The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed $68.7 billion (€62.2bn) acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. The approval is conditional on full compliance with the commitments offered by Microsoft, and comes some three weeks after the UK blocked the deal over concerns it would alter the future of the fast-growing cloud […]
Netflix has warned UK telcos and service providers that they can expect a customer backlash as it cracks down on account sharing this month. The streamer says the ‘free use’ of its platform dented its ability to invest in new content. It plans to start warning UK customers over account-sharing violations in the coming weeks, […]
Two major Class Actions are naming Liberty Media and CEO Greg Maffei in their allegations. One Class Action by shareholders in TripAdvisor, itself with a major shareholder in the shape of Liberty Media, can proceed with their lawsuit. The claim centres on a move by TripAdvisor from its existing Delaware domicile to Nevada and alleged […]
Three candidates will be on the ballot paper for the position of Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee after nominations closed. The ballot of all Members of the UK’s House of Commons will take place between 11am and 2.30pm on May 17th. The candidates are: Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe Dame […]
Vice Media has formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It is reported that the digital media and broadcasting company will now seek ‘Debtor in Possession’ financing and pursue a sale. The bankruptcy petition, filed at the Southern District of New York court, talks of debts to Fortress Credit of some $475 million (€436.7m), amongst […]
The most recent piracy landscape consumer surveys commissioned by trade body the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP) show that while piracy rates remain stable in many countries around Asia-Pacific, there have been notable increases in piracy rates in Thailand and Taiwan, with a discernible increase also in Hong Kong. Notably, rights holders face challenges in procuring […]
UK multiplay operator Virgin Media O2 has delivered 4G connectivity across 50 sites as part of the Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, providing residents, businesses and visitors in rural communities with faster and more reliable mobile coverage than ever before. The SRN is a £1 billion (€1.15bn) joint initiative between mobile network operators and the […]
Damian Green, currently Acting Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the UK House of Commons has announced his candidacy for the full-time role. Green has been a member of the Committee since the start of the current Parliament in January 2020. The Conservative MP for Ashford has previously served as First Secretary […]
The BBC has announced increased support for people who are struggling to pay the TV Licence. A new action plan will aim to reduce the number of women in severe financial hardship who are prosecuted for licence fee evasion. The plan is a response to the BBC’s Gender Disparity Review, which was set up to […]
The BBC has published the conclusions of a review into Richard Sharp’s obligations in respect of conflicts of interest since his appointment as BBC Chairman. Sharp resigned from the role on April 28th after a report into whether he had been sufficiently candid about connections with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson concluded he had not. […]