TikTok pilots Stories while Twitter targets misinformation
TikTok is the latest social network to test out the Stories feature.
The feature has been running on a pilot basis for several days and is available in a small handful of non-U.S. markets, according to TechCrunch. It is being offered as yet another option for users to share creative content, in addition to existing features such as videos, Duets, Stitch and LIVE.
The TikTok Stories feature allows users to leave public comments on the content and includes a tab where users can see how many people have viewed a Story and whether or not they are followers. The Stories disappear in 24 hours.
The TikTok pilot comes on the heels of Twitter’s own high-profile failure to launch a Stories feature, called Fleets.
Twitter, meanwhile, has partnered with the Associated Press and Reuters to combat misinformation on its platform.
The social network’s Curation team will be able to tap the media organizations to help contextualize news and trends on its platform while also providing support for the company’s public service announcements during significant events.
Neither AP nor Reuters will be involved in decisions about when tweets violate Twitter’s guidelines, nor whether a removal or ban should be given.
Rogers adds Disney+ to services
Rogers Communications has announced that some of its plans will integrate Disney+ memberships, making it the first telecommunications provider in Canada to do so.
Certain Infinite plans will now include a six-month Disney+ offer, while some Ignite TV and SmartStream plans will include up to 12 months of the streaming service.
“With the launch of Disney+ to our Ignite TV, Ignite SmartStream and Infinite customers, we are delivering on our commitment to expand our content offerings and provide an unmatched entertainment experience with more choice and convenience than ever before,” said Eric Bruno, SVP of 5G, content and connected home products at Rogers, in a release.
Sportsnet announces broadcast schedule for 2021 National Bank Open
The 2021 National Bank Open presented by Rogers will kick off in August.
The tennis tournament will air from Aug. 9 to 15, with multi-platform coverage of the four main courts airing on Sportsnet, Sportsnet One, Sportsnet 360 and live stream on SN Now. Secondary court matches will be streamed on SN Now.
Rogers will also offer written and video analysis through sportsnet.ca and its Sportsnet App.
National Bank is the title sponsor for the tournament after replacing Rogers Communications in February. Rogers is now the presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors for the tournament include BMW, Sobeys, Aviva, Motorola, Emirates and Iris.
The full schedule can be found here.
Discovery+ coming to Canada this year
Discovery Inc. will be launching its streaming service in the Canadian market, as well as Brazil and the Philippines, later this year.
The expansion plan for the service, Discovery+, was revealed by Discovery CEO David Zaslav in the company’s 2021 Q2 investor call on Aug. 3.
The service offers content from Discovery-owned channels including HGTV, Food Network, TLC, OWN, Travel Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, along with programs from BBC and A+E Networks channels including Lifetime and History through a content partnership.
A Discovery spokesperson told Playback Daily that there are no further details on what will be offered through Discovery+ in Canada; however, much of the Discovery+ programming is already available in this market on Bell Media and Corus Entertainment channels.
A Bell Media spokesperson told the publication there will be “no immediate changes to Discovery Channel in Canada.”
