- A fully localized version of the media company's 24/7 linear
channel, QYOU Polska will feature major Polish YouTube stars
- The localized channel will first be available via PLAY NOW, the
streaming service for Play mobile subscribers.
DUBLIN, LOS ANGELES, and TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - QYOU
Media (TSXV: QYOU), the world's leading curator of premium
'best-of-web' video for multiscreen distribution, has announced
that it has partnered with Mediakraft TV, the Polish subsidiary of
leading European multi channel network Mediakraft Networks, to
launch QYOU Polska on Play's over-the-top (OTT) service, PLAY NOW.
This is the first time that QYOU's 24/7 linear feed has been fully
localized for a region.
The deal will see The QYOU build a full local-language version
of its channel using presenters from Poland and featuring regional content from
Mediakraft TV's stable of entertainers and creators. QYOU Polska
will drive new revenue streams for Mediakraft TV's talent by
providing them with access to new sponsors and advertisers, as well
as showcasing its digital creators and influencers to a wider
audience. Mediakraft TV produces many of most popular YouTube
creators and channels in Poland
including Ponki, Topowa Dycha, and Hasztagi.
YouTube is now reported to be the most popular online video
service in Poland and is used by
74% of viewers. (Netflix reaches less than 10% of viewers). To tap
into this appetite for short-form content among millennial
audiences in Poland, Play
introduced QYOU's content to its PLAY NOW multiscreen service last
year. PLAY is a consumer-focused mobile network operator in
Poland with over 14.5m subscribers
as of June 30, 2017. . It's fast
growing OTT content offering, PLAY NOW, has attracted a significant
number of subscribers in under 12 months. Beginning in late 2017
the service will feature the Polish-language version of QYOU with
specific programming tailored to the Polish market.
"When QYOU first entered in Poland last year it quickly became clear to us
that this was a region with huge growth potential, because there's
a strong demand for online video, particularly among younger
audiences," said Curt Marvis, CEO
and Co-founder of QYOU Media. "Partnering with Mediakraft TV
gives us the opportunity to tap into this appetite and build a
channel focused on Poland's unique
and fascinating culture. The rising interest in online video is now
driving a greater demand from broadcasters to regionalize content
and it's therefore an offering we expect to replicate in other
markets in the coming months."
"Europe is home to a burgeoning
online video creator scene, and we're proud to say that we've been
shining a light on some of the most talented creatives in
Poland for the better part of five
years," said Ryan Socash,
Managing Director of Mediakraft TV. "QYOU understands the
importance of developing programming that has a strong local
flavor, which is why we're excited to be partnering with them to
further elevate Poland's vibrant
content creator community by providing them with a platform on PLAY
NOW."
QYOU Polska is expected to be available to viewers in
November.
About QYOU Media
QYOU Media Inc. is a fast-growing global media company that
curates and packages premium 'best-of-the-web' video for
multiscreen distribution. Founded and created by industry veterans
from Lionsgate, MTV, and CinemaNow, QYOU's millennial-focused
products including linear television networks, genre-based series,
mobile apps, and video-on-demand formats reach millions of
customers on six continents. Distribution partners include Sinclair
Broadcast Group, Vodafone, 21st Century Fox, Liberty Global,
Telenor and TATA Sky.
About Mediakraft Networks
Mediakraft Networks is one of the leading online TV channel
groups in Europe and operates
online video networks on various platforms. With offices in
Cologne, Berlin, Hamburg, Warsaw and Istanbul, Mediakraft supports the best and
most talented online performers of this generation locally and
participates in their productions for millions of viewers of all
age groups. Through its affiliated networks in the areas of
Entertainment, Information, Lifestyle, Gaming and Urban Culture,
Mediakraft reaches about 1.6 million viewers daily and more than
500 million views monthly.
About PLAY
P4 Sp. z o. o., a wholly owned subsidiary of Play Communications
S.A., trading as Play, is a consumer-focused mobile network
operator in Poland with over 14.5m
subscribers as of June 30, 2017. Play
provides mobile voice, messaging, data offerings and video services
and services to consumers and businesses (in particular to small
office/home office subscribers and small/medium enterprises) on a
contract and prepaid basis under our umbrella brand "PLAY". Play
provides these services, available to 99% of the population, via an
extensive, modern and cost-efficient 2G/3G/4G LTE
telecommunications network complemented by long-term national
roaming/network sharing agreements with the other three major
Polish mobile network operators. For more information, visit
www.playcommunications.com and www.play.pl.
SOURCE QYOU Media Inc.