Deadline: Lionsgate Promotes Global Products & Experiences Execs Jerry Sabatini & Gene Rogers To SVPs

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate has elevated two executives in its global products and experiences division:

Deadline: eOne Reorganizes In Canada As ‘Orphan Black’ EP Replaces Tecca Crosby

Story from Deadline:

Canada‘s eOne division is rejigging following the Lionsgate buy, with Orphan Black EP Kerry Appleyard set to replace Tecca Crosby at the creative helm.

Broadband TV News: Swiss Confederation cool on Vodafone Italia-Swisscom deal

Story from Broadband TV News:

Switzerland’s largest political party has voiced its opposition to a deal between Vodafone and Swisscom over the sale of its Italian unit.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount Focuses on Earnings Growth But Wall Street Lacks Enthusiasm

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The stock of Paramount Global, led by CEO Bob Bakish, was in Wall Street analysts’ focus on Thursday as they dissected its fourth-quarter 2023 earnings report from late Wednesday for signs of its outlook and possible deal future.

RTÉ News: RTÉ musical plan had identified 'notoriously difficult endeavour'

Story from RTÉ News:

An internal RTÉ business plan, which analysed the strengths and weaknesses of 'Toy Show The Musical', identified that "musicals are a notoriously difficult endeavour, and success in this market is dependent on delivery of a product that exceeds significant expectations".

Daily Mail: Netflix 'expected to raise prices again' - months after previous hike

Story from Daily Mail:

Netflix is expected to hike its prices again this year, analysts warn - just months after the last increase.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount, Citing Experiment During Strikes, to Cut Costs Per Title For Films, Series

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

After the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes last year, and with every streaming service now laser-focused on profitability, Hollywood has been keeping a close watch on efforts to adjust content spend, either reducing spend overall, or finding ways to change the cost structure.

Broadband TV News: Paramount Global picks up 4.1m streaming subscribers

Story from Broadband TV News:

Direct-to-consumer losses at Paramount Global appear to have picked in 2022, a year ahead of plan.

Deadline: Fremantle Names CEOs For Italian Producers Wildside & The Apartment

Story from Deadline:

Sonia Rovai and Annamaria Morelli have been named as the new bosses of Wildside and The Apartment, respectively.

Irish News: Catherine Martin accused of ‘naive’ and ‘hands-off’ approach to RTE crisis

Story from Irish News:

The media minister has been accused of adopting a “hands-off” approach to the “depressing soap opera” at RTE.

Irish Times: Virgin Media Ireland has ‘no plans’ to add Sky Sports Tennis channel

Story from Irish Times:

Tennis fans who subscribe to Virgin Media Ireland’s pay-TV service are set to lose out as the cable provider has no plans to add Sky Sports Tennis to its channel line-up for customers who purchase the Sky Sports add-on.

Deadline: Planned Disney-Fox-Warner Bros. Discovery Bundle “Only Has A Subset Of Sports”, Paramount CEO Bob Bakish Says: “It’s Hard To Believe That’s Ideal”

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish derided a planned streaming venture backed by Disney, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery for having “only a subset of sports.”

Deadline: Lionsgate Television Cuts Overall & First-Look Deals Post eOne Acquisition

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate Television is reducing the number of its development deals by more than half, sources tell Deadline.

Deadline: Paramount Global Says It Will Take $1B Charge Related To Layoffs And Content Strategy Shifts

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global expects to take a $1 billion charge in the current quarter due to ongoing programming shifts and the layoffs it announced earlier this month.

Deadline: Paramount Global Q4 Earnings Nip Wall Street Forecasts But Ad Decline Hits Revenue; Company Projects Domestic Streaming Profit By 2025

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global’s earnings in the fourth quarter edged Wall Street forecasts, but a double-digit slide in advertising dragged down total revenue by 6%.

Deadline: Sylvester Stallone’s Paramount+ Drama ‘Tulsa King’ To Get Summer Run On CBS

Story from Deadline:

Following the successful run of Yellowstone on CBS, another Taylor Sheridan series is getting a lineaer window on the linear network.

Deadline: NBC News Announces Expanded Leadership Roles For Three Executives

Story from Deadline:

NBC News announced that it has expanded the leadership roles of three executives.

Deadline: NBC Orders ‘The Hunting Party’ Crime Procedural Series

Story from Deadline:

NBC has handed a series order to The Hunting Party, a high-concept crime procedural from JJ Bailey, The Endgame co-creator Jake Coburn and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Deadline: Dan Lin Replacing Scott Stuber As Netflix Film Chief

Story from Deadline:

Deadline has learned that producer Dan Lin is taking over for Scott Stuber as Netflix‘s top film boss. Lin begins his new role April 1 and will report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer.

Deadline: Disney-Fox-Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Bundle Raises “More Questions Than Answers” For Nexstar Exec Mike Biard, But He Sees Upside If Venture Does “Actually Launch”

Story from Deadline:

Nexstar President and COO Mike Biard says there has been “significant misinterpretation and market overreaction” to the sports streaming bundle announced by Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery.

RTÉ News: RTÉ DG tells staff he is determined to 'rebuild trust'

Story from RTÉ News:

The Director General of RTÉ has said he is determined to rebuild trust and pride for the staff working at the station.

Broadband TV News: Telia Denmark receives regulatory approval for Norlys sale

Story from Broadband TV News:

Telia Company has today received regulatory approval from the Danish Competition Council for the DKK 6.25 billion (£7.7 million) sale of its Danish unit to the integrated energy and telecommunications provider Norlys.

Advanced Television: Canal+ ordered to make MultiChoice offer

Story from Advanced Television:

South Africa’s Takeover Regulations Panel (TRP) has ruled that French media company Canal+, owned by Vivendi, must make a mandatory offer immediately to buy the remaining shares of pay-TV company MultiChoice.

Deadline: Phil Mattingly Named CNN’s Chief Domestic Correspondent Following Network’s Overhaul Of Morning Show

Story from Deadline:

Phil Mattingly will serve as CNN‘s chief domestic correspondent, taking on a new role after the network overhauled CNN This Morning.

Deadline: Disney And Reliance Clinch Joint Venture In India

Story from Deadline:

Disney and Reliance have announced an anticipated deal in India to merge their respective digital streaming and television assets, creating “a world class leader across entertainment and sports,” the companies said today.

Deadline: Endeavor Declines To Take Questions From Wall Street On Earnings Call As It Evaluates Strategic Alternatives – Will Update “When There Is More Information To Share”

Story from Deadline:

Endeavor opted not to take questions on a call with analysts after quarterly earnings today, citing a strategic review process announced last fall.

Deadline: Disney India-Reliance Industries Merger Nears Binding Agreement

Story from Deadline:

Reliance Industries and Disney India are set to sign a binding agreement to merge their assets, according to local reports.

Broadband TV News: United Group completes the acquisition of Bulsatcom

Story from Broadband TV News:

United Group has completed its acquisition of the Bulgarian DTH satellite platform and broadband internet provider Bulsatcom.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Drops as Wall Street Reacts to Earnings and Lack of Guidance

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery and its stock were in Wall Street’s focus Friday as analysts dissected its fourth-quarter and 2023 earnings report and management’s lack of outright 2024 guidance.

CNN: Warner Bros. Discovery plans to close New Zealand TV news channel

Story from CNN:

One of New Zealand’s two free-to-air television networks said on Wednesday it was proposing to close its newsroom operations, television news broadcasts and website from June 30, with the loss of up to 200 media jobs.

Variety; All3Media International Boards ‘The Accidental President,’ About Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: ‘Putin Has Been Aided by Neighboring Poodle Alexander Lukashenko’

Story from Variety:

All3Media International has boarded documentary “The Accidental President” about Belarusian political activist – and 2020 presidential candidate – Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.

Variety: Sony Pictures Television Sells ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Nordics, Benelux Format Rights to Warner Bros.

Story from Variety:

In what marks Sony Pictures Television’s (SPT) first international format deal for its non-fiction unit since its distribution takeover in 2022, SPT has sold the Nordics and Benelux region format rights of “So You Think You Can Dance” to Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP).

Variety; Dave Bautista Says ‘Drax Is Over’ but ‘I’m Not Done’ With Superhero Movies: I Want the ‘Opportunity’ to Do a ‘Bigger’ and ‘Deeper Role … an Ominous Villain’

Story from Variety:

Dave Bautista says the door is closed on ever playing Drax the Destroyer again following last year’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” but that doesn’t mean his comic book movie tenure is over for good.

RTÉ News: Martin tells Dáil 'deeply appreciative' of ex-RTÉ Chair

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has said she is "deeply appreciative" of former RTÉ Board Chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh's commitment to public service broadcasting.

RTÉ News: Grim RTÉ debacle rolls on as breakdown of Martin and Ní Raghallaigh's relationship revealed

Story from RTÉ News:

The breakdown of the relationship between Minister for Media Catherine Martin and former chair of the RTÉ Board Siún Ní Raghallaigh was revealed, in some detail, in Oireachtas Committee Room 2.

Variety: Warner Bros. Pictures Animation Hires Kim Mackey and Jessie Carbonaro, Elevates Susan Akinbola

Story from Variety:

Growing its executive team under president Bill Damaschke, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has hired Kim Mackey and Jessie Carbonaro as executive vice president of production and vice president of production talent, respectively.

Deadline: Endeavor-Run TKO Group Posts Revenue Of $614M In Its First Full Quarter

Story from Deadline:

Endeavor-controlled ring sports giant TKO Group Holdings reported $614 million in total revenue in the fourth quarter, along with a slight dip in UFC profits.

Deadline: Lionsgate Television Group Ups 3 Execs In Business Affairs

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate Television Group has promoted three company veterans in its business affairs department. Ashley Morales has been elevated to EVP, Television Business Affairs, Elisabeth James Rhee to SVP, Business Affairs & Labor Relations, and Keith Warren to SVP, Television Business Affairs, the company announced today.

Deadline: MGM+ Names Michael Katzer As Head Of International

Story from Deadline:

MGM+‘s Michael Katzer is relocating to London to become the streamer’s Head of International.

Deadline: MTV Vet And Revolt Co-Founder Andy Schuon Appointed President Of AXS TV And HDNet Movies

Story from Deadline:

Andy Schuon, an MTV and VH1 vet who also co-founded Revolt Media & TV, has been named president of Anthem Sports & Entertainment properties AXS TV and HDNet Movies.

WBD/Paramount merger - CNBC: Warner Bros. Discovery halts merger talks with Paramount Global, sources say

Story from CNBC:

Warner Bros. Discovery has gone “pencils down” on a potential acquisition of Paramount Global, halting talks after several months of kicking the tires on merging the media companies, according to people familiar with the matter.

RTÉ News: Inclusivity report recommends more women's sport on TV

Story from RTÉ News:

A report on inclusion in sport has been launched by the joint committee on Tourism Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Deadline: SAG-AFTRA Says Catherine Herridge’s Files Have Been Returned To Her By CBS News

Story from Deadline:

SAG-AFTRA said that CBS News has returned correspondent Catherine Herridge‘s files, even though the network has disputed that they had seized her material after she was laid off.

RTÉ News: RTÉ Chair indicated she'd resign if Martin sent letter, cttee told

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has told an Oireachtas committee that the former Chair of the RTÉ Board, Siún Ní Raghallaigh, had indicated she would resign if a letter was sent from the Department.

Deadline; Jon Stewart Breaks Down In Tears Paying Tribute To OG ‘Daily Show’ Dog Crew Member Dipper: “In A World Of Good Boys, He Was The Best”

Story from Deadline:

Things got emotional for Jon Stewart three episodes into his return to The Daily Show.

Deadline; Nicolle Wallace Makes Return To MSNBC’s ‘Deadline: White House’ Following Maternity Leave: “I Have Missed Everyone”

Story from Deadline:

Nicolle Wallace finally returned to MSNBC‘s Deadline: White House following her maternity leave.

Deadline; Disney Shakeup: Sean Bailey Exits As President Of Walt Disney Motion Picture Studios, Searchlight’s David Greenbaum Takes Over & Also Will Run 20th

Story from Deadline:

Effective immediately, Walt Disney‘s President of Motion Picture Studios Sean Bailey, who turned the company’s animation vault into a multibillion-dollar live-action movie business, is departing after 15 years on the lot. Searchlight co-president David Greenbaum will take on a newly created role.

Deadline: ‘Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters’ Reality Series Set At ITV & Plimsoll; U.S. Adaptation In Works

Story from Deadline:

ITV and UK-based natural history producer Plimsoll Productions (Super/Natural, A Bug’s Life), an ITV Studios company, have teamed on Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, a reality series that is not for the celebrity faint-of-heart.

Deadline: Disney+ EMEA Boss To Become President Of The Economist

Story from Deadline:

Disney+ EMEA General Manager Luke Bradley-Jones is exiting to become President of The Economist.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ increases its stake in Viu to 30%

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ is continuing its expansion into Asia by increasing its stake in OTT streaming service Viu.

Deadline: Paramount Global’s Lisa Kramer On New Paramount+ Branded Hub In Africa & The Changing World Of TV Distribution

Story from Deadline:

The news when Deadline speaks to Lisa Kramer is the launch of a Paramount+ branded hub with African pay-TV giant MultiChoice.

Advanced Television: Kinnevik’s Tele2 stake acquired by Freya

Story from Advanced Television:

Freya Investissement, a special investment vehicle jointly owned by iliad and NJJ Holding, has entered into a binding agreement to acquire approximately 19.8 per cent of the share capital of Tele2 from Kinnevik, an investment company focused on digital consumer businesses.

RTÉ News: New RTÉ chairperson may be appointed 'as early as next week'

Story from RTÉ News:

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the Government intends to appoint a new chairperson of RTÉ as early as next week.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Picks Up Film.UA’s Ukrainian Thriller ‘Between Us’ For CEE

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery has picked up Film.UA‘s Ukrainian psychological thriller Between Us for the CEE region.

BizAsia: Viacom18-Star India merger expected to be announced this week

Story from BizAsia:

The huge merger between Viacom18 and Star India is expected to be announced this week.

BizAsia: Sony denies reports of acquiring stake in OTT platform, Aha

Story from BizAsia:

Sony Pictures Networks India has denied reports that it is planning to acquire a stake in the South Indian OTT platform, Arha Media & Broadcasting, the operator of Aha – owned by Geetha Arts and My Home Group.

RTÉ News: Dept told in October of exit payment approvals by RTÉ Board

Story from RTÉ News:

It has emerged that officials from the Department of Media were told last October that a subcommittee of the RTÉ Board was approving exit payments.

Digital TV Europe: Canal+ renews Champions League rights in French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Leading French pay TV outfit, Canal Plus, has renewed the rights to the UEFA Champions League in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa running until 2027.

RTÉ News: Media Minister to appear before Oireachtas committee

Story from RTÉ News:

The Minister for Media will appear before an Oireachtas committee next week to answer questions on the fallout from the resignation of the chair of the RTÉ Board, Siún Ní Raghallaigh, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

RTÉ News: RTÉ's never-ending crisis plunges to new depths

Story from RTÉ News:

The sprawling, never-ending crisis at RTÉ has plunged to new depths this weekend with the resignation of its chair in what Sinn Féin said amounted to a "public sacking".

Hollywood Reporter: As ‘Coyote vs. Acme’ Hangs in the Balance, Warner Bros. Discovery Takes $115M Write-Down on Mystery Projects

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Those following the saga of Coyote vs. Acme waited with bated breath Friday for Warner Bros. Discovery‘s earnings report to hint at any signs of the animated film’s fate.

Deadline: Vin Diesel Confirms ‘Fast & Furious’ Franchise Ending, Teases “Grand Finale”

Story from Deadline:

The end is near, says Vin Diesel. But he promises it will indeed be a grand finale.

Deadline: Actor In Original ‘Top Gun’ Claims Paramount Used His Image In Sequel Without Consent

Story from Deadline:

The actor who played “Wolfman” in the original Top Gun is suing Paramount Pictures over what he claims is the unauthorized use of his likeness in the 2022 sequel.

Deadline: Vice News Chief Subrata De Leaves Amid Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

Subrata De, one of the most high-ranking executives at Vice Media, is leaving the youth-skewing company.

Deadline: Nicolle Wallace To Return To MSNBC Show On Monday

Story from Deadline:

Nicolle Wallace said that she would be returning to anchor MSNBC‘s Deadline: White House on Monday.

Deadline: ‘9-1-1’ Adds Rick Cosnett To Season 7 Cast

Story from Deadline:

Rick Cosnett is joining the upcoming seventh season of 9-1-1 in a key recurring role. In its first season on ABC after its cancellation by Fox, the new season is set on a cruise ship with harrowing experiences ahead.

Variety: MotorTrend+ Streaming Service Will Shut Down, With Most Subscribers to Be Migrated to Discovery+

Story from Variety:

It’s the end of the road for Warner Bros. Discovery‘s MotorTrend+ automotive streaming service.

Deadline; Warner Bros. Discovery Chief David Zaslav On How Sports Streaming Bundle With Disney And Fox Will Help Viewers: “You Won’t Be Thinking, ‘What Channel Is It On?'”

Story from Deadline:

In his first public comments about a planned sports streaming joint venture with Disney and Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said it will increase the companies’ reach and not add to their cord-cutting woes.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Becomes First Hollywood Conglomerate to Turn Full-Year Streaming Profit, Hitting $103M

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery has become the first Hollywood conglomerate to turn a profit for its streaming unit for a full year.

Variety: ‘Superman: Legacy’ to Begin Filming Next Week; David Zaslav Says News Is ‘Optimistic’ After ‘Studio Has Really Been Underperforming’

Story from Variety:

During Friday’s Q4 earnings call, David Zaslav, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO, said that James Gunn‘s “Superman: Legacy” will start filming next week.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Price Plummets After Q4 Earnings Report

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery shares sank 10% on Friday following the company’s Q4 earnings report that showed financial progress for the Max streaming service but weakness in key areas including advertising sales.

RTÉ News: Conclusion to current RTÉ saga looks as elusive as ever

Story from RTÉ News:

Long before the arrival of RTÉ a particular brand of storytelling was woven deep into Irish culture.

RTÉ News: Ní Raghallaigh tenure dominated by RTÉ controversies

Story from RTÉ News:

Lasting just over 14 months, Siún Ní Raghallaigh's term as Chair of the RTÉ Board ended abruptly overnight, with an emailed statement of resignation after the Minister for Media Catherine Martin refused to express confidence in her.

RTÉ News: Taoiseach expresses confidence in Martin after RTÉ Chair resignation

Story from RTÉ News:

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin have both expressed confidence in Minister for Media Catherine Martin following the resignation of the Chair of the RTÉ Board.

RTÉ News: Minister contradicts RTÉ Board claim over exit package information

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has reiterated her position that led to the resignation of RTÉ chairperson Siún Ní Raghallaigh.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Q4 Hit By Soft Advertising, Strike Impact; “We Have An Attack Plan For 2024” – David Zaslav

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery saw revenue dip but losses narrow in the last quarter of 2023. Free cash flow grew — a key metric that allows the David Zaslav-led media giant to continue chipping away at its hefty debt, which it is doing.

Deadline: SAG-AFTRA Says Catherine Herridge’s Files Have Been Returned To Her By CBS News

Story from Deadline:

SAG-AFTRA said that CBS News has returned correspondent Catherine Herridge‘s files, even though the network has disputed that they had seized her material after she was laid off.

Deadline: Tom Cruise To Star In Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Next Film At Warner Bros. And Legendary

Story from Deadline:

Sources tell Deadline that Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment are in negotiations for an untitled Alejandro G. Iñárritu film starring Tom Cruise.

Media Guardian: Vice Media to lay off hundreds of workers and stop publishing on its site

Story from Media Guardian:

Vice plans to lay off hundreds of employees next week and stop publishing on Vice.com, according to a memo sent to staffers by Bruce Dixon, the Vice Media chief.

Deadline: Vice Comms Chief Jonathan Bing Leaves To Set Up New Shop As Questions Raised Over Future Of Youth-Skewing Brand

Story from Deadline:

Vice Media is in a state of flux as its new owners decide on a long-term strategy for the beleaguered youth media brand.

Deadline: Lionsgate & BBC Studios Deal, Which Spawned CBS’ ‘Ghosts’, Ends As Rachel Bendavid & Angie Stephenson Get New Roles At U.S. Arm Of UK Broadcaster

Story from Deadline:

Hit CBS comedy Ghosts came out of an interesting deal between BBC Studios, the production arm of the British public broadcaster, and Lionsgate.

Deadline; ‘Superman: Legacy’ Cast Photo Unveiled By James Gunn On Social; Glimpse Of Nicholas Hoult As Lex Luthor

Story from Deadline:

To celebrate the ramp up of Superman: Legacy‘s production in Atlanta, director/scribe and co-DC boss James Gunn posted a photo of the cast on Instagram today.

RTÉ News: Minister 'deeply disappointed' over approval of RTÉ exit package

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has said she is "deeply disappointed" to learn that the RTÉ Board had approved an exit package for former chief financial officer Richard Collins.

Deadline: Viaplay Q4 Results Show Signs Of Green Shoots But Write-Downs And “Provisions” Serve As Reminder Of Brutal 2023

Story from Deadline:

Viaplay has posted organic group sales for Q4 up 3.4% and saw comparable losses shorten, as the Scandi streamer continues to reshape its business after a brutal 2023.

Deadline: Mark Ruffalo Says Sequel To ‘The Incredible Hulk’ Might Be Too Expensive

Story from Deadline:

Even though they’d save money on clothes, Mark Ruffalo feels a sequel to The Incredible Hulk might be too expensive.

Deadline: Robert Lawson Promoted To Tokyo-Based SVP Corp Comms Post For Sony Group

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Chief Communications Officer Robert Lawson is being upped to SVP, Corporate Communications for the entire Sony Group.

Hollywood Reporter: Marvel’s Newest Superhero Takes the Wheel

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

On the day of Geraldine Viswanathan’s THR interview, the actress is in the middle of an overstuffed week of promotion for her starring role in Ethan Coen’s latest film, Drive-Away Dolls, which, until that point, was the biggest thing to happen to her career.

Hollywood Reporter: Inside Disney’s Shadow Succession Game

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In the bowels of the Washington Hilton in April, just hours before the White House Correspondents’ dinner, several ABC News staffers were seen hastily carrying furniture, including couches and high-top tables, out of a room on the terrace level of the hotel that was about to host executives and talent at the network’s pre-dinner reception.

Deadline: Amazon Insists “No Changes” Coming To Freevee Despite Reports Of Potential Shutdown

Story from Deadline:

Amazon is pushing back against recent industry chatter and a new press report indicating that it is planning to shut down Freevee.

RTÉ News: Govt considering bringing RTÉ under remit of C&AG, says Taoiseach

Story from RTÉ News:

The Taoiseach has said the Government is considering bringing RTÉ under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Variety; Warner Bros. Spends Big: ‘Joker 2’ Budget Hits $200 Million, Lady Gaga’s $12 Million Payday, Courting Tom Cruise’s New Deal and More

Story from Variety:

In January, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group chiefs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy jetted to London to connect with the new crown jewel of the studio, Tom Cruise.

Broadband TV News: Court settles IPTV dispute between RTL and cable operator

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Munich Higher Regional Court has made a landmark judgement on retransmission rights for free-TV channels.

Deadline: Game On! Disney, Warner Bros Discovery & Fox Pummeled By Fubo TV Antitrust Suit Over Proposed Sports Mega-Streamer

Story from Deadline:

The planned sports streamer team-up between Disney, Warner Bros Discovery and Fox may be stuck at the starting line if Fubo TV gets its way in court.

Deadline: Investigation Discovery Hires Ample’s Kathryn Vaughan As Production Chief

Story from Deadline:

Investigation Discovery has a new production chief.

Digital TV Europe: MultiChoice takes Disney linear channels until 2027

Story from Digital TV Europe:

South Africa-based pay TV operator MultiChoice has signed a multi-year distribution deal with The Walt Disney Company Africa to carry Disney’s portfolio of linear channels on the DStv platform until 2027.

Variety: Fremantle Set to Acquire Asacha Media Group

Story from Variety:

Fremantle has inked a deal to acquire Asacha Media Group from Oaktree Capital Management L.P.

Digital TV Europe: Vodafone Spain strikes deal to make DAZN available to TV subs

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Vodafone España has struck a deal with sports streamer DAZN that will see it make all of DAZN’s packages available to its TV subscribers from tomorrow.

Digital TV Europe: US DoJ set to probe Disney-Warner Bros. Discovery-Fox sports streamer plan

Story from Digital TV Europe:

The US Department of Justice is to probe the joint sports streaming platform that Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox plan to establish in the US, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Broadband TV News: DAZN names French CEO

Story from Broadband TV News:

DAZN has hired former Canal+ executive Brice Daumin to oversee its French operations.

Broadband TV News: Sky Deutschland cuts down movie channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky Deutschland is focusing its range of linear movie channels on Sky Cinema Premiere, Sky Cinema Classics, Sky Cinema Action, Sky Cinema Family and Sky Cinema Highlights from April 11, 2024.

RTÉ News: Former 2FM presenter Chris Greene withdraws allegations against RTÉ at WRC

Story from RTÉ News:

Former 2FM presenter Chris Greene has withdrawn all of his allegations against RTÉ at the Workplace Relations Commission.

RTÉ News: 'Maximum transparency that is legally possible' needed from RTÉ - Varadkar

Story from RTÉ News:

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that the Government is looking for the "maximum transparency that is legally possible" from RTÉ when it comes to exit packages.

Broadband TV News: Disney set to be the big winner in the return to content licensing

Story from Broadband TV News:

The number of TV seasons cross-licensed between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max and Discovery+ more than tripled in 2023, while the overlap between Amazon and the streaming studios also grew significantly.

Digital TV Europe: Ziggo Sports lands Dutch rights to Top Rank Boxing

Story from Digital TV Europe:

VodafoneZiggo’s sports provider, Ziggo Sports, has acquired the rights to Top Rank Boxing, broadcasting at least 20 events every year.

Hollywood Reporter; Inside Sony’s ‘Madame Web’ Collapse: Forget About a New Franchise

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The trailer buzz was worrisome, advance ticket sales anemic.

RTÉ: Minister tells RTÉ DG of her 'concern' over exit packages

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has said she told RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst of her "concern and frustration" at the ongoing row regarding exit packages at the broadcaster.

Advanced Television: Zee overhauling business

Story from Advanced Television:

Most observers do not expect there to be any resurrection of the Zee merger with Sony’s India assets.

Advanced Television: Warner Bros Discovery acquires slate of unscripted content

Story from Advanced Television:

Warner Bros Discovery has acquired eight unscripted series for its linear networks in European markets, including two UK originals from Prime Video, Amazon Originals, The Grand Tour and Clarkson’s Farm, Seasons One and Two.

Broadband TV News: Bulgaria approves United Groups takeover of Bulsatscom

Story from Broadband TV News:

Bulgaria’s competition authority has given the all clear to the takeover of the pay-TV operator Bulsatcom by the Dutch-based United Group.

Deadline: NBC’s ‘Today’ Scrambled To Find New Guest Host After Kelly Rowland Walked Out Over Dressing Room Dispute

Story from Deadline:

NBC News’ Today with Hoda & Jenna had to scramble to find a guest host this week after singer Kelly Rowland left.

Deadline; ‘Last Week Tonight’: John Oliver Returns To HBO

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver started a new season of Last Week Tonight on HBO with a million-dollar offer to Clarence Thomas.

Deadline: Kate Snow To Step Down As Anchor Of Sunday Edition Of ‘NBC Nightly News,’ Will Focus On Daytime Newscast And Correspondent Role

Story from Deadline:

Kate Snow is stepping down as anchor of NBC Nightly News on Sundays, and will focus on the weekday NBC News Daily and her role as senior national correspondent.

RTÉ News: Minister for Media Catherine Martin requests meeting with RTÉ DG and Chair tomorrow morning

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has requested RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst and Chair of the RTÉ Board Siún Ní Raghallaigh meet with her in the Department tomorrow morning.

RTÉ News: RTÉ DG Kevin Bakhurst issues statement on executives' departures

Story from RTÉ News:

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst has confirmed that former Director of Strategy Rory Coveney received an exit payment when he stood down from his role last July.

RTÉ News: RTÉ crisis - how will it end?

Story from RTÉ News:

It was supposed to be the beginning of the end - RTÉ management and board members would go before the Oireachtas Media Committee, for one more joust, and the curtain would come down on its investigation.

RTÉ News: O'Keeffe's exit payment recorded as €400k in RTÉ report

Story from RTÉ News:

The €450,000 exit payment for RTÉ's former chief financial officer Breda O'Keeffe was recorded as €400,000 in the company's 2020 annual report.

RTÉ News: Martin assured by RTÉ DG that O'Keeffe exit deal compliant

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has said she has been assured by RTÉ's Director General Kevin Bakhurst that the €450,000 payment to the organisation's former finance boss was compliant with the rules and does not need to be reassessed.

RTÉ News: PAC chair calls for ex-RTÉ CFO Breda O'Keeffe to pay back €450,000 exit payment

Story from RTÉ News:

The chair of the Public Accounts Committee has said he believes former RTÉ chief financial officer Breda O'Keeffe has a "moral obligation" to pay back the €450,000 she received as an exit payment.

RTÉ News: Established oversights in relation to RTÉ musical 'deliberately circumvented', committee told

Story from RTÉ News:

The Oireachtas Media Committee has been told by a current RTÉ Board member that former Director General Dee Forbes and former Director of Strategy Rory Coveney "deliberately circumvented" established oversights in relation to Toy Show The Musical.

Deadline; Margot Robbie & Colin Farrell’s Next Movie ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’ Sells Worldwide To Sony In First Major EFM Deal: Berlin Market Has Liftoff!

Story from Deadline:

The EFM market has lift off! In the first major worldwide pact done on the ground here in Berlin, Sony Pictures has tied up a deal in the $50M range for Margot Robbie (Barbie) and Colin Farrell (The Batman) package A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, which is one of the market’s hottest scripts.

Variety: Trian’s Disney Shares Have Gained $500 Million in Value So Far This Month. Why Is Activist Investor Nelson Peltz Still Unhappy?

Story from Variety:

Nelson Peltz, the activist investor who runs hedge fund Trian Partners, believes urgent change is needed at Disney.

Broadband TV News: Setanta Sports secures international Bundesliga rights

Story from Broadband TV News:

Bundesliga International and Setanta Sports have agreed to an expansion of their broadcast rights partnership, which includes the renewal of 10 Eurasian markets and the additional inclusion of three Baltic territories.

Variety: Comcast, Paramount Global Held Early Talks About a Peacock-Paramount+ Combination

Story from Variety:

Could Paramount+ and NBCUniversal’s Peacock join forces to take on the streaming sector’s bigger guns?

Digital TV Europe: Liberty Global’s big restructure

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Liberty Global made a raft of big announcements today that could radically reshape the company.

Deadline: Layoffs To Come At IMG Media’s Production Arm In London

Story from Deadline:

One of the UK’s biggest sports producers could lay off around 5% of staff as the troubling economic headwinds hit the world of sports production.

Deadline: All3Media Sale Saga Ends With RedBird IMI Confirming Acquisition Of ‘The Traitors’ Maker For $1.45B

Story from Deadline:

The All3Media sale saga has drawn to a close after almost a year with RedBird IMI confirming the acquisition of The Traitors superindie from Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global for $1.45B.

Deadline: The CW Wants To Rival The Broadcast Networks But Brad Schwartz Needs To Find His Next Hit First

Story from Deadline:

Brad Schwartz, President of Entertainment at The CW, has “ambitious” goals.

Deadline: Noggin Preschool Streaming Service Shut Down By Paramount

Story from Deadline:

Noggin, Paramount Global‘s interactive learning subscription service for preschoolers, is shutting down, sources tell Deadline.

Variety: Sony Pictures TV Game Show Head Suzanne Prete Upped to President

Story from Variety:

Sony Pictures Television vet Suzanne Prete, who has driven the studio’s game show division since its launch in 2022, has been upped to president.

Variety: A+E Networks Promotes Kannie Yu LaPack to Executive Vice President of Publicity, Public Affairs, Social Media for Lifetime and A+E Studios

Story from Variety:

A+E Networks announced that Kannie Yu LaPack has been elevated to executive vice president, publicity, public affairs and social media for Lifetime, LMN and A+E Studios.

Hollywood Reporter: New CW Regime Defends Its Radical Shift in Focus

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

“We’re ready for people to stop writing about the Big Four networks and start writing the Big Five,” announced Brad Schwartz, The CW’s president of entertainment, at the top of a Thursday morning meeting with TV press.

New York Post: Paramount shares plunge after Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway cuts stake in media giant

Story from New York Post:

Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway sold a third of its stake in embattled media giant Paramount, according to a regulatory filing Wednesday — sending the embattled company’s stock plummeting more than 7% in after-hours trading.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney+ Readies Its Password Crackdown Era

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Disney is the latest streaming giant to jump into a password-sharing crackdown, with its efforts to make money from the effort set to begin in earnest this summer.

Broadband TV News: Eurosport’s Olympic pop-up available on INEA

Story from Broadband TV News:

Customers on Poland’s INEA network will benefit from eight pop-up channels being run by Eurosport for the duration of the Olympic Games.

Deadline: Kim Godwin Extends Deal To Remain President Of ABC News

Story from Deadline:

Kim Godwin has extended her deal to remain as president of ABC News.

Deadline: Debra OConnell Adds ABC News Oversight As President Of News Group & Networks For Disney Entertainment

Story from Deadline:

Disney veteran Debra O'Connell has been elevated to the new role of president, News Group and Networks, Disney Entertainment.

Deadline: Disney Tells Shareholders The Company Is Better Off “With Bob Iger At The Helm” In Response To Nelson Peltz’s “Spaghetti-Against-The-Wall” Slam

Story from Deadline:

In a letter to shareholders Wednesday, the Walt Disney Co. said it is better off “with Bob Iger at the helm” and without board representatives from activist firms like Nelson Peltz‘s Trian Fund Management.

Broadband TV News: Warner Bros. Discovery to launch TLC in France

Story from Broadband TV News:

Warner Bros. Discovery is launching TLC in the French market on February 26.

Deadline; ‘FBI International’: Heida Reed Shares Message With Fans After Her Character Is Written Off In Season Premiere

Story from Deadline:

Heida Reed sent a message to fans following her exit in last night’s Season 3 premiere of FBI: International, thanking them “for letting Jamie into your hearts Agent Kellett out!,” she wrote on Instagram Wednesday morning.

Deadline: Recovering German Giant ProSiebenSat.1 Says It Ended 2023 On “Good Note” As Q3 Earnings Of $358.5M Exceed Expectations

Story from Deadline:

Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 Media says it ended 2023 on “a good note” after posting earnings of €335M ($358.5M) in its fourth quarter financials.

Deadline: Sony Pictures Entertainment Third-Quarter Profits Jump 57% To $281M

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Entertainment recorded profits of $281 million for the third-quarter of fiscal year 2023, a 57% hike versus the comparable period in 2022.

Deadline: Jon Stewart’s Return To ‘The Daily Show’ Scores Big Ratings For Comedy Central

Story from Deadline:

Jon Stewart scored big numbers for his return to The Daily Show.

Deadline: CBS News Lays Off 20 Amid Paramount Global’s Companywide Cuts; Catherine Herridge And Jeff Pegues Among Those Impacted

Story from Deadline:

The companywide layoffs at Paramount Global on Tuesday impacted about 20 employees at CBS News, including correspondents Catherine Herridge and Jeff Pegues, several sources said.

Deadline; Paramount Global Layoffs: Paramount TV Studios Combines Development & Current, Other Senior Executives Impacted

Story from Deadline:

Details are starting to emerge about the major round of layoffs Tuesday at Paramount Global impacting about 800 employees in the U.S.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount to Lay Off 800 Staffers as CEO Unveils Broad “Streamlining Costs” Effort

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish recently asked his staff to prioritize “managing costs” and earnings growth amid expectations of looming layoffs and deal chatter surrounding the entertainment giant.

Broadband TV News: Ekstraklasa back on free-to-air TV in Poland

Story from Broadband TV News:

TVP Sport has secured free-to-air rights to top flight football following a sublicensing agreement with Canal+.

BizAsia: ZEE releases statement over reports of Disney Star taking legal action for pulling out of ICC rights deal

Story from BizAsia:

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has released a statement over reports that Disney Star is mulling legal action for pulling out of the ICC rights deal.

Deadline: SiriusXM Layoffs Hit 3% Of Workforce

Story from Deadline:

Satellite audio firm SiriusXM is trimming its global workforce by about 3% in an effort to become “more efficient, agile, and flexible,” CEO Jennifer Witz wrote in a memo to employees.

Deadline: Jon Stewart Returns To ‘The Daily Show’ & He’s Excited

Story from Deadline:

“Welcome to The Daily Show, my name is Jon Stewart.”

Deadline: Disney Plugs Earnings, ‘Fortnite’ & ‘Eras Tour’ Deals In Letter To Shareholders Amid Ongoing Proxy Fight

Story from Deadline:

Disney touted its latest financials, a dividend hike and projects around sports, Fortnite and Taylor Swift as it urged stockholders to elect its board candidates at the upcoming annual meeting — not directors nominated by activist investors that it says will gum up the works as management “successfully executes a strategic transformation of the company.”

Deadline: Apollo Distancing Orbit From National Amusements Buyout As The Pursuit Of Paramount Global Continues

Story from Deadline:

We are hearing that Apollo Global Management, which was mulling an offer for National Amusements, the Redstone family company that controls Paramount Global, is no longer considering the move.

Hollywood Reporter: Amazon Prime Video Ad Tier Sparks Class Action Lawsuit From Subscribers

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Amazon is facing a lawsuit accusing it of misleading Prime subscribers by charging them an additional fee to stream movies and TV shows without ads.

Deadline: Jason Wormser Named Senior Vice President of CW Sports

Story from Deadline:

Jason Wormser has been named Senior Vice President of CW Sports.

Broadband TV News: BBC Studios appoints Bartosz Witak General Manager for CEE

Story from Broadband TV News:

A former ViacomCBS executive is taking over as BBC Studios’ General Manager for the Central and Eastern Europe region.

Broadband TV News: VodafoneZiggo appoints Thomas Helbo as Chief Technology Officer

Story from Broadband TV News:

Thomas Helbo has been named as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at VodafoneZiggo.

Deadline; ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Trailer: Marvel Drops Long-Awaited Preview During Super Bowl

Story from Deadline:

At long last, Marvel Studios has unveiled the first trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine, the superhero flick promising a team-up between Ryan Reynolds’ Merc with a Mouth and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, which is slated to hit theaters on July 26, having been delayed a couple of months by last year’s double strikes.

Deadline: ‘The Good Doctor’ EP David Shore Explains Why Drama Is Ending After Seven Seasons

Story from Deadline:

Why end The Good Doctor? Was it ABC’s decision? Did the show run its course after seven seasons?

Deadline; ‘The Rookie: Feds’ Creator Alexi Hawley On Drama’s Demise: It Wasn’t Just Due To The Strike, He Says

Story from Deadline:

The Rookie: Feds Creator Alexi Hawley expressed regret on Saturday about the cancellation of The Rookie: Feds, an ABC procedural that he said was a victim of economics and “consolidation in the industry.”

Deadline: Disney’s Craig Erwich Looks To Settle Linear Vs. Streaming Debate, Shares Stats On ‘The Rookie’, ‘OMITB’, ‘Abbott’ & ‘Golden Bachelor’

Story from Deadline:

Once the 800 lb gorillas of television viewing, the broadcast networks have seen their statute diminished, with viewing migrating to streaming.

Deadline: Craig Erwich On Future Of Freeform Original Scripted Programming

Story from Deadline:

Part two of Good Trouble’s fifth and final season is currently airing on Freeform, followed by Part two of grown-ish‘s sixth and final season in the spring.

Deadline; ABC Chief Craig Erwich Talks ‘Grey’s Anatomy’s Future: “The Show Is Creatively As Strong As It’s Ever Been”

Story from Deadline:

Ahead of ABC‘s Grey’s Anatomy‘s 20th Season premiere on March 14, Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group that includes ABC Entertainment, spoke about the show’s future during the network’s TCA presentation on Saturday.

Deadline; ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Jessica Capshaw & Alex Landi Return As Guest Stars; Natalie Morales & Freddy Miyares Also Join Season 20

Story from Deadline:

Expect to see some familiar faces returning to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital soon.

Broadband TV News: Samsung TV Plus launches Graham Norton FAST channel

Story from Broadband TV News:

Back-to-back episodes of The Graham Norton Show are to form a new FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ Group increases Viaplay holding to 29%

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ Group has emerged as the largest shareholder in Viaplay Group after the Stockholm-based company completed its recapitalisation programme.

Broadband TV News: Sky Sport Deutschland extends Premier League Rights

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky Sport has retained exclusive broadcasting rights across all distribution channels in Germany, and non-exclusive rights in Austria and Switzerland.

Deadline; ‘Coyote Vs. Acme’: With Pic’s Fate In Limbo At Warners, Phil Lord Observes, “How Funny It Would Be For This To End With A Congressional Hearing”

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery has screened their axed Coyote vs. Acme to around 12 buyers we hear with a rigid buy price of $70M+; which is how much the animated live-action hybrid movie cost.

Deadline: Amazon Lands Exclusive Rights To NFL Playoff Game Next Season, Following Success Of Peacock Stream

Story from Deadline:

Amazon’s Prime Video, which is coming off a sizable ratings uptick for Thursday Night Football in the second year of its exclusive rights deal, will be the only place for viewers to watch an NFL playoff game next January.

Deadline: AMC Networks Stock Punished After Shaky Q4 Earnings Report; CEO Kristin Dolan Downplays M&A Scenarios, Says Plan Is To “Stick To Our Knitting” As “Marketplace Sorts Itself Out”

Story from Deadline:

Shares in AMC Networks dropped sharply Friday following a shaky fourth-quarter earnings report and a conference call with Wall Street analysts.

Hollywood Reporter: Lionsgate Revenue Falls As Strike Impact Hits TV Production Unit

Story from Hollywood Reporter: 

Lionsgate has released its third quarter financial results after unveiling plans for a spinoff of its studio business from the premium cable and streaming platform Starz via a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) deal.

Deadline: Peacock Hires Casey Benesch To Lead Marketing For Streaming Series & Films

Story from Deadline:

Peacock has tapped Casey Benesch as Senior Vice President, Title Creative and Marketing.

Deadline: As Nat Geo Is “Adjusting To The Economic Realities” Of TV Business, Courteney Monroe Talks Streaming, Distribution & Scripted

Story from Deadline:

Nat Geo, which is a linear network and part of the Disney+ universe, is not “immune” to the current idiosyncrasies of the television business.

Deadline: Prime Video Nordics Buys Nine Viaplay Originals That Were Previously Set For Rival Service

Story from Deadline:

Prime Video Nordics has swooped to acquire nine scripted originals from Viaplay, which abandoned its high-end scripted commissioning drive last year.

Hollywood Reporter: BBC Studios Productions CEO Ralph Lee to Exit

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Ralph Lee, BBC Studios Productions’ CEO, will be leaving the BBC’s commercial arm in April after almost six years to pursue a new challenge outside the organization.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney Stock Jumps as Analysts Boost Price Targets on “Epic” Quarter, Taking Wind Out of Activists’ Sails

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The Magic Kingdom is getting its magic back, and Wall Street is elated.

Hollywood Reporter: Fox Advertising Revenue Down 20 Percent to $2B, But Company Hits Wall Street Expectations

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Fox met Wall Street earnings expectations in its fiscal second-quarter earnings report, though the TV advertising market continues to struggle, with ad revenues down 20 percent compared to the same quarter last year.

Variety: Disney+ Will Begin Cracking Down on Users Suspected of ‘Improper’ Password Sharing This Summer

Story from Variety:

Disney is going to start trying to convert password-piggybackers into paid customers — following the lead of Netflix — starting this summer.

Hollywood Reporter: Bob Iger Strikes Back at Nelson Peltz and Activist Investors, Says They Don’t Understand “Essence” of Disney

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

After Disney delivered strong quarterly earnings results, including cutting streaming losses and reaffirming a profitable streaming business this summer, CEO Bob Iger said the “last thing” the company needs is activist investors like Nelson Peltz interfering in the business.

Deadline: Disney Sees Solid Quarter With Upbeat Streaming Outlook; “We Have Turned The Corner And Entered A New Era For Our Company,” Says CEO Bob Iger

Story from Deadline:

Disney’s profit blew away forecasts although revenue fell a bit short in a key, and solid, earnings report that the company hopes will set the stage for more robust growth.

Deadline: Disney Reveals Timing Of ESPN Stand-Alone Streaming Launch

Story from Deadline:

Disney CEO Bob Iger says ESPN‘s bulked-up streaming service will launch in the fall of 2025, or possibly even as soon as late-August of that year.

BizAsia: ZEE seeks arbitration after failed Sony merger

Story from BizAsia:

ZEE have said it will now look for an Indian arbitration of the merger problems with Sony.

BizAsia: MATV in breach of Ofcom rules for provision of information

Story from BizAsia:

MATV has been found in breach of Ofcom regulations over provision of information.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Beats Investor Suit Over Inflated Subscriber Figures

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery and its top brass will not have to face a lawsuit from investors accusing them of hiding adverse financial information about the company’s prospects leading up to the 2022 merger of Discovery and AT&T’s WarnerMedia.

Deadline: Disney, Fox And Warner Bros. Discovery Team On Sports Streaming Venture

Story from Deadline:

Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery are teaming up for a sports streaming venture set to launch this fall.

Deadline: Over $150K Raised For Family Of Crew Member Who Died On Marvel Studios’ ‘Wonder Man’ Set

Story from Deadline:

A Go Fund Me drive has already raised more than $150,000 for the family of Juan “Spike” Osorio, the crew member on Marvel’s Wonder Man series who died Tuesday after falling from a catwalk at Radford Studios.

Deadline; Legally Lovin’ It: McDonald’s Defeats Byron Allen’s $100M Ad-Spending Suit; Mogul Plans Appeal

Story from Deadline:

Byron Allen is not having what you would call a legal Happy Meal right now.

Deadline: Deadpool Co-Creator Rob Liefeld Is Retiring From Marvel Character After 33 Years

Story from Deadline:

Rob Liefeld, co-creator of Marvel‘s Deadpool, is retiring from the character after more than three decades.

Deadline; Henry Cavill Says He’s “Not A Fan” Of Sex Scenes: “I Think Sometimes They’re Overused”

Story from Deadline:

Henry Cavill has some opinions about sex scenes, and he is not a fan of them.

Deadline: Fox Earnings Hit By Lower Advertising Revenue Last Quarter; Wall Street Eager For Details On New Streaming Sports Joint Venture

Story from Deadline:

Fox saw revenue dip 8% last quarter to $4.23 billion on weaker advertising due in part to tough comps from the year before.

Deadline: Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch Sees New Sports Streaming Venture Reaching “Tens Of Millions” Of Cord-Nevers “Without Undermining The Traditional Bundle”

Story from Deadline:

Fox Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch is certain that that the company’s new sports venture with Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery will be “additive” and not threaten Fox’s still-lucrative pay-TV business.

Deadline: ‘The Terror’ Returning To AMC For Third Installment After Five-Year Break

Story from Deadline:

The Terror, one of AMC’s hit franchises, is returning to the network more than five years after its last season.

Deadline; “This Is The Way”: Gina Carano Sues Disney For ‘Mandalorian’ Axing; Elon Musk Footing Legal Bills

Story from Deadline:

When it comes to fired The Mandalorian actress Gina Carano and Elon Musk, revenge against the Walt Disney Company is served piping hot, even if it takes a bit of time and tries to snare Pedro Pascal and Mark Hamill.

Deadline: Disney Activist Investor Blackwells Floats Idea Of Splitting Up Company As It Officially Launches Proxy Fight, Nominates Three To Board

Story from Deadline:

Blackwells Capital today made its fight with Disney official, urging shareholders in a definitive proxy statement to elect its three nominees to the board of directors “as the company navigates through a vast and novel opportunity set offering a near limitless potential.”

Deadline: Philippine Network ABS-CBN Mourns Loss Of Influential Execs Deo Endrinal & Jake Almeda Lopez

Story from Deadline:

A pair of influential executives at Philippine network ABS-CBN have passed away.

Deadline: BBC & BritBox Set ‘Towards Zero’ As Next Agatha Christie Limited Series

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is keeping its Agatha Christie tradition alive by setting Towards Zero as its next adaptation of the great author’s work.

Deadline: Prof. Ludwig Von Drake-Hosted Video Tells Disney Shareholders How To Vanquish Nelson Peltz

Story from Deadline:

Disney, assailed by activist investors, launched a new website today called VoteDisney with a video featuring Donald Duck’s uncle and other animated creatures telling shareholders what to do to keep the company’s board of directors intact, and showing them how to do it.

Deadline: ‘Deadpool 3’, ‘Twisters’, ‘Quiet Place: Day One’, ‘Inside Out 2’ Among Potential Super Bowl Movie Spots

Story from Deadline:

The aftermath of the strikes may have rattled the domestic box office, which is 13% behind the same period a year ago.

Deadline; ‘FBI: Most Wanted” Adds Steven Williams To Season 5

Story from Deadline:

Veteran actor Steven Williams (X-Files, 21 Jump Street) is set to appear in the CBS procedural FBI: Most Wanted in the procedural’s fifth season.

Deadline: ‘100 Days To Indy’ Renewed For Season 2 At CW

Story from Deadline:

Motorsports docuseries 100 Days To Indy will return for a second season at CW.

Deadline: Neil deGrasse Tyson Launches StarTalk Channel On Pluto TV

Story from Deadline:

Neil deGrasse Tyson’s media network, StarTalk, in partnership with Jellysmack, is launching its first-ever live linear channel on Pluto TV.

Deadline: CNN Drops Latest Morning Show Iteration As Part Of Shakeup; Jim Acosta & Pamela Brown Get A.M. Shows, Kasie Hunt’s Newscast Expands

Story from Deadline:

CNN is dropping the latest iteration of CNN This Morning as part of a shake-up of its morning lineup.

Deadline; Ian Lavender Dies: ‘Dad’s Army’ Star Who Played Private Frank Pike In Beloved BBC Sitcom Was 77

Story from Deadline:

Ian Lavender, the last remaining cast member of beloved BBC sitcom Dad’s Army, has died.

Deadline: Europe’s Public Broadcasters Make A Major Play For Sports Fans With Launch Of Free Streaming Service Eurovision Sport

Story from Deadline:

Europe’s public broadcasters are swinging for the fences with the launch of a free streaming service, Eurovision Sport.

Deadline: Paramount+ Culls Raft Of International Drama Originals Including ‘The Burning Girls’, ‘One Night’, ‘The Killing Kind’ & ‘The Serial Killer’s Wife’

Story from Deadline:

Paramount+ has yanked a raft of international originals from its service along with several big-ticket acquired series.

Deadline: World Cup 2026 Final Match At MetLife Stadium In NJ, Los Angeles Gets US Team’s Opener

Story from Deadline:

New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will host the final of the 2026 World Cup, set for stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Deadline: Disney+ Removes Original Movies & Series In EMEA

Story from Deadline:

There has been another round of content removal from Disney+, this time in the EMEA region, which consists of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney’s Sharon Klein to Receive Career Honor From Casting Society

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Sharon Klein, head of casting for Disney Entertainment Television, will be presented with the Hoyt Bowers Award at the Casting Society of America‘s Artios Awards.

Bizasia: ZEE seeks to claim Rs 700 crore in costs from Sony after failed merger

Story from Bizasia:

In the latest developments of the ZEE-Sony merger, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises plans to claim it incurred costs of Rs 700 crore for fulfilling conditions of the planned merger, which fell through last week.

Variety: Carl Weathers, ‘Rocky’s’ Apollo Creed and ‘Mandalorian’ Actor, Dies at 76

Story from Variety:

Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” films opposite Sylvester Stallone, died Thursday, his manager Matt Luber confirmed to Variety.