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CNetworks hops on board News Corp, NBC for online video
MUMBAI: US media conglomerates News Corporation and NBC Universal have announced a comprehensive, multi-year content and distribution agreement with CNET Networks for their online video joint venture. The venture which looks to provide an alternative to the video social networking site Youtube will launch in a few months time. CNet, which owns web properties such as TV.com, GameSpot and CNET.com, will provide thousands of clips to the new destination on a non exclusive basis. In addition, CNET Networks has also agreed to distribute the new site‘s library of licensed content, adding its 129 million unique monthly users to the reach of the News Corp, NBC Universal venture. |
NBC Universal chief digital officer George Kliavkoff says, “A pioneering online media company, CNet Networks has long understood the value of creating richer, more authentic experiences online. We are delighted that they will be joining us as both a content provider and distributor, ensuring that we continue to add to the depth and breadth of premium video available on our site and on our video network. In addition, we further extend the reach of our protected content to their highly engaged user base.” CNET Networks CEO Neil Ashe says, “CNet Networks is proud to be the first online-focused content company to offer its original video to this new venture. We are excited to bring video from NBC Universal, Fox, and other high – quality content providers to our users. This relationship further demonstrates our commitment to creat ing an engaging online experience at our market-leading brands. |
The video site will feature thousands of hours of full-length TV programming, clips and movies, representing premium content from close to twenty networks and two major film studios. The announcement is the second non-equity content agreement for the venture. Recently, Comcast joined as a non-exclusive content provider and agreed to contribute content from E!, Style, G4, Versus and Golf Channel. |
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With 57 per cent single new users, Ashley Madison rebrands as discreet dating platform
Platform says majority of new members now identify as single
INDIA: Ashley Madison is shedding the “married-dating” label that defined it for two decades, repositioning itself as a platform for discreet dating in what it calls the post-social media age.
The rebrand, unveiled in India on 27 February, 2026, marks a structural shift in business model and identity. Once synonymous with married dating, the company now describes itself as the “premier destination for discreet dating” under a new tagline: Where Desire Meets Discretion.
The pivot is data-driven. Internal figures show that 57 per cent of global sign-ups between 1 January and 31 December, 2025 identified as single: a notable departure from the platform’s married core. The company argues that its community has already evolved beyond its original positioning.
“In an age where our lives have been constantly put on public display, privacy has become the new luxury,” said Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable. He framed the platform’s offering as “ethical discretion” for singles, separated, divorced and non-monogamous users seeking private connections.
The shift also taps into wider digital fatigue. A global survey conducted by YouGov for Ashley Madison, covering 13,071 adults across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US, found mounting discomfort with hyper-public online lives.
Among dating app users, 30 per cent cited constant swiping and messaging as a source of fatigue, while 24 per cent pointed to pressure to curate public-facing profiles and early personal disclosure. Some 27 per cent said fears of screenshots or information being shared contributed to exhaustion; an equal share cited unwanted attention.
The retreat from oversharing appears broader. According to the survey, 46 per cent of adults actively try to keep most aspects of their life private online. Only 8 per cent feel comfortable sharing most aspects publicly, while 35 per cent say they are becoming more selective about what they disclose.
Ashley Madison is betting that this cultural recalibration towards controlled visibility can be monetised. By doubling down on privacy infrastructure and reframing itself around discretion rather than infidelity, the company is attempting to convert reputational baggage into a premium proposition.
