TechCrunch reports: “Smartly.io, a company helping advertisers automate their campaigns across Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest, has sold a majority stake to Providence Equity Partners for €200 million (approximately $223 million).”
Forbes reports: “As we anxiously wonder how technology will make us smile in 2020, get ready for an infusion of entertainment in 3D format, with experiences that will mix digital and physical content. Thanks to this trend, the 2020’s will be known for bringing entertainment ‘back to 3D’.”
VentureBeat reports: “Streamlabs, a division of Logitech, has launched a new fundraising platform aimed at making it easier for streamers to raise money for charities. The idea is to help charities to reach their fundraising goals without incurring a lot of additional costs.”
Hypebot reports: “Sony-owned indie music distributor The Orchard has launched the mobile app OrchardGo to give labels and artists access to data from Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services.”
Billboard reports: “Vox Media will be ending contracts with California freelance writers ahead of the state’s implementation of a bill intended to protect workers from exploitation as independent contractors.”
Variety reports: “MGM’s TV division has inked a first-look deal with production and management outfit 42. The two parties will jointly develop drama projects aimed at the U.S. market. London- and LA-based 42 will work with MGM on original ideas as well as mining the historic studio’s library for IP that can be reworked for TV and on-demand platforms.”
TechCrunch reports: “In a world where ad rates are declining for traditional broadcast media, the corporations responsible for making the fictions that millions devour daily need to find a new business model.”
Variety reports: “Madison Avenue has long been able to stuff some $70 billion annually into TV commercials. Now the advertising industry is trying to figure out how much of that money it can put down on streaming video.”
gamesindustry.biz reports: “Game.tv has closed a successful round of funding to the tune of $25 million. The company operates Tourney, an AI-powered esports tournament platform which can be integrated into online communities (on Discord, for example) and run weekly tournaments based around when most players are online.”
Hollywood Reporter reports: “Disney+ has signed an exclusive distribution deal with French pay TV giant Canal Plus Group, which will see the unit of Vivendi be the sole distributor of Disney’s new streaming service in France from its launch March 31, 2020.”
