France Télévisions Takes on Fake News with YouTube AI

Using Likeness ID to detect AI-generated content and protect identity | Streaming in Short – W17

Apr 24, 2026

⏱️ This week’s streaming news in MENA and around the world, in 5 min.

📺 France Télévisions partners with YouTube to expand streaming reach

👉 The French broadcaster announced a partnership with YouTube to distribute thousands of hours of news and content, aligning with its “streaming-first” strategy.

📍 The deal includes access to news programs, channel curation, original digital-first content, and the use of YouTube’s AI tools to combat misinformation.

💡 Broadcasters are leveraging platforms like YouTube, turning them into critical partners for reach, monetization, and audience engagement.

📊 elCinema releases Ramadan 2026 OTT insights report

👉 elCinema tracked 16.5M users, 44M pageviews, and 2.4M clicks across 28 streaming platforms during Ramadan.

📍 The data shows major disconnects: the most-clicked show scored just 3.5/10, while top-rated titles (up to 9.0) captured minimal attention, highlighting “hidden gems” vs. “viral but flawed” content dynamics.

💡 Platforms that better surface high-quality titles can unlock significant value, especially in peak periods like Ramadan.

🏡 Samsung TV Plus launches “House of Creators”

What happened?

👉 Samsung TV Plus introduced House of Creators, a new FAST channel aggregating top French YouTubers into a linear, TV-like experience.

Key details:

The channel features 13 major creators across genres like food, true crime, science, and entertainment.
Built as a generalist, family-friendly channel with scheduled programming.
Available first on Samsung Smart TVs in France, with plans to expand to other connected TV platforms and ISPs.
Positioned as complementary to YouTube, bringing creator content into a shared, lean-back viewing environment.

Why it matters?

🎯 By “linearizing” YouTube content, STV+ unlock discovery, co-viewing, and incremental reach on the big screen where algorithms are less dominant.

🎁 stc expands Netflix bundle in Saudi Arabia

stc extended its partnership with Netflix, making Netflix free for Baity fiber subscribers via stc tv.

MENA Telcos are increasingly acting as aggregators, making bundles a key driver of growth and retention.

📊 VideoWeek launches 2026 Video & TV Advertising Buyer’s Guide

VideoWeek released a new guide to help advertisers navigate the growing complexity of video and TV.

The report covers key topics like convergent TV, performance TV, and cross-platform strategies.

🇮🇳 HBO Max launches in India via JioHotstar

HBO Max is entering India through a distribution deal with JioHotstar, offering its full catalog via a dedicated hub on the platform.

Rather than going direct-to-consumer, WBD is leveraging a local partner with scale and market knowledge. In complex markets like India, distribution partnerships remain a faster and lower-risk path to reach audiences.

🇦🇺 Microdrama is gaining traction in Australia

Microdrama is becoming more important in Australia, with a dedicated panel at Cairns Crocodiles bringing together platforms, broadcasters, and creators.

Data from FlareFlow shows strong performance, with high engagement and around 20% of users paying.

🤖 YouTube expands AI deepfake protection tools

YouTube is opening its deepfake detection system to actors, creators, and public figures, allowing them to flag and request removal of AI-generated content.

The tool works as an opt-in system and builds on YouTube’s Content ID logic. As AI content grows fast, protecting identity is becoming a key priority for platforms.

🇦🇪 CABSAT rescheduled to October 2026 in Dubai

CABSAT, the largest broadcast event in MEASA, will now take place from October 5–7 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, with an updated floor plan and expanded program.

The event will highlights key industry shifts, from virtual production and AI to microdrama formats. But we’ll all have to wait for it…

💄 Euphoria, with Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi and Alexa Demie (OSN+, 8 episodes): Five years have passed for the former students of East Highland High, and life for them has underwent serious changes.

🦾 30 years ago, Neon Genesis Evangelion premiered in Japan. Created by Hideaki Anno, the series follows teenagers piloting giant biomechanical robots to protect humanity from mysterious beings known as Angels. Blending action, philosophy, and psychological themes, it redefined anime storytelling, later gaining global recognition through streaming and becoming one of the most influential series in the medium.