What you need to know in advertising today
After unveiling its shows initiative earlier this month, Facebook will be making its new hub for videos available to most of its US users over the next few days.
Called Watch, the new area includes a wide range of videos of varying lengths, including scripted series, live shows that feature hosts responding in real time to viewer questions, and Major League Baseball games and other sports events.
To read more about how Facebook's big video plans are rolling out, click here.
In other news:
A media startup that has quietly inked deals with the NBA, MLB and PGA is handing struggling newspapers a lifeline. Canadian sports media company SendtoNews is providing free golf content and ad revenue to newspapers like the New York Daily News and Miami Herald.
A tech startup has raised $20 million, and it's another sign that the TV business is racing toward digital-like ad targeting. VideoAmp has raised $36.6 million to date, promising to help brands better spend their TV budgets.
Disney is cutting jobs at its ABC TV division, reports the Wall Street Journal. A 10% staff reduction is expected.
Fox is planning to run 6-second ads during NFL games this season, reports the New York Times. The move shows the growing influences of web platforms on the TV industry.
Advertisers are already clamoring to distribute fully sponsored video series via Facebook Watch, reports Digiday. Tastemade and Business Insider are already talking to marketers about the opportunity.
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