Weekly news round-up: Obamas sign Netflix deal & 5G standard finalised

Barack and Michelle Obama sign Netflix deal
The former President and First Lady of the USA have confirmed a production deal with Netflix to work on scripted and unscripted series, documentaries, film and features across multiple years. Variety reported signing the Obamas is the latest and certainly the highest-profile producers the streaming giant has confirmed. Last year, Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes and Glee creator Ryan Murphy also confirmed production deals.

Samsung initiates 5G phase-1 standard
Bringing together 1500 standards experts, Samsung Electronics has hosted the official meeting to approve the 3GPP plenary with the primary objective to finalise the relevant standard technologies for 5G commercialisation. According to Telecoms, RAN working groups will confirm the final technologies for 5G wireless access for ultra-high-speed data transfer and low latency. It is expected to be completed by the end of June.

Facebook refuses compensation after scandal
In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook has refused users who had their data harvested and sold any form of compensation. Based on the fact no bank account details, credit card numbers or national ID numbers were shared, the social media giant deemed no harm was caused and no reimbursement was necessary, reported the Telegraph.

Sony takes control of EMI Music Publishing
Sony has bought a controlling stake in EMI Music Publishing enabling it to have control over two million songs from artists including Queen, Alicia Keys and Pharrell Williams. The deal worth $2.3 billion will make Sony the world’s biggest music publisher, and will add to the rights of the Beatles catalogue which it already owns. In an announcement, Sony said it was focussed on building a strong intellectual property (IP) portfolio.

Comcast to outbid Disney for Fox
Comcast has confirmed it plans to challenge Disney’s $54.2 billion bid for a major stake in the 21st Century Fox empire. NBC News reported that Fox and Disney have said they are continuing with the planned merger despite the cash offer, which would be worth more than Disney’s bid. For now, the deal remains in doubt however it is likely a superior cash offer would trump the original bid.

Cyber-attack warning ahead of Champions League final
The Ukraine state security service (SBU) has warned of a possible cyber-attack on state bodies and private companies ahead of the UEFA Champions League football final in Kiev. Critical infrastructure, including infection of broadcast software and hardware is likely to be the target, according to Reuters.

Tech firms struggle with GDPR
Pinterest’s Instapaper service, film and TV review app Stardust, and Unroll.me, a service that promises to declutter inboxes of spam, as well as a group of start-up companies, have announced they will ban EU users from accessing services from Friday when the new global data protection regulation (GDPR) comes into action. According to the BBC, lack of resource for small businesses and complex compliance issues has resulted in the short notice for EU users.

SES to showcase first 8K TV broadcast
Satellite operator SES has announced its plan to showcase 8K television at the company’s Industry Day conference in May as part of a demonstration of product offerings coming in the next twelve months. The 8K content promises frame rates of 60fps and 10-bit colour depth native to 8K camera footage, reported Rapid TV News.

Manchester Granada studios to undergo revamp
The Old Granada Studios building in Manchester is set to begin a transformation next month. According to TVB Europe, the building will become a “digital and creative hub”, with TV studios two, six, eight and 12 refurbished. All Studios, Allied London’s studio business will operate in the space, having signed Peaky Blinders, Safe, Wanderlust and Snatch.