Paramount’s new soccer deal: A game-changer for Australian fans
Paramount Australia and Football Australia have inked a groundbreaking multi-year, multi-platform agreement to broadcast an extensive package of soccer games featuring both the men’s national team (Socceroos) and the women’s national team (Matildas). This deal, which extends through 2028, was facilitated by IMG and will be available on Network 10 and Paramount+ in Australia.
A new era for women’s soccer
Network 10 and Paramount+ will exclusively broadcast all matches of the Australian women’s senior national team for the next four years. This includes the highly anticipated FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 and the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. This move is a significant step forward in promoting women’s soccer and providing fans with unparalleled access to their favorite matches.
Men’s soccer coverage
The agreement also encompasses the men’s senior national team matches, including all AFC Asian Qualifiers (FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers final round), with the exception of the FIFA World Cup 2026 itself. This comprehensive coverage ensures that fans won’t miss a moment of the action as the Socceroos strive for international glory.
Strategic moves for growth
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, emphasized the strategic importance of reacquiring the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) national team rights and securing the broadcast rights to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027. These moves are designed to maximize control over content, enhance fan accessibility, and unlock new revenue streams. Johnson highlighted that bringing as much national team content as possible to a multi-platform partner was a key objective from a fan’s perspective.
Korean content collaboration: Expanding global reach
The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with BBC Studios and Southeast Asian video streaming platform Viu to expand the production, investment, and distribution of global broadcast and video content. The signing ceremony took place at the Broadcast Worldwide (BCWW) 2024 Convention in Seoul.
Addressing production challenges
This collaboration aims to tackle the limitations and challenges in the South Korean broadcast and video content production environment, such as rising production costs for dramas and a decrease in programming for factual genres like documentaries in humanities, science, nature, society, and trends. KOCCA president Hyun-rae Jo expressed optimism that this partnership will be a significant turning point in expanding the global reach of K-content.
‘The Apprentice’ to hit South Korean theaters
The Apprentice, a drama film directed by Ali Abbasi about former U.S. President Donald Trump, is set for a theatrical release in South Korea this October. The film, with rights licensing handled by the U.K.’s Rocket Science, has been picked up by Noori Pictures. The release date is set for October 23, just after the Chuseok holidays and the Busan festival, and two weeks ahead of the U.S. presidential election, where Trump is again a candidate.
Rialto Distribution’s new digital director
Rialto Distribution, an Australian film distributor, has appointed Steve Granger as digital director to oversee the company’s transactional digital distribution. Granger brings over 23 years of industry experience, having previously served as general sales manager at Roadshow, where he managed digital sales and strategic initiatives for Roadshow Films, Warner Bros., and HBO across Australia and New Zealand.
Strategic partnerships and growth
Rialto has reported unprecedented growth over the past 12 months, thanks in part to its partnership with U.K.-based Vertigo Releasing, which led to the launch of Galaxy Pictures, and a strategic alliance with Kismet Movies. These collaborations have enabled Rialto to jointly acquire a curated selection of films, contributing to its success.
Maoyan’s earnings dip
Maoyan, the Chinese movie ticketing firm listed on the Hong Kong stock market, experienced a 30% drop in net profits in the first six months of the year, amounting to RMB284 million ($39.7 million). Revenues slipped by just 1% to RMB2.17 billion ($303 million). The company is diversifying away from the cinema ticketing business and was involved as a co-distributor of 32 Chinese movies and as an investor-producer in a further 20 during the January-June period. Maoyan is also expanding its operations in ticketing for live events.
For more information on the latest movies and TV series, check out the trailers and details on Movie and TV Trailers. For music enthusiasts, explore the latest albums and songs on Spotify.