Deadline: Disney Entertainment Television Lays Off 140; National Geographic Heavily Impacted

Story from Deadline:

Layoffs are underway at Disney Entertainment Television on Wednesday. Roughly 140 people are affected, representing about 2% of the total DET workforce.

Variety: Netflix Files to Sell $1.8 Billion in Debt Bonds in Refinancing Move

Story from Variety:

Netflix plans to issue long-term debt securities totaling $1.8 billion, the first debt offering for the company since its credit rating was upgraded from junk to investment-grade status last year.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Edgar Bronfman Jr. Still Mulling Bid For Paramount Control During Skydance “Go-Shop” Period

Story from Deadline:

Veteran media exec Edgar Bronfman Jr. is continuing to explore a bid for National Amusements Inc., Paramount Global’s controlling shareholder.

Broadband TV News: MultiChoice Nigeria gets go ahead for price increases

Story from Broadband TV News:

MultiChoice Nigeria is free to introduce price increases after a lawyer was forced to withdraw the case he had brought against the pay-TV platform.

Broadband TV News; Vivendi: Canal’s London listing compatible with French Freedom of Communication

Story from Broadband TV News:

Vivendi has given further details of its plans for Canal+ when the French media giant splits into three separate units.

Deadline: NBA Slams Warner Bros Discovery Suit Over TV Rights As “Without Merit”; Media Giant Accuses League Of “Direct Breach” In Awarding Games To Amazon

Story from Deadline:

Just hours before the Opening Ceremony is set to kick off in Paris, David Zaslav wants to remind everyone that the Olympics are not the only game in town, as expected filing a lawsuit against the NBA over TV rights.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ Nederland grows sports coverage

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ is to broadcast the Premier Padel Tour and French TOP 14 Rugby in the Netherlands.

RTÉ News: Eye-catching ending expected in RTÉ funding drama

Story from RTÉ News:

Every long-running TV soap opera needs a cliffhanger final episode to keep the viewers hooked.

Media Guardian: Eurosport drop Olympics commentator Bob Ballard for sexist remark about swimmers

Story from Media Guardian:

The Olympic broadcaster Eurosport has removed Bob Ballard from its commentary team at Paris 2024 after he made a sexist remark about Australia’s female swimmers.

National League: Groundbreaking Deal Announced With Broadcast Giants DAZN

Story from The English National League:

The National League are delighted to announce a new long-term partnership with DAZN, Europe’s largest sports broadcaster.

Broadband TV News: Expansionist Canal stable in first half

Story from Broadband TV News:

Profitability at Canal+ Group remained stable in the first half of 2023 as the Vivendi unit continued its international expansion.

Broadband TV News: Eurosport brings Olympics to Switzerland with MySports

Story from Broadband TV News:

Eurosport is teaming up with Sunrise for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, offering seven themed pop-up channels with highlights from competitions on the Swiss telco’s MySports service.

Broadband TV News: Price increases help Liberty maintain profits

Story from Broadband TV News:

Liberty Global reported a small increase in revenues as price increases were able to compensate for falling subscriber levels.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Sues NBA, Pushes Rights Showdown to Court

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery took its efforts to keep NBA games on its cable and streaming properties to court Friday, filing a suit against the NBA in the Supreme Court in the State of New York, an effort that will likely serve to complicate its relationship with the sport that generates so much revenue for its flagship TV networks.

Deadline: Scott Stuber Closes Deal To Revive United Artists

Story from Deadline

Amazon MGM has confirmed the Scott Stuber hire. Find their release below Deadline’s break on the story.

Hollywood Reporter: Charles Barkley Rips Into NBA Over New TV Rights Deals: “It Just Sucks”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Charles Barkley has weighed in on the NBA‘s new 11-year, $76 billion TV rights deals with Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon.

Broadband TV News: Arcom publishes DTT list for national broadcasts

Story from Broadband TV News:

Arcom has carried out a pre-selection of the channels that have applied to broadcast on the French DTT system.

Warner Bros Discovery Crisis - Broadband TV News: Warner Bros Discovery facing potential break-up

Story from Broadband TV News:

The company behind CNN, HBO and TNT Sports has held discussions that could lead to the separation of its digital streaming and studio businesses from its legacy TV networks in an attempt to lift its share price.

Deadline: Gina Carano Beats Disney’s Move To Kill ‘Mandalorian’ Firing Suit; Trial Looms

Story from Deadline:

“Unless you want to go another round, one of us is going to have to leave, and I was here first,” Gina Carano’s former Rebel shock trooper Cara Dune says in Season 1 of Disney+’s The Mandalorian.

Deadline: Flagrant Foul! Warner Bros Discovery Threatens “Appropriate Action” Against NBA After League Rejects Matching Bid

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery may have been late to the game, but the TNT owner isn’t about to let Amazon Prime Video snatch its NBA ball without a fight.

Deadline: ‘Transformers One’ Will “Sell A Lot Of Toys,” Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks Says, But Company’s Film And TV Pullback Via Sale Of EOne Helps Drive Solid Q2 Results

Story from Deadline:

Despite toymaker Hasbro‘s recent shift away from film and TV production, CEO Chris Cocks touted the upcoming release of Transformers One during the company’s second-quarter earnings call Thursday.

Deadline: WNBA’s “Rising Tide” Of Popularity Played Key Role In Disney NBA Renewal, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro Says

Story from Deadline:

Reflecting on their long-term deal with the NBA, ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro and EVP of Programming & Acquisitions Rosalyn Durant said the rise of the WNBA of late provided extra motivation to renew.

Deadline: Disney+-Hulu-Max Bundle Pricing Revealed

Story from Deadline:

The streaming bundle of Disney+, Hulu and Max is hitting the market today at the price of $16.99 a month with advertising and $29.99 without.

RTÉ News: RTÉ to resume broadcasting bulletins in Northern Ireland following Olympic Games rights issue

Story from RTÉ News:

RTÉ has said it will resume broadcasting news bulletins in Northern Ireland, which were blocked yesterday due to a rights issue relating to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Warner Bros Discovery Crisis - Deadline: NBA Loss Sinks Warner Bros. Discovery Stock – Bad For Max, Could Hasten Linear Decline, Wall Street Fears

Story from Deadline:

Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery fell about 8% at market open after the NBA‘s announcement Wednesday of three big rights deals with three Warner Bros. Discovery rivals, shutting it out of professional basketball.

Variety: ITV Grows Profits, Margins as It Battles Headwinds in First Half of 2024

Story from Variety:

British broadcast group ITV delivered a mixed financial performance for the first six months of 2024, as it continues to navigate a shifting media landscape.

Variety: Sky Content Boss Zai Bennett Jumps Ship to BBC Studios Productions as CEO and Chief Creative Officer

Story from Variety:

Sky content boss Zai Bennett has jumped ship to BBC Studios Productions, where he has been appointed CEO and chief creative officer.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Says NBA Can’t Reject Matching Offer: ‘We Will Take Appropriate Action’

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery thinks it’s entitled to keep some of its hoop dreams.

Hollywood Reporter: 20th Television Hires Jillian Longnecker, Brendan Countee in Key Exec Roles

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Disney’s 20th Television has made a pair of key executive hires.

Hollywood Reporter: WNBA Secures Big Media Rights Increase With Disney, NBCU, Amazon

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Like their counterparts in the NBA, the WNBA has signed a long-term media rights deal with Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon - with a big increase in the value of the contract.

RTÉ News; Minister for Media: €725m funding plan is not a 'blank cheque' for RTÉ

Story from RTÉ News:

Minister for Media Catherine Martin has rejected claims that the Government has handed a "blank cheque" to RTÉ as part of its multi-annual funding plan.

Variety: NBA Rejects Warner’s Bid to Stay in Basketball, Signs Deals With Amazon, Disney, NBCU

Story from Variety:

The NBA has blocked one of Warner Bros. Discovery’s last shots on the clock.

RTÉ News: 'Kicking can down the road' - NUJ disappointed with RTÉ funding model

Story from RTÉ News:

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed its disappointment with the new funding model for RTÉ.

Broadband TV News: Sky to launch Sky Stream in Germany on 31 July

Story from Broadband TV News:

The offering bundles Sky channels and free TV channels, apps and streaming services on a single user interface.

Variety: Canal+ Group’s French Channel C8, Which Airs Controversial Talk Show, to Be Discontinued by Broadcasting Regulatory Body

Story from Variety:

Canal + Group’s popular channel C8, which airs the controversial talk show “Touche pas à mon poste,” looks bound to disappear.

RTÉ News: Plan for €725m public funding for RTÉ to go to Cabinet

Story from RTÉ News:

A proposal for RTÉ to get public funding of €725 million over the next three years is to go to Cabinet tomorrow morning.

Deadline: Ike Perlmutter Has Sold His Entire Disney Stake

Story from Deadline:

Ike Perlmutter, a major Disney stockholder who lent his shares to support a shakeup on the company’s board, has now sold all of them and is moving on, according to a report in the WSJ.

Variety: Comcast Says NBC Has 11-Year Deal in Place With NBA

Story from Variety:

NBCUniversal expects to complete an 11-year rights deal that will bring the NBA to NBC and Peacock and that will transform the schedule of the broadcast network.

Variety: Peacock Sheds 500,000 Subscribers in Q2 Ahead of Olympics, Price Hikes

Story from Variety:

NBCUniversal‘s streamer Peacock shed 500,000 customers in the second quarter, dipping from 33.5 million to 33 million paid subscribers.

Broadband TV News: BBC Studios investing record amounts in new content

Story from Broadband TV News:

The BBC’s acquisition of Britbox International was part of BBC Studios record investment in content and its strategic priorities, according to the BBC Group annual report.

Variety: Warner Aims to Match Amazon’s $1.8 Billion Per Year NBA Package in Sports-Rights Showdown

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery won’t let the NBA go without one more drive to the net.

Variety: Vivendi Unveils Proposal for Three-Way Split, Confirms Canal+ Group London Listing Plan

Story from Variety:

Media conglomerate Vivendi is moving forward with its proposal to split into three separate entities, the company revealed on Monday.

Broadband TV News: Netflix says No to bundling

Story from Broadband TV News:

Netflix has no plans to directly bundle its service with those of its rivals because it “already operates as a go-to destination for entertainment”.

Broadband TV News: Eurosport 4k to broadcast Olympics in UHD via HD+ on Astra

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sports fans in Germany will be able to watch the Olympic Games 2024 in UHD/HDR resolution.

Broadband TV News: Amazon Prime Video acquires Bray Film Studios

Story from Broadband TV News:

The iconic Bray Film Studios in Berkshire will be the production home for Amazon Prime Video hits like Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Citadel.

Broadband TV News: Hotels and bars may pay more in revision of Ireland’s licence fee

Story from Broadband TV News:

Changes to the way the TV licence fee is implemented in Ireland could result in hotels, bars and bookmakers needing to pay an additional supplement under new proposals being considered by the cabinet.

Broadband TV News: TVP retains Ekstraklasa rights

Story from Broadband TV News:

An agreement between TVP and Canal Plus means the Polish public service broadcaster will continue to show coverage of the Ekstraklasa football league for another three years.

Variety: NBCUniversal Won’t Quantify Overall Ad Commitments in Upfront Market

Story from Variety:

Did Madison Avenue fill NBCUniversal‘s coffers or not during this year’s decidedly difficult “upfront” market? The answer is hard to discern.

Variety: Netflix Is Racing to Close Its Advertising ‘Gap,’ Co-CEO Greg Peters Says

Story from Variety:

Netflix shined its crown as the reigning sovereign of the premium streaming-video world in the second quarter of 2024.

Variety: Oracle CEO Safra Catz Exits Disney’s Board

Story from Variety:

Disney announced that Safra Catz, CEO of Oracle, is departing its board of directors after six years.

Hollywood Reporter: How Long Can Netflix Keep Beating Earnings and Subscriber Expectations?

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Netflix beat Wall Street expectations with strong second-quarter financial and subscriber growth (8 million subscriber adds for 277 million in total worldwide) reported on July 18.

Hollywood Reporter: Netflix Adds 8M Subscribers as It Grows Streaming Lead on Rivals

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Netflix reported its second-quarter earnings Thursday, adding 8 million subscribers and expanding its lead as subscription streaming TV’s dominant platform.

Broadband TV News: BBC Earth Romania gets 1 West distribution

Story from Broadband TV News:

Luxembourg-based M7 Group has reached agreement for the satellite distribution of BBC Earth Romania from Thor 5 at 1 degree West.

Warner Bros Discovery Crisis - Advanced Television: Warner Bros Discovery break up to release value?

Story from Advanced Television:

Warner Bros Discovery is mulling a plan to split its streaming and studio units from its legacy TV networks as one option to boost its lacklustre share price.

Advanced Television; Spain: Public tender for new DTT channel

Story from Advanced Television:

The Spanish government is reportedly set to call a public auction to award a new DTT channel.

Advanced Television: US network ad impressions down in 2024

Story from Advanced Television:

US TV ad impressions on streaming and linear TV dropped 3.73 per cent to 4.23 trillion in the first half of 2024, according to iSpot.tv.

Deadline: Netflix Dismisses Idea Of Bundling With Rival Streamers Like Disney+ & Max

Story from Deadline:

Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery made noise earlier this spring when they announced plans to bundle their streaming services Disney+, Hulu and Max, a move that Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav called a “moment” for programmers in the streaming wars.

Deadline: Fox Entertainment Undergoes Layoffs Following Restructuring

Story from Deadline:

Fox Entertainment is the latest media company to implement staff reductions, eliminating 30 positions Thursday.

Deadline: Geoff Stier Returns To Paramount Pictures As EVP Production

Story from Deadline:

Former Showtime Networks and Paramount Pictures executive Geoff Stier is returning to the Melrose lot as the latter’s EVP of Production, reporting to Paramount Motion Picture Group Co-Presidents Daria Cercek and Michael Ireland.

RTÉ News: RTÉ to be funded by mixture of exchequer funding, licence fee

Story from RTÉ News:

RTÉ is set to be funded into the future by a mixture of the existing TV licence fee and a "multi-annual" State payment as part of a long-awaited plan set to go to the Cabinet next Wednesday.

Deadline: CBS Sports, English Football League Ink Multi-Year, Multi-Platform Rights Deal

Story from Deadline:

CBS Sports and the English Football League (EFL) have inked an exclusive, multi-year, multi-platform rights agreement that will offer the widest distribution of EFL matches ever in the U.S. starting next month.

Variety: Peacock Hiking Prices for Second Time in Two Years

Story from Variety:

NBCUniversal is looking to wring more money out of Peacock subscribers, with the streamer set to raise prices this summer — one year after its last fee hike — going into effect for new customers ahead of the 2024 Olympics.

Warner Bros Discovery Crisis - TVBEurope: Warner Bros Discovery ‘mulling possible split’

Story from TVBEurope:

Warner Bros Discovery is reportedly considering whether to split its streaming and studio business from its linear TV channels in a bid to boost its stock market price.

Variety; Verizon’s Latest Streaming Deal: Netflix Premium Tier Is Free for One Year if You Buy a Peacock Annual Subscription

Story from Variety:

Verizon keeps reshuffling its deck of various and sundry streaming bundle deals, aiming for new ways to appeal to bargain hunters — and to cater to particular sign-up goals of its content partners.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Intends To Match Amazon’s NBA Rights Deal

Story from Deadline:

NBA incumbent Warner Bros. Discovery plans to match Amazon’s new basketball rights deal that’s said to be in the $1.8 billion range, Deadline hears.

Bizasia: Sumanta Bose to take overall programming control at Disney Star

Story from Bizasia:

Disney Star has unveiled a significant restructuring of its management team, appointing Sumanta Bose, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Star Plus, as the overall head of a broader range of channels and divisions.

BBC Sport: Netflix ex-vice president withdraws Motherwell offer

BBC Sport: Netflix ex-vice president withdraws Motherwell offerStory from BBC Sport:

Erik and Courtney Barmack have withdrawn their offer of investment in Motherwell, citing fears over the proposal creating "significant divisions within the fanbase".

Warner Bros Discovery Crisis - Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Starts New Round Of Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

The fragile state of the film and television business continues with another set of layoffs hitting the industry.

Hollywood Reporter; Bank of America Analysts: Warner Bros. Discovery “Is Not Working,” Should Explore Strategic Options

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

For months, Hollywood has been guessing how Shari Redstone would play her cards to sell control of her once-sprawling Paramount Global empire.

RTÉ News: TG4 seeks €13.6m to establish independent news service

Story from RTÉ News:

TG4 has asked the Government for €13.6 million to establish their own news service which would be independent from RTÉ.

Broadband TV News: Netia, Polsat Box to take additional Olympic channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Warner Bros Discovery in Poland has announced two more outlets for the 8 pop-up Eurosport channels that will run for the duration of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Broadband TV News: Euroleague Basketball competitions extend TV deals in Italy with Sky and DAZN

Story from Broadband TV News:

Euroleague Basketball has announced renewal of TV rights in the Italian territory for the EuroLeague and EuroCup competitions for the 2024-25 season.

Variety; Hallmark+ App Explained: Exec Answers Burning Questions About Which Content Will Air Where, Livestreaming the Linear Channel and More

Story from Variety:

Hallmark Media is mixing things up. Beginning in the fall, the company’s streaming app, Hallmark Movies Now, will be rebranded as Hallmark+, and it’s bridging the gap between shoppers and viewers. But, how will it be different from Hallmark Channel?

Hollywood Reporter: Fox Strikes TV Licensing, Distribution Pact With Foxtel in Australia

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Fox Entertainment has unveiled a licensing and distribution deal with Australian pay TV and streaming group Foxtel, which is controlled by Rupert Murdoch.

Advanced Television: DAZN, beIN score Ligue 1 rights

Story from Advanced Television:

With the start of the French top flight football Ligue 1 season fast approaching, a deal for the broadcasting rights for the upcoming cycle has finally been reached.

Broadband TV News: BBC Studios and Samsung TV Plus expand FAST portfolio

Story from Broadband TV News:

A new agreement between BBC Studios and Samsung would put 383 more hours of BBC content on Samsung TV Plus across EMEA.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Skydance On Cost Cuts, Streaming Partnerships & Big Breakup Fee If Another Buyer “Comes Out Of The Woodwork” For Paramount

Story from Deadline:

Skydance’s David Ellison, Jeff Shell, and RedBird Capital looked to woo Wall Street to their planned merger with Paramount highlighting $2 billion in running cost synergies and streaming break-even in 18 months or sooner if a partner emerges.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline; Top Of The Mountain: David Ellison’s Skydance Taking Over Paramount After $8 Billion Investment

Story from Deadline:

David Ellison‘s Skydance Media has announced Sunday night that it and its backers will invest $8 billion in a takeover of Paramount Global, capping a seven-month quest.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount President-To-Be Jeff Shell Says Linear TV Will Remain “A Strong Business For Decades To Come”

Story from Deadline:

Jeff Shell, the former CEO of NBCUniversal who will become president at Paramount Global as part of Skydance’s pending takeover, is ultra-bullish on the future of linear TV.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Skydance Chief David Ellison Says Paramount Must “Not Be Paralyzed” During Long Run-Up To Merger Close; Asset Sales Can Continue In Interim

Story from Deadline:

In the wake of Skydance Media‘s landmark merger agreement with Paramount Global, Skydance CEO David Ellison acknowledged the need for patience during the road ahead before the deal is expected to close.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: Behind Skydance’s Case for Paramount as a Growth Story

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

When Skydance Media and Paramount Global executives outlined their plans for the merged company to investors on July 8, they showed a series of slides.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline; “Operation Fishbowl”: Major Paramount Shareholder Seeks More Skydance Merger Details As Legal Plot Thickens

Story from Deadline:

Mario Gabelli, a major shareholder of Paramount and its predecessor companies for decades, is pressing for more information about the company’s pending merger with Skydance.

Advanced Television: PFL signs Canal+ deal

Story from Advanced Television:

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced a multi-year media rights agreement with Canal+ for French language rights.

Broadband TV News: Vivendi considers London listing for Canal+

Story from Broadband TV News:

Vivendi is exploring a spin-off and potential London listing for its Canal+, when the business is split into four.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline; Sony’s Out: Won’t Return To Mix During Paramount’s 45-Day “Go Shop” Window

Story from Deadline:

Sony will not be one of those rival parties trying to shore up a better bid during Paramount Global’s “Go Shop” period following the $8 billion offer by David Ellison’s Skydance Media.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Skydance Deal In Hand, Paramount Lays Out What Happens If A Rival Offer Emerges

Story from Deadline:

Paramount has laid out some terms of its planned merger with David Ellison’s Skydance, including what happens if another bidder appears.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount Stock Drops 5% On Skydance Merger News

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global stock fell 5% on Monday as investors absorbed details of the company’s merger agreement with Skydance Media.

Deadline: NBA Inches Closer To Locking Up $76 Billion In Media Rights Deals

Story from Deadline:

The NBA is moving ever closer to clinching a set of media rights deals worth a total of $76 billion, even as uncertainty continues to swirl around the league’s future with longtime partner Turner Sports.

Deadline: Valerie Bruce To Exit BBC Studios’ U.S. Division As ‘Ghosts’ Producer Restructures Production Teams

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios Productions, which is behind series such as ABC’s Dancing With The Stars and CBS’ Ghosts, is bringing together its U.S. and UK production teams in a restructure that will see the departure of Valerie Bruce.

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery Reshapes International Kids Team; Pablo Zuccarino Upped & Christopher Ho Out

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery‘s international kids content unit has reshaped, with several execs taking on expanded roles and APAC chief Christopher Ho exiting.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: Could Skydance-Paramount Deal Trigger New NFL Talks With CBS? Roger Goodell Doesn’t Dismiss It

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Could Skydance’s $8 billion takeover of Paramount Global trigger a renegotiation between the NFL and CBS?

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: Paramount Has Until August 21st to Mull Other Takeover Bids During “Go-Shop” Window

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Global’s “go-shop” window, or the period in which the company can evaluate any other takeover offers, ends August 21st, according to securities filing disclosed Thursday.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Could Max and Paramount+ Merge? Warner Bros. Discovery Open to Exploring Paramount Streaming Joint Venture

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery has indicated early interest in exploring a partnership with Paramount Global to combine Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max and Paramount+, according to sources.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: David Zaslav Says He’s for Any Presidential Candidate Who’s More M&A Friendly

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is declining to publicly take sides ahead of the upcoming presidential election.

Broadband TV News: DAZN and tivùsat renew agreement

Story from Broadband TV News:

All 10 Serie A 2024/2025 football matches broadcast by DAZN will be made available on two satellite channels available on the tivùsat platform.

Broadband TV News: Bulsatcom becomes part of the Vivacom family

Story from Broadband TV News:

Bulsatcom customers have been welcomed into the Vivacom family.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ drops DAZN from satellite package

Story from Broadband TV News:

DAZN is one of five channels being removed by Canal+ from its packages in France next month.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Advanced Television: Paramount 2.0

Story from Advanced Television:

We have a deal, say Paramount and Skydance, and this time it will stick.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Can Skydance Move the Mountain? Team Ellison Needs a Bold Plan to Revive Paramount’s Fortunes

Story from Variety:

David Ellison started his pursuit of Paramount Global last winter — 30 years nearly to the month after Sumner Redstone and Barry Diller began their long M&A fight for control of one of Hollywood’s foundational studios.

Variety: CNN Plans Launch of Digital Subscription Product by End of 2024 Amid Newsroom Layoffs

Story from Variety:

CNN is finally gearing up to compete more aggressively in the digital future, where rivals have already staked out ground.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Paramount Global Deal With Skydance ‘May Not Be Sufficient to Stabilize the Credit Profile,’ Moody’s Says

Story from Variety:

Skydance Media this week clinched a deal to merge with Paramount Global, and execs outlined a plan to cut costs and boost the combined company’s profitability in the years ahead.

Variety: ESPN’s Joe Tessitore Joins WWE Broadcast Team

Story from Variety:

Veterans sportscaster Joe Tessitore is joining WWE‘s broadcast team as a play-by-play announcer.

Variety: Sony Motion Picture Group Promotes Louise Heseltine to Senior VP, Corporate Communications

Story from Variety:

Sony Motion Picture Group has promoted veteran executive Louise Heseltine to senior VP, corporate communications.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: David Ellison Meets the Press, Talks Paramount and CBS Vision With Gerry Cardinale, Jeff Shell

Story from Variety:

Less than 24 hours after sealing an agreement to buy Paramount Global, David Ellison moved into mogul mode for the first time on Monday morning, addressing investors and, later, a gaggle of media reporters to discuss his milestone Skydance–Paramount Global deal.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Paramount Investor Mario Gabelli ‘Very Impressed’ With Skydance Deal Presentation but Isn’t Sure Buyout Price of Voting Shares Is ‘Fair’

Story from Variety:

Billionaire investor and money manager Mario Gabelli likes what David Ellison and the Skydance Media team said about their rationale for merging the media and production company with Paramount Global.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Paramount Global Will Pay Skydance $400 Million Breakup Fee if It Lands a Better Offer

Story from Variety:

Even after clinching a deal with Skydance Media, Paramount Global has the right to shop around for a better offer in a 45-day window.

Variety: Skydance Targets $2 Billion-Plus in Cuts After Paramount Merger

Story from Variety:

To help Paramount Global to grow, its new owner needs to make cuts.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: The Skydance Vision for a New Paramount: Cash Injection, ‘Stability’ for Creatives and Tech Savvy

Story from Variety:

Now that Shari Redstone has signed on the dotted line to sell her father’s media empire to Skydance and RedBird Capital, what future awaits?

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Shari Redstone Tells Paramount Employees Skydance ‘Has a Clear Strategic Vision for the Future’; Co-CEOs Say in Memo ‘It’s Business as Usual’ for Now

Story from Variety:

After months of talks, Paramount Global and Skydance Media officially announced a deal to merge Sunday night.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: David Ellison Set as Chairman-CEO, Jeff Shell as President of Paramount; Shari Redstone to Sell Family Empire to Skydance Media in $8 Billion Deal

Story from Variety:

The sides have made it official: David Ellison’s Skydance Media has set a deal with Paramount Global that calls for Ellison to become chairman and CEO of an enhanced Paramount while former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell will take operational reins as president.

Broadband TV News: Poland’s TVN renews Hotbird contract

Story from Broadband TV News:

Warner Bros Discovery network TVN is both renewing and expanding its capacity at Eutelsat’s Hotbird video neighbourhood.

Broadband TV News: DAZN and Warner Bros. Discovery make offers for French football rights

Story from Broadband TV News:

With just weeks to go before the start of the new season, the LFP has finally received two bids for the domestic rights to Ligue 1 football.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Skydance Media Gets Board Committee Approval For Control Of Paramount Global After Lengthy Chase

Story from Deadline:

David Ellison‘s Skydance Media has gained a key approval vote for the company’s proposed acquisition of Paramount Global controlling shareholder National Amusements Inc. after seven months of talks.

Deadline: Discovery Shareholders Win $125M Settlement Of Lawsuit Alleging AT&T Merger “Wasn’t Entirely Fair” To Most Investors

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery, which was formed in 2022 from the merger of AT&T’s WarnerMedia and Discovery Communications, has agreed to pay $125 million to settle a shareholder lawsuit over the deal.

CNBC: Paramount is hunting for a streaming partner, could kick off a wave of deals

Story from CNBC:

Paramount Global is holding talks with other entertainment companies about merging its Paramount+ streaming service with an existing platform.

Media Guardian: End of an era for New Zealand media as Newshub set to air final bulletin

Story from Media Guardian:

One of New Zealand’s longest running news outlets, Newshub, will air its final bulletin on Friday, marking the end of an era for the country’s media.

Hollywood Reporter: German Government Pledges 30 Percent Tax Rebate in 2025 Budget

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The German government has pledged to add a plan for a new tax incentive program to its 2025 budget aimed at attracting more international productions to shoot in the country.

Variety: How Warner Bros. Discovery Brings All Its Brands Aboard for ‘Shark Week,’ From ‘House of the Dragon’ to ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ to DC Studios

Story from Variety:

The recent “Shark Week” tradition of having a DC Universe superhero host the beloved Discovery Channel event continues this year when “Peacemaker’s” John Cena kicks off the festivities this Sunday. Cena’s gig as emcee comes after “Aquaman” Jason Momoa’s turn last year, and “Black Adam” star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s two-year stint before that.

Deadline: CBS Sued By Former L.A. Anchor Over “Policy Requiring Illegal Quotas For Race And Sex” At News Division

Story from Deadline:

Former Los Angeles TV news anchor Jeff Vaughn is suing CBS over what he alleges is “a policy requiring illegal quotas for race and sex in the hiring of employees at CBS News.”

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Paramount Stock Rises on New Skydance Merger Offer

Story from Variety:

Shares of Paramount Global sprang to life ahead of the July 4 holiday on a renewed agreement between Skydance Media and controlling shareholder Shari Redstone that would merge Skydance and Paramount.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: As Moguls Make Sun Valley Plans, Fear of Big Tech Echoes In Dealmaking Haven

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

It started with the conspicuous TV news crews.

Broadband TV News: A1 Group and Mezzo extend European reach

Story from Broadband TV News:

Classical music channel Mezzo and sister channel Mezzo Live have been added to the A1 platform in Austria.

Broadband TV News: SPI International Launches 13 new channels in Croatia

Story from Broadband TV News:

SPI International is launching a full package of channels on the Hrvatski Telekom network in Croatia.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount Global Stock Jumps On Report Of Revived BET Sale Talks

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global stock jumped 6% on Tuesday on the latest report the company has resumed talking to potential buyers of select assets after pausing the divestments during ultimately fruitless merger talks with Skydance Media.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline; Back In Business: Skydance And Shari Redstone Reach Terms On New Merger Proposal For Paramount

Story from Deadline:

In a stunning reversal, David Ellison‘s Skydance Media and Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone have returned to the M&A altar.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Skydance Media and National Amusements Inc. Reach New Merger Agreement for Paramount Global

Story from Variety:

In a holiday week shocker, Skydance Media and Shari Redstone’s National Amusements Inc. have quietly renewed acquisition talks and have reached a tentative agreement to acquire Paramount Global.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Paramount Reportedly in Talks to Sell BET for $1.6 Billion in Buyout Led by CEO Scott Mills

Story from Variety:

Paramount Global’s trio of co-CEOs have publicly said they’ve hired bankers to evaluate the sale of certain assets.

BizAsia: MK Anand to leave Times Network after 10 years as CEO

Story from BizAsia:

Times Network CEO and Managing Director MK Anand is set to leave later this year, with his 10-year contract concluding in December 2024.

Advanced Television; Portugal: Media Capital launching new TV channel

Story from Advanced Television:

Portuguese broadcasting group Media Capital is launching a new general entertainment channel this September.

Deadline: Miramax Names Kirby Adams Head Of Physical Production

Story from Deadline:

Miramax has appointed Kirby Adams as Head of Physical Production.

Paramount Global for sale - Broadband TV News: Paramount actively seeking partners for streaming service

Story from Broadband TV News:

Paramount is holding talks with multiple suitors with a view to merging its Paramount+ streaming service with an existing platform.

Broadband TV News: Museum TV becomes first free-to-air UHD channel in Estonia

Story from Broadband TV News:

Transmission company Levira has launched a UHD trial on the country’s DTT network.

Broadband TV News: Polsat TV acquires rights to UEFA club competitions

Story from Broadband TV News:

Polsat TV will broadcast and stream the new format UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League competitions for the next three seasons.

Hollywood Reporter: TKO Invests In NFL, RedBird Joint Venture As It Inks Sunday Ticket Deal

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC and the WWE, which is controlled by Endeavor, has made a strategic investment in EverPass Media as the media platform gains the ability to stream NFL‘s Sunday Ticket games for commercial businesses.

Paramount Global for sale - Deadline: Barry Diller Kicking Tires On Paramount Bid

Story from Deadline:

Media mogul Barry Diller is exploring a bid for Paramount, The New York Times reports.

Deadline: Sony Takes Majority Stake In ‘Alex Rider’ Producer Eleventh Hour Films

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is maintaining its focus on British TV drama with another big acquisition deal.

Broadband TV News: Arcom approves change of control in Altice Media

Story from Broadband TV News:

French communications regulator Arcom has given its approval to CMA CGM.

Broadband TV News: Javier González Núñez, new director of International Commercial for RTVE

Story from Broadband TV News:

Javier González Núñez has been appointed director of the International Commercial area of RTVE, replacing María Jesús Pérez, after her recent retirement.

Deadline: BBC Scotland Boss Exiting To Irish Broadcaster RTÉ

Story from Deadline:

The head of BBC Scotland is off to Ireland in the fall.