Channels

• Rakuten TV has launched 20 free ad-supported streaming channels (FAST) provided by Sony Pictures Entertainment across several European markets. • The new lineup, consisting of single-program and scripted-genre feeds, debuted this week in the U.K., Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, and the Nordics. • This expansion increases the platform's available linear and on-demand content options without requiring additional costs from viewers.

• Rakuten TV has expanded its FAST (Free Ad-supported Streaming TV) platform by adding 20 new free streaming channels through a major deal with Sony Pictures. • Viewers across Europe can now access a wide range of hit series, including popular titles such as Seinfeld, Breaking Bad, and The Nanny. • This partnership signifies a strategic growth phase for Rakuten TV as it seeks to increase its content library and attract more users in the European market.

• Titan OS is integrating 30 free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels from Radial Entertainment’s FilmRise into its smart TV ecosystem across Europe. • The expansion covers devices from brands including Philips, AOC, Sharp, Vestel, and select Sony Android devices. • This agreement increases content availability in several key markets, specifically the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Nordics.

• An analysis of the launch of five international news channels emphasizes that leadership, diplomacy, and trust are more critical to success than technology. • The process highlights the importance of effective team management and the cultivation of strong stakeholder relations to ensure operational viability. • These insights matter because they challenge the common assumption that technical infrastructure is the primary driver of media launches.

• The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 104 matches, with comprehensive broadcasting and streaming options available for viewers in the United States. • Spanish-language coverage will be split between Telemundo (92 matches) and Universo (12 matches), while all games will stream on Peacock, FOX One, and the FOX Sports app. • This distribution ensures maximum accessibility for a global audience, with fubo offering a free trial for new users to access both English and Spanish channels.

• The BBC and ITV have confirmed their broadcasting schedules and live stream arrangements for the 2026 World Cup. • The coverage will include every match of the tournament, with a specific focus on England's fixtures and the knockout stages. • This coordination ensures comprehensive free-to-air access for viewers in the UK via traditional television and digital platforms.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking a historic expansion of the tournament. • For the first time in the competition's history, the field will grow to include 48 teams, significantly increasing the number of matches. • This expansion represents the largest-ever scale for the global football event, heightening its international reach and competitive scope.