Top News:
Reuters:
Netflix says it will reduce its bit rates across all its streams in Europe for 30 days, in effect cutting traffic on its European networks by 25% — Netflix said on Thursday it would reduce its bit rates across all its streams in Europe, in effect cutting traffic on its European networks …
Discussion:
Financial Times, Business Insider, @kylebrussell, TechCrunch, Engadget and Politico, more at Techmeme »
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Financial Times:
EU calls on streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube to limit broadband use and offer programs only in standard, rather than high, definition — Brussels tells streaming companies to limit services as Facebook says managing traffic is a “challenge” — The EU has called on streaming services …
Discussion:
CNN, Engadget, CNBC, MediaNama, @adamchodak, The A.V. Club, @joebeone, @sedyst, @jmakamba, @financialtimes, @realjdittmer, CNET, Reuters and Fast Company, more at Techmeme »
Torsten Ingvaldsen / HYPEBEAST:
Report: the total streams for the top 200 most-streamed songs on Spotify dropped in Italy, the US, UK, France, and Spain, as users in the countries self-isolate — Data from Spotify may suggest that widespread self-isolation is to blame. — Olly Curtis/Getty Images
Todd Spangler / Variety:
Ampere Analysis study of Disney+ US subscriptions finds 50% of households with kids under 10, 42% with kids under 18, and 41% of 18-24-year-olds are subscribers — Disney Plus is one of the few bright spots in the Mouse House's business portfolio amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
Helen Coster / Reuters:
Disney files a warning with the SEC about disruptive effects from the pandemic on its business, including the pause in sports events and film and TV production — (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) said on Thursday the spread of the coronavirus could lead to consumer behavior changes, further disrupting its business.
Discussion:
Disney Advertising Sales and @neilcybart
Joshua Benton / Nieman Lab:
Alt-weeklies faced a double blow of ad revenue loss and distribution points closing this week; local magazines and news and arts sites will feel the pain too — COVID-19 is “a nearly perfect weapon against alternative weeklies.” In dozens of cities, papers are asking for donations …
Discussion:
The Guardian, American Press Institute, @jbenton, @lafrancois_j, @jeffreybillman, @scenesallard, @lafrancois_j, @jasonwbade, @jasonwbade, @lafrancois_j, Fox News, @trevoraaronson, @jasonwbade, @jasonwbade, @imleor, @glecharles, @c_cauterucci, @lowesays, @scenesallard, @sylamore1, @jbenton, @lafrancois_j, Detroit Metro Times and Creative Loafing
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Rachel Kurzius / DCist:
An overview of the effects of the pandemic on local DC outlets Washingtonian Magazine, Washington City Paper, Local News Now, and Brightest Young Things
Discussion:
@curious_kurz, @timcarman, @c_cauterucci, @nateclaydiller, @madsruns, @reporterjoe, @megreenwell, @curious_kurz and Washington City Paper
Jazmine Hughes / New York Times:
Profile of WNYC radio host Brian Lehrer and his thirty year-old-show, whose mix of sophistication and accessibility fosters a sense of community in New York — New York's beloved radio host is part Mister Rogers, part policy wonk. And he's doing his best to help a city in a pandemic keep its cool.
Todd Spangler / Variety:
Hulu is now available on Comcast's Xfinity Flex and will be available on X1 by the end of March; the deal doesn't include Hulu + Live TV — Hulu is at long last coming to Comcast Cable customers' set-top boxes. But the cable operator's distribution pact with Disney — which now controls Hulu …
Discussion:
The Streamable, Broadcasting & Cable, TechCrunch and MediaPost
Rani Molla / Vox:
Parse.ly: article views grew ~50% this week with those on coronavirus making up 13% of all views; Chartbeat: time spent actively reading is up 30% this week — A San Francisco newspaper headline announces the closure of large events on March 13, 2020. Eric Risberg/AP
Discussion:
Digiday, Nieman Lab, @cnyari, @niemanlab, Digital Content Next and What's New in Publishing, Thanks:@amontalenti
Patrick Shanley / Hollywood Reporter:
Verizon: US video game use during peak hours has risen 75% since last week, video streaming has grown 12%, and overall web traffic is up almost 20% — Video streaming has also seen a bump, up 12 percent during peak usage hours. — As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread and citizens …
Discussion:
The Wrap
Amanda Meade / The Guardian:
The CEO of AAP in Australia delays plans for closing the wire service in June after several unexpected bids emerged to buy the business — Australian Associated Press chief executive says a number of offers to buy the service have been received and shareholders will discuss the offer
Discussion:
@deadsexywaiter and The Straits Times
David Sharman / HoldtheFrontPage:
UK's regional dailies and some weeklies are jointly publishing a message to reassure readers and highlight trusted local news, using the slogan #ThereWithYou — The regional press industry has sent a united message of solidarity to the nation with more than 60 titles publishing identical …
Discussion:
@darrenthwaites, @marcreeves, @bradjones73, @mshelicat and @dailyechojames
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