German AVOD operator and distributor Quintus Studios has partnered with VOD platform Rakuten TV to launch a new FAST channel, Radical Docs. This new factual channel features a mix of real world and investigative stories, exploring the tougher side of life in some of the world’s most unforgiving locations whilst also investigating shocking untold stories. […]
UKTV & ZDF pick up Scorpion TV docs UKTV, ZDF and others have struck deals with UK-based indie distributor Scorpion TV for a slew of factual content. UKTV has acquired Children’s Ward (7 x 30-minutes) for its entertainment channel W. Originally produced by Chwarel for BBC Wales, the series explores heart-warming stories from one of the busiest children’s […]
Streaming service Rakuten TV has launched Rakuten Stories, a new free, ad-supported linear channel focused on “inspirational” sports documentaries. Among its original and exclusive offerings is the docuseries The Giants, which follows the careers of Konishiki, Musashimaru, Takamiyama and Akebono – sumo wrestling legends who rose from humble beginnings in Hawaii to become the first […]
Sky Kids orders mental health shows UK pay-TV channel Sky Kids has commissioned Clam Brain, a new original series, as well as a second season of Dreamflight, as part of a line-up of programming promoting mental health and wellbeing among children. Produced by Banijay-owned Zodiak Kids Studio, Clam Brain will debut on 12 July and […]
Streaming service Rakuten TV is ramping up its presence across Europe by launching more than 90 new ad-supported linear channels. The free-to-watch networks will be available across 42 European markets, with Rakuten curating global and local entertainment programming for the themed services. The line-up will vary in each territory but content will include movies, entertainment […]
US-based ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has signed a long-term agreement with Japan’s Rakuten Group to bring Nickelodeon’s kids’ streaming service Nick+ to Japanese VOD platform Rakuten TV. Nick+ will launch on Rakuten TV on 28 April, bringing Nickelodeon shows such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Paw Patrol, Blaze And The Monster Machines, Bubble Guppies and Dora The Explorer to Japanese […]
OTT operator Rakuten TV has struck a deal that will see the international streaming service from US cabler Starz become available via its platform across Europe. Starzplay will offer exclusive access to original series, acquired content and movies to viewers in Spain, the UK, Italy, France and Germany via Rakuten TV. The streamer costs £4.99 […]
Apple launches Oprah Talks Covid-19 Oprah Winfrey has launched an Apple TV+ show exploring the Coronavirus pandemic, with Idris Elba the programme’s first guest. Oprah Talks Covid-19 launched over the weekend and featured the veteran talkshow host, who has an existing deal with the streamer, interviewing Elba and his wife who are in quarantine after […]
OTT operator Rakuten TV it to launch its first AVOD channels within its platform, providing access to Hollywood and local content for free. The ad-supported channels will also include exclusive Rakuten programming, TV series and documentaries, as well as news and sport channels with a combined linear and on-demand offer. The company’s AVOD channel Matchday […]
Rakuten TV is looking to triple its market presence to 40 territories in 2019 via partnerships with Samsung, LG, Philips and Hisense. Rakuten will offer integrated content within the manufacturers’ Smart TV remote controls, which directly links to the Rakuten TV streaming service. With this move, the VOD platform says it will simultaneously increase its […]
