Israeli Broadcaster Reshet 13 Upgrades To Kaltura For D2C Streaming Service
Kaltura, a New York based provider of online video technology, has been selected by Israeli commercial broadcaster Reshet 13 to upgrade its direct-to-consumer (D2C) video service.
Reshet 13, so named because it broadcasts on Channel 13, is one of Israel's leading commercial television channels. It offers a range of entertainment via its digital platform, and went to Kaltura to boost the experience, as well as to host on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
After evaluating alternative providers, Reshet 13 was seeking a replacement for its existing online video platform. Kaltura was chosen to carry out the technology migration and implemented its platform for Reshet 13, including bespoke player plug-ins for client-side dynamic ad insertion (DAI) and integration with Google Ad Manager, alongside analytics and audience measurement capability. The package includes an integration with AWS for delivery of live linear channels and CloudFront CDN.
The migration went live at the end of September 2020 just six weeks after the contract was signed. As part of the project, Kaltura migrated over 170,000 content assets to the new platform.
A key objective for Reshet 13 was timely delivery in order to support live broadcasts of its flagship annual Big Brother show. Reshet 13 provides a premium Big Brother Channel which broadcasts for several months each year. Kaltura developed bespoke software enabling Reshet 13 to monetize the web livestreaming of its Big Brother 2020 service through personalized, client-side ads.
“Viewing audiences today have very high expectations of video service quality, and we need to be ready to meet these requirements as they grow and evolve,” said Gal Goren, Chief Digital Officer at Reshet 13. “Now, thanks to Kaltura, we have a flexible, future-ready video platform which will leverage the efficiencies enabled by cloud technology at scale.”
With a reach of almost six million viewers, Reshet 13 is one of the fastest growing broadcasters in Israel with 15% year-on-year ratings growth. Reshet 13 also claims to have the youngest TV audience of all main commercial broadcasters in the country.
Reshet 13, available terrestrially as well as via cable, satellite and mobile, airs its popular TV programming, including Big Brother - Israel, Survivor - Israel, and other quality Israeli-produced content, as linear TV and VOD.