VUZ Gets $12M For Its Immersive Video Experiences Across Emerging Markets And The U.S.

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TechCrunch reports: “VUZ, a startup known for offering immersive video experiences from red carpets and football stadiums, has raised $12 million as it doubles down on its presence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as accelerates expansion into Africa, Asia, and the United States. The pre-Series C funding round, led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), also drew participation from Al Jazira Capital, CrossWork VC’s Success Fund, multiple existing investors, and several high-profile Saudi family offices, the company said.”

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Cable Megadeal: Charter To Buy Cox In $34.5 Billion Merger

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The Hollywood Reporter reports: “In one of the biggest telecom acquisitions in years, the cable giants Charter Communications and Cox Communications have agreed to merge in a $34.5 billion deal. Charter is the second largest cable company in the U.S. after Comcast, while Cox is also among the largest with six million subscribers. Combining the two companies would create a cable behemoth, with enormous scale in both broadband internet connectivity and video.”

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ESPN Announces Pricing For New Streaming Service

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Broadband TV News reports: “ESPN will make available its linear channels direct-to-consumer starting in the autumn. The Disney-owned sports network is offering an unlimited price plan at $29.99/month and a so-called ‘select’ plan for $11.99 a month. There is also a special launch offer that brings together Disney+, Hulu, ESPN in an unlimited bundle at $29.99/month.”

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Producer Poo Bear Launches TTIKR Content Monetization Platform App

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Music Business Worldwide reports: “Singer-songwriter and record producer Jason Boyd, aka Poo Bear, has unveiled a content monetization platform designed to give creators the ability to monetize their content without relying on advertising revenue or massive follower counts. The mobile-first app, called TTIKR, allows musicians, filmmakers and multimedia artists to set their own prices for content and deal directly with their fans.”

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Roblox Now Lets Creators Sell Physical Products Within Their Experiences

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TechCrunch reports: “Roblox announced on Thursday that creators can now sell physical merchandise directly within their experiences and games on the platform with the launch of new Commerce APIs. The offering provides creators with a new way to generate revenue beyond the purchases of virtual goods or one-time fees to access specific experiences.”

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TaleMonster Games Raises $7 Million In Funding

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Games Industry Biz reports: “Casual mobile game developer TaleMonster Games has raised $7 million in funding. This seed round was led by General Catalyst, with participation from a16z speedrun, Arcadia Gaming Partners, and Ludus Ventures. TaleMonster says it wants to shake up the casual game market, which has become “too predictable, too optimised, and not enough fun,” CEO Irem Sumer told Venture Beat.”

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Warner Bros. Discovery Is Launching A Cinematic Universe For Brand Deals

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The Verge reports: “You’re about to start seeing even more characters from Warner Bro. Discovery’s films and series popping up in ads for stuff like condiments and insurance. In addition to its plan to start calling HBO Max by its proper name again, WBD announced this week that it’s launching something called the “WBD Storyverse,” a new ad sales initiative designed to turn pieces of the studio’s classic IP into elaborate commercials.”

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Netflix Will Show Generative AI Ads Midway Through Streams In 2026

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ars technica reports: “Netflix is joining its streaming rivals in testing the amount and types of advertisements its subscribers are willing to endure for lower prices. Today, at its second annual upfront to advertisers, the streaming leader announced that it has created interactive mid-roll ads and pause ads that incorporate generative AI. Subscribers can expect to start seeing the new types of ads in 2026, Media Play News reported.”

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Spotify Expands AI DJ Feature With Voice-Based Music Requests For Premium Users

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Music Business Worldwide reports: “Spotify is testing voice-based music requests for its AI DJ feature, allowing Premium subscribers to verbally customize their listening sessions in real-time. The planned enhancement, announced Tuesday (May 13), comes as the streaming giant revealed that engagement with the AI DJ feature has “nearly doubled over the past year.”

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CAA To Acquire Global Sports Management Firm Portas Consulting

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Deadline reports: “Creative Artists Agency‘s CAA Sports has inked a deal to acquire global sports management consulting firm Portas Consulting. Financial terms weren’t disclosed. Executive Chairman and founder David Portas and Managing Partner Donal McElwee, along with a team of 160 consultants and staff who have completed projects in more than 40 countries worldwide, will join the rebranded CAA Portas, which key offices in London, Riyadh, Dubai, and Singapore.”

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