Media & Technology Digest - October 2020

Tim Westcott

Practice Lead, Digital Content & Channels

Tim leads Omdia’s research on TV and video programming and channel distribution. The core datasets in the Digital Content and Channels Intelligence service track investments in programming by channels and online video platforms, availability of linear channels and on-demand services, and sports and movie rights. The service also tracks the offerings of on-demand providers in the US and six key international markets.

Tim joined Omdia’s predecessor company Screen Digest in 2004, where his areas of focus included TV production, animation, sports rights, and public broadcasting. He has also edited more than 100 editions of the monthly Media and Technology Digest (formerly Screen Digest). Before that, Tim worked at the European Audiovisual Observatory in Strasbourg, France, and in a variety of journalism roles, including the Financial Times Group, EMAP (now Ascential), and Television Business International. Tim holds a Master of Arts (Hons.) degree in English literature from Trinity College, Cambridge. He holds dual UK and French nationality and is based in London.

Maria Rua Aguete

Senior Research Director, Media and Entertainment

Maria Rua Aguete leads the strategic development of the media team and manages its day-to-day operations, tracking the continuing evolution of global service providers and operators. Maria first created the team while at Screen Digest, which became part of IHS Markit. 

The team’s research on service providers is deep and extensive, leveraging long-standing relationships with operators in all of the 70+ markets covered by the group, resulting in the most comprehensive source of television and operator market intelligence in the world. 

Maria is also a regular contributor to various reports, including the European Cable Yearbook, and she has led or has been a significant contributor to many consulting projects for high-profile media and technology companies, including the market-launch and purchase plans of an emerging television group, a Latin America DTT platform for a major channel group, and a satellite pay-TV provider for a private equity group. 

She has also performed commercial due diligence on a cable TV components business for a major international bank; a competitive review and strategic analysis for a major international channel operator; a comprehensive review of investment opportunities in the European cable market for a venture capital group; and a market report and due diligence on a localization services (dubbing/subtitling) company for an investment bank. 

Maria has collected many accolades throughout a storied career, and she is one of only 11 Technology Fellows named by IHS Markit during her time at the company, an honor that recognizes her deep expertise and exceptional standing within the analyst community. 

Maria holds a first class degree in economics and business studies from Vigo University in Spain, and an MBA from Cardiff Business School in Wales. She is a regular speaker at events like IBC and Mobile World Congress.   

Rob Gallagher

Chief Analyst, Consumer Technologies & Services

With over 25 years of experience analyzing consumer technologies and services, Rob specializes in identifying opportunities at the intersections and gaps between media, big tech, and consumer electronics markets. He regularly advises clients across the value chain, including media firms, tech giants, device makers, network operators, infrastructure vendors, investors, and regulators.

Rob began his career in 2000 as a journalist covering internet access, e-commerce, and digital media. Since joining the company that is now Omdia in 2003, he has played a key role in expanding the company’s coverage of innovative consumer services and technologies. Rob’s achievements include devising and launching several research services and leading complex consulting projects.