Here are the editor's top picks for the week.
As federal internet of things legislation proves elusive, US states push ahead
As connected devices proliferate, U.S. federal and state legislators are grappling with how to regulate the rapidly evolving internet of things for security and privacy concerns. Given the billions of connected devices and a lack of codified industry standards for IoT, some cybersecurity experts advocate broad controls that protect data across a range of sectors and devices, like Europe's recently enacted General Data Protection Regulation.
Next Gen TV: A new advertising frontier for broadcasters
A new broadcast standard, known as Next Gen TV, is expected to bring a bevy of benefits to local TV station owners, though the timing of the rollout and expected uptake remain uncertain. The next-generation broadcast standard ATSC 3.0, featuring IP transport that merges broadcast and broadband, promises to offer better picture quality via Ultra High-Definition TV and high-dynamic-range signals and enhanced audio.
Discovery to drive OTT as part of $2B international PGA Tour golf rights deal
The 12-year pact, beginning in 2019, will reach 220 markets as Discovery Inc. plans to deploy tactics it used with its Olympic rights, tied to sublicensing, affiliate and advertising extensions. The agreement extends to the linear side, encompassing some 2,000 hours of content annually, cutting across the six properties operated by the PGA Tour.
FCC takes next steps to open up high-band spectrum for 5G uses
While the Federal Communications Commission on June 7 unanimously advanced a series of proceedings to open up more high-band millimeter wave spectrum for commercial use, some other votes proved more controversial. Looking to pave the way for next-generation 5G wireless technology, the FCC voted 4-0 to adopt an order that lays out new rules for the 24 GHz band and also addresses some of the spectrum-sharing issues that have arisen for fixed satellite services already operating in the band.
Data Dispatch: UK, Spain to lead online video revenue growth amid EU push for new OTT rules
The U.K. is projected to lead Western Europe's online video market, with record growth set for Spain, as players such as Netflix Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and HBO (US) race to earn the loyalty of international subscribers amid a push by the EU to implement new over-the-top rules. With online video estimated to account for 80% of all consumer internet traffic by 2019, up from 64% in 2014, European regulators are preparing key changes to media laws in order to extend their scope to cover subscription video-on-demand services such as Netflix, as well as user-generated video platforms including Facebook Inc. and Google Inc.'s YouTube.
