CNBC: Byron Allen, offering $14 billion for Paramount, has a long history of media bids that haven’t materialized

Story from CNBC:

Byron Allen, founder, chairman, and CEO of Entertainment Studios and Allen Media Group has make a bid offering $14 billion for Paramount Global, told CNBC on Wednesday that he has the money to finance a deal, despite skepticism around his deal-making.

Variety: DC’s New ‘Supergirl’ Is ‘House of the Dragon’ Star Milly Alcock

Story from Variety:

DC Studios has its Supergirl.

Deadline: The CW Forms Partnership With Range Sports

Story from Deadline:

The CW and Range Sports have formed a partnership for strategy, sales and programming services for the network’s original sports programming lineup.

Sports Business Journal: LIV Golf extends, expands broadcast team

Story from Sports Business Journal:

LIV Golf has agreed to extensions through the end of the 2025 season with five members of its broadcast team, and added two more roles, as the league begins play on Friday in Mexico.

Hollywood Reporter: Is Byron Allen’s Paramount Bid the Real Deal?

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Is Byron Allen‘s $30 billion bid (inclusive of debt) the real deal? Wall Street isn’t sure.

New York Post: Paramount board takes steps toward sale as Byron Allen submits $14B buyout bid

Story from New York Post:

Paramount has taken initial steps toward a possible sale of the entertainment giant – even as media mogul Byron Allen submitted $14 billion buyout bid, The Post has learned.

Variety: Food Network Boss, Warner Bros. Discovery Networks CMO Talk Cross Promoting Movies and Max, Holiday Hits and State of Cable TV

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery‘s fourth-quarter success largely depends on strong performance at Food Network, as the cable channel draws its highest number of eyeballs — and ad dollars — when the holidays roll around.

Digital TV Europe: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max to be tailored to ‘three categories’ of market in Europe

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s launch of Max in Europe will see it place the first wave of 22 target markets in three categories, with the product tailored to the characteristics of each, according to Leah Hooper Rosa, SVP, head of streaming EMEA at Warner Bros. Discovery.

Deadline: Paramount Global Shares Pop After Byron Allen Makes Offer To Buy Company

Story from Deadline:

Shares of Paramount Global popped in early trading after news that Byron Allen has offered a deal worth $30 billion to acquire the company, which has been in play since last fall.

Digital TV Europe: Vivendi now looking at four-way split

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Vivendi has updated on its plan to split up into separate listed companies, first announced in December, with the company now looking to divide into four – rather than three – listed entities.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ launches new sports channel in Czech market

Story from Broadband TV News:

A new sports channel has made its debut in the Czech and Slovak markets.

Deadline: Byron Allen Makes $30 Billion Bid For Paramount Global In Debt & Equity

Story from Deadline:

Move over, David Ellison, because here comes Byron Allen.

Hollywood Reporter: Sky Plans to Cut 1,000 Jobs This Year

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

British media company Sky Group is planning to cut 1,000 jobs over the next year as the company transitions to internet-based TV from satellite.

Broadband TV News: ZEE and Sony head to arbitration after merger collapse

Story from Broadband TV News:

Broadcasters Zee and Sony are to meet in Singapore after Zee began legal action against Sony’s claim for a $90 million termination fee in their failed $10 billion merger.

Deadline: Free Streaming Pioneer Pluto TV, Nearing Its 10th Anniversary, Refreshes Branding And Preps Super Bowl Promo Spot During CBS Telecast

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global‘s free streaming outlet Pluto TV has just completed a refresh of its brand and will be taking its first bow during the company’s Super Bowl broadcast on CBS, Nickelodeon and Paramount+.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Downgraded on Less Favorable M&A, Earnings Outlook, Content Licensing

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Wells Fargo analyst Steven Cahall started the week by downgrading his rating on Warner Bros. Discovery shares, which had gained in 2023, from “overweight” to “equal weight” and cutting his stock price target by $4 to $12.

Variety: CNN Philippines to Close Down, With 300 Job Losses

Story from Variety:

CNN Philippines is to close down on Wednesday, the company announced on Monday local time. The move means up to 300 jobs will be lost.

Deadline: Warner Bros Has Inside Track On Christopher Reeve Sundance Docu ‘Super/Man’ With Deal In Record $15 Million Stratosphere

Story from Deadline:

In a deal that when closed will be worth $15 million, Warner Bros Discovery has emerged as frontrunner to land the Sundance buzz title documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, sources said.

FOX brands to be axe in Turkey and Portugal

The following FOX and Disney channels to be rebrands or close in coming months in local areas:

Deadline: Paramount’s Maria Kyriacou Exiting As International Originals Strategy Slimmed Down

Story from Deadline:

Maria Kyriacou, Paramount Global‘s President, Broadcast & Studios, International Markets, is exiting the U.S. studio after four years, as it prepares to slim down its international originals offerings.

Deadline: Jeremy Clarkson Says He Quit ‘The Grand Tour’ After Running Out Of Ideas & Becoming “Unfit, Fat & Old”

Story from Deadline:

Jeremy Clarkson has revealed why it’s the end of the road for The Grand Tour.

Variety: Jennifer Lopez to Produce ‘Bob the Builder’ Animated Movie at Mattel, Starring Anthony Ramos

Story from Variety:

Bob the Builder is ready for his big screen debut.

Deadline; Layoffs Coming At Paramount Global But No Details On Staff Cuts In Bob Bakish Memo Outlining 2024 Strategy; CEO Acknowledges M&A Speculation

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish said Thursday that the company will continue to reduce its global workforce “to operate as a leaner company and spend less.”

Variety: Zee Walks Away From $1.4 Billion Cricket Rights Deal With Disney After Failed Sony Merger

Story from Variety:

India’s Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) is not proceeding with a $1.4 billion cricket rights deal it had struck with Disney Star in 2022, according to a report from Reuters.

Deadline: Comcast Takes Peacock Victory Lap As Execs Talk Epic Universe, Ad Market And Deal Speculation

Story from Deadline:

Comcast execs did some more crowing about Peacock’s landmark AFC Wild Card game this month and said it drove paid signups to the streaming service.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Skydance Media CEO David Ellison Makes Offer For Control Of Paramount Global

Story from Deadline:

David Ellison’s Skydance is said to have made a preliminary offer to buy Shari Redstone’s stake in National Amusements, the family holding company that controls Paramount Global, according to a Bloomberg report.

CNN brand to be axe in Philippine

Unlike other CNN brands CNN Philippines is NOT own by Warner Bros. Discovery.

Hollywood Reporter: NBCUniversal Plus Warner Bros. Discovery? Comcast CEO Fends Off Chatter

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Brian Roberts poured water on speculation that his media company will merge with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Variety: Comcast Sees Q4 Profit Rise 8% on Business Services, Peacock, Theme Parks

Story from Variety:

Comcast saw fourth-quarter profit surge by 7.8% as the cable giant increased the number of businesses using its communications services, its Peacock streaming hub added 3 million subscribers and its theme parks saw robust activity.

Deadline: Jon M. Chu & His Electric Somewhere Co. Signs First-Look Feature Film Deal At Warner Bros

Story from Deadline:

We can tell you first that Jon M. Chu and his Electric Somewhere Co. have closed a first-look feature film deal at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.

Variety: HBO Max’s Conversion to Max to Hit Latin America, Caribbean in February

Story from Variety:

The HBO Max makeover to Max is heading overseas.

Variety: Sandy Kenyon to Exit WABC For Broader ABC Stations Consulting Role

Story from Variety:

Sandy Kenyon, one of TV-news’ longest-serving entertainment reporters, will leave New York’s WABC, which has been his home since 2005, and move into a new role as a consultant ABC’s stations group.

Deadline: ‘Sex And The City’ To Stream On Netflix Under Warner Bros. Discovery Deal

Story from Deadline:

And just like that, Netflix is close to tying up another major content licensing deal.

Bizasia; Sony CEO N P Singh: “Our journey towards the merger has been remarkable”

Story from Bizasia:

In the aftermath of the ZEE-Sony merger falling through this week, Sony CEO of Culver Max Entertainment Ltd (formerly known as Sony Pictures Network India) has sent an email to employees saying that the merger journey “has been remarkable”.

Digital TV Europe: DAZN Japan extends J3 League rights until 2025

Story from Digital TV Europe:

In a new deal with the Japan Professional Soccer League (J.League), sports streaming platform, DAZN Japan, has net the broadcasting rights to J3 League until 2025.

Digital TV Europe: DAZN and NBA extend partnership in Germany

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Sports entertainment platform, DAZN, has retained its media rights to the NBA in Germany, in a renewed deal with the leading basketball association.

Broadband TV News: Telia faces challenge to sell TV4

Story from Broadband TV News:

Swedish telco Telia has announced write-downs of SEK 4.1 billion (€360 million) including a SEK 0.9 billion charge on its TV & Media business.

Broadband TV News: TF1 claims France Télévisions receiving “illegal state aid”

Story from Broadband TV News:

TF1 Group has filed a complaint with the European Commission, alleging “illegal state aid” from France in favour of the public broadcaster France Television.

Broadband TV News: DNMG adds DF1 to German cable

Story from Broadband TV News:

German cable operator association Deutsche Netzmarketing (DNMG) is bringing the new TV channel DF1 to its members’ networks.

Broadband TV News: Netflix to remove lowest tier in most markets

Story from Broadband TV News:

Netflix is to drop its low cost Basic tier after it emerged that the Basic with Ads tier had captured 40% of new subscribers in markets where it had launched.

Hollywood Reporter; Ted Sarandos: WWE Deal Doesn’t Change Netflix’s Live Sports Stance

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Netflix took a leap off the top rope to grab rights to the WWE‘s Monday Night Raw in its biggest commitment so far to live programming.

Deadline: Shares In Endeavor-Controlled TKO Group Jump On Netflix-WWE ‘Raw’ News

Story from Deadline:

Shares in Endeavor-controlled TKO Group Holdings shot up at the opening bell and were up 15% at mid-day on the news of Netflix acquiring rights to the Raw franchise and other WWE programming.

Deadline: Morena Baccarin To Headline ‘Fire Country’ Spinoff In Works At CBS

Story from Deadline:

Morena Baccarin (Deadpool franchise) is set to appear in an upcoming episode of CBS‘ Fire Country, playing a sheriff character that could lead her own series.

Broadcast Sport: DAZN takes free tier global

Story from Broadcast Sport:

DAZN has taken its free tier for registered users global building on a successful launch in Germany last month.

Advanced Television: Sony, Zee both sue for compensation

Story from Advanced Television:

The Sony/Zee merger is dead but both parties say legal claims for compensation will be made.

Broadcast Sport: Netflix to show live WWE from 2025

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Netflix has picked up the rights to air live WWE. From January 2025 Netflix will show WWE’s weekly program, Raw.

Deadline: Disney Shareholder Blackwells Capital Blasts Rival Nelson Peltz For Failing To Come Up With “A Single Strategic Idea That Would Benefit Shareholders”

Story from Deadline:

Blackwells Capital, a Disney shareholder with plenty of opinions about who should sit on the company’s board of directors, blasted the rival Trian Group for its own board maneuvering.

Digital TV Europe: Telefónica re-secures LaLiga after new tender

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Spain’s LaLiga has re-awarded domestic broadcast rights to Spanish top-tier football for the second half of the 2024-25 season and the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons to Telefónica following an intervention by the Spanish markets regulator over the terms of a previous award.

Variety: Fox Ad-Sales Chief Marianne Gambelli to Retire, Succeeded by Jeff Collins

Story from Variety:

Marianne Gambelli, one of the few remaining senior ad-sales executives in the TV industry who held direct relationships with advertisers when primetime broadcast programs were seen as the primary venue for Madison Avenue’s dollars, is stepping down as Fox Corp’s president of ad sales.

Variety: Warner Bros.’ Channing Dungey Talks ‘Harry Potter’ TV Show Status, ‘Ted Lasso’ Future, ‘Golden Bachelorette’ Hopes and More

Story from Variety:

Channing Dungey first joined Warner Bros. TV Group as chairman in late 2020 — right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made for an interesting first year on the job. Then came the Warner Media-Discovery merger in 2022, and the restructuring that came with it. In 2023, the Hollywood strikes disrupted the business again.

Deadline: Charter And TelevisaUnivision Reach Carriage Renewal With New Streaming Provisions

Story from Deadline:

TelevisaUnivision and Charter Communications have reached a multi-year carriage renewal that includes streaming distribution on Spectrum for a new tier of the Vix streaming service.

Digital TV Europe: Warner Bros. Discovery airs Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery will air the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 as part of its Olympics programming plans.

Deadline: Sony Walks Away From $10B Merger With Zee Entertainment In India

Story from Deadline:

Sony has terminated plans for its long-in-the-works merger of its television and streaming operations in India with local giant Zee Entertainment Enterprises, saying that closing conditions were not satisfied.

Deadline: Viaplay Recap Plan Continues As CEE Producer Paprika Studios Exits Group

Story from Deadline:

Viaplay‘s Central and Eastern European production division Paprika Studios has exited the Scandinavian media group.

Viaplay Group to axe it's America Channel next month

Viaplay Sports USA is set to close on February 29th.

Deadline: Paramount Global Braces For New Round Of Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

Amid speculation about its future, Paramount Global is proceeding with a new wave of staff reductions in February, sources tell Deadline.

Variety: Paramount Global SVP of Streaming Strategy Sean Gupta Is Exiting

Story from Variety:

Sean Gupta, who has served as senior VP of strategy for Paramount Streaming for more than two years, is exiting the company, Variety has confirmed.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount Stock Climbs On Report That Private Equity Firm Apollo Is Mulling A Bid For National Amusements

Story from Deadline:

The Offer is the name of a series on Paramount+.

Digital TV Europe: DAZN ups its MMA content for France with PFL deal

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Sports streamer DAZN has struck a deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) making it the exclusive broadcaster of all PFL events in France.

Warner Bros. Discovery to launch on GAIN in Turkey

Digital media platform GAİN in Turkey has signed a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery for programming from Discovery Channel, ID: Investigation Discovery, and Discovery+ originals.

Hollywood Reporter: Steven Mnuchin’s Equity Firm Raises Stake in Lionsgate

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Former U.S. treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin has added to his stake in Lionsgate, which now totals nearly $50 million, including last year’s purchases.

Broadband TV News: Warner TV to launch in Czech Republic

Story from Broadband TV News:

Warner TV will become the first Warner Bros. Discovery channel operating in the Czech Republic to broadcast free-to-air.

Broadband TV News: TVN Warner Bros. Discovery to launch 15 FAST channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Polish commercial channel TVN is today launching a portfolio of 15 FAST channels as part of a revamp of its Player platform.

Daily Mail: Activist investor Nelson Peltz nominates himself to Disney's board

Story from Daily Mail:

Activist investor Nelson Peltz has nominated himself and former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo to the board of the entertainment giant's directors, slamming CEO Bob Iger as 'underperforming.'

Hollywood Reporter: So Long Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, Hello TNT Sports

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery is embarking on a notable rebrand to one of its core divisions.

Digital TV Europe: DAZN Canada extends UEFA rights until 2027

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Leading sports streaming platform DAZN has renewed its broadcasting rights to all UEFA club competitions in Canada for another three seasons.

Viaplay Group Crisis - Digital TV Europe: Viaplay boosted by Nordic ad market

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Improved prospects in its core markets should help Viaplay meet its target range for sales for the full year, according to the struggling streamer’s latest trading update.

Deadline: CNN Sets Debut Of ‘United States Of Scandal With Jake Tapper’ Limited Series

Story from Deadline:

CNN will premiere the six-part series United States of Scandal with Jake Tapper on Feb. 18.

Deadline: NewsNation To Launch Sunday Public Affairs Show Hosted By Chris Stirewalt

Story from Deadline:

NewsNation is entering the Sunday morning public affairs talk show sphere, with plans to debut a new show hosted by Chris Stirewalt at the beginning of March.

Deadline: ‘The Avengers’ Reboot In Works At StudioCanal, Wall To Wall; ‘Industry’ Duo Mickey Down & Konrad Kay Writing

Story from Deadline:

Iconic 1960s television series The Avengers is getting a remake.

Deadline: Channel 4 & Australia’s SBS Board ‘Titanic In Colour’ Doc From Woodcut Media

Story from Deadline:

The sinking of the Titanic continues to fascinate filmmakers and audiences, and a new two-part doc about the tragic ship has pre-sold into the UK and Australia.

Variety; Banijay’s Global Head of Scripted Christian Wikander on Stepping Down From Role: ‘It’s a Time of Market Correction’

Story from Variety:

Christian Wikander, the well-respected Swedish executive who joined Banijay nine months ago as global head of scripted, will be stepping down from his role on Feb. 2.

Variety: Prime Video Cuts Funding in Africa, Middle East in Favor of Focusing on European Originals

Story from Variety:

Amazon Prime Video is restructuring its international business to focus on European originals. The re-org includes cutting content and staff in Africa and the Middle East.

Deadline; “‘Barbie’ Was Made In Hertfordshire Not Hollywood”: UK Culture Secretary To Shower Praise On Warner Bros. Discovery At Private Event In Parliament Tonight

Story from Deadline:

UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer is expected to hail the biggest selling film of 2023 being “made and recorded in Hertfordshire – not Hollywood” at a glitzy parliament reception hosted by Warner Bros. Discovery tonight.

BBC News: University of Southampton writer's comic in DC Netflix series

BBC News: University of Southampton writer's comic in DC Netflix seriesStory from BBC News:

DC Comic characters created by a Southampton professor are being brought to life in a new Netflix series.

Variety: When Superman and Batman Copyrights Expire in a Decade, Will It Be Kryptonite for DC?

Story from Variety:

About a decade ago, Zack Snyder developed a storyline for the DC Extended Universe that involved Bruce Wayne impregnating Lois Lane.

Deadline: Former Fox Exec Toby Byrne Joins A+E Networks As EVP Amid Revamp Of Sales Team

Story from Deadline:

Toby Byrne, who spent 20 years at Fox, has joined A+E Networks as EVP, National Ad Sales as part of a broader revamp of the cable programmer’s sales team.

Deadline: Paramount+ Adds Branded Hubs Via Distribution Partners In India And The Philippines; Content Licensing Deals Aim To Boost Cash Flow And Reach

Story from Deadline:

With its streaming operations facing scrutiny as 2024 gets under way, Paramount Global continues to pursue a diversified approach to distributing its flagship, Paramount+.

Deadline: Amazon Investment Helps Rescue Bally Sports Networks Operator Diamond From Bankruptcy

Story from Deadline:

Amazon is investing in Diamond Sports Group, which operates the Bally-branded regional sports networks, as part of a plan for the Sinclair subsidiary to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Hollywood Reporter: CNN’s Mark Thompson Outlines Digital Future for Cable Channel, Unveils New Org Structure

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Mark Thompson’s vision for CNN is beginning to take shape.

Advanced Television: PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions on DAZN

Story from Advanced Television:

Riyadh Season has revealed that the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) will host a pay-per-view mega event – PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions – from the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 24th.

Variety: WWE Hires ESPN Alum Lee Fitting as Head of Media & Production Following Kevin Dunn’s Exit

Story from Variety:

WWE has hired Lee Fitting as the company’s new head of media and production, Variety has learned.

Advanced Television: TNA partners with StarTimes

Story from Advanced Television:

TNA Wrestling (formerly IMPACT Wrestling) – a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment and a division of Anthem Sports Group – has announced a partnership with entertainment platform StarTimes, bringing exclusive TNA content to more than 30 countries throughout Africa.

Advanced Television: Extreme E extends deal with Virgin Media Ireland

Story from Advanced Television:

Extreme E and Virgin Media Television have agreed an extension to their broadcast deal, which will see the electric off-road racing series remain on the broadcaster for two more years.

Viaplay Group Crisis - Deadline: Viaplay Targeting Double-Digit Profit Margins In Five Years As Swedish Finance Authority Says Yes To Major Recap Program

Story from Deadline:

Viaplay is targeting double-digit profit margins in five years’ time following the recapitalization program that it hopes will end months of strife, although it has once again downgraded financials for the coming year.

Deadline: Bob Iger’s Compensation Topped $31 Million For FY23; Disney Urges Shareholders To Support Its Board Nominees As Activists Circle

Story from Deadline:

Disney CEO Bob Iger’s compensation totaled about $31.6 million for the company fiscal year ended Sept. 30.

Bizasia: English entertainment channel ZEE World launches on Rakuten TV in UK

Story from Bizasia:

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited has launched English entertainment channel, ZEE World on Rakuten TV as a free-to-air HD service in the UK.

Deadline: Disney, Film Financing Partner TSG Settle Lawsuit Over “Hollywood Accounting”

Story from Deadline:

Disney and TSG Entertainment Finance have settled litigation from August of 2023 when the financier sued the media giant for “rampant self-dealing” and breach of the parties’ revenue participation contract.

Bizasia: Dangal TV makes launch in UK on Sky platform

Story from Bizasia:

India’s leading free-to-air Hindi channel, Dangal TV, has launched in the UK, on the Sky platform.

CNN returns to Fetch in Australia as Fetch signs new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery

Fetch in Australia secures Warner Bros. Discovery contract extension; CNN returns. No Cartoon Network or Boomerang due to Foxtel exclusivity.

BBC: Paul Royall appointed as Executive News Editor of the BBC News Channel

Story from BBC:

Paul Royall has been appointed as the Executive News Editor of the BBC News Channel on a permanent basis.

Deadline: Apple Vision Pro Unveils Disney+ Features, More Streaming Apps & 3D Movies As Bob Iger Calls Mixed Reality Headset “A Revolutionary Platform”

Story from Deadline:

Apple’s new mixed reality headsets will include thousands of Disney+ TV shows and movies along with four “iconic environments” where users can watch them as the tech giant unveiled more details of its upcoming Apple Vision Pro.

Deadline: Banijay Creates Head Of Adaptations Role; Hannah Griffiths To Head Search For New IP Across Books, Podcasts, Media

Story from Deadline:

Banijay is ramping up efforts to find new properties for its array of scripted labels, appointing experienced industry exec Hannah Griffiths as its first ever Head of Adaptations.

Broadcast Sport: TrillerTV scores Asian Cup in UK & Ireland

Story from Broadcast Sport:

TrillerTV will stream every Asian Cup match for UK and Ireland viewers.

Deadline; Adam Sandler Mourns ‘Grown Ups’ Actor Alec Musser: “Cannot Believe He Is Gone”

Story from Deadline:

Adam Sandler has taken to social media to express his condolences following the loss of Alec Musser.

Variety: Disney, NFL in Talks That Could Give League ESPN Stake, Put NFL Media Under Disney

Story from Variety:

One of the greatest plays in sports isn’t taking place on any athletic field.

Deadline: DirecTV And Tegna Reach Carriage Deal, Ending 6-Week Blackout

Story from Deadline:

DirecTV and major station group Tegna have struck a carriage deal, ending a programming blackout that began November 30 and affected roughly 5 million customers across the U.S..

Deadline: Prime Video Southeast Asia Slashes Originals Team, Confirms Move To “Leaner Local Operating Model”

Story from Deadline:

Amazon Prime Video Southeast Asia is cutting its originals team in Singapore and moving to a “leaner operating model,” as part of the global wave of redundancies announced earlier this week.

Deadline: Pixar Eyes Staff Reduction Later This Year As Part Of Disney Content Spending Cuts

Story from Deadline:

Pixar Animation Studios is planning to reduce its workforce in the coming months, an insider confirmed to Deadline, as part of overall content spending trims at Disney.

Deadline; Saga Of Missing BBC News Channel Presenters Continues: Five Women Face “Ignominy” Of Reapplying For Jobs After Being Benched For Nine Months

Story from Deadline:

The BBC‘s protracted stand-off with five seasoned female news channel presenters has taken another twist after the women were asked to reapply for jobs for a second time.

Deadline: ‘Top Gun 3’ In The Works At Paramount Following Tom Cruise Warner Bros Pact

Story from Deadline:

Even though Tom Cruise inked a non-exclusive pact at Warner Bros earlier this week, it looks like he’ll continue to be busy with Paramount for some time.

Deadline: Canal+ Ups Stake In Viaplay To 29% As Scandi Outfit Rubberstamps Recap Program

Story from Deadline:

Canal+ has officially upped its stake in Viaplay to 29% after the rubberstamping of the against-the-ropes Scandi outfit’s recapitalization program.

Broadband TV News: BBC Entertainment confirms closure

Story from Broadband TV News:

BBC Entertainment will close in all markets on 31 March 2024, Broadband TV News has learnt.

Deadline: Aaron Rodgers Returned To ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ A Day After Host Said NFL Star Was Done For The Season

Story from Deadline:

Aaron Rodgers made a return to The Pat McAfee Show a day after host Pat McAfee said the NFL star had completed his fourth season on the show.

Deadline: Great American Media Undergoes Layoffs; CFO, Head Of Marketing & Corp Comm Among Those Cut

Story from Deadline:

Great American Media, the faith and family-focused company that launched in 2021 under Bill Abbott, is the latest to get hit with layoffs.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay Group renews UFC rights in Nordics in a multi-year deal

Broadband TV News:

Viaplay Group has extended its exclusive rights to show mixed martial arts content from UFC.

Deadline: News Corp. Names Former Disney Exec Arthur Bochner Communications Chief As Jim Kennedy To Retire

Story from Deadline:

News Corp today announced that veteran communications executive Arthur Bochner is set to become chief communications officer and EVP at News Corp. when Jim Kennedy retires later this year.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Advanced Television: Ellison stalking Paramount?

Story from Advanced Television:

Skydance Media CEO, David Ellison, is reportedly considering an all-cash bid for National Amusements, parent company of Paramount Global.

Advanced Television: Zee intends to conclude Sony merger

Story from Advanced Television:

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), in a regulatory filing, insists it is working to successfully complete its long-planned merger with Sony’s Indian channels and studios.

Deadline: NBC News Undergoes Layoffs Impacting “Double Digit” Number Of Employees

Story from Deadline:

NBC News was undergoing a series of layoffs across the division on Thursday, impacting what was described as a double digit number of employees in its workforce.

Deadline: ‘The Good Doctor’ To End With Season 7 On ABC

Story from Deadline:

The upcoming seventh season of ABC’s The Good Doctor will be the final chapter of the medical drama starring and executive produced by Freddie Highmore.

Digital TV Europe: Ex-Eleven and Liverpool FC exec to become A+E Networks EMEA CFO

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Philip Nash has been appointed as A+E Networks EMEA’s new chief financial officer.

Viaplay Group Crisis - Broadband TV News: Viaplay Group appoints Roger Lodewick as SVP and CEO Viaplay Netherlands

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay Group has named Roger Lodewick as SVP and CEO Viaplay Netherlands, effective immediately.

Viaplay Group Crisis - Broadband TV News: Viaplay Group receives bondholder approval

Story from Broadband TV News:

Bondholders have given their approval to the SEK 4 billion recapitalisation of Viaplay Group.

Deadline; Hallmark Media Layoffs: Company Cuts Executive Jobs To “Strengthen Our Focus”

Story from Deadline:

It’s Hallmark Media‘s turn now: Deadline has learned that the premier home of holiday movies is the latest company to undergo layoffs, with significant cuts occurring in the exec suites.

Media Guardian: ESPN paid $85m to air Aaron Rodgers’ conspiracy theories

Story from Media Guardian:

Just as when he drops back to pass, Aaron Rodgers scans the world around him and sees enemies everywhere.

Deadline: Sony Writes Down Value Of Silvergate By $50M After Acquiring ‘Peter Rabbit’ Producer For $195M

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Television has taken a $50.5M hit on Silvergate Media, the Peter Rabbit producer it acquired for $195M in 2019.

Deadline; CBS: Mitch Graham To Run Unscripted & Mackenzie Mitchell To Lead Specials Team Following Jack Sussman Exit

Story from Deadline:

CBS has unveiled its new structure for unscripted and specials following the departure of Jack Sussman.

Deadline: Paramount Expands ‘Star Trek’ Universe With New Film, ‘Andor’s Toby Haynes Tapped To Direct With Seth Grahame-Smith Writing

Story from Deadline:

Even as it continues to develop the final chapter in its main Star Trek series, Paramount is looking to further explore the IP.

Deadline; Amazon Layoffs: MGM+, MGM Scripted TV & Unscripted Consolidated; Nancy Cotton, Arturo Interian, Chris Castallo & Uri Fleming Among Those Let Go

Story from Deadline:

Earlier this morning, Amazon revealed that it was laying off several hundred employees across Prime Video and Amazon Studios as part of a review of its business.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: New Paramount Merger Scenario Has Skydance Reportedly Mulling All-Cash Bid For National Amusements

Story from Deadline:

A new scenario has surfaced in the ever-swirling speculation about Paramount Global’s fate.

Digital TV Europe: DAZN enters distribution agreement with Sky Switzerland

Story from Digital TV Europe:

DAZN and Sky Switzerland have signed a new distribution agreement which will see the sport streaming service launch on the Sky platform in the region.

Deadline: In Wake Of Dish Merger, EchoStar’s Beleaguered Stock Zooms 35% As Company Explores M&A Options

Story from Deadline:

Shares in EchoStar, which just completed a long-anticipated merger with Dish Network, have jumped more than 35% today after the company said it is officially reviewing its strategic options.

Deadline; Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Shift: Joe Drake Stepping Down As Chair, Hands Reins To Adam Fogelson

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake is exiting the company, and handing over executive duties and title to Motion Picture Group Vice Chair Adam Fogelson.

Deadline: Prime Video, Amazon Studios Layoffs To Affect “Several Hundred” Workers, SVP Mike Hopkins Tells Staff

Story from Deadline:

Prime Video and Amazon Studios will see layoffs affecting several hundred workers, according to an internal memo this morning from SVP Mike Hopkins.

Deadline; Amazon’s Jon Wax Joins Disney In International TV Role As Mouse House Looks To Bolster Disney+’s Global Originals

Story from Deadline:

Jon Wax is heading to Disney.

Variety: Lionsgate Launches Alternative TV Division Led by Craig Piligian

Story from Variety:

Lionsgate is launching a new alternative television division.

Digital TV Europe: Sony-Zee US$10bn merger in doubt, but talks ongoing

Story from Digital TV Europe:

India’s US$10 billion merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Sony’s domestic business is once again in doubt, after reports that the Japanese conglomerate was considering pulling out of the deal sent shares tumbling.

Advanced Television: Formula E, Warner Bros Discovery extend Europe broadcast deal

Story from Advanced Television:

Warner Bros Discovery and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship have announced an extended partnership that will scale coverage of every race of the electric racing series across 50 markets in Europe.

Deadline: Pat McAfee Says He’s Not “Trying To Get Fired” From ESPN & Doesn’t “Take Back Anything” After Claiming Executive Was Sabotaging Show

Story from Deadline:

Pat McAfee is standing firm on his claims that an ESPN executive was “trying to sabotage” his show.

Deadline: CNN’s Sara Sidner Reveals That She Is Being Treated For Stage Three Breast Cancer

Story from Deadline:

CNN anchor Sara Sidner told viewers that she is being treated for stage three breast cancer, even as she continues in her network duties.

Paramount Global axe VH1 Italia

Paramount Global has this past weekend axe VH1 Italia.

Deadline: CNN Names Kyung Lah To Investigations Team, Ryan Young To Senior National Correspondent

Story from Deadline:

Kyung Lah has been named senior investigative correspondent at CNN, joining the network’s investigative team.

Variety: Sports Streamer DAZN Hires Ex-Twitch Ad Boss Walker Jacobs as First Chief Revenue Officer

Story from Variety:

DAZN, a top sports streaming provider, has tapped Walker Jacobs as its first global chief revenue officer and president of DAZN U.S.

Bizasia: ZEE & Sony in merger talks

Story from Bizasia:

In another twist in the ongoing proposed merger between ZEE and Sony, it has been reported that Sony Pictures Networks is planning to scrap the $10 Billion merger with ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited, more than two years after the deal was announced.

Hollywood Reporter: Why ABC Canceled ‘Station 19’

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The sirens you hear on social media are the sounds of diehard Station 19 fans sounding the alarm over the cancellation of the Grey’s Anatomy spinoff.

Deadline: ESPN Responds To Pat McAfee’s Claims Executive Is “Trying To Sabotage” His Show

Story from Deadline:

ESPN is responding to claims made by Pat McAfee that an executive from within the sports network is “trying to sabotage” his show.

Daily Mail: As David Soul racked up five marriages, his fame became a burden

Story from Daily Mail:

Rarely has a screen heartthrob agonised over his fame as much as David Soul.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery renew movie agreement

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ Group and long-term partner Warner Bros. Discovery have renewed their agreement for the broadcast of first-run movies.

TBI Vision: Germany’s VOX rejigs execs with Marcel Amruschkewitz & Iris Preiß taking key roles

Story from TBI Vision:

RTL Group’s German network VOX has rejigged its top team with Marcel Amruschkewitz and Iris Preiß taking on expanded roles.

Star Channel will arrive in Portugal on February 7, replacing FOX

Our sister site Media Boy UK on X has seen reports that Star Channel will arrive in Portugal on February 7, replacing FOX.

TBI Vision; Buyers Profile: Sean Henry VP, Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA Kids Content Strategy & Partnerships, GSA, CEE, Benelux

Story from TBI Vision:

As the new year gets underway, TBI speaks to key buyers about the shows they want and the models being used to pay for them.

Deadline: ‘NCIS: Origins’ Prequel About Young Gibbs Ordered By CBS From Mark Harmon, Sean Harmon, Gina Lucita Monreal & David J. North

Story from Deadline:

Gibbs is returning to the NCIS universe as the lead of a new CBS drama, which serves as a prequel to the long-running procedural.

Deadline: UFC & WWE Unite

Story from Deadline:

Endeavor’s TKO Group has combined the UFC and WWE global partnerships teams as one unit, with Grant Norris-Jones at the helm.

Deadline: Disney And Apple Shareholders Will Get The Chance To Vote On AI Proposals After SEC Rebuffs Company Efforts To Table The Issue

Story from Deadline:

Shareholders of Disney and Apple will be given the chance to vote on proposals regarding the use of artificial intelligence, the Securities and Exchange Commission has determined.

Hollywood Reporter: Pat McAfee Claims an ESPN Executive Is “Attempting to Sabotage” His Show

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

ESPN host Pat McAfee is still making headlines.

Deadline: Max B/R Sports Offering Will Launch As Paid Add-On Later Than Expected Due To Tech Integration Process

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery plans to launch the paid version of its B/R Sports Add-On several months from now, a shift from the company’s initial guidance.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Corporate Communications Chief Nathaniel Brown to Exit

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery corporate communications chief Nathaniel Brown is exiting the company.

Hollywood Reporter; Why Lionsgate’s Studio Is Splitting Up With Starz: CEO Pitches the Plan to Investors

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer says spinning off his Hollywood film and TV studio business from Starz via a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) deal offers the best flexibility available before completing a planned and long-awaited full separation.

WBD/Paramount merger - Hollywood Reporter; The Vultures Are Circling: Who Will Walk Away With Paramount?

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The most consequential entertainment business story of 2024 was kickstarted by two pro operators having a pre-Christmas meal.

Hollywood Reporter: Glynis Johns, Who Played Mrs. Banks in ‘Mary Poppins,’ Dies at 100

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Glynis Johns, the upbeat leading lady with the British charm who starred as the spirited feminist mother Winifred Banks in Mary Poppins, has died.

Deadline: ESPN And NCAA Set New 8-Year Media Rights Deal Worth $920M, Extending College Sports Run That Began In 1979

Story from Deadline:

ESPN and the NCAA have agreed to an 8-year media rights deal, extending a run for college sports that began in 1979 when the all-sports cable network was in its infancy.

Deadline: ‘Magnum P.I.’ Star Jay Hernandez Wants Standalone Film; Says He Doesn’t “Love The Show Ending How It Did”

Story from Deadline:

NBC’s Magnum P.I. said goodbye tonight and series star Jay Hernandez is opening up about how he feels about the ending and whether or not there are talks of continuing the story.

Deadline; ‘Chicago Med’: First Photos Of Luke Mitchell As Dr. Mitch Ripley In Season 9 Premiere

Story from Deadline:

Dr. Mitch Ripley is officially on duty.

Deadline: ‘Aquaman’ Star Amber Heard Thanks Fans For “Overwhelming Support” In Mera’s Return

Story from Deadline:

Amber Heard reprised her role of Mera in Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

Deadline; John Ridley Reveals His Scrapped Marvel TV Series Was Based On ‘Eternals’: “My Version Was The Good Version”

Story from Deadline:

John Ridley is finally opening up about the Marvel series he was developing at ABC back in 2015.

Deadline: AMC Networks Promotes Scripted Execs

Story from Deadline:

AMC Networks has kicked off the new year with a slew of scripted promotions.

Deadline: Dylan Massin Joins Sony Pictures TV As Head Of Production; Adam Moos Expands Role

Story from Deadline:

Veteran producer Dylan Massin (The West Wing) has been named EVP of Production for Sony Pictures Television Studios.

Variety: CNN Launches Martha Stewart Documentary Series Under CNN Studios Banner

Story from Variety:

Martha Stewart didn’t talk to CNN for a new original documentary series the news outlet has produced about her. But she’s still the star of the show.

Variety: CNN Chief Digital Officer Athan Stephanopoulos to Exit

Story from Variety:

Athan Stephanopoulos will leave his role as chief digital officer of CNN as the news outlet’s new chief starts to implement his strategic vision for the Warner Bros. Discovery property.

Deadline: Disney Gains Board Nominee Support From Activist Investor ValueAct; Blackwells Capital Commits To Nominating Three Directors

Story from Deadline:

In a second wave of support for CEO Bob Iger and the Disney management team, Blackwells Capital and its affiliates have revealed plans to nominate three candidates to the company’s board of directors.

Deadline; BBC Hits Back At Complaints About Transgender ‘Doctor Who’ Character: “The Show Will Continue To Proudly Celebrate Diversity”

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has brushed off complaints from Doctor Who viewers who argued that the inclusion of Yasmin Finney‘s transgender character Rose was “inappropriate.”

Variety: Cheddar Staffers Reportedly Furloughed After Altice USA’s Sale of Millennial-Targeted News Division

Story from Variety:

The new owners of Cheddar News, once touted as a kind of next-generation financial news network ala CNBC, have furloughed staff members because of “unforeseen” circumstances, the New York Times reported.

Deadline: Second Steamboat Willie Horror Pic From Steven LaMorte Unveiled As Early Take On Mickey Mouse Hits Public Domain

Story from Deadline:

A second, as-yet-untitled horror film centered on Steamboat Willie, the earliest iteration of Disney’s beloved children’s character Mickey Mouse, is in the works from director-producer Steven LaMorte and the producers of Terrifier 2, the team announced on Tuesday.

Daily Mail: Mickey Mouse slasher film trailer debuts as it enters public domain

Story from Daily Mail:

The earliest known version of Mickey Mouse enters public domain today, and there is already a movie coming out which features the iconic character as a serial killer.

Deadline; ‘Coyote Vs. Acme’ First Photo: Voice Actor Eric Bauza Shares Image From Film

Story from Deadline:

What a dynamite idea!

Deadline: EchoStar Stock Falls 5% In First Trading Day After Dish Merger, A Key Step In Charlie Ergen’s Attempted Pivot From Pay-TV To Wireless

Story from Deadline:

Shares in EchoStar fell 5% on heavy volume Tuesday in their first trading day after the close of the company’s merger with corporate sibling Dish Network.

Broadcast Sport: Eurosport holds onto ATP Tour in France

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Eurosport has renewed its ATP Tour France broadcast rights deal until 2026.

Deadline: Ryan Reynolds Shares New ‘Deadpool 3’ Photo Donning Marvel Superhero Costume

Story from Deadline:

Ryan Reynolds is finishing the year by teasing Deadpool fans with a new photo of the actor donning the superhero costume.

Deadline; George R.R. Martin Updates Fans On Animated Projects At HBO: “We Have Moved Nine Voyages Over From Live Action to Animation”

Story from Deadline:

George R.R. Martin spent his New Year’s Eve updating fans on his animated projects that will be set in the world of A Song of Ice & Fire.

Deadline; Ana Ofelia Murguía Dies: Mexican Actress And Voice Of Mama Coco In Disney’s Oscar Winner Was 90

Story from Deadline:

Ana Ofelia Murguía, the Mexican actress who voiced the role of Mama Coco in Disney’s two-time Oscar-winning animated feature Coco, died Dec. 31.

Deadline: New United Football League Sets 8 Teams For Its Inaugural Season, Though None Out West

Story from Deadline:

A day after revealing on New Year’s Eve on Fox that the newly formed United Football League will kick off in June, co-owners Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia took to ESPN to unveil the cities and coaches for the inaugural season.

Deadline: XFL And USFL Confirm Merger, With Newly Formed United Football League To Debut In March; ESPN, Fox Sports Aboard

Story from Deadline:

Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia on Sunday unveiled plans for the United Football League, the new spring pro football league born from the merger of the XFL and USFL.

ID (Investigation Discovery) launch on D-Smart in Turkey

ID (Investigation Discovery) has started broadcasting on D-Smart in Turkey.