Dave Shull

As Nigeria’s telecom sector evolves, Globacom’s next moves will not only determine its survival but also its legacy as a once-innovative force that changed the game. Will Farroukh be the leader who steers the company back to success, or will Globacom continue its downward spiral? 

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Comcast spin-off - what does it say for the future of the #tvindustry Comcast announced "plans to spin off most of its linear cable networks into a separate company, including such stalwarts as CNBC, MSNBC, USA Network and SyFy...The resulting SpinCo, as it’s being called for now, would create a company with a more focused makeup, and really crummy long-term prospects, given the continued cord-cutting that has sent cable subscriptions plummeting. It also may become the fulcrum for a roll-up of other cable networks." Is that the case, as the article says, that there are few long-term prospects? It does seem set up for a future merger or acquisition. "The nets are mired on the cable box, their content largely also available on direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Peacock, which Comcast is keeping. The cable nets’ revenue models are built on advertising and carriage fees, both declining alongside those shrinking audiences. And cable distributors, including Comcast, are more focused on higher-growth broadband and wireless opportunities." Indeed, it seems that this is more complicated than the headline suggests "Less clear is how the company manages to extricate its cable operations from the units Comcast plans to retain. For instance, how will NBC News be separated from CNBC and MSNBC operations? And ad sales may also face some complicated disentangling." According to Comcast management, both companies will be set up to be profitable and go on the offense. But what exactly is offense for the cable networks? Will they move more and more to streaming? How does that work if their services are on Peacock, which stays under Comcast? It all seems that this merger has more questions than answers at the moment. #comcast #mediaindustry #media #mergeracquisition #streamingmedia

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Thank you, Gavin Bridge, for this interesting article. I believe the US is a "mature" market for FAST, which is why streamers are starting to streamline their channel offerings and optimize their catalogs. This aims to provide a better experience for their viewers and to better monetize their content. It’s a normal and desirable evolution for the #FAST ecosystem. This is indeed a great opportunity for SoFAST to offer some of our 630 FAST channels to these platforms to refresh their offerings. #FASTCHANNEL #TVDISTRIBUTION #OTTPLATFORMS

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Snom Americas Awarded 2024 Visionary Spotlight Award for Snom Americas’s #Partner #Program, Podcast Snom recognized as visionary leader, as brand recognition rises, Snom can brand for MSPs very quickly #ChannelVisionMagazine has awarded Snom Americas’s Partner Program with their 2024 Visionary Spotlight Award. In this podcast we learn that the award affirms the goals Marc Magliano, Snom’s Vice President, Channel Business for the Americas and Antoine Karachekhlian, Snom’s North America Channel Director, laid out as they laid out a plan to build Snom’s band and Snom’s channel program. “A solid channel partner program is the heart and soul of your channel,” says Mark. “It helps you build that awareness, and the brand awareness is something, quite honestly, that has challenged us over the past few years but with your help, and others like you, over the past 12 to 18 months, we’ve made strides and now you see Snom everywhere… Our partner Partner program helps us deliver and drive value to our #MSPs and resellers, just right across the board.” “We’ve added, I think the number now is over 250 new MSP resellers. We’ve increased our breadth of partnerships in the ITSP community. We have significantly more partners that are co-branding or branding our technology to their customer base. Things have really exploded for us. Again, I couldn’t be more thrilled.,” adds Mark. Building a Brand that Brands As the Snom brand has grown in visibility, Snom has been using its manufacturing power to help their MSP clients, brand their brand. “Everybody can brand, but us our parent company being a manufacturer and we get our stuff directly, you know, from the factory makes us more nimble, and quick, to react to that branding thing, the aspect of the business,” says Antoine. “We can brand products as small as a couple of hundred, whereas they’re doing a couple of thousands. And that speaks to our power, basically, of how we can deliver.” In Stock Many customers took notice of Snom, as #Covid disrupted overly extended supply chains. With two warehouses in North America, Snom is not only a manufacturer but also a company that maintains available stock. We learn about their fast, advanced replacement ability. We also discuss a personal approach. Customers needing help, replacements, or assistance with making a sale, can get directly on the phone or online with #Snom’s leadership team and get personalized attention. A partner program is about the products sold, but it also depends on people, support, logistics and quality. Visit www.snomamericas.com Marc Magliano Julie Smith Antoine Karachekhlian VoIP Supply Evan Kirstel B2B TechFluencer

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Comcast is moving ahead with plans to spin off its NBCU cable networks, including MSNBC, CNBC, USA, E!, and Syfy. The formal announcement is expected tomorrow, and the process should take about a year to finalize. This decision reflects Comcast’s strategy to step away from the traditional cable TV business, which has been shrinking thanks to cord-cutting, and refocus on areas with more growth potential, like streaming, sports, and broadcast. Bravo, Peacock, and the NBC broadcast network are staying with NBCUniversal, given their stronger ties to Comcast’s core future plans. I see you, Below Deck. It’s a big shift for Comcast, a company that once prized its cable networks as crown jewels. But with cord-cutting reshaping the media landscape, this spin-off feels like a play to adapt and stay ahead. The Streaming Wars has reached out to The Streaming Madman for comments. #comcast #nbcuniversal #cable #cordcutting #streamingmedia

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🌐 Today, on World Telecommunication Day, we celebrate the incredible advancements in communication technology that have revolutionized the way we connect and interact with one another across the globe. 📡 From the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell to the advent of the internet and the rise of mobile communication, telecommunications has played a pivotal role in shaping our modern society and driving innovation in virtually every industry. 🔗 This year's theme, "Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development," underscores the critical role of technology in advancing sustainable development goals worldwide. It highlights how digital innovations, such as mobile connectivity, internet access, and smart technologies, can drive positive social, economic, and environmental change while ensuring inclusivity and equity for all. 💡 It's also a day to remember pioneers like Professor Samuel Morse, whose development of the telegraph and Morse code laid the foundation for modern long-distance communication. His ingenuity and determination not only transformed the way we communicate but also opened up new possibilities for global connectivity. 🌍 As we commemorate this day, let's reflect on the transformative power of technology to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and foster global collaboration towards a more connected and sustainable world. #WorldTelecommunicationDay #Communication #Technology #Innovation #DigitalInclusion #GlobalConnectivity #SustainableDevelopment

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In the dynamic realm of media consumption, the shift from free-to-air (FTA) television to advertiser-funded streaming television (FAST) signifies a remarkable milestone. The emergence of FAST, championed by industry giants like Amazon and Tubi, is reshaping content delivery with a focus on global reach and precise audience targeting. This evolution paves the way for broadcasters to harness streaming technology and data analytics, enabling real-time measurement of revenue streams. Explore more about this transformative era in television broadcasting: https://lnkd.in/eGx8zk8X

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STREAMING BUNDLES: Is the cable box making a comeback!? Subscriber churn remains an issue for SVOD services – 42% of US streaming subscribers report that they “'regularly subscribe, cancel and resubscribe,” according to Ampere’s Media Consumer survey covering 1Q24. But bundling streaming services can have a significant impact on mitigating the issue. Ampere cites Disney subscribers as an example: Consumers who had previously churned and then returned to take the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle are 59% less likely to churn within 12 months than those who take Disney+ alone, based on 1Q23 sign-ups. Ampere also found that US resubscribers skew younger (aged 18-44), are more likely to be in family households, and are typically avid media consumers. And with that wide media diet, the cohort is 40% more likely than average to exhibit signs of subscription fatigue and 21% more likely to desire unified access to content across different services. Which makes bundles, Ampere concludes, a key strategy in subscriber retention. The cable box is making a comeback! This time, it's on your mobile device$!

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WATCH NOW ☕ Perception Box: Corner Office - Episode 2 💼 🌟 The Next Chapter in the Short Form Series Co-Produced with The The Wall Street Journal and Unlikely Collaborators 🌟 🔥 In this episode, sit down with another trailblazing leader, Bob Stiller, to explore what lies beyond the titles, achievements, and success. 💭 What happens when you challenge the stories you tell yourself? ✨ This series dives deep into the Perception Box, unearthing insights that redefine leadership and personal growth. 👇 Watch now and share: What’s a story you’ve had to reexamine and rewrite about yourself? 💬 #Leadership 💡 #SelfDiscovery 🔍 #PerceptionBox 🧠 #WSJSeries 🎥

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The stage was set at the NAB Show 2024. Hundreds of products battled for supremacy in the ever-evolving streaming video arena. Tensions were high as the industry's elite judging panel meticulously evaluated each offering. Then, a true champion emerged from the fray. Vimond's VIA App Builder captivated the experts with a perfect fusion of power and elegance. Features that dazzled: - Lightning-fast development capabilities that make deploying streaming services across devices a mere formality. - An interface so intuitive even a novice could wield its might. - Unparalleled content management that monetises like never before. In an epic clash of innovation, the VIA App Builder reigned supreme – conquering the "Next TV" category to seize the coveted Best of Show honour. A thousand competitors stood in awe. This was more than just an award. It was a statement of Vimond's unwavering commitment to streamlining video streaming for the modern era. An undisputed mark of quality that will shatter industry conventions. The victory horn has sounded. All others have been put on notice. Brace yourselves for the VIA App Builder's continued dominance, as it leads content creators to a new era of broadcast supremacy. https://lnkd.in/gssvefKG

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TV and video platforms thrive on content and channels. Historically, carriage agreements for cable and satellite operators involved substantial licensing deals worth millions, with technical delivery fees being a minor part of the deal. Today, however, streaming TV and broadcast media face a stark contrast: ad-funded monetization now consists of 90% technology fees and only 10% revenue for content sources. So, what went wrong? https://lnkd.in/ermaN9BC

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Check out the latest news of WildBrain CPLG with Meike de Vaere ⬇️

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#The_ARF recently released the DASH 2024 Mid-Year Report, available for all. Data from the DASH TV Universe Study underscore the continued mainstreaming of streaming television, the “appification” of Pay TV and the erosion of Broadband Only (BBO) penetration as a useful definition of TV connection. The findings and the newly recommended framework for classifying how U.S. households connect to TV highlight shifts in U.S. television usage that create fresh opportunities for advertisers and media companies. #TVResearch #StreamingTV #AVOD #MediaTrends #BBO

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#AI CAPEX investments are well into the trillions. VERY short period of time for capital to funnel in one direction (especially via banks over-indexed in commercial real estate). How fast does the ROI need to be for this level of [#FOMO] investment to make sense? #GenAI might be more speculation than savior. Great insight from CNBC's #jasminecwu, #LaurenBatchelor & Deirdre Bosa. https://lnkd.in/g4sySXvc

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"Making the leap to leader requires killing your old self." – John Donovan, former CEO, AT&T Communications. Leadership isn’t just about rising through the ranks—it's about transformation. Adam BryantBryant's Leap to Leader dives deep into the transition that many middle / senior executives grapple with, offering practical, actionable wisdom. Key insights that resonated with me: 🔹career opportunities, not plan —career plans can limit your potential. Let opportunities lead you. 🔹 There is a "Post-it note on your back"—what people say behind your back. Embrace the feedback, fix the 'buts.' 🔹 It’s about the network—at the top, success is more about relationships than the work alone. 🔹 Always be ready with your elevator pitch—what excites you, and what are you working on? 🔹 Master one dimension at a time—Industry, Function, Culture. Change one, and learn. 🔹 Bad managers teach the best lessons—learn from what you don't want to be. 🔹 Be a Hero or chump?—no great success comes without risk. This book is a toolkit for anyone ready to take that leap. Follow HT Smartcast Leadership Lessons at https://lnkd.in/gxpcg4fs #LeadershipLessons #Leadership #CareerGrowth #ExecutiveDevelopment #CareerMentor

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INSIGHT of the day: How GenAI Will Transform Media and Entertainment. (Don’t Freak Out.) Great article interviewing Renard T. Jenkins on that matter. You need to listen to unbiased professionals to get a fair assessment on how AI will transform the M&E industry, content creation being the largest segment that has already been impacted.

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Streaming shifts to profitability: The Walt Disney Company and Paramount lead the charge 🏆 The latest earnings reports from both Disney and Paramount Global highlight a major shift away from subscriber growth to a focus on profitability. Disney’s Q3 results showcased a 19% growth in total segment operating income, driven by their Direct-to-Consumer services. For the first time, Disney’s combined streaming businesses, including ESPN+, achieved profitability. The inclusion of SportsVOD content, such as ESPN, continues to be a key differentiator. Similarly, Paramount Global turned a $26 million profit in its Q2 direct-to-consumer segment, marking a significant turnaround from last year’s loss. Paramount+ saw year-over-year growth in both subscription and advertising revenue, fueled by strong content like “Knuckles” and “The Chi.” These results underscore a broader industry trend: the battle has shifted from subscriber numbers to profit. Back in April, Netflix stock took a tumble when they announced they would no longer report subscriber numbers and ARPU guiding investors to focus on total revenue. All of these events are evidence that the streaming market, once the disrupter, has reached maturity and become part of the “institution” that needs to generate profit and cash. As companies like Disney and Paramount continue to scale their streaming operations globally, managing costs and optimizing revenue streams becomes crucial. Finding new customers through new channels is crucial. Lighting up these channels quickly at the lowest possible cost becomes key. This is where the Digital Vending Machine® from Bango can help. By providing a single connection to hundreds of channels worldwide, we help streamline operations and reduce the complexity of scaling content distribution, enabling our partners to focus on what they do best—creating and delivering exceptional content. Check out the full details in Disney’s and Paramount’s earnings reports: Disney Q3 2024 Earnings - https://lnkd.in/e5AiDsrN Paramount Q2 2024 Earnings - https://lnkd.in/e-AKrCRx #Streaming #Profitability #DigitalTransformation #SportsVOD #Bango

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The Trade Desk announced the launch of Ventura, their new streaming TV operating system. It is an ambitious move that highlights the company’s efforts to deepen its influence in the CTV space. However, scaling Ventura to compete with established players like Roku, Google, and Amazon will be a monumental challenge. These competitors already have massive user bases, mature ecosystems, and strong consumer trust, whereas Ventura would need to build its ecosystem from scratch. It would be a bit of irony if the lack of scale - what TTD requires of its inventory partners above all else - is what dooms this endeavor over time. https://lnkd.in/gcudauYD

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