Meta Platforms on Thursday launched a new feature called WhatsApp Channels, asserting that it would help make the application a "private broadcast messaging product".

The social media giant released a statement saying that the very first countries to be able to access the new feature will be Colombia and Singapore.&nbsp;

The company added that over the coming months, it will make the tool available to users in more countries.

Further elucidating on the feature, Meta said that Channels will help the users follow content on their hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials and others.

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Profile photos and contact information of the channel admin would not be visible to followers. Similarly, followers will not have their phone numbers revealed.

Global launch partners for the feature will include the World Health Organization, FC Barcelona and Manchester City.

<h2>How to use Channel?</h2>

Channel on WhatsApp is a one-way broadcast feature that will allow the admin to share posts, pictures, videos, and polls. After a user subscribes to a particular channel on the app, they will receive all the content in a separate tab. The channels can be subscribed to via an invite or can also be searched for within WhatsApp.

A new menu option called 'updates' has been introduced on the app from where both status and channels can be accessed. The channel updates will be separate from regular WhatsApp chats.

<h2>WhatsApp to launch 'screen sharing' and&nbsp;'username' features</h2>

Earlier this week, WhatsApp announced that it will soon introduce the "screen-sharing," option for its users to modify their messages.

This feature will allow users to easily share their screens during a call, just like it is done in Microsoft Teams.&nbsp;

However, this feature will not be available for old versions of Android, and might also not work in large group calls.&nbsp;

After installing the new version, many users might notice a few minor changes regarding the navigation bar, like&nbsp;many icons&nbsp;might be arranged in a certain order, such as&nbsp;the following tabs in the bottom navigation bar: Chats, Calls, and Status.&nbsp;

The report further stated that this feature is only enabled if a user gives their consent to share the content on their screen.

<h2>'WhatsApp Usernames'</h2>

The application is also said to be working on a new feature called "WhatsApp usernames." With this feature, users will be able to choose unique names for their accounts.&nbsp;

The company might also allow users to contact others by entering a username within the app without knowing their mobile numbers, just like Telegram.&nbsp;

These features come as the instant message-sharing app previously announced that it will allow its users to edit their messages within 15 minutes after sending. In a blog post shared earlier this month, it said that users can correct misspellings, add more details, or change what they have sent to friends, family, and coworkers. This feature will soon be available to users across the world.&nbsp;

WhatsApp said, "To fix a text, press and hold the sent message and pick 'edit'.&nbsp;After the changes, it will then display 'edited',&nbsp;but those receiving the message won't be able to see the edit history."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Meta Platforms on Thursday launched a new feature called WhatsApp Channels, asserting that it would help make the application a "private broadcast messaging product".

Meta Platforms on Thursday launched a new feature called WhatsApp Channels, asserting that it would help make the application a "private broadcast messaging product". The social media giant released a statement saying that the very first countries to be able to access the new feature will be Colombia and Singapore. The company added that over the coming months, it will make the tool available to users in more countries. Further elucidating on the feature, Meta said that Channels will help the users follow content on their hobbies, sports teams, updates from local officials and others. × Profile photos and contact information of the channel admin would not be visible to followers. Similarly, followers will not have their phone numbers revealed. Global launch partners for the feature will include the World Health Organization, FC Barcelona and Manchester City. How to use Channel? Channel on WhatsApp is a one-way broadcast feature that will allow the admin to share posts, pictures, videos, and polls. After a user subscribes to a particular channel on the app, they will receive all the content in a separate tab. The channels can be subscribed to via an invite or can also be searched for within WhatsApp. A new menu option called 'updates' has been introduced on the app from where both status and channels can be accessed. The channel updates will be separate from regular WhatsApp chats. WhatsApp to launch 'screen sharing' and 'username' features Earlier this week, WhatsApp announced that it will soon introduce the "screen-sharing," option for its users to modify their messages. This feature will allow users to easily share their screens during a call, just like it is done in Microsoft Teams. However, this feature will not be available for old versions of Android, and might also not work in large group calls. After installing the new version, many users might notice a few minor changes regarding the navigation bar, like many icons might be arranged in a certain order, such as the following tabs in the bottom navigation bar: Chats, Calls, and Status. The report further stated that this feature is only enabled if a user gives their consent to share the content on their screen. 'WhatsApp Usernames' The application is also said to be working on a new feature called "WhatsApp usernames." With this feature, users will be able to choose unique names for their accounts. The company might also allow users to contact others by entering a username within the app without knowing their mobile numbers, just like Telegram. These features come as the instant message-sharing app previously announced that it will allow its users to edit their messages within 15 minutes after sending. In a blog post shared earlier this month, it said that users can correct misspellings, add more details, or change what they have sent to friends, family, and coworkers. This feature will soon be available to users across the world. WhatsApp said, "To fix a text, press and hold the sent message and pick 'edit'. After the changes, it will then display 'edited', but those receiving the message won't be able to see the edit history." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Meta introduces new broadcasting feature on WhatsApp. Here's everything you need to know

The British government on wedensday, revealed its intention&nbsp;to sell&nbsp;Channel&nbsp;4, a publicly-owned but commercially-funded television broadcaster that draws 90 per cent of its income from advertising.

The UK government said privatisation would enable&nbsp;Channel&nbsp;4&nbsp;to diversify its revenue sources, reach international markets and invest in new content and technology to respond to competition from subscription-based streaming services.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/british-minister-urges-same-rules-for-streaming-services-broadcasters-times-393293">British minister urges same rules for streaming services, broadcasters: Times</a>

It pointed to ITV and&nbsp;Channel&nbsp;5 as examples of successful public service broadcasters operating under private ownership.

Channel&nbsp;4&nbsp;launched in 1982 and its remit involves supporting Britain's independent production sector and producing a unique and diverse range of programmes.

Critics claim the decision&nbsp;is politically motivated as politicians from Britain's ruling Conservative party have accused the broadcaster of bias.

In 2019,&nbsp;Channel&nbsp;4's head of news and current affairs Dorothy Byrne branded Prime Minister Boris Johnson a "liar" and a "coward".

He now rarely gives interviews to the broadcaster, although he relented at the recent G7 summit in Cornwall, where he was grilled -- uncomfortably -- on his Brexit commitments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-media-watchdog-imposes-50-thousand-pound-fine-on-khalsa-tv-363308">UK media watchdog imposes 50 thousand pound fine on Khalsa TV</a>

EU leaders "say you don't keep your word... They think you'll rip up the agreements that you've signed," the&nbsp;Channel&nbsp;4&nbsp;News interviewers suggested to Johnson.

Chief executive Alex Mahon on Tuesday defended&nbsp;Channel&nbsp;4's public ownership model to a committee of MPs, saying it "put public service before profit" through its remit of "speaking up for the unheard and appealing to diverse audiences".

She added the broadcaster, known for its often edgy, alternative content, was "thriving" despite the upheaval caused by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>.

Its young audience numbers and trust ratings grew after the first lockdown in March 2020, she added.

Johnson's government also has the BBC in its sights, with questions over its compulsory annual licence fee funding model in the face of competition from streaming services.

Media Shake-up

The government also announced plans to subject online streaming platforms to tighter regulation as part of a wider shake-up of the country's media landscape.

Under the proposals, services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video would face the same level of regulation as traditional broadcasters including the BBC, ITV and Sky.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the review would "level the playing field between broadcasters and video-on-demand services".

Television channels in Britain must follow a broadcasting code set by regulator the Office of Communications (Ofcom) covering areas such as harmful content and requiring impartiality in news programmes.

But online streaming platforms, with the exception of the BBC's on-demand iPlayer service, face lighter regulation, primarily limited to protecting children and preventing content that incites hatred.

Netflix and Apple TV+ are not regulated at all in Britain.

The reforms also aim to increase public service broadcasters' online prominence to ensure their programmes can be found and accessed easily on smart TVs and other devices.

"Technology has transformed broadcasting but the rules protecting viewers and helping our traditional channels compete are from an analogue age," Dowden added.

"The time has come to look at how we can unleash the potential of our public service broadcasters while making sure viewers and listeners consuming content on new formats are served by a fair and well-functioning system."

The British government on wedensday, revealed its intention to sell Channel 4, a publicly-owned but commercially-funded television broadcaster that draws 90 per cent of its income from advertising.

The British government on wedensday, revealed its intention to sell Channel 4, a publicly-owned but commercially-funded television broadcaster that draws 90 per cent of its income from advertising. The UK government said privatisation would enable Channel 4 to diversify its revenue sources, reach international markets and invest in new content and technology to respond to competition from subscription-based streaming services. Also read | British minister urges same rules for streaming services, broadcasters: Times It pointed to ITV and Channel 5 as examples of successful public service broadcasters operating under private ownership. Channel 4 launched in 1982 and its remit involves supporting Britain's independent production sector and producing a unique and diverse range of programmes. Critics claim the decision is politically motivated as politicians from Britain's ruling Conservative party have accused the broadcaster of bias. In 2019, Channel 4's head of news and current affairs Dorothy Byrne branded Prime Minister Boris Johnson a "liar" and a "coward". He now rarely gives interviews to the broadcaster, although he relented at the recent G7 summit in Cornwall, where he was grilled -- uncomfortably -- on his Brexit commitments. Also read | UK media watchdog imposes 50 thousand pound fine on Khalsa TV EU leaders "say you don't keep your word... They think you'll rip up the agreements that you've signed," the Channel 4 News interviewers suggested to Johnson. Chief executive Alex Mahon on Tuesday defended Channel 4's public ownership model to a committee of MPs, saying it "put public service before profit" through its remit of "speaking up for the unheard and appealing to diverse audiences". She added the broadcaster, known for its often edgy, alternative content, was "thriving" despite the upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Its young audience numbers and trust ratings grew after the first lockdown in March 2020, she added. Johnson's government also has the BBC in its sights, with questions over its compulsory annual licence fee funding model in the face of competition from streaming services. Media Shake-up The government also announced plans to subject online streaming platforms to tighter regulation as part of a wider shake-up of the country's media landscape. Under the proposals, services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video would face the same level of regulation as traditional broadcasters including the BBC, ITV and Sky. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the review would "level the playing field between broadcasters and video-on-demand services". Television channels in Britain must follow a broadcasting code set by regulator the Office of Communications (Ofcom) covering areas such as harmful content and requiring impartiality in news programmes. But online streaming platforms, with the exception of the BBC's on-demand iPlayer service, face lighter regulation, primarily limited to protecting children and preventing content that incites hatred. Netflix and Apple TV+ are not regulated at all in Britain. The reforms also aim to increase public service broadcasters' online prominence to ensure their programmes can be found and accessed easily on smart TVs and other devices. "Technology has transformed broadcasting but the rules protecting viewers and helping our traditional channels compete are from an analogue age," Dowden added. "The time has come to look at how we can unleash the potential of our public service broadcasters while making sure viewers and listeners consuming content on new formats are served by a fair and well-functioning system."

United Kingdom plans sale of Channel 4 as part of a media shake-up

Acting on complaints, sector regulator TRAI has directed distributors of TV channels to make sure that channels belonging to the same genre are placed together and one channel appears only at one place as prescribed under its rules, failing which it will take action against the erring distributor.&nbsp;

TRAI's directive is important from a subscriber viewpoint as not placing same genre channels together results in consumer difficulty in locating channels. On the other hand, appearance of channels in more than one place can influence its visibility and ratings.&nbsp;

The latest directive issued to distributors of TV channels -- which includes the likes of DTH operators and multi-system operators -- came in response to specific complaints received by TRAI alleging transmission of TV channels on dual 'Logical Channel Number', or placement of TV channels by distributors out of the genre or category declared by the broadcaster.

"Now, therefore, the authority, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it...And in order to protect the interest of service providers and consumers and ensure orderly growth of the sector, hereby directs all distributors of television channels to ensure that the TV channels of the same genre, as declared by the broadcasters, are placed together consecutively and one channel shall appear at one place only," said Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) - also the broadcasting regulator - in its directive to TV players.

Failure to comply, will result on action being taken against such distributors, under the provision of TRAI Act, it added.

"The directive is effective immediately and TV channel distributors have been asked to strictly ensure compliance with the regulations. The directive has been issued to ensure that consumers do not face any inconvenience," Arvind Kumar, Advisor (Broadcasting), TRAI, told PTI.

The provision of TRAI's service quality regulations that came into effect in July 2018 requires every broadcaster to declare the genre of its channels under categories like devotional, general, entertainment, movies, news and current affairs amongst others.&nbsp;

It is mandatory for the distributor to place channels in the electronic programme guide, in such a way that the television channels of the same genre, are placed together consecutively, and one channel appears only at one place. Under the rules, every distributor of TV channel assigns a unique channel number for each TV channel available on the network, and in case a broadcaster changes the genre of a channel then the assigned channel number is also changed such that it is placed together with channels of the new genre in the electronic programme guide.

TRAI has recently unveiled the new tariff order and regulatory regime for the broadcast and cable sector, which paves the way for consumers to opt for channels they wish to view, and pay only for them. It has said every channel should be offered a la carte, with a transparent display of rates on electronic programme guide.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the regulator had extended the time-line for consumers to make their channel preferences till March 31, 2019.

Acting on complaints, sector regulator TRAI has directed distributors of TV channels to make sure that channels belonging to the same genre are placed together and one channel appears only at one place as prescribed under its rules, failing which it will take action against the erring distributor.

Acting on complaints, sector regulator TRAI has directed distributors of TV channels to make sure that channels belonging to the same genre are placed together and one channel appears only at one place as prescribed under its rules, failing which it will take action against the erring distributor. TRAI's directive is important from a subscriber viewpoint as not placing same genre channels together results in consumer difficulty in locating channels. On the other hand, appearance of channels in more than one place can influence its visibility and ratings. The latest directive issued to distributors of TV channels -- which includes the likes of DTH operators and multi-system operators -- came in response to specific complaints received by TRAI alleging transmission of TV channels on dual 'Logical Channel Number', or placement of TV channels by distributors out of the genre or category declared by the broadcaster. "Now, therefore, the authority, in exercise of the powers conferred upon it...And in order to protect the interest of service providers and consumers and ensure orderly growth of the sector, hereby directs all distributors of television channels to ensure that the TV channels of the same genre, as declared by the broadcasters, are placed together consecutively and one channel shall appear at one place only," said Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) - also the broadcasting regulator - in its directive to TV players. Failure to comply, will result on action being taken against such distributors, under the provision of TRAI Act, it added. "The directive is effective immediately and TV channel distributors have been asked to strictly ensure compliance with the regulations. The directive has been issued to ensure that consumers do not face any inconvenience," Arvind Kumar, Advisor (Broadcasting), TRAI, told PTI. The provision of TRAI's service quality regulations that came into effect in July 2018 requires every broadcaster to declare the genre of its channels under categories like devotional, general, entertainment, movies, news and current affairs amongst others. It is mandatory for the distributor to place channels in the electronic programme guide, in such a way that the television channels of the same genre, are placed together consecutively, and one channel appears only at one place. Under the rules, every distributor of TV channel assigns a unique channel number for each TV channel available on the network, and in case a broadcaster changes the genre of a channel then the assigned channel number is also changed such that it is placed together with channels of the new genre in the electronic programme guide. TRAI has recently unveiled the new tariff order and regulatory regime for the broadcast and cable sector, which paves the way for consumers to opt for channels they wish to view, and pay only for them. It has said every channel should be offered a la carte, with a transparent display of rates on electronic programme guide. Earlier this month, the regulator had extended the time-line for consumers to make their channel preferences till March 31, 2019.

TRAI asks distributors to ensure a channel appears only at one place, warns action on non-compliance

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has dismissed allegations of corruption within the organisation and demanded proof after a British newspaper reported that some bouts in the Rio Olympics could be fixed. 
 
According to The Guardian, citing multiple sources, a group of senior referees and judges met before a major championship to decide on how to score certain bouts having earlier relied on hand and head signals to select a winner. 
 
&quot;We reiterate that, unless tangible proof is put forward, not just rumours, we cannot further comment on these allegations,&quot; the paper quoted the sport&#39;s global governing body as saying. 
 
&quot;Our role is to ensure a fair and transparent competition and that the thousands of spectators and millions of fans enjoy an amazing tournament with 13 great and undisputed gold medallists. It is not a matter for AIBA to interfere with the decision made by the judges under sporting rules.&quot; 
 
Irish judge Seamus Kelly, one of the sources named in the report, said he had been asked to fix bouts at the Arab Games in Doha in 2011 using signals, and that his fellow officials were afraid to speak out. 
 
&quot;People are afraid... because if they are judges they will be sidelined and won&#39;t get to go to the Olympics or other championships. If they are officials, they fear their country&#39;s boxers will be targeted,&quot; he said. 
 
AIBA executive committee member Terry Smith said he was not aware of the allegations, and challenged officials to take up the matter using established channels within the organisation. 
 
&quot;I wish they&#39;d confide a little bit internally,&quot; he added. &quot;I would like them to challenge it where it takes place. These are the types of rumours we certainly don&#39;t want with the Olympics coming up.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Executive committee member Terry Smith has challenged officials to take up the matter using established channels within the organisation

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has dismissed allegations of corruption within the organisation and demanded proof after a British newspaper reported that some bouts in the Rio Olympics could be fixed. According to The Guardian, citing multiple sources, a group of senior referees and judges met before a major championship to decide on how to score certain bouts having earlier relied on hand and head signals to select a winner. "We reiterate that, unless tangible proof is put forward, not just rumours, we cannot further comment on these allegations," the paper quoted the sport's global governing body as saying. "Our role is to ensure a fair and transparent competition and that the thousands of spectators and millions of fans enjoy an amazing tournament with 13 great and undisputed gold medallists. It is not a matter for AIBA to interfere with the decision made by the judges under sporting rules." Irish judge Seamus Kelly, one of the sources named in the report, said he had been asked to fix bouts at the Arab Games in Doha in 2011 using signals, and that his fellow officials were afraid to speak out. "People are afraid... because if they are judges they will be sidelined and won't get to go to the Olympics or other championships. If they are officials, they fear their country's boxers will be targeted," he said. AIBA executive committee member Terry Smith said he was not aware of the allegations, and challenged officials to take up the matter using established channels within the organisation. "I wish they'd confide a little bit internally," he added. "I would like them to challenge it where it takes place. These are the types of rumours we certainly don't want with the Olympics coming up." (Reuters)

International Boxing Association dismisses corruption allegations as 'rumours'

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