Entertainment
Netflix Will Launch Lower-Cost, Ad-Supported Streaming Plans, Reed Hastings Says
Netflix, after years of insisting it would stick solely to subscription-only plans, is finally open to offering lower-cost, ad-supported packages, co-CEO Reed Hastings said on the company’s Q1 earnings interview.
The company expects to nail down its ad-supported streaming strategy over the next year or two, Hastings said, “but think of us as quite open to us offering even lower prices with advertising as a consumer choice.”
Hastings’ comments about Netflix planning to intro an ad-supported plan come as the company’s subscriber growth has hit a wall — in fact, Netflix lost 200,000 subs in the first three months of 2022 and expects to drop 2 million in Q2. Adding ad-supported options could give it a new pathway to growth; in addition, to boost the top line, Netflix is looking at ways to collect money from the estimated 100 million-plus households that currently use a shared password to stream without paying for it.
“Those that have followed Netflix know that I’ve been against the complexity of advertising and a big fan of the simplicity of subscription,” Hastings said. “But as much as I’m a fan of that, I’m a bigger fan of consumer choice. And allowing consumers who would like to have a lower price and are advertising-tolerant get what they want, makes a lot of sense.”
Hastings didn’t provide details on what Netflix’s ad-supported plans might cost. The streamer’s standard two-stream HD plan costs $15.49 per month in the U.S.
Several of Netflix’s biggest competitors offer cheaper, ad-supported plans, including Hulu, HBO Max and Paramount+. Last month Disney announced plans to launch an ad-supported Disney+ plan starting late in 2022 in the U.S.
“I don’t think we have a lot of doubt that [the ad model] works,” Hastings said, citing Hulu and HBO Max as well as the upcoming plans from Disney+. “I’m sure we’ll just get in and figure it out — as opposed to test it and maybe do it or not do it.”
With its advertising play, Netflix can avoid wading into data-privacy pitfalls that have become problematic for some internet companies by using third-party technologies that match ads with viewers without needing access to personally identifiable information, Hastings said.
Last month, Netflix CFO Spencer Neumann signaled the streamer’s willingness to consider adopting an ad-supported tier. “It’s not like we have religion against advertising, to be clear,” Neumann said at a Morgan Stanley investment conference. While “that’s not something that’s in our plans right now,” he said, “never say never.”
Entertainment
Miss Ghana 2025 finalists unveiled
The talented 16 contestants have been unveiled at a grand ceremony held at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra last Saturday.
These finalists made the cut following gruelling auditions in November 2024, where young women from across the country showcased their beauty, intelligence, and passion for service.
According to the organisers, the search is for a queen who exemplifies selflessness, intelligence, discipline, and dedication to societal service.
The contestants will go through calculated weekly tasks ahead of the highly anticipated grand finale on March 29, 2025.
Each contestant will now represent their respective regions as they compete for the prestigious Miss Ghana 2025 crown.
Organised by Exclusive Events Ghana and Miss Ghana Foundation, the Miss Ghana pageant is more than just a beauty competition.
As part of the modalities, the winner will not only represent Ghana on the global stage at Miss World but will also lead charitable initiatives under the Miss Ghana Foundation, focusing on supporting vulnerable communities.
The contestants expressed their readiness to prove their mettle in the competition for the ultimate.
This year’s pageant is being sponsored by Bullet TV and supported by Gold Presence, Tang Palace Hotel, Belaqua, Bel Beverages Ghana, Pippa’s Health Centre, Central Hotel, Accra, Airport Women’s Hospital, Renault Ghana, and Premium Motors Limited.
The rest include Dainess Chefs School, Eye360security, Hottees Ghana, Dyeweb fabrics, BELLE cosmetics, Akagres bakery, Blaq travels and Kingdom Books & Stationery among others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Felicia Boadu releases ‘Adom Wura’
Ghanaian gospel musician and philanthropist, Felicia Boadu, has released her new single titled ‘Adom Wura’ a powerful message to the world.
This inspiring gospel song is a beautifully curated blend of traditional African rhythms and contemporary gospel sounds, crafted to appreciate, adore, and honour God as the ultimate source of grace.
With her unique voice and distinctive style, Felicia delivers music that uplifts and deeply resonates with her audience.
As a rising figure in contemporary gospel music, she aims to capture the hearts and souls of all who listen to her songs.
Backed by Supreme Media Solutions, Felicia is poised to reach new heights in her music career.
Her latest single Adom Wura, which translates to Conveyor of Grace, was produced by Dan Bassey.
