bearer for distinction. The below categories reflect the full spectrum of the industry, from dramas that resonate with local audiences to adaptive strategies that shape our consumption of content.

This year's awards are dedicated to the storytellers, the strategists, the technology wizards, and the thought leaders who have pushed boundaries. As we gear up to celebrate the shakers of the broadcasting world, each category underscores the innovation and creativity that define the modern media landscape of the MENA region.

• Best Content Strategy of the Year: Recognizing innovative content strategies across all platforms, pushing the MENA media landscape forward.

  • OSN

  • Roya Media Group

  • Pulse 95 Radio

  • UAE Pro League

  • Zee5 Global

• Best Local Adaptation of an International Format (Scripted): Celebrating outstanding scripted content adapted from international formats by MENA talent.

  • Million Dollar Land – Blue Engine Studios

  • Million Dollar Listing UAE – StarzPlay

  • Nickelodeon kids’ choice awards Abu Dhabi 2023 – Paramount Global Production

• Best Regional Original Drama Series: Showcasing the best locally produced and edited drama series from the MENA region.

  • Brando El Sharq – Shahid VOD

  • Casa Street – Shahid VOD

  • Kaboos – StarzPlay

  • Loss – DKL Studio

  • The Giza Killer – Shahid VOD

  • Room 207 – Shahid VOD

• Best Unscripted Production of the Year: Spotlighting exceptional MENA-produced unscripted content, from documentaries to reality shows.

  • A Sit Down with Anas and Hala – OSN

  • Escape Kitchen – Qeesh Productions & Fatafeat Channel, WBD

  • Man Mithl Omee – Visioneers Holding

  • Lost Treasures of Arabia - The City of Dadan – Disney Middle East and Boomtown Productions

  • Million Dollar Land – Blue Engine Studios

• Best Sports Strategy of the Year: Applauding exceptional strategies in sports broadcasting and content creation that enhance the fan experience.

  • beIN Media Group

  • Pulse 95 Radio

  • TOD

  • UAE Professional League

• Best Studio of the Year: Honoring a studio in the MENA region that stands out for its unique design and cutting-edge production facilities.

  • Al Ghad TV, Egypt

  • Al Mashhad TV

  • PixoJam

• BroadcastProME Innovative Project of the Year: Acknowledging a broadcast-related project that has significantly advanced industry technology and innovation.

  • Al Mashhad TV

  • Blinx

  • OSNtv

  • Sponix Tech

• MENA Trendsetter of the Year: Identifying a broadcaster or provider who has pioneered an innovative, trend-setting project within the MENA market.

  • OSN

  • Podeo

  • Qeesh Productions

  • StarzPlay

• Outstanding Tech Implementation of 2023: Celebrating a technical project in MENA that stands out for its innovative collaboration and implementation.

  • Ateme and StarzPlay

  • Blinx Metaverse

  • OSNtv

  • RightsHero Anti-Piracy and Content Solution

  • Sky News Arabia Studio Automation

  • Shahid VOD

  • TOD

• Streaming Service of the Year: Commending OTT platforms that have differentiated themselves with innovative content and strategies in the MENA region.

  • 1001

  • Intigral

  • OSN+

  • Roya

• Systems Integrator of the Year: Awarding a systems integrator in MENA for a unique and skillfully executed project design and deployment.

  • Aret Video and Audio Engineering

  • CMT Technologies

  • Ideal Systems

  • Tata Elxsi

  • Tek Signals

• Broadcast Executive of the Year: Recognizing a broadcast executive whose innovative strategies have significantly impacted the MENA broadcast industry.

• OTT Executive of the Year: Honoring an OTT executive who has revolutionized streaming services and strategies in the MENA marketplace.

And the Award goes to…

Let's prepare to applaud the achievements that captivated viewers but also charted new paths for the modern media landscape of the MENA region.

I’ll update this section as soon as the winners are announced, stay tuned!

• Best Content Strategy of the Year: [coming soon]

• Best Local Adaptation of an International Format (Scripted): [coming soon]

• Best Regional Original Drama Series: [coming soon]

• Best Unscripted Production of the Year: [coming soon]

• Best Sports Strategy of the Year: [coming soon]

• Best Studio of the Year: [coming soon]

• BroadcastProME Innovative Project of the Year: [coming soon]

• MENA Trendsetter of the Year: [coming soon]

• Outstanding Tech Implementation of 2023: [coming soon]

• Streaming Service of the Year: [coming soon]

• Systems Integrator of the Year: [coming soon]

• Broadcast Executive of the Year: [coming soon]

• OTT Executive of the Year: [coming soon]

And the news Awards:

• Outstanding Strategy for Business Strategy: Zahra Zayat, Chief Commercial Officer, evision/e& life

• Best CTO of the year: Dominic Farrell, Chief Technology Officer of Shahid at MBC GROUP

• Media Entrepreneur of the year:

  • Maaz Sheikh, CEO of STARZPLAY

  • Danny Bates, Chief Commercial Officer at STARZPLAY

• Best CEO of the year: Joe Kawkabani, Group CEO of OSN.

• Special Recognition Award/The SAUDI PROJECT OF THE YEAR: Saudi Broadcasting Authority - هيئة الإذاعة و التلفزيون for Studio A

That’s all for today, what to expect from BroadcastPro Summit & Awards 2023. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues.

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I hope everyone has a great week, see you in real life on Wednesday. And then, enjoy the extended version of Shah Rukh Khan’s latest release Jawan on Netflix. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan in a dual role as father and son who team up to rectify corruption in society.

The Streaming Lab is a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and join 2,000+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.

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Interested in advertising with The Streaming Lab and access the MENA streaming ecosystem? Email me.

Get full access to my market reports STREAMING in MENA and STREAMING in INDIA.

I also work with streaming services, content creators, platform providers or media consultants and help them diversify their revenues. Contact me here.

Welcome to the 70th edition of The Streaming Lab, a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and join 1,900+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.

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Today’s program:

In 2 weeks, I’ll be attending MIPCOM in the French town of Cannes. What can we expect from “The World's Greatest Gathering of TV and Entertainment Executives” in 2023?

1. Why MIPCOM will be different this year

2. The conferences you don’t want to miss

3. Don’t forget to network!

And… Action!

This newsletter is sponsored by Cognacq-Jay Image (CJI), one of Europe’s leading service providers in the media industry.

When I meet a Tech provider, I always ask the same question. Do you have clients in MENA? CJI didn't even flinch and I understand why: They support beIN Media Group with their OTT platform beIN Connect. The FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year is now part of their best practices: 51 live channels & Catch-up available in 24 countries on Android, iOS, PC and Mac. CJI didn't even flinch for this major event and successfully reported simultaneous streams records.

For decades, Cognacq-Jay Image has been supporting media and telecom companies, content owners and broadcasters, with the management of their video content, adapting it to every screen and with the expansion of their audience. They recently launched a service to create and monetise FAST channels, leveraging their proven experience, a personalized approach and their expertise focused on monetization.

Océane, Jean-Paul, Alexandre & Philippe will be in Cannes for MIPCOM in 2 weeks. You can book a time slot with them below 👇

Meet Cognacq-Jay Image at MIPCOM

Why MIPCOM will be different this year

Let me tell you first what is MIPCOM. It means “Marché International des Programmes de Communication” or in English “International Market of Communications Programmes”.

This content event is dedicated to the Television and OTT industry, and is attended by representatives of streaming services, broadcasters, television studios, independent providers and media professionals who use the event as a marketplace to buy and sell new content and formats for international distribution. At least, this is what MIPCOM was about, for many years.

This edition, MIPCOM won’t be only about content. Technology and Advertising company should also be around, sharing expertise and learning from each other. Several panels, conferences and events will be dedicated to FAST and AI. It’s another proof that MIPCOM is trying to bring all the TV and Entertainment Executives around the same table: Content, Tech & Advertising.

I also had a quick look at the company directory and I found several Advertising and Media agencies, Content Technology providers, FAST Solutions and Connected TVs that will be attending the event in 2 weeks.

Here is the trailer of the event, it will give you an overview of what you can expect this year:

The conferences you don’t want to miss

Because Cannes is about glamour and stars, I suggest you to start MIPCOM 2023 with one of them, Eva Longoria.

Media Mastermind Keynote - Monday 16 Oct. (Grand Auditorium)

Desperate Housewives star and producer Eva Longoria will deliver a joint keynote with Banijay Americas Chairman Cris Abrego. Make sure you find a seat in the Grand Auditorium before 4pm.

-

The MIPCOM event team is also planning a conference in response to the worldwide growing interest and concerns about Generative Artificial Intelligence.

Unlocking AI Summit - Tuesday 17 Oct. (MIP Lab)

Here is the full schedule:

• 8:45 - Introduction: The Dawn of a New World - Edmund Ludlow (Omdia)

• 9:00 - AI Summit Part I - Immersive Showcase - Harnessing the Power of AI

  • Empowering Gut Feeling with AI: Next Generation Storytelling - Sami Arpa (Largo.ai)

  • Revolutionizing Video Post-Production using GenAI on TV and Movies - Olivier Reynaud (Aive)

• 9:25 - Hear from Google: Generative AI solutions for Media & Entertainment - Anshul Kapoo (Google Cloud)

• 9:50 - AI-generated Video Content: Creativity at Risk - Benjamin Field (Deep Fusion Films)

• 10:10 - Legal & Ethical Challenges - How to Regulate AI?

  • Building a trustworthy, Lawful, and Efficient Framework

  • Calling the Industry for Collective Responsibility

If you are interested in this topic, MIPCOM will also organize roundtables on AI & Data: Harnessing the Power of tech on Thursday at 9:30 am (MIP Lab).

-

Following the successful summit launched at MIPTV this year, MIPCOM decided to organize again 2 events about FAST:

FAST & Global Summit Part I. Roundtables - Tuesday 17 Oct. (MIP Lab)

You can connect with the FAST community and get practical insights from production, distribution, monetization and programming experts:

• Shaun Keeble, Banijay Rights

• Cédric Monnier, OKAST

• Samuel Harowitz, Tubi

• Cameron Crain, Samsung

• Sarah Shriver, BBC Studios

• Mark Garner, A+E Networks

• Liz Soriano, A+E Networks

• Natalie Boot, Insight TV

• Garrett Goodman, Papercup

• Pauline Coghlan, Samsung

• François-Xavier Schlesser, Mediagenix

Make sure you register online here. (And don’t miss the summit networking reception starting at 4pm ;)

-

FAST & GLOBAL Summit Part II. Talk Series - Wednesday 18 Oct. (MIP Lab)

Here is the full schedule:

• 9:00 - Introduction: FAST Global Landscape - Evan Shapiro (ESHAP) & Maria Rua-Aguete (OMDIA)

• 9:10 - Amagi: FAST & GLOBAL Presenting Partner - Srini KA (Amagi)

• 09:20 - FAST Talk 1: Opening Keynote - Jeff Schulz (Paramount Streaming), Kate Bulkley (KGBulkley)

• 10:05 - FAST Talk 2 - Jens Richter (Fremantle), Laura Florence (Fremantle), Gavin Bridge (CRG Global/The FastMaster)

• 10:30 - FAST to Faster - A Conversation on the Growth of Ad-Supported Streaming - David Eilenberg (Roku), Max Goldbart (Deadline)

• 10:45 - A+E Talks Global FAST - Mark Garner (A+E Networks), Marion Ranchet (The Local Act)

• 11:00 - OTTERA FAST & GLOBAL Conference Partner - Jordan Warkol (OTTERA), Marion Ranchet (The Local Act)

• 11:05 - PLATFORMS’ POV: How are FAST & TV Blending together? - Colin Petrie-Norris (XUMO), Katherine Pond (Vizio), Gavin Bridge (CRG Global/The FastMaster)

You can download the full program of conferences & events here:

MIPCOM 2023 Conferences & Events

1.65MB ∙ PDF file

Download

A powerful line-up of 'WOW' conferences and events

Download

Don’t forget to network!

I’m sharing with you some ideas of networking events and parties:

Sunday 15 Oct.

International Format Awards - Gala Awards Final - Club C21, Hyde Beach Cannes, from 17:00 (Invitation only)

Monday 16 Oct.

• Drinks with Samsung at MIPCOM 2023 - stand C.16H, from 16:00 to 18:00 (Pre-register here).

• MIPCOM Cannes Opening Night Party & Red Carpet - Hotel Majestic, from 19:00.

Tuesday 17 Oct.

• FAST & Global Summit Networking Reception, hosted by XUMO - MIP Lab, from 16:00 to 17:00.

• Producers Hub Networking Drinks, with Plex - Seaview Producer’s Hub, from 18:00 to 19:00.

• World Premiere Screening Concordia, followed by a Q&A with the talents - Grand Auditorium, from 18:00 to 7:15.

Wednesday 18 Oct.

• TBI Content Innovation Awards - Grand Auditorium, from 17:30 to 19:30.

• Producers Hub Networking Drinks - Seaview Producer’s Hub, from 18:00 to 19:00.

There will be a lot of parties & events during the week, what are you plans?

That’s all for today, what to expect from MIPCOM this year. If you want to meet me and share a coffee in Cannes, just answer this email or send me a DM on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues!

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I hope everyone has a great week, see you online next Monday. Until then, enjoy the dark fantasy action Castlevania Nocturne. This spinoff of the Castlevania animated series is set during the French revolution.

On Wednesday this week, I will be moderating a content market Webinar by DICM. The topic? FAST in MENA.

Register here to get exclusive insights and learn from the companies driving FAST in the region.

The Streaming Lab is a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and join 1,900+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.

Subscribe now

Interested in advertising with The Streaming Lab? Email me.

Get full access to my market reports STREAMING in MENA and STREAMING in INDIA.

I also work with streaming services, content creators, platform providers or media consultants and help them diversify their revenues. Contact me here.

Welcome to the 67th edition of The Streaming Lab, a weekly newsletter exploring the trends that matter to streaming professionals. If you are not already a subscriber, sign up and join 1,800+ others who receive it directly in their inbox every Monday.

Subscribe now

Today’s program:

1. Who’s coming to Amsterdam?

2. The conferences & shows you don’t want to miss

3. And don’t forget to network ;)

And… Action!

This newsletter is sponsored by the global specialist in video Metadata: Babeleye

A major key to the success of a video platform is that viewers can easily find content. Babeleye helps making that happen, and they support the industry in adopting and implementing a solid metadata strategy

Babeleye is an Entertainment Content Metadata solutions provider that can feed your EPG service, video catalog and content discovery platform with rich localized multi-lingual metadata to increase content visibility. They power top OTT platforms and media companies like BeIN Media Group, Eutelsat, SalamTV, SES, AfricaXP, Intelsat, and they work with Nagra, Televes, EasyBroadcast, Minerva, Amagi and others. Babeleye has a global coverage and a focus on MEA.

They will be in Amsterdam for the IBC in a few days. To meet them, please click the link below.

Meet Babeleye @ IBC 2023

Who’s coming to Amsterdam?

The International Broadcasting Convention, (IBC), is one of the world's biggest events in media, entertainment, and technology. It’s an annual gathering point for professionals from different sectors within the media and broadcasting industry.

Media professionals, content creators, broadcasters, technology companies, and industry experts from around the globe will be in Amsterdam to exchange ideas, explore new trends, and discuss the future of the media landscape.

This year, there will be 1,250 exhibitors from 170 countries. They are categorised in more than 150+ categories. Here are 15 of them:

• Programatic and addressable advertising platforms

• Metadata aggregation and management

• Personalization and recommendation

• content rights management systems

• Remote audio and video production

• Linear and non-linear scheduling

• Media asset management (MAM)

• OTT managed service platforms

• Edge playout/insertion services

• Consumer Apps and platforms

• Advertising sales systems

• Media asset management

• Consumer data analysis

• Playout automation

• Consulting services

if you want to have a look at the full list of categories and exhibitors, it’s HERE.

The conferences & shows you don’t want to miss

IBC features a wide range of activities, including exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Here is my selection of conferences & shows you should attend:

Plotting the Effects of Disruption: Charting the new media ecosystem

• Who? Evan Shapiro

• When? 15 September, 10:30 - 11:00

• How? IBC Conference Pass Holders

• Where? Forum

• What? Evan Shapiro will plot the effects of disruption across the global media ecosystem, and the opportunities to be found in navigating a brave and volatile new world.

Thriving in the FAST Lane: Monetisation for the future of FAST

• Who? Marion Ranchet (The Local Act Consultancy), Stefan Van Engen (Xumo), Rachel Koelher (Tubi), Valerio Motti (Fremantle) and Patrick Courtney (FUSE Media)

• When? 15 September, 16:15 - 17:00

• How? IBC Conference Pass Holders

• Where? Forum

• What? The line-up will discuss what's needed to give FAST channels longevity to meet audience and revenue expectations now and in the future.

How to approach AI and gain a competitive edge

• Who? Lewis Smithingham (Media Monks), Maria Ingold (mireality), Quincy Olatunde (NBC Universal), Samira Bakhtiar (Amazon Web Services)

• When? 16 September, 10:00 - 10:45

• How? IBC Conference Pass Holders

• Where? Forum

• What? This panel will look at the areas where businesses see the most value from AI, what experimentation is taking place, and what misperceptions need to be addressed.

Show Keynote - Virtual Production & the Metaverse: A future where everyone is invited to play

• Who? Marco Tempest (MagicLab.nyc)

• When? 16 September, 13:00 - 13:45

• How? Free to Attend

• Where? Forum

• What? Marco will combine generative AI, mixed reality, storytelling, gestural sensing and swarm robotics to give us a glimpse of a delightful, augmented future right now.

Panel Discussion: Best Practice for FAST in Europe

• Who? Hayley Bull (3vision), Cédric Monnier (OKAST), Dennis McAllister (VITAC), and Yoann Hinard (Witbe)

• When? 17 September, 13:30 - 14:15

• How? Free to Attend

• Where? Hall 5

• What? This session will share best practice and look at the various factors, such as localisation, that will contribute to the growth and success of FAST on the European continent.

Personalised FAST by Spideo

• Who? Thibault D’Ordo (Spideo)

• When? 17 September, 14:30 - 14:45

• How? Free to Attend

• Where? Hall 5

• What? Discover truly personalised TV with SPIDEO, leveraging their recommendation technology to create personalised and thematic FAST channels.

Fireside Chat with Ubisoft: From gaming to on-screen: The hiccups and highlights

• Who? Maria Rua Aguete (Omdia), Helene Juguet (Ubisoft Film & Television)

• When? 18 September, 11:00 - 11:30

• How? Free to Attend

• Where? Hall 12

• What? An in-depth discussion on bridging the gap between film and gaming, keeping an audience captive to the universe around your content, and leveraging games IP for movie-crossover success in order to spearhead growth into new demographics.

A Manifesto for Change: Designing our work/life differently

• Who? Wesa Aapro (YLE), Amy Woltemath (Sky Deutschland GmbH), Aisling Jarvis (BBC Studios), Lakshmi Sharma (Fastly)

• When? 18 September, 12:45 - 13:30

• How? Free to Attend

• Where? Forum

• What? New talent, new ways of working, core values and making work work! What changes do we need to make, and design into the fabric of our workplaces, tech and culture to attract the best people, best products and make sure they’re working in ways which help them - and their environment - thrive?

And don’t forget to network ;)

Because Media is mainly about relationships, IBC is also the opportunity to spend good times with clients, prospects, colleagues and friends :)

Here are some ideas for you to make the most of your weekend in Amsterdam:

Conference Networking Drinks

• When? 15 September, 17:45 - 19:00

• How? Conference Pass holders

• Where? Forum

• What? After a day of knowledge and learning, take time to grow your network and catch up with industry colleagues over a couple of drinks.

Networking breakfast: A spotlight on the importance of allyship and how to make it happen

• When? 18 September, 10:00 - 11:00

• How? Free to Attend

• Where? Forum

• What? In what’s set to be an empowering gathering, join GALSNGEAR, Women in Streaming Media and Rise as they come together for a brunch with purpose; what it means to be an ally and how to make it happen.

The Beach

The Beach is back during IBC2023! Take some time away from the show floor and enjoy the sunshine!

OTTRed Community

OTTRED is a global community of OTT/Streaming, Broadcast and Media professionals. Contact Chris Redmond if you are interested in joining this community and meet them in Amsterdam.

That’s all for today, an overview of IBC 2023. If you enjoyed this breakdown, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues!

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I hope everyone has a great week. Until next Monday, enjoy the Rugby World Cup France 2023 on StarzPlay Sports.

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