iWorld
Shout! Factory TV creates linear OTT feed with Amagi CLOUDPORT
MUMBAI: Amagi, one of the global leaders in cloud-based technology for TV and OTT broadcasters, announced that Shout! Factory TV has selected its award-winning Amagi CLOUDPORT channel playout platform to manage playout for its linear TV channel and deliver its feed to Xumo and Twitch platforms in the US.
Shout! Factory TV is a next-generation digital channel offering cult and classic TV and film that shapes today’s pop culture. The network has a library of over 2,000 hours of programming that includes TV shows such as Mystery Science Theater 3000, Father Knows Best, and Super Sentai; films such as Sophie’s Choice, Rock N Roll High School, and Kentucky Fried Movie; animation including Goode Family; comedy specials from Steve Martin and Kathy Griffin, variety shows such as The Dick Cavett Show, and original programming such as Backlot, among others.
Shout! Factory senior vice president-digital Gene Pao said, “For a rapidly expanding digital channel such as ours, we need a broadcast technology partner who can understand and respond to our unique needs. Amagi, through its high-quality cloud broadcast technology, gives us the distinct advantage to manage our content, playout, and delivery to multiple vMVPD platforms as per our business needs with a very short time-to-market. We are now able to deploy a cable TV–like quality and reliable TV experience for our viewers.”
As a result of CLOUDPORT implementation, Shout! Factory TV is able to move all of its content to a secure AWS public cloud instance, create playlists, add dynamic graphics, manage schedules, playout and monitor the channel – all through a simple yet advanced remote web interface. A true cloud playout, Amagi CLOUDPORT gives the flexibility to spin up new channels and deliver them to leading vMVPD platforms such as Xumo and Twitch.
Amagi CEO Deepakjit Singh said, “Digital channels are aggressively pushing the envelope in creating best-in-class viewer experience. We are proud to partner with Shout! Factory TV to launch their linear TV channels on digital platforms.”
“We have been at the forefront of broadcast technology innovation and driving cloud adoption among traditional broadcasters in recent years. So, it’s equally delightful to be able to ride the next wave of broadcast revolution in supporting new-age digital channels like Shout! Factory TV caters to diverse audience needs,” added Deepakjit Singh.
iWorld
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.
