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  • Q2 2025: Shoulder Innovations posts $11M revenue, up 33%

    Q2 2025: Shoulder Innovations posts $11M revenue, up 33%

    Shoulder Innovations, Inc., a commercial-stage medical technology company exclusively focused on transforming the shoulder surgical care market, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025.

    Recent Business Highlights

    • Increased net revenue 33% year-over-year to $11.0 million in the second quarter of 2025, in-line with the range provided in the company’s Registration Statement
    • Achieved gross margin of 76.2% in the second quarter of 2025
    • Sold 1,503 total implant systems in the second quarter of 2025, a 34% increase year-over-year
    • Closed a $40 million convertible notes financing
    • Completed an initial public offering (IPO), raising $75 million of gross proceeds
    • Appointed Rick Buchholz to its Board of Directors
    • Expanded I-Series humeral stem product line with the full commercial launch of the InSet™ 70

    “We are pleased with both our second quarter performance, which was in-line with the preliminary estimates, and the momentum in our business,” said Rob Ball, CEO of Shoulder Innovations. “Our financial results and operational progress reflect accelerating market adoption of our advanced implant systems for anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Additionally, we are expanding our base of surgeon customers, which increased nearly 50% year-over-year in the second quarter.”

    “From a balance sheet perspective, we are also excited to have successfully completed our convertible notes financing and IPO and are grateful for the support of all the investors who participated,” Mr. Ball continued. “With these financings, we are well- positioned to continue scaling our investments to execute on our growth strategies. We look forward to further advancing our mission of transforming shoulder arthroplasty and our efforts to enable best-in-class outcomes for shoulder specialists and their patients and create long-term shareholder value.”

    Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results
    Net revenue in the second quarter of 2025 increased 33% to $11.0 million, compared to $8.3 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase was due to an increase in the number of implant systems sold, as well as an increase in the number of new customers.

    Gross margin in the second quarter of 2025 was 76.2%, compared to 76.9% in the second quarter of 2024.

    Selling, general, and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2025 increased 40% to $12.8 million, compared to $9.2 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily due to increased headcount in the commercial organization, higher legal costs related to litigation, and increased legal, accounting, and professional service fees related to the transition to a public company.

    Research and development expenses in the second quarter of 2025 increased 21% to $1.4 million, compared to $1.2 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase was due to investment in new product development efforts.

    Operating loss in the second quarter of 2025 was $5.9 million, compared to a loss of $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2024.

    Net loss in the second quarter of 2025 was $19.2 million, compared to a net loss of $4.2 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily related to a $13.1 million expense for changes in the fair value of the company’s preferred stock warrant liability and Series E purchase option.

    Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2025 was a loss of $18.1 million, compared to a loss of $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase in loss was primarily due to the aforementioned changes in the fair value of the company’s preferred stock warrant liability and Series E purchase option.

    As of June 30, 2025, cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaled $39.6 million. The company received an aggregate of approximately $115 million of gross proceeds from the issuance of its convertible notes in July 2025 and its IPO, which closed on August 1, 2025.

    2025 Financial Outlook
    Shoulder Innovations expects revenue for the full year 2025 to be in the range of $42 million to $44 million, representing growth of approximately 33% to 39% over full year 2024 revenue.

    Morgan Stanley 23rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference
    Members of management will participate in a fireside chat at the Morgan Stanley 23rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference today, September 9, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET. A live and archived webcast of the fireside chat will be available on the “Investor Relations” section of the Shoulder Innovations website at https://ir.shoulderinnovations.com/.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Key Business Metrics
    In addition to our results and measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we believe that non-GAAP financial measures can be useful in evaluating and comparing our financial and operational performance over multiple periods, identifying trends affecting our business, formulating business plans and making strategic decisions. We use and present Adjusted EBITDA for this purpose. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net loss before interest expense, net, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense.

    We believe that Adjusted EBITDA, together with a reconciliation to net loss, provides meaningful supplemental information regarding our performance by excluding certain items that may not be indicative of our business, results of operations, or outlook. However, Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our financial results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these potential limitations include: other companies, including companies in our industry which have similar business arrangements, may report Adjusted EBITDA, or similarly titled measures but calculate them differently, which reduces their usefulness as comparative measures; although depreciation and amortization expenses are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect cash capital expenditures for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements; Adjusted EBITDA also does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs or the potentially dilutive impact of stock- based compensation; and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on existing or future debt that we may incur. Because of these and other limitations, you should consider Adjusted EBITDA only as supplemental to other GAAP-based financial measures.

    In addition, we believe that the number of implant systems sold is a key business metric and a useful indicator of our ability to drive demand for our implant systems, generate net revenue and expand our business. We regularly review a number of operating and financial metrics to evaluate our business, measure our performance, identify trends affecting our business, formulate our business plan and make strategic decisions.
    The NewsBit Bureau

  • Medical Tourism in India surges with six cities at the forefront

    Medical Tourism in India surges with six cities at the forefront

    India is rapidly emerging as a leading global destination for medical tourism in 2025, with a surge in medical tourists seeking affordable, high-quality healthcare services. Key cities including Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Goa are at the forefront of this growth, offering world-class medical facilities and comprehensive care packages to international patients. Over 1.31 lakh foreign medical tourists arrived in India between January and April 2025, marking a significant increase fueled by cost advantages, government initiatives, and expanding insurance options. With specialized treatments spanning elective surgeries, organ transplants, fertility treatments, and wellness therapies, India is transforming the medical tourism landscape with its blend of affordability, expertise, and cultural familiarity.

    Introduction: India’s Ascendancy as a Medical Tourism Powerhouse
    India’s medical tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, becoming a top choice for global patients seeking quality care at accessible prices. Leading metropolitan hubs—Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and emerging wellness-rich Gujarat and Goa—are driving this trend with internationally accredited hospitals, cutting-edge technologies, and renowned medical experts. The Indian government’s proactive policies, including the ‘Heal in India’ campaign and streamlined e-medical visa facilities, have further simplified access for foreign patients.

    Medical tourists are drawn to India’s unbeatable cost savings: complex surgeries that range from $20,000 to $40,000 globally are available for fractions of that cost, with high-volume elective procedures priced between $2,000 and $15,000. Moreover, India’s robust health insurance offerings have become more affordable, enabling easier coverage for both residents and NRIs seeking treatment domestically. Hospitals provide end-to-end care packages including visa assistance, travel arrangements, and post-operative follow-up, enabling patients to focus solely on recovery in a supportive environment.

    Patients value India’s blending of advanced medical science with traditional healing modalities such as Ayurveda and Yoga, which deliver holistic wellness alongside modern treatments. This comprehensive appeal drives not only an influx of international patients but also growing confidence in India as a global healthcare destination poised for continued expansion. This report delves into the multifaceted drivers behind India’s medical tourism boom, spotlighting destination highlights, government programs, cost benefits, insurance landscape, and growth projections shaping this dynamic sector.

    Leading Medical Tourism Destinations in India

    • Delhi: Renowned for specialized oncology, cardiology, and neurology treatments in world-class tertiary hospitals.
    • Bangalore: Recognized as a biotech and surgical innovation hub offering affordable advanced procedures.
    • Mumbai: Home to premier private hospitals delivering comprehensive, multi-specialty care.
    • Chennai: South India’s healthcare nucleus, excelling in cardiac surgeries and fertility treatments.
    • Hyderabad: Growing prominence in organ transplantation and internationally accredited medical centers.
    • Gujarat: Known for integrated wellness resorts combining modern care and traditional therapies.
    • Goa: Rising wellness and post-operative recuperation destination with expanding medical tourism support.

    Cost Advantages Driving Influx
    India’s medical procedures are considerably more affordable than in Western markets, making it a preferred option for cost-conscious patients worldwide.

    • Elective surgeries cost between $2,000 and $15,000.
    • Complex procedures including heart surgeries and organ transplants range from $20,000 to $40,000.
    • Example: Coronary artery bypass surgery costs $8,000-$10,000 in India versus $100,000+ in the US.
    • Economical generic medicines support chronic disease management and long-term care affordability.

    Increasing Availability and Affordability of Insurance
    Health insurance premiums in India are notably low, typically ranging from $120 to $300 annually, encouraging broader adoption.

    • Many insurance plans now cover support services for NRIs managing elderly parental care domestically.
    • Growing insurance sectors enhance patient financial security and long-term treatment feasibility.

    Government Support and Policy Initiatives

    • Simplified e-medical visa and attendant visa schemes for nationals of 171 countries, facilitating easier entry.
    • ‘Heal in India’ campaign promoting synergies among healthcare providers, airlines, and hospitality sectors.
    • State-level programs encouraging wellness tourism, skill development, and patient experience enhancement.
    • Incentives and accreditation benchmarks to boost global standards and patient safety.

    Surging Demand and Market Outlook

    • 1,31,856 foreign medical tourist arrivals reported January-April 2025; 4.1% of total foreign arrivals.
    • Annual medical tourist arrivals increased to over 6.4 lakh in 2024, from 1.82 lakh in 2020.
    • Projected growth to a $58.2 billion industry by 2035 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3%.
    • High demand for specialized care such as cosmetic surgery, fertility treatment, orthopedics, and transplants.

    Additional Drivers for Medical Tourism Popularity

    • Comfortable cultural familiarity and English-speaking healthcare providers.
    • End-to-end hospital packages including visa, travel, accommodation, and post-treatment care.
    • Integration of holistic medical systems like Ayurveda and Yoga with cutting-edge technology.
    • Strong familial support networks aiding emotional and physical recovery.

    Strategic Role of Medical Cities

    • Delhi and Mumbai cater to advanced surgeries and diagnostics.
    • Bangalore leads in biotech research and innovative surgical solutions.
    • Chennai and Hyderabad boast high-quality accredited hospitals with surgical specialties.
    • Gujarat and Goa complement medical tourism with wellness retreats and recovery centers.

    Conclusion
    India’s medical tourism sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by an unbeatable value proposition of world-class healthcare at accessible costs. With government backing, expanding insurance coverage, and leading healthcare metros, India is set to solidify its position as a global medical tourism hub. Patients from around the world are increasingly prioritizing India for both routine and complex medical treatments, supported by cultural comfort and comprehensive care solutions. The country’s medical tourism ecosystem is well poised for continued robust growth, offering an unmatched combination of quality, affordability, and holistic wellness. Travel And Tour World

  • UN warns of rising scam centers in East Timor

    UN warns of rising scam centers in East Timor

    A suspected scam call operation and a suspicious network of companies was discovered with links to a new free trade zone in the nation of East Timor, according to a report published Thursday by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime.

    The report comes as scam centers have proliferated across Southeast Asia and spread across the world, and highlights the ability of the criminal enterprises to relocate as some governments in the region launch crackdowns.

    Such centers, usually walled compounds in remote areas that conduct computer-enabled scams that are estimated to cost victims tens of billions of dollars per year, have proliferated in recent years, especially in Southeast Asia.

    Scam centers in Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia have drawn global attention for running notorious romance scams, where a worker poses as an attractive young woman to lure targets into making false investments. They are also found in the Philippines and Laos, and UNODC warned in April that scam centers have appeared in Latin America and Africa.

    In East Timor, police raided a suspected scam center in late August in the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse, detaining more than 30 foreigners for working without permission. The people detained came from Indonesia, Malaysia and China, but the UNODC report said it is unclear if they had been trafficked.

    Oecusse is an exclave of East Timor located on the Indonesian half of the island the two countries share, and the region’s government opened a free trade zone called Oecusse Digital Centre in December 2024.

    “The scale and nature of the activity we are now seeing – similar to what we were seeing at the earlier stages of Southeast Asia’s scam industry – shows how far things have progressed,” said Benedikt Hofmann, deputy regional representative at UNODC for Southeast Asia and the Pacific. “This is concerning, especially given the boost in connectivity Timor-Leste will be experiencing as part of becoming a full member of ASEAN.”

    The nation of East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, is one of the poorest in the world, and has a population of 1.3 million. It is due to join the regional association of Southeast Asian nations called ASEAN in October this year.

    The UNODC said other companies with apparent links to scam networks were also found to be active in the region. The agency said one, an online gaming company, is connected with casino networks in Cambodia, owned by a Cambodian businessman with links Wan Kuok-koi, leader of the 14K Triad criminal gang and sanctioned by the United States.

    Across countries in Southeast Asia, free trade zones or special economic zones have been exploited to facilitate cyber-enabled scams, money laundering and other crimes.

    Last year, the Philippines launched a nationwide crackdown in which the government deported thousands of workers found in scam centers. In February, Thailand, Myanmar and China launched a joint action that saw thousands of workers released. However, the centers themselves have continued to operate. AP

  • Oracle shares surge on growing AI cloud demand

    Oracle shares surge on growing AI cloud demand

    Oracle shares surged about 43% to a record high on Wednesday, putting the company on track to join the elite trillion-dollar club and propelling co-founder Larry Ellison closer to the top of the world’s richest list.

    The company unveiled four multi-billion-dollar contracts on Tuesday, amid an industry-wide shift, led by companies such as OpenAI and xAI, to aggressively spend to secure the massive computing capacity needed to stay ahead in the AI race.

    The stock was last up 36.7%, after rising to hit a record high of $345.69, set for its biggest one-day percentage jump since 1992.

    Separately, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that OpenAI has signed a contract to purchase $300 billion in computing power from Oracle over roughly five years, marking one of the biggest cloud contracts ever signed.

    A majority of the new revenue Oracle described on Tuesday will come from the OpenAI deal, the report said.

    Ellison, 81, whose net worth is largely derived from his 41% stake in Oracle, saw his fortune rise by about $100 billion to around $392.6 billion, according to Forbes.

    He is rapidly closing in on Tesla chief Elon Musk in the race for the title of the world’s richest person. Musk’s net worth last stood at $439.9 billion.

    Oracle will add about $234 billion to its market valuation, taking the total to around $913 billion, if gains hold, and bringing the company closer to the coveted $1 trillion-dollar club.

    Its shares have risen 45% so far this year, outperforming the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks and the broader S&P 500 index, with investors betting big on AI-driven cloud firms.

    “Over the next few months, we expect to sign up several additional multi-billion-dollar customers and RPO is likely to exceed half-a-trillion dollars,” said CEO Safra Catz during a post-earnings call.

    Currently, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud dominate the cloud computing market with a combined 65% share, while Oracle, Alibaba, CoreWeave and others hold a smaller slice of the market.

    Oracle’s first-quarter results lifted shares of Nvidia, Broadcom and Advanced Micro Devices, which supply semiconductors used in data centers. Shares of the companies rose between 2% and 8%.

    Competitor CoreWeave’s shares were up about 15%.

    The company has struck deals with Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft to let their cloud customers run Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) alongside native services. The revenue from these partnerships rose more than sixteen-fold in the first quarter.

    “What matters here is that this figure now includes contributions from the Stargate venture and two other big AI players, meaning revenues beyond 2026 go much higher,” said Ben Reitzes, analyst at Melius Research.

    Analysts flagged Oracle’s role in SoftBank and OpenAI’s Stargate project as another tailwind, giving the company a foothold in the large-scale AI infrastructure project that is expected to channel about $500 billion in spending.

    The company also supplies cloud services to xAI, the AI startup founded by Musk, a longtime ally of Ellison.

    Oracle’s stock is trading at over 33.34 times its 12-month forward earnings estimates, compared with Amazon’s 32.34 and Microsoft’s 30.83. Reuters

  • H-1B visa costs push Indian IT firms to cut Reliance

    H-1B visa costs push Indian IT firms to cut Reliance

    India’s top software services companies are steadily reducing their dependence on H-1B visas for US hiring, as immigration rules grow more expensive and complex.

    Why it matters
    The move reflects how Indian IT giants are shifting delivery models — hiring locally in the US, nearshoring work, and adopting automation — while navigating political pressure in Western markets to safeguard local jobs.

    In May, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it had selected 120,141 applications for H-1B visas for 2026. This is the lowest number chosen since 2021. Even with this drop, the announcement sparked fresh debate, especially among supporters of Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Many argued the figure was still too high and claimed the H-1B programme was taking away jobs from Americans.

    US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have strongly criticised the H-1B visa programme, calling it a “scam”. Right-wing activist Laura Loomer also wrote on social media: “US workers are being replaced. 120,000 H-1B visas have been approved for 2026. Not good.”

    Indians continue to be the largest beneficiaries of the programme, receiving about 72.3 per cent of all H-1B approvals in recent years. For FY 2025, around 135,000 people were selected out of more than 470,000 applicants, with Indians again making up the majority.

    The heavy reliance on H-1B visas is crucial for India’s IT industry. The programme gives access to major global contracts and management roles. Any cuts or restrictions could limit opportunities for Indian professionals and disrupt long-standing business models of large Indian IT companies.

    By the numbers

    • The six biggest IT employers — Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCL Technologies, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and LTIMindtree — cut H-1B issuances by an average of 46 per cent over the past five years, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
    • TCS remained an exception in FY25, sponsoring 5,505 visas, second only to Amazon, thanks to its 600,000-strong workforce.
    • Global consultancies such as Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant, and IBM reported a similar 44 per cent average drop in filings between FY21 and FY25, the news report said.
    • In contrast, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google have stayed among the top sponsors, continuing to draw Indian tech talent.

    AI labs join the fray

    Research firms OpenAI and Anthropic also emerged as notable H-1B sponsors. OpenAI filed for 76 visas in FY25, up from 75 in FY24 and 11 in FY21. Anthropic backed 41 applications in FY25, USCIS data showed.

    Big picture

    • Indian IT firms are cutting visa reliance partly due to US protectionist sentiment but also because generative AI is reshaping outsourcing models.
    • Meanwhile, US tech giants are doubling down on bringing Indian engineers onsite to scale AI products, deepening their reliance on specialised talent, the news report said.

    Immigration rule changes from September 2025

    United States

    • From September 2, nearly all non-immigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews at consulates
    • Exemptions for children under 14, seniors over 79, and many renewals will largely end
    • Categories like F-1 students and H-1B professionals will be affected
    • The Department of Homeland Security also plans to replace the “duration of status” model with fixed stay periods, requiring extensions or reapplications

    United Kingdom

    • New restrictions will apply to asylum family reunifications
    • Conditions include income thresholds, English skills, and settlement periods
    • Judicial appeals will be phased out in favour of trained public panels to speed up cases

    New Zealand

    • Launching two new temporary visas: Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (up to three years) and Peak Seasonal Visa (up to seven months)
    • From September 1, investors under the Active Investor Plus scheme with NZ$5 million can buy or build residential property without the previous six-month residency requirement

    Australia

    • From September 13, the Skills in Demand (Subclass 482) visa will lower its English language bar to vocational level (IELTS 5 in each band or equivalent in PTE Academic)
    • The move aims to widen access for industries facing acute labour shortages

    Business Standard

  • Community Fibre hits 400K milestone in fibre subscriptions

    Community Fibre hits 400K milestone in fibre subscriptions

    The new take-up milestone is said to make Community Fibre the number one major altnet provider in the UK in terms of customer penetration.

    400,000 homes and businesses connected across the capital from a footprint of 1.3 million properties means a penetration rate of 30.7%. Speed options range from its 35 Mbps social tariff through to 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps (2,500 Mbps and 5000 Mbps) utilising XGS-PON.

    Community Fibre operates another much smaller footprint in Surrey and Sussex that was previously Box Broadband and the full fibre there is currently GPON to maximum speeds are 1 Gbps.

    Competition in London is increasing, especially now that Openreach is rolling out to a number of new areas in the capital. The strategy Community Fibre has used on engaging with communities via for example providing free broadband for 720 community spaces assuming it continues should in theory help in the face of increased competition, e.g. when people see the service working reliably in a community space they will be more confident to take the service in their own home or flat. ThinkBroadband

  • Fiber and Wireless drive 7% growth in broadband equipment

    Fiber and Wireless drive 7% growth in broadband equipment

    According to a recently published report from Dell’Oro Group, the trusted source for market information about the telecommunications, security, networks, and data center industries, total global revenue for the Broadband Access equipment market increased to $4.7 B in 2Q 2025, up 7 percent Q/Q and 1 percent Y/Y. Despite the high level of macroeconomic uncertainty, fiber and fixed wireless providers remained focused on expanding their subscriber numbers at the expense of cable operators.

    “Fiber and Fixed Wireless Access providers continue to move aggressively to steal away valuable broadband subscribers from incumbent cable operators, which is being reflected in their equipment spending trending in completely opposite directions,” said Jeff Heynen, Vice President at Dell’Oro Group. “As a percentage of total broadband equipment spending worldwide, spending on DOCSIS infrastructure and CPE has reached its lowest levels since Dell’Oro began tracking the segment in 1998,” explained Heynen.

    Additional highlights from the 2Q 2025 Broadband Access and Home Networking quarterly report:

    • Spending on 5G Fixed Wireless CPE reached another record high this quarter, as operators in the US, India, and a growing list of markets continue to expand their Fixed Wireless Access subscribers.
    • Spending on DOCSIS infrastructure declined 13 percent Y/Y, due to continued softness in spending on Remote PHY Devices (RPDs), as well as a slowdown in new vCMTS license purchases.

    Dell’Oro Group

  • WBD, Disney sue Sling TV/Dish over short-term passes

    WBD, Disney sue Sling TV/Dish over short-term passes

    US media giant Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is taking Sling TV, the over-the-top service owned by TV carrier Dish’s parent company Echostar, to court over its short-term live broadcast packages.

    Sling, which allows users to stream live TV, recently introduced passes offering access to its full bundle for a day, weekend, or full week, something WBD alleges violates the terms of the pair’s carriage deal.

    In the legal complaint, filed with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, WBD has stated that the ‘passes’ “violate both the plain language of the Dish affiliation agreements and the longstanding industry practice of offering television content through monthly subscription services,” adding that the bundles “undermine programmers’ business model, which depends on monthly subscriptions.”

    While Sling’s services usually start at $45.99 a month, the new system includes a $4.99 day pass for 24 hours, a $9.99 Weekend Pass, and a $14.99 7-day pass. They were rolled out at the start of the college football and NFL seasons.

    WBD further alleges that Sling TV launched the short-term passes without any consultation, and yet explicitly advertises WBD networks as part of the bundles.

    The media giant has also reportedly said that it is hoping for an “amicable” resolution to the dispute, likely eager to avoid its own iteration of the breakdown in relations and subsequent blackout of Disney-owned channels on TV carrier DirecTV that plagued 2024.

    For its part, an Echostar statement appeared unrepentant, with the firm saying: “Sling TV has broken the mold of expensive, rigid bundles with flexible Sling Orange Day, Weekend and Week Pass subscriptions – pay-as-you-want instant access.

    “This customer-first model challenges the old guard’s outdated pricing playbook, exposing their dependence on market power and resistance to change. With no long-term contracts and lower costs, Sling puts control back in the hands of subscribers, signaling a shift toward competition that puts consumer value ahead of monopolistic control.”

    WBD is not the only media heavyweight that has taken issue with the practice; in fact, Disney has already launched a suit against Sling (also with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York), once again claiming it was not consulted about the offering.

    In a statement, Disney told outlet Deadline: “Sling TV’s new offerings, which they made available without our knowledge or consent, violate the terms of our existing license agreement. We have asked the court to require Dish to comply with our deal when it distributes our programming.”

    Sling subsequently made a statement to Deadline that it will “vigorously defend our right to bring customers a viewing experience that fits their lives, on their schedule and on their terms” and described Disney’s lawsuit as “meritless.”

    The company added that its new passes were “designed to redefine streaming and give viewers more flexibility, more choice and more control over how they watch live TV.” Sportcal

  • Waves Ott targets 10M users & 5x Ad growth

    Waves Ott targets 10M users & 5x Ad growth

    Prasar Bharati has invited bids to set up a Project Management Unit (PMU) that will steer the growth of its over-the-top (Ott) platform Waves, with ambitious goals of reaching 10 million registered users and achieving five-fold growth in advertising revenue within a year.

    According to the Request for Proposal (RFP), the PMU will be tasked with driving user acquisition, boosting engagement to a 70 per cent monthly active user rate, and ensuring 80 per cent of newly onboarded content meets viewership benchmarks. The plan also envisions operational and financial sustainability for the platform within two years.

    The PMU’s role will span across content strategy, technology, marketing, monetisation, and partnerships, including telecom bundling, smart TV integration, and global tie-ups. Brand building, improved visibility, and a data-driven approach to growth will also be key deliverables.

    Waves, launched in November 2024, has already crossed 3.8 million downloads and 2.3 million registered users. Its content mix includes live TV, movies, shows, podcasts, gaming, and ecommerce integrations through ONDC.

    The contract for the PMU will initially run for two years, with an option for a one-year extension based on performance. Selection will follow a two-stage evaluation process under the Quality and Cost-based Selection (QCBS) model, giving 80 per cent weight to technical expertise and 20 per cent to financials.

    Prasar Bharati said the initiative is part of its push to make Waves a globally competitive and commercially sustainable Ott platform, strengthening India’s digital media ecosystem. BW Marketing World

  • Job and Education: How learning shapes career success

    Job and Education: How learning shapes career success

    In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, education plays a crucial role in shaping career opportunities and job success. With technological advancements, global competition, and changing industry demands, continuous learning and skill development have become essential for professionals across sectors.

    The Connection Between Education and Employment
    Education equips individuals with knowledge, technical skills, and critical thinking abilities needed to perform effectively at work. Whether it’s a formal degree, vocational training, or online certification, learning helps job seekers stand out in a crowded market. Employers increasingly seek candidates who are adaptable, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners.

    According to recent studies, job opportunities are growing in fields like information technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and finance. However, without the right educational background, individuals may struggle to access higher-paying roles or leadership positions.

    Importance of Skills Beyond Academics
    While degrees matter, employers now value skills such as communication, teamwork, and digital literacy more than ever. Programs that focus on soft skills, internships, and hands-on experience are becoming key differentiators in the hiring process.

    For instance, a candidate with practical experience using tools like data analytics or cloud computing may have an edge over others with just theoretical knowledge. Similarly, good interpersonal skills can enhance collaboration in diverse work environments.

    Upskilling and Reskilling: Staying Relevant
    The job market is constantly evolving. Automation and artificial intelligence are transforming industries, requiring employees to adapt. Upskilling — learning new abilities to advance in the same field — and reskilling — learning new skills for a different career path — are strategies many professionals are adopting.

    Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer accessible courses, making it easier than ever to acquire new skills at your own pace. Many organizations now support employee training programs to ensure their workforce stays competitive.

    Education as a Long-Term Investment
    Investing in education pays off not only through immediate job prospects but also by enhancing problem-solving capabilities, leadership potential, and overall personal growth. The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn helps individuals stay ahead in their careers and open doors to new opportunities.

    Conclusion
    In conclusion, education is the foundation of career advancement and job security. A blend of formal qualifications, technical skills, and soft skills can empower job seekers and professionals alike to thrive in dynamic industries. By prioritizing lifelong learning and embracing new challenges, individuals can create a path toward sustained success.
    The NewsBit Bureau