Cox Media Group is leveraging Amagi, a provider of cloud-based software-as-a-service technology and targeted ad solutions for broadcast and connected TV, to expand its digital streaming strategy.
Cox Media has been working to grow its slate of free digital streams, and since picking Amagi, that now stands at 30 linear streams. In each of CMG’s 10 major markets it offers a 24x7 Now channel, a News Channel and a market-specific Weather Channel, with live breaking news.
Agami technology is meant to help content owners launch, distribute and monetize live linear channels on free ad-supported streaming TV and video services platforms.
"Our collaboration with Amagi unlocks the potential to greatly expand our streaming footprint including our NOW Channels, News and Weather streams across CMG," stated Marian Pittman, EVP of Content, Product & Innovation at CMG.
CMG operates 31 TV stations in 20 markets, with 53 radio stations across genres in 11 markets, along with streaming and digital platforms.
It’s tapping Amagi to power streaming across connected TV, mobile web and distributions, specifically tapping the vendor’s Cloudport cloud playout service. It enables CMG to be a partner for distribution endpoints like Plex and Redbox, handling complex functions like EPG ingestion, manipulation and formatting. In addition, Amagi is integrated with the CMG app ecosystem.
In October, Cox Media reached a local TV news deal with Redbox, allowing the latter to stream 10 live local news channels from markets including Seattle, Atlant and Orlando on its free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service.
CMG is also using Amagi’s ad sales service, Ads Plus, to better monetize ads by selling their inventory and build improved ad experiences.
“Our comprehensive streaming strategy fuels growth for our business by using centralized programming, shared content, high-quality video, optimized ad breaks, and more. We needed a platform and partner that helps enable that strategy," said Mark Beck, SVP and CIO for CMG. "Amagi is the premiere, cloud-based technology partner with roots in broadcast television – so they understand our opportunities.”
Other Agami clients include ABS-CBN, A+E Networks UK, beIN Sports, CuriosityStream, Fox Networks, NBCUniversal, Tena, USA Today and Vice Media, among others.
Beck went on to say that CMG’s immediate focus is on the TV streaming business, but Agami’s platform “has also allowed us to quickly launch many of CMG’s radio shows into the streaming world, further extending our video business.”
At the end of March, CMG announced a deal to sell TV stations in 12 markets to Imagicomm Communications, an affiliate of general entertainment cable network INSP. Terms were not disclosed.