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
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