iWorld
Streaming platform ShortFlix and News 7 Tamil partner for program
MUMBAI: OTT short-format show platform ShortFlix has tied up with Tamil news channel News 7 Tamil to create a mutually-beneficial partnership aimed at building content and enhancing viewership.
As part of this initiative, News 7 Tamil’s entertainment segment will feature a new 30-minute show titled News 7 Tamil’s Short Cuts, powered by ShortFlix.
The program is set to showcase curated short films and exclusive content from ShortFlix, offering viewers a blend of storytelling and entertainment. Simultaneously, ShortFlix will gain access to News 7 Tamil’s vast global audience, expanding its reach and engagement.
Said ShortFlix founder Bharanidharan: “News 7 Tamil, a trusted name in Tamil media. This collaboration not only allows us to bring our unique content to a larger audience but also reinforces the importance of short-format storytelling in today’s fast-paced world. We believe this synergy will set new benchmarks in the OTT and broadcasting industries.”
News 7 senior strategic advisor sales & marketing Shyam emphasised the mutual benefits of the alliance.
“At News 7 Tamil, we constantly strive to innovate and deliver value to our audience. Partnering with ShortFlix enables us to diversify our entertainment offerings while supporting emerging creators in the short-film ecosystem,” he said. “This collaboration is a perfect example of coopetition—where two entities come together to achieve shared goals and elevate the overall experience for viewers globally.”
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Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
