Microsoft


Netflix strikes Microsoft advertising deal, as deals with Hollywood studios reviewed

Netflix has signed up Microsoft as its tech and sales partner for its upcoming ad-supported subscription tier, following news that the streaming giant is looking to alter its deals with Hollywood studios. The US-based streamer confirmed that it would introduce a cheaper, ad-supported offering in the wake of its first subscriber losses in a decade, with […]

Microsoft out of TikTok running as ByteDance rejects offer

Microsoft has ended its pursuit of TikTok’s US business after Chinese parent company ByteDance rejected its bid. ByteDance is facing a race against time to find a new home for its social media network’s US operations following a promised ban from president Trump. The administration has ordered ByteDance to “divest its ownership” amid concerns over […]

Walmart joins Microsoft’s TikTok bid, as retail giant eyes Amazon competition

US-based Walmart is partnering with Microsoft on a bid for TikTok’s American operations, as the retail giant explores ways to compete with Amazon. “We believe a potential relationship with TikTok US in partnership with Microsoft could add this key functionality and provide Walmart with an important way for us to reach and serve omnichannel customers […]

Tellem takes seat at Interlude

Former Xbox Entertainment Studios president Nancy Tellem has resurfaced as executive chairman of LA-based media tech company Interlude. The former CBS Entertainment chief left Xbox last year after the decision to axe its original programming division as part of wide-spread cuts at the game console manufacturer’s parent, software giant Microsoft. At five-year-old Interlude, which creates […]

Sweeney joins Netflix board

Former Disney-ABC Television president Anne Sweeney has joined the board of streaming service Netflix. Sweeney was in charge of The Walt Disney Company’s television operations when it scored a major original production deal with Netflix in October 2013, and now joins the SVOD platform’s board. Sweeney exited Disney in January after 11 years running its […]

Nine’s digital chief CEO exits

Nine Network’s digital business Mi9 has appointed a managing director after the departure of its CEO for an emerging Australian video-on-demand group. Current chief executive Mark Britt (pictured) is leaving Mi9 as the digital arm of the Australian broadcaster restructures in response to “an ever-developing environment within the company”. Britt is thought to be leaving […]

Xbox Entertainment Studios to close as 18,000 jobs go

Microsoft’s original video division Xbox Entertainment Studios is to close as part of an 18,000-job cull at the technology firm – but boss Nancy Tellem is set to remain in her role. Former CBS entertainment chief Tellem, who runs XES as president, and executive VP Jordan Levin will “stay on and remain committed to original […]

15% of US broadband users will soon ‘cut the cord’

Some 15% of US broadband users that subscribe to a legacy cable, satellite or telco pay TV service are “to varying degrees” likely to cancel their service in the next six months, according to new research. The Diffusion Group (DFG) study into cord cutting claims that though the US incumbent pay TV operators had a […]

Microsoft and Orange in Dailymotion talks

Microsoft is talking to Orange about striking a partnership to develop its video site Dailymotion, CEO Stéphane Richard has confirmed to BFM Business radio at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Richard told BFM Business that Orange was engaged in “ongoing discussions, particularly with Microsoft”. While he cautioned that these would not necessarily lead to […]

Ex-WB Network boss Jordan Levin joins Xbox studio

Former WB Network boss and Generate CEO Jordan Levin has joined Nancy Tellem at Xbox Entertainment Studios. Levin has become executive VP and will be responsible for developing and producing original scripted and unscripted content, reporting to former CBS Entertainment boss Tellem, who is president of the Microsoft-owned studio. Levin was most recently president of […]