Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery’s Fix Of Insulting “Creator” Credits On Max Finally Begins Rollout

Story from Deadline:

Jesse Armstrong and Danny McBride will have some individual independence to celebrate this holiday weekend.

Deadline; TCM Creative Structure Set: Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese & Paul Thomas Anderson Taking Active Role; Exec Charles Tabesh To Remain

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery has finalized the creative-side structure at Turner Classic Movies, a week after directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson called an emergency meeting with Warner Bros Discovery chief David Zaslav about restructuring plans at the channel.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Looking To Boost CNN Offerings — Including Live Content — On Max

Story from Deadline:

CNN is exploring ways to put more of its news offerings on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max, with a report that plans are in the works to offer live programming on the platform outside the U.S.

Deadline: All3Media Revenues Hit $1.3B As Super-Indie Takes Majority Voting Control Of ‘The Traitors’ Outfit Studio Lambert

Story from Deadline:

On-the-block super-indie All3Media saw revenues rocket to £1B ($1.3B) last year, as accounts reveal it has taken majority voting control of The Traitors producer Studio Lambert.

Broadband TV News: Warner Bros. Discovery outlines CEE content strategy

Story from Broadband TV News:

When it comes to commissioning local content in CEE, Warner Bros. Discovery is looking for ideas that will travel.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay Group announces new operating model

Story from Broadband TV News:

The President and CEO of Viaplay has hinted that the Nordic streamer might reduce its presence in some markets.

Hollywood Reporter; ‘Superman: Legacy’ Finds Leads With David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

James Gunn has found his Superman and Lois Lane.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Boomerang Channel Rebrands as Cartoonito in Asia

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery will rebrand its kids’ TV channel Boomerang to Cartoonito in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, with effect from July 28.

Variety: Poland’s Journalists Rally Behind Independent Media With Defiant Open Letter as Warner Bros. Discovery’s TVN Feels Government Pressure

Story from Variety:

Top editors are rallying behind Poland’s independent media as it comes under increased scrutiny from the country’s right-wing, nationalist government.

Deadline: CNN Obtains Audio Of Donald Trump’s Meeting Where He Discusses Having “Highly Confidential” Classified Documents

Story from Deadline:

Donald Trump told Semafor and ABC News that in an audio recording of a 2021 meeting, he was not showing secret documents, but that it was “bravado.”

New York Post; Fired CNN host Don Lemon speaks out in first interview since axing: ‘Responsibility to tell the truth’

Story from New York Post:

Don Lemon’s rift with CNN CEO Chris Licht reportedly began with wardrobe dispute: ‘What is he wearing?’

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Noisy Week, From TCM And ‘The Flash’ To Netflix Talks And CNN Chatter, Highlights Media Giant’s Many Challenges

Story from Deadline:

News kept on churning this week — from Sunday morning until end of Friday — on the Warner Bros. Discovery front.

Deadline; ‘Magnum P.I.’: Perdita Weeks, Cast & Writers React To Shows Cancellation By NBC

Story from Deadline:

NBC has canceled Magnum P.I. and the show starring Jay Hernandez and Perdita Weeks will end following Season 5 Part 2.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Negotiating $500 Million Deal to Sell Film and TV Music Publishing Assets

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery is negotiating to sell around half of the storied Warner studio’s film and TV music-publishing assets for approximately $500 million, three sources confirm to Variety.

eOne Takeover - Deadline: Entertainment One Lays Off 20% Of Staff Ahead Of Sale

Story from Deadline:

Hasbro-owned Entertainment One is undergoing a round of layoffs sources tell Deadline.

New York Post: CNN could be put up for sale — and ex-CEO Jeff Zucker wants it, sources say

Story from New York Post:

Speculation is growing that Warner Bros. Discovery will sell CNN in the coming year — and the struggling cable network’s former CEO Jeff Zucker has emerged as a possible suitor, sources told The Post.

Deadline: Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese & Paul Thomas Anderson Set Emergency Meeting With Warner CEO David Zaslav Over Future Of Turner Classic Movies

Story from Deadline:

An on-record joint statement from Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson has been issued.

Deadline: In Poland, Warner Bros. Discovery Fears For Its Future

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery insiders in Poland have reacted with alarm after a group of European regulators said they plan to meet to discuss what the insiders believe could lead to the closure of the U.S. media giant’s operation in the nation.

Deadline: Vice Media Set To Be Acquired By Fortress Investment, Soros Fund Consortium

Story from Deadline:

A group of Vice Media’s leading lenders will acquire the company out of Chapter 11 after the $225 million bid — led by Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital — was deemed the most qualified.

Deadline: BBC Studios Buys STV, Scandi Firm Behind Local Versions Of ‘The Office’ & ‘Wheel Of Fortune’

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios has bought STV, the Copenhagen-based producer of a local Scandinavian remake of The Office.

Broadband TV News: Extreme Sports Channel launches on Pluto TV

Story from Broadband TV News: 

Action and lifestyle channel Extreme Sports debuts on Pluto TV this week.

Deadline; Warner Bros. Discovery TV Layoffs Begin: Who’s Leaving?

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery has cut more people across its cable networks group over the last 24 hours. More names below from Adult Swim, OWN, Travel Channel, Discovery and TCM.

Deadline: James Gunn Says He’s “Blown Away” With ‘Superman: Legacy’ Auditions

Story from Deadline:

James Gunn had a busy weekend auditioning to find the star of Superman: Legacy. The DC Studios co-head gave fans an update on the casting call.

Deadline: Donald Trump Talks Ballot-Stuffing With Fox News’ Bret Baier, Who Then Says, “You Lost The 2020 Election”

Story from Deadline:

Donald Trump offered a fusillade of unfounded claims and falsehoods in his interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, who seems to have gone into the sit down with a strategy to challenge the former president on certain topics and move on at other moments.

Reuters: Comcast to sell Sky Germany "sooner than later"

Story from Reuters:

The US cable giant is looking to sell parts of Sky and has offered a cash dowry to lure buyers for its pay TV operator’s German arm.

Deadline: ITN Boss Urges UK Lawmakers To Safeguard Journalism From AI Threat

Story from Deadline:

The boss of the ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 newsmaker has urged lawmakers to consider journalism within the AI regulation debate as the next UK general election draws near.

Hollywood Reporter: Judge Slams WWE’s Defense In Antitrust Lawsuit That Claims League Monopolizes Media Rights Market

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A federal judge has found “circumstantial evidence” that WWE has monopolized the market for media rights to professional wrestling.

Deadline: Bob Iger’s Return Engagement As Disney CEO Sees A Plot Twist In Abrupt Exit Of A Long-Tenured Lieutenant, CFO Christine McCarthy

Story from Deadline:

Earnings calls, those ritualized quarterly opportunities for public companies to convey the state of their financial affairs to Wall Street analysts and investors at large, are two-handed affairs for the Walt Disney Co.

Deadline: Tucker Carlson Says His Former Producer Responsible For “Wannabe Dictator” Joe Biden Chyron Has Exited Network; Staffer Posts Farewell Message On Instagram

Story from Deadline:

The Fox News producer responsible for putting up a chyron labeling Joe Biden a “wannabe dictator” resigned from the network shortly afterward, Tucker Carlson said in his latest Twitter video.

Broadband TV News: Paramount Global recruits Lee Sears

Story from Broadband TV News:

Paramount Global has appointed Lee Sears EVP, head of international advertising sales and integrated marketing.

Deadline; ‘Batman: Brave And The Bold’ To Be Directed By Andy Muschietti; Inks First-Look Deal With Warner Bros

Story from Deadline:

The Flash hasn’t even opened to $100 million this weekend — and may potentially not — but Warner Bros is already popping champagne with the pic’s filmmaker Andy Muschietti and producer-sister Barbara Muschietti.

Advanced Television: Brachtlova to succeed Huggers at ProSiebenSat.1

Story from Advanced Television:

Erik Huggers, member of the Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1 Media, is stepping down from his mandate after nine years as of June 30th, in order to focus on his activities as Senior Advisor to EQT Group and Chairman of several portfolio companies, in addition to his other Supervisory Board mandates.

Deadline: Disney CFO Christine McCarthy Stepping Down For Family Medical Leave; Company Vet Kevin Lansberry Named Interim Replacement

Story from Deadline:

Christine McCarthy, a significant figure in Disney’s senior management team in recent years, is stepping down and taking a medical leave of absence from the company.

Digital TV Europe: Disney shuts down Asian networks as it pivots to streaming

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Disney is shuttering its remaining networks in South East Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea as it continues its shift to streaming in the region.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Closes Danish Production Arm & Consolidates Scandinavian Operations

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery is closing its Danish production arm, we’ve learned.

Deadline: ‘The Flash’ Filmmakers Got A “Confidence Boost” From Tom Cruise Praise Of DC Film

Story from Deadline:

Tom Cruise is praising The Flash, the film starring Ezra Miller and directed by Andy Muschietti. The Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning star got an advanced screening of the DC superhero movie and gave Andy and his sister Barbara Muschietti a “confidence boost.”

Deadline; James Gunn On ‘Superman: Legacy’ Casting: “We’re Narrowing It Down”

Story from Deadline:

James Gunn is opening up about all those casting rumors around Superman: Legacy. The DC co-head made an appearance on Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, where he gave an update on the process.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Pictures Animation Names Shane Prigmore Senior Creative Advisor

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has hired Shane Prigmore to serve as Senior Creative Advisor for the newly relaunched film unit under President Bill Damaschke.

Deadline: Layoffs To Come At ‘Lord Of The Rings’ IP Owner Embracer Group Following Restructure

Story from Deadline:

Layoffs and closures are imminent at Lord of the Rings IP owner Embracer Group as the Swedish outfit unveils a restructure that will focus on “cost savings, capital allocation, efficiency and consolidation.”

Deadline; ‘All American: Homecoming’ Renewed For Season 3 By CW

Story from Deadline:

The CW has renewed All American spinoff All American: Homecoming for a third season.

Deadline: ‘Gotham Knights’ Canceled By CW After One Season

Story from Deadline:

The DC Comics-based drama was one of three scripted series whose fate had been left in limbo along with Superman & Lois and All American: Homecoming, which both are being renewed.

Deadline; ‘Superman & Lois’ & ‘All American: Homecoming’ Eye CW Renewals With Cast Reductions Expected Amid Budget Cuts

Story from Deadline:

The CW is nearing renewal decisions on the three remaining scripted series in limbo, Superman & Lois, All American: Homecoming and Gotham Knights, sources tell Deadline.

Deadline: Amazon Freevee To Launch 23 FAST Channels Including ‘The Pink Panther’, ‘Stargate’, ‘Cake Boss’

Story from Deadline:

Amazon Freevee has teamed with MGM and Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal to add 23 FAST Channels.

Deadline; Cast Set For ‘NCIS: Sydney’

Story from Deadline:

NCIS: Sydney has found its agents.

Deadline: ProSiebenSat.1 Entertainment Boss Wolfgang Link To Exit Amid Shakeup

Story from Deadline:

The changes at Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 took further shape Monday when the German media giant said Seven.One Entertainment Group CEO Wolfgang Link will exit the company next month amid a restructure and downsizing of the group’s executive board.

Deadline: Fox News Sends Cease And Desist Letter To Tucker Carlson Over His Twitter Show

Story from Deadline:

Fox News has sent a cease and desist letter to Tucker Carlson over his Twitter show that launched last week.

Deadline; Kyle Brown Dies: ESPN Director Has Medical Emergency At NCAA Baseball Playoffs, Was 42

Story from Deadline:

ESPN director Kyle Brown died suddenly on Saturday after suffering a “medical emergency” at an NCAA baseball super regional in Winston Salem, N.C., the network announced. He was 42.

Deadline; Elon Musk Suggests Rachel Maddow & Don Lemon Join Twitter Like Tucker Carlson: “You Will Receive Our Full Support”

Story from Deadline:

Elon Musk is courting other television news anchors to pivot to Twitter just like Tucker Carlson after his firing from Fox News.

Deadline: Donald Trump Blasts Indictment And Mocks Special Counsel In Speech That Gets Limited Live TV Play

Story from Deadline:

Donald Trump continued to rail against the federal indictment against him at his second appearance on Saturday, this time at a Republican state convention in North Carolina.

Broadband TV News: ProSiebenSat.1 to make significant job cuts

Story from Broadband TV News:

Employees at ProSiebenSat.1 are facing a nervous period after the company’s chief executive said the German broadcaster was preparing for a further restructuring.

Broadband TV News: Champions League Final and Roland Garros break streaming records

Story from Broadband TV News:

Last week’s Champions League Final between Manchester City and Inter Milan and Roland Garros tennis tournament in Paris broke records for streaming consumption when compared to previous years and regular seasonal patterns.

Broadband TV News: Peter Nørrelund returns to Viaplay Group

Story from Broadband TV News:

Peter Nørrelund has rejoined Viaplay Group and will take up the position of EVP and Chief Sports & Sports Business Development Officer.

Broadband TV News: HBO Max raises prices in the Nordics, Iberia, and Bulgaria

Story from Broadband TV News:

HBO Max is putting up the price of a monthly subscription, the first time it has raised prices since launch.

Broadband TV News: Netflix to stream celebrity golf tournament

Story from Broadband TV News:

Netflix is making a tentative entry into the world of sports with plans to stream a celebrity golf tournament with professional golfers and Formula One drivers.

Media Guardian: Fox News explains away ‘wannabe dictator’ chyron during Trump speech

Story from Media Guardian:

Fox News said on Wednesday that it had taken down an on-screen banner, or chyron, that was displayed on Tuesday labeling Joe Biden a “wannabe dictator”, and noted the company had “addressed” the situation, but without any further explanation.

Media Guardian: Tucker Carlson ‘will not be silenced’ as Fox News seeks to ban Twitter show

Story from Media Guardian:

Tucker Carlson’s lawyer says he “will not be silenced by anyone” after it was reported that Fox News had sent the primetime host it fired a letter demanding he cease and desist presenting a new show on Twitter.

Deadline: New Warner Bros Pictures Animation Boss Bill Damaschke On Group Rebrand, New Mission, ‘Flintstones’ Pic & More

Story from Deadline:

As the Annecy Animation Film Festival gets underway this weekend, Warner Bros’ newly hired President of Feature Animation Bill Damaschke has announced a rebranding of the motion picture division with a focus on filmmakers.

FOX: CNN to move out of CNN Atlanta HQ by 2024

FOX is reporting that CNN is moving out of the CNN Center, its longtime downtown Atlanta home by 2024.

Variety: Chris Licht Is Gone. The CNN Programs He Approved Are Likely To Stay

Story from Variety:

Chris Licht has left the building that houses CNN’s New York headquarters, but the things he did while he was there are likely to last a little longer.

Deadline: ESPN ‘SportsCenter’ Veteran Anchor Neil Everett Leaving The Network

Story from Deadline:

Popular SportsCenter anchor Neil Everett is reportedly leaving ESPN after 23 years.

Deadline: Kevin Berg Leaving CBS Studios After 25 Years As Production Is Consolidated Under Paramount TV Studios’ Liz Miller

Story from Deadline:

Kevin Berg, a 25-year CBS veteran, is departing as Senior Executive Vice President, Production, CBS Network Television Entertainment.

Deadline; In-Person Screen Tests Loom As 'Superman: Legacy' James Gunn, WB Close In On Clark Kent & Lois Lane

Story from Deadline:

Following months of going through dozens of audition tapes, Warner Bros and DC Films look to be getting closer to finding the stars of their Superman: Legacy movie as a second round of testing looks to be imminent.

Broadband TV News: ServusTV to close German TV channel

Story from Broadband TV News:

Austrian broadcaster ServusTV will shut down its linear TV channel in Germany at the end of the year.

New York Post: New York City mogul John Catsimatidis offers to buy CNN — and run it for just $1 per year

Story from New York Post:

Billionaire John Catsimatidis teased that he aims to buy CNN from its corporate parent, Warner Bros. Discovery — and told The Post he’d “go run the place tomorrow morning and all I’d want is $1 per year.”

Deadline; Chris Licht Releases Statement On CNN Exit: “I’ve Learned A Lot Over The Past 13 Months”

Story from Deadline:

Chris Licht released a statement following his exit from CNN on Wednesday.

Deadline; Interim CNN Leaders Send Note To Staff: “Our Goal Is To Remove The Barriers And Distractions That Have Made Your Jobs Harder”

Story from Deadline:

The group of executives who are leading CNN on an interim basis made their first comments to staffers on Thursday, vowing to make “this period as smooth as possible.”

Deadline: Viaplay Merges Swedish & Norwegian Studios With Several Staffers Laid Off

Story from Deadline:

Viaplay has merged its in-house Swedish and Norwegian studios, leading to several layoffs.

Daily Mail: Christiane Amanpour complained about Trump town hall on CNN

Story from Daily Mail:

Three weeks before Chris Licht was shown the door at CNN, Christiane Amanpour, the network's most revered journalist, tore into him publicly.

Media Leader: TV pricing to enter deflation in US

Story from Media Leader:

TV pricing will in the US will deflate by 1.9% in 2023, a new report from media audit consultancy ECI Media Management has revealed.

Digital TV Europe: Amazon reportedly set to introduce ad tier to Prime Video

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Amazon is planning to add an ad-supported tier to Prime Video, following the examples of Netflix and Disney+, according to a report in the Wall St Journal.

Digital TV Europe: Viaplay’s strategy will “remain the same” following CEO Anders Jensen exit, says exec

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Viaplay’s strategy will “remain the same” following the departure of CEO Anders Jensen, said the company exec Vanda Rapti.

Media Guardian: Religious broadcaster Pat Robertson dies aged 93

Story from Media Guardian:

The religious broadcaster Pat Robertson, who led the Christian Coalition and ran for president as a Republican, has died.

Media Guardian: The CNN chief messed up in many ways. Only one of them was fatal

Story from Media Guardian:

It was one of those pieces of news that was simultaneously stunning and utterly expected: Chris Licht was out of CNN.

Media Guardian: CNN CEO Chris Licht reportedly to leave cable news giant within 48 hours

Story from Media Guardian:

Chris Licht, the controversial and embattled chairman and chief executive officer of the cable news giant CNN is stepping aside after a very short, turbulent time at the top, according to numerous reports on Wednesday morning, including from inside the company.

Broadband TV News: Warner Bros. Discovery sees significant engagement in first two weeks of Max

Story from Broadband TV News:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s rebranded streaming service, Max, has seen significant user engagement in the 11 days since it went live.

Deadline: SkyShowtime Boss Monty Sarhan Says “We Are Sending A Message” On Pricing & Believes There Could Be More Bundling In Future

Story from Deadline:

“We are sending a message that our content doesn’t have to cost a fortune to watch,” said the CEO of fledgling streamer SkyShowtime, who said there could be more bundling in the future.

Variety: David Zaslav Likes to Gut Cable Networks. CNN Isn’t Easily Remodeled

Story from Variety:

Some multi-millionaires enjoy collecting vintage automobiles.

Broadband TV News: Liberty Global publishes Telenet buyout offer

Story from Broadband TV News:

Liberty Global has published the prospectus related to its buyout offer for Belgian unit Telenet.

BBC Sport: PGA Tour & DP World Tour agree shock merger with Saudi Arabia's PIF to end split in golf

Story from BBC Sport:

The PGA Tour and DP World Tour have agreed to merge with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund [PIF] in a deal that ends the split in the game.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery CEE Boss Says He Is Supercharging “Original Documentaries That Push Boundaries” In The Region

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s Jamie Cooke is supercharging “original documentaries that push the boundaries” from his Central & Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Turkey region by greenlighting around 10 docs per year.

Deadline: Chris Licht Apologizes After Bombshell Profile Rattles Staffers At CNN; New COO David Leavy Reaches Out To On-Air Talent

Story from Deadline:

CNN Worldwide chairman and CEO Chris Licht addressed the bombshell profile in The Atlantic in comments to network staffers on Monday, telling them, “I should not be in the news unless it’s taking arrows for you.”

Deadline: As NBA And NHL Playoffs Reach Final Round, Disney And Warner Bros Discovery See Ratings And Ad Sales Surge In Respite From WGA Strike

Story from Deadline:

Given the anxious vibes in the entertainment business of late, the NBA and NHL playoffs have been a welcome throwback to happier times.

Deadline: ‘Lightyear’ Director & Producer Among Disney Pixar Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

Among the layoffs that took place at the Walt Disney Company were job cuts at Pixar that included the director and producer of Lightyear, Deadline has confirmed.

Deadline: Viaplay Boss Steps Down Immediately Due To Economic Downturn

Story from Deadline:

Viaplay Group CEO Anders Jensen is stepping down immediately amidst an economic downturn that is causing rapid deterioration in the ad market and subscriber churn.

Deadline: Chuck Todd To Step Down As ‘Meet The Press’ Moderator, Kristen Welker To Succeed Him

Story from Deadline:

Chuck Todd announced that he will step down as moderator of Meet the Press in September and will be succeeded by Kristen Welker.

Deadline: Disney Officially Discloses $1.5B In Write-Downs For Yanked Streaming Content, As It Signaled It Would On Its May Earnings Call

Story from Deadline:

Disney made it official with an SEC filing after the markets closed Friday, confirming it would take $1.5 billion in write-downs associated with removing streaming programming from its platforms.

Deadline: Netflix Shareholders Decline To Back Executive Compensation Packages After WGA Urged Rejection Of “Inappropriate” Pay During Strike

Story from Deadline:

Netflix shareholders declined to support the 2023 pay packages of top executives during a non-binding vote at the company’s annual shareholder meeting on Thursday.

Deadline: Dwayne Johnson Set To Reprise Hobbs Role In New Untitled ‘Fast & Furious’ Film From Universal

Story fron Deadline:

Following a surprise end credit return in Fast X, Dwayne Johnson is ready to make his return to the Fast & Furious universe as Universal is developing an untitled Fast & Furious film starring Johnson as Luke Hobbs.

Deadline: David C. Leavy Named COO Of CNN Worldwide

Story from Deadline:

David C. Leavy, a top executive at Warner Bros. Discovery and longtime deputy to CEO David Zaslav, has been named COO of CNN Worldwide.

Deadline, ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!’: ITV Studios Strikes 17th Territory Sale & Heads Out On U.S. Pitching Drive

Story from Deadline:

ITV Studios has struck its 17th I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! territory sale and is heading out on a renewed U.S. pitching drive.

Deadline: Ari Emanuel Compares CAA To Walmart, Talks LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia & Endeavor Succession Plans In ‘Freakonomics’ Interview

Story from Deadline:

Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel went to town on CAA, said his company almost invested $1 billion in the new LIV Golf tour, and projected that COO Mark Shapiro will take over the company whenever Emanuel calls it quits.

Deadline; Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel: AI Will Be A Very Important Development Tool

Story from Deadline:

Ari Emanuel believes artificial intelligence will help the entertainment industry, not destroy it.