Founded in 2006 by founder and CEO Uche Pedro, the company began at a time when smartphones and Instagram had not yet changed how people consumed content online.

Since then, BellaNaija has expanded into a network of digital platforms covering lifestyle, fashion, weddings, entertainment and advocacy, attracting millions of readers across Africa and the diaspora.

Over the years, the company has built brands such as BellaNaija Weddings and BellaNaija Style while documenting developments across business, entertainment, fashion, culture and entrepreneurship.

As Africa’s digital economy expanded, BellaNaija also expanded its coverage and audience, becoming a familiar platform for stories about the continent and its people.

Speaking on the milestone, Uche Pedro touched on how far the company has come since its launch.

“Twenty years ago, BellaNaija was founded on a simple belief: African stories deserve to be told authentically and through African perspectives.

“What began as a passion project has evolved into a platform that reaches millions of people, supports businesses and creators, enables important conversations, and creates opportunities for connection and impact. This milestone belongs to the community, partners, brands, creators, and audiences who have grown with us over the last two decades.”

Beyond publishing news and lifestyle content, BellaNaija has created opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and creatives by connecting them with wider audiences.

Through BellaNaija Weddings and BellaNaija Style, the company has supported photographers, designers, event professionals, beauty brands and other small businesses looking to grow their visibility.

Its work has also extended to advocacy campaigns and public engagement initiatives. Programmes including BNDoGood, StopHPVforHer, PVCitizen and HerMoneyHerPower have focused on public health, civic participation and women’s economic empowerment through partnerships with organisations and institutions.

BellaNaija plans to continue investing in technology, strengthen its platforms and strengthen engagement with its audience while supporting the next generation of African creators, entrepreneurs and innovators.

To mark its 20th anniversary, the company will organise a series of editorial projects, community initiatives, partnerships and cultural events throughout the year. The celebrations will end with an anniversary gala scheduled for October 2, 2026.

The post BellaNaija Marks 20 Years, Plans Year-Long Anniversary Activities appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The decision brings to an end a transaction first announced in January 2025, when companies had hoped to combine their businesses to strengthen their place in the licensed visual content market as competition from AI image-generation platforms grows at scale.

Getty’s board approved the termination of the deal, according to a regulatory filing released on Tuesday.

Following the announcement, Shutterstock’s shares fell by more than 28% in after-hours trading in New York, closing around $10. Getty’s shares were largely unchanged.

The proposed merger had already received approval from regulators in the United States. However, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said that combining the two companies would reduce competition in the market for editorial images supplied to news organisations.

In April, the regulator said Getty would have to ensure Shutterstock sold its editorial business to address those concerns. The business includes Shutterstock Editorial, Backgrid and Splash.

The CMA said at the time: “a loss of competition could lead to UK media outlets, large and small, facing a loss of choice or getting a more expensive service, with knock-on effects for consumers that rely on high-quality content to stay up to date”.

It also said selling Shutterstock’s global editorial business “would address those provisional concerns and could allow the deal to proceed”.

The regulator later gave conditional approval to the merger in May, provided the editorial division was sold. Getty instead chose to walk away from the transaction.

Neither Getty Images nor Shutterstock immediately responded to requests for comment on the merger termination.

The merger was expected to create one of the world’s largest providers of licensed photographs, videos and editorial images. Both companies supply visual content to media organisations, businesses and other customers worldwide.

The collapse of the deal leaves both companies facing pressure from the fast growth of AI-powered image-generation tools, which offer users faster and cheaper ways to create visual content.

Getty has sought to adapt by licensing its image library for AI model training under commercial agreements, while Shutterstock will now continue to operate independently after losing the expected benefits of the merger.

The post Getty Images Ends $3.7 Billion Shutterstock Merger After UK Regulator’s Conditions appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This is one of the biggest changes in its history as it separates its broadband and technology operations from its media and entertainment assets.

The tax-free spin-off, which is expected to be completed within the next year, will see NBCUniversal and Sky become an independent company, while Comcast continues as a standalone technology and connectivity business. 

Existing Comcast shareholders will own shares in both companies after the separation.

The media company will include Universal’s film and television studios, NBC, Telemundo, streaming platform Peacock, Sky, Bravo and Universal’s theme parks. 

Comcast, meanwhile, will focus on broadband, wireless services, business connectivity and its technology platforms.

The company said the decision reflects changes in the communications and entertainment industries, arguing that each business will be better placed to pursue its own growth plans and respond to changing market conditions.

Brian Roberts, chairman and co-chief executive officer of Comcast, will remain involved in both businesses after the separation. 

Mike Cavanagh will become CEO of the new NBCUniversal, while former Comcast Chief Financial Officer Michael Angelakis will return as Comcast’s CEO after the transaction is completed. He will first rejoin the company as a strategic adviser.

Announcing the decision, Roberts said: “This is a very exciting day for our company. The transaction we are announcing will unlock a more entrepreneurial management approach and open up a multitude of new opportunities for each business. I very much look forward to helping guide our collective growth for this next chapter.”

Speaking about the leadership changes, he added: “Mike Cavanagh will lead the new NBCUniversal media and entertainment company as CEO. Mike is one of the finest executives I’ve ever worked with and a trusted partner. His vision is for a unique, independent, focused company that will be home to some of the industry’s most valuable brands and assets across theme parks, film, television, streaming, sports and news.”

Roberts also welcomed Angelakis back to the company, saying, “I am also incredibly pleased to welcome back Michael Angelakis as Comcast CEO. As our widely admired former CFO, Michael’s deep knowledge of the business and passion for technology – combined with the leadership of Steve Croney, Jason Armstrong and the entire Comcast management team – will serve us well as we continue to take bold actions in today’s competitive environment.”

Cavanagh said both companies would begin operating independently from a position of strength.

“Both companies begin this next chapter from positions of strength. Comcast will continue to build on its leadership in connectivity, while NBCUniversal, together with Sky, will have the scale, brands, content and financial resources to compete as a premier global media and entertainment company,” he said.

He added, “I’m personally thrilled to continue leading NBCUniversal into the future. With our iconic brands and theme parks, leading franchises and incredible creative talent, we are well-positioned for long-term value creation.”

Angelakis said he was looking forward to returning to the company.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside Comcast’s talented leadership team for many years, and am excited to return to partner with Brian, Steve, Jason and the entire organisation. Comcast’s exceptional assets, entrepreneurial roots, deep customer relationships and strong track record of innovation and technological leadership provide a powerful foundation for the future.”

The separation reverses years of consolidation that brought content production and distribution under one company. Comcast first acquired a controlling stake in NBCUniversal from General Electric in 2011 before taking full ownership two years later.

The move also follows growing pressure on traditional media companies as cable television subscriptions continue to decline and streaming services reshape the industry. At the same time, Comcast’s broadband business has faced increasing competition from wireless internet providers and expanding fibre networks.

Industry analysts believe the split could also make NBCUniversal more attractive for future mergers or acquisitions, although no potential deal has been announced.

Comcast said the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals, board approval, financing arrangements and other customary conditions. The company also plans to retain up to a 19.9% stake in NBCUniversal for up to one year after the spin-off before gradually selling that holding in a tax-efficient manner.

The post Comcast to Split Into Two Public Companies as NBCUniversal Becomes Independent appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Designed to drive Nigeria’s goal of moving broadcasting from analogue to digital systems, the platform was launched by the Presidency today, June 17, with services now going live.

FreeTV is part of the country’s Digital Switch-Over programme, which aims to expand access to television services and expand digital broadcasting across the country.

The platform provides clearer picture quality, a comprehensive mix of local and international content, without monthly payments that normally come with pay-TV services.

The Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Charles Ebuebu, said the platform is part of Nigeria’s digital broadcasting plan under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope Agenda.

“FreeTV speaks directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope towards expanding access, creating opportunity and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, can benefit from the digital economy,” he said.

He added that the platform would support content production and job creation across the broadcast sector.

“With FreeTV, families across Nigeria can enjoy quality digital television without a monthly subscription, while our local content producers, technicians and young creatives gain new platforms and new jobs,” he added.

FreeTV provides access to more than 100 channels spread across national, regional and state broadcasters. The line-up includes news, sports, films, music, children’s content and educational programmes and stations broadcasting in Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.

The service runs on multiple platforms and is available through satellite transmission, terrestrial broadcasting and a mobile application. That design allows users in cities, smaller towns and rural areas to connect, including communities that earlier digital switch-over trials missed.

Households do not need to replace their television sets. Existing sets can work with DVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders. Some users with compatible free-to-air decoders may not need extra equipment at all.

The government also plans to expand production capacity through regional studio production in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin.

These centres will support content creation and technical production work.

The jobs linked to these hubs include editing, camera work, sound production and studio operations. Young creatives are expected to benefit from entry-level roles as production expands.

FreeTV arrives as Nigeria continues its Digital Switch-Over journey. The programme began in 2016 but was delayed due to funding and infrastructure gaps.

In 2023, the government cleared outstanding debts owed to service providers, which allowed the project to regain pace.

The final analogue switch-off is scheduled for December 31, 2028. Officials say households should begin checking decoder compatibility and preparing for full migration.

The National Broadcasting Commission projects wider economic gains from the transition. It estimates that the shift could unlock Nigeria’s N605.2 billion advertising market, opening new income streams for broadcasters and content creators.

FreeTV also brings new competition into the existing subscription TV market, where operators such as DStv and GOtv currently top the list.

Stakeholders expect stronger competition, especially around pricing and free-to-air offerings.

Despite the progress, Nigerians have noted concerns about operation, stressing the fact that reliable electricity and broadband are uneven across the country and this may affect access in some areas.

Sustaining a free model will also depend on advertising uptake and sustainable government backing.

The post Nigeria Launches ‘FreeTV’: A New National Platform Offering 100+ Channels Without Subscription Fees appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The planned layoffs, which will affect less than 1% of the company’s workforce, had already been set in motion before Josh D’Amaro stepped in as chief executive in March.

As of the end of the 2025 financial year, The Walt Disney Company employed about 231,000 people.

Inside the company, the changes are tied to an internal restructuring known as Project Imagine. Asad Ayaz, who took on a bigger role earlier this year, is leading the initiative to bring Disney’s marketing teams under a single structure.

The aim is to reduce expenses and simplify how campaigns are run across its film, television, streaming and parks businesses.

This is one of the first major operational steps under D’Amaro’s leadership. He has told staff he wants the business to function as “one Disney”, with closer links between its divisions.

The cuts come at a time when the film and television industry is facing some challenges. Box office earnings have not fully recovered, traditional TV audiences are still falling, and streaming platforms are yet to deliver the level of profit many expected.

Other studios, including Sony Pictures Entertainment which recently said it would reduce its workforce as part of its own restructuring plans, are making similar moves.

Disney has been here before, in the years following Bob Iger’s return, the company cut thousands of jobs as it scaled back spending and reviewed its content strategy.

At the time, Iger said Disney had been producing too many shows and films in its bid to keep pace with streaming competition.

Its theme parks business still brings in strong revenue, but the company has warned of pressure on international travel to its US locations.

As it stands, Disney has not publicly commented on the latest round of expected layoffs.

The post Disney to Cut Up to 1,000 Jobs in Marketing Restructuring appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

A source familiar with the matter said the revised bid improves on Paramount’s earlier $30 per share all-cash proposal, which valued the company at about $108.4 billion.

The exact terms of the new offer were not disclosed, but analysts expect it could fall between $31 and $34 per share.

Warner Bros shareholders are due to vote on Netflix’s $82.7 billion cash offer, priced at $27.75 per share, on 20 March 2026. Under the terms of that agreement, Netflix has the right to match any superior proposal.

Warner Bros’ board had asked Paramount to submit its “best and final offer” after rejecting a previous enhanced bid. That earlier proposal included covering Netflix’s $2.8 billion termination fee and adding a quarterly 25-cent per share ticking fee from next year to compensate investors for any delay in closing the deal.

The board said on February 10 that the offer still fell short and set a seven-day deadline for a revised bid.

Neither Warner Bros nor Paramount commented, and Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The case centres on some of the most valuable assets in entertainment, including the Harry Potter and Game of Thrones franchises, as well as the HBO Max streaming platform.

Warner Bros also plans to spin off cable television assets such as CNN and HGTV into a separate company, Discovery Global. The company estimates the spin-off could be worth between $1.33 and $6.86 per share.

Netflix argues its proposal offers shareholders additional upside from the planned separation. Paramount, however, has said the cable spin-off that underpins Netflix’s case is effectively worthless.

Regulators are already reviewing the competing bids, with the U.S. Department of Justice examining whether Netflix’s proposal leads to antitrust concerns, including its claim that it needs Warner Bros to compete with YouTube, the most-watched distributor on American television screens.

As part of that review, officials are also looking at whether Netflix engaged in anti-competitive practices.

Paramount says it has secured foreign investment clearance in Germany and is in discussions with regulators in the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom. The company maintains it has a clearer path to approval than Netflix.

Lawmakers in Washington have also spoken. Some Democratic senators warned that a Paramount deal would give the Ellison family control over CNN and CBS and could concentrate too much power over what Americans watch on television.

Others said either transaction could reduce consumer choice and harm creative workers.

For Netflix, a merger with HBO Max would create the largest global streaming platform, with roughly half a billion subscribers.

Co-chief executive Ted Sarandos has said the combination would be better for Hollywood because it would avoid job cuts in an industry already under stress from fewer productions and uneven box office returns.

He has also said consumers could benefit from lower prices through bundled offerings.

Paramount’s bid is backed by Larry Ellison’s financial support and ties to Oracle. Netflix, by contrast, has pointed to its strong cash reserves and the flexibility to raise its offer if necessary.

Investors such as Ancora Capital have accumulated a roughly $200 million stake in Warner Bros and are urging the board to engage more seriously with Paramount.

The activist investor warned that if the company refuses to reopen discussions, it will vote against the Netflix deal and hold directors accountable at the annual meeting.

Analysts at MoffettNathanson said earlier that an offer around $34 per share from Paramount would likely end the bidding war and “avoid further debate over Discovery Global’s value.”

Shares of Paramount rose 1.3% to $10.70 in extended trading following news of the revised bid.

The outcome now rests with Warner Bros shareholders. A vote in favour of Netflix would move that deal forward, though it would still face detailed reviews by competition authorities in the United States and Europe.

If Paramount’s higher offer is deemed superior, the board will have to decide whether to change its recommendation.

The post Paramount Raises Bid for Warner Bros as Netflix Deal Faces Shareholder Vote appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This funding will go directly into film and television content creation over the next four years.

At the company’s Madrid production hub when Netflix’s co-CEO Ted Sarandos made the announcement. 

Speaking in front of Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, Sarandos said: “Over the next four years we plan to invest over one billion euros in Spain. With this investment, we will be able to contribute even more to the Spanish economy, create more Spanish jobs, tell more great stories made in Spain.”

Sarandos had made a similar declaration earlier this year regarding content production in Mexico. With this Spanish announcement, Netflix wants to strengthen its influence across global entertainment markets through local storytelling.

The location wasn’t a coincidence either as Netflix’s Tres Cantos studio outside Madrid, now a major pillar in its European operations, tells us something. When it opened in 2019, it was Netflix’s first production facility outside the United States. 

Since then, it has grown commendably, with 10 sound stages as of 2022 and has become one of the continent’s busiest content hubs.

Spain has earned its place in Netflix’s global content portfolio. Iconic shows like Money Heist, Elite, and Society of the Snow have made waves and become cultural landmarks. 

Sarandos further stated, “Dali masks, red jumpsuits, Bella Ciao – all of them have become instantly recognisable parts of the global culture.”

He also pointed out the tangible impact: more than 5 billion hours of Spanish content have been streamed on Netflix globally. The numbers speak to how effective the platform’s partnerships with Spanish creators have been.

Netflix claims its operations in Spain already support over 20,000 jobs. With the planned investment, that figure is expected to grow, strengthening Spain’s audiovisual sector while giving global reach to local talent.

Sarandos closed his speech with a nod to Spain’s value in the global media space: “We commend Spain for its efforts and commitment to the audiovisual sector. We look forward to working with you and your teams to grow the economy, create opportunity and bring more of this beautiful, rich Spanish heritage to the world.”

The timing of this pledge coincides with Netflix’s tenth year in the country.

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With a goal to separate the high-growth digital business from the weight of traditional TV, one company will handle streaming and studios; the other, legacy television. 

The restructuring will see Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and the company’s extensive film and TV archives form a new entity focused on streaming and content production. 

Meanwhile, CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery Channel, and the rest of the company’s linear television brands, across the U.S. and Europe, will sit under a second company called Global Networks.

The announcement comes as WBD tries to turn around years of financial stress. Since its 2022 merger with WarnerMedia, the company has faced the dual challenge of high costs of streaming and falling cable revenues. 

CEO David Zaslav, who will lead the new Streaming and Studios company, stated in an internal memo: “While the work has been challenging at times, we’ve made strong progress in returning our film and television studios to industry leadership.”

WBD is borrowing $17.5 billion through a short-term loan, aiming to buy back a portion of its $37 billion debt before the breakup. The precise allocation of debt between the two new companies remains unclear, but WBD has indicated the majority will be assigned to Global Networks.

This financial reshuffle has implications well beyond Warner Bros. Analysts are already speculating about possible mergers or partnerships. 

With Global Networks keeping a 20% stake in the Streaming and Studios business, and no final names announced for the spin-offs, it’s not out of the question that WBD could become a player in the next big media consolidation wave.

If Zaslav’s strategy succeeds, the split could shield the fast-growing streaming business from the financial drag of traditional cable TV. But if it doesn’t, WBD could find itself with one company weighed down by debt and another struggling to find direction in the competitive streaming market.

Zaslav said, “By operating as two distinct and optimised companies in the future, we are empowering these iconic brands with the sharper focus and strategic flexibility they need to compete most effectively in today’s evolving media landscape.”

There’s still no word on whether either of the new companies will keep the “Warner Bros.” name. CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels is set to lead Global Networks after the split, while both Zaslav and Wiedenfels will remain in their current roles until the separation is finalised.

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