ITV News
Netflix initiates India media agency pitch process
Review covers digital and traditional media amid growth push in India
MUMBAI: The next big binge might not be a show, it could be a pitch deck. Netflix has reportedly kicked off a review of its India media mandate, setting the stage for a competitive agency pitch as it sharpens its playbook in one of its fastest-evolving markets. According to sources familiar with the development, the mandate spans both traditional and digital media planning and buying, reflecting Netflix’s continued focus on audience acquisition, engagement and subscription growth in India. The move signals a strategic reset rather than a routine shuffle, as the platform recalibrates how it reaches and retains viewers in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape.
The account is currently handled by Wavemaker, part of WPP, with multiple agencies now believed to be in contention as the pitch process gathers pace. While details remain under wraps, such reviews typically involve a close reassessment of media efficiency, data capabilities and cross-platform integration areas that have become central to streaming growth strategies.
India continues to be a critical market for Netflix, not just for subscriber expansion but also for content experimentation and pricing innovation. With competition intensifying across OTT platforms, the outcome of this pitch could shape how the brand navigates its next phase both in terms of visibility and value.
For agencies, it’s a high-stakes audition. For Netflix, it’s about ensuring the right partners are in place before the next season of growth begins.
ITV News
Amazon nears $9bn Globalstar deal to boost satellite push: Report
Talks signal push to rival Starlink as spectrum and scale come into play
NEW YORK: Amazon is in advanced talks to acquire satellite telecom firm Globalstar in a deal reportedly valued at around $9 billion, according to a report by Bloomberg, signalling a major push to strengthen its space-based connectivity ambitions.
If finalised, the deal would give Amazon immediate access to Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure, including dozens of low Earth orbit satellites and more than 20 ground stations worldwide. It would also bring valuable wireless spectrum, particularly the L-band and S-band frequencies, into Amazon’s fold, assets considered critical for enabling direct-to-device satellite communication.
The move is widely seen as a strategic shortcut for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which has faced delays due to limited rocket launch capacity. By acquiring an operational network, Amazon could effectively bridge the gap between development and deployment, accelerating its entry into the fast-growing satellite connectivity market.
The acquisition would also sharpen Amazon’s competitive edge against SpaceX and its Starlink service, which currently dominates the low Earth orbit satellite internet space. With Globalstar’s reported base of over 800,000 subscribers, Amazon could quickly scale its presence and move closer to offering seamless connectivity, even in remote or underserved regions.
However, the deal is not without complications. Apple, which holds an estimated 20 per cent stake in Globalstar, could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. The iPhone maker currently relies on Globalstar’s satellites for its Emergency SOS via satellite feature, raising questions about how existing partnerships would be managed in the event of a takeover.
Beyond the immediate deal, the potential acquisition underscores a broader shift in the space economy. What was once an experimental frontier is rapidly consolidating, with tech giants racing to build integrated ecosystems that combine satellites, spectrum and services.
For consumers, the implications could be significant. Increased competition may accelerate the rollout of satellite-enabled mobile connectivity, bringing the promise of always-on coverage closer to reality.
For Amazon, the message is clear. The race to connect the planet is heating up, and it is looking to move from playing catch-up to setting the pace.
