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News
AMC Networks International UK is rebranding its portfolio of UK channels and streaming services owned by the CBS AMC Networks UK Channels Partnership , a joint venture with Paramount Global .
AMC Networks says the rebrand “ provides an exciting opportunity to introduce a clearer look and offering across the joint venture ’ s channels and services in the UK , while retaining familiar colouring for its dedicated audiences and renaming of the services to better reflect their content offering to attract new viewers ”.
AMC Networks rebrands UK portfolio
CBS Reality will be renamed to True Crime , and streaming brand True Crime from CBS
AMC Networks says the rebrand “ provides an exciting opportunity to introduce a clearer look .”
Reality will change to True Crime UK . True Crime UK is an AVoD and FAST service as an AVoD collection in a branded area on ITVX , with over 250 hours of content available to watch . The FAST channel is available through multiple platforms including Amazon Freevee , Rakuten TV and Samsung TV + services initially , with more major platforms rolling out shortly .
Entertainment channel Legend , which features action , sci-fi , adventure and western series and movies , and which was renamed from Horror Channel in 2022 , will also go through a brand transformation .
On-demand content from both the True Crime and Legend channel brands are available currently on free on-demand player CBS Catch Up Channels UK which will become Watch Free UK . Watch Free UK is accessible directly via FreeView , Freesat and Youview , and downloadable via IOS , Android , and all major device / manufacturer stores .
Other channels in the portfolio to rebrand include Legend Xtra and True Crime Xtra , and time-shift versions Legend Xtra + 1 and True Crime + 1 .
“ With such a vast array of content available across so many platforms , we wanted to elevate our UK portfolio to be more easily recognisable and accessible , and to clearly reflect our content offering ,” commented Sam Rowden , VP Content Group . “ This rebrand closely aligns with our aim to provide carefully curated services catering to both existing and new audiences , wherever they choose to watch our programmes .”
Ofcom consults on future of TV distribution
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Ofcom says it is important to understand how broadband networks will need to evolve
UK broadcast regulator Ofcom is seeking evidence on how the TV distribution landscape could develop over the next decade and beyond .
Ofcom notes that large numbers of people still rely on traditional , scheduled broadcast TV – the so-called ‘ linear ’ TV - particularly for its ability to inform us about what is happening in the world and its power to bring the nation together in moments of national importance or celebration . And it is there for all of us , with free-to-view TV services available universally .
However , the way in which TV audiences watch content has changed radically . Vast libraries of video content are widely available from online streaming services , offering viewers greater choice while creating a much more fragmented viewing experience .
These market developments raise important questions for policymakers about the longer-term impact that Internet TV distribution will have on the services and platforms that viewers rely on and value today .
Ofcom says it is also important to understand how broadband networks will need to evolve to meet the increasing demand and support resilient delivery of TV over the Internet into the future .
In support of its own research study , the Government has asked Ofcom to undertake an early review of market changes that may affect the future of content distribution on Digital Terrestrial TV and other distribution platforms .
To inform Ofcom ’ s review , the call for evidence invites views on a range of factors which might affect the future TV distribution landscape . Ofcom wants to hear from a wide range of stakeholders , including audience groups , content providers , network and infrastructure providers , device manufacturers , and TV platforms .
The closing date for responses is December 12th 2023 , and Ofcom expects to submit its early review of market findings to Government in spring 2024 .