According to recent reports, there are more than 200 live TV and on-demand streaming services available today. The most popular streaming services, we believe, have become integral parts of modern entertainment. (They were even a massive point of discussion during the historic WGA + SAG-AFTRA strikes that took place last year.) With streaming services, how people consume content has completely transformed; in what many would argue are the majority of cases, streaming has revitalized entertainment.
At any rate, streaming is – without the thinnest thread of doubt – here to stay. In that vein (and totally as expected), plenty of top industry leaders have clocked this streaming surge, and many are eyeing acquisitions in this space due to the immense value therein. (e.g. diversified offerings, new customers/subscribers being attracted to what’s available to stream, comprehensive entertainment overhaul opportunities, smartly targeted – and lucrative – advertising potential, and so on)
So, with the video streaming platform market now valued at over $500 billion and expected growth climbing towards $1.9 trillion by 2030 (representing a CAGR of 19.3%), communications companies in particular will be wanting in on more of the action.
Enter Block Communications, Inc. (or BCI, the parent company of MSP Expo Silver sponsor Telesystem).
This week, BCI officially announced its acquisition of the intellectual property and assets of Zone·tv Inc., which it has described as “a fast-rising competitor in the video streaming industry.”
Acquired from ES3 in a transaction that is expected to help fuel the platform’s long-term growth strategy (while securing a major foothold in the video streaming space for BCI, all the same), Zone·tv’s “no barriers” approach to streaming is free and reportedly doesn’t require any specialized devices or hardware.
Moreover, Zone·tv’s claim as “the only ad-supported streaming service that doesn’t interrupt content while it’s played,” is big. The company seeks to address widespread viewer concerns regarding ad-supported streaming; namely, untimely ad splicing. This consumer-focused approach also touches on the content rights that owners need for monetization through greater ad fill and higher CPMs driven by the premium experience it providers today’s consumers.
Zone·tv also has distribution agreements in place with huge industry players like Comcast (News - Alert), Xfinity, Xumo, Cox, Rogers, TiVo, Roku, iOS and Android, as well as relationships with content producers such as independent studio Magnolia Pictures. (Zone·tv brings to market – via its Zone·tv Studio suite of tools – a highly personalized user experience by allowing viewers to easily identify and request content they prefer with the single click of a button.)
“With this acquisition, BCI demonstrates our commitment to a new era of video via streaming television technology,” said Allan Block, Chairman and CEO of BCI.
“We believe in the model Zone·tv has created,” added Jodi Miehls, President of BCI. “Streaming’s place in the TV business is only going to become more powerful, and Zone·tv will ensure that BCI is on the leading edge of this exciting phase on a national scale.”
“BCI’s investment is a strong endorsement of the innovative, independent service we’re building,” stated Jeff Weber (News - Alert), CEO of Zone·tv. “This investment will allow Zone·tv to aggressively pursue opportunities to attract more customers, studios and compelling new content.”
Read more about Telesystem on MSP Today, where fellow Editor Greg Tavarez wrote about the company receiving INTERNET TELEPHONY Magazine’s 2023 Cybersecurity Excellence Award.
Telesystem is a Silver sponsor of MSP Expo, taking place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, February 13-15, 2024. Part of the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, MSP Expo is the premier event for MSPs, offering a three-day experience combining conference education, networking opportunities, an exhibit hall full of the latest technologies and solutions to help MSPs build their business, and more. Telesystem will be in Booth #823 in the exhibit hall.
Edited by
Alex Passett
