NEW YORK—Future plc, the global platform for specialist media, has launched Next TV—a new digital brand covering the dynamic video streaming business.

The advent of streaming has led to the rise of video giants such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, and OTT video subscribers have tripled between 2015 and 2019, now at 590.4 million globally. From the industry’s leading voices in TV business news—publisher of Future brands Broadcasting+Cable and Multichannel News—Next TV is the new go-to resource for news, information and industry insight for leaders in streaming, data and technology.

“We are delighted to be launching Next TV as the industry is reinventing itself. We will tackle the myriad challenges and significant opportunities related to the TV industry's migration to digital and streaming video,” said Randi Schatz, vice president/market leader for Future’s Media & Entertainment brands.

Next TV features compelling editorial and video content on the services, programming, people, platforms and technology giving a complete 360-degree view into the streaming business. In addition, Next TV will also offer unique marketing, advertising, exclusive events and experiential marketing opportunities.

“Video streaming is a true watershed event that cuts across the world of technology, the TV industry and even popular culture with new challenges and opportunities for professionals and consumers alike. Next TV will focus on this new industry with timely reporting and insightful analysis,” said Bill Gannon, vice president and global editor-in-chief at Future.

In addition to the new website Next TV is launching a new weekly SmartBrief newsletter bringing streaming media professionals the top curated industry news from today’s most prominent media outlets.

WASHINGTON D.C. (Nov. 24, 2019) — Attendees at The Video Show, coming up on Wed. and Thurs., Dec. 4 and 5, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the Nation's Capital, will be getting more than just an exciting, video-focused exhibit floor and a conference with over 100 sessions. 

A range of information-rich features will be available in addition to the show's slate of content sessions and its FREE exhibition of the latest in video production, post and audio gear (where companies including Sony, Canon, AJA, and Nikon will take part). For a full rundown on the content streams, visit the conference web site.

• C-SPAN's Bus, an interactive mobile exhibit and production studio, will be on site.

• Podcasting expert Eric Nuzum, video producer Amy DeLouise and America's Cup documentarian Gary Jobson will sign copies of their new books.

• TIVA-DC will live stream both days, and AVNation will be producing live podcasts from the show

• Live VR demos will be provided by studio Balti Virtual, while AR expert Stephen Black will share his groundbreaking work.

Anyone with a floor pass to the exhibit space – FREE if you register before Tuesday, Dec. 3 – will have access to a range of innovative features designed to enhance The Video Show experience and provide them with even more actionable insight and knowledge. 

One of the largest conferences and exhibitions on the East Coast, it promises to be a must-attend event for everyone from working professionals to serious enthusiasts.

C-SPAN is There!

Attendees can tour the C-SPAN Bus, an interactive, multimedia mobile classroom and production studio that travels the country, showcasing the network's public affairs programming and resources. The high-tech, interactive C-SPAN Bus comprises: 

• Access to an exclusive interactive experience available on 11 large-screen tablets featuring C-SPAN programming and myriad of political and educational resources.

• A smart TV and classroom area for conversations with students and teachers.

• A high-definition TV production studio for taped and live programming.

• A 360-degree video station featuring C-SPAN's unfiltered coverage of high-profile events and insightful, behind-the-scenes tours of U.S. landmarks.

• A D.C.-themed selfie station where visitors can share their Bus experiences through social media.

TIVA-DC's Live Streaming Studio

TIVA-DC, the Television, Interactive & Video Association of D.C., will be streaming live from the show floor throughout both days. TIVA-DC is a not-for-profit trade group formed to serve the needs of the growing DC-area production community, including Maryland and Virginia. With its focus on the fast-growing local market, TIVA offers a range of career growth opportunities, tech seminars, educational outreach, mentoring and award ceremonies. Attendees are invited to stop by their booth at the exhibition hall to get a tour of their streaming set-up or sign up to be interviewed.

Read more: The Video Show Lands In Nation’s Capital For Inaugural Conference

Book Signing With Podcasting Expert Eric Nuzum

Eric Nuzum, a veteran of NPR and Audible, co-founder of Magnificent Noise and a leading podcast consultant, has had a hand in launching more than 130 podcasts, including some of the most successful out there like “TED Radio Hour,” “Invisibilia,” “Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel,” The Butterfly Effect” and “West Cork.” He'll be on hand both days to sign his brand-new book, “Make Noise: A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling.”

Book Signing With Producer and Educator Amy DeLouise

Video producer and author Amy DeLouise will be on site to sign copies of her new book, “Nonfiction Sound and Story for Film and Video: A Practical Guide for Filmmakers and Digital Content Creators (The Producer's Playbook).” Co-written with audio expert Cheryl Ottenritter, the book guides nonfiction storytellers in the art of creatively and strategically using sound to engage their audience and bring stories to life. 

Book signing With Sailing Pro, ESPN Commentator and Filmmaker Gary Jobson

Gary Jobson has spent 31 years with ESPN covering nine America's Cup events. During this time he's also covered six Olympics, produced many documentaries and competed in over 5,000 races. His TV work has won him Emmys, Telly's and an ACE Award, he's authored 19 books and he happened to be the tactician for Courageous, skippered by Ted Turner, when it won the America's Cup in 1977. A prolific lecturer, he'll be on site to sign copies of his books and will be presenting a special session.

Balti Virtual's VR Demos

The team from Balti Virtual (www.baltivirtual.com) will be hosting VR demos on the show floor on Wednesday, Dec. 4, and all attendees are invited to experience some of the VR projects they've completed. Balti Virtual has created VR experiences for such brands as Starbucks, Marvel, Hallmark, Under Armor, Budweiser and Stanley Black & Decker, and they understand the game-changing ability of this technology when it comes to commercial, corporate and government users. 

Artist Stephen Black's AR Demos

AR expert and author Stephen Black will be conducting demos throughout the show, and invites attendees to stop by his booth in the exhibition space to see what's possible with this fascinating technology. Black is an artist who's worked extensively in the areas of fine art, publishing and visual media, tapping AR and other new technologies to create content for broadcast and independent film. 

AV Nation's On-Site Podcasts

AVNation, the network for the audio visual industry, will be hosting a live podcast at The Video Show in Washington D.C. on Dec 4. Tim Albright, AVNation's founder, will be joined on stage by Megan A. Dutta, Content Director for Systems Contractor News, where they'll discuss the expo and current pro AV events. In addition to this session, AVNation will be podcasting from The Video Show exhibit floor, interviewing speakers, instructors, exhibitors and attendees. 

See Video Show Content in the Screening Room

Much of the content that's being discussed in The Video Show's content streams and studios will be available for screening in the conference's Screening Room, accessible to all attendees. In addition to a screening of the documentary 17 Blocks – whose filmmakers will be taking part in the Independent Film content stream – other video sources will include NASA, the National Parks Service, and World Wildlife Fund.

Connect with Your Colleagues

The Video Show represents an unparalleled opportunity for networking and making connections. A number of both national and local trade groups and associations will be on site and well-represented during the event, including SMPTE, TIVA-DC, AVIXA, WIFV, #GalsnGear and DDC. Attendees are invited to take full advantage of this unique gathering of industry leaders and influencers. 

Attendees can register now at The Video Show's registration page to save $25 and secure Early Bird rates for The Video Show's premium Studios. Registration for The Video Show is free through Dec. 3, allowing access to the 80+ exhibitors on the show floor. Early Bird rates for premium Studio content streams are $49 for a one-day Studio Access Pass and $75 for a two-day Studio Access Pass. At the door Dec. 4–5, registration for The Video Show goes up to $25, with one-day Studio Passes available for an additional $49 and two-day Studio Passes available for $75.

Media Contact and Press Registration: Anthony Vagnoni, avagnoni communications, 973-493-8736, anthony@avagnoni.com

Exhibit/Sponsorship Opportunities: Jackie Gospodinoff, jackie.gospodinoff@futurenet.com 

Speaker Opportunities: Cristina Clapp, cristina.clapp@futurenet.com

Meetings & Partnerships: Danielle Blanchette, Danielle.blanchette@futurenet.com

About The Video Show

A premier two-day event aimed at video professionals and enthusiasts alike, The Video Show encompasses every aspect of video and content creation, showcasing industry-leading brands and innovative tech startups and allowing attendees to discover and get hands-on experience with the latest gear and software. Serving the education, government, production, AV and broadcast sectors, as well as vloggers, online content creators and more, The Video Show also includes a robust program of seminars, live demos and masterclasses delivered by industry experts and inspirational speakers across 16 dedicated premium studios. The inaugural 2019 event takes place Dec. 4–5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. Learn more at https://www.thevideoshow.com/.

About Future PLC

Future is a global platform business for specialist media with diversified revenue streams. Its Media Technology group comprises such industry- leading brands as TV Technology, Digital Video, Video Edge, Government Video, Broadcast Engineering Extra, Radio World, College Media Brief and other titles. Future's wider brand family also includes technology, games, music, home interest, hobbies and B2B, with brands like TechRadar, PC Gamer, Tom's Guide, Homebuilding & Renovating Show, GamesRadar+, The Photography Show, Top Ten Reviews, Live Science, Guitar World, MusicRadar, Space.com and Tom's Hardware. Its magazine portfolio titles also include Classic Rock, Guitar Player, FourFourTwo, Homebuilding & Renovating, Digital Camera, Guitarist, How It Works, Total Film, What Hi-Fi? and Music Week. 

https://www.futureplc.com/

BATH, U.K.—Future Plc, which is the parent company to TV Technology, has announced that it has acquired Barcroft Studios, an award-winning digital media company that creates and distributes television and video content.

Barcroft’s mission is to celebrate incredible true stories that are aimed at 16-35 year olds. It primarily does this through its flagship brand Barcroft TV, a YouTube channel with 9 million subscribers and 63 million followers on social media. Other brands include “Born Different” and “Hooked on the Look,” but Barcroft Studios also produces content for broadcasters and streaming services, including Netflix, Channel 4, BBC, National Geographic and Discovery Network. Its content is also shared globally through platforms like Facebook Watch, Snapchat, MSA and Amazon.

In the last year, Barcroft has reported that its brands have achieved 1.4 billion views and were awarded Best Original Web Channel at the 2019 Broadcast Digital Awards. Channel 4 also recently commissioned the studio to create a series of new digital shorts.

Reports say that the deal is for $30.1 million and is expected to close by the end of November.

“I am so excited to welcome the team at Barcroft Studios to Future, especially after such an amazing year for both companies,” said Zillah Byng-Thorne, CEO of Future, in the official announcement. “Future is a platform with pioneering media at its heart, and I believe this aligns perfectly with Barcroft Studios’ vision of making content that disrupts and inspires. Through melding Future’s multiplatform brands and expertise in SEO and technology with Barcroft Studios’ exceptional video content, I believe we will create a unique opportunity.”

“We’re delighted to be joining the Future family,” said Sam Barcroft, Barcroft Studios CEO. “Combining Future’s world-class editorial teams and iconic media brands with our expertise in the creation and distribution of amazing TV and video is an exciting proposition. We have so many things in common, not least that journalism and innovation is also in our DNA and we’re excited to be taking our next step forward as part of future.

Barcroft Studios has more than 60 full-time staffers across London, New York and Delhi, with the majority in East London.

BATH. U.K.--Future plc, parent company of TV Technology has acquired SmartBrief, Inc., a US-based digital media publisher, for an initial sum of $45 million. The total consideration would be up to $65 million.

The transaction is expected to be earnings enhancing in the current financial year and in the first full year following completion.

The company said the initial consideration will include $32.2 million in cash funded from its existing debt facilities, with a further $12.8 million to be satisfied through the issue to the vendors of 1.03 million new ordinary shares.

The agreement also includes a deferred consideration based on certain financial targets achieved over the year ending July 31, 2020, which is subject to a cap of $20 million.

The majority of SmartBrief's share capital is owned by three founders, one of whom is still active in the business as CEO, who is expected to remain with SmartBrief post close.

Washington DC-based SmartBrief publishes targeted business news and information, combining technology and editorial expertise to deliver relevant industry news curated from over 1,500 sources. It recorded annual revenues of $35.1 million and adjusted EBITDA of $5.0 million.

SmartBrief operates in partnership with trade associations, professional societies, non-profits and corporations across a range of verticals including business, education, finance, health care, marketing & advertising, retail and food & travel.

Zillah Byng-Thorne, CEO of Future, said, "This acquisition will substantially boost our presence and market position in the B2B sector and enhance our proprietary technology capabilities."

WASHINGTON, D.C.—International media group and leading digital publisher Future PLC has announced the U.S. launch of The Video Show, to be held Dec. 4-5, 2019 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Future PLC is the parent company of TV Technology, Creative Planet Network, B&C, Multichannel News and other major media technology B2B brands. 

As the Mid-Atlantic region’s biggest event for video professionals and enthusiasts, The Video Show encompasses every aspect of video and content creation, showcasing a multitude of brands alongside a dedicated program of seminars, live demos and masterclasses throughout eight premium Studios. The inaugural U.S. event follows the successful U.K. launch of The Video Show, which debuted earlier this year in March in conjunction with The Photography Show at The NEC in Birmingham. The U.K. event drew 32,000 visitors and 300+ brands, including top industry names like Blackmagic Design, Canon, Nikon, Sennheiser and more.

Aimed at attracting attendees from a broad range of industries including production, broadcast, streaming, online/mobile media, events, newsgathering, government, education, AV, and more, The Video Show will allow enthusiasts and professionals alike to get their hands on the latest gear, try out new techniques, and learn about different aspects of videography from some of the best names in the industry.

• Read more: Call for Video Show Speakers and Sessions

Participants can expect to see hundreds of sessions across multiple tracks in The Video Show’s eight premium Studios, each delivering its own unique content including panel discussions, tutorials, keynote addresses and presentations delivered by experts in their fields, including:

· Independent Filmmaking

· Live Streaming

· Sports Production

· Nature & Wildlife Documentary Production

· Mobile Newsgathering

· Corporate Communications & Internal Video

· Weddings and Live Events

· The Editing Suite

· Military, Government & Publicly Funded Video

· Podcasting

· Audio Visual

· 360 Video and Virtual Reality

· Social Video

· The Future of Video

· News and Production in Washington, D.C.

· The Business of Video

· Video Production Essentials

“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing The Video Show to the United States,” said Jonny Sullens, Head of Events, Future. “Following on the success of the U.K. event earlier this year, we’re confident that The Video Show will become a must-attend video expo and conference for Washington, D.C. and Mid-Atlantic region video professionals and enthusiasts, as well many other visual storytellers, so they can remain at the top of their game.”

“In today’s rapidly evolving video production landscape, we’re excited to offer professional videographers a chance to get up close and personal with the best in the business,” said The Video Show conference director Cristina Clapp. “With eight specialized Studios of premium content focused on independent filmmaking, streaming, live events, sports production, web and mobile video, and the future of video and beyond, The Video Show has something for everyone.”

Register now at https://www.thevideoshow.com/begin to save $25 and secure Early Bird rates for The Video Show’s eight premium Studios! Registration for The Video Show is free through December 3, allowing access to the 80+ exhibitors on the show floor. Early Bird rates for premium Studio content are half-price: $24.50 for a one-day Studio Access Pass and $37.50 for a two-day Studio Access Pass. At the door December 4-5, registration for The Video Show goes up to $25, with one-day Studio Passes available for an additional $45 and two-day Studio Passes available for $75.

LONDON—TV Technology publisher NewBay Media has been acquired by Future for $13.8 million.

Based in London and New York, NewBay's substantial B2B portfolio operates in verticals including Electronics and Education, TV and Audio. Its business is mainly in the provision of conferences, magazines, events, digital content and data services. It also has a large consumer division in the Music vertical where it publishes magazines including Music Week, Bass Player, Guitar World and Electronic Musician.

The deal expands Future’s reach into the U.S. market and enhances its position in music and consumer electronics. In addition, the acquisition brings B2B titles in the complementary verticals of audio visual, television broadcasting and educational technology, which will further increase Future’s revenue diversification model whilst also bringing B2B expertise to its existing titles.

The acquisition increases Future’s total owned brands to more than 100 across print, events and online, with a total global reach of over 120 million.

Zillah Byng-Thorne, CEO of Future, said: “NewBay is clearly aligned with Future in its mission to create content that connects, with market leading titles. “This acquisition supports our strategy of growth organically and through acquisition, global expansion and revenue diversification. “We have a proven track record of acquisition and successful integration. This deal will be earnings enhancing and drive further organic growth in revenue and profitability in the first full year.”

Steve Palm, President & CEO of NewBay, added: “The NewBay team’s expertise in engaging business decision makers, and providing solutions to sellers around the globe—through events, digital content, and marketing services—complements Future’s capabilities, creating a unique platform and exciting growth trajectory.

"This combination will result in new and better opportunities for both NewBay and Future partners to expand reach and depth of customer interactions throughout the buyer’s journey. Delivering data-driven brand and product awareness, thought leadership and demand for our partners will only be enhanced.

"I am proud of the many accomplishments made by the NewBay team over the last few years in the areas of events, marketing services and digital content, and I am equally excited to work alongside my new colleagues at Future to further grow our ability to delight our millions of users and thousands of partners.”