Broadcast Sport: Warner Bros. Discovery adds 20 on-board and pit cameras for Speedway GP

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Warner Bros. Discovery has added a number of enhancements for its 2023 FIM Speedway GP coverage.

Deadline; ‘Grange Hill The Movie’: Sara Sugarman To Helm Reboot Based On Her Original Character From Hit Kids Series As Creator Phil Redmond Teases Surprise Returns

Story from Deadline:

Sir Phil Redmond is moving forward with his Grange Hill film adaption and filmmaker Sara Sugarman (Save the Cinema) has signed on to direct a story in part based on the character she played in the hit BBC kids show.

Deadline: Layoffs Underway At Amazon Studios & Prime Video, Handful Of Creative Executives Impacted

Story from Deadline:

The string of media layoffs continues.

Hollywood Reporter: Hasbro Expects Update on Sale of eOne in Coming Weeks

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Toy company Hasbro said it will provide an update on the sale of eOne during its current second quarter, which typically runs through the end of June.

Deadline; Disney TV Layoffs: Cornelia Frame Leaves Amid Casting Consolidation; Fellow Disney Veteran Roger Kirman Also Departs

Story from Deadline:

Disney is set to wrap up its second round of layoffs today.

Deadline; Fired CNN Host Don Lemon In No Rush To Find New Job: “I’m Lucky Enough To Be In A Position Where I Don’t Have To Worry About Those Things”

Story from Deadline:

Fired CNN host Don Lemon says he won’t seek immediate employment in the wake of his sudden termination Monday.

Daily Mail; CNN insiders: Why Don Lemon was fired and staff can't stop celebrating

Story from Daily Mail:

Here today – Don tomorrow.

Hollywood Reporter: NBCUniversal Revenues Fall, Peacock’s Loss Tops $704M in First Quarter

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Peacock booked a loss of more than $700 million in the first quarter of this year, as the NBCUniversal streaming service struggles to grow its subscriber base, the company announced Thursday.

Deadline: ‘Vice News Tonight’ To End As Company Undergoes News Layoffs And Restructuring

Story from Deadline:

Vice Media Group announced that it was streamlining its news division, including layoffs and the cancelation of its signature newscast, Vice News Tonight.

Hollywood Reporter; Don Lemon Says He Has No Regrets After CNN Firing: “I Am a Survivor”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Days after Don Lemon revealed he had been fired from CNN, the former CNN This Morning co-anchor took to the red carpet at the Time 100 gala in New York Wednesday night to say that while the departure was a surprise, it’s behind him now.

Broadband TV News: HGTV secures Polish licence extension

Story from Broadband TV News:

Poland’s National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) has granted the satellite channel HGTV, which is distributed by TVN Warner Bros. Discovery, a 10-year licence extension.

Media Guardian: Netflix doubles down on UK productions despite slowdown

Story from Media Guardian:

Netflix has spent $6bn (£4.8bn) making TV shows and films in the UK since 2020, $2bn more than originally planned, as the streaming giant doubled down on must-watch content amid a global slowdown in new subscribers.

Deadline; Disney Layoffs: Disney Branded Television Execs Leaving, 20th Digital Studio Folding, D23 Team Downsizing

Story from Deadline:

We are in Day 3 of Disney’s second round of layoffs, which has included a senior level programming executive at Disney Branded Television.

Hollywood Reporter; James Gunn’s Guardians: How Chris Pratt and His Marvel Castmates Rescued Their Director’s Career

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

No matter what else he felt, no matter what else was going on, above all Chris Pratt needed to keep a level head. He was Star-Lord, after all.

New York Post: Don Lemon lawyers up in bid to squeeze cash out of CNN after ouster

Story from New York Post:

Fired CNN anchor Don Lemon is reportedly lawyering up after his surprise ouster from the cable news network on Monday, setting the stage for a possible legal battle with CNN.

Deadline; Disney TV Layoffs: Cuts In Animation, Syndication, Marketing, PR & Unscripted Lead Day 2

Story from Deadline:

Day 2 of Disney’s second wave of layoffs has involved staff reduction in first-run syndication, unscripted/alternative as well as marketing and communications.

New York Post: Trump cheers ouster of ‘dumbest man on television’ Don Lemon from CNN

Story from New York Post:

Former President Donald Trump cheered the demise of Don Lemon, asking why it took so long for CNN to fire “the dumbest man on television” – but said he was “shocked” that Tucker Carlson was out at Fox News.

Deadline; David Zaslav At CinemaCon: “We Do Not Believe In Direct-To-Streaming Movies”

Story from Deadline:

In a rare appearance for a corporate CEO at CinemaCon, Warner Bros. Discovery chief executive David Zaslav took the stage Tuesday at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas — a visual show of support for an industry he’s been pumping since he took the reins of newly merged Warner Bros. Discovery last year.

Hollywood Reporter: Endeavor Sells IMG Academy to Private Equity Firm BPEA EQT for $1.25B

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In a blockbuster sports deal, Endeavor says that it has agreed to sell its IMG Academy sports education business to the private equity firm BPEA EQT in a deal valued at $1.25 billion.

Hollywood Reporter: Nate Silver Out at ABC News as Disney Layoffs Once Again Hit News Division

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The second round of Disney layoffs hit ABC News on Tuesday, with Nate Silver’s data-driven politics and journalism brand FiveThirtyEight among those being impacted.

Hollywood Reporter: After Don Lemon’s Firing, CNN Is Back to Drawing Board for Its Morning Show

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Don Lemon’s abrupt departure from CNN will mean another shuffling of its morning-show lineup — a distressingly familiar scenario at the cable news outlet.

Deadline: Poppy Harlow And Kaitlan Collins Address Don Lemon’s Exit On ‘CNN This Morning’

Story from Deadline:

Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins opened CNN This Morning on Tuesday by addressing the exit of co-anchor Don Lemon.

Deadline; Disney TV Layoffs: Steven Melnick, Sonia Borris, Sharon Merle-Lieberman, Sarah Lindman, Julie Jarmon, Dana Sharpless, Stacey Adams & Dawn Solér Among Execs Leaving Amid Consolidation

Story from Deadline:

Day 1 of Disney’s second wave of layoffs is impacting ABC and Freeform’s senior programming ranks, Disney Television Studios marketing, which is being dissolved, and its music operations, which are being consolidated.

Deadline: Fox, Warner Bros Discovery And Comcast Stocks Dip After Major News Breaks About Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon And Jeff Shell

Story from Deadline:

Fox, Comcast and Warner Bros Discovery shares each took a dip Monday after the media companies took turns generating industry-shaking headlines over less than 24 hours.

Daily Mail: CNN insiders slam 'misogynistic, sexist, POS' Don Lemon as he's fired

Story from Daily Mail:

CNN insiders have branded Don Lemon a 'misogynist' and 'sexist' after he was unceremoniously fired from the network after 17 years.

Hollywood Reporter: Second Wave of Disney Layoffs Coming This Week

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Another round of layoffs at The Walt Disney Co. will begin this week, and it will impact every corner of the company.

Hollywood Reporter: Don Lemon Out at CNN

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

CNN Mornings anchor Don Lemon is out at CNN.

Deadline: Don Lemon Exits CNN; Host Says He’s Been Terminated By Network After 17 Years

Story from Deadline:

Don Lemon is out at CNN after 17 years.

Deadline: Tucker Carlson Out At Fox News; Network Says They Have “Agreed To Part Ways”

Story from Deadline:

Tucker Carlson and Fox News have agreed to part ways, the network said Monday.

Daily Mail: CNBC reporter at center of affair with ousted NBCUniversal CEO was once accused of 'flirting' with Putin

Story from Daily Mail:

The experienced CNBC journalist accused of having an affair with the ousted CEO of NBCUniversal is the same reporter who interviewed Vladimir Putin in 2021 - and was promptly accused of coming on to the politician as part of a secret US 'special op.'

Deadline: Disney Begins Largest Wave Of Layoffs, Will Get More Than Halfway To Target Of 7,000 Staff Cuts This Week

Story from Deadline:

Disney is initiating the second and largest round of its planned layoffs Monday and expects to reach 4,000 of its projected 7,000 staff cuts by Thursday.

Deadline; John Oliver Comes Up With New Slogan For HBO Max Rebrand: “Max, There’s Entertainment In Watching A Company Die!”

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver is not done taking swipes at the decisions being made by “business daddy” Warner Bros. Discovery.

Media Guardian: NBC Universal chief Jeff Shell out over inappropriate relationship

Story from Media Guardian:

The chief executive of NBC Universal, Jeff Shell, left the media giant on Sunday after acknowledging an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, following a complaint that prompted an investigation, parent company Comcast said.

Hollywood Reporter: Gayle King and Charles Barkley to Co-Host CNN Show “King Charles” as Chris Licht Seeks Reset for Cable News Channel

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In one of the most significant programming moves since joining CNN as its CEO nearly a year ago, Chris Licht has hired CBS Mornings co-anchor Gayle King and NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley to host a weekly primetime program, to be called King Charles.

Broadcast Sport: COMMENT; ​WWE/UFC merger sets blueprint for fan marketing

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Earlier this month we heard the sound of a seismic corporate bodyslam as WWE and UFC combined to form a $21 billion sports entertainment company.

Hollywood Reporter: Netflix’s Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos’ Pay Packages Hit $50M-Plus in 2022

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Coming off a turbulent year that saw Netflix’s stock lose more than $50 billion in market share at one point as subscriber growth has faltered, the streaming giant’s top executives saw their total pay packages see a significant bump to cross the $50 million mark in 2022, according to securities filings released on Friday.

Deadline: Paramount Gets $167M In Settlement Of Suit By CBS Shareholders Against Shari Redstone, Directors, Ending Years-Long Merger

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global said Friday that, pending court approval, it will receive $167.5 million in settlement of a suit by shareholders of the former CBS Corp. against some of the broadcaster’s former officers and directors, including Shari Redstone and Joseph Ianiello.

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav To Take Stage At CinemaCon In Rare Appearance For A Conglom Boss

Story from Deadline:

Deadline has learned that Warner Bros Discovery CEO and President, David Zaslav, will be teeing off Warner Bros studio presentation at CinemaCon on Tuesday AM, April 25.

Variety: CNN Moves Chris Wallace Interview Show to Fridays

Story from Variety:

Chris Wallace’s interview program, “Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace,” will move to Friday nights from Sundays while continuing to stream on HBO Max, a change as the series prepares for its third cycle of conversations between the news veteran and people of note.

Hollywood Reporter: Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei’s Pay Rises to $22.3M In 2022

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

John Malone’s Liberty Media — which owns audio entertainment powerhouse SiriusXM, the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the Formula One racing circuit — has disclosed that president and CEO Gregory Maffei’s 2022 compensation package amounted to $22.4 million, compared with $21.6 million in 2021 and $47.1 million in 2020.

eOne Takeover - Hollywood Reporter: Hasbro in Talks to Sell Entertainment One to Founder Darren Throop

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Entertainment One founder Darren Throop is in talks with Hasbro to acquire the film and TV production and distribution unit he sold to the toy giant in 2019, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

Deadline: Disney Settles With Former Marvel Exec Victoria Alonso Over Sudden Firing

Story from Deadline:

Disney has settled with former Marvel Studios VFX chief Victoria Alonso after pink-slipping her last month.

Deadline; ‘Shazam: Fury Of The Gods’ Hitting Max On Streaming Service’s Relaunch Date

Story from Deadline:

It was announced today at the Warner Bros Discovery streamer presser that this spring’s DC feature, Shazam: Fury of the Gods, would be hitting the newly revamped Max service on its relaunch date, May 23.

Variety: WNBA Gets Friday-Night Showcase on ION in New Pact With Scripps

Story from Variety:

The WNBA hopes to find new bounce when it starts a line-up of Friday-night games on the broadcast network ION.

Variety: Sony’s ‘Spider-Man’ Movies and ‘Venom’ Coming to Disney+

Story from Variety:

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.

Hollywood Reporter: AT&T CEO Tight-Lipped About DirecTV Merger Scenarios With Dish

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

AT&T CEO John Stankey chose not to address options for DirecTV to merge with Dish Networks amid continuing speculation about a tie-up for the declining satellite TV operators.

Broadband TV News: Warner Bros. Discovery expands in Uzbekistan

Story from Broadband TV News:

Warner Bros. Discovery and Uzdigital TV have entered into an exclusive partnership in Uzbekistan.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Owes $52 Million for ‘South Park’ Streaming Rights, Paramount Alleges

Story from Variety:

Paramount Global fired back on Wednesday in the battle over “South Park” streaming rights, accusing Warner Bros. Discovery of withholding $52 million in license fees.

Deadline; Bracing For The Bloodbath: Disney Layoffs To Resume Monday

Story from Deadline:

It was originally described as the “big one,” or even more pointedly, a straight-up “bloodbath.”

New York Post: Vivek Ramaswamy angers Don Lemon in heated exchange over Civil War, Second Amendment

Story from New York Post:

2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy angered “CNN This Morning” host Don Lemon during a debate on gun rights for Black Americans while on-air.

Deadline: ‘Twilight’ Series In Early Development At Lionsgate TV

Story from Deadline:

Twilight is getting the TV treatment.

Variety: Next ‘Fast and Furious’ Film Taps Louis Leterrier as Director

Story from Variety:

Louis Leterrier is staying in Dominic Toretto’s family.

Digital TV Europe: Warner Bros. Discovery hires Harry Gamsu from Fremantle

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros Discovery has re-hired Fremantle exec Harry Gamsu.

New York Post: Fired CNN anchor Brian Stelter claims billionaire John Malone wanted network to be ‘more like Fox’

Story from New York Post:

Fired CNN anchor Brian Stelter doubled down on his decision to call out billionaire John Malone on-air last year — asserting that the influential Warner Bros. Discovery shareholder wants the network to be “more like Fox.”

Deadline: ‘Deadpool 3’ Star Ryan Reynolds On The Pitch That Convinced Hugh Jackman To Return To Play Wolverine

Story from Deadline:

Ryan Reynolds will be joined by Hugh Jackman in Deadpool 3 and had an update about what it’s been like to film the superhero film.

Deadline: CNN’s Jake Tapper Has Hard Time Keeping Straight Face When Reading Fox News’ Statement About $787M Dominion Settlement

Story from Deadline:

CNN’s Jake Tapper stridently referred to Fox News paying $787.5 million Tuesday to settle a looming legal case about Fox News’ false characterizations of Dominion Voting Systems’ equipment in regard to the 2020 election as “one of the ugliest and most embarrassing moments in the history of journalism.”

Deadline: Warner Bros Lands Hot Package ‘Maude v Maude’ Starring Halle Berry And Angelina Jolie; Both Will Also Produce

Story from Deadline:

Following an intense multi-studio bidding war that went into the weekend, Warner Bros has landed the package Maude v Maude, with Oscar winners Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry attached to star.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘Galaxy Quest’ TV Series in the Works at Paramount+

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Galaxy Quest is going from a fictional series to an actual TV series.

Variety: Netflix Adds 1.75 Million Subscribers in Q1, Its First Quarter Without Sub Guidance

Story from Variety:

Netflix added 1.75 million net new subscribers in Q1, compared with gaining a whopping 7.66 million for the final quarter of 2022, the period during which its lower-cost, ad-supported tier launched, the streamer revealed in its first-quarter 2023 earnings results Tuesday.

Deadline: ‘Superman: Legacy’: James Gunn DC Movie Starting Early Prep For 2024 Shoot

Story from Deadline:

DC co-Boss James Gunn announced on Twitter today that his Superman: Legacy, which he’s writing and directing, is going into pre-production.

Broadband TV News; Zaslav: Poland’s TVN “not for sale”

Story from Broadband TV News:

David Zaslav, the president of Warner Bros. Discovery, has told employees at the headquarters of Poland’s TVN that the broadcaster is not for sale.

Variety; ‘Superman: Legacy’ Starts Pre-Production, James Gunn Says: ‘Costumes, Production Design and More Now Up and Running’

Story from Variety:

James Gunn announced on Twitter that pre-production on “Superman: Legacy” has begun. The 2025 comic book tentpole will be the official launch of the new DC Universe as supervised by Gunn and his DC Studios co-head Peter Safran.

Hollywood Reporter: NBCUniversal, BBC Snag Reality-Bending ‘Destination X’ Competition

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

NBCUniversal and the BBC are going on a journey — but aren’t telling where.

Deadline: Boris Sanchez Says ‘CNN News Central’ Gig Is “Personal” & Will Use Platform To “Defend Democracy”

Story from Deadline:

Boris Sanchez is one of three anchors on CNN News Central and made his debut Monday afternoon hosting alongside Brianna Keilar and Jim Sciutto.

Advanced Television: Rakuten TV adds Real, Crime FAST channels

Story from Advanced Television:

Rakuten TV, the European streaming platform, has announced the launch of new owned and operated FAST channels.

Media Guardian: Dominion’s $1.6bn trial against Fox News over election lies delayed

Story from Media Guardian:

The landmark $1.6bn defamation trial between Dominion Voting Systems and Fox kicked off on Tuesday morning, but was unexpectedly delayed after 12 jurors were sworn in.

eOne Takeover - Deadline; eOne: Lionsgate & Legendary Remain Among 4 Potential Buyers As Hasbro Company Sale Nears Finish Line

Story from Deadline:

Here is the latest I hear on eOne.

Media Guardian; ‘It avoids a public grilling’: why Murdoch could settle Dominion’s Fox News lawsuit

Story from Media Guardian:

Rupert Murdoch’s push to try to bury a landmark defamation case against Fox News aims to avoid further damage to his media empire’s reputation – and protect the 92-year-old from a gruelling court appearance as he formulates succession plans.

Deadline: ‘The Rookie’ Renewed For Season 6 By ABC

Story from Deadline:

As expected, ABC has renewed The Rookie for its sixth season.

Deadline: Pluto TV To Stream Full Previous Seasons Of ‘Beavis & Butt-Head’, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars’ And Other Series For Free Ahead Of New Season Premieres On Paramount+

Story from Deadline:

Keeping current with shows in Paramount Global’s portfolio is getting a bit easier, as the company’s free streaming outlet Pluto TV is beginning to offer full previous seasons before their new seasons premiere on Paramount+.

Deadline: Max Pulls Out Promotional Stops In Rebranding Promo Push As Warner Bros Discovery Looks To Make A “Second First Impression”

Story from Deadline:

The last time the parent company of Warner Bros and HBO promoted the launch of a streaming service, it faced the once-a-century challenge of the coronavirus pandemic.

Deadline: Martin Backlund Lands Prime Video Nordics MD Post; Tushar Jindal Takes His Amazon UK Content Role

Story from Deadline:

Long-serving Amazon exec Martin Backlund has become MD for Prime Video Nordics, we’ve learned.

Deadline: Frank Doelger’s ‘The Swarm’ Sells To UK, Spain & Nears U.S. Deal

Story from Deadline:

Frank Doelger’s The Swarm has sold to the UK and Spain, while a U.S. partner is in the final stages of talks.

Deadline: John Oliver Dings “Business Daddy” Warner Bros. Discovery For Taking “Content Purge Up A Notch” With HBO Max Rebrand

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver greeted the Last Week Tonight viewers by taking a swing at “business daddy” Warner Bros. Discovery after announcing the rebranding of HBO Max to Max.

Advanced Television: AMC+ plans ad supported version

Story from Advanced Television:

AMC Networks is planning to launch an ad-supported version of its AMC+ streaming service later this year.

Deadline; George R.R. Martin Didn’t Want ‘Game Of Thrones’ Spinoff Title For ‘A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight’ To Sound Like ‘Beavis & Butthead’

Story from Deadline:

HBO ordered a new Game of Thrones spinoff which is tentatively titled A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight.

New York Post: Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav ditches NYC offices for LA

Story from New York Post:

David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, has ditched the company’s corporate headquarters in New York — instead running the media conglomerate from its iconic movie studio lot in Hollywood, according to a report.

Hollywood Reporter: Samuel L. Jackson Faces Off Against an Army of Skrulls in Trailer for Marvel’s ‘Secret Invasion’

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Samuel L. Jackson is back as Nick Fury and ready to take on the Skrulls in “one last fight” during an explosive new look at the upcoming Disney+ miniseries Secret Invasion.

Deadline: Actors On Dick Wolf NBC Series Reduce Episodes, ‘Bob (Loves) Abishola’ Cast Take Pay Cuts Amid Broadcast Budget Tightening

Story from Deadline:

NBC earlier this week picked up all six Wolf Entertainment series — Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime — for next season.

Hollywood Reporter: HBO Seemingly Trolls Amazon’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ With New ‘Game of Thrones’ Max Ad

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The non-war between HBO’s House of the Dragon and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power seemingly just went to a whole new level of passive aggression.

Hollywood Reporter; UFC + WWE: A Combustible Combo, With a Fighting Chance at Becoming a Powerhouse

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

UFC president Dana White celebrated the landmark $21 billion deal to merge his mixed martial arts promotion with the WWE by sitting ringside (Octagonside?) with a trio of WWE hall of famers at UFC 287, which was held at the Kaseya Center in Miami on April 8.

Hollywood Reporter; ‘Star Wars’: Behind Lucasfilm’s (Mostly) Risk-Averse Movie Bets

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Ashlyn Ni Fhearghail, an Irish transplant living in the Middle East, was standing on the convention floor at London’s Star Wars Celebration, dressed like one of her favorite characters, Rey, when she heard the news. In another part of the ExCeL center, Lucasfilm had just revealed that it was finally pulling the trigger on new Star Wars movies and one of them was going to center on Rey, the character made famous by Daisy Ridley in Disney’s sequel trilogy.

Deadline: ‘Baywatch’ Remake In The Works At Fremantle As Buyers Circle

Story from Deadline:

Baywatch could be heading back to the small screen.

Deadline: Steven Spielberg, David Zaslav & Paul Thomas Anderson Talk Urgency Of Film Preservation And Warners Bros. Commitment At TCM Classic Festival Opening Night

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO and President David Zaslav, just a day after revealing details of the new combined streaming service Max, joined industry titans Steven Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson to tout another area close to the heart of the studio he now heads: the importance of restoring and preserving Warner Bros.’ rich legacy of film classics, especially as it heads into its 100th anniversary year.

Variety: ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ Sets Streaming Release Date on HBO Max

Story from Variety:

The thunder is hitting HBO Max.

Hollywood Reporter: Bob Iger Addresses Ike Perlmutter Firing, Says He’d Be “Glad” to Meet With Ron DeSantis

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Would Isaac “Ike” Perlmutter still be employed by The Walt Disney Co. had he not gotten involved in Nelson Peltz’s activist effort earlier this year?

Hollywood Reporter: Big Bang or Not? Max Is the One to Watch on Wall Street After Warner Bros. Discovery’s Rebrand

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming rebrand under the Max name had Hollywood and Wall Street all ears late on Wednesday, in line with the streamer’s new tagline “The One to Watch.”

Deadline: ‘Harry Potter’ Series Starts Search For Showrunner

Story from Deadline:

J.K. Rowling may be exec producing the new Harry Potter series for Max, but Warner Bros. Discovery is now starting the search for a writer-showrunner.

C21 Media; Islands in the stream: Analysing Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Global and Netflix's strategies

Story from C21 Media:

Kicking off a series of analytical articles about trends in the content business, Parrot Analytics’ entertainment industry strategist Brandon Katz compares the streaming strategies and options for US giants Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount Global and Netflix.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Slides After Max Streaming Rebrand

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Stock in Warner Bros Discovery slid on Wednesday after the Hollywood studio unveiled Max, its refreshed streaming service that combines programming from both the original HBO Max streaming service and Discovery+.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Officially Happening at Max

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

It’s official: A Harry Potter TV series is coming to the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max.

Variety: HBO Max to Be Renamed ‘Max’ With Addition of Discovery+ Content, Launch Date and Pricing Revealed

Story from Variety:

It's not HBO Max — soon it’s just going to be Max.

Deadline; ‘Game Of Thrones’ Dunk & Egg Prequel ‘Knight Of Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Night’ Gets HBO Series Order

Story from Deadline:

Another Game of Thrones series is on the way.

Hollywood Reporter: New ‘Big Bang Theory’ Series in the Works at Max

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Bazinga!

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery Confirms Rebrand Of HBO Max To Max; Launch Date Set

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery has confirmed its long-expected plan to jettison the “HBO” from HBO Max, announcing that its rebranded streaming service will be called Max.

Deadline: Morena Baccarin And Stefan Kapicic To Return For ‘Deadpool 3’ As Vanessa And Colossus

Story from Deadline:

Ryan Reynolds is looking to get the gang back together again for Marvel new Deadpool sequel as Morena Baccarin and Stefan Kapicic are set to reprise their roles as Vanessa and Colossus, respectively.

Hollywood Reporter: Dick Wolf Extends Universal TV Overall Deal

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

NBCUniversal is ensuring Dick Wolf remains in its stable for a long time.

Deadline: Paramount+ Gears Up With Formula 1 Pact

Story from Deadline:

Paramount+ has become an official partner of Formula 1 (F1), as it pushes deeper into sports content.

New York Post: CNN could replace John King with ex-wife Dana Bash on ‘Inside Politics’

Story from New York Post:

Ratings-challenged CNN is reportedly considering replacing longtime “Inside Politics” anchor John King with his ex-wife, network veteran and anchor Dana Bash.

New York Post: CNN boss Chris Licht admits Don Lemon is a ‘lightning rod’ after sexist rant, misogyny history

Story from New York Post:

Don Lemon’s boss at CNN admitted on Monday that the former primetime star has been a “lightning rod” for controversy — days after a damning report alleged years of “diva-like” and misogynistic behavior by the embattled “CNN This Morning” co-host.

Variety; ‘The Marvels’ First Trailer: Brie Larson Leads an All-Female Superhero Trio in ‘Captain Marvel’ Sequel

Story from Variety:

Brie Larson is back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe for “The Marvels,” the sequel to 2019’s “Captain Marvel.”

Deadline: BBC & CNN Team For Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster Doc From Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse

Story from Deadline:

The BBC and CNN are teaming up to mark 20 years since the Columbia space shuttle disaster.

New York Post: CNN ‘It girl’ Kaitlan Collins to host primetime slot, sparking shakeup chatter

Story from New York Post:

CNN wunderkind Kaitlan Collins will be anchoring the embattled network’s 9 p.m. hour next week, prompting speculation that a job change could be in her future.

New York Post: CNN’s Don Lemon ‘apoplectic,’ wants to sue Variety over ‘sexist’ allegations

Story from New York Post:

CNN’s Don Lemon is reportedly weighing a possible lawsuit over a bombshell expose in Variety that alleged he has a history of threatening and demeaning female colleagues such as Soledad O’Brien, Kyra Phillips and Nancy Grace.

New York Post: CNN’s Don Lemon appears to slight Jon Stewart during hot-mic moment

Story from New York Post:

CNN’s Don Lemon appeared to diss Jon Stewart during a hot-mic moment — saying the former “Daily Show” host has more “leeway” as a comedian following Stewart’s tense exchange with a Pentagon official.

Hollywood Reporter; Bob Odenkirk Doesn’t Plan on Making His Way to the MCU: “I Don’t Think I’m Built for That World”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Many Hollywood stars have found their own spot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but Bob Odenkirk doesn’t plan to follow.

Deadline: NBC Renews All Six Dick Wolf Series Including ‘One Chicago’ Franchise & ‘Law & Order’ Trio

Story from Deadline:

NBC has renewed all six of its Dick Wolf-produced shows including the One Chicago franchise — Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. — and the trio of Law & Order dramas — the mothership series, Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime — for the 2023-2024 season.

Broadband TV News: A+E Networks hires Ninder Billing and Alexandra Finlay

Story from Broadband TV News:

A+E Networks has appointed Ninder Billing VP unscripted co-productions international and Alexandra Finlay VP scripted co-productions international.

Broadband TV News: Belarus bans Setanta Sports channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Belarus’s Ministry of Information banned the distribution of Setanta Sports 1 and 2 in the country.

Variety: Warner Bros. TV Acquires Jesse Q. Sutanto’s ‘Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers,’ Harpo Films and Kaling International to Produce

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. TV has acquired the book rights to Jesse Q. Sutanto’s novel, “Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers,” the studio announced on Monday.

Digital TV Europe: Disney cuts Hulu and Freeform execs in strategic realignment

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Disney has begun laying off staff as part of its “strategic realignment”, with production operations across Disney TV Studios, Hulu, FX and Freeform now falling under Carol Turner and the creative acquisitions division closed.

Hollywood Reporter; HBO Max Relaunch: The Open Questions Ahead of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Next Pivot

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

What’s one way to drum up anticipation for a streaming service merger? Keep the new name secret.

LA Times: Warner Bros. Discovery called out for scrapping Latino programs, CNN cuts post-merger

Story from LA Times:

Four Democrats in Congress have asked the U.S. Department of Justice to review the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, alleging the deal is responsible for “hollowing out an iconic American studio.”

Deadline: ‘The Resident’ Officially Canceled At Fox After Six Seasons

Story from Deadline:

After six seasons on the air, the lights have officially gone out at Chastain Memorial Hospital as The Resident has been canceled at Fox.

Deadline: James Gunn Says A DC/Marvel Crossover “Is More Likely Now” That He’s In Charge

Story from Deadline:

It’s a fevered dream among superhero fans.

Variety; A Marvel-DC Crossover Has Been ‘Discussed,’ but James Gunn Says It’d Be ‘Many Years Away’: All Talks ‘Have Been Light and Fun’

Story from Variety:

Will the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Universe ever have a crossover now that Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy director James Gunn is in charge of DC Studios?

Deadline: Sir David Attenborough’s BBC Wildlife Series ‘Wild Isles’ Flocks To Amazon

Story from Deadline:

Wild Isles, the latest BBC nature documentary series narrated by Sir David Attenborough, has been picked up by Amazon.

Deadline: Walt Disney Company Names Marketing President Asad Ayaz First-Ever Chief Brand Officer

Story from Deadline:

Effective immediately, Walt Disney Studios President of Marketing and 18-year studio vet, Asad Ayaz, has been named the first-ever Chief Brand Officer of The Walt Disney Company.

Deadline: Ex-Marvel Chair Ike Perlmutter Says His Exit From Disney “Should Sadden Many Shareholders,” Vows To Keep “Seeking Improvements” At Company

Story from Deadline:

Ike Perlmutter, who is generally someone who keeps a low profile, has made a rare public show of his dissatisfaction with Disney.

Digital TV Europe: Disney hands Joe Earley responsibility for direct-to-consumer business

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Joe Earley has been named president, direct-to-consumer, Disney Entertainment, effective immediately, Earley, who most recently served as president of Hulu, will lead Disney Entertainment’s streaming efforts including Disney+ and Hulu. He succeeds Michael Paull, who is leaving the company after six years.

Deadline: MGM International Streamer Rebrands Outside U.S. & Strikes Lionsgate Content Deal

Story from Deadline:

MGM’s international streaming service is to rebrand as MGM+ International outside the U.S. and has struck a content deal with Lionsgate for key European territories.

Daily Mail: Endeavor's acquisition of the WWE is huge for the live sports industry

Story from Daily Mail:

Just as the dust was settling on a record-breaking WrestleMania, World Wrestling Entertainment merged with Endeavor Group, the parent company of MMA powerhouse Ultimate Fighting Championship, to form a new publicly traded company.

Daily Mail: WWE 'stars considering futures with the promotion after UFC merger'

Story from Daily Mail:

It has been reported that some WWE stars are considering their futures with the promotion following the recent merger with UFC amid concerns over the role of Vince McMahon moving forward.

Daily Mail: Conor McGregor teases 'inevitable' WWE future

Story from Daily Mail:

Conor McGregor has hinted at an 'inevitable' future in professional wrestling with a cheeky social media post - despite previously labelling fans of the sport 'dweebs'.

Broadband TV News: discovery+ added to Telia Play

Story from Broadband TV News:

Telia Play subscribers in Lithuania can now enjoy a slate of lifestyle, home, true crime, adventure, science and tech content on Discovery+.

Variety: 2023 Will Be a Year of Trial and Error for Streaming Companies

Story from Variety:

Welcome to streaming’s year of uncertainty.

Deadline: WrestleMania 39 Delivers Record Weekend For Peacock, Up 29% In Viewership From 2022

Story from Deadline:

Audiences flocked to Peacock for WWE‘s WrestleMania 39.

Daily Mail: Rupert Murdoch and fifth fiancée Ann Lesley Smith call OFF engagement

Story from Daily Mail:

Rupert Murdoch and Ann Lesley Smith have abruptly called off their engagement - just two weeks after they announced their plans to marry.

Hollywood Reporter: How the Warner Brothers Got Their Film Business Started

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The Warner brothers — Harry, Sam, Albert and Jack — were different from Hollywood’s other movie moguls in the industry’s early years.

Deadline: Disney EMEA Staff Bracing For Layoffs & Content Cuts

Story from Deadline:

Disney’s international teams are braced for layoffs and content cuts.

Variety: Warner Bros. Looks to Close Deal for ‘Harry Potter’ HBO Max Series

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to close a deal to produce a “Harry Potter” television series.

Deadline: James Gunn Talks ‘Superman: Legacy’ Tone, “Superhero Fatigue” & His Hopes For Marvel’s Future

Story from Deadline:

Guardians of the Galaxy filmmaker and DC boss James Gunn has opened up in a new Rolling Stone interview about his plans for Superman: Legacy, superhero fatigue and more.

Deadline: Michael Mann Eyeing ‘Heat 2’ As Next Film With Warner Bros In Negotiations With Director To Board Sequel; Adam Driver In Talks With Mann To Play Young Neil McCauley

Story from Deadline:

It’s been nearly three decades since Michael Mann’s crime classic Heat hit theaters via Warner Bros, and it now feels like Mann and the studio are finally feeling more heat around the corner for a sequel.

Deadline: Vince McMahon Says “I’ve Made Mistakes” But “Owned Up To Every Single One” As WWE And UFC Finalize Merger

Story from Deadline:

Vince McMahon called Monday “a great day” as his iconic company announced plans to sell a controlling stake to Endeavor in a merger with mixed martial arts firm UFC.

Deadline: Disney Streaming Strategy: CEO Bob Iger Tells Shareholders Marvel, Star Wars, Disney And Pixar Titles Will Stay Exclusive, But Others Could “On Occasion” Be Licensed To Third Parties

Story from Deadline:

Disney CEO Bob Iger said Monday the company has reached a new stage of its evolution in streaming and will consider “on occasion” licensing some titles to third parties.

Daily Mail: WWE 'could be sold by Vince McMahon to UFC's parent company'

Story from Daily Mail:

Vince McMahon is reportedly in advanced talks to sell the WWE to Endeavor Group – the organization that owns the UFC - and the wrestling circuit is being valued at $9.3 billion.

Broadband TV News: CNN International joins Discovery+

Story from Broadband TV News:

Discovery+ is expanding its line-up of linear TV channels in Germany and Austria with CNN International.

Media Guardian: Local broadcasters are crucial for MLB. Now many are in trouble

Story from Media Guardian:

Tucker Carlson didn’t stand a chance.

Broadcast Sport: DAZN ties down J.League and WNFC

Story from Broadcast Sport:

DAZN has agreed rights deals with the J.League in Japan and WNFC globally.

Deadline: Lionsgate Takes Key Step In Separation Of Studio & Starz

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate is moving forward with its plans to separate the studio business from Starz, submitting a draft registration of the proposed spinoff — of the studio — with SEC.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘Fantastic Four’ Movie Gets New Writer With ‘Avatar 2’ Scribe Josh Friedman

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Marvel’s first family is getting a rewrite.

Financial Times: Warner Bros Discovery scales back music sale as bids fall short

Warner Bros Discovery scales back music sale as bids fall short: Media group received disappointing offers near $1bn for catalogue of film soundtracks including ‘Batman’.

Information from FT/Regular Capital.