Latest news with #digitalcontent
Gulf Business
14 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
UAE launches Advertiser Permit: New rules every brand should know
Image credit: WAM/Website The Read- The initiative is part of a broader framework aimed at creating a flexible, forward-looking regulatory environment that aligns with the fast-paced evolution of the media industry. It also aims to enhance content quality, boost sector appeal for investment, and attract creative talent and skilled professionals, The permit is designed to protect the rights of both content creators and the public by introducing clear guidelines for digital advertising. It seeks to reinforce transparency, uphold professional standards, and strengthen the UAE's status as a global hub for advertising content production. Regulating a rapidly evolving industry Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, said the launch marks a key milestone in developing the country's media governance. 'This initiative is a pivotal step in evolving the regulatory ecosystem for advertising activities across digital platforms,' Al Shehhi stated. 'It reflects our vision of building an integrated media model that aligns with digital progress and strengthens governance through defined standards that protect public rights.' He emphasised the importance of creating a media environment rooted in transparency and credibility, adding that the permit introduces clear advertising guidelines that enhance user trust and align with ongoing digital transformations. Al Shehhi highlighted the UAE's growing appeal as a global destination for digital creatives, citing the country's advanced infrastructure, flexible legislative framework, and investor-friendly environment as major contributors to its success. 'We are committed to supporting the content economy as a key component of the future economy,' he added. 'Creative talent is the foundation of this rapidly growing sector, both locally and internationally.' Permit details and implementation timeline Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Strategy and Media Policy Sector at the UAE Media Council, said the Advertiser Permit is a regulatory tool that empowers content creators and ensures higher quality in digital advertisements. The permit will be mandatory for all individuals engaged in digital advertising and will take effect in three months. This lead time allows content creators to regularise their status and apply for the required approvals. To encourage compliance, the permit will be issued free of charge for the first three years. Existing valid permits will remain in force until they expire, after which renewal applications can be submitted. Al Suwaidi urged businesses and institutions to engage only with individuals licensed by the council, in line with professional standards, to ensure the quality and reliability of advertising content. In addition, Visitor Advertiser Permits will be activated simultaneously with the full implementation of the system. The council plans to announce a list of approved advertising and talent agencies in the near future. Exemptions and compliance requirements Not all individuals will be required to obtain the permit. Exemptions include: Individuals promoting products or services of their own or of companies they own, using personal accounts Individuals under 18 involved in educational, cultural, athletic, or awareness campaigns, provided these align with applicable age classification laws However, even exempt users must still comply with UAE media content standards. The permit number must be clearly displayed on registered social media accounts. Moreover, no advertisement may be published unless it originates from an account officially registered with the council and tied to a valid permit. Permit holders are also prohibited from allowing other individuals or entities to post advertisements through their accounts. In cases where additional regulatory approvals are required—depending on the nature of the advertisement—permit holders must obtain such approvals before publishing the content. Visitor advertiser permit guidelines The newly introduced Visitor Advertiser Permit is specifically for foreign content creators visiting the UAE for short-term promotional activities. Applicants must register through a licensed and council-approved advertising or talent management agency authorized to operate in the UAE. The Visitor Advertiser Permit will be valid for three months, with a one-time renewal option for an additional three months.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Creators HQ, Snapchat partner to empower region's creative economy
Creators HQ, the region's first dedicated hub for digital content creators, has partnered with Snapchat in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to launch a long-term initiative aimed at empowering creators across the GCC and beyond. The partnership will bring to life a calendar of programs including Snap Schools, AR masterclasses, talks by guest speakers and creators, and on-ground AR activations all designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and growth within the region's creator ecosystem. To kickstart the newly established partnership, Creators HQ and Snapchat hosted the first Snap School this Thursday with over 50 notable content creators in attendance. The session offered hands-on training, platform insights, and direct engagement with Snapchat experts equipping creators with the tools, trends, and strategies needed to succeed on the platform. The partnership stems from a shared commitment to support the rapidly growing community of Snapchat creators who continue to inspire audiences across the region. As Snapchat continues to evolve into a true companion for creators, personally and professionally, it is shaping a space where authenticity, transparency, and trust are the guiding principles. Alia Alhammadi, Vice Chairperson of the UAE Government Media Office, said, 'At Creators HQ, we are committed to empowering creators in the region through targeted educational initiatives. By delivering programmes in collaboration with our partners, we help creators produce meaningful content that fosters growth and sustainable income.' Alhammadi continued, 'Partnering with Snapchat marks a strategic step in our mission to support and develop talented content creators in the region. We look forward to joining efforts and helping creators level up their skills and create impactful content that celebrates and elevates digital creativity.' In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dr. Mohammad AlGhfeli, Managing Director of Creators HQ, stated that this partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the rapidly growing Snapchat creator community, which continues to inspire audiences across the region. He emphasised that as Snapchat seeks to strengthen its position as a genuine and trusted partner for creators, both personally and professionally, the platform remains dedicated to building a digital ecosystem grounded in authenticity, transparency, and trust. 'We've been truly inspired by the incredible creativity of creators across the region,' said Hussein Freijeh, Vice President at Snap Inc. MENA. 'This partnership with Creators HQ marks a strategic investment in the next generation of storytellers, giving them the tools, mentorship, and monetisation opportunities to grow their presence and impact.' Freijeh continued, 'We believe equipping creators with the right knowledge and tools is the foundation for growing our creative community on Snapchat. Our goal is to empower creators with the tools and confidence to produce inspiring content and experiences that create positive impact, while staying true to who they are. Snapchat makes it easy to create authentic, spontaneous content without being tied to a niche. We're focused on supporting a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem, one where established creators and celebrities as well as homegrown talent can thrive. " Snapchat is also actively expanding its monetisation tools, helping creators turn passion into a profession. Through programmes like the Spotlight and Stories Reward programmes, Creator Marketplace integrations, creators can explore several ways to monetise their content while staying true to their creative vision. Snapchat is also doubling down on Augmented Reality (AR) in the region, recognising its power to spark imagination, boost engagement, and fuel innovation. With over 300 million people engaging with AR on Snapchat every day, the platform continues to be a global leader in this space. To support developers and creators alike, Snapchat will be hosting masterclasses utilising Lens Studio, allowing creators to build an AR experience in minutes. In an effort to nurture a thriving regional AR ecosystem, the partnership offers educational programmes, technical tools, and global visibility for MENA-based AR talent. Looking ahead, Snapchat and Creators HQ will continue rolling out new initiatives, including deeper programming tied to Spectacles, Snap's stand-alone, see-through AR glasses with the goal of pushing creative boundaries and supporting digital upskilling across the region. This partnership marks a significant step in building a sustainable and inclusive creator economy, one where innovation thrives, creators are rewarded, and authentic storytelling is celebrated.
The Guardian
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Charlotte Otton: the 10 funniest things I have ever seen (on the internet)
I love internet. I love screen. I love laugh. I'm a certified eight-hour-a-day screen user. I'm like a little iPad kid except I'm a six-foot-two, 31-year-old woman. Getting access to the family computer at 10 years old sparked something in me. It unlocked the deep, dark and wonderful world of the internet and my profound desire to explore every corner of it. Unfortunately for me, my algorithm at the moment is feeding me the worst the internet has to offer. My show I Watched Someone Die on TikTok forces me to watch, save and muse on mostly distressing digital content. Fortunately for you, though, gorgeous internet stranger, this list is all the delightful and joyous things I've witnessed on the internet. Please enjoy my curated list (and then please buy tickets to my show. I promise the show itself is not distressing and is in fact very sexy, fun and fresh.) This is a classic. It's the embodiment of everything going so wrong during a live performance but you having the chutzpah to power through and publicly call out everyone around you for it going downhill. A masterclass in diva-ism. I never call for 'line' onstage. I simply say, 'Where my background singers?' This article includes content provided by TikTok. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'. Look, is it funny? No. Is it delightful, soothing, scary, awe-inspiring, never before seen, adorable, bus, club, another club, the absolute best use of AI? Everyone in my life says no. Another true diva. What I like about this video is Kim's earnestness as she delivers this showstopping scat. Personally, I'm requesting that 'well he bit all the he-dogs and winked at all the she-dogs' be sampled into a DJ mix and played at my funeral. Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning Vic Michaelis is a genius and they are, in fact, very important. This talkshow consists of improvised interviews with comedians playing surreal characters. You can watch the full eps on Dropout or via the very generous free official shorts platform on YouTube. I love this little freak made out of rocks so much. A choir of 30 gay men singing about moments in film you didn't realise were gay. If you're ever feeling depresso, please watch this three-minute clip to immediately make you feel better. I love when so much time, resources and talent go into creating a piece so SILLY. Sign up to Saved for Later Catch up on the fun stuff with Guardian Australia's culture and lifestyle rundown of pop culture, trends and tips after newsletter promotion This article includes content provided by TikTok. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'. Jake's topical and ultra-silly ballads are everything right about TikTok and gen Z. He takes the overwhelming feeling of world-ending despair circulating in our feeds and turns it into little ditties that soothe your rotted brain. Caleb is one of my favourite comedians and his interview with Ziwe is incredible. He's so witty and talented it makes me sick. This article includes content provided by TikTok. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'. What we know: AI poses extreme risks to society and humanity. What we also know: when someone puts this AI filter on a dog I immediately feel very good. My friend's dog recently passed and I thought sending her videos of her dog with this filter on it would cheer her up. Again, everyone in my life said no. Fergie has had some iconic live performances (notably the 2018 national anthem performance). For me, this one takes the cake for most insane and most impressive. One of the best Conan segments was getting the sweetest, most polite man alive (Jack McBrayer) and putting him in confrontational situations. This video is peak late night to me. I went to the Wieners Circle in 2015 to see if the staff actually act like this and when I ordered a hotdog they said, 'You want a dick in a bun?'. Being a 20-year-old virgin at the time, the only response I could muster was 'no onions please'. Charlotte Otton is an award-winning theatre maker. Her show I Watched Someone Die on TikTok has picked up five-star reviews in Perth and Melbourne and is heading to Pact for Sydney fringe festival from 3 to 13 September
Malay Mail
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Communications Ministry: Proposed Finas Act amendment aligns with technological advancements
KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — The proposed amendment to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Act 1981 was among the matters discussed during a meeting held yesterday between Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, his deputy Teo Nie Ching, and Finas members. In a Facebook post last night, Teo said the proposed amendment to the Act was an important step to keep pace with the evolving technological landscape and current trends in digital content production. 'With the commitment and cooperation of all parties, I am confident that the country's creative industry can grow in a more rapid, inclusive and sustainable manner. 'Finas will continue to play an important role in building an ecosystem that supports local talent, drives innovation and elevates Malaysia as a respected regional content hub,' she said. The meeting was also attended by Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa. Teo, in the same post, also congratulated the remarkable success of Ejen Ali The Movie 2, which has now been officially recognised as the highest-grossing animated film in Malaysian film history. She also extended her congratulations to the drama series Bidaah, which has recorded more than 2.5 billion views on digital platforms and social media. — Bernama
Globe and Mail
17-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights Netflix, Roku Inc. and Bilibili
For Immediate Release Chicago, IL – July 17, 2025 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses Netflix NFLX, Roku Inc. ROK and Bilibili BILI. Industry: Broadcast Radio & TV The Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry has been grappling with an escalation in cord-cutting despite a surge in demand for streaming content. However, industry players, such as Netflix, Roku Inc. and Bilibili are reaping the benefits of a massive spike in digital content consumption. These companies are thriving due to their diverse content offerings, which include original, regional, and short-form content tailored for small screens like smartphones and tablets. Improved Internet speed and penetration, coupled with technological advancements, have been advantageous for industry participants. As monetization and revenues from advertising spending continue to be modest, strategies focused on profit protection, cash management and greater technology integration have gained significance and are expected to aid these companies in driving top-line growth in the near term. Industry Description The Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry encompasses companies that provide entertainment, sports, news, non-fiction, and musical content across television, radio, and digital media platforms. These entities generate revenues through the sale of television and radio programs, advertising slots and subscriptions. With technological advancements and a growing demand for virtual reality and Internet radio, industry players are increasing their investments in research and development, as well as sales and marketing efforts, to remain competitive. The industry's focus is likely to shift toward sustaining current levels of operations, coupled with a renewed emphasis on flexibility. This approach would accelerate the transition to a variable cost model, thereby reducing fixed costs and enhancing agility in the face of evolving market dynamics. 4 Broadcast Radio and Television Industry Trends to Watch Shift in Consumer Preference a Key Catalyst: To adapt to the evolving landscape, companies are diversifying their content offerings for over-the-top (OTT) services alongside traditional linear TV. The availability of streaming services across a wide range of platforms has enabled them to reach a global audience, expand their international user base and attract advertisers to their platforms, thereby boosting ad revenues. The utilization of services that aid advertisers in measuring their return on investment and enhancing use cases is expected to benefit industry participants. Major leagues and events, such as the NFL, NHL, Olympics, European Games, EPL and elections, also contribute significantly to ad revenue generation. Increased Digital Viewing Fuels Content Demand: Many industry participants, either launching their own OTT services or acquiring existing ones, leverage user insights to deliver tailored content. The surge in digital viewing has made consumer data readily available, allowing companies to apply artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to create or procure targeted content. This approach not only boosts user engagement but also enables industry players to raise the prices of their services at opportune moments without the fear of losing subscribers. Uncertain Macroeconomic Landscape Impedes Production and Ad Demand: Advertising is a significant revenue source for the Broadcast Radio and Television industry. However, industry participants are grappling with the effects of persistently high inflation, rising interest rates, increased capital costs, a soaring U.S. dollar and the looming threat of a recession. These factors have prompted advertisers to trim their ad budgets, which is expected to impact the top-line growth of industry players in the near term. Moreover, intense competition for ad dollars from tech and social media companies has been a significant impediment to the growth of industry participants. Low-Priced Skinny Bundles Impact Revenues: The surge in cord-cutting has compelled industry participants to offer "skinny bundles." These Internet-based services often contain fewer channels than traditional subscriptions and are, therefore, more affordable. This move aligns with changing consumer viewing dynamics, as growth in Internet penetration and advancements in mobile, video and wireless technologies have boosted small-screen viewing. While these alternative services are expected to keep users engaged with their platforms, increasing the need for additional content, the low-priced skinny bundles are likely to dampen the top-line performance of industry players. Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dull Prospects The Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry is housed within the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector. It currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #176, which places it in the bottom 28% of more than 250 Zacks industries. The group's Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates dismal near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than two to one. The industry's position in the bottom 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries results from a negative earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are pessimistic about this group's earnings growth potential. Despite the gloomy industry outlook, a few stocks are worth watching, as these have the potential to outperform the market based on a strong earnings outlook. But before we present such stocks, it is worth first looking at the industry's shareholder returns and current valuation. Industry Beats Sector, S&P 500 The Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500 Index in the past year. The industry has returned 70.9% over this period compared with the S&P 500's growth of 12.1% and the broader sector's appreciation of 24.3%. Industry's Current Valuation On the basis of trailing 12-month Enterprise Value/ Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization (EV/EBITDA), which is a commonly used multiple for valuing Broadcast Radio and Television stocks, the industry is currently trading at 19.39X versus the S&P 500's 17.71X and the sector's 11.27X. In the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 21.4X and as low as 4.69X, recording a median of 10.36X. 3 Broadcast Radio and Television Stocks to Buy Bilibili: This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company presents compelling investment opportunities, driven by strong operational improvements and strategic positioning. The company's first-quarter 2025 results demonstrated remarkable progress with 24% revenue growth to RMB7 billion, a 99% reduction in GAAP net loss to just RMB11 million, and gross profit margins expanding to 36.3% from 28.3% year over year. Gaming revenues surged 76% while advertising revenues grew 20%, with performance-based ads increasing more than 30%. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The platform's user engagement remains robust with 107 million daily active users spending 108 minutes daily, while monthly paying users reached a record 32 million. Bilibili's dominant position among China's Gen Z demographic, combined with successful cost-cutting initiatives and improving profitability metrics, positions the stock favorably for continued growth as the company approaches its long-term margin targets. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has increased 24.6% to $0.71 per share in the past 60 days. BILI shares have gained 31.7% year to date. Netflix: Based on Netflix's future projections, the streaming giant presents a compelling investment opportunity. This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has set an ambitious target to double its revenues by 2030 and achieve a $1 trillion market capitalization. Netflix's growth strategy includes expanding its content library, developing live programming options, enhancing its gaming division, and building its advertising business. These strategic initiatives are expected to drive significant revenue and profit growth in the coming years. The company is still targeting a 29% operating margin for 2025 based on F/X rates as of Jan. 1, 2025. Netflix demonstrates strong financial discipline alongside growth. The ad-supported subscription tier has become a significant success story for Netflix. According to company data, more than 55% of new subscribers in markets where it's available are choosing the ad-supported option. This has led management to project advertising revenues reaching $9 billion annually by 2030, representing an increasing portion of Netflix's total revenues. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has moved north by 0.5% to $25.45 per share in the past 30 days. NFLX shares have returned 41.1% year to date. Roku: This Zacks Rank #2 company has been strengthening its position in the U.S. ad-supported streaming market by focusing on platform innovation. The Roku Channel became the #2 app on its platform by engagement in the United States in the first quarter of 2025, driven by improvements to the AI-powered content row that has been boosting viewer engagement, ad reach and subscriptions. The Home Screen has been reaching more than 125 million people daily, serving as a key launch point for advertisers. Roku's ad partnerships and shoppable formats have been unlocking new monetization avenues. A recent deal with Amazon Ads expanded reach to an estimated 80 million CTV homes. Roku has been investing in new ad products and measurement tools, expected to roll out in the second half of 2025. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has remained steady at a loss of 18 cents per share in the past 60 days. In the year-to-date period, ROKU shares have gained 22.3%. Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months. Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates. Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@ Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double" Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >> Netflix, Inc. (NFLX): Free Stock Analysis Report Rockwell Automation, Inc. (ROK): Free Stock Analysis Report Bilibili Inc. Sponsored ADR (BILI): Free Stock Analysis Report
