UK Streaming Service Freely Launches; Amazon Ads Sees 24% Growth; Google Strengthens Ad Partnerships with Disney & Paramount

by Aimee Newell Tarín on 1st May 2024 in News

On today’s news digest: UK Streaming Service Freely Launches; Amazon Ads Sees 24% Growth; Google Strengthens Ad Partnerships with Disney & Paramount

Freely, the streaming service backed by the UK’s major broadcasters (the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5) launched on Tuesday. The service, operated by Everyone TV, allows users to stream live TV alongside on-demand content for free through smart TV decides. This marks the first time all of the UK’s public-service broadcasters have collaborated in streaming. Channels and on-demand content from STV and S4C – Scotland and Wales’ public-broadcasters, respectively – will also be made available on Freely.

In the advertising landscape, Amazon Ads is seeing significant growth. It saw a 24% rise between 2022 and 2023, increasing from $38bn (£30.3bn) to $47bn (£37.4bn). In a recent presentation, Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy, attributed this success primarily to the company’s sponsored ads.

Google also had an announcement to share with advertisers at its NewFront presentation this week: the tech giant has introduced a range of ad updates to its Display & Video 360. Google highlights the strengthening of its relationships with streaming partners including Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros Discovery, to allow advertisers more placement options for their campaigns. A new tool, instant deals, will give marketers the option to configure customised deals with publishers from the Disney & Video 360 interface, among other features.