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Free TV in exchange for your personal data?
(L-R) Ilya Pozin, co-founder of Pluto TV, Tom Ryan, CEO of Paramount Streaming and co-founder & CEO of Pluto TV, and Vibol Hou, chief production and technology officer at Pluto TV.
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Randy Shropshire
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Getty Images
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Topline:
As streaming prices rise and recession fears grow, the offer of a free TV set in exchange for having to watch ads presents consumers with a stark choice between convenience and privacy.
Why it matters: Advertising has reemerged as a business model in Hollywood, as free ad-supported streaming services become more prevalent and the major streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney push users to embrace versions of their services with ads. Telly, two-year-old startup from the cofounder of Pluto TV, one of the earliest free ad-based streamers, seeks to get direct access to consumers’ viewing habits with its dual-screen television.
The price of free: Telly, which CEO Ilya Pozin is a $1,000 value, is a 55-inch TV with a built-in second screen which always displays ads (as well as news and other info as well as enabling videoconferencing, games and exercise). These ads cannot be turned off. The set features cameras and sensors, not only to know what’s being watched and how many people are watching. Telly will use that data to sell more ads as well as license the data itself.
Sponsored message
Early days: The company has not been able to meet early demand — it claims another person joins the waitlist to get one every second — and has stated that it’s about to leave its “pilot stage.” It has already started to roll out new ad offerings where the second screen offers commerce opportunities related to an ad airing on the big screen, such as being able to order something being advertised.
For more... read the full story on The Ankler.
This story is published in partnership with The Ankler, a paid subscription publication about the entertainment industry.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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