iWorld
Vidaa partners with RunnTV to launch free streaming service in India
MUMBAI: Vidaa, the global smart television operating system powering millions of connected devices worldwide, has struck a strategic partnership with India’s RunnTV to launch TV Channels, its free ad-supported streaming television (Fast) service, across the subcontinent this September.
The collaboration marks Vidaa’s most significant push into one of the world’s fastest-expanding streaming markets, where ad-supported platforms are experiencing meteoric growth as viewers increasingly abandon traditional pay-television models in favour of free, on-demand content.
TV Channels will offer Indian audiences an extensive lineup of premium international content alongside carefully curated regional programming spanning entertainment, films, music, lifestyle, children’s shows and infotainment—all delivered at zero cost to viewers through Vidaa-powered smart televisions.
RunnTV, the streaming technology platform founded by Manish Sinha, brings crucial local market intelligence to the venture. The company will leverage its deep understanding of India’s complex linguistic and cultural landscape to help Vidaa localise its offering, secure partnerships with top regional content creators and maximise advertising revenues through sophisticated programmatic integrations and precision-targeted campaigns.
The partnership extends far beyond simple content aggregation. Both companies will collaborate extensively on technology integration, distribution strategies and advanced monetisation models designed to capture and retain audiences in a market where free, advertiser-supported content is rapidly displacing subscription-based services.
Industry observers note that India’s Fast ecosystem has reached an inflection point, with viewership patterns shifting dramatically as consumers embrace connected television experiences. The entry of established global players like Vidaa signals growing confidence in the market’s potential, particularly as smartphone penetration and affordable broadband access continue expanding across tier-two and tier-three cities.
For advertisers, the platform promises unprecedented reach and sophisticated targeting capabilities, enabling brands to connect with specific demographic segments through data-driven campaign optimisation. Content creators and channel partners, meanwhile, gain access to new revenue streams through Vidaa’s established global advertising network.
Viewers can expect a premium experience featuring seamless channel switching, intuitive navigation and high-quality streaming performance—all integrated directly into their smart television interface without requiring additional subscriptions or hardware investments.
The launch comes as traditional broadcasting models face increasing pressure from streaming alternatives, with Fast services emerging as a compelling middle ground between expensive subscription platforms and conventional linear television. Industry analysts predict the segment could capture a substantial share of India’s entertainment consumption within the next two years, driven by rising data affordability and changing viewer preferences.
Vidaa’s decision to partner with a local technology specialist rather than launching independently reflects the complexity of India’s media landscape, where success often depends on nuanced understanding of regional content preferences, regulatory requirements and advertiser expectations across diverse markets.
The collaboration positions both companies to capitalise on what many consider the next major wave in India’s digital entertainment evolution, as millions of households transition from traditional cable and satellite services toward internet-connected viewing experiences that offer greater choice, convenience and cost savings.
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.
