Latest News
Acorn International Announces Partnership with China State-owned Media Powerhouse Shanghai Media Group through Agreement with subsidiary, Dragon Entertainment Group
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Agreement frames Acorn’s partnership with one of the largest State-owned media and cultural conglomerates in China
Acorn International, Inc. (NYSE: ATV) (Acorn or the Company) today announced that its subsidiary, Acorn Media Group, signed a cooperation agreement with influential media powerhouse SMG through one of its key content subsidiaries, DEG, paving the way for Acorn’s broad partnership with one of the largest State-owned media conglomerates in China.
Following the establishment of this partnership, Acorn and DEG intend to work together to provide cross-border resources to support Acorn’s influencer management business, Acorn Entertainment, which represents celebrity talent and brands in China to help grow and monetize their presence here, as well as Acorn’s content business, which monetizes through VOD or live streaming ticket sales, as well as e-commerce and other revenue channels.
Mr. Jacob A. Fisch, Acorn’s President and CEO noted, “I’m very excited to announce what I believe to be a truly landmark deal for us. For Acorn, it provides a wide range of new opportunities and media channels to bring both our talent and our content to Chinese audiences, with the support and partnership of a powerful conglomerate like SMG. In China, this kind of partnership brings legitimacy and sets us apart from other foreign competitors; a partnership like this is critical for achieving our goal of bringing together influencers, content and product marketing into a single platform, at scale.”
Among other things, the agreement between DEG and Acorn provides:
1) DEG will provide the maximum number of media resources available to promote Acorn’s celebrity trips to China, including but not limited to (A) ensuring that Acorn’s celebrity clients will appear on DEG programs, news, talk shows, variety shows, and reality shows, and (B) arranging media and public relations interviews across applicable DEG internal medial channels;
2) DEG will provide brand resources for Acorn, and Acorn will endeavor to provide certain relevant celebrities to produce commercial collaboration arrangements and achieve endorsement deals between such celebrities and brands;
3) Acorn will from time to time endeavor to source singers and other performers for certain live events organized by DEG;
4) DEG will cooperate with Acorn to facilitate the growth and monetization in China of mutually agreed emerging artists from anywhere in the world, including but not limited to providing proper media resources to promote such artists;
5) DEG will be one of Acorn’s primary short form content distributors and will be responsible for securing the maximum number of media resources available to promote Acorn’s content. Simultaneously, DEG will source commercial deals for such artists.
6) Acorn will actively promote DEG’s interactive communication in the culture circles of America and Japan and provide services and support for the overseas activities and expansion of DEG.
Robert Roche, Chairman and owner of Roche Enterprises, Ltd. (RE) and Chairman of Acorn notes: “As Chairman of Roche Enterprises, which has business interests spanning U.S., China, Japan, and elsewhere around the world, I am pleased to see this framework agreement in place. This partnership will provide tremendous opportunities to tap into RE’s global network, and help Acorn present its capabilities not only in China, but also in Japan and the U.S. This powerful network sets Acorn apart from competitors operating with only a pure China platform, on one hand, and also allows Acorn to team up with a powerful Chinese conglomerate to support US businesses in China, on the other hand – providing a winning combination.”
About Dragon Entertainment Group
Dragon Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group, which manages and operates five specialty television channels and is also one of the largest content production company in China.
About Shanghai Media Group
One of the largest media groups in China, SMG’s businesses span a wide array of content and distribution, online and offline media, including: radio and TV networks, signal transmission, newspapers and magazines, drama and film production and distribution, OTT and streaming, IPTV, online and console gaming, digital advertising, home shopping and e-commerce, financial data and information services, children’s arts training, TV post-production services, live entertainment, tourism and cultural investments, etc.
About Acorn Entertainment
ATV Entertainment is a social media business that helps western sports and entertainment talent and a diverse range of brands develop a deep and meaningful impact in the Chinese market. ATV Entertainment provides a wide range of localized personal digital brand services, including social media and digital services for western talent and brands who seek to maximize their value in China. The company is a subsidiary of Acorn International.
About Acorn International, Inc.
Acorn International is a leading marketing and branding company in China, leveraging a twenty-year direct marketing history to monetize brand IP, content creation and distribution, and product sales, through digital media in China. Previously the leading TV infomercial company in China, Acorn today has three divisions support its growth: 1) Product Division, 2) Content Division, and 3) Influencer Management Division.
In the Product Division, Acorn sells product primarily through e-commerce channels in China, as well as through offline distribution and outbound marketing. In the Content Division, Acorn monetizes content. Specifically, in the Content Division, Acorn has redirected its direct marketing know-how to digital media in China, launching Acorn Streaming, which is primarily focused on live streaming and pre-recorded video content creation and distribution. In the Influencer Management Division, Acorn brings, through the creation of digital social content, leading U.S. celebrity talent and brands to China, representing their in-country digital presence. For more information visit: www.acorninternationalir.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “future,” “going forward,” “intends,” “outlook,” “plans,” “target,” “will,” “potential,” and similar statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and current market and operating conditions, and relate to events that involve known or unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the Company’s control, including the duration and intensity of the US-China trade war, which may cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
Source: Acorn International, Inc.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
Latest News
Flexion partners with King to launch Candy Crush Solitaire© simultaneously across platforms
Significant industry first will see game launch from day one across 5 alternative stores in addition to Apple and Google.
Flexion, the games marketing company, announces a partnership with preeminent developer King to market new game Candy Crush Solitaire© in alternative app stores.
Expected to be one of the exciting game announcements of the year, Candy Crush Solitaire© will be available on the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei App Gallery, Xiaomi GetApps and ONE store from the get-go thanks to Flexion’s expertise and technology. The game launches globally across platforms on 6 February and is already available for preregistration in all the stores.
Flexion has had a partnership with King since June 2024 to market Candy Crush Saga© on the alternative stores. With this latest deal, both companies are breaking new ground with concurrent launches, taking them to the leading edge of games marketing.
“This is the first time King will launch simultaneously across such a wide range of platforms,” says Jens Lauritzson, Flexion’s CEO. “King has recognised that mobile audiences come from a more diverse range of markets these days, and we are thrilled to be able to help them reach those markets. Flexion has brought to the partnership the tech, experience and expertise to ensure the ultimate in user choice.”
Commenting on the deal, Benjamin Pommeraud, General Manager of Strategic Initiatives at King, says: “We’re excited to partner with Flexion to make Candy Crush Solitaire available to more players. As our first expansion of the Candy universe into a new genre, this collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality experiences that are accessible to everyone, no matter where they choose to play.”
The post Flexion partners with King to launch Candy Crush Solitaire© simultaneously across platforms appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
SOFTSWISS Shares 84 Must-Promo Sporting Events 2025
SOFTSWISS, a global provider of innovative iGaming solutions with over 15 years of experience, publishes the Sports Betting Events Calendar for 2025. This year, the free-to-download file contains 84 major sporting events, aiming to boost operators’ promotional strategies.
The sports betting industry continues to expand at an impressive pace. According to Statista, its global revenue in 2024 reached EUR 45.43 billion, reflecting a 6% increase from the previous year, while the ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) climbed from EUR 320 in 2023 to EUR 330 in 2024. This upward trajectory is mirrored by a surge in betting activity across platforms, with mobile betting growing by 210% and desktop betting increasing by 194%.
Several sports categories saw significant growth in betting volumes in 2024:
- Football – 21%
- Tennis – 136%
- American Football – 650%
- Basketball – 115%
- Table Tennis – 640%
These figures underline the importance of leveraging major sporting events to drive player engagement and optimise revenue. In the list of must-promo activities, SOFTSWISS experts included 24 different sports because the diversity in offering leads to stability in sportsbook operation.
Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook, comments: “By using a personalised approach, flexible bonuses, and process automation, operators can not only enhance player engagement but also significantly reduce operational costs. This strategy will be the key to success in the upcoming year and help differentiate operators in the competitive market.”
According to SOFTSWISS experts, operators should focus on several key strategies to enhance player engagement and streamline operations to ensure sportsbook success in 2025. Seasonal bonuses and personalised promotions tailored to major events can captivate players and boost activity.
Alexander Kamenetskyi adds: “For example, offering free bets on users’ favourite sports or creating combo bonuses that cover multiple events, such as the Champions League and French Open finals, can drive sustained interest. Additionally, esports presents a growing opportunity, allowing operators to engage younger, tech-savvy audiences through live streams, real-time betting options, and dedicated campaigns.”
A mobile-first approach is essential, as over 90% of sportsbook revenue now comes from mobile users. Ensuring apps and platforms are optimised for seamless, on-the-go gameplay is crucial to retaining players. Automation also plays a vital role in improving efficiency and reducing operational costs. By automating audience segmentation, bonus distribution, and promotional campaigns, operators can save time and deliver a more tailored player experience.
The SOFTSWISS Sportsbook team will be sharing more strategies and insights during the ICE Barcelona 2025 at Stand 2G42.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Shares 84 Must-Promo Sporting Events 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Flutter Entertainment named as headline sponsor of ICE Sustainable Gambling Zone
Clarion Gaming has announced that Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of the world’s leading online sports betting and iGaming operator, will be the headline sponsor of the Sustainable Gambling Zone (SGZ) at ICE Barcelona, the world’s biggest gambling technology exhibition which will be attended by 55,000 gambling industry professionals.
Flutter, which has been a long-term supporter of Clarion Gaming’s safer gambling undertakings, is also making a donation to ICE Barcelona’s safer gambling charity fund as well as having its own stand to showcase how Flutter is changing the game for good by providing education, tools and support to help everyone Play Well, on the SGZ.
In 2022 Flutter introduced its Play Well strategy to support its customers in making informed choices and managing their betting and play responsibly. Flutter set itself the target of having 75% of active online customers using a Play Well tool by 2030. By the end of Q2 this year (2024), 47.5% of customers were already engaged with these tools – double from FY 2022 – marking steady progress towards our goal. This effort has been supported by a significant investment – over $101m in 2023 – in research, product development and marketing.
Ewa Bakun, Clarion Gaming’s Director of Industry Insight and the person responsible for introducing the Consumer Protection Zone to the ICE show floor in 2018 said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to confirm Flutter as our headline sponsor. I regard this as being a game-changer for SGZ which is being officially launched in Barcelona after undergoing a re-brand. The rebranding to the Sustainable Gambling Zone, which was a decision taken in partnership with our industry stakeholders reflects a deeper understanding of the importance of early interaction. By focusing on the identification of potential risks earlier in the player journey, it’s possible to prevent harm before it escalates.”
Jane Palles, Group Head of Safer Gambling, Flutter added: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we want them to have an entertaining, positive experience with us. We start 2025 with a continued focus on player wellbeing. This sponsorship underscores our dedication to sustainability”.
“Play Well focuses on fostering a positive and responsible gaming environment, with initiatives like enhanced customer tools, personalized risk monitoring, and partnerships with expert organizations.
“We are delighted to be supporting the new Sustainable Gambling Zone at ICE Barcelona and will showcase our continued efforts, share insights, and collaborate with stakeholders to drive forward the shared mission of safer gambling for all.”
The 2025 ICE Sustainable Gambling Zone will occupy 490sqm of space and located in the Fast Forward area of the showfloor, underlining the importance the industry places on sustainability and player protection. As well as featuring a total of 26 safer gambling bodies including Spanish organisations ASENCAS and FEJAR the SGZ will host three days of educational content including two dedicated to consumer protection and one to ESG.
The post Flutter Entertainment named as headline sponsor of ICE Sustainable Gambling Zone appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News2 months ago
India’s top gamers Jonathan & TechnoGamerz to face off in eFootball showdown at DreamHack India 2024
-
Latest News2 months ago
The 2024 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC) Grand Finals Arrive in London!
-
Latest News3 weeks ago
GamCare releases Annual Report following record breaking year of support on the National Gambling Helpline
-
Latest News2 months ago
Mortal cements his name as face of Indian gaming, wins ‘Content Creator of the Year’ at global Esports Awards 2024
-
Latest News1 month ago
Abios powers upcoming gaming media platform Apollo with in-play statistics for League of Legends
-
Latest News3 months ago
DreamHack India 2024: A complete guide to the esports tournaments with INR 45+ lakh prize pool on the line
-
Latest News2 months ago
Mythpat, GamerFleet, Piyush Joshi Gaming: India’s popular Minecraft Players Gear Up for the Ultimate Battle in Creators Rumble
-
Latest News2 months ago
MelBet Appoints Bollywood Actress Sherlyn Chopra as its New Brand Ambassador
You must be logged in to post a comment Login