Apple TV in the UK
Apple has now launched downloads of 28 US TV series in the UK, hoping to drive demand for portable video watching on iPod or for home viewing via Apple TV
Recent reports
In-contract price increases have been the worst of all worlds—reputationally damaging for telecoms operators but contributing (temporary) revenue growth of just half the rate of inflation. We expect the revenue boost from in-contract price increases of 5% last year to become a 2% drag from Q2 2024.
Cost inflation is, however, cumulative with an acceleration in the gulf between costs and revenues forecast from here. We expect muted financial guidance for 2024/25 from BT Consumer and Vodafone UK over the coming weeks.
Rising new-customer pricing is a necessity if margins are not to be significantly squeezed, but competitive intensity and scale economics continue to thwart such efforts, with no real resolution in sight.
A drop in Studios' revenue—attributed to phasing of content deliveries and strikes— saw ITV's external revenue down 6% to £727 million in Q1. An improvement in advertising could not offset this drop but H2 will be better for production and see Studios flat for FY 2024
After big launch momentum, the growth of ITVX appears to be slowing, while the service's release strategy continues to evolve
ITV’s total advertising revenue (TAR) was up 3% in Q1 to £432 million (2023: £419 million). H1 is forecast to be up 8%, with Q2 up 12%, buoyed by the Euros which start in June
Disney Q2 2024: Streaming breaks even
8 May 2024There were no flashy announcements this quarter as Disney highlighted its streaming business—the Entertainment component reaching profitability—with its turnaround offsetting the decline in the embattled Linear segment
In a reasonably stagnant UK SVOD market, Disney+ continues to grow household reach and engagement across almost all age demographics. One driver is its top content, which is more likely to be completed and rewatched than competitors'
Disney is searching for new technology leadership. Its current structure is segmented and depowered, requiring a single leader responsible for overarching technology direction to best combat streaming costs and reach platform scale efficiency