Year: 2023

Apple TV+’s ‘Ted Lasso’ Season 3 premiere scores 870K U.S. households, up 59% over Season 2 premiere

CompuScoop Staff March 22, 2023 2

“Ted Lasso” Season 3 scored a hat trick for Apple TV+ with its premiere episode, scoring 870,000 U.S. households, up 59% over its popular Season 2 premiere in July 2021.

About 870,000 Samba TV-measured U.S. households tuned in to the first episode in the first four days since it debuted on the streaming service, according to the audience analytics company. That’s up about 59% from the 546,000 households Samba measured for the Season 2 premiere.

Of course, this doesn’t tell the whole viewing story, though it does give a pretty good picture of the premiere’s performance. Samba TV doesn’t measure mobile, however, their sample includes a panel of 3 million terrestrial TVs, weighted to the U.S. Census. By contrast, Samba TV’s panel is nearly 100x larger than Nielsen’s household footprint of 45K homes.

Apple TV+ hasn’t released any data for Ted Lasso viewership (or any of its series), but it did say that Season 2 delivered the streamer’s biggest premiere day ever, largest opening weekend ever and No. 1 debut across all series and movies.

Via: Deadline.com

NewsMax to return on DirecTV and related services

CompuScoop Staff March 22, 2023 1

El Segundo, Calif. And Boca Raton, Fla.—DIRECTV and Newsmax Media, Inc. announced today that they reached a business agreement for a multi-year distribution deal that will return the Newsmax channel to DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM and U-verse on March 23, 2023.

When the two companies were initially unable to agree on financial terms to extend their carriage agreement, DIRECTV lost the rights to distribute the programming on Jan 25, 2023. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in the pay TV industry, and often consumers are caught in the middle.

“Newsmax recognizes and appreciates that DIRECTV clearly supports diverse voices, including conservative ones,” said Christopher Ruddy, CEO of Newsmax. “As a standalone company, DIRECTV gave Newsmax its start nearly a decade ago as it continues to do with upcoming news networks, which is why we are pleased to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that will deliver our network to DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM and U-verse customers over the next several years.”

“This resolution with Newsmax, resolving an all-too-common carriage dispute, underscores our dedication to delivering a wide array of programming and perspectives to all our customers,” said Bill Morrow, Chief Executive Officer for DIRECTV. “Through our persistent negotiations, we reached a resolution under mutually-agreeable business terms allowing us to deliver the conservative news network at the right value – a reflection of the free market at work.”

Newsmax will be available to DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM and U-verse at no additional cost to customers, rejoining the expanded diversified news lineup, which now includes six 24/7 news networks – CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Newsmax, NewsNation, and The First.

This agreement marks DIRECTV’s latest successful resolution of a carriage dispute, an unfortunate but increasingly frequent occurrence involving nearly every pay TV and streaming provider attempting to keep rising consumer costs in check. Over the past five years alone, the industry has endured no less than 140 distinct disputes pitting programmers or station groups against their primary distributors. While some resolve in as little as a few hours to days or weeks, others last several months to more than a year. During that same timeframe, DIRECTV has resolved public disputes with approximately 50 programmers or station groups, typically lasting a few days or weeks, but routinely extending to several months in some instances.

Important: Now that Newsmax is back on DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, and U-verse, if you have any questions or want to subscribe, call DIRECTV today at 855 333 4404!

About NEWSMAX:

Newsmax Media, Inc. operates Newsmax, one of the nation’s leading news outlets. The Newsmax channel is carried on all major cable and satellite systems. Newsmax’s media properties reach more than 40 million Americans regularly through Newsmax TV, the Newsmax App, its popular website Newsmax.com, and publications like Newsmax Magazine. Forbes has called Newsmax “a news powerhouse.”

About DIRECTV:

Since its launch in 1994, DIRECTV has continually evolved its product, best-in-class content, service, and user experience to provide customers with an industry-leading video offering. DIRECTV offers the industry’s best picture format and exciting content in 4K HDR. DIRECTV also gives customers the choice of watching movies and TV shows from virtually anywhere – on their TVs at home or their favorite mobile devices via the DIRECTV app. DIRECTV STREAM, the streaming video service, is designed for the household that wants the best of live TV and on-demand, compelling live TV packages, sports and, when using a DIRECTV STREAM device, access to more than 7,000 apps on Google Play.

America’s commercial video industry leader, DIRECTV for BUSINESS already serves more than 300,000 sports bars, restaurants, hotel lounges, barbershops and salons, quick-serve restaurants, and other places where fans may gather to watch games. It enables travelers on airplanes and trains, watching live in stadium suites and casinos, and others on remote locations including offshore oil rigs the opportunity to always remain connected with their favorite teams.

 “Friday Night Baseball” resumes on Apple TV+ on April 7

Apple Inc March 22, 2023 1

March 22, 2023

UPDATE

“Friday Night Baseball” resumes on Apple TV+ on April 7

Weekly doubleheaders begin with the Texas Rangers at the Chicago Cubs, and the San Diego Padres at the Atlanta Braves

Today Apple and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced that “Friday Night Baseball,” a weekly doubleheader, will be available to all Apple TV+ subscribers on Fridays throughout the regular season. Fans in 60 countries and regions can enjoy two marquee matchups over 25 weeks with no local broadcast restrictions. “Friday Night Baseball” will begin the 2023 season on Friday, April 7, with the Texas Rangers at the Chicago Cubs for the inaugural “Friday Night Baseball” daytime game at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, and the San Diego Padres at the Atlanta Braves. Apple and MLB also announced the “Friday Night Baseball” schedule for the first half of the season, through June 30.

“We can’t wait for ‘Friday Night Baseball’ to start up again, and we’re excited for fans to experience everything new we’re bringing this season,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “Apple TV+ truly has something for everyone, from two live baseball games every Friday night, to an incredible slate of award-winning original films and series — there’s never been a better time to sign up.”

This season, “Friday Night Baseball” welcomes an exceptional group of broadcast talent to the announcer booths, including Wayne Randazzo (play-by-play), Dontrelle Willis (analyst), Heidi Watney (sideline reporter), Alex Faust (play-by-play), Ryan Spilborghs (analyst), and Tricia Whitaker (sideline reporter). Game assignments for announcers will be shared on a weekly basis.

Live pre- and postgame coverage will again be hosted by Lauren Gardner, along with Siera Santos. Former MLB players Xavier Scruggs and Matt Joyce will serve as analysts alongside baseball journalist Russell Dorsey. Brian Gorman and Dale Scott — both former MLB umpires — will join to break down MLB’s new rules for the season.

“Friday Night Baseball” will be produced by MLB Network’s Emmy Award-winning production team in partnership with Apple, bringing viewers an unparalleled viewing experience. Each game will feature state-of-the-art cameras to present vivid live-action shots, and offer immersive sound in 5.1 with Spatial Audio enabled. “Friday Night Baseball” will again utilize drone cameras for beautiful aerial stadium shots, as well as player mics and field-level mics to immerse fans in the gameplay and stadium atmosphere. Fans in the U.S. and Canada¹ will also have the option to listen to the audio of the home and away teams’ local radio broadcasts during “Friday Night Baseball” games.

Beginning MLB Opening Day on March 30, fans in the U.S. and Canada can enjoy the MLB Big Inning whip-around show featuring live look-ins and in-game highlights every weeknight, and beginning in April, a full slate of MLB-related content including Countdown to First Pitch, MLB Daily Recap, and MLB This Week on Apple TV+. Fans can also access additional MLB programming for free in the Apple TV app, including “Friday Night Baseball” condensed game recaps after the completion of the live broadcasts each week; classic games; highlights and interviews; and more.²

In the U.S., DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS will be the exclusive national home of “Friday Night Baseball” for commercial establishments in 2023. DIRECTV will deliver all the action to its network of more than 300,000 restaurants, bars, hotel lounges, retail shops, and other venues throughout the regular season on existing satellite equipment. In Canada, several providers will offer “Friday Night Baseball” to commercial establishments, offering fans additional ways to enjoy the games.

Fans can also enjoy baseball this season across Apple services. In Apple News, fans can easily follow the league and their favorite teams in My Sports, and watch personalized MLB highlights right in the News app. Each Friday, fans can also access a curated group of the buzziest stories from around the league, and tap to watch “Friday Night Baseball” directly in the Apple TV app with a subscription to Apple TV+. In Apple Music, fans can find exclusive official playlists featuring the walk-up songs from each week’s “Friday Night Baseball” teams, as well as a collection of classic songs celebrating baseball.

2023 “Friday Night Baseball” Schedule on Apple TV+

Friday, April 7
Texas Rangers at Chicago Cubs
2 p.m. ET

San Diego Padres at Atlanta Braves
7 p.m. ET

Friday, April 14
San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers
6:30 p.m. ET

Los Angeles Angels at Boston Red Sox
7 p.m. ET

Friday, April 21
Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees
7 p.m. ET

Houston Astros at Atlanta Braves
7 p.m. ET

Friday, April 28
Philadelphia Phillies at Houston Astros
8 p.m. ET

St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers
10 p.m. ET

Friday, May 5
Chicago White Sox at Cincinnati Reds
6:30 p.m. ET

Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Guardians
7 p.m. ET

Friday, May 12
Kansas City Royals at Milwaukee Brewers
8 p.m. ET

Chicago Cubs at Minnesota Twins
8 p.m. ET

Friday, May 19
Baltimore Orioles at Toronto Blue Jays
7 p.m. ET

Seattle Mariners at Atlanta Braves
7 p.m. ET

Friday, May 26
San Diego Padres at New York Yankees
7 p.m. ET

Chicago White Sox at Detroit Tigers
6:30 p.m. ET

Friday, June 2
Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds
5 p.m. ET

Cleveland Guardians at Minnesota Twins
8 p.m. ET

Friday, June 9
Kansas City Royals at Baltimore Orioles
7 p.m. ET

Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels
9:30 p.m. ET

Friday, June 16
Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers
8 p.m. ET

Chicago White Sox at Seattle Mariners
10 p.m. ET

Friday, June 23
Pittsburgh Pirates at Miami Marlins
6:30 p.m. ET

New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies
7 p.m. ET

Friday, June 30
Milwaukee Brewers at Pittsburgh Pirates
7 p.m. ET

Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Angels
9:30 p.m. ET

Pricing and Availability

Apple TV+ is available for $6.99 (US) per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, eligible customers who purchase and activate a new Apple device can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.

About Apple TV+ Apple TV+, home of today’s most imaginative storytellers, offers an award-winning and inspiring lineup of original series, films, and sports, including “Friday Night Baseball.” Subscribers can watch Apple TV+ on the Apple TV app, which comes preinstalled on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Mac, as well as online at tv.apple.com. The Apple TV app is also available on select smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony, TCL, VIZIO, and others; Amazon Fire TV and Roku devices; PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles; Chromecast with Google TV; and set-top boxes including Sky Q, SK Broadband, and Comcast Xfinity. More information is available at apple.com/apple-tv-app.

Radio broadcasts for the Texas Rangers are available only for the team’s home games. In Canada, radio broadcasts are available only for Toronto Blue Jays games.
Additional content may not be available in all regions.

Press Contacts

Fay Sliger

Apple

fsliger@apple.com

How to preform a Right-Click without a Mouse on a Mac

Dan Uff March 22, 2023 0

Some persons with disabilities have trouble using a Mouse for one reason or another. That's why the good people at Apple have come up with another way to do a Right-Mouse click using a Keyboard.

Here's how: