Media Guardian: NFL must pay $4.7bn in damages after Sunday Ticket broadcast lawsuit

Story from Media Guardian:

A jury in US district court ruled on Thursday that the NFL violated antitrust laws in distributing out-of-market Sunday afternoon games on a premium subscription service and has awarded nearly $4.7bn in damages.

Advanced Television; Netherlands: Ziggo Sport extends MotoGP rights

Story from Advanced Television:

MotoGP has extended its agreement with Ziggo Sport for a further five seasons.

Deadline: Lionsgate Promotes Chase Brisbin To EVP International SVOD Sales & Head Of Global Channels

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate and Lionsgate Studios has upped Chase Brisbin to EVP, International SVOD Sales and Head of Global Channels.

Deadline: All3Media Closing Maverick TV USA

Story from Deadline:

Maverick TV USA, the All3Media production company behind series including Netflix’s Barbeque Showdown and USA Network reality series Chrisley Knows Best, is the latest unscripted business to fall victim to market conditions.

Deadline; All3Media Unleashed: Inside ‘The Traitors’ Producer’s $1.46B Sale & Jeff Zucker’s Plan To Rouse A Sleeping Giant

Story from Deadline:

In the hours after the UK’s first TV election debate this month, the two main political parties turned to the same device to hero their leaders.

Broadband TV News: SkyShowtime secures Prime Video Channels distribution

Story from Broadband TV News:

SkyShowtime is to be made available through Amazon’s Prime Video Channels for the first time across four key European markets: Spain, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount Cuts Nearly All Content on Comedy Central, TV Land, CMT and MTV Websites

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Following the unexpected shuttering of the MTV News website earlier this week, Paramount has now largely cleaned house on the sites for several more of its cable channels, in a potential cost-cutting move.

RTÉ News: Review of broadcast moratorium set to be complete by election

Story from RTÉ News:

The executive chair of Coimisiún na Meán has said its review of the broadcasting moratorium will be concluded in time for the next election.

RTÉ News: Martin to relay concerns of RTÉ staff in meeting with director general

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has said she understands the concerns of staff at RTÉ after it emerged yesterday that the broadcaster plans to move production of some programmes off site.

RTÉ News: Minister to brief Cabinet on RTÉ ahead of five-year plan

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin will bring two memos to a meeting of the Cabinet on the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the external reviews of RTÉ.

RTÉ News: 5 questions for RTÉ as it publishes its five-year strategy

Story from RTÉ News:

A new five-year strategy for RTÉ is set to be published after staff are briefed on the plan by Director General Kevin Bakhurst.

RTÉ News; RTÉ funding: Will the nettle finally be grasped?

Story from RTÉ News:

There is an unfortunate anniversary approaching at RTÉ.

RTÉ News: Recommendations will improve governance at RTÉ - Minister

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has said she is confident that if the recommendations in relation to required changes at RTÉ are implemented, they will improve governance at the national broadcaster.

RTÉ News: RTÉ to move Fair City production off site over next five years

Story from RTÉ News:

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst has told a meeting of staff that production of programmes, including Fair City and The Late Late Show, is to move off site over the next five years.

Advanced Television: ITV hires Hoejmose as Group Chief Data and AI Officer

Story from Advanced Television:

ITV has announced that Stefan Hoejmose will join the company as its new Group Chief Data and AI Officer, starting on July 8th.

Advanced Television: Amagi selected as Lionsgate’s FAST playout and delivery partner

Story from Advanced Television:

Amagi, the leader in cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and Connected TV (CTV), has announced that after rigorous testing of multiple vendors, Lionsgate has chosen Amagi to be its partner for FAST playout and deliveries globally.

Paramount Global for sale - Deadline: With Paramount Assets In Play, There’s Chatter About A Sale & Leaseback Of Its Hollywood Lot

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global is pushing ahead with asset sales and bankers are in the house as it sets out to streamline and raise cash to pay down debt.

Deadline: ‘Harry Potter’ & ‘Welcome To Derry’ Moving From Max To HBO As Part Of Big-Budget Streaming Strategy Rethink

Story from Deadline:

Don’t expect many big-budget tentpole scripted series originating at Max.

Paramount Global for sale - Deadline: Paramount Global Co-CEOs Reveal Bankers Hired To Sell Assets; Discuss Path Forward At Town Hall

Story from Deadline:

After rejecting Skydance’s offer to merge two weeks ago, Paramount Global new co-CEO troika of Brian Robbins, George Cheeks and Chris McCarthy told a packed company town hall of 500 at the studio’s Melrose Lot Paramount Theater what progress has been made since the annual shareholders meeting three weeks ago, and what the company’s path will be going forward.

Deadline: Green Lantern Series ‘Lanterns’ From Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof & Tom King Moves From Max To HBO With Series Order

Story from Deadline:

Lanterns is moving from Max to HBO and has received an official series order.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney Holds Steady as Top TV Programming Distributor in May

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Disney kept a lock on the top spot as the media company responsible for the biggest share of TV viewing in May.

Broadcast Sport: Eurosport unveils Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes plans

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Eurosport is producing coverage of every stage of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes, to air on Max, discovery+ and Eurosport 1.

Broadband TV News: LFP puts forward plans for inhouse channel

Story from Broadband TV News:

The French football league has set out plans for its planned dedicated channel to the heads of the country’s leading clubs.

The proposals from the LFP came after the body struggled to find a bidder to cover the five-year cycle from 2024 through to the end of the 2028-29 season.

According to L’Équipe, the so-called ‘Plan B’ is for a non-exclusive channel that would be available to the country’s distribution platforms.

Operators would receive a percentage of each €25 subscription sold, rather than a single fee for carriage.

Amazon was the most recent principal rightsholder, picking up after the collapse of the Mediapro deal, and infuriating Canal Plus after it emerged it had paid more than the parcels to entertainment company for just three matches a week.

Its emerged the LFP has already secured technical facilities including a control room.

The plans have the support of CVC, the investment fund that has injected €1.5 billion in to the LFP in return for 13% of commercial revenues.

The original plan for a channel produced by beIN Sports, but distributed by Canal is at a standstill, though there is hope for a separate offer from either beIN Sports or DAZN.

Copyright © 2024 Broadband TV News.

Broadband TV News: Sýn bags Premier League rights

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sýn has secured the broadcast rights to the English Premier League from 2025/26 to the 2027/28 season.

Broadband TV News: T-Mobile Poland expands offer with Olympic Eurosport channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Warner Bros. Discovery in Poland and T-Mobile have signed a new partnership agreement, which will give the operator’s customers access to Eurosport channels featuring the Paris Olympics.

Daily Mail: MTV News (web site)'s sudden closure leaves music fans devastated - after decades' worth of articles vanish overnight

Story from Daily Mail:

Music fans and journalists have expressed their shock - and fury - after more than 20 years of articles have apparently been lost with the shock closure of MTVNews.com.

Deadline: Disney Faces Pushback In $300M Pay Equity Class Action Over Allegedly “Inappropriately” Withholding Documents

Story from Deadline:

In a split decision of sorts, an L.A. Superior Court judge has given Disney a month to articulate why they can’t hand over dozens of requested documents in the pay equity class action.

Deadline: Paramount+ Prices To Rise For Most Tiers Starting In August

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global said Monday that it will increase prices for its Paramount+ tiers with and without Showtime to take effect August 20, although the essential plan hike will only impact new subscribers.

Deadline: BBC Studios & France Télévisions To Co-Create Blue-Chip Factual Shows Through Wide-Ranging Deal

Story from Deadline:

Pubcasters unite! France Télévisions and BBC Studios have struck a long-term strategic partnership to co-create factual shows.

Deadline: Pillow Fight Championship TV Rights Snapped Up By Sean Perry’s 2500 Media

Story from Deadline:

In a world where live sports remain television’s cash cow, could competitive pillow fighting be the next big thing?

Deadline: Sony Pictures Networks India Names Disney+ Hotstar Content Boss Gaurav Banerjee As MD & CEO

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Networks India has named Disney+ Hotstar content chief Gaurav Banerjee as its new Managing Director and CEO.

Deadline: ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Star Pom Klementieff Reveals Talks With James Gunn To Play “One Specific Character” In DCU

Story from Deadline:

The Marvel-to-DC pipeline appears to be heating up as Pom Klementieff teases her next super role.

Deadline; Jamie Kellner Dies: TV Executive Who Helped Launch Fox & The WB Was 77

Story from Deadline:

Jamie Kellner, an extremely well-respected TV executive who helped launch Fox and The WB broadcast networks, has died at the age of 77.

RTÉ News: One year on from the day that shook RTÉ to its core

RTÉ News:

It is said that news is just the first rough draft of history.

Deadline: ABC News Executive Editor Stacia Deshishku To Exit

Story from Deadline:

Stacia Deshishku, who has been executive editor and senior vice president of ABC News, is planning to depart the network, according to a source familiar with plans.

Advanced Television: Banijay launching Mr Bean FAST channel

Story from Advanced Television:

Banijay Rights, the distribution arm of Banijay Entertainment, has unveiled a dedicated Mr Bean: The Animated Series FAST channel.

Deadline: Lionsgate & DirecTV Ink New Licensing Agreement; Five Of Studio’s FAST Channels Added

Story from Deadline:

DirecTV and Lionsgate have made a new, wide-ranging licensing agreement that will promptly make five Lionsgate channels available to all DirecTV and DirecTV Stream consumers, both streaming and satellite subscribers.

Deadline: The CW Sets Fall Premiere Dates For Final Season Of ‘Superman & Lois’, ‘WWE NXT’, ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’, ‘The Chosen’ & More

Story from Deadline:

The CW today announced primetime premiere dates for the fall 2024 season, including the final season of Superman & Lois, the debut of WWE NXT, the return of Sullivan’s Crossing, along with The Librarians sequel and Season 4 of the The Chosen in its broadcast television debut.

Deadline: Disney TV Studio’s Tim McNeal Named As HRTS President, David Madden As Chair

Story from Deadline:

The Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS) has new leadership.

Variety: Disney’s Aggressive Bid for Streaming Ads Leaves Video Rivals Angry

Story from Variety:

Disney is soaking up new commitments from advertisers in one of the driest “upfront” markets seen in recent years, and the company’s efforts to win those ad dollars from Madison Avenue have some rivals spitting out dust.

Variety: StudioCanal TV Appoints Margaret Conway as Head of Physical Production

Story from Variety:

StudioCanal has named Margaret Conway as its head of physical production for TV as the Canal+ Group-owned company continues to shape its small screen business.

Daily Mail: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell makes incredible admission in court

Story from Daily Mail:

Roger Goodell took the stand in federal court this week and made a startling admission: he did not believe the coverage of NFL Network was up to scratch.

Variety; What’s on Moguls’ Minds at Sun Valley 2024: Disney Succession, AI Controversies and Trump’s Possible Return

Story from Variety:

The sultans of media and tech will break out their windbreakers and puffy vests for Allen & Co.’s annual Sun Valley conference next month.

Advanced Television: E1, DAZN sign multi-territory deal

Story from Advanced Television:

The UIM E1 World Championship has announced an international broadcast partnership with DAZN, the sports streaming platform.

Broadband TV News: Rakuten TV strengthens its FAST channel offering

Story from Broadband TV News:

Red Bull TV, Vevo Pop and Vevo Latino are the latest additions to the Rakuten TV platform in Spain.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ Group increases Viu stake

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ Group has pushed its holding in the Hong Kong streamer Viu to 36.8%.

Deadline: Is The Mission Possible For Paramount’s Crowded Corner Office? CEO Troika Settles In As Layoffs And Asset Sales Loom

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global’s unorthodox Office of the CEO, which started as a presumed placeholder, is turning into a longer-term fixture poised to once again reshape the tempest-tossed company.

Deadline: Canal+ Group Names Studiocanal Original Boss Dominique Jubin Head Of French Drama At Ciné+ OCS

Story from Deadline:

Studiocanal exec Dominique Jubin has been named Head of French Drama at the French content house’s Canal+ Group cousin, Ciné+ OCS.

Variety; What Went Wrong: Inside Paramount’s Failed Merger Talks and the Battle to Salvage the Company

Story from Variety:

For Shari Redstone, it was nothing personal.

Hollywood Reporter: Steven Mnuchin Keeps Buying Lionsgate Stock, Growing Stake

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Steven Mnuchin keeps buying Lionsgate.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay launches Danish ad tier

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay has launched a new ad-supported tier for its streaming service in the Nordics.

Hollywood Reporter; Shari Redstone Goes for Broke: Can Paramount Pick Up the Pieces?

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Six months ago, a deal to sell Paramount Global (or at least control of the company via Shari Redstone’s National Amusements) seemed all but certain.

Broadband TV News: Burkina Faso suspends French TV5MONDE broadcasts for 6 months

Story from Broadband TV News:

French international broadcaster TV5MONDE has been taken off air in Burkina Faso for six months after authorities in the West African country accused it of spreading disinformation.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount General Counsel Christa D’Alimonte to Exit Later This Month

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Global is losing another top executive, with general counsel Christa D’Alimonte set to exit the media company later this month.

Broadcast Sport: DAZN to show GBM Sports boxing events

Story from Broadcast Sport:

DAZN has agreed a multi-fight deal with boxing promoter GBM Sports to stream its boxing events.

Advanced Television: Fremantle launching 25 FAST channels on Pluto TV

Story from Advanced Television:

Fremantle has signed a global deal with Pluto TV to distribute 25 FAST channels across 13 countries, with each channel being specifically curated for individual markets.

Deadline: Shares Of AMC Networks Plunge 35% As Company Plans Debt Sale To Raise Cash

Story from Deadline:

Shares of AMC Networks plunged more than 35% Monday as the company said it plans put up for sale $125 million-worth of convertible senior notes due in 2029 in a private offering, plus additional notes for up to $18.75 million.

Deadline: Sony Pictures Hires Production General Manager In India

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Entertainment has hired Nachiket Pantvaidya as general manager of productions in India.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Taps Robert Gibbs, Former Obama White House Press Secretary, To Head Communications, Public Affairs

Story from Deadline:

As Deadline reported overnight, Warner Bros. Discovery has named Robert Gibbs Chief Communications.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount For Sale, Who’s Buying? Edgar Bronfman Jr Latest To Eye Deal As Skydance Talks Continue

Story from Deadline:

Yet another name has surfaced in the Paramount Global scrum as former entertainment executive and beverage billionaire Edgar Bronfman Jr. is eyeing control of the company in a deal scenario with multiple moving pieces, even as Shari Redstone‘s camp remains deep in talks with Skydance.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount Global Shares Fall Under $10, A Record Low Since Viacom & CBS Merged

Story from Deadline:

Share of Paramount Global hit a milestone today, and not a good one.

Advanced Television: Royal Ascot to air in 180+ territories

Story from Advanced Television:

The 2024 Royal Meeting, taking place from June 18th to June 22nd, is set to be carried by over 30 broadcasters showcasing the event in 180 territories.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline; Peter Bart: Paramount Global’s Skydance Rejection Puts Heavy Pressure On Shari Redstone To Sort Shaky Future

Story from Deadline:

Sumner Redstone earned renown as both dealmaker and deal breaker (he once said he’d fired Tom Cruise).

Broadband TV News: Croatia’s Nova TV and RTL fined €100,000 after independent shortfall

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Council for Electronic Media (VEM) has issued fines of €100,000 to two of the country’s leading broadcasters.

Advanced Television: IndyCar, Fox Sports media rights deal

Story from Advanced Television:

US single-seater racing series IndyCar and Fox Sports have confirmed the new, exclusive home of the NTT IndyCar Series and the iconic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge beginning in 2025, with Fox taking over from NBC.

Advanced Television; Switzerland: DAZN scores Ligue 1, Serie A rights

Story from Advanced Television:

DAZN, the sports and entertainment platform, has announced the extension of broadcasting rights for Serie A and Ligue 1 in Germany and Austria.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount Global Town Hall Delayed After Skydance Offer, Co-CEOs’ Shareholder Presentation

Story from Deadline:

A town hall for Paramount Global employees originally scheduled to take place Wednesday has been delayed until June 25.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - New York Post: Shari Redstone’s refusal to sell Paramount to Skydance won’t keep her away from the negotiating table for long

Story from New York Post:

Maybe the biggest tell that traditional media is heading for the ICU isn’t that after months of intense negotiations, Shari Redstone did something weird and refused to sell her fading empire to a company known as Skydance.

Broadband TV News: Sky Italia to keep Uefa club competitions behind paywall

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky Italia has chosen not to offer its coverage of Uefa’s club competitions to free-to-air channels.

Broadband TV News: MultiChoice profits down 5%

Story from Broadband TV News:

Revenues for the relaunched Showmax streaming service increased by 22% for the South African pay-TV platform MultiChoice.

Deadline: Charles Barkley Announces Retirement From Television After 2024-25 NBA Season

Story from Deadline:

On the verge of a likely seismic change in the NBA broadcast carriage, one of the most recognizable faces of basketball TV coverage over the past two decades, Charles Barkley, is calling it a career.

Deadline: ‘Deadliest Catch’ Alum Nick Mavar Dies, Former Northwestern Deckhand Was 59

Story from Deadline:

Nick Mavar, who appeared on Discovery Channel’s reality franchise Deadliest Catch, died Thursday in Naknek, AK, Bristol Bay Police Chief Jeffrey Eldie confirmed to Deadline.

Hollywood Reporter: Liberty Global Acquires Majority Stake in Formula E In Deal With Warner Bros. Discovery

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

John Malone is consolidating his ownership in the international racing business.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount CEOs Recognize “The Last Several Months Have Not Been Easy,” Tell Staff They Have A Plan

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global co-CEOs George Cheeks, Brian Robbins and Chris McCarthy thanked staff in a memo today, obtained by Deadline, for tough months rocked by Skydance merger speculation.

RTÉ News: RTÉ considering €400k redundancy payment - O'Rourke

Story from RTÉ News:

The Chairman of RTÉ has confirmed that the broadcaster is considering making a redundancy payment of around €400,000 to an individual.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: What’s Next For Paramount After Skydance Merger Talks Fail

Story from Deadline:

When David Ellison’s Skydance made a play for Paramount last fall it was how and when (not if) Shari Redstone would tie the knot.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Shari Redstone, Paramount End Merger Talks With Skydance As Two Sides Unable “To Reach Mutually Acceptable Terms”

Story from Deadline:

After months of negotiations, Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone has broken off merger talks with David Ellison‘s Skydance.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety: Shari Redstone’s National Amusements Says It Has Ended Talks With Skydance About Paramount Merger

Story from Variety:

After more than six months of on-again-off-again talks, Shari Redstone has ended negotiations with David Ellison’s Skydance Media about a prospective merger with Paramount Global.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery CEE Boss Says There’s A Streaming Cold War: “People Are Aligning, Figuring Out Who They Can Work With” – NEM Dubrovnik

Story from Deadline:

The streaming war is over, but we are now in a streaming cold war as players work out which alliances they want to make and how to adapt to the new landscape, Warner Bros. Discovery international exec Jamie Cooke said during his keynote at the ongoing NEM Dubrovnik event in Croatia.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ secures Copa America rights

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ has announced the acquisition of exclusive French language broadcasting rights to this year’s Cop America for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Broadband TV News: Paramount seeking partners for streaming business

Story from Broadband TV News:

Amid the ongoing sales process, Paramount Global is understood to be considering bringing on board joint venture partners for its streaming service, Paramount+.

Variety: As Max Launches in France, Execs Casey Bloys and JB Perrette Talk Olympics Coverage

Story from Variety:

It’s shaping up to be a big summer for Max in France.

Advanced Television: LTA signs UK deal with Tennis Channel

Story from Advanced Television:

The LTA and the Tennis Channel struck a four-year deal to stream coverage of its grass court tour events at Nottingham, Birmingham, The Queen’s Club and Eastbourne.

Advanced Television: Max live in France, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium

Story from Advanced Television:

Max is now live and available to watch in France and Poland, completing Warner Bros Discovery’s first wave of European launches that began in May.

Deadline: As Merger Saga Continues, Paramount Updates Pay Packages For Office Of CEO Trio & Re-Ups Chief People Officer Nancy Phillips

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global, which continues to explore its M&A options, has updated the compensation plans for the three execs in the Office of the CEO and re-upped Chief People Officer Nancy Phillips.

Variety: Warner Bros. TV Boss Channing Dungey Would Consider Rebooting ‘The West Wing’ One Day — But Not ‘Friends’

Story from Variety:

It’s probably not the right time for a new version of “The West Wing,” but never say never, Warner Bros. TV Group chairman Channing Dungey told an audience on Monday at the Banff World Media Festival.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. TV Boss Channing Dungey Says Peak TV “Wasn’t Really Great For the Business”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO Channing Dungey says the era of a 600-show universe wasn’t good for TV viewers.

Broadband TV News: Value of Ligue 1 broadcasting rights halved

Story from Broadband TV News:

With just weeks to go before the start of the new football season, French football authorities are struggling to sell their domestic broadcasting rights.

Broadband TV News: Netflix begins upgrade to TV app

Story from Broadband TV News:

Netflix has started testing a new version of its TV app in the first such upgrade for more than a decade.

Broadband TV News: Televisa takes control of Sky Mexico

Story from Broadband TV News:

Grupo Televisa has the announced the acquisition of Sky Mexico from AT&T.

Broadband TV News: Ziggo offers customers UHD access to Euro 2024

Story from Broadband TV News:

Dutch TV platform Ziggo says all of its customers will be able to watch the European Football Championships from the first game on June 14 in Ultra-HD (UHD).

Media Guardian: Hollywood giant Paramount Global braces for new era as bidders circle

Story from Media Guardian:

For more than a century, Paramount Pictures has stood tall at the heart of Hollywood as it churned out hundreds of movies, from Sunset Boulevard to Titanic.

Broadband TV News: MultiChoice faces up to volatile market

Story from Broadband TV News:

MultiChoice has told shareholders that it has been hit by an by “adverse and volatile economic environment”.

Daily Mail: NBA 'nears $76 billion media rights deal with ESPN, Amazon and NBC'

Story from Daily Mail:

The NBA is reportedly on the verge of more than doubling its annual media rights fees, but it may come at a higher cost to basketball fans.

Advanced Television: Dish Network in talks for new financing

Story from Advanced Television:

Dish Network, the troubled US satellite-TV provider with more than $20 billion (€18.3bn) in debt, is holding talks with some of its convertible holders about potential new financing, according to a Bloomberg report.

Deadline: As NBA Remains A Jump Ball, Warner Bros. Discovery Grabs French Open Tennis Rights In U.S.

Story from Deadline:

As intrigue continues to swirl about its future role as an NBA broadcaster, Warner Bros Discovery‘s Turner Sports has secured U.S. rights to the French Open tennis tournament.

Variety: ‘White Collar’ Reboot in the Works, According to Cast and Creator: New Scripts ‘Honor’ Willie Garson ‘In a Profound Way’

Story from Variety:

As “White Collar” sees a resurgence in popularity years after its conclusion, it seems fans will have new episodes to watch soon.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery’s NBA Hopes May Hinge on Elusive ‘Fourth Package’ of Games

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s bid to stay in the business of basketball is anything but a slam dunk.

Irish Independent: Licence fee payments down 15pc as slump continues after RTÉ payments scandal

Story from Irish Independent:

The latest TV licence figures show a continued slump in payments as the fallout from the RTÉ governance crisis rumbles on.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount’s Shari Redstone Juggling Skydance, Other Suitors As Deal Saga Continues

Story from Deadline:

Shares of Paramount Global edged lower Thursday, day three in the red, amid lingering uncertainty around Skydance’s latest offer.

Broadband TV News: Multichoice must give a free month to Nigerian subscribers

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) has imposed a N150 million fine on Multichoice Nigeria for challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

Broadband TV News: Mediaset gives up on Champions League

Story from Broadband TV News:

The possibility of a return to free-to-air broadcasts of the Champions League in Italy seems unlikely, following comments by CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi.

Variety: CBS Chief George Cheeks Talks Paramount Global Uncertainty, Traction for ‘Tracker’ and the Future of Broadcast TV

Story from Variety:

Paramount Global has a strong future ahead of it and so does broadcast television, despite the uncertainty that has enveloped Hollywood in general and Paramount in particular.

Deadline: CNN Senior VP Rachel Smolkin To Depart Network After 10 Years

Story from Deadline:

CNN Senior VP Rachel Smolkin is departing CNN after 10 years, most recently as senior vice president of global news for CNN Digital Worldwide.

Broadband TV News: Shop LC and SES renew Astra satellite capacity

Story from Broadband TV News:

Teleshopping broadcaster Shop LC and Astra satellite operator SES are extending their partnership.

Variety: Disney EMEA Posts $4.9 Billion Revenue Driven by Streaming, Films

Story from Variety:

Disney’s EMEA head office has posted revenues of £3.8 billion ($4.9 billion) in a financial report filed at U.K. business registrar Companies House this week.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Digital TV Europe: No decision on Paramount sale with Redstone reportedly hesitant

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Uncertainty still surrounds the fate of Paramount following Monday’s reports that the media company’s special committee of directors had recommended a revised offer from David Ellison’s Skydance Media.

Deadline: Disney CEO Bob Iger Presented With Honorary Knighthood In Ceremony Presided By Prince William

Story from Deadline:

Disney CEO Bob Iger was presented with an honorary knighthood.

Deadline: Paramount’s Brian Robbins Teases Potential ‘Blue Bloods’ “Franchise Extensions” At Shareholder Meeting

Story from Deadline:

After CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach last month permanently closed the door to Blue Bloods continuing beyond its upcoming final 8 episodes this fall, one of Paramount Global’s Office of the CEO members today opened the door to the franchise potentially carrying on.

Deadline: Max Hikes Prices For Ad-Free Plans Effective Immediately

Story from Deadline:

Starting today, Max will cost you more for ad-free monthly and yearly plans.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Amid Skydance Offer, Paramount Global CEO Trio Trumpet 14 Billion Dollar Brands, Plans To Explore Streaming Joint Ventures

Story from Deadline:

As Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone mulls the terms of a merger between her conglom and Skydance, the network/studio/streaming service trotted out their best and brightest CEO troika this early AM in annual global stockholders meet to tout their hit parade of 14 billion dollar revenue earning franchises across all mediums, their assurance to cut $500 million in overhead, and maximize shareholder value and profits.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount Global Non-Exec Chair Shari Redstone Touts Office Of CEO During Annual Shareholder Meeting

Story from Deadline:

Shari Redstone, Paramount Global‘s non-executive chair and controlling shareholder, sought to sell shareholders at the company’s annual meeting Tuesday on the potential of the three-member Office of the CEO.

Deadline: ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’ Returning To BBC & PBS After 25 Years

Story from Deadline:

The BBC and PBS are stomping back to Walking with Dinosaurs after 25 years.

Broadband TV News: Max announces pricing details for Poland

Story from Broadband TV News:

Max, the rebooted streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, will make its debut in Poland on 11 June 2024.

Broadband TV News: MultiChoice officially agrees to Canal+ takeover

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ and MultiChoice have issued a joint statement indicating the African pay-TV operator’s acceptance of a takeover by the Vivendi unit.

Broadband TV News: SPI International expands Molotov co-operation

Story from Broadband TV News:

SPI International has expanded its partnership with the French OTT service Molotov with two new channels, Fast&FunBox and FightBoxm added to the Molotov lineup.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount Shares Gain As Wall Street Gauges Skydance Deal; “The More Important Question Is What Happens Next,” One Analyst Notes

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global shares rose 7.5% to close at $12.80 Monday on the news that a long-awaited merger with Skydance Media moved closer to completion.

Digital TV Europe: BBC First to launch in Czech Republic and Slovakia

Story from Digital TV Europe:

BBC Studios’ British drama channel BBC First is to make its debut in Czech Republic and Slovakia on June 3, through a distribution deal with countries’ leading telcos, T-Mobile and O2 in Czech Republic and Slovak Telekom in Slovakia.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Paramount Nears Finish Line With Skydance On Eve Of Shareholder Meeting And Town Hall – Update

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global and Skydance have agreed to terms on a merger, a person familiar with the deal talks has confirmed to Deadline, with Paramount controlling shareholder Shari Redstone taking a final look.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: As Paramount Global Preps For Shareholder Meeting And Town Hall, Details Of Revised Skydance Offer Surface

Story from Deadline:

As Paramount Global approaches Tuesday’s annual shareholder meeting and a high-stakes town hall for employees the following day, new details are emerging about Skydance Media‘s latest acquisition offer.

Broadband TV News: TeleGold to launch on Astra

Story from Broadband TV News:

TeleGold, a new music channel aimed at fans of German-language pop music, will launch on Astra (19.2° East) on 3 June 2024.

Deadline: TriStar Television Label Shut Down By Sony, Jennifer Turner & Nicole Norwood to Depart

Story from Deadline:

After a nine-year revival, Sony’s TriStar Television label, which was behind such series as The Afterparty, is being phased out again. Its two top executives, EVP Jennifer Turner, who ran the unit for the past two and a half years, and SVP Nicole Norwood, will be departing the studio.

Digital TV Europe: Amazon MGM Studios appoints head of brand and content innovation

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Amazon MGM Studios has named Lauren Anderson as head of brand and content innovation in a rejig of its management structure as part of a push into ad-supported streaming.

Digital TV Europe: Europe is “ready for more sophisticated bundling” after Max launch, says Warner Bros. Discovery exec

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Following the wider-expansion of Warner Bros. Discovery’s standalone streaming service Max across Europe, the company’s EMEA streaming exec has said Europe and the UK “are ready for more sophisticated bundling”.