News Broadcasting
Panamsat introduces two digital services to improve worldwide delivery of video content
MUMBAI: Panamsat, which claims to be the premier provider of global video and data broadcasting services via satellite, has introduced two new digital services designed to improve the way video content is delivered to customers around the world. Each of these products increases the flexibility, improves the speed and reduces the overall costs of the video distribution process.
An official release informs that both the Video on Demand and Digital Store and Forward (DSF) services were developed in partnership with PanAmSats core video customers – who make up the majority of PanAmSats annual revenues. Panamsat says that the initiative came about as the company’s large video providers were being asked by the consumer for movies, news and other entertainment when they want to view it not just when it is available. The new VOD service allows them to do just that. The video providers also have challenges in distributing their programming around the world – and thats where Panamsat claims that its new DSF service and PanAmSats global distribution platform comes in.
An official release informs that Intertainer which claims to be the leading broadband entertainment on demand content and services provider, is working with PanAmSat to distribute VOD content to its cable affiliate partners via satellite. By using PanAmSats satellites as the basis for the delivery of VOD content, Intertainer will substantially improve the efficiencies in its overall distribution process.
Specifically, the use of satellite technology leveraging PanAmSats Power of 5 antenna program will eliminate the need for manual input of information at the cable head end. Each of the new services provides a secure turn-key solution for the delivery of video content to programmers, cable operators, film production houses and other media outlets. The services upgrade video content to a digital format, as well as provide an alternative to analogue transportation of programming, anywhere, anytime the release says.
PanAmSats DSF service enables the digital storage and delivery of video content around the globe. It is specifically designed to support the needs of international video content providers such as film and television production companies. Currently, most video production companies use the dubbing and overnight shipping of tapes as the basis for the distribution of their product. This new solution enhances traditional means of video production and distribution, as it offers a satellite-based digital alternative and significantly reduces the need for traditional analogue tapes. Through the DSF service, customers can beam programming content from North America to production facilities around the globe. It claims to offer one of the fastest, efficient and most reliable means to distribute video content on a global basis.
News Broadcasting
Mihir Bhatt appointed as chief content officer at News18 Studios
The media veteran brings two decades of experience across television, digital and radio to one of India’s biggest broadcast networks, Disney+ Hotstar, Discovery+
NEW DELHI: Network18 has a new strategist in the building. Mihir Bhatt, one of Indian media’s more versatile operators, has joined News18 Studios as chief content officer, stepping into a role that will see him shape content strategy, build multi-platform properties and drive brand partnerships across the network.
Bhatt brings more than two decades of experience spanning television, digital and radio, with a track record of doing something rare in Indian media: combining editorial ambition with hard commercial results. At Times Network, where he served as managing editor and chief business officer of Times Influence, he built one of the industry’s more respected content studios, launching marquee properties such as the India Economic Conclave, the Times Now Summit and Leaders of Tomorrow. He also pushed the network into premium OTT territory through tie-ups with Disney+ Hotstar and Discovery+.
His resume stretches well beyond the studio. Bhatt has led Global Investor Summits for multiple state governments, worked alongside the World Economic Forum and played a pivotal role in launching the Indian Pickleball League. Earlier, as editor of Zee Business, he pioneered investor education initiatives that are still cited as industry benchmarks.
At News18 Studios, Bhatt will report to chief executive S Shivakumar and will oversee the studios execution vertical alongside revenue verticals covering emerging markets and campaigns. Sidharth Saini, Hemanth Kumar and Nimar Sarkaria will work under him.
Rahul Joshi, managing director and editor-in-chief of Network18 Group, made the announcement in an internal communication. “Mihir’s ability to build enduring brands, foster strategic partnerships and navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our position and explore new avenues of growth in the Studios business,” Joshi said.
In a media industry lurching between disruption and reinvention, Network18 has bet on a man who has spent two decades thriving in exactly that chaos. Whether he can do it again, at greater scale, is the question worth watching.
