Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC, has announced a new partnership with streaming platform Kick. This partnership also includes opening an official Kick account for global streaming.
According to UFC, its partnership with Kick is a direction for its global marketing partnership. UFC will have its own dedicated channel, which features “compelling original UFC content such as fight watchalongs, press conferences, behind-the-scenes access, athlete interviews, and more.” As a plus for KICK, it will be named an official partner of UFC and “will be integrated within a selection of UFC’s biggest events around the world.”
KICK is an on-demand video live-streaming platform and a large competitor to Amazon’s Twitch. During UFC matches globally, Kick will be offered high-visibility branding. UFC and Kick hopes to receive more visibility across hundreds of millions of households with their partnership.
“KICK will first activate the new partnership around this week’s action-packed UFC 308: TOPURIA vs HOLLOWAY in Abu Dhabi, a milestone that marks the 20th UFC event held in the UAE over the past 15 years,” UFC.
“We’re thrilled to begin our relationship with KICK by becoming a major element of their innovative streaming service, joining some of KICK’s most well-known streamers, including Westcol, and Adin Ross,” said Nicholas Smith, Vice President of Global Partnerships for TKO. “We’re looking forward to our KICK channel becoming a strong, reliable platform to drive awareness for all our live UFC events, while enhancing the UFC live experience with unique, compelling content for UFC fans around the world.”
“We are delighted to partner with UFC to bring amazing content and behind-the-scenes access to our audience on KICK,” said Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at KICK. “We look forward to the launch of the UFC channel this week, with our branding set to appear on the canvas at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, our very own Max Holloway competing for the featherweight title, and unmissable UFC content streaming for the first time live on KICK. Make sure you tune in and engage in the chat.”
Will Smith holds one of Hollywood’s most impressive records, which might remain unbroken for a long time. He is the “only actor in the history of Hollywood to have 8 consecutive films make more than $100 million in the box office,” according to an X account.
Will Smith is undoubtedly one of the finest actors of his generation. The way he embodies his characters has to be studied.
Fans made a list of 17 consecutive films that have grossed over $100 million, but the list excludes The Legend of Bagger Vance, Focus, and Seven Pounds, which grossed $70,000,000.
Here’s the full list and how much they have currently made:
In today’s digital world, the way we consume entertainment has Improved significantly. Gone are the days when cable TV reigned supreme as the primary source of television content. With the rise of digital streaming services, we as viewers now have more options than ever before. But with this abundance of choices comes the inevitable question:
Which one is truly worth my hard-earned money? Let’s look into the comparison between digital streaming services and cable TV to help make an informed decision.
Cost Comparison
Monthly Subscription Fees: When it comes to cost, digital streaming services often appear to be the more affordable option at first glance. With subscription plans typically ranging from 3,000 Naira to 15,000 per month on platforms like Netflix, they seem like a bargain compared to the hefty monthly bills associated with cable TV. However, it’s essential to consider additional costs and hidden fees that may accrue over time.
Content Variety
Selection of TV Shows and Movies: One of the most significant advantages of digital streaming services is the vast array of content they offer. From blockbuster movies to binge-worthy TV shows, there’s something for everyone’s taste and preferences. Moreover, streaming platforms often provide exclusive access to original content that can’t be found elsewhere.
Convenience and Accessibility
Availability on Multiple Devices: Gone are the days of being tethered to your living room couch to watch your favorite shows. Digital streaming services allow you to access content on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. Whether you’re at home or on the go, you can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows with ease.
Quality of Viewing Experience
Streaming Quality and Resolution: One of the key factors that set digital streaming services apart from cable TV is the quality of the viewing experience. With high-definition and even 4K resolution options available, streaming platforms deliver crystal-clear images and immersive audio that rival traditional television broadcasts.
Ease of Navigation: Navigating through the vast library of content offered by digital streaming services is a breeze thanks to user-friendly interfaces. Intuitive menus, personalized recommendations, and search functionalities make it easy to discover new content tailored to your interests.
Exclusive Features
DVR Capabilities: While cable TV has long offered DVR (Digital Video Recorder) functionality, many streaming services now provide similar features. Users can record their favorite shows and movies to watch later, giving them greater flexibility and control over their viewing experience.
Reliability and Technical Issues
Buffering and Streaming Problems: One of the downsides of digital streaming services is the occasional occurrence of buffering and streaming issues. Factors such as internet speed and network congestion can impact the quality of the streaming experience, leading to interruptions and frustration for viewers.
Image from Roku
Customer Service and Support
Response Time to Inquiries: When it comes to customer service, cable TV providers have historically received their fair share of criticism for long wait times and poor responsiveness. In contrast, many digital streaming services offer prompt and efficient support through online chat, email, or phone, ensuring that users’ issues are addressed promptly.
Flexibility of Packages
Customization Options: Unlike traditional cable TV packages, which often come with fixed channel lineups and pricing tiers, digital streaming services offer greater flexibility and customization. Users can choose from a variety of subscription plans tailored to their specific viewing preferences and budgetary constraints.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
Growth of Streaming Services: The exponential growth of digital streaming services in recent years is a testament to their increasing popularity among consumers. With more and more viewers opting to cut the cord and embrace streaming, the future of television seems firmly rooted in the digital realm.
Environmental Impact
Energy Consumption Comparison: In addition to the economic considerations, it’s essential to examine the environmental impact of both digital streaming services and cable TV. Studies have shown that streaming content online consumes significantly less energy than traditional broadcast methods, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Social and Cultural Impact
Influence on Viewing Habits: The rise of digital streaming services has not only changed how we watch television but also how we engage with media as a whole. With the ability to binge-watch entire seasons in one sitting and share our favorite shows with friends and family online, streaming platforms have become integral to our social and cultural lives.
Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
Suitability for Different Demographics: Ultimately, the decision between digital streaming services and cable TV boils down to personal preferences and lifestyle choices. While some may prefer the convenience and flexibility of streaming, others may value the reliability and familiarity of traditional television broadcasts.
The debate between digital streaming services and cable TV is far from black and white. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, content variety, or viewing experience, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. However, with careful consideration and research, you can find the option that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Starting April 30th, subscribers to Paramount Media Networks‘s Showtime streaming app, which was launched in 2015, will no longer be able to access its streaming service.
If you use Showtime or enjoy its content, all hope is not lost. To access Showtime services, opt into the Paramount+ With Showtime subscription plan.
According to Showtime’s Help Center Page: “Now that subscribers can access their favourite Showtime programs on Paramount+ by subscribing to the Paramount+ with Showtime plan, the Showtime streaming service will shut down on April 30, 2024…Current Showtime streaming subscribers will continue to have access to the Showtime streaming service until it is shut down on April 30, 2024.”
The Showtime cable channel is still available but has Paramount+ With Showtime since January. The Showtime streaming app has been in existence for almost 9 years. The Paramount+ With Showtime ad-free streaming package was launched in June 2023, alongside a price hike from $9.99 to $11.99 per month.
The move with Paramount’s Showtime is not the first; Warner Bros. Discovery had a similar experience. When Max was launched, it merged with HBO to become HBO Max and killed off services like HBO Now and HBO Go; it was later rebranded as Max in 2023.
Last year, Paramount+ announced it would begin an ad-supported Basic Tier, a cheap Paramount+ experience but with ads. At the French TV festival, they announced it would begin this year.
The Premium plan will first launch in France this March, then in April, and the Basic Plan will launch in Canada and Australia in June.
The Basic Plan will cost $6.99 in both Australian and Canadian dollars. In France, it will cost €7.99 for the basic plan and €10.99 for the premium plan. Premium users will enjoy not only exclusive and original shows but also viewing formats in 4K UHD, HDR10, and Dolby Vision. They can also stream on up to four devices at once.
As a Paramount+ user, you will enjoy “Halo,”“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,”“Knuckles,” and many more.
According to Paramount, these plans “will give international Paramount+ subscribers even more flexibility in choosing the option that best suits their needs.”
“Our pricing strategy and a market-by-market approach to our offering is key to providing customers choice, flexibility and value. The ‘Premium’ tier has demonstrated great success in Canada, Australia and Latin America, and I am confident this offering will enable us to reach new subscribers in Europe, as well. As we launch ‘Basic (with ads)’ in our international markets, we can also offer our incredible content at an even more competitive price to ultimately increase our reach and expand our advertising offerings to partners. The ‘Basic’ tier allows us to continue to lead on value by providing consumers an even more affordable entertainment choice for the entire family.” – Marco Nobili,EVP and International General Manager of Paramount+
Lee Sears, President of International Markets Advertising Sales, added: “By introducing the ‘Basic (with ads)’ plan in Canada and Australia, we will enhance our value to our partners by enabling advertisers to buy across our global franchises, series and films through our digital platform, EyeQ, alongside the breadth of Paramount’s premium video inventory in a comprehensive and impactful way.”
