C21Media is a market-leading B2B information provider to the international content business, combining a portfolio of publishing brands with events and an online screenings marketplace. The company's C21Marketplace provides a cost-effective platform for promoting programmes and services, attracting over 250,000 unique visitors monthly, making it a central hub for the global entertainment community. In 2022, C21Media acquired NATPE, expanding its reach into the content distribution market.
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Nordic FAST platform HelloYou.TV is launching a new comedy channel, BritCom Fun, and expanding the international distribution of Real Madrid TV across multiple European markets. The company, which operates a portfolio of ad-supported channels, aims to reach 200 million screens by the end of the year.
A+E Global Media has reformatted 200 library titles into vertical microseries for third-party distribution and updated its Lifetime app to support a mobile-first, short-form viewing experience. The initiative includes the launch of original microdramas and a strategy to leverage vertical video for increased audience engagement and global licensing.
Channel 4 has appointed David Brindley, the current CEO of Twofour, as its new director of programmes. Brindley will oversee the broadcaster's scripted and unscripted content strategy as part of a broader management restructuring led by CEO Priya Dogra.
Screen Producers Australia (SPA) has formally requested that the Australian government implement mandates for consent, compensation, and transparency regarding the use of copyrighted content in AI training. The industry body argues these protections are necessary to ensure producers maintain control over their intellectual property as AI integration into media workflows accelerates.
Authors First has launched as an AI-enabled book-to-screen studio with $10 million in seed funding. The company aims to replace traditional CGI and on-site production workflows with generative AI and virtual production techniques to reduce costs for historical, sci-fi, and fantasy adaptations.
Chinese streaming platform iQIYI has announced a slate of over 350 AI-assisted titles for 2026/27, including its first hybrid AI multi-season drama. The company is scaling its use of generative AI in production following the commercial success of its series The Ferry Man.
TikTok and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority have launched a training program to help media professionals produce AI-assisted and live-action microdramas. The initiative utilizes ByteDance’s Seedance 2.5 platform to develop local IP and train creators on vertical content production techniques.
Seven.One Studios International is shifting its distribution strategy to include AI-powered dubbing and partnerships with YouTube aggregators to improve global content localization. The company is also prioritizing proven format brands and high-volume scripted dramas to mitigate risk for international buyers.
Channel 4 CEO Priya Dogra has officially rejected a merger with the BBC, citing concerns over independence and market choice. However, she confirmed that the broadcaster is in active discussions with the BBC regarding a potential collaboration on a sovereign UK streaming platform.
Former Paramount executive Dan Cohen has joined film studio Black Bear to lead TV distribution and oversee the launch of Black Bear Digital Networks. The new unit aims to monetize content across FAST and AVoD platforms using programmatic advertising.
