Hollywood Reporter: Mets Owner Steve Cohen’s Firm Discloses Large Stake in Fox Corp.

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A high-profile investor has disclosed a significant stake in Fox Corp.

Hollywood Reporter: CalPERS Votes for Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo in Disney Boardroom Battle

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) said the U.S. pension fund has voted to elect activist investor Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo to to the board of Walt Disney Company, Reuters reported Friday.

Ziggo race into F1 in the Netherlands

Virgin Media O2's sister Ziggo has pick up Formula 1 broadcasting rights from Viaplay in the Netherlands.

Deadline: ‘Chicago Fire’ Adds Jocelyn Hudon To Season 12

Story from Deadline:

Following Kara Killmer’s exit from NBC‘s Chicago Fire, a new paramedic is checking into Season 12.

Deadline: Disney Investor Blackwells Capital Sues The Company As Shareholder Vote Nears Close; Media Giant Calls Allegations “Baseless” And “Desperate”

Story from Deadline:

Activist Disney investor Blackwells Capital is suing the media giant over what it sees as an inappropriately cozy relationship with another shareholder, ValueAct Capital.

Deadline: Paramount+ Removes 10 Nickelodeon Titles Including ‘Blue’s Clues & You!’ & ‘Rugrats’ Series

Story from Deadline:

Paramount+ has purged 10 Nickelodeon original series, following the removal of other Nick titles from the platform over the past several months.

Digital TV Europe: Atresmedia TV secures MotoGP rights in deal with DAZN

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Spanish TV operator Atresmedia TV has inked an agreement with sports streamer DAZN and MotoGP to deliver free-to-air broadcast of selected races from the FIM Grand Prix World Championship, MotoGP.

Digital TV Europe: TIM in new deal with DAZN

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Telecom Italia (TIM) and sports streamer DAZN have struck a new non-exclusive distribution agreement that will allow customers of TIM’s TimVision pay TV service to continue watching 10 matches of the Serie A football Championship played every day for the next five seasons until 2029, in addition to the rest of the streamer’s sports line-up.

Deadline: Rob Wade Restructures Fox Entertainment Operations: Michael Thorn Adds Network Unscripted, Fernando Szew To Head Studios

Story from Deadline:

Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade is realigning the company’s content and business operations into three groups, the Fox Television Network, Fox Entertainment Studios and sales arm Fox Entertainment Global.

Deadline: Viaplay Boss Vows Company “Will Be Different” After Horrors Of 2023

Story from Deadline:

“Moving forward, our company will be different.”

Broadband TV News: Disney goes green in logo refresh

Story from Broadband TV News:

Disney+ has been given a makeover with its now familiar logo now displayed in teal and white.

Deadline: BBC Deficit Projected To Skyrocket To $620M Next Year

Story from Deadline:

The BBC‘s financial deficit is projected to reach nearly £500M next year as the corporation delivers what it has described as a “transformational budget.”

Broadband TV News: Localised kids content from Warner Bros. in Lithuania

Story from Broadband TV News:

Telia and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced they’re begun providing fully localised kids VOD content to customers in Lithuania.

Broadband TV News: Amazon sublicenses Premier League games from Viaplay

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay has reached an agreement with Amazon Prime Video to offload 10% of all Premier League games each season in Sweden and Denmark.

Deadline: ‘Doctor Who’ Showrunner Says Disney+ Deal Had To Happen As Demise Of The BBC Is “Undoubtedly On Its Way”

Story from Deadline:

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies has issued some doom-and-gloom thinking behind why the hit sci-fi series needed to partner with Disney+.

Deadline: ESPN SportsCenter Anchor John Anderson Leaving At End Of June

Story from Deadline:

Veteran ESPN SportsCenter anchor John Anderson said today that he will retire from the show at the end of June.

Deadline: Sarah Hyland Exits ‘Love Island USA’ After Two Seasons As Host On Peacock

Story from Deadline:

Sarah Hyland exits her hosting duties on Love Island USA after two seasons on Peacock.

Deadline: Paramount Global Credit Rating Cut To Junk Status By S&P Due To “Downside Ratings Pressure” On Its TV Business

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global‘s credit rating has been lowered to junk status by S&P Global, which cited the toll of ongoing pay-TV declines as a key factor in the downgrade.

Deadline: Hulu-Disney+ Bundle Officially Launches As Unified Service; Company Says Viewing During Three-Month Beta Exceeded Its Expectations

Story from Deadline:

Disney’s streaming bundle combining Hulu and Disney+ in one service officially launched Wednesday morning, ending a three-month beta period described by the company as a success.

Broadband TV News: ProSiebenSat.1 boards reject MFE proposals

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Executive Board and Supervisory Board of ProSiebenSat.1 reject the proposals which the German media company’s largest shareholder MFE-MediaForEurope made for the AGM on 30 April 2024.

Hollywood Reporter: Bob Iger’s Invincible Era Is Over

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

If Bob Iger were a Marvel superhero, his power would be persuasion.

Deadline; Seth Meyers On Lorne Michaels Retiring From ‘SNL’: “I Think This Is A False Narrative”

Story from Deadline:

Seth Meyers is sharing his thoughts on rumors that Lorne Michaels is ready to bid farewell to Saturday Night Live and retiring from the NBC late-night sketch show.

Daily Mail: Nelson Peltz and Disney board in bitter war over woke

Story from Daily Mail:

Activist investor Nelson Peltz has slammed Disney for its all-women and all-black casts as he seeks a seat on the company's board.

Deadline: Amazon MGM Studios Head Of Worldwide Production & Post Tim Clawson To Step Down

Story from Deadline:

Tim Clawson, Head of Worldwide Production and Post at Amazon MGM Studios, is leaving the company after nearly five years.

Hollywood Reporter: NBC News Ousts Ronna McDaniel After Staff Uproar, CAA Drops Ex-RNC Chair

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

NBC News has officially decided to part ways with its newest on-air contributor, Ronna McDaniel, the former Republican National Committee chair, just days after she was hired.

Deadline: NFL Slates September Game In Brazil, Streaming Exclusively On Peacock

Story from Deadline:

The NFL is breaking new ground this season with a September game in Brazil, the first time a regular-season contest will take place in South America.

Broadband TV News: Sky to launch Sky Stream in Germany

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky plans to launch Sky Stream as a new, central streaming platform in Germany in late summer 2024.

Deadline: BBC Will Stop Using AI For ‘Doctor Who’ Promotion After Receiving Complaints

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has “no plans” to use AI again to promote Doctor Who after receiving complaints from viewers.

Warner Bros. Discovery to launch Warner TV and MAX in Czech Republic

Warner Bros. Discovery is set to launch a following in the Czech Republic on dates listed below:

Deadline: ‘CoComelon’ Outfit Moonbug Plots European Expansion & Launches Channel For Older Kids

Story from Deadline:

Moonbug Entertainment, the owner of the lucrative CoComelon franchise, is plotting European expansion and has launched its first channel for older children.

Deadline: Nelson Peltz Insists, Again, His Fight With Disney Is About The Board, Not Bob Iger – But It’s A Fine Line

Story from Deadline:

Nelson Peltz said today that his bitter proxy fight with Disney is “not about Mr. Iger, nor is it a referendum about his leadership” even as CNBC reported that his firm, Trian Partners, has withheld votes from the CEO, who is also a board nominee.

Variety: Disney Board Foe Nelson Peltz Questions ‘Woke’ Marvel Films: ‘Why Do I Have to Have a Marvel [Movie] That’s All Women? Why Do I Need an All-Black Cast?’

Story from Variety:

Nelson Peltz, the activist investor agitating to win two Disney board seats, criticized the company’s “woke” strategy — specifically questioning Marvel’s “Black Panther” and “The Marvels,” which featured Black and women leads, respectively.

Deadline: ESPN Integrates Pathway To Regional Sports Network Streams Into Its Main App And Website

Story from Deadline:

As the viewing landscape continues to get more complex, ESPN is aiming to streamline things for sports fans by integrating links to video feeds from regional sports networks into its main app and website.

Broadband TV News: Finland to switch off SD broadcasts next Spring

Story from Broadband TV News:

Finland’s communications regulator has announced plans to switch off the country’s standard definition transmissions.

Advanced Television; Report: IPL rights value skyrocket

Story from Advanced Television:

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen its media rights value skyrocket, with the latest five-year contract commencing in 2023 valued at $1.2 billion annually according to Omdia’s Why 2024 could prove to be a high-water mark for the Indian Premier League report.

Deadline: BBC Commissioned Half Of All UK TV Scripted Shows Last Year, Ampere Research Finds

Story from Deadline:

The BBC commissioned half of all UK TV scripted last year, defying the slowdown that hit its rivals and streamers and spending big on kids shows and thrillers, according to new research.

Hollywood Reporter: Fremantle Completes Ascha Media Group Acquisition

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Fremantle has completed the acquisition of Asacha Media Group, the private-equity-backed operation that owns eight TV and film production companies across France, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Variety: Chuck Todd Blasts NBC News On-Air Over Ronna McDaniel Hire

Story from Variety:

Chuck Todd left moderating duties at “Meet the Press” behind several months ago, but he isn’t through with the show yet.

Variety: NBC News Keeps Chasing Conservatives With Controversial Talent Moves

Story from Variety:

Ronna McDaniel is no doubt going to create a lot of sound and fury over at NBC News. Shakespeare could tell you what it’s all going to signify.

Variety: What Could Happen If Paramount Global Is Sold — Especially in Pieces

Story from Variety:

What does the future hold for Paramount Global?

Deadline: Bob Iger And Disney Get Backing In Proxy Battle From Former CEO Michael Eisner

Story from Deadline:

Disney and its current CEO, Bob Iger, have secured the backing of Iger’s onetime boss, former Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner.

Digital TV Europe: MFE proposes ProSiebenSat.1 asset split

Story from Digital TV Europe:

MediaForEurope (MFE), largest investor in German commercial broadcaster, ProSiebenSat.1, has revealed it has proposed a vote is given to its shareholders on plans to spin off its dating and -ecommerce activities at the AGM on April 30.

Digital TV Europe: DAZN exec reports user growth across Women’s Football offering after paywall removal

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Despite DAZN lifting the paywall for its Women’s Football offering less than two months ago, the move has so far seen an “uptick in registrations” on the platform, according to the co-CEO of DAZN Women’s Sport.

Deadline: Christina Wayne Confirmed To Be Exiting As Managing Director Of MBC Studios; Read Company Memo With Succession Plan

Story from Deadline:

After 15 months in the role, Christina Wayne is exiting as Managing Director of MENA network MBC Studios, we can reveal.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay Group appoints new Group CFO and co-CEOs of Swedish operations

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay Group has announced it has appointed Johan Johansson as Executive Vice President, Group Chief Financial Officer and co-CEO of the Group’s Swedish operations.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ Poland acquires exclusive broadcast rights to UEFA Champions League

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ Group has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights to the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Youth League and UEFA Super Cup matches for the 2024/25, 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons in Poland.

Deadline: Canal+ Group Acquires Stake In Senegalese Production Company Marodi TV

Story from Deadline:

Canal+ Group has acquired a stake in Senegalese production company Marodi TV, which is a key player in the West African drama series scene.

Deadline: Paramount Stock Rides Roller Coaster Back Down After Report That Shari Redstone Is “Unconvinced” By Apollo Offer For Studio

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global shares, which soared Wednesday on news that Apollo had made an $11 billion offer for Paramount Pictures, has slumped today after a report splashed cold water on the scenario.

Deadline; NBC Renews One Chicago Trio: ‘Med,’ ‘Fire’ & ‘P.D.’

Story from Deadline:

NBC has renewed all three One Chicago series—Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.—for the 2024-25 season.

Deadline: Bob Iger Is A “Once-In-A-Generation Leader,” Laurene Powell Jobs Says In Steely Rebuke To Proxy Advisory Firm Advice That Nelson Peltz Join Disney Board

Story from Deadline:

The fight for the future of the Walt Disney Company got very fast and furious this morning.

Deadline: Boss Of ‘Black Mirror’ Seller Banijay Rights Predicts Streamers Will Return To Commissioning In Bulk Once They “Break Even”

Story from Deadline:

The boss of one of the world’s biggest TV distributors has predicted streamers will return to commissioning originals in bulk once they “break even.”

Deadline: In Blow To Disney, Leading Proxy Advisory Firm Backs Nelson Peltz For Board, Cites “Critically Flawed Succession Process”

Story from Deadline:

Influential proxy advisory service ISS has recommended shareholders vote to put Trian’s Nelson Peltz on Disney’s board, saying the activist investor, “with his considerable experience on other boards and fiduciary duties owed to a large shareholding group, appears best positioned to bring a shareholder perspective to the board.”

Deadline: France’s TF1 Launching Streaming Service Internationally

Story from Deadline:

French commercial broadcast giant TF1 is taking its streaming service international.

Deadline: France Televisions Boss Delphine Ernotte-Cunci Says Axing Of French Networks Streamer Salto Was “Strategic Mistake”

Story from Deadline:

Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, the CEO of France Télévisions, has called the collapse of the French broadcaster-backed streamer Salto “a strategic mistake.”

Deadline: Outgoing M6 Boss Slams “Absurd” French Competition Laws & Says “Collective Measures” Needed To Improve Streaming In France

Story from Deadline:

Nicolas de Tavernost, the outgoing boss of M6, did not hold back today during what will likely be his last on-stage appearance after a near-40-year career with The Traitors France network.

Deadline: Court Grants Nexstar’s Motion To Dismiss DirecTV’s Antitrust Claims

Story from Deadline:

A federal court on Wednesday granted Nexstar’s motion to dismiss DirecTV’s antitrust claims.

Variety: Max to Launch in First European Countries in May Ahead of Olympics; Unveils Basic Ad Plan and Sports Add-On

Story from Variety:

In one of the most anticipated keynotes at Series Mania Festival, JB Perrette, president/CEO of global streaming and games at Warner Bros. Discovery, dropped the launch date for Max across the first 20 European countries on May 21.

Deadline: Paramount Global Stock Pops On Apollo’s Reported $11 Billion Bid For Studio

Story from Deadline:

Shares of Paramount Global popped in afternoon trade on a report that Apollo Global has made an $11 billion bid for the company’s film and TV studio.

Deadline: Endeavor-Run TKO Group Pays $335 Million To Settle Antitrust Suit By UFC Fighters

Story from Deadline:

TKO Group Holdings, the Endeavor-run parent of the UFC, has agreed to pay $335 million to settle a lawsuit filed nearly a decade ago by fighters in the mixed-martial-arts organization.

Broadband TV News: DAZN secure PGA Tour exclusive in MENA and South East Asia

Story from Broadband TV News:

DAZN will offer a FAST channel and global ‘freemium’ service as part of its coverage of the PGA Tour.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Streamer Max Unveils French Scripted Slate, Including Crime Thriller Series ‘Malditos’

Story from Variety:

Ahead of its launch in France, Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service Max unveiled at Series Mania Festival its pipeline of ambitious local scripted projects,

Deadline: BBC Studios Buys Spanish Outfit Brutal Media & Confirms “Two Or Three” More Versions Of ‘Ghosts’ Are In The Works

Story from Deadline:

Scripted formats were placed front and center of BBC Studios’ panel at Series Mania, as the Doctor Who seller confirmed it is making up to three more versions of Ghosts and has bought Spain’s Brutal Media.

Deadline: MMA Championship Bellator Moves From Showtime To Max

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery is getting into the octagon.

Deadline: ESPN And College Football Playoff Reach Extension Through 2031-32, Adding ABC Simulcast Of National Championship In 2026-27

Story from Deadline:

As the College Football Playoff gets set to expand to 12 teams this fall, the postseason tournament has reached a $7.8 billion extension with ESPN through the 2031-32 season.

Deadline; ‘Dune: Part Two’ Crosses $500M Global Box Office; ‘Kung Fu Panda’ Franchise Tops $2B Worldwide

Story from Deadline:

Coming out of the weekend, and with Sunday’s actuals and Monday’s numbers included, there are new global milestones to celebrate for the two major Hollywood titles currently in release.

Deadline: Netflix EMEA Boss Criticizes Local Quotas For “Stifling Creativity” & Says Competitors Are “Dialing Back”

Story from Deadline:

Netflix EMEA boss Larry Tanz has criticized local quotas for “stifling creativity” and said the streamer remains “all in” while competitors “dial back.”

Bomb: Viaplay risks losing CL rights

Story from Bomb:

Since the Champions League began in 1992, Viaplay has shown the matches from the major championship tournament in Denmark.

Broadband TV News: Paramount+ announces pricing and rollout for new ad tier

Story from Broadband TV News:

Paramount+ has announced details of its new ad-supported tier launching in Canada and Australia and extending its Premium Tier into Europe.

Broadband TV News: Acorn TV gets new look for the spring

Story from Broadband TV News:

Acorn TV has unveiled a new updated logo and a pithy new tagline.

Broadband TV News: DAZN confirms the departure of Joe Markowski

Story from Broadband TV News:

DAZN’s CEO, North America, Joe Markowski is leaving the sports streamer after 13 years.

Variety: George Lucas Backs Disney Board and CEO Bob Iger Amid Proxy Fight: ‘Creating Magic Is Not for Amateurs’

Story from Variety:

Star Wars mastermind George Lucas — Disney’s largest individual shareholder — has come out with a statement supporting Disney’s board and CEO Bob Iger, urging Mouse House investors to reject bids by two activist investor groups to take seats on the media company’s board.

Deadline: CNN To Run Saturday Evening Replay Of ‘Real Time’

Story from Deadline:

CNN is adding a Saturday replay of HBO‘s Real Time with Bill Maher to its schedule starting this week.

Deadline: Revamped Warner Bros Animation Sets ‘Cat In The Hat’ With Bill Hader, Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang & More; Eyes Spring 2026

Story from Deadline:

The new Warner Bros. Pictures Animation under President Bill Damaschke has booked the cast for their upcoming feature take of the Dr. Seuss classic, The Cat in the Hat, which they’re producing with Dr. Seuss Enterprises with SNL alum Bill Hader playing the title role.

Broadband TV News: QVC Deutschland closes QVC2 UHD

Story from Broadband TV News:

German teleshopping broadcaster QVC Deutschland has ceased offering its QVC2 channel in Ultra HD resolution (UHD).

Deadline: Disney Notches Win Against Nelson Peltz As Influential Proxy Advisory Firm Backs Company’s Board

Story from Deadline:

Proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis has recommended that Disney shareholders withhold votes for all board candidates except the company’s own.

Digital TV Europe: MFE’s Berlusconi calls for change at ProSiebenSat.1

Story from Digital TV Europe:

MediaForEurope (MFE) CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi has warned that Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 must change direction if it is to grow and should return to its core business.

Deadline: BritBox International Names New Leader Following BBC Studios Takeover

Story from Deadline:

BritBox International has its new leader following BBC Studios‘ takeover of the streamer.

Deadline: Lionsgate Takes Domestic Rights To Indonesian Horror Pic ‘Dancing Village: The Curse Begins’

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate has landed domestic U.S. rights to Badarawuhi Di Desa Penari (Dancing Village: The Curse Begins), the prequel to Indonesia‘s highest-grossing film, KKN Curse of the Dancing Village.

Deadline: Paramount Names Australia/New Zealand Chief

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global has named Beverley McGarvey President of Network 10, Head of Streaming and Regional Lead for Australia and New Zealand, effective immediately.

Deadline: Fremantle’s $3.3B Revenue Target Pushed Back By Up To A Year

Story from Deadline:

RTL has pushed back Fremantle‘s lofty €3B ($3.3B) revenue target by up to a year.

Deadline: BBC Studios Buys ‘The Newsreader’ Production Company Werner Film Productions

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios has acquired Werner Film Productions, the company behind Australian drama hit The Newsreader.

Deadline: DirecTV To Allow Customers To Opt Out Of Local TV Stations In Special Package

Story from Deadline:

DirecTV will allow customers to opt out of local TV stations and pay a lower monthly rate.

Digital TV Europe: Warner Bros. Discovery unveils cycling broadcast plans, with over 1,000 races

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery has unveiled its broadcast plans for the cycling season including 300 days if coverage of more than 1,000 races.

Broadband TV News: Streaming increase for RTL Group

Story from Broadband TV News:

Paying subscribers for RTL Group’s streaming services RTL+ in Germany and Hungary and 6play in France were up 30.5% to 5.569 million at the end of 2023.

Broadband TV News: Altice sells BFM and RMC TV

Story from Broadband TV News:

Altice Group has sold its media unit including the RFM and RMC TV channels to the French-Lebanese shipping tycoon Rodolphe Saadé.

Broadband TV News: Rakuten expands FAST channel portfolio

Story from Broadband TV News:

Rakuten has reached a new agreement with A+E Networks EMEA to launch multiple FAST Channels on its platform.

Deadline: Live-Action ‘Teen Titans’ Movie In Works At DC Studios

Story from Deadline:

A live-action Teen Titans movie is in development at DC Studios, Deadline has confirmed.

Deadline; ‘Doctor Who’: BBC & Disney+ Set Simultaneous Global Premiere Date

Story from Deadline:

Doctor Who has a date.

Deadline: Pete Distad Named CEO Of Disney, Fox & Warner Bros. Discovery’s Sports Streaming Service

Story from Deadline:

The upcoming sports streaming service from Disney, Fox & Warner Bros. Discovery has found its boss.

Deadline: France TV Distribution To Launch Newsroom Drama ‘Enjoy!’ At Series Mania

Story from Deadline:

France TV Distribution will be at Series Mania next week with Enjoy!, a drama series based on Benoit Marchisio’s novel Tout Complices!.

Deadline: Fremantle Revenues Dip As Lofty $3.3B Turnover Target Draws Nearer

Story from Deadline:

Revenues and profits fell at Poor Things super-indie Fremantle last year as the outfit’s lofty €3B ($3.2B) revenue target draws ever nearer.

Deadline: BBC Studios Fires Starting Gun On Race To Replace Ralph Lee At Helm Of $2B Content Unit

Story from Deadline:

The race to replace Ralph Lee at the helm of BBC Studios Productions is underway, with the studio signaling its ambition by approaching some of the UK’s top unscripted executives.

Deadline; Gerald M. Levin Dies: Former Time Warner CEO Who Oversaw AOL Merger Was 84

Story from Deadline:

Gerald M. “Jerry” Levin, the former CEO of Time Warner who helped oversee its calamitous merger with AOL, died Wednesday in Long Beach, CA.

Deadline: Paramount Global Sells Stake In Viacom18 To India’s Reliance For $500 Million

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global has sold its 13% equity interest in Viacom18 Media to Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries for the equivalent $517 million.

Deadline: ‘Real Time With Bill Maher’ Renewed By HBO Through 2026

Story from Deadline:

HBO is staying in the Bill Maher business.

Deadline: Bob Iger-Ike Perlmutter Relationship Is “Irrelevant” To Proxy Fight, Activist Investment Firm Trian Says; Shareholder Rips Disney For Waging “Scorched-Earth Campaign”

Story from Deadline:

Activist investment firm Trian Fund Management says it is “disappointed that Disney is running a scorched-earth campaign.”

Deadline: BBC News Enters FAST Game In U.S.

Story from Deadline:

BBC News is entering the growing free ad-supported TV (FAST) game in the U.S.

Reuters: Apollo reaches out to Paramount about deal, Axios reports

Story from Reuters:

Apollo Global Management, opens new tab has in recent days reached out to a special committee formed by Paramount Global about a possible takeover or asset purchase, Axios reported on Tuesday citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Deadline: Sports Fans “Want To Pull Their Hair Out” Trying To Juggle Streaming And Linear, Nexstar’s Mike Biard Says, Which Is Why ‘Thursday Night Football’ Ratings Favor Local TV Over Prime Video

Story from Deadline:

As a sports fan, “you want to pull your hair out” when trying to toggle between streaming and linear TV, in the view of Nexstar President and COO Mike Biard.

Deadline: ‘The Batman 2’ From Matt Reeves Heads To Fall 2026; Paul Thomas Anderson-Leonardo DiCaprio Movie Gets Summer 2025 Date

Story from Deadline:

Matt Reeves‘ The Batman 2 is no longer opening on October 3, 2025 — a new launchpad for comic book movies.

Deadline: HBO Executive Nora Skinner Joins Netflix As VP Drama Series

Story from Deadline:

After eight and a half years as SVP Drama Series at HBO, Nora Skinner is gong to Netflix where she will be VP in the streamer’s drama series team.

Deadline: Lionsgate Inks New Multi-Year Deal With Casting Executive Marcello Bellisario

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate casting executive Marcello Bellisario has signed a new multi-year deal as EVP, Television Casting for Lionsgate Television and Starz.

Deadline: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ EP On Epic Final ‘Station 19’ Crossover & Whether Jason George & Stefania Spampinato Could Return To Mothership Series

Story from Deadline:

Grey’s Anatomy spinoff Station 19 is coming to an end after seven seasons but not before one last big crossover with the mothership series, which may come at the end of the two series’ 10-episode runs, new Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Meg Marinis hinted in an interview with Deadline tied to the upcoming 20th season of the venerable medical drama, which premieres this Thursday, March 14.

Deadline: Disney Shares Extend Recent Gains As Company Renews Attacks On Activist Investor Nelson Peltz

Story from Deadline:

Disney shares were up 2% at mid-day Monday, extending their recent rally, as the company renewed its attacks on activist investor Nelson Peltz.

Deadline; Fox Corp.’s John Nallen Says Selling Assets “Hasn’t Crossed Our Minds” Despite Pay-TV Declines: “We’re Much More Focused On Growing”

Story from Deadline:

Fox Corp. COO John Nallen says the company is “much more focused on growing the business than we are on selling the business” despite accelerating pay-TV declines and other challenges.

Broadband TV News: Bertelsmann CEO Thomas Rabe to leave in 2026

Story from Broadband TV News:

Bertelsmann CEO Thomas Rabe has announced his departure from the German media company at the end of 2026.

Deadline: John Oliver Dings ‘Dancing With The Stars’ & Mocks Deadline’s Coverage Of ‘Last Week Tonight’

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver took a subtle swipe at Deadline’s coverage of Last Week Tonight in the latest episode of his HBO show.

RTÉ News: Mari Hurley named as new Chief Financial Officer at RTÉ

Story from RTÉ News:

RTÉ has announced Mari Hurley as the new Chief Financial Officer at the broadcaster.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount Promotes Lee Sears to President, International Markets Ad Sales

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Global has promoted Lee Sears for the second time in less than a year as it looks to align its domestic and international broadcast, cable and streaming assets to create a global content powerhouse.

Deadline: Netflix “Cancels ‘Break Point'” After Tennis Series Fails To Match Success Of ‘Drive To Survive’

Story from Deadline:

While Drive to Survive has sped to a successful six seasons on the Netflix platform and been given credit for a surge in interest in motor racing, particular in the US, the same production team has stumbled to a halt with the tennis world, and now The Times of London reports that documentary series Break Point has been cancelled after just two seasons, citing poor ratings and lack of access to the sport’s leading figures.

Broadband TV News: FC Barcelona to launch new free streaming platform

Story from Broadband TV News:

FC Barcelona is to launch a new OTT service worldwide.

Broadband TV News: New documentary channel in France

Story from Broadband TV News:

The RMC BFM Play platform has launched a new channel dedicated to documentaries.

Broadband TV News: Anne Hustinx appointed as Executive Director External & Legal Affairs at VodafoneZiggo

Story from Broadband TV News:

Anne Hustinx has joined Dutch cablenet VodafoneZiggo as Executive Director External & Legal Affairs.

Deadline; Warner Bros Chief “Would Love To” Make Barbie 2 With Greta Gerwig: “We’re Always Talking”

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros chief Pam Abdy says she would “love to make a sequel to the box office blockbuster Barbie, after the original movie “ignited audiences around the world.”

Deadline: Canal+ Group & Studiocanal Help Drive Positive 2023 Vivendi Results Amid Questions Over Split Project

Story from Deadline:

A hike in subscribers for French pay-TV giant Canal+ Group as well as a successful year at the box office in France for Studiocanal helped drive positive 2023 results for parent company Vivendi, which were released Thursday evening after the close of the local stock exchange.

Hollywood Reporter: Bob Iger’s Reinforcements In Disney Proxy Battle Pitch Shareholders Ahead of Showdown

Story from Hollywood Reporter

As Disney continues its proxy battle with a pair of activist investors (Nelson Peltz’s Trian Partners and Jason Aintabi’s Blackwells Capital), a high-profile activist firm has come forward with its own thesis for Disney’s future … and pledged support for CEO Bob Iger and the Disney board.

Deadline: Disney’s Stock Has Risen More Than 20% In 2024 With Proxy Fight Brewing; ValueAct Capital Reaffirms Support Of Bob Iger Ahead Of April 3 Shareholder Meeting

Story from Deadline:

After skidding to multi-year lows in late-2023, Disney stock has rebounded more than 20% thus far in 2024 as two activist investment firms have launched a proxy fight.

RTÉ News: RTÉ controversy continuing to impact licence fee sales - Dept of Media

Story from RTÉ News:

Public sentiment towards RTÉ and the reaction to the controversy which emerged at the broadcaster last June is continuing to clearly impact licence fee sales and the revenue generated from them, the Department of Media said in a statement this evening.

Variety: Max Will Start Cracking Down on Password-Sharing This Year, Warner Bros. Discovery May Disable Accounts of Violators

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery has jumped on the password-sharing crackdown bandwagon, with a top exec saying Max will begin enforcing restrictions on subscribers sharing accounts outside their household starting this year — following the trail blazed by Netflix, which was more recently joined by Disney.

Hollywood Reporter: Ravi Ahuja Named President and COO of Sony Pictures

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Sony Pictures Entertainment is making a big change in its leadership.

Deadline: Jay Rasulo Says “Disney Runs In My Blood”; Former Parks Chief With Activist Investor Nelson Peltz Not Out “To Fire The CEO”

Story from Deadline:

Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo, who are fighting to get themselves elected to the Disney board against the company’s wishes, said today they’re not out “to fire the CEO.”

Broadband TV News: Disney needs to catch Netflix’s ‘gold standard’ tech

Story from Broadband TV News:

Disney’s CEO has admitted the company is behind streaming rival Netflix when it comes to technology.

Broadband TV News: Canal grows international operations

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ Group put on an additional 900,000 subscribers in 2023 as the company stepped up its international development in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Africa.

Variety; Warner Bros. Discovery to Overhaul TruTV With Sports; Sets Nightly Block for Games and More

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery wants to bring one of its “zombie” cable networks back to life with a big jolt of sports.

Deadline: Banijay Boosts Turnover & Profit By More Than 5% But Debt Pile Remains

Story from Deadline:

Revenue and profit at Big Brother powerhouse Banijay were up more than 5% last year but the group still has a stubbornly high debt pile, the majority of which has been deferred for several years.

Deadline: Paramount In Talks To Sell Stake In Viacom18 To Disney India Partner Reliance

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global could be set for change in the tough Indian media market.

Digital TV Europe: Paramount ‘focused on execution’ as merger speculation dampens

Story from Digital TV Europe:

With no announcement in sight regarding the much-speculated-on sale of the company, Paramount is “focused on execution” of its current plans and believes that “continued execution of our plan will unlock value”, according to Naveen Chopra chief financial officer Paramount Global.

Deadline: Netflix Enters Boxing Ring; Streamer Sets Live Fight Between Mike Tyson & Jake Paul

Story from Deadline:

Netflix’s move into live sports continues.

Deadline: Netflix’s Nuha El Tayeb To Lead Streamer’s Arabic Content Following Exit Of Ahmed Sharkawi

Story from Deadline:

Netflix has handed control to its Arabic content slate to long-serving exec Nuha El Tayeb following the exit of Ahmed Sharkawi.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Pictures Takes Asia Rights To ‘Under Parallel Skies’

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Pictures has struck a deal with Manila-based film company 28 Squared Studios to distribute romance film Under Parallel Skies.

Deadline: ITV Bosses Predict Post-Strike Commissioning “Blip” & Describe Generative AI As A “Co-Pilot” For Creatives

Story from Deadline:

ITV boss Carolyn McCall has detailed the potential for a post-strike “blip” as commissioning conversations are restarted with U.S. buyers, while the head of ITV Studios described generative AI as a “co-pilot for creatives.”

Deadline: ProSiebenSat.1 Full-Year Profit Down $109M In “Difficult Economic Environment” But Earnings Up In Q4

Story from Deadline:

ProSiebenSat.1 Media has posted full-year earnings down €100M ($109), but its recent recovery looks set to continue with fourth quarter income up “significantly.”

Deadline: ITV Profits Tumble By 32% But Green Shoots In Production Division As Broadcaster Kicks Off “Strategic Restructuring & Efficiency Programme”

Story from Deadline:

ITV profits tumbled by 32% following a tricky 2023 but there were green shoots in a solid performance from the Studios production arm, as the broadcaster reveals it is in the early stages of a “strategic restructuring and efficiency programme.”

Deadline: June Diane Raphael To Headline ‘Bewitched’-Inspired Comedy In Works At NBC, Teaming With ‘Dickinson’ Creator

Story from Deadline:

NBC is developing Something Wicked, a multi-camera comedy starring June Diane Raphael and written and executive produced by Raphael and Dickinson creator Alena Smith.

Deadline: BBC Buys Viaplay’s ‘Rebus’ Reboot Ahead Of Scandi Streamer’s UK Exit; Australia’s SBS Also Boards Scottish Crime Drama

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has bought Viaplay‘s Rebus reboot, following international streamer Viaplay’s decision to exit the UK.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount’s CFO Is Focused on “Getting the Most Out of Every Single Dollar We Invest in Content”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Global is focused on “getting the most we possibly can out of every single dollar that we invest in content,” CFO Naveen Chopra told an investor conference on Wednesday.

Hollywood Reporter: Charter CEO Expresses Skepticism About Disney-Fox-Warners’ Mega Sports Bundle

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Charter Communications president and CEO Chris Winfrey has responded to a planned sports streaming joint venture from Disney, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery set to offer live linear channels, such as ESPN, ABC, Fox, TNT and TBS, games and other sports rights from all three companies on a nonexclusive basis.

Variety: Rooster Teeth Is Shutting Down After 21 Years

Story from Variety:

Rooster Teeth is biting the dust after more than two decades.

RTÉ News: Committee given letter from Minister to former RTÉ chair

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin told former chair of the RTÉ Board Siún Ní Raghallaigh she was "deeply disappointed" that she had not received "correct information" about the approval of former chief financial officer Richard Collins' severance payment.

Broadband TV News: Liberty Global appoints Severina Pascu as SVP, Commercial & Operations

Story from Broadband TV News:

Liberty Global has appointed Severina Pascu to the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Commercial and Operations.

Deadline: BBC Studios Raising Borrowing Limit To $764M As It Hunts For New ‘Bluey’

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios is increasing its debt facility by £250M ($318M) — a move that closely follows the acquisition of BritBox International, its biggest ever single transaction.

Deadline: Lionsgate Says Studio To Start Split From Starz In April

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate Vice Chair Michael Burns said the company is set to split in two by year end with a first step in early April as the studio merges with a SPAC and starts to trade separately from Starz on the Nasdaq under the stock symbol LION.

Deadline: ‘John Wick’ & ‘Twilight’ TV Series To Be Shopped By Lionsgate Television

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate is expanding two of its biggest movie franchises, John Wick and Twilight, with new TV series offshoots.

RTÉ News; Who is Terence O'Rourke: the new Chair of the RTÉ Board

Story from RTÉ News:

At the weekly cabinet meeting today, former KPMG managing partner Terence O'Rourke was appointed as the new Chair of the RTÉ board.

Deadline: James Gunn Starts Filming ‘Superman’ In Norway & Teases Scene With Hero Fleeing To The Fortress Of Solitude

Story from Deadline:

Filming for James Gunn‘s Superman has commenced in Norway, and the DC Studios co-head is teasing the first scene.

Deadline: CBS Orders ‘Young Sheldon’ Georgie & Mandy Spinoff Series Starring Montana Jordan And Emily Osment

Story from Deadline:

The Big Bang Theory-verse is officially expanding as CBS on Tuesday greenlighted a new half-hour, multi-camera comedy series starring Montana Jordan and Emily Osment for broadcast in the 2024-2025 season.

Deadline: Michelle Slavich Departs As Netflix VP US Publicity

Story from Deadline:

Michelle Slavich, VP US Publicity, Events & Publishing, is leaving Netflix after more than three and a half years for what she says is an opportunity for a more global role. Her position will be filled.

Deadline: Disney CEO Bob Iger Says He’s Trying Hard “Not To Get Distracted” By Activist Investors

Story from Deadline:

Disney CEO Bob Iger called the proxy fight being waged by two activist investors a campaign that “is, in a way, designed to distract us, to take our eye off all [that’s] necessary to do what we need to do to generate returns for shareholders.”

Deadline: Canal+ Ups Buyout Offer For African Content Giant MultiChoice To $1.8B

Story from Deadline:

France’s Canal+ has upped a buyout offer for African TV and streaming giant MultiChoice to around $1.77B.

RTÉ News: New RTÉ Chairperson and two board members appointed

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has confirmed the appointment of Terence O'Rourke as the new Chair of the RTÉ Board.

RTÉ News: What are the PAC's 21 recommendations for RTÉ?

Story from RTÉ News:

The Dáil's Public Accounts Committee has published its report into governance and oversight at RTÉ.

RTÉ News: 'Lack of rigorous financial controls' at RTÉ, PAC report finds

Story from RTÉ News:

The Public Accounts Committee has recommended that RTÉ return under the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General, as part of a report into governance and oversight at the broadcaster.

RTÉ News: Stinging parting statement leaves trail of questions for Martin

Story from RTÉ News:

Terence O'Rourke, the impressively successful accountant from Inniskeen, Co Monaghan, has been given the green light from Government to take over at the helm of the troubled RTÉ Board.

RTÉ News: 'Trust broke down' between Martin and ex-RTÉ Chair, says Taoiseach

Story from RTÉ News:

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said "trust broke down" between Minister for Media Catherine Martin and former RTÉ Chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh, adding that he does not believe Ms Ní Raghallaigh's reputation should be tarnished by what has happened.

Deadline: Prime Video Staff Face Layoffs In Europe As Job Consultations Begin

Story from Deadline:

Prime Video is today beginning job consultations with staff in Europe, we hear.

Deadline: Nelson Peltz Slams Disney, From 2019 Fox Deal To Planned Sports Streaming JV, As Proxy Battle Rages

Story from Deadline:

As Disney’s April 3 shareholder showdown approaches, activist Nelson Peltz has released a more detailed set of arguments against the company’s board of directors, which he calls the “root cause of underperformance” at Disney.

Hollywood Reporter: In Fiery Monologue, Patton Oswalt Calls Out David Zaslav for Dumping Movies

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Patton Oswalt took a shot at Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav during his opening monologue as host of the 71st Motion Picture Sound Editors Golden Reel Awards.

RTÉ News: Terence O'Rourke set to be named new RTÉ Chair

Story from RTÉ News:

Former KPMG managing partner Terence O'Rourke looks set to be appointed Chair of RTÉ Board.

Variety: Fox, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Bundle Projected to Hit 5 Million Subscribers in Five Years, Lachlan Murdoch Says

Story from Variety:

The Fox Corp., Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery sports streaming joint venture is anticipating signing up 5 million customers in the first five years, CEO Lachlan Murdoch said Monday.

Deadline: ‘Baywatch’ Reboot Lands At Fox With Sizable Commitment

Story from Deadline:

Fox is doubling down on lifeguard dramas with a significant script plus penalty commitment to Baywatch, a reboot of the classic beach series.

RTÉ News: Former RTÉ Board chair claims 'enforced dismissal' designed to traduce reputation

Story from RTÉ News:

The former chair of the RTÉ Board has said that the manner of her "enforced dismissal" from the role seemed designed to "traduce" her reputation.

Broadband TV News: BC Partners considering sale of United Group

Story from Broadband TV News:

BC Partners is reportedly considering a sale of United Group as a whole, including Nova in Greece, and the SBB cablenet in Serbia.

Broadband TV News: Canal given new deadline for MultiChoice bid

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ will make a new offer for South African pay-TV platform MultiChoice by April 8.

Broadband TV News: Warner TV to go live in Czech Republic on 2 April

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Czech Republic will have a brand new free-to-air TV channel next month as Warner TV launches on 2 April.

CANAL+ Speedway: CANAL+ Polska signs new Polish professional speedway deal

Story from CANAL+ Speedway:

CANAL+ Polska has acquired TV rights to broadcast the matches of the PGE Ekstraliga for 2026-2028 & the Metalkas 2nd Ekstraliga for 2025-2027.

Deadline; ‘Last Week Tonight’: John Oliver Says Natasha Lyonne Should Be Cast As The Next Batman

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver has some ideas for DC co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran as to who should be their next Batman.

RTÉ News: Former HSE boss open to approach to be chair of RTÉ Board

Story from RTÉ News:

Former head of the Health Service Executive Paul Reid has said he would "give good consideration" to any approach from the government about becoming the next chair of the RTÉ Board.

Hollywood Reporter: The Ruthless Rise and Fall of Paramount Pictures During Hollywood’s Golden Age

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

“I’ve seen Paris, France, and Paris, Paramount Pictures,” Ernst Lubitsch said, or so they say, “and on the whole I prefer Paris, Paramount Pictures.”

Hollywood Reporter: Wendell Pierce Cast as Perry White in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Great Caesar’s Ghost, Perry White has been found.

Variety: Tubi Gets New Logo, Sonic Brand ID as It Gears Up for International Expansion

Story from Variety:

Tubi has given its logo an overhaul and a new coat of vivid paint — and has introduced a buoyant sonic logo akin to Netflix’s “tudum” — as the Fox Corp.-owned streamer prepares to launch into more international markets.

RTÉ News: Future funding model for RTÉ 'by summer' - Martin

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has said that she is committed to making a decision on a future funding model for RTÉ by the summer.

Deadline: ‘Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars’ Renewed By Fox; Season 2 To Film In UK

Story from Deadline:

Fox is firing up another season of Gordon Ramsay‘s Food Stars and is moving filming from California to the UK in order that the host can explore new territories.

Deadline; Disney, Fox And Warner Bros. Discovery Are A “Sports Cartel” Engaging In “Borderline Racketeering”, Fubo CEO David Gandler Charges: “This Is A Duel To The Death”

Story from Deadline:

Fubo CEO David Gandler blasted away again at a planned sports bundle backed by Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery, calling the companies a “sports cartel” engaging in “borderline racketeering.”

Deadline: Aardman Hires BBC Studios Commercial Director To Lead IP Push; Rejigs Board With Co-Founder Peter Lord Stepping Down To Focus On Creative Duties

Story from Deadline:

Aardman, the iconic UK animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, has rejigged its top team and brought in a BBC Studios executive to oversee an IP push.

Deadline: Harry Enfield Steps Down As Director Of His Production Outfit After 12 Years

Story from Deadline:

Iconic British comedian Harry Enfield has stepped down as director of his production company after 12 years.

Media Guardian: ITV sells stake in Britbox International to BBC Studios for £255m

Story from Media Guardian:

ITV has sold its 50% stake in BritBox International, the streaming service that offers programmes such as Line of Duty outside the UK, to BBC Studios for £255m in cash.

Deadline: Family Of Walt Disney Supports Bob Iger In Company’s Proxy Fight With “Hedge Fund-Backed Opportunists”

Story from Deadline:

In two open letters to shareholders of the Walt Disney Company, grandchildren of Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney came out in support of CEO Bob Iger and current management, which is being assailed by two investment firms trying to change the makeup of the company’s board.