Why the Paris Olympics Are Key for Max’s Streaming Growth In Europe

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As a dedicated fan of sports and a long-time subscriber to various streaming services, I’m thrilled to hear about Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD)’s plans for maximizing the Paris Olympics experience on their platforms, Max and Discovery+. Having grown up watching the Olympics on traditional TV, it’s fascinating to see how technology and innovation have transformed the way we consume sports content.

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is eagerly preparing for the Paris Olympics and the potential benefits it could bring for their streaming platform Max, as well as other areas of the media and entertainment company, according to Andrew Georgiou, President and Managing Director of WBD U.K. & Ireland and WBD Sports Europe. During a meeting with journalists on Thursday, he shared insights into how advanced AI and digital navigation technologies will enhance users’ experience in discovering and enjoying the Olympic Games on streaming services.

In 2024, the Olympics will be broadcast by WBD for the first time – a result of Discovery and WarnerMedia’s merger. The company plans to stream the event in 19 languages and across 47 markets through its platforms Max and Discovery+. Depending on the location, viewers might also access coverage via Eurosport’s TV channels.

“Significantly for us, the Olympics will play a pivotal role in Max’s debut strategy, having been introduced in 25 European markets. The Olympics, following the conclusion of ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2, serves as an essential milestone in expanding Max’s brand presence and influence throughout Europe.”

He expressed: “This is a significant shift in our launch plan for Max during these Games, and it’s a major priority for us.”

Georgiou pointed out the potential benefits of advertising other Warner Bros. Discovery brands during the Games. In France, Max is currently marketing shows like “Barbie,” “Wonka,” and “Ocean’s Eleven.” He believed this cross-promotion would lead to more new subscribers, higher engagement, and improved customer retention.

Additionally, CNN by WBD is co-located with the WBD Sports team in Paris, providing easier access to athletes and fostering greater collaboration among different parts of the organization.

I was recently asked about the exciting news of WBD integrating Looney Tunes characters into their Olympic preparations. They’ve released engaging content shorts for both kids and families to learn about various sports, including tennis, gymnastics, and even breakdancing – a fresh addition to the Olympics. As a gamer and sports enthusiast, I can’t wait to see how these beloved characters add to the Olympic Spirit!

Georgiou expressed that their involvement in the Olympics is “merely entertaining as we strive to captivate younger crowds with novel approaches.” He further explained, “Interviews with Looney Tunes and Bugs Bunny featuring athletes, for instance, are just playful additions to our company’s offerings. We acknowledge that our business has evolved significantly, boasting more resources and a wider range of content, all while maintaining exceptional quality and diversity.”

As a passionate sports fan, I’m thrilled about the digital advancements streaming platforms are bringing to the table. These innovations make it easier for us to discover and savor even more of our favorite sports content. Georgiou emphasized this point during his speech on Thursday.

“Max and digital platforms offer unique chances for Max to design customized tools and interaction, allowing consumers to have greater control over their preferred content experience. He acknowledged the Olympics’ complexity, explaining that it presents one of the greatest challenges due to its vast array of simultaneous events. For instance, during these Games, we broadcast a record-breaking 54 live events in 50 markets, all in 20 different languages at once. Given the enormous volume of content, with over 3,800 hours of live competition on our streaming platform, it’s crucial to provide consumers with effective navigation tools. Some are new, while others have been improved.”

For British fans eager to support Team GB, our platform offers a dedicated space where you can easily access and watch all their performances. Similarly, if you’re a fan of French athletes, we have a special area showcasing live streams of their best moments. In one convenient location, you’ll find all the highlights for your favorite French athletes.

For those eager to catch their preferred sports, we provide a user-friendly solution. With sports-tailored navigation, you can effortlessly access all your favorite sports. Additionally, an interactive schedule is available to help you check out what’s currently being live-broadcasted.

After audiences engage with WBD’s Olympics coverage on digital channels, WBD offers additional conveniences. For instance, Discovery+ in the U.K.’s timeline markers have been expanded to cover 11 distinct sports, as Georgious explained. “Long session times are common for sports like swimming and athletics,” he added. “If you start watching halfway through the day, use the timeline markers to rewind or fast-forward to essential moments. We’ve carefully selected these parts based on their interest value.”

An executive shared that some tasks are accomplished using data and artificial intelligence, specifically for placing time markers on a timeline. (Paraphrased) The executive mentioned that certain functions are managed through data and artificial intelligence, allowing them to position time indicators on the timeline.

While viewing a program, if a gold medal competition occurs in another sport that you’re not currently watching, an on-screen alert will pop up to inform you about it. Simply clicking on the alert will take you directly to the ongoing gold medal event. (Georgiou’s explanation paraphrased)

An additional noteworthy aspect is the real-time event feed. This allows users to view ongoing events alongside their current activity without having to leave the platform. Users have the flexibility to access this feature at any moment and can easily switch back if they choose to explore other parts of the platform.

An additional appealing aspect is the availability of a multi-language audio feed. This allows viewers from various markets to customize their viewing experience by choosing their preferred language. For instance, a Polish viewer residing in France can access Max and enjoy volleyball events with Polish audio commentary if desired.

Georgiou concluded, “The best way to experience the Olympics, in my opinion, is through our digital service. While traditional linear distribution offers a well-structured narrative for the day, it lacks the flexibility to let you focus on what catches your interest.”

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2024-07-25 19:56