Deadline: CNBC International Finds New President In Senior ITV Exec Who Was Driving Force Behind ITVX

Story from Deadline:

Deep Bagchee, a driving force behind the launch of ITVX, is exiting to become President of CNBC International.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Skydance Best And Final Offer For Paramount: Bigger Cash Infusion, Less For Shari Redstone, More For Other Shareholders

Story from Deadline:

Deadline has learned that Skydance’s offer for Paramount, said to be its last and final, includes a sweetened $3 billion cash in injection — up by at least $1 billion contemplated previously.

Hollywood Reporter: StudioCanal Launches Literary Adaptations Label StudioCanal Stories

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

European production and distribution group StudioCanal has launched a new label, StudioCanal Stories, focused on book-to-screen adaptations.

RTÉ News: Two key reports on RTÉ expected shortly

Story from RTÉ News:

The Government has said it expects to receive two key reports on RTÉ very shortly.

RTÉ News: Martin says she wants to move quickly after receiving RTÉ reports

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has said she received three reports about RTÉ over the weekend and that she wants to move quickly on bringing them to Cabinet and acting on their recommendations.

Deadline: France’s Mediawan Buys Germany’s Leonine Studios

Story from Deadline:

France’s Mediawan has acquired Germany’s Leonine Studios.

Deadline; Bob Bakish Exit: Shock Ripples Through CBS’ WHCD Party As Paramount CEO Set To Depart – “Who Knows What’s Next?”

Story from Deadline:

Confusion and anxiety reigned at a CBS-Politico joint party today ahead of the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, with staffers shocked at news that Bob Bakish, CEO of parent Paramount Global, is set to exit abruptly as early as Monday morning.

Variety: Robert Downey Jr. Would ‘Happily’ Return to Marvel, but His ‘Avengers’ Directors Say ‘We Closed That Book’ on Iron Man After ‘Endgame’ Death

Story from Variety:

Robert Downey Jr. elated Marvel fans earlier this month when he told Esquire magazine that he would “happily” return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Tony Stark/Iron Man following his Oscar win for best supporting actor in March.

Deadline: Vice Media Promotes Stu Goldstein To Newly Created Business & Legal Affairs Top Job

Story from Deadline:

Stu Goldstein is the newly minted head of Business & Legal Affairs and General Counsel at Vice Media Group.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Bob Bakish To Step Down As Paramount Global CEO Amid Skydance Talks

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global is set to announce as early as Monday morning that Bob Bakish is stepping down as CEO amid talks with Skydance and ahead of the company’s quarterly earnings that afternoon.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount Expected to Part Ways With CEO Bob Bakish Amid Deal Talks

Story Hollywood Reporter:

The Bob Bakish era at Paramount appears to be nearing its end.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount’s Bob Bakish Could Be Bounced As CEO As Skydance Talks Continue

Story from Deadline:

Board members at Paramount Global are reportedly considering the removal of CEO Bob Bakish as discussions continue with Skydance Media about a complex, multi-step merger.

Broadband TV News: Peacock doubles paid subscribers in a year

Story from Broadband TV News:

The number of paid subscribers to Comcast’s streaming service Peacock has increased by 55% over the last 12 months.

Deadline; ‘FBI International’ Surprise: Luke Kleintank Leaving CBS Drama After Three Seasons

Story from Deadline:

So long, Scott Forrester: Luke Kleintank, one of the original cast members of FBI: International, is leaving the CBS series.

Deadline; ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Canceled By CBS: Franchise’s First Female-Led Series Ending After 3 Seasons

Story from Deadline:

It came down to the wire, but NCIS: Hawai’i ultimately didn’t make the cut for next season at CBS.

Deadline: Comcast’s Brian Roberts Sees $35M Pay Package In 2023; Compensation For Liberty Media & AMC Networks CEOs Set As Last Proxies Trickle In

Story from Deadline:

Comcast said chairman and chief executive Brian Roberts‘ pay package for 2023 totaled $35.47 million, up from $32 million the year before.

Deadline: Poppy Harlow To Depart CNN After 16 Years With Network

Story from Deadline:

Poppy Harlow, who has been with CNN since 2008, is departing the network. Harlow announced her decision in a memo to colleagues.

Deadline: RTL Deutschland Strikes Long-Term German Films Pact With Wiedemann & Berg Film And Leonine Studios

Story from Deadline:

Germany network RTL Deutschland has struck a long-term strategic deal with Wiedemann & Berg Film and the producer’s parent, Leonine Studios.

Deadline: Skydance Still In Pole Position For Paramount As Two Hash Out Terms; Sony & Apollo Waiting In The Wings

Story from Deadline:

Skydance and Paramount are deep into hashing out a complicated deal that would see the David Ellison’s studio and its backers take control of the storied film and television company owned by Shari Redstone.

Deadline: Former DreamWorks Animation Boss Chris deFaria Consulting For Netflix Animation

Story from Deadline:

Netflix‘s new feature Boss Dan Lin has tapped former DreamWorks Animation and Coyote Vs. Acme producer Chris deFaria to consult for the streamer’s animation department, we hear on very good authority.

Deadline: Ari Emanuel Sees $84 Million Endeavor Pay Package For 2023

Story from Deadline:

Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel’s 2023 pay package totaled $83.9 million, according to the company’s proxy statement today.

Deadline: Sony Pictures Entertainment Names Jill Ratner General Counsel

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Entertainment has hired Jill Ratner as their EVP and General Counsel, overseeing all of the studio’s legal functions, compliance and labor relations, SPE music affairs, government/external matters, and corporate social responsibility teams.

Deadline: Peacock Is “Seeing Traction” From Combo Of Sports And Entertainment, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh Says

Story from Deadline:

Nearly four years since the launch of NBCUniversal streaming flagship Peacock, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh says the service is “seeing traction” with its blend of entertainment and sports.

Deadline: Former Discovery+ Docs Chief Igal Svet Joins Lionsgate’s Blackfin

Story from Deadline:

Blackfin, the Lionsgate-backed production company behind series including Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez, has a new Head of Documentaries.

Deadline; ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ Moving To Peacock For Season 5

Story from Deadline:

The last NBC drama series whose fate had not been determined, Law & Order: Organized Crime, is finalizing a deal for a 10-episode Season 5 renewal, sources said.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Aims to Help Advertisers Redirect Commercials to Best Audiences

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery has a new tip for TV advertisers: Stop beaming so many of your commercials at older viewers of traditional TV.

Hollywood Reporter: TelevisaUnivision Nears Streaming Profit, CEO Predicts Hispanic Voters “Determinative” in U.S. Elections

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Spanish-language media giant TelevisaUnivision reported virtually unchanged U.S. revenue of $739.9 million in the first quarter of 2024, as a 4 percent drop in “other” revenue was offset by subscription and licensing revenue, as well as advertising revenue that rose minimally.

Hollywood Reporter: Peacock Quarterly Loss Narrows to $639M as Streamer Hits 34M Subscribers

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Peacock, the streaming service of Comcast’s entertainment unit NBCUniversal, grew its first-quarter revenue and narrowed its loss to $639 million from $704 million in the year-ago period, and $825 million in the fourth quarter of 2023, despite higher programming costs.

Hollywood Reporter: Comcast President Deflects M&A Talk, Reiterates Focus on Growing Existing Businesses

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A big Wall Street spotlight, once again, was on Comcast‘s latest M&A commentary on Thursday as the conglomerate discussed its first-quarter earnings.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘The Equalizer’ Grabs Season 5 Renewal at CBS

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Robyn McCall will continue righting wrongs for another season.

Hollywood Reporter: Prime Video Adds Live NHL Hockey Games in Canada

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Amazon’s Prime Video in Canada has struck a deal to become the exclusive home on Monday nights for National Hockey League games as the entertainment industry’s sports arms race crosses the U.S.-Canadian border.

Deadline: Peacock Is “Seeing Traction” From Combo Of Sports And Entertainment, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh Says

Story from Deadline:

Nearly four years since the launch of NBCUniversal streaming flagship Peacock, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh says the service is “seeing traction” with its blend of entertainment and sports.

Broadband TV News: Ziggo Sport retains Serie A rights

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ziggo Sport has extended its partnership with Serie A for another five years.

Deadline: Sony Pictures Television’s Nina Lederman Exiting After Six Years As Global Scripted Boss

Story from Deadline:

Nina Lederman, Sony Pictures Television’s global scripted boss, is exiting amid the slowdown.

Deadline; ‘FBI: International’ Adds Teri Polo To Season 3 Cast

Story from Deadline:

Teri Polo has joined the Season 3 cast of FBI: International, sources tell Deadline.

Deadline: ITV Studios & Plimsoll Bosses Say British Producers “Welcome In America” Despite Commissioning Slowdown

Story from Deadline:

“Most British producers will find themselves very welcome in America.”

Broadband TV News: About turn as MultiChoice chair steps down after all

Story from Broadband TV News:

MultiChoice has reversed an earlier plan for chairman Imtiaz Patel to remain in place while the proposed buyout by Canal+ is completed.

Deadline: Broadcast TV Ad Sales Pioneer Jo Ann Ross Ends Decades-Long Run At CBS And Paramount Global

Story from Deadline:

Jo Ann Ross, whose lengthy run as the head of ad sales at CBS represented a breakthrough for a woman in the traditionally male-dominated field, is formally winding down her tenure at Paramount Global.

Deadline; ‘FBI International’ Surprise: Luke Kleintank Leaving CBS Drama After Three Seasons

Story from Deadline:

So long, Scott Forrester: Luke Kleintank, one of the original cast members of FBI: International, is leaving the CBS series.

Deadline: Becky Sloviter Named President Of Miramax Motion Picture Group

Story from Deadline:

Veteran producer and executive Becky Sloviter has been named President of Miramax Motion Picture Group, Deadline can exclusively reveal.

New York Post: Apple reportedly close to finalizing $1B deal with FIFA over TV rights for new tournament

Story from New York Post:

Soccer’s global governing body FIFA is close to an agreement with Apple to give the tech company worldwide television rights for a new, month-long club tournament, the New York Times reported Monday.

Digital TV Europe: Viaplay targets HVOD and password sharing as costs rise

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Nordic streamer Viaplay has confirmed plans for a hybrid ad-supported streaming package later this summer, along with a crackdown on account sharing, after posting a modest uplift in revenue along with a deeper operating loss and a fall in subscribers year-on-year (though up quarter on quarter) following price hikes.

Deadline: Range Media Partners Secures Minority Investment From Group Including Liberty Global And David Bonderman’s Wildcat Capital Management

Story from Deadline:

Range Media Partners has secured a minority investment from a group including Liberty Global and TPG founding partner David Bonderman’s family office Wildcat Capital Management.

Broadband TV News: Super RTL wants to take over Nickelodeon in Germany

Story from Broadband TV News:

German family channel Super RTL wants to take over children’s channel Nickelodeon in Germany and rebrand it into its children’s brand Toggo.

Daily Mail: WWE star Cody Rhodes to star in Naked Gun reboot with Pamela Anderson

Story from Daily Mail:

WWE superstar Cody Rhodes has landed a smackdown for his acting career, with the wrestling legend gearing up to make his film debut alongside Pamela Anderson in the upcoming Naked Gun reboot.

Deadline: Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish’s 2023 Pay Totals $31.3M, Down Slightly From Prior Year

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish saw his total compensation dip slightly in 2023, to $31.3 million from $32 million in the prior year.

Deadline: Disney Technology Chief Aaron LaBerge Exits For CTO Role At ESPN Bet Partner Penn Entertainment

Story from Deadline:

Aaron LaBerge, who helped oversee Disney‘s expansion into streaming during two stints totaling 20 years, is exiting the company.

Broadband TV News; RTL: Matthias Dang hands over to Carsten Schwecke as Chief Commercial, Technology and Data Officer

Story from Broadband TV News:

After more than 30 years, Matthias Dang, Chief Commercial, Technology and Data Officer at RTL Deutschland, has decided to leave the German broadcaster at the beginning of 2025.

Advanced Television: SkyShowtime, Paramount ad sales partnership

Story from Advanced Television:

SkyShowtime and Paramount Advertising International have announced an exclusive deal for Paramount to handle SkyShowtime’s advertising sales across all of its markets.

Deadline; Tom Holland Talks ‘Spider-Man’ And Plans For Fourth Movie: “This Is The First Time I’ve Been Part Of The Creative So Early…Everyone Wants It To Happen”

Story from Deadline:

The ancient Scottish town of St Andrews was hit with a heavy bout of Spidey fever this past weekend as the third annual Sands International Film Festival opened, pulling in an eclectic set of films, filmmakers, and speakers alongside one popular guest of honor.

Deadline; ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’: Ryan Reynolds Shares New Teaser & Poster Ahead Of Full Trailer Release

Story from Deadline:

Ryan Reynolds shared a new teaser and poster for the upcoming Deadpool and Wolverine movie.

Advanced Television; Italy: Rai breaks even in 2023

Story from Advanced Television:

Italian public broadcaster Rai achieved a balanced net profit for 2023, according to financial statements approved by its Board of Directors.

Broadband TV News: Bundesliga suspends TV rights auction after DAZN complaint

Story from Broadband TV News:

The DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has put the auction for domestic rights of the Bundesliga’s domestic broadcast rights on hold after a bidder complained of unfair treatment.

Deadline: James Gunn Says Zack Snyder Has Been “Incredibly Supportive” During DCU Transition

Story from Deadline:

James Gunn and Peter Safran are the co-heads of DC Studios and taking over the DCU.

Deadline; ‘Bluey’: Disney+ Drops “Surprise” Episode

Story from Deadline:

Disney+ has more Bluey and is premiering a new episode on Sunday, April 21 at 12 a.m. PT titled “Surprise.”

Deadline: John Malone Stepping Down As Director Emeritus At Charter

Story from Deadline:

Five years after John Malone retired from the board of directors at Charter Communications, he is exiting his post as the company’s director emeritus, Deadline has confirmed.

Deadline: The CW Opts Not To Renew Affiliation Deals With Scripps-Owned Stations In Seven Markets

Story from Deadline:

The CW has opted not to renew affiliations with E.W. Scripps-owned stations in seven markets.

Deadline: Paramount Shares Leap As Investors Cheer Sony-Apollo Scenario

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global shares jumped 13% Friday as investors cheered news that Sony Pictures Entertainment is talking with Apollo Global Management about joining Apollo’s bid for Paramount.

Deadline: ‘FBI’ Showrunner Rick Eid Stepping Down; Key Member Of Dick Wolf’s Team Will Remain Executive Producer On CBS Series

Story from Deadline:

Change is afoot on another Dick Wolf series: Rick Eid is stepping down as showrunner of FBI but will remain an executive producer on the series.

Deadline: Fremantle Hires Bad Wolf’s Jeff Boone For North America Scripted Post

Story from Deadline:

Bad Wolf’s Jeff Boone is transferring to Fremantle.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav’s 2023 Pay Package Just Shy Of $50 Million

Story from Deadline:

David Zaslav saw his total compensation package last year jump by more than $10 million to $49.7 million in 2023 — with Warner Bros. Discovery awarding him a base salary of $3 million, plus $23 million in stock awards, and non-equity incentive plan compensation (a cash bonus) of $22 million.

Deadline: Sony In Talks To Team With Apollo In Bid For Paramount Global

Story from Deadline:

Remember those rumors, oh, eight years ago about how Sony was a target for acquisition?

New York Post: Mario Gabelli comes out against Paramount’s merger with Skydance: ‘I’d rather see no sale’

Story from New York Post:

Wall Street titan Mario Gabelli is slamming a possible merger between Paramount and Skydance Media — and says he’d rather see Paramount exit deal talks altogether, The Post has learned.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - New York Post: Paramount not expected to reach deal with Skydance by 30-day deadline

Story from New York Post:

Paramount Global’s exclusive talks with Skydance Media are not likely to result in a deal, according to a report.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter; Paramount’s Future: Is Skydance Deal “Path of Least Resistance” or Will It Get Derailed?

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Will Paramount Global end up looking for a new dance partner, or will David Ellison’s Skydance Media get to clinch a deal and celebrate with a victory dance?

Variety: Netflix Will Stop Reporting Subscriber Numbers Starting in 2025

Story from Variety:

Netflix will no longer report subscriber numbers — which has been a key metric for streaming services for years — beginning with the first quarter of 2025.

Deadline: Warner Bros Lands ‘Keeper Of The Lost Cities’ Film Rights; Emma Watts Producing Potential Tentpole

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Pictures has acquired Shannon Messenger’s bestselling book series Keeper of the Lost Cities, with Emma Watts set to produce.

Digital TV Europe: Canal+ ups stake in MultiChoice again

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Canal+ has once again increased its stake in MultiChoice, though this time just edging upwards from 40.01% to 40.83%. 

Broadband TV News: DAZN extends LaLiga live broadcast rights in Italy and Portugal

Story from Broadband TV News:

DAZN has renewed its exclusive broadcasting rights with LaLiga in Italy and Portugal, guaranteeing coverage all matches from the Spanish competition.

Advanced Television: BBC Nordic celebrates first year with record growth

Story from Advanced Television:

BBC Studios has announced that its enhanced linear channel, BBC Nordic, has achieved 1 per cent audience share and grown its ratings by 86 per cent over the past six months following its launch on April 17th 2023.

Deadline: Seven CEO James Warburton Steps Down From Australian Network Ahead Of Schedule

Story from Deadline:

James Warburton, who heads Australian network Seven, has stepped down, effective immediately.

Deadline: Marc Pos Strikes Development Deal With Banijay

Story from Deadline:

The Traitors creator Marc Pos is getting into business with Banijay.

Deadline; ‘Superman’: Neva Howell To Play Ma Kent In James Gunn’s DC Movie

Story from Deadline:

Georgia-born actress Neva Howell will portray Martha Kent, Clark Kent’s adoptive Earth mother, in Warner Bros/DC Studios’ Superman, from filmmaker and studio co-boss James Gunn.

Variety; Henry Cavill Jokes ‘I Don’t Have Much Luck With Post-Credit Scenes’ After His Superman Return in ‘Black Adam’ Didn’t Pan Out: ‘I May Give Up on Those’

Story from Variety:

Henry Cavill nodded to his tumultuous history with post-credits scenes during a recent screening of his new Guy Ritchie-directed movie “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.”

Deadline: Viaplay Launching On Prime Video Channels After Shutting Down U.S. Streaming App

Story from Deadline:

Viaplay shut its direct-to-consumer service in February, but the Scandi streamer is still active in the U.S.

New York Post: CNN boss Mark Thompson says network faces ‘existential crisis,’ plans eventual switch away from cable TV

Story from New York Post:

CNN’s new boss said the network faces an “existential crisis” because of cord cutting — and that he plans to eventually pivot away from cable TV toward a subscription-based streaming model similar to YouTube and TikTok.

New York Post: Disney to overhaul its money-losing Disney+ streaming service with new TV channels

Story from New York Post:

Disney reportedly plans to overhaul its money-losing Disney+ streaming service by adding standalone channels that feature ads.

RTÉ News: TV licence inspector job 'almost impossible' in last year - CWU

Story from RTÉ News:

The General Secretary of the Communications Workers' Union has said the job of TV licence inspectors has become more difficult over the last year.

BizAsia: ZEE withdraws NCLT case against Sony

Story from BizAsia:

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has scrapped its National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) case against Sony, following the termination of the merger deal between the two broadcasting giants.

Advanced Television: Warner Bros Discovery unveils Paris studio and production plans

Story from Advanced Television:

Warner Bros Discovery has unveiled a first look at its Paris studios from which it says it will deliver “the most immersive Olympic Games ever seen” this summer.

Deadline: ‘Sherlock’ & ‘The Devil’s Hour’ Producer Hartswood Films Expected To Sell Stake To ITV Studios

Story from Deadline:

ITV Studios is leading the race to invest in Hartswood Films, the storied British scripted producer behind hits including Sherlock and The Devil’s Hour.

Deadline: Canada’s CBC Welcomes $30M Gov’t Funding Boost & Says It Can Now “Preserve Jobs”

Story from Deadline:

Following a tough few months that has seen mass layoffs, Canadian national broadcaster CBC has welcomed a one-year investment of CA$42M ($30.4M) from the federal government.

Variety: U.S. Reps Raise Concerns That Disney, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Streaming Venture Will Be Anticompetitive

Story from Variety:

The Disney/ESPN, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery sports-streaming joint venture has drawn congressional scrutiny.

Deadline: Paramount Completes Exec Shuffle Atop Sports Ad Sales Group, With Ryan Briganti Succeeding Retiring John Bogusz

Story from Deadline:

Veteran Paramount Global ad exec Ryan Briganti has been tapped as the company’s head of sports ad sales, replacing John Bogusz, who recently retired.

Deadline: Pamela Anderson Joins Liam Neeson In Paramount’s New ‘Naked Gun’ Movie

Story from Deadline:

Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin was wrong: Cops and women do mix, and with that we have Pamela Anderson joining Liam Neeson in Paramount Pictures’ untitled Naked Gun reboot, which Akiva Schaffer is directing and executive producing for a July 18, 2025 theatrical release.

Digital TV Europe: AMC Networks launches FilmMania channel in Romania

Story from Digital TV Europe:

AMC Networks International Central and Northern Europe (AMCNI CNE), the global division of AMC Networks, has rolled out its film channel offering FilmMania in Romania.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Hires Canoe Ventures CEO David Porter as Head of Ad Sales Research

Story from Variety:

David Porter, an ad industry veteran and former Turner exec, is joining Warner Bros. Discovery as head of ad sales research, data and insights.

Hollywood Reporter: Verizon Inks Deal for Free Disney Streaming Bundle for Some Unlimited Customers

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Verizon and Disney are partnering on another bundle deal.

Broadband TV News: Disney+ buys Europa League Rights in Sweden and Denmark

Story from Broadband TV News:

Disney+ has made its first foray into the European sports market with the acquisition of rights to the UEFA Europa League and Conference League competitions in Sweden and Denmark.

Hollywood Reporter; Netflix Earnings Preview: Analysts Raise Stock Price Targets on Ad Tier, Paid Sharing Optimism

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Netflix is getting ready to kick off the first-quarter 2024 earnings season for Hollywood on April 18, and the momentum of its subscriber growth, advertising tier and password-sharing crackdown will be among the focus areas for investors and Wall Street analysts.

Digital TV Europe: Formula E returns to Sony Pictures Networks India

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Formula E and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) have entered into a new three-year partnership, with all Formula E races to air live on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV across the Indian sub-continent.

Broadband TV News: MFE secures bank support for potential €4bn ProSiebenSat.1 bid

Story from Broadband TV News:

Italian broadcast group MFE-MediaForEurope held talks in recent months with various banks ready to fund a potential bid for German media company ProSiebenSat.1.

Media Guardian; Newshub: parts of axed New Zealand media outlet to continue in new deal

Story from Media Guardian:

New Zealand news outlet Newshub, which is set to shut down due to economic woes, has been thrown a lifeline by local media organisation Stuff that will save its bulletins and website, in new formats.

Deadline: Wonya Lucas, Former CEO Of Hallmark Media And TV One, Joins Comcast Board Of Directors

Story from Deadline:

Wonya Lucas, a veteran media exec who held the post of CEO for Hallmark Media Networks and TV One, has been appointed to Comcast‘s board of directors.

Deadline: Marvel Makes Small Round Of Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

We understand that Marvel underwent a handful of layoffs Monday, with 15 employees impacted across Marvel Entertainment in New York and Marvel Studios in Burbank.

Digital TV Europe: ProSiebenSat.1 secures support in battle with MFE

Story from Digital TV Europe:

German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 has secured the support of two shareholder adviser outfits ahead of a key battle with its leading shareholder MediaForEurope over strategy and the composition of its board.

Deadline: ‘The Rookie’ Renewed For Season 7 By ABC

Story from Deadline:

The Rookie will be back for another go-round. Ahead of the Season 6 finale, ABC has renewed the Nathan Fillion drama, produced by Lionsgate Television, for a seventh season.

New York Post: CNN axes Charles Barkley and Gayle King’s weekly show ‘King Charles’ after 6 months

Story from New York Post:

The CNN weekly prime time talk show co-hosted by basketball loudmouth Charles Barkley and CBS morning star Gayle King has ended a six-month run that failed to produce ratings.

Deadline: Former Disney Exec Ben Sherwood, Joanna Coles To Run The Daily Beast In Strategic Partnership With Barry Diller’s IAC

Story from Deadline:

IAC, the Barry Diller-owned company that controls The Daily Beast, has landed a strategic partnership with former Disney executive Ben Sherwood and Hearst veteran Joanna Coles to define the digital publication’s next chapter in a struggling media climate.

RTÉ News: Former television producer Larry Masterson dies aged 73

Story from RTÉ News:

Larry Masterson, who produced many of RTÉ's flagship entertainment programmes including The Late Late Show, has died aged 73.

Deadline: ‘Peaky Blinders’ Exec Joins STV Studios

Story from Deadline:

STV Studios has hired Peaky Blinders exec Sara Hamill as Director of Production across STV Studios Drama, Tod Productions and Two Cities Television.

Digital TV Europe: Canal+ takes MultiChoice stake to over 40 per cent

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Canal+ has acquired additional shares in MultiChoice, taking its stake in the South African pay TV operator to just over 40%.

Deadline; Director Shawn Levy Says ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Movie Is Not ‘Deadpool 3’: “This Is A Two-Hander Character Adventure”

Story from Deadline:

Shawn Levy, director of Deadpool and Wolverine, clarifies that although the film features Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool, the Marvel movie is not to be called Deadpool 3.

Deadline; ‘Sex Lives Of College Girls’: Mia Rodgers To Star In Season 3 Of Max Series

Story from Deadline:

There’s a new student joining the ranks at Essex College.

Deadline: ‘Cold Case’ Reboot From Creator Meredith Stiehm Eyed By CBS

Story from Deadline:

After bringing back CSI: Crime Scene Investigation with CSI: Vegas, CBS is looking to revive another Jerry Bruckheimer Television-produced crime procedural from the 2000s.

Media Guardian: BBC to split India operations following raids

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC will split its operations in India into two separate companies, after raids by India’s tax authorities last year.

Advanced Television: Viaplay presents proposals for Board of Directors

Story from Advanced Television:

In advance of the Viaplay Group Annual General Meeting of shareholders on May 14th, the Viaplay Group Nomination Committee has proposed the election of Katarina Bonde, Anna Bäck, Erik Forsberg, Andrea Gisle Joosen, Jacques du Puy, Maxime Saada, Didier Stoessel and Annica Witschard as members of the Board of Directors, and the election of Simon Duffy as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Broadband TV News: Vectra to carry Eurosport Olympic pop-up channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Eurosport’s Olympic pop-up channels will be available to subscribers of the Polish operator Vectra.

Deadline: Amazon Taps Longtime NBCU Exec Krishan Bhatia To Lead New Global Video Ad Sales Team

Story from Deadline:

Longtime NBC ad sales executive Krishan Bhatia has landed at Amazon as VP, Global Video Advertising Sales, a new position for a new team within ad sales focused on streaming TV offerings across live sports, Amazon Freevee, Twitch, Prime Video ads, and third-party publishers.

Deadline: Showtime Standalone App To Shut Down In April After Merging With Paramount+

Story from Deadline:

Showtime’s standalone app will disappear on April 30.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Handful Of Paramount Directors Leaving Amid Skydance Talks; CEO Bob Bakish Compensation Topped $31 Million In 2023

Story from Deadline:

Four directors of Paramount Global will not standing for re-election at the annual meeting, an SEC filing has confirmed, paring the board down to seven directors.

Deadline; ‘S.W.A.T.’ Lives On: Once-Canceled Series Renewed For Season 8 By CBS

Story from Deadline:

S.W.A.T. is not ending after all. Beating the odds a second time, the action drama has been renewed for the 2024-25 season, with Shemar Moore set to continue as star and executive producer.

Deadline: New ‘Scary Movie’ In The Works Under Jonathan Glickman’s Miramax & Neal H. Moritz

Story from Deadline:

The Miramax label at Paramount under new boss Jonathan Glickman is getting back into the Scary Movie business with a new movie that will go into production this year for theatrical release in 2025.

Deadline: Lionsgate Alternative Television Brings In Former Half Yard Execs Including Nicole Sorrenti

Story from Deadline:

Dirk Hoogstra is getting the band back together at Lionsgate.

Variety: Paramount Film Chief Brian Robbins Addresses Corporate M&A Saga at CinemaCon, Jokes About Launching Kickstarter to Buy Studio

Story from Variety:

Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins got cheeky about the sales talks surrounding his corporate parent Paramount Global.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline; As Paramount Shareholders Slam A Skydance Deal, Directors Said To Be Exiting Board: Could Threat Of Legal Action Derail Talks?

Story from Deadline:

The temperature is rising as Paramount Global‘s common shareholders continue to publicly and privately bash a possible acquisition by David Ellison’s Skydance Media with terms they insist would mainly benefit Shari Redstone, and theatening legal action.

Digital TV Europe: Triathlon supertri to air on Eurosport, discovery+ and Max

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Triathlon league supertri and Warner Bros Discovery have agreed a partnership that will deliver live coverage of all supertri events in 2024 to an international audience via Eurosport as well as live and on-demand streaming on discovery+ and Max in Europe.

Deadline: ‘The Night Manager’ Returns With Supercharged Two-Season Order At BBC & Amazon; Tom Hiddleston Back To Star With Hugh Laurie As EP

Story from Deadline:

One year ago we told you that a second season of John le Carré adaptation The Night Manager was quietly being developed under the codename Steelworks.

Deadline: MGM+ & MGM Alternative Boss Chris Brearton To Leave Amazon

Story from Deadline:

Chris Brearton is stepping down from Amazon, 18 months after taking on a new role.

RTÉ News: RTÉ to pay €755,000 over three years for market research

Story from RTÉ News:

National broadcaster, RTÉ is set to pay an estimated €755,000 over a three year period to firms to carry out audience market research on its behalf.

RTÉ News: RTÉ staff should not accept gifts valued over €100 - DG

Story from RTÉ News:

RTÉ has launched a new 'Register of Gifts' which will require employees and contractors to declare any gifts they receive that are above a value of €50.

Hollywood Reporter: Bob Iger Bruised, But Not Broken, After Disney Fight

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The moment that it started to seem possible that Bob Iger could lose the battle to keep dissident shareholder Nelson Peltz off the Disney board was on March 21, when leading proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services announced its support for the activist investor.

Broadcast Sport: Rally TV joins DAZN platform

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The World Rally Championship’s Rally TV platform is now available through the DAZN platform.

Broadcast Sport: DAZN appoints freemium CEO

Story from Broadcast Sport:

DAZN has appointed Elena Novokreshchenova to the newly-created role of global CEO of freemium.

Deadline: Studiocanal’s The Copyrights Group Bolsters Exec Team

Story from Deadline:

Studiocanal subsidiary The Copyrights Group, which handles merchandising and licensing business for parent company IPs such as Paddington, has appointed Sissel Henno to the new position of Head of Global Sales – Licensing and Retail.

Warner Bros. Discovery to close Newshub

Story from Newshub NZ:

Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed plans to close its Newshub news operation, as part of a wider restructuring of its New Zealand free-to-air television business which will see nearly 300 roles disappear.

Deadline: Disney Board Election Tally Shows James Gorman Leading All Vote-Getters

Story from Deadline:

The Walt Disney Co. has released the official vote totals from its April 3 annual shareholder meeting, the event that featured the culmination of a proxy fight waged by Nelson Peltz.

Deadline: CBS News Streaming Overhaul Doubles The Number Of Live Hours And Expands Shows Like John Dickerson’s ‘Daily Report’

Story from Deadline:

CBS News is rebooting its streaming efforts, expanding live coverage, lengthening shows like The Daily Report with John Dickerson and rebranding its flagship service.

Deadline: AMC Networks To Add Cheaper, Ad-Supported Subscription Tiers Across Its Full Streaming Portfolio

Story from Deadline:

AMC Networks is rolling out cheaper, ad-supported tiers for all of its niche streaming services after putting ads on its flagship AMC+ bundle late last year.

Hollywood Reporter: CBS News Bringing Misinformation Unit to TV With Hiring of EP Melissa Mahtani

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

CBS News is planning to bring its CBS News Confirmed unit to TV with the hiring of a new executive producer: Melissa Mahtani.

Deadline: ‘FBI’ Trio Renewed At CBS With Flagship Series Scoring Three-Season Deal

Story from Deadline:

Dick Wolf’s trio of FBI dramas will continue at CBS.

Hollywood Reporter: Courtney Armstrong Upped to COO of Paramount Pictures

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Pictures has promoted Courtney Armstrong to be COO of the venerable film studio.

Deadline: Fremantle Europe Exec Exits After Falling Victim To $1M Fake M&A Scam

Story from Deadline:

The Fremantle exec who fell victim to a $1M fake M&A scam has exited the business.

Deadline: Studiocanal Ups Sales Execs Chloé Marquet and Pauline Saint-Hilaire To Include TV

Story from Deadline:

Studiocanal has promoted Chloé Marquet to Head of International Sales for Films and TV Series, in a move that will see the TV sales team now report to her.

Advanced Television: History Channel relaunches in Bulgaria

Story from Advanced Television:

A+E Networks EMEA has relaunched The History Channel in Bulgaria with a dedicated local feed.

Advanced Television: Ruiz named MD, EVP of AMC Networks ISE

Story from Advanced Television:

AMC Networks International has appointed Antonio Ruiz as new Managing Director and Executive Vice President of AMC Networks International Southern Europe.

Variety: Rooster Teeth’s Roost Podcast Network Sold to Night, a Digital Talent Management Agency

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery has found a buyer for Rooster Teeth‘s Roost Podcast Network: Night, the talent management company for several big YouTubers and Twitch streamers including MrBeast.

Broadband TV News: HGTV launches in Estonian market

Story from Broadband TV News:

Warner Bros. Discovery and Estonian operator AS STV have announced the launch of lifestyle channel HGTV.

Deadline: Paramount Stock Falters As Investors Sweat Details Of Skydance-National Amusements Talks

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global‘s beleaguered stock faltered Monday as investors fretted over the ongoing talks between controlling shareholder National Amusements Inc. and Skydance Media.

Deadline: Endeavor And TKO Group Are Buying $311M More In Stock From Vince McMahon, But The Disgraced Ex-WWE Boss Still Has A Large Stake

Story from Deadline:

More of former TKO Group Executive Chairman Vince McMahon‘s large stake in the company is changing hands, with Endeavor and TKO agreeing to buy a combined $311.2 million of his stock.

Deadline; Paramount Flies High As ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Copyright Suit Against Studio Dismissed

Story from Deadline:

The nearly two-year old dogfight between Paramount and the family of the writer of the 1983 article that inspired the franchise is over, at least for now.

Deadline: Layoffs Underway At Netflix As Streamer Restructures Film Department

Story from Deadline:

A major restructure is underway at Netflix as Deadline is hearing 15 people will be laid off as the company begins a reorganization of its film department.

WBD/Paramount merger - Hollywood Reporter: Two Years After WarnerMedia Merged With Discovery, Debt and Megadeal Questions Loom

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery was officially created when Discovery and AT&T’s WarnerMedia closed their megamerger on April 8, 2022.

Deadline: Canal+ Acquisition Of Africa’s MultiChoice Firms Up As Parties Officially Announce Proposed Deal

Story from Deadline:

French Canal+ Group’s operation to take full control of African media and entertainment giant MultiChoice appears to be moving forward with both parties announcing they had finalized the terms of a second mandatory offer in a joint statement on Monday.

Deadline: Banijay Ups Comms Chief Humphreys

Story from Deadline:

Banijay’s Global Head of Communications, Kate Humphreys, has been promoted to the C-suite.

Deadline: Prime Video And WNBA Reach 2-Year Extension Of Rights Deal

Story from Deadline:

With the popularity of women’s basketball on the rise, Prime Video and the WNBA have reached an extension of their current rights deal through the next two seasons.

Variety: Paramount Global’s Cable Carriage Talks With Charter Could Play Key Role in Skydance Transaction

Story from Variety:

Charter Communications is about to play a guest-star role in the corporate drama surrounding Paramount Global.

Deadline: Bob Iger Says Netflix-Like Password Sharing Plan On Disney+ Will Start In June

Story from Deadline:

Disney CEO Bob Iger has offered more precise timing for Disney’s previously announced plan to crack down on password sharing on streaming flagship Disney+, saying it will start rolling out in June.

Deadline: Senior ESPN Production Exec Norby Williamson Is Leaving After A Nearly 40-Year Run

Story from Deadline:

ESPN EVP of Production Norby Williamson, who helped build SportsCenter into a signature franchise but recently had a public clash with Pat McAfee, is departing after nearly 40 years at the network.

Deadline: India’s Zee To Cut 15% Of Staff, CEO Punit Goenka Proposes “Lean” Board Structure

Story from Deadline:

India’s Zee Entertainment Enterprises is planning to cut its workforce by 15%.

Deadline: A Scottish Wrexham? Former Netflix Exec Erik Barmack ‘In Talks’ To Invest In British Soccer Club Motherwell

Story from Deadline:

Could Scottish soccer be the next to benefit from Hollywood investment?

Deadline; Deborah McBride Dies: A+E Networks Corporate Communications Exec Was 45

Story from Deadline:

Deborah McBride, a veteran A+E Networks corporate communications executive who previously worked at Turner Broadcasting System, has died after a short battle with brain cancer.

Deadline: Vice TV Chief Morgan Hertzan Sets Exit; Pete Gaffney Named Interim Replacement

Story from Deadline:

Vice Television is going through a shuffle at the top, with head exec Morgan Hertzan set to exit next week and Pete Gaffney replacing him on an interim basis.

Deadline: After Losing Disney Proxy Fight, Nelson Peltz Claims About $1B In Profit On Stock Gains; Won’t Rule Out A Third Effort To Shake Up Board

Story from Deadline:

Activist investor Nelson Peltz, reflecting on his losing proxy battle with Disney, says he will “watch and wait” to see if the company keeps its promises.

Variety: What’s Next for Paramount? Shari Redstone Has a Preferred M&A Path

Story from Variety:

Will Shari have to break up the band?

Deadline: Bob Iger On Succession, Nelson Peltz & “Woke” Content Day After Disney Wins Proxy Battle

Story from Deadline:

Bob Iger took a victory lap Thursday morning, a day after Disney fended off activist investor Nelson Peltz in a fierce proxy battle.

Deadline: ‘The King Of Queens’ Streaming On Paramount+ & Pluto TV As Part Of New Deal Between Sony Pictures TV & Paramount Global

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Television has finalized a new licensing deal with Paramount Global for comedy series The King of Queens to continue to be available on Paramount linear cable networks.

Deadline: MBC Studios Confirms Samar Akrouk As Managing Director

Story from Deadline:

MBC Studios has officially confirmed that Samar Akrouk will succeed the departing Christina Wayne as Managing Director.

Deadline; “False”: John Ridley Decries Discrimination & Retaliation Suit By Female Executive Against Him, Disney, ABC

Story from Deadline:

A day after John Ridley, ABC and the Walt Disney Company sued for discrimination and retaliation by a former employee, the Oscar winner is rejecting the claims.

Deadline: CBS News Closes Its Tokyo Bureau As Network Cuts Costs

Story from Deadline:

CBS News is shuttering its Tokyo bureau, impacting three employees, following earlier cost-cutting in the division.

Variety: Disney Shareholders Officially Reject Nelson Peltz’s Board Bid in Big Win for CEO Bob Iger

Story from Variety:

It’s official: Disney shareholders shot down activist investor Nelson Peltz‘s effort to win seats on the Mouse House’s board of directors.

Hollywood Reporter: ESPN’s Stand-Alone Streaming Service Will Be Available Through Disney+

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

ESPN‘s planned streaming product will be part of the Disney bundle when it launches in 2025.

Variety: Apollo Global Offered $27 Billion for All of Paramount Global but the Bid Was Rebuffed

Story from Variety:

Private-equity giant Apollo Global Management made a $27 billion offer to acquire all of Paramount Global this week, sources familiar with the bid told Variety.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount Global Closer To Sale As Skydance Looks To Seal Deal In Exclusive Negotiating Window

Story from Deadline:

Shares of Paramount Global gave up some gains on Thursday after surging more than 15% yesterday as Skydance chief David Ellison secured pole position to clinch a majority stake of National Amusements.

Deadline; Disney D-Day: Bob Iger Celebrates Board Battle Win & End Of “Distracting Proxy Contest”; Nelson Peltz “Disappointed” Then Tries To Spin It Into A Win

Story from Deadline:

Scoring a big and costly win Wednesday against Nelson Peltz’s second attempt to get on the Disney board, Bob Iger was both gracious and a little biting in victory.

Deadline: Disney Fends Off Nelson Peltz After Bitter Proxy Fight As Shareholders Back Company Board

Story from Deadline:

Disney has succeeded in barring Nelson Peltz from its board of directors as shareholders at the company’s hotly anticipated annual meeting today voted in its slate of 12 nominees, fending off outsiders.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney’s DEI Efforts Targeted by Trump Aide’s Legal Group Amid Proxy Fight

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Disney‘s efforts to boost diversity are under attack ahead of a key shareholder vote to elect its board that will shape the direction of the company.

Deadline: New Patrick Whitesell Venture To Get $250 Million From Silver Lake As It Takes Endeavor Private; Whitesell, Ari Emanuel Will Each Receive A Plane

Story from Deadline:

Silver Lake’s plan to take Endeavor private includes an investment of $250 million of seed equity “into a new business to be founded, managed and controlled” by executive chairman Patrick Whitesell.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety: National Amusements and Paramount Global Close to Setting an Exclusive Window for Acquisition Talks with Skydance Media

Story from Variety:

Paramount Global and its parent company are moving closer to an agreement with Skydance Media for an exclusive window for acquisition negotiations as Shari Redstone and David Ellison inch toward a deal to bring their companies together in a three-way transaction.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney Stock Analyst Boosts Price Target by $15 Ahead of Crucial Shareholder Meeting

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The Walt Disney Co. is gearing up for a much-anticipated annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday, with Wall Street closely watching a showdown between CEO Bob Iger and critical shareholders, led by Nelson Peltz who is pushing for seats on the Hollywood giant’s board.

Variety: Disney Has Enough Votes to Defeat Activist Investor Nelson Peltz’s Board Candidates

Story from Variety:

Disney had won enough of the shareholder votes cast for its 12 board candidates as of Tuesday evening to successfully defeat an aggressive, months-long proxy fight waged by Nelson Peltz‘s Trian Partners hedge fund, Reuters reported, citing anonymous sources.

Broadband TV News: Patel stays on as MultiChoice chair amid takeover talks

Story from Broadband TV News:

MultiChoice chairman Imtiaz Patel is to remain at the helm until the proposed buyout by Canal+ is completed.

Broadband TV News: Sky Italia renews Premier League contact

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky Italia has extended its broadcast rights deal for the English Premier League for a further three seasons.

Deadline: Elon Musk Backs Nelson Peltz In Disney Proxy Fight After Polls Close

Story from Deadline:

Elon Musk is backing Nelson Peltz in the proxy battle for the future of Disney.

Deadline: As Disney Proxy Fight Nears End, Succession Saga Will Keep Heat On Bob Iger Regardless Of Shareholder Vote Tally

Story from Deadline:

The minutes are ticking down to the close of Disney’s bitter proxy fight with Nelson Peltz, whose attempt to scale the board is a direct challenge to CEO Bob Iger.

Deadline: Fox Television Stations Ups John Brauer To SVP Of Insights And Media Measurement

Story from Deadline:

Fox Television Stations has promoted John Brauer to SVP of Insights and Media Measurement.

Deadline: Endeavor To Go Private In Deal Valued At $13 Billion

Story from Deadline:

Endeavor Group Holdings, parent of talent agency WME and controlling shareholder in combat sports powerhouse TKO Group, is going private.

Advanced Television; Netherlands: Talpa Network’s SBS9 rebrands as Viaplay TV

Story from Advanced Television:

Viaplay Group and Dutch media company Talpa Network have agreed a linear TV partnership in the Netherlands.

The Sun: WWE announces first ever PPV wrestling event in Scotland

Story from The Sun:

Wrestling history will be made in Scotland this summer after WWE announced the country’s first ever premium live event will take place at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.

Deadline: Disney Said To Be Edging Past Nelson Peltz In Proxy Fight Ahead Of Annual Meeting

Story from Deadline:

Disney may have nudged Nelson Peltz farther from its board as giant BlackRock is said to be backing the company’s slate of directors.

Deadline: Steven O. Newhouse, Steven A. Miron Resign From Warner Bros. Discovery Board Amid DOJ Probe

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery said Monday that Steven A. Miron and Steven O. Newhouse have both notified the company’s board that they have resigned as directors after the U.S. Department of Justice informed them it was investigating whether their service violated Section 8 of the Clayton Antitrust Act on overlapping boards — specifically involving Charter Communications.

Deadline: Maia Eyre Promoted To Columbia Pictures SVP Creative Development

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures has raised Maia Eyre to SVP of Creative Development at Columbia Pictures.

Deadline: WWE Triumphs With Q1 Audience Increases For ‘Smackdown’ & ‘Raw’ Ahead Of WrestleMania

Story from Deadline:

WWE is locking in its heavyweight status ahead of WrestleMania.

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.

Hollywood Reporter: Liberty Media to Buy Motorcycle Racing Circuit MotoGP in Deal Valuing Its Owner at $4.5B

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Formula 1 owner Liberty Media, led by chairman John Malone and CEO Greg Maffei, has struck a deal to acquire a big majority stake in the company behind the motorcycle racing circuit MotoGP in a deal that puts an enterprise value of 4.2 billion euro ($4.5 billion) on the firm.