Digital TV Europe: RTL names new group-wide content chief

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Pan-European broadcast group RTL has appointed Jan Peter Lacher to the new role of senior vice-president content within its central organisation.

Deadline: CNN Announces Promotions In Domestic Newsgathering, Hires Daniel Strauss To Cover National Politics

Story from Deadline:

CNN announced a series of promotions in its domestic newsgathering division.

Hollywood Reporter: Bob Iger Taps Former Disney Execs Kevin Mayer, Tom Staggs to Advise on Legacy TV Assets

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Disney CEO Bob Iger is bringing aboard former top studio execs Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs to help advise on a possible sale of linear TV assets beyond ESPN, including the ABC broadcast network and the FX cable channel, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

Variety: All3Media Being Eyed by Mediawan, Banijay, Sony After ITV Pulled Out of Acquisition

Story from Variety:

All3Media, the production-distribution giant behind “Fleabag,” “The Traitors” and Jamie Dornan-starrer “The Tourist,” will return to the sales block in September after ITV backed away from a deal last month.

New York Post: What ESPN really wants from a new partner — and who the favorites are

Story from New York Post:

The strategic partner for ESPN is expected to come from the tech world — with companies such as Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Verizon and T-Mobile all on the radar, The Post has learned.

Hollywood Reporter: ITV Adds Former Discovery Executive Marjorie Kaplan to Board

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

U.K. TV giant ITV has added former Discovery top executive Marjorie Kaplan to its board of directors.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Restructures Ad-Sales Staff

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery is the latest traditional media company to reorganize its advertising-sales team to meet the demands of a rapidly shifting market.

Daily Mail: Seth Rogen speaks about why he stays away from working with Marvel

Story from Daily Mail:

Seth Rogen opened up about staying away from Marvel or DC-based projects during an interview with Polygon that was published on Friday.

Deadline: Kim Page Exits As SVP Communications At Warner Bros Discovery

Story from Deadline:

Veteran communications executive Kim Page has departed Warner Bros Discovery, where she served as SVP Internal Communications and was a member of Warner Bros Discovery Chief Corporate Communications Officer Nathaniel Brown’s senior executive team.

Deadline: Nicolas Cage Savors ‘Superman’ Cameo, But Warns Viewers To Pay Close Attention

Story from Deadline:

Faster than a speeding bullet. No, not Superman.

Deadline: Judge Dismisses Donald Trump’s “Big Lie” Defamation Lawsuit Against CNN

Story from Deadline:

A federal judge dismissed Donald Trump’s $475 million defamation lawsuit against CNN, litigation centered on references made by on-air figures to “the Big Lie,” or the former president’s unfounded claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him.

Deadline: The CW Adds NASCAR XFinity Series To Sports Lineup

Story from Deadline:

The CW is expanding its live sports portfolio with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, composed mainly of young up-and-coming drivers.

Deadline: ‘Early Start’ Anchor Christine Romans Departs CNN After 24 Years

Story from Deadline:

Christine Romans is departing CNN after 24 years, ending her tenure as the anchor of Early Start.

Deadline: Hulu Ups Lauren Tempest To General Manager

Story from Deadline:

Hulu has promoted Lauren Tempest To General Manager, from her previous role as SVP of Content Partnerships, Acquisitions and Scheduling.

Deadline: An ESPN Team-Up With NBC Sports Called “Very Improbable” By Comcast President Mike Cavanagh; Exec Teases Potential NBA Rights Bid

Story from Deadline:

Comcast President Mike Cavanagh called the notion that the company could enter the picture as rival Disney looks for a strategic partner for ESPN “very improbable.”

Deadline: NBCU Studio, Parks Are Standouts In Comcast Q2; Peacock, At 24 Million Subscribers, Sees Losses Widen

Story from Deadline:

Media giant Comcast beat on its top and bottom line for the three months ended in June with theme parks and studio strong, even as the latter basks in another giant opening, for Opppenheimer, in the current third quarter.

Deadline: ITV Bosses On Labor Strikes And Walking Away From $1.3B All3Media Deal

Story from Deadline:

ITV bosses have provided color on how the U.S. labor strikes are impacting the UK broadcaster and why they walked away from a $1.3B deal to acquire The Traitors production group All3Media.

Broadband TV News: High View wants to take over Sony Pictures channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

German media company High View plans to take over the pay-TV channels and video-on-demand service operated by Sony Pictures Entertainment Deutschland in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Launches Startup Accelerator Program

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery is searching for start-up media companies to invest in after launching a new accelerator program.

Digital TV Europe: Warner Bros. Discovery is to provide an “immersive experience” with Paris Olympics 2024 coverage

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery, SVP content and production of Europe, Scott Young has promised its coverage of Paris Olympics 2024 will be an “immersive experience”, with its original programming led by leading sports figures Thierry Henry and Dina Asher-Smith.

Hollywood Reporter: ESPN Chief Says Disney Looking for Partners That Can Make Sports Brand “More Compelling”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Yes, Disney is talking to potential partners for ESPN, but the company intends to be strategic about who it chooses to work with.

Variety: YouTube TV Will Offer a Max-NFL Sunday Ticket Bundle in Deal With Warner Bros. Discovery

Story from Variety:

Max is getting into the NFL Sunday Ticket huddle.

Deadline: Long-Serving Sony Pictures Television Exec Richard Parsons Exiting After 12 Years

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Television is saying goodbye to long-serving international production operations boss Richard Parsons.

Variety; Inside the Battle for CNN: Jeff Zucker, David Zaslav, Chris Licht and 18 Months of Crazy Backstabbing

Story from Variety:

Jeff Zucker was breezing through the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach when he spotted David Zaslav across the room.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Names Lisa Collins As North America DEI Group VP

Story from Deadline:

Lisa Collins is Warner Bros. Discovery’s new Group Vice President, overseeing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion employee initiatives across North America.

Deadline: ‘Barbie’ Parents Mattel & Warner Bros. Discovery Renew Toy Licensing Deal For DC Universe, ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Ted Lasso’, Other Franchises

Story from Deadline:

Mattel is renewed its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, continuing as the studio’s toy licensee in preschool, plush, dolls, vehicles, games, and novelty toy categories.

Deadline: Fox Corp. Vet Mike Biard Moves To Nexstar As President And COO; David Espinosa Named His Replacement As Distribution Chief

Story from Deadline:

Mike Biard, a 23-year veteran of Fox Corp., has been appointed president and chief operating officer of Nexstar, the No. 1 owner of local TV stations in the U.S. and the parent of The CW and NewsNation.

Broadcast Sport: DAZN completes Eleven integration

Story from Broadcast Sport:

DAZN has launched in Belgium, Portugal, and Taiwan with rights from its acquisition of Eleven.

eOne Takeover - Deadline: UK Distribution Stalwart eOne Shutting Down Theatrical Operation As Hasbro’s Global Cuts Continue To Bite

Story from Deadline:

Hasbro’s reshaping of eOne continues with multiple sources telling us that the latter will cease theatrical operations in the UK.

Advanced Television: ESPN mulls league participation

Story from Advanced Television:

It is reported ESPN has held talks with some of the most powerful leagues in US sports, including the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball, about taking a minority stake in its business.

Broadband TV News: Discovery buys Turner’s Romanian assets

Story from Broadband TV News:

Discovery Romania has agreed to buy Turner Broadcasting System Romania from its majority owners.

Deadline: Robert Blair Exiting Warner Bros Discovery After 25 Years

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery President of International TV Distribution Robert Blair is leaving after 25 years with the company.

Deadline; James Gunn Denies Packing ‘Superman: Legacy’ With DC Characters To Attract Buyers; Shoots Down Rumors Of New Justice League Live-Action Film

Story from Deadline:

James Gunn is clarifying some rumors about the DC development slate starting with Superman: Legacy and a potential Justice League live-action film under his direction.

Viaplay Sports UK Crisis - Broadband TV News; Chris Dziadul Reports: Viaplay’s downward spiral

Story from Broadband TV News:

What does the future hold in store for Viaplay’s operations across Central and Eastern Europe?

Bizasia: Bob Iger to sell Disney to Apple?

Story from Bizasia:

After creating the world’s most powerful entertainment company, the CEO of Disney, Bob Iger is planning to downsize the business with key strategies that could further transform the media and entertainment sphere.

Viaplay Sports UK Crisis - Deadline: Canal+ Takes Minority Stake In Viaplay

Story from Deadline:

Canal+ has taken a minority stake in embattled Nordic outfit Viaplay Group, which this morning announced it was making at least 25% of its workforce redundant.

Deadline: Lionsgate Gets Excited About ‘Saw X’: Horror Pic Moves Earlier In Fall; First Look Unveiled – Comic-Con

Story from Deadline:

While there’s been whispers of films possibly moving out of 2023 into 2024 and beyond due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, it’s hands off for horror film franchises, particularly Lionsgate’s Saw X.

Viaplay Group Crisis - Digital TV Europe: Viaplay to cut quarter of staff and eyes sale, commercial chief Wallestam to exit

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Viaplay Group in the Nordics is to cut more than 25% of its staff, with recently promoted CCO Filippa Wallestam among those exiting the business, as it pulls out of the US and UK and considers a potential sale.

Broadband TV News: Liberty Global to raise Telenet stake

Story from Broadband TV News:

Liberty Global will increase its ownership in Belgium’s Telenet to 93.23% and reopen its offer on August 24.

Viaplay Group Crisis - Deadline: Viaplay To Lay Off More Than 25% Of Staff As Nordic Outfit Mulls A Sale & Pulls Out Of U.S.

Story from Deadline:

Viaplay is letting go of more than 25% of its staff as it pulls streaming out of the U.S. and UK and mulls a sale.

Deadline: Marie Moore To Depart As Head Of Communications For Warner Bros. Discovery’s Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, TCM & Max Kids & Family

Story from Deadline:

Marie Moore will be leaving her post as SVP Communications working across multiple Warner Bros. Discovery ad-supported TV networks and streamer Max.

Deadline: ProSiebenSat.1 To Cut 400 Roles As Entertainment Restructure Continues

Story from Deadline:

Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 is cutting around 400 roles, as it continues to reshape its business into a digital-first operation.

Deadline: Peacock Raising Prices For First Time Since 2020 Launch

Story from Deadline:

Peacock is phasing in the first price hike in its three-year history, which will increase the rate for the streaming service’s Premium tier by $1 a month and that of Premium Plus by $2 a month.

Deadline: Lionsgate In Pole Position On Entertainment One Acquisition

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate has established pole position to acquire the Hasbro-owned Entertainment One, sources tell Deadline.

Daily Mail: Barry Diller says Hollywood actors AND execs should take pay cut

Story from Daily Mail:

Media mogul Barry Diller suggested that Hollywood's top-earning actors and executives take a 25 percent pay cut as he warns of a devastating collapse for the industry if the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes are not settled soon.

Broadband TV News: Vivacom completes Telnet acquisition

Story from Broadband TV News:

United Group’s Vivacom has closed the acquisition of a 100% stake in Telnet, one of the leading providers of fixed services in Northern Bulgaria.

Broadband TV News: Liberty Global to move to Bermudan jurisdiction

Broadband TV News:

Liberty Global’s shareholders have voted in favour of the company’s proposal to change its jurisdiction of incorporation from England and Wales to Bermuda.

Viaplay Group Crisis - Broadband TV News: Viaplay withdraws 2023 financial outlook as ill health forces chair to step aside

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay has announced its withdrawing its previously published full year 2023 outlook.

Broadband TV News: Disney may license streaming content

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Walt Disney Company’s CEO Bob Iger has said it may license Disney content to other streaming platforms.

Deadline; ‘South Park’ Streaming Brawl: Warner Bros Discovery Fights To Keep Alive Suit Against Paramount Global & Series Creators

Story from Deadline:

The studios are putting on a united front when it comes to the striking scribes and actors, but Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount Global dust-up over who really has the streaming rights to Eric Cartman and the South Park gang shows no signs of settling down.

Hollywood Reporter: With an ABC Sale on the Table, Bob Iger Brings Disney Back to Dealmaking Business

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

If Bob Iger’s tenure as the CEO of Disney between 2005-2020 was defined by one thing, it would be the deals.

Deadline: ITV “No Longer Actively Exploring” Deal To Buy ‘The Traitors’ Producer All3Media

Story from Deadline:

It doesn’t look like ITV will be buying The Traitors producer All3Media.

Deadline: Mike Darnell Departs As President Of Unscripted Television At Warner Bros.

Story from Deadline:

Mike Darnell, the preeminent — and most colorful — unscripted TV executive over the past couple of decades, will be leaving his post as President Of Unscripted Television for Warner Bros. after 10 years at the studio.

Deadline: Disney Mulls Selling Indian TV & Streaming Business — WSJ

Story from Deadline:

Disney is reportedly considering its strategic options in India — and could sell its streaming and TV business there.

Deadline: Marvel Streaming And Sequel Binge “Diluted Focus And Attention,” Disney CEO Bob Iger Says; Company Pullback Means “Spending Less On What We Make, And Making Less”

Story from Deadline:

Disney CEO Bob Iger said Marvel Entertainment, whose acquisition in 2009 was a signature deal of Iger’s first stint atop the company, was unfairly “taxed” during the company’s frenzy to supply Disney+ with fresh content.

Deadline: ESPN Analyst Dick Vitale Has Vocal Cord Cancer, Vows To Be Ready For College Hoops Season

Story from Deadline:

ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale said Wednesday that his battle with cancer continues, as he once again has vocal cord cancer.

Deadline: Lionsgate Reveals More Details About Planned Split Into Two Public Companies, One For Film And TV Production, Another Centering On Starz

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate has furnished more details to investors ahead of its planned split into two publicly traded entities — one centered on film and TV production and the other on media networks, principally Starz.

Deadline: Warner Bros Motion Picture Group Hires Katie Martin Kelley As EVP Communications

Story from Deadline:

The former Paramount and MGM head of corporate communications will rejoin the latter studio’s former execs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.

Deadline: Bob Iger To Keep Running Disney Until 2026; Originally Supposed To Exit In 2024

Story from Deadline:

Bob Iger will not be handing Disney over to a successor next year after all.

Deadline: DC Studios Names Candice McDonough EVP Publicity & Communications

Story from Deadline:

The James Gunn and Peter Safran run DC Studios at Warner Bros. has made Candice McDonough their newly created EVP of Publicity and Communications.

Deadline: Searchlight Pictures’ Diana Loomis To Exit Studio At End Of The Summer

Story from Deadline:

Searchlight Pictures VP of national publicity Diana Loomis will depart the studio later this summer following nearly 20 years with the company.

Deadline: ‘Superman: Legacy’ Adds ‘Barry’s Anthony Carrigan To Cast

Story from Deadline:

Barry‘s Anthony Carrigan is having a top-notch day, having been announced as part of the cast of James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy just after landing his third Emmy nomination for his work on the HBO dark comedy.

Deadline: James Gunn Shares Excitement Over ‘Superman: Legacy’ & Explains Why He’s Including Green Lantern Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl & Mister Terrific

Story from Deadline:

Two years from today, audiences will finally be able to see in the big screen James Gunn’s Superman: Legacy.

Deadline; ‘Superman: Legacy’: Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced & Edi Gathegi Latest To Join

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros has begun rounding out the cast for DC franchise resetter Superman: Legacy, studio co-chief Peter Safran has announced in a new piece with Vanity Fair, with Nathan Fillion (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Isabela Merced (Madame Web) and Edi Gathegi (The Harder They Fall) coming aboard.

Deadline: Director-General Kevin Bakhurst Stands Down Executive Board Over Pay Scandal

Story from Deadline:

Kevin Bakhurst, the newly appointed director-general of Ireland’s national broadcaster RTE, has stood down the company’s entire executive board following a pay scandal involving the broadcaster’s lead presenter.

Media Guardian: Former reporter suing CNN for unfair dismissal and racial discrimination

Story from Media Guardian:

A former CNN reporter is suing the news channel for unfair dismissal and racial discrimination after she was severely injured while on assignment in Israel.

Deadline; Robert Irvine On ‘Restaurant: Impossible’ Cancellation At Food Network: “They Have A Different Idea Of What Viewers Want”

Story from Deadline:

Robert Irvine is weighing in on the motives Food Network had for canceling his show Restaurant: Impossible which ran on the cable net for 22 seasons.

Deadline; Paul Finebaum Calls ESPN Layoffs The “Worst Day”: “I Can’t Explain Bob Iger’s Thinking”

Story from Deadline:

Paul Finebaum, an ESPN contributor for a decade, is weighing in on the layoffs that saw about 20 on-air personalities exit the sports network.

Deadline; William Immerman Dies: 20th Century Fox Film Executive During ‘Star Wars’ And ‘The Omen’ Era Was 85

Story from Deadline:

Bill Immerman, who was a Senior EVP during the 20th Century Fox 1970s heyday that produced such box office hits as Star Wars, Young Frankensten, and The Omen, died June 24 at his Los Angeles home of natural causes.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Gives Itself Max Options as It Renews New Zealand Supply Deal With Sky

Story from Variety:

Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced a renewal of their multi-year content and platform agreement in New Zealand, securing Sky as the continuing home of HBO, Max Originals, Warner Bros. and Discovery.

Deadline: Eva Longoria & Stanley Tucci’s CNN Original Doc Series Join Banijay Slate

Story from Deadline:

Eva Longoria and Stanley Tucci’s CNN Original Series food docs are set to travel the world.

Digital TV Europe: Berlusconi’s eldest children to take joint control of media empire

Story from Digital TV Europe:

No single child of the late Silvio Berlusconi is to have a controlling interest in media holding company Fininvest under the terms of the former Italian prime minister and media tycoon’s will, with his son Pier Silvio and daughter Marina to jointly hold a majority stake.

Deadline: STV Pays $27.2M For ‘Lego Masters’ Firm Greenbird Media

Story from Deadline:

STV has confirmed the acquisition of Lego Masters firm Greenbird Media, following Deadline’s exclusive report yesterday in the UK.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay begins downsizing program

Story from Broadband TV News:

Troubled streaming service Viaplay has begun to reduce the headcount at its Stockholm headquarters.

Deadline: David Zaslav Article Taken Down By GQ After Warner Bros. Discovery Raises Objections

Story from Deadline:

GQ magazine has removed an article about Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav from its website after the company objected to the article.

Deadline: Kaitlan Collins’ New CNN Show ‘The Source’ Gets July Premiere Date

Story from Deadline:

Kaitlan Collins will officially launch as the network’s 9 p.m. ET host on Monday with a one-hour program titled The Source.

Deadline: Benedict Cumberbatch Hints At Doctor Strange’s Marvel Return In New MCU Movie “Next Year”

Story from Deadline:

Benedict Cumberbatch is seemingly not done playing Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor recently hinted at his return in a new movie next year.

Deadline; Stephen A. Smith On ESPN Layoffs: “This Ain’t The End. More Is Coming. I Could Be Next”

Story from Deadline:

Stephen A. Smith is opening up about the ESPN layoffs that saw about 20 on-air personalities become redundant at the sports network.

Deadline: STV On Verge Of Acquiring ‘Lego Masters’ Production Group Greenbird From Keshet International

Story from Deadline:

Scotland’s STV is close to acquiring on-the-block Lego Masters production group Greenbird Media from Keshet International, Deadline understands.

Digital TV Europe: A1 Group and PPF raise concerns with Vivacom’s acquisition of Networks-Bulgaria

Story from Digital TV Europe:

A1 Group which operates its local hub A1 Bulgaria and PPF Telecom behind Yettel Bulgaria have raised concerns over the Bulgarian Commission on Protection of Competition’s decision to authorise the Vivacom’s acquisition of Networks-Bulgaria.

Broadband TV News: Almost half of European children’s channels are US owned

Story from Broadband TV News:

New research from the European Audiovisual Observatory has found one in five of the top 50 TV groups and more than a third of the top 50 groups for on-demand services has a non-European parent company.

Broadband TV News: Increased reach for TVP services

Story from Broadband TV News:

Up to five thematic channels operated by the Polish public broadcaster TVP are now being distributed by the operators Play and UPC.

Deadline; ESPN Layoffs: Here’s The List Of On-Air Talent Who Were Let Go

Story from Deadline:

On the same day ESPN ran special extended coverage of player comings and goings during NBA Free Agency, about 20 of the network’s top on-air talent found out they would be on the move, as well.

Deadline: Nexstar Media Group Stations Go Dark On DirecTV As Carriage Dispute Begins

Story from Deadline:

A new carriage dispute has been initiated between Nexstar Media Group and DirecTV, forcing more than 150 local TV stations to go dark on one of the country’s largest pay-TV providers.

Deadline: Pat McAfee Addresses Backlash Over ESPN “Mass Exits” & Says He’s “Pumped To Be Joining” Network

Story from Deadline:

Pat McAfee recently struck a deal to bring his namesake sports commentary show to ESPN.

Deadline: Brian Cox On Turner Classic Movies Potentially Shutting Down & Why The Network Has Been “Absolutely Vital”

Story from Deadline:

Brian Cox is weighing in on the future of Turner Classic Movies (TCM) after executive changes at the cable network made Hollywood worry Warner Bros. Discovery was ready to pull the plug.

Deadline: Sky Deutschland To Cease Scripted Originals Next Year

Story from Deadline:

Sky Deutschland will no longer make scripted shows from next year and is closing its scripted arm.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Lays Off Diversity Exec Karen Horne

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery is laying off Karen Horne, a diversity, equity and inclusion executive, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

Deadline: Fire On Warner Bros Studio Lot In Burbank Is Out After Transformer Explosion

Story from Deadline:

A fire that broke out Friday after a transformer blew on the lot of the Warner Bros studio in Burbank has been put out.

Deadline: Paramount Extends Contract Of CFO Naveen Chopra Through 2026

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global has re-upped CFO Naveen Chopra through 2026.

Media Guardian: ESPN lays off about 20 on-air talent as part of ‘cost savings’ by Disney

Story from Media Guardian:

The US sports broadcasting giant ESPN has laid off about 20 on-air personalities, including some of the network’s most well-known commentators, analysts and journalists, according to reports.