iWorld
News: Facebook edges out traditional media, global: 39% & A-Pac: 22%: Ogilvy survey
MUMBAI: Survey findings released by Ogilvy Media Influence’s annual global survey of over 250 reporters and editors finds Facebook to be the number one gatekeeper for news, edging out legacy traditional media sources and significantly outpacing other social networks/digital platforms like Google and Twitter. The one distinction that stood out was the inverted results between EMEA and Asia Pacific. Carried out by Ogilvy Media Influence team members in 22 offices across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, the survey also uncovered that print media is leading the way with successfully adapting in the digital world across all geographies.
“Our survey demonstrates that new technology and digital media advancements are changing how we consume news,” said Ogilvy worldwide chief communications officer Jennifer Risi. “As a news aggregator, Facebook is exposing users to news publications they may not have read otherwise. Brands can now leverage traditional earned media to reach key audiences, that is then further amplified through social media and influencer engagement – with built in audiences – for an effective communications campaign aimed at driving reputation and building influence.”
The 2017 Ogilvy Media Influence global survey also found that digital storytelling and mobile devices are emerging as growth drivers with most journalists [34%] believing that digital platforms – such as live video and podcasts – present the largest growth opportunity for news organizations to reinvent today’s standard industry media model. See infographic.
Additional key findings:
Facebook is the #1 gatekeeper for news [39%], edging out legacy traditional media sources [32%] and significantly outpacing other social networks/digital platforms like Google [15%] and Twitter [4%]. However, on a regional level, we see distinctions in EMEA [60%] and Asia Pacific [22%].
In sum, print media [40%] is viewed as the platform most successful in adapting to the digital world with slight regional differences. North America [45%], Asia Pacific [43%] and EMEA [32%].
Journalists worldwide see digital platforms [34%] and smartphones and/or mobile devices [26%] as avenues to reimagine news reporting in a mobile era. Other burgeoning technologies, like virtual reality [9%] and artificial intelligence [7%] have yet to meaningfully resonate with media.
Mix of earned media [40%], social media [27%] and influencer engagement [13%] is most effective for driving brand reputation and influence across all geographies.
The annual global media survey conducted by the Ogilvy Media Influence staff is quickly becoming an ardent industry resource. The results being unveiled during the 2017 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity represent the first half of the survey. Ogilvy will announce results from the second half of the survey later this year.
iWorld
Netflix launches Playground app to bring games and interactive play for kids
Interactive games, fresh series and returning favourites aim to blend play and learning
MUMBAI: Netflix is doubling down on kids entertainment with a major expansion of its family-friendly slate, anchored by the launch of Netflix Playground, a new interactive app designed to blend play with storytelling.
Aimed at children aged eight and under, the app allows young viewers to engage with familiar characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street through games and activities, all within a safe, ad-free environment. The app is already live in select markets and is set for a wider global rollout later this month.
The move signals Netflix’s push to turn passive viewing into a more immersive experience. Alongside the app, the platform has unveiled a mix of new titles and returning favourites, including fresh episodes of Trash Truck and The Creature Cases, as well as a new preschool series, Young MacDonald. Popular titles such as CoComelon Lane and Ms. Rachel are also set to expand with new seasons and episodes.
Speaking about the strategy, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family tv John Derderian said, “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”
The expanded offering also leans heavily on convenience for parents, with offline access, curated content, and robust parental controls designed to ensure a safe and tailored viewing experience. Features such as profile locks, content filters, and activity tracking aim to give families greater control while allowing children to explore independently.
The timing is strategic. Kids and preschool content has emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched categories in recent years, making it a key battleground in the streaming wars. By combining games, education, and entertainment, the platform is looking to deepen engagement and build long-term loyalty among younger audiences.
With interactive play now joining its content arsenal, Netflix is not just streaming stories but inviting kids to step inside them, turning screen time into something a little more hands-on.
