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  • With Tier-2 & Tier-3 city themes, OTTs cut cost

    With Tier-2 & Tier-3 city themes, OTTs cut cost

    Much like the wave that took over Bollywood around the early 2010s, when movie plotlines shifted to small towns, original shows on video-streaming platforms too are being set in tier-two and tier-three locations.

    The trend may have started with shows such as Panchayat in April 2020. Now, it has spread as makers take shows to small, remote parts of the country, whether it is Punjab in Kohrra or the northeast in the latest season of Paatal Lok, cashing in on local dialects and talent.

    While the common perception is that OTT is an upmarmetro phenomenon with limited viewership in smaller towns, executives said that in the effort to widen audience reach, writers and makers are setting stories in the hinterland, which makes it cost-effective to put together and allows for new faces and real locations. Even metro audiences increasingly seek rooted stories from beyond the cities.

    “Culturally relevant storytelling helps audiences connect with their roots and see their lived realities on screen, which fosters deeper engagement,” said Raghavendra Hunsur, chief content officer of ZEEL.

    While the metros account for a significant portion of OTT consumption, there’s been a notable and steady rise in viewership in tier-two and tier-three cities, with a major portion of ZEE5’s audience from these regions, Hunsur added, noting that such stories increasingly resonate with urban audiences as well.

    “The emotional depth, sociocultural nuance, and grounded storytelling offer a refreshing break from the gloss of typical urban narratives,” he pointed out.

    Titles such as Aindham Vedham, Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Ayyana Mane, Vikkatakavi: The Chronicles of Amaragiri and Bhaiyyaji are prime examples of stories set in small-town India streaming on ZEE5.

    In the fastpaced urban life, stories set in small towns or rural settings bring a sense of nostalgia and depth, agreed Nitin Gupta, chief content officer at Chaupal, a platform specialising in Punjabi, Haryanvi and Bhojpuri content. The service’s titles such as Shikaari and Zila Sangrur have drawn viewers with their raw portrayal of village life and culket, ture. The upcoming Sarpanchi 2 and Shahi Majra 2 are built on the success of their first seasons.

    The early adopters for any medium, including OTT platforms, tend to come from larger cities, according to Arpit Mankar, head of non-Bollywood category at Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd. However, as these platforms expand, smaller towns catch up.

    “We have seen this trend across Pay TV, FM radio and even YouTube. This shift naturally drives a demand for more authentic, culturally resonant narratives that cater to a broader audience base,”

    The trend may have started in April 2020, but has spread as makers take shows to small, remote parts

    Mankar said.

    He added that as a result, small-town stories have become a critical part of content strategy. They offer a chance to connect with diverse audiences by capturing the humour, aspirations, and unique struggles of everyday India. These stories resonate with audiences by reflecting local traditions and the universal experiences of small-town life.

    While metro-centric content is getting increasingly repetitive, looking and sounding the same, regional tales find more draw from the fact that many viewers who live in big cities come from smaller towns, producer and director Hemal A. Thakkar said. PressReader

  • Telecom leaders in Canada seek steps to boost infrastructure investment

    Telecom leaders in Canada seek steps to boost infrastructure investment

    Leaders in Canada’s telecommunications sector are urging policymakers to make it more attractive for companies to invest in improved infrastructure, as a new report says sustained spending by carriers is key to boosting economic growth.

    The study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, which was commissioned by the Canadian Telecommunications Association, said the sector contributed $87.3 billion in direct GDP last year while supporting 661,000 jobs across various industries.

    Its report was released Tuesday as industry representatives, academics and regulatory officials gathered for the 23rd annual Canadian Telecom Summit in downtown Toronto.

    The theme of the two-day conference, which continues Wednesday, is unlocking value in the telecom sector amid global economic challenges.

    “If we fail to act, the consequences of underinvestment will be severe,” said Robert Ghiz, president and CEO of the Canadian Telecommunications Association, in a speech to attendees.

    “Without robust and enhanced telecom infrastructure, our trade corridors and our economy would grind to a halt.”

    Speeches and panel discussions touched on a range of topics including the role of telecom networks in shaping urban transportation, public safety and accessible communication technology.

    As demand continues to grow for advanced connectivity, the report said Canadian telecom companies spent about $282 per capita on network development in 2024.

    That’s higher than peer countries such as the U.S., where telecoms devoted approximately $193 per capita in capital spending last year, and the U.K., where that measure stood at $225 per capita.

    The report said Canadian telecom companies invested 18 per cent of their revenue on capital expenditures in 2024, which was also a higher rate than both other countries.

    But it outlined challenges providers face, including higher costs, declining revenue growth, heightened competition and a complex regulatory environment.

    “Relative to our peers globally, Canada does have a restrictive and very difficult business environment at the moment,” said Sam O’Halloran, strategy and consulting director for PwC Canada.

    That’s on top of “natural” challenges Canadian providers face, such as the country’s geography that makes it more expensive to reach remote communities when building networks, O’Halloran said.

    He added that with natural disasters becoming increasingly common, Canadian providers face resiliency obstacles, along with “tight windows to build” due to long winter seasons.

    “This makes it more costly for Canadian telcos to deploy capital and deploy networks,” O’Halloran said.

    The company’s research shows Canadian telecoms are pulling back on network investments for the first time in years. Major Canadian providers spent an average of $12 billion in capital expenditures last year, down from $13 billion in 2022 and 2023.

    “The real risk here is what degree to which this will begin to mirror what’s happening in European markets, where we’re seeing heavy regulation result in pressure on their ability to invest in networks,” said PwC Canada partner Bali Minhas.

    Ghiz said Canada currently “stands at a crossroads” as Prime Minister Mark Carney sets out to make Canada more self-reliant through “nation-building” projects.

    He said the government must view telecom as a “critical enabler of growth and increased productivity” as it looks to find ways to strengthen the national economy.

    “We need a regulatory framework that encourages long-term investment,” he said.

    “That means creating stable, predictable policies that reduce regulatory uncertainty, reward infrastructure buildout, and support innovation over the long term.”

    CRTC vice-chair Adam Scott said priorities for the regulator include quality, coverage and price when it comes to setting telecom policy.

    He said the commission acknowledges the “importance of continued investment.”

    “As we work to ensure all Canadians have access to telecom services and that Canadian networks are among the highest quality in the world, we also want to make sure everyone has access to affordable choices,” he said.

    “We’re addressing a common complaint: Too often, Canadians feel like they pay more than they can afford for telecommunication services.”

    While Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index reports show telecom prices are on the decline — the price of cellular service was down 50 per cent between 2020 and 2024 — Scott said there’s more work for the CRTC to do.

    “Despite what the numbers say, many Canadians are telling us that they aren’t seeing those savings,” said Scott.

    “We’re exploring a range of options to determine how we can ensure Canadians are benefiting from greater competition.”

    Ghiz encouraged the regulator to incentivize continued network investment by supporting public-private partnerships, offering tax incentives that encourage building, and eliminating or significantly reducing annual spectrum license fees.

    “Without continuing to build and enhance telecom infrastructure, Canadian businesses will find it more difficult to adopt digital tools, automate operations and compete globally,” Ghiz said.

    “Foreign investors and companies will look elsewhere … and once that capital leaves, it’s hard to get it back.” BIV

  • Data centers cost the largest US grid $9.4B

    Data centers cost the largest US grid $9.4B

    The rapid development of data centers connected to the largest US electric grid raised costs by $9.4 billion, an expense that consumers from Illinois to Washington, D.C., will see reflected in their utility bills starting this month.

    Overall costs rose by 180%, with the growing energy needs of data centers being the primary cause of tight supply-and-demand conditions, as well as high prices, in the PJM Interconnection capacity market, which serves customers from Illinois to Washington D.C., according to a report Tuesday by Monitoring Analytics, the grid’s independent market monitor.

    The analysis from PJM’s watchdog asserts that households and businesses are subsidizing the data center boom being carried out by some of the richest tech companies in the world.

    “The current conditions are not the result of organic load growth,” Monitoring Analytics said in the report. “The current conditions in the capacity market are almost entirely the result of large load additions from data centers, both actual historical and forecast.”

    The cost for procuring supplies on the eastern US grid jumped to a record $14.7 billion, and would have otherwise been closer to $5 billion when accounting for existing and forecast data center demand, according to the watchdog’s analysis. The biggest increases were in Virginia and Maryland. These supplies were procured in an auction and costs go into effect for one year staring this month.

    The data center boom is driving power demand on the grid toward levels not seen in 20 years. PJM said summer peak power consumption may climb by 70 gigawatts to 220 gigawatts over the next 15 years. That would be 32% higher than the all-time high of about 165.6 gigawatts reached in summer of 2006 and exceeds current generating capacity of 183 gigawatts, according to the grid operator.

    The market monitor’s report will likely add scrutiny at a technical conference held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission starting Wednesday debating whether power markets formed through deregulation more than two decades ago are capable of spurring such rapid investments, adopt renewables and still keep power affordable and reliable for all consumers.

    At PJM’s annual meeting last month in Northern Virginia, the data center capital of the world, one big data center developer acknowledged that consumers are bearing higher costs.

    “We have largely taken advantage of an overbuilt system,” Brian George, who leads global energy market development and policy at Google, said on a panel. “We are now imposing a significant cost on the system.” Bloomberg

  • Kuwaiti wealth fund joins MGX and Microsoft’s $30 billion AI project

    Kuwaiti wealth fund joins MGX and Microsoft’s $30 billion AI project

    Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund is joining a Microsoft Corp.-backed initiative to bankroll $30 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure globally, as the oil-rich Gulf nation looks to tap into the booming sector.

    The Kuwait Investment Authority will become the first non-founder financial anchor in the AI Infrastructure Partnership, according to a statement on Tuesday that didn’t disclose any financial commitment. Microsoft, Abu Dhabi’s MGX and BlackRock Inc. had in March added Elon Musk’s xAI and chipmaker Nvidia Corp. to the initiative.

    The investment marks the $1 trillion wealth fund’s first major move into AI under its new managing director, Sheikh Saoud Salem Al-Sabah. Gulf peers have already bet heavily on the technology: MGX counts Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Co. as a founding partner, while Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund recently launched an AI firm, Humain, which has struck deals with major players including Nvidia.

    BlackRock and Microsoft announced the partnership last year alongside MGX and Global Infrastructure Partners, the firm founded by Bayo Ogunlesi. The companies said at the time they would seek $30 billion of private equity capital over an unspecified time frame and eventually leverage as much as $100 billion in potential investments. The consortium is also collaborating with energy suppliers NextEra Energy Inc. and GE Vernova Inc.

    The KIA is among the largest sovereign funds globally and the second-biggest in the Middle East. Its roots predate the modern state of Kuwait, and it plays a central role in diversifying the country’s economy, with investments spanning ports, airports and power distribution networks worldwide. Bloomberg

  • $23.5 billion will be spent on medical device testing services

    $23.5 billion will be spent on medical device testing services

    The medical device testing services market size is expected to be worth around USD 23.5 billion by 2034 from USD 9.5 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.

    Growing emphasis on patient safety and regulatory compliance drives the expansion of the medical device testing services market, which encompasses a broad range of evaluations including biological, chemical, mechanical, and electrical testing. These services play a critical role in verifying device safety, efficacy, and performance across various applications such as implantable devices, diagnostic equipment, and surgical instruments.

    In June 2023, TUV SUD inaugurated a new laboratory in Minnesota, accredited to ISO 17025 standards, to specialize in biological and chemical testing for medical devices, highlighting the industry’s focus on precision and reliability. This market benefits from stringent global regulatory frameworks requiring comprehensive pre-market and post-market testing to ensure compliance. Opportunities arise from the introduction of advanced testing methodologies, including in vitro diagnostics and biocompatibility assessments, which enhance risk management and accelerate product approvals.

    Recent trends reveal increasing adoption of automation and digital technologies to improve testing accuracy and turnaround times. Additionally, the integration of sustainability principles in testing protocols offers competitive advantages by reducing environmental impacts. Medical device manufacturers increasingly rely on third-party testing providers to navigate complex regulations and reduce time-to-market. The rise of innovative device categories such as wearable and connected health devices further fuels demand for specialized testing services.

    Growing investments in healthcare infrastructure and expanding healthcare access also stimulate market growth. With continuous technological advancements and evolving regulatory landscapes, the medical device testing services market is positioned for sustained expansion, supporting safer and more effective healthcare solutions worldwide.

    Product type analysis
    The biocompatibility tests segment claimed a market share of 44.7%. Increasing regulatory requirements for safety and efficacy drive this expansion as manufacturers prioritize ensuring their devices do not cause adverse biological reactions. Growing adoption of implantable and wearable medical devices further fuels demand for thorough biocompatibility assessments.

    Advances in testing methodologies and materials science improve accuracy and reduce testing time, encouraging more companies to invest in these services. Moreover, stringent guidelines from authorities such as the FDA and ISO necessitate comprehensive biocompatibility evaluations, positioning this segment for sustained growth.

    Application analysis
    The clinical held a significant share of 61.5% due tothe increasing importance of human trials in device validation. Rising awareness about patient safety and effectiveness of medical devices mandates extensive clinical evaluations before market approval. Advances in clinical trial designs and digital health technologies facilitate more efficient and comprehensive data collection, enhancing the appeal of clinical testing services.

    Additionally, the expanding pipeline of innovative medical devices, particularly in areas such as cardiology and orthopedics, drives demand for clinical testing. Regulatory bodies increasingly emphasize clinical evidence, further propelling this segment’s growth.

    Drivers
    Stringent regulatory requirements are driving the market
    The increasingly stringent regulatory requirements for medical devices worldwide are a significant driver for the medical device testing services market. Regulatory bodies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandate thorough evaluation before devices can be marketed. In 2023, the FDA authorized 36 PMA (Premarket Approval) applications for high-risk medical devices, along with 2,180 PMA supplements, indicating the volume of rigorous pre-market scrutiny that necessitates extensive testing data to demonstrate safety and effectiveness.

    Similarly, the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) in the European Union, which fully came into effect in 2021, has heightened the requirements for clinical evaluation and post-market surveillance, requiring more comprehensive testing. These demanding regulatory landscapes compel medical device manufacturers to utilize independent testing services to ensure compliance and gain market access, thereby fueling the growth of this market.

    Restraints
    Complexity of medical devices is restraining the market
    The growing complexity of modern medical devices is becoming a restraint on the medical device testing services market. As devices evolve with advanced software, sensors, and connectivity features, the testing process becomes more specialized. Standard testing procedures are no longer sufficient. Instead, a tailored and highly technical approach is often required. This shift in testing demand puts pressure on service providers to update their capabilities. Not all facilities can quickly adapt, which limits their ability to test these high-tech devices effectively and consistently.

    In September 2023, the FDA issued final guidance on “Cybersecurity in Medical Devices: Quality System Considerations and Content of Premarket Submissions.” This document highlights the growing need for cybersecurity assessments in device testing. As digital integration expands, so does the need for specialized knowledge and tools. Testing labs must invest in new technologies and cybersecurity expertise. However, acquiring such capabilities takes time and resources. This can create short-term gaps in capacity, potentially delaying market entry for some complex medical devices.

    Opportunities
    Globalization of medical device manufacturing creates growth opportunities
    The globalization of medical device manufacturing is driving strong growth in the medical device testing services market. As production expands across multiple countries, companies must comply with the unique regulatory standards of each region. This creates a growing need for specialized testing services. These services help manufacturers ensure compliance with varying safety and quality regulations. Global firms increasingly rely on testing providers with multi-regional expertise. This shift is boosting the demand for testing partners familiar with international medical device regulations.

    According to MedTech Europe, over 15,900 patent applications were filed with the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2023 under the medical technology category. This figure highlights the rapid pace of innovation within the industry. New product development across borders requires thorough regulatory testing before market entry. As companies launch advanced devices globally, the need for standardized and region-specific testing is rising. This trend supports continued expansion of the testing services sector, especially those offering cross-border regulatory compliance solutions.

    Impact of macroeconomic / geopolitical factors
    Macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical factors can influence the medical device testing services market. Economic uncertainty might cause manufacturers to optimize spending, potentially affecting the volume or type of testing they pursue. Conversely, government initiatives promoting the medical device industry or emphasizing product safety can bolster the demand for thorough evaluation.

    Geopolitical tensions could disrupt global supply chains, indirectly affecting the production and subsequent testing of devices. However, the fundamental need for regulatory compliance, as highlighted by the FDA’s ongoing premarket review processes with thousands of submissions annually, tends to provide a baseline demand for these services. The continuous advancement in medical technology and the consistent need to meet stringent global standards suggest a resilient market for these services, adapting to broader economic and political landscapes.

    Current US tariffs could have a nuanced impact on the medical device testing services market. If tariffs increase the cost of imported medical devices or testing equipment, this might indirectly affect the overall expenditure on bringing devices to market, potentially influencing the budget allocated for testing. However, the mandatory nature of much of the testing required for regulatory approval, such as the FDA’s PMA process for high-risk devices, means that manufacturers will likely still need to invest in these services.

    Tariffs could also incentivize domestic testing capabilities, potentially shifting some demand towards US-based testing providers. While tariffs might introduce some cost considerations for manufacturers, the essential requirement for rigorous testing to ensure safety and gain market access remains a primary driver, suggesting the market for these services will likely adapt to these economic policies.

    Regional analysis
    North America is leading the medical cevice testing services market
    North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 41.2% owing to stringent regulatory requirements enforced by the FDA and the increasing complexity of medical devices. The FDA’s ongoing emphasis on pre-market approval and the need for comprehensive testing to ensure safety and efficacy drive the demand for these services. Furthermore, the high volume of medical device manufacturing in the US necessitates robust testing procedures. As of April 2024, clinicaltrials.gov listed a significant number of active clinical trials related to medical devices, indicating substantial ongoing development requiring testing services

    The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period
    Asia Pacific is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR owing to the expanding medical device manufacturing sector in the region, particularly in countries like China and India. Additionally, the increasing adoption of stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements in several Asia Pacific countries is expected to boost the demand for these services. For instance, in March 2024, Stryker established a new testing facility in India to enhance their research and development operations, indicating a growing focus on rigorous testing within the region. This trend, coupled with a large and diverse patient pool, suggests a strong upward trajectory for the market. Market.us

  • India has over 4,000 active COVID cases

    India has over 4,000 active COVID cases

    India’s active Covid-19 cases have crossed the 4,000 mark, with Kerala remaining the most affected state followed by Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi, according to the Union Health Ministry data released on Tuesday.

    There are 4,026 active cases in India and five fresh deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

    Since January this year, 37 deaths have been reported in the country.

    There were 257 active patients in the country on May 22. The figure rose to 3,395 by May 31 and subsequently to 4,026 cases.

    Presently, Kerala has 1,446 active cases, the highest in the country followed by Maharashtra with 494, Gujarat with 397 and Delhi with 393 cases.

    Five deaths —one each in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and two deaths in Maharashtra — have been reported in the last 24 hours, according to the data.

    Official sources on May 31 stated that the Covid-19 situation in India is being closely monitored while stressing that the severity of infections is low, with most of the patients being under home care and that there was no cause for worry.

    Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Rajiv Behl on Monday stated that genome sequencing of samples in West and South have shown that the variants leading to the current rise in cases are not severe and are sub variants of Omicron only.

    The four variants that we have found are subvariants of Omicron — LF.7, XFG, JN.1 and NB. 1.8.1. The first three have been found in more number of cases, he said.

    “We have been closely monitoring the situation. At this moment overall, we should monitor, be vigilant but there is no cause to worry,” Dr Behl had said. PTI

  • Healthcare logistics will reach USD 217.3 billion globally

    Healthcare logistics will reach USD 217.3 billion globally

    The global healthcare logistics market is projected to reach approximately USD 217.3 billion by 2034, rising from USD 93.8 billion in 2024. This growth reflects a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% between 2025 and 2034. The expansion is fueled by the urgent need for efficient, reliable, and timely delivery of medical products, including pharmaceuticals, devices, and equipment. As healthcare systems worldwide evolve, logistics systems must adapt to meet patient and provider demands with precision and speed.

    A key driver of this growth is the digital transformation of the healthcare supply chain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), digital tools improve processes such as procurement, planning, warehousing, and distribution. Real-time tracking systems help logistics teams monitor the location and condition of medical products. These technologies enhance responsiveness and reduce losses, ensuring that critical health supplies reach their destination promptly and in optimal condition.

    Traceability remains essential in safeguarding product quality and safety. The WHO highlights that tracking ownership changes and distribution paths helps reduce the risk of counterfeit and substandard products. It also improves recall management and regulatory compliance. Advanced tracking systems allow healthcare providers to verify the origin, authenticity, and storage conditions of medicines and supplies at every point in the supply chain.

    The integration of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain is accelerating supply chain innovation. AI improves delivery scheduling and route planning, while IoT monitors storage conditions in real time. Blockchain ensures secure data sharing and strengthens product integrity verification. These technologies collectively improve supply chain transparency, reduce operational risks, and support informed decision-making.

    Finally, the sector’s success depends on a skilled workforce and strong regulatory support. Training in both technical and soft skills is necessary for effective technology adoption. Governments also play a critical role by establishing policies that encourage digital adoption, product traceability, and compliance with safety standards. Collaboration between public agencies and private stakeholders ensures that logistics systems remain resilient and scalable.

    The healthcare logistics sector is experiencing rapid growth supported by digital innovation, traceability, advanced technologies, workforce development, and regulatory alignment. These components are enabling a more efficient and patient-focused global healthcare delivery system.

    Segmentation analysis
    The global healthcare logistics market is segmented by product into pharmaceutical products and medical devices and equipment. In 2024, the pharmaceutical products segment held the largest market share of 68.10%. This dominance is mainly due to the rising global demand for drugs, vaccines, and biologics. These products require specialized logistics solutions, such as cold-chain transport and real-time monitoring systems. Growth in chronic diseases, vaccination programs, and biopharmaceutical innovations continue to drive demand. Government regulations and ongoing development of over 9,000 medicines globally are further strengthening this segment’s growth.

    In terms of components, the hardware segment leads the global healthcare logistics market. This is driven by the increasing adoption of automated storage systems, RFID tracking, and IoT-enabled temperature monitoring devices. These solutions are essential for cold-chain logistics and secure handling of sensitive medical products. The growing use of precision medicine and biologics has accelerated the need for real-time tracking tools. AI and automation in warehouse operations also boost supply chain efficiency, making hardware investments critical for regulatory compliance and product integrity.

    By mode, outsourcing dominates the healthcare logistics market with a 58.9% share in 2024. This growth is fueled by rising dependence on third-party logistics (3PL) providers that offer temperature-controlled transport, inventory solutions, and compliance expertise. Pharmaceutical firms outsource to reduce operational costs and access advanced technologies. Outsourcing enables companies to focus on core competencies while ensuring timely, safe, and efficient distribution through digital tracking, blockchain systems, and real-time alerts.

    The outbound logistics segment held the highest share in the logistics type category in 2024. It includes product delivery from manufacturers to hospitals, pharmacies, and patients. The segment’s growth is supported by increasing demand for e-commerce healthcare, direct-to-patient models, and real-time route tracking. Cold-chain transport and AI-based delivery optimization are critical enablers. With more healthcare services shifting toward home-based care, the need for timely and secure distribution of medical supplies continues to strengthen the outbound logistics segment.

    The cold-chain supply chain was the dominant supply chain model in 2024. This is driven by the rising demand for temperature-sensitive drugs, vaccines, and biologics. Cold-chain logistics ensure product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance during transport. The rise of gene therapy and global immunization initiatives further supports this growth. Advanced IoT monitoring, predictive AI, and insulated storage are being widely adopted. Emerging markets are rapidly investing in cold-chain infrastructure, reinforcing this segment’s dominance in maintaining a reliable and efficient healthcare supply network.

    Regional analysis
    North America continues to lead the global healthcare logistics market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and widespread use of modern technologies. The region shows high demand for pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and medical devices. These elements enhance healthcare efficiency and product availability. The presence of leading pharmaceutical manufacturers also supports growth. Additionally, the region benefits from strong public and private sector support for healthcare innovations, contributing to a mature logistics network across the United States and Canada.

    Cold-chain logistics in North America plays a critical role in sustaining its market dominance. The region has a robust infrastructure for transporting temperature-sensitive healthcare products. This includes vaccines, specialty drugs, and biologics. These products require strict temperature control to maintain their safety and effectiveness. The availability of specialized cold-storage solutions and efficient temperature-monitoring systems helps prevent product spoilage. These systems also ensure regulatory compliance and strengthen supply chain reliability across the healthcare sector.

    In the United States, growth in biopharmaceuticals and personalized medicine has boosted the need for advanced supply chains. These treatments require precise delivery conditions and technology-integrated logistics systems. AI, blockchain, and IoT-based tracking tools are increasingly adopted. They support real-time monitoring and improve inventory accuracy. E-commerce expansion and the rise in direct-to-patient healthcare models have also driven demand for last-mile delivery and automated warehouse operations in the region.

    Strict regulatory frameworks further strengthen the healthcare logistics sector in North America. Agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforce Good Distribution Practices (GDP). These guidelines ensure the integrity of medical shipments and help prevent counterfeiting or spoilage. Investments in logistics innovation and the presence of top logistics providers enhance market competitiveness. As a result, North America remains a global leader in healthcare logistics with a resilient and efficient distribution ecosystem. Market.us

  • Paramount Global offers three trustees while approval of the Skydance transaction is pending

    Paramount Global offers three trustees while approval of the Skydance transaction is pending

    Paramount Global nominated three new directors on Monday, seeking to boost its board strength to seven as it awaits regulatory approval for its $8.4 billion merger with Skydance Media.

    Paramount nominated Mary Boies, counsel to Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, Charles Ryan, co-founder and general partner of Almaz Capital, and Roanne Sragow Licht, former justice and adjunct professor at Boston University and Roger Williams University.

    U.S. President Donald Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against Paramount-owned CBS News in October, alleging that the network deceptively edited an interview with then-vice president and presidential candidate Kamala Harris, to “tip the scales in favor of the Democratic Party” in the election.

    Trump’s lawsuit is seen as a major roadblock to the Paramount-Skydance merger, according to some analysts.

    The merger requires approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, which has authority over the transaction because it needs to approve the transfer of the broadcast television licenses held by CBS.

    Paramount, chaired by Shari Redstone, reportedly offered $15 million to settle the suit.

    Trump raised his claim for damages to $20 billion in February.

    The Wall Street Journal reported last week that the company wanted to ensure it had a full board in place in case its negotiations with Trump to settle his lawsuit fell through.

    Paramount is scheduled to hold its annual stockholder meeting on July 2. MSN

  • MENA content deal renewal from Sony Pictures Entertainment & beIN

    MENA content deal renewal from Sony Pictures Entertainment & beIN

    beIN Media Group has extended its longstanding content agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), securing exclusive multi-year rights to a broad portfolio of acclaimed television series and films which will come to beIN’s audiences across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and Turkey.

    As part of the renewed deal, beIN will continue to hold first and second window rights to several film titles from SPE’s diverse library.

    In the Middle East, content will be available in both Arabic and English across beIN’s entertainment channels, beIN ON DEMAND, and on its OTT platforms, TOD and beIN CONNECT. In Turkey, content will be available in English and Turkish via Digiturk’s entertainment channels, as well as TOD and beIN CONNECT.

    “We are proud to extend our valued relationship with Sony Pictures Entertainment — a creative powerhouse that continues to captivate global audiences,” said Esra Özaral Altop, Chief Entertainment Content Officer, beIN Media Group. “This renewed agreement not only reflects our dedication to curating premium entertainment for viewers across MENA and Türkiye, but also marks a new chapter in strengthening our entertainment portfolio.”

    SPE’s upcoming slate includes highly anticipated titles such as I Know What You Did Last Summer, 28 Years Later, Until Dawn, and Karate Kid: Legends.

    The agreement could also allow audiences to watch recent hits like Venom: The Last Dance, Kraven the Hunter, Saturday Night, the Oscar-winning I’m Still Here, and Paddington in Peru coming to beIN’s audiences.

    For television series, the agreement covers fan-favourites including Outlander (Seasons 1-8), The Good Doctor (Seasons 1-7), Twisted Metal (Season 1-2), and anime hits from Crunchyroll: Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia (Seasons 1-2).

    “Our passion at Sony Pictures is to bring great stories to great audiences, and our friends and partners at beIN remain the perfect home to bring this plethora of amazing content to audiences across MENA and Turkey,” said Mark Young, EVP, Distribution & Networks, EMEA, Sony Pictures Television. “We are thrilled that their wide audiences will continue to enjoy the wealth of content from SPE’s future slate as well as our vast library of beloved classics, and we join them in being incredibly pleased to make this announcement today”

    First signed in 2021, the renewed agreement aims to build on the longstanding collaboration between beIN and SPE, while underscoring beIN’s position as a global entertainment network. Campaign

  • Disney fires hundreds in TV and film as industry problems persist

    Disney fires hundreds in TV and film as industry problems persist

    Media company Walt Disney Co is laying off several hundred employees across its film and television divisions, highlighting the downturn in the entertainment industry.

    The layoffs, which began on Monday, affect staff in marketing, publicity, casting, development, and corporate finance, according to media reports. This round follows the 200 job cuts at Disney’s ABC and entertainment TV networks in March. Overall, the company has cut more than 8,000 jobs in recent years as part of efforts to boost profitability.

    Hollywood restructures as cost pressures mount
    Hollywood has been in cost-cutting mode for several years, with production and employment steadily declining, reports Bloomberg. Studios have scaled back film releases to improve profitability, especially as theatre attendance remains below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, consumers are cancelling cable subscriptions in favour of streaming services, reducing advertising and distribution revenue for traditional TV channels.

    This shift is driving a major industry reorganisation. Comcast reportedly plans to spin off most of its cable channels, including MSNBC, USA, and CNBC, by year-end. Warner Bros. Discovery has restructured internally to separate its studio and cable operations, potentially paving the way for divesting the latter. Paramount Global also anticipates further cuts as it moves forward with a merger with independent studio Skydance Media.

    Disney’s strategic decisions and financial outlook
    Disney had considered selling its TV networks, including ABC, but chose to retain them, according to reports. In February 2023, it cut 7,000 jobs, aiming to save $5.5 billion, later raising the target to $7.5 billion. Industry rivals have also executed thousands of layoffs.

    At the close of its last financial year in September, Disney employed approximately 233,000 people, with 76 per cent working full time. In its latest earnings report released in May, the company surpassed Wall Street forecasts, driven by an unexpected surge in Disney+ streaming subscriptions and robust performance from its theme parks. Business Standard