by admin | May 25, 2021 | Corporate

NEW DELHI: Online News websites and OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime will be under the ambit of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through an order. Online news portals have too been brought under it.
The notification, which was signed by President Ram Nath Kovind, was issued on Monday.
As per the present scenario, the Press Council of India takes care of the print media, whereas the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) keeps monitory news channels.
The Advertising Standards Council of India and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) are there for advertising and films, respectively.
In October, the apex court sought the Centre’s response on a petition on the issue of regulating OTT platforms through an autonomous body. The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, I&B Ministry and Internet and Mobile Association of India.
OTT platforms not just include the various news portals but also streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hotstar which can be accessed over the internet.
The I&B Ministry stressed on the need to regulate digital media earlier and had asked the court that it may start by appointing a committee of persons as amicus for laying down of guidelines in reference to the regulation of hate speech in media.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar had said in 2019 that the Centre will not take any step that can curb freedom of media. But he did add that there should be a regulation mechanism on over-the-top platforms (OTT), just as it is there is for other mediums like the print and electronic.
by admin | May 25, 2021 | World
Washington : Former US President Barack Obama was in advanced negotiations with Netflix to produce a series of high-profile shows that will provide him a global platform after his departure from the White House, a media report said.
Under terms of a proposed deal, which is not yet final, Netflix would pay Obama and his wife, Michelle, for exclusive content that would be available only on the streaming service, which has nearly 118 million subscribers worldwide, The New York Times quoted informed sources as saying on Thursday.
The number of episodes and the formats for the shows have not been decided.
Obama does not intend to use his Netflix shows to directly respond to President Donald Trump or conservative critics, according to the sources.
They said the Obamas had talked about producing shows that highlight inspirational stories.
But the Netflix deal, while not a direct answer to Fox News or Breitbart.com, would give Obama an unfiltered method of communication with the public similar to the audiences he already reaches through social media, with 101 million Twitter followers and 55 million people who have liked his Facebook page.
“President and Obama have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire,” Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to the former president, said on Thursday.
“Throughout their lives, they have lifted up stories of people whose efforts to make a difference are quietly changing the world for the better. As they consider their future personal plans, they continue to explore new ways to help others tell and share their stories.”
Executives from Apple and Amazon, which have their own streaming services, have also expressed interest in talking with Obama about content deals, The New York Times quoted the sources as saying.
The deal between Netflix and Obama would be a modern media twist on an approach that former politicians have tried in the past.
—IANS
by admin | May 25, 2021 | Investing, Markets, Media, Online Marketing, Social Media, Technology
San Francisco : Facebook is ready to shell out a whopping $1 billion to become a major hub for videos, a media report said on Saturday.
The social media giant is willing to spend as much as $1 billion to cultivate original shows for its platform, according to people familiar with the matter. The figure, which could fluctuate based on the success of Facebook’s’ programming, covers potential spending through 2018, The Wall Street Journal report said.
The figure is less than what the company’s digital rivals such as Netflix invested. Netflix spent $6 billion in 2017 and Amazon shelled out $4.5 billion.
The company has improved its strategy for video content, including cutting deals for digital TV shows.
Earlier this month, Facebook rolled out “Watch” service — a redesigned video platform for creators and publishers — for every US citizen who uses the social media platform.
Facebook is offering a range of different options for discovering video content, including programmes and sections like “Today’s Spotlight”, “New This Week”, “Popular Now”, “What Friends Are Watching”, “Most Talked About”, “Suggested For You”, and a special “10 Minutes Or More” spot for long-form videos.
For now, Facebook is primarily highlighting reality shows, which partners are producing en masse since they are cheap, don’t require set scripts and can be watched piecemeal, the report said.
The social media giant debuted with Business Insider’s lifestyle shows — “The Great Cheese Hunt” and “It’s Cool, But Does It Really Work?”.
News and issues publisher Attn premiered “We Need to Talk” and “Health Hacks” starring Jessica Alba last week.
Meanwhile, food video giant Tastemade debuted with four shows, including “Safe Deposit”, “Struggle Meals”, “Food to Die For” and “Kitchen Little”.
In an apparent bid to take on Google-owned YouTube, Facebook rolled out “Watch” last month.
The social media giant last year launched “Video” tab in the US which offered a predictable place to find videos on Facebook.
—IANS