Thursday 20 June 2024

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MEDIA BOY'S WORLD MEDIA NEWS BLOG WILL ONLY BE UPDATED WHEN THE BIG STORY BREAKS.

Paramount Global for sale latest

Last updated on June 20th 2024 at 20:05:

We at Media Boy UK HQ will update this thread with more information as soon as we get any:

Warner Bros. Discovery/Paramount Global merger

Last updated on June 20th 2024 at 20:00:

We at Media Boy UK HQ will update this thread with more information as soon as we get any:

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.

Wednesday 19 June 2024

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.

Tuesday 18 June 2024

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.

Monday 17 June 2024

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.

Sunday 16 June 2024

Saturday 15 June 2024

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.

Thursday 13 June 2024

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.

Wednesday 12 June 2024

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.

Tuesday 11 June 2024

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.

Monday 10 June 2024

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).

Saturday 8 June 2024

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.

Friday 7 June 2024

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.

Thursday 6 June 2024

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.

Wednesday 5 June 2024

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.

Tuesday 4 June 2024

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.

Monday 3 June 2024

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.

Sunday 2 June 2024

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.

Saturday 1 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”.