Read up on the full press release here, with commentary from Mediavision’s senior analyst Fredrik Liljeqvist.

“We have received input from several actors that they would like a payment intermediary ban linked to illegal IPTV services, like what we have in the gambling area. This is something that the ministry is now considering”, the Ministry of Culture informed Nettavisen.

“Among other things, we are looking at the technically possible of such a ban and how it can be regulated. However, it is too early to draw any conclusions if a ban is the way to go”, the Ministry of Culture continues.

Hans Erik Johnsen, partner at the law firm Wiersholm, is positive to the suggested solution and believe that a payment ban may substantially limit IPTV use.

“There is a toolbox available, which the state has used in other contexts. It would make civil and criminal law enforcement easier and give the actors a quicker way to reach the goal. If you give the licensee an easier way to identify the “pirates”, then it is also easier to achieve the general preventive aspect, when the risk of being caught increases”, Johnsen told Nettavisen.

Illegal IPTV is a growing concern throughout the Nordics. In Norway, more than 200 000 households subscribe to an illegal IPTV service. This is presented in Mediavision’s latest Nordic Piracy report. The report covers illegal viewing of series, movies, and live sports across all four Nordic countries, and provides a comprehensive overview of the development. For more information or order, please contact Mediavision’s senior analyst Natalia Borelius at natalia.borelius@mediavision.se.

Disney-owned FX came to dominate the award show with a total of 36 awards across the Emmys and the Creative Arts Awards. The success was largely driven by the record-breaking shows Shōgun and The Bear. Shōgun won 14 awards, including outstanding drama series, and best drama actor and actress for Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada. The Bear broke its own record for most wins for a comedy series in a single year with 11 awards, including best lead actor for Jeremy Allen White and best directing for a comedy series for Christopher Storer.

For Netflix, it was a big night for the limited series Baby Reindeer. The show won best limited series (exclusive miniseries which tell a complete story in 4-10 episodes) and the creator Richard Gadd was awarded best writing and actor in a limited series. Jessica Gunning also earned an award for best supporting actress in the category. Netflix also collected awards for the TV shows Ripley and The Crown.

In comparison to its recent years of success, HBO did not obtain the best Emmy Awards this year. HBO has only been beaten in total number of Emmy wins twice in the last decade; this year by FX, and in 2021 by Netflix. However, HBO may be making a strong return. Last year’s writers and actors strikes delayed several of its previous award-winning shows such as The White Lotus and The Last of Us, both of which are expected to release new seasons next year.

Swedish podcast hosting platform Podspace is expanding. The company is now establishing in Finland and opens an office in Helsinki.

With the expansion, Podspace has recruited three new managers. Öjje Holt, one of the founders of Acast and previous Nordic CEO at Spotify, has been appointed directorV of growth at Podspace, with responsibility for strategy and growth. The sales department is strengthened by Johan Leijonhufvud, which also has a background at Spotify. He will besenior client manager. Eeva Ronkainen will be head of the new Helsinki office, also she with a background at Spotify.

Alongside the expansion into Finland, Podspace is also planning to reach beyond the Nordics.

“The podcast market globally is still immature, so there is no shortage of alternatives. However, we naturally want to make the best and most well-considered decisions possible. We will experiment and see where we get the most momentum before making more substantial investments and committing more heavily.” says Podspace CEO and co-founder Carl Fridsjö.

In other podcast news, Perfect Day Media, one of the Nordics’ largest podcast studios, is becoming a part of the PodX Group. PodX is acquiring 100% of Perfect Day from its sister company PopHouse Entertainment.

“We are proud and excited to welcome Perfect Day Media to PodX Group. Perfect Day Media holds a unique position in the Nordic podcast market, excelling at attracting top talent, while also successfully monetizing formats and content. This acquisition perfectly aligns with our vision to become the leading international player in the podcast space”, comments Patrick Svensk, CEO PodX Group.

Karolina Sandberg and Tove Barkestad will continue to share responsibility for Perfect Day Media. They took office at the turn of the year, succeeding founders Hanna Widell and Amanda Schulman, who started Perfect Day Media in 2011.

Since the company was established in 2022, PodX Group has made a series of acquisitions in the podcast industry, both in Sweden and abroad. Among the companies that are part of the group are Studio Minuit and Nouvelles Écoutes in France, Filt and Suomen Podcastmedia in the Nordics and Goldhawk Productions, Listen and Platform Media in the UK.

Marie Nilsson: Social video på frammarsch – kan fördubbla dagens avod-marknad – Dagens Media

Report: Continued growth for streamed music in Sweden – Advanced Television

Filmer og serier «herfra» har vært nødvendig i jakten på kunder – Kampanje

Piratforbrug af film, serier og sport steg med otte pct. i 2023 – Mediawatch

Advertising revenue is increasingly important for streaming services – Broadband TV News

Marie Nilsson: Det berättar ungas medievanor om morgondagens mediekonsumtion – Dagens Media

Mediavision’s Adrian Grande shares his takes on HVOD in the Nordics – Nordisk Film & TV Fond

One million Nordic interested in Serie A, but rights go unsold – Broadband TV News

Norge på topp på strømming, men globale aktører løper ifra – Medier24

Pirat-tv ökar i Norden: ”Sverige har en tradition” – Sveriges Radio