Broadband TV News: High court overturns Canal+–Ligue 1 ruling

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Cour de cassation (Court of cassation), the highest court in the French judiciary system, has ruled in favour of Canal+ in its joint dispute with beIN Sports against the Professional Football League (LFP).

Broadband TV News: DNMG adds Royalworld to FAST Channel platform TIVEE

Story from Broadband TV News:

German cable operator association DNMG is adding Royalworld to its FAST Channel platform TIVEE on 1 October 2024.

Hollywood Reporter: DirecTV to Acquire Dish and Sling TV, Creating Largest U.S. TV Provider

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Satellite TV giant DirecTV and Charlie Ergen’s EchoStar said Monday that they cut a deal under which DirecTV will acquire EchoStar’s video distribution business Dish DBS, including Dish TV and Sling TV, through a debt exchange transaction.

Broadband TV News: ducktv joins o2 Telefónica’s TV platform in Germany

Story from Broadband TV News:

Children’s channel ducktv is part of the TV platform which o2 Telefónica launched in Germany on 25 September 2024.

Hollywood Reporter: Former NBC News Anchor Brian Williams in Talks With Amazon to Lead Election Night Special

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Former NBC News and MSNBC anchor Brian Williams is in talks to return to the anchor desk… at a surprising new home.

Hollywood Reporter: Netflix Loses Bid to Dismiss Defamation Claim in ‘Baby Reindeer’ Lawsuit

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A federal court has advanced the key defamation claim in a lawsuit against Netflix over its portrayal of a woman depicted as a stalker in Richard Gadd’s Baby Reindeer, while dismissing other allegations.

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery Slams Comcast-Owned Sky For Trying To Gain Contract “Leverage” With ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series Suit; Warner Bros Discovery Ignored Deal, Euro Pay-TV Service Claims

Story from Deadline:

No magic wand is going to make the latest legal fight Warner Bros Discovery and David Zaslav find themselves in go away, even if Harry Potter is a part of the corporate skirmish.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount Layoffs Hit Advertising Division

Story from Deadline:

Paramount’s advertising division is the latest unit to be hit by layoffs.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: CBS Broadcasting Layoffs, Part Of Broader Paramount Cuts, Slammed By IBEW As “A Hard Pill To Swallow”

Story from Deadline:

The largest union representing CBS employees is slamming the latest round of Paramount layoffs.

Variety: Sky Sues Warner Bros. Over Refusal to Partner on ‘Harry Potter’ TV Series

Story from Variety:

Sky Group filed a lawsuit Friday against Warner Bros., accusing the studio of breaching their agreement by refusing to partner on the upcoming “Harry Potter” TV series.

Hollywood Reporter: Comcast Sues Warner Bros. Discovery Over Refusal to Partner on Harry Potter Series

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A legal brawl has broken out between Comcast‘s Sky and Warner Bros. Discovery, with the European media giant suing over breaches to a 2019 deal for exclusive rights to shows.

Deadline: Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch Gets Annual Pay Bump Amid Family Drama

Story from Deadline:

As a Nevada probate court deliberates the future of the Murdoch media empire, a new SEC filing shows that Fox Corp.

Deadline: John Malone Calls David Zaslav “Most Energetic CEO” & Warner Bros. Discovery’s Balance Sheet “Bulletproof”

Story from Deadline:

Despite all that ails Warner Bros. Discovery, board member and big investor John Malone sees plenty of upside for the media giant thanks to its “bulletproof” balance sheet, international potential and “energetic” CEO David Zaslav.

Deadline: Dish Network Parent EchoStar’s Stock Climbs On Latest DirecTV Merger Reports

Story from Deadline:

Shares of Dish Network parent EchoStar surged on heavy trading volume Friday on reports of a merger agreement could soon be reached between Dish and satellite TV rival DirecTV.

Broadband TV News: Warner Bros Discovery deploys captioning using Google Cloud AI

Story from Broadband TV News:

Warner Bros. Discovery and Google Cloud have announced the deployment of a new, AI-powered captioning solution in the United States that utilises Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform.

Broadband TV News: Telenet makes changes to Senior Leadership Team

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ann Caluwaerts, Chief Corporate Development, is to leave the Flemish cable operator Telenet after almost 14 years.

Broadband TV News: Arcom approves visibility of PSBs on connected TV in France

Story from Broadband TV News:

French broadcast groups France Télévisions, TF1, M6 and RMC BFM have welcomed two decisions by Arcom on the visibility of public service broadcasters on connected devices.

Deadline: Scripps News To Cut More Than 200 Jobs, Scale Back National News Programming Amid “Difficult” Linear TV Advertising Market

Story from Deadline:

The E.W. Scripps Co. is eliminating more than 200 jobs and will “wind down” its national news programming, as the company cites an adverse advertising environment.

Advanced Television: Vodafone Spain adds DAZN

Story from Advanced Television:

Vodafone Spain has added DAZN to its programming line-up, with the sports streaming platform offering football, Formula One and Moto GP, as well as documentaries and other TV programmes.

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery, Prime Video & Major Asian Players Talk Need For Streaming Collaboration, Anime & Why Global Models Won’t Work – APOS

Story from Deadline:

The APOS conference in Bali ended yesterday after a series of talks from the biggest players in Asia, and the main theme to merge was a cry for collaboration in streaming.

Deadline; ESPN Layoffs: Zach Lowe Joins The List Of On-Air Talent Who Have Been Let Go

Story from Deadline:

ESPN senior NBA writer Zach Lowe is the latest to be let go from the sports network amid ongoing belt tightening at the Disney-owned outlet.

Variety: All3Media CEO Jane Turton Joins Mipcom and Variety’s C-Suite Conversations Lineup

Story from Variety:

All3Media CEO Jane Turton will take part in a keynote interview at the 40th edition of Mipcom, the international co-production and entertainment content market, which runs from Oct. 21-24 in Cannes.

Advanced Television: StarSat stays on air – for now

Story from Advanced Television:

South Africa’s StarTimes-backed pay-TV operation StarSat is still on air despite regulator Icasa ordering it to shut down.

Advanced Television; Spain: New DTT plan

Story from Advanced Television:

The Spanish Administration is set to approve a Royal Decree with a new DTT Technical plan that will pave the way for a new nationwide DTT channel and for an Ultra HD migration of all TV channels.

Deadline; Disney Layoffs Underway: Hundreds Of Corporate Staffers Impacted

Story from Deadline:

More layoff news in what already has been a depressing week.

Deadline: Karl Warner Resurfaces At BBC Studios After Channel 4 Exit

Story from Deadline:

Karl Warner, the former Channel 4 digital exec, has joined BBC Studios as Executive Vice President of UK Entertainment and Digital Development.

Variety; TV’s New Big Four: Netflix, YouTube, Disney and Amazon Dominate as Streaming Wars Enter New Phase

Story from Variety:

I bet every time someone says “The streaming wars are over — Netflix won,” Ted Sarandos rolls his eyes.

Variety: UFC Reaches New Settlement in Fighters’ Antitrust Lawsuit, Agrees to Increase Payout to $375 Million

Story from Variety:

UFC is hoping to get a court’s OK on a new $375 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed by former fighters alleging the MMA promoter violated antitrust laws.

Variety: Hoda Kotb to Exit NBC’s ‘Today’ in Early 2025

Story from Variety:

Hoda Kotb, an NBC News mainstay who stepped up to co-anchor the flagship hours of NBC’s “Today” when longtime host Matt Lauer was ousted in 2017, will leave the program at the beginning of next year, opening not one, but two important roles at the network’s flagship morning franchise.

Variety: Paramount+ to Launch in Thailand Within Monomax Streaming Platform

Story from Variety:

Paramount Global Content Distribution today announced a new licensing agreement with MONO in Thailand to create a Paramount+ brand extension on the streamer Monomax, scheduled to launch in November.

Broadband TV News: Council of State rejects DTT appeals

Story from Broadband TV News:

The French Council of State has rejected interim relief for NRJ12 and C8, who are fighting their exclusion from the DTT system.

Broadband TV News: TF1+ launches in Switzerland

Story from Broadband TV News:

French free streaming platform TF1+ is crossing the border into Switzerland.

Variety: Disney+ Launches Broad Password-Sharing Crackdown, Offers Paid ‘Extra Member’ Option

Story from Variety:

Disney, following the lead of Netflix, has widely rolled out a program aimed at converting Disney+ password-borrowers into paid customers.

Hollywood Reporter: Anthem Sports & Entertainment Acquires Hollywood Suite Movie Channels

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Leonard Asper’s Anthem Sports and Entertainment has acquired Hollywood Suite, an indie Canadian broadcaster of four HD movie channels.

Broadband TV News: Natalija Goršcak appointed President of RTV Slovenia

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Council of the Slovenian public broadcaster RTV has elected Natalija Goršcak as President of its Management Board.

Deadline: Warner Bros International Television Production Set To Hire Long-Serving BBC Studios Exec Andre Renaud

Story from Deadline:

Long-serving BBC Studios formats exec Andre Renaud is jumping over to Warner Bros International Television Production (WBITVP).

Variety; Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max Readies Rollout in Asia-Pacific, Requires Multiple Models: ‘Our Goal Is to Reach the Fan Base’

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming service will launch in five markets in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan in the final quarter of this year and in Australia in the first half of 2025.

Broadband TV News: No decision on DPG takeover of RTL this year

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) will not decide this year whether the takeover of RTL Nederland by DPG Media should be allowed to proceed.

Broadband TV News: wedotv joins o2 TV Telefónica in Germany with The Channel Store

Story from Broadband TV News:

AVOD and FAST Channel provider wedotv is part of the new German o2 TV platform which o2 Telefónica launches on 25 September 2024.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: Jeff Glor Departing CBS News as Paramount Layoffs Hit Division

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount‘s latest round of layoffs has impacted CBS News, with anchor Jeff Glor among those leaving the network.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Longtime CBS Exec Tina Koyanagi-Rosener & Her 6-Person Team Among Hundreds Cut At Paramount+

Story from Deadline:

Twenty-nine-year veteran Tina Koyanagi-Rosener and six of her fellow colleagues in content strategy for Paramount+ were among the hundreds who were laid off Tuesday as part of Paramount Global’s plan to slash 15% of its U.S. workforce.

Hollywood Reporter: RedBird IMI Buys Reality TV Production Company, Adds Jeff Zucker to Board

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Reality TV producer Efran Films has rebranded as Bright North Studios after Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird IMI closed an acquisition of the Toronto-based production banner.

Broadband TV News: DFL ordered to restart Bundesliga rights auction in legal battle with DAZN

Story from Broadband TV News:

German national football association DFL has to re-auction the largest TV rights package in the tender of the domestic Bundesliga rights for the 2025/26 to 2028/29 seasons.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount Initiates Next Round Of Layoffs In Ongoing Effort To Cut 15% Of U.S. Workforce

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global has initiated the next phase of its plan to lay off 15% of its U.S. workforce, saying the cuts will be 90% complete after further cutbacks today.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max Using Google Gen AI Platform to Create Closed Captions

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery has launched a new AI-powered solution to automatically generate closed captions for content on its Max streaming service — saving considerable time and money, according to the media company.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Paramount Global Unveils ‘Phase Two’ of Layoffs

Story from Variety:

Paramount Global unveiled a second wave of staff cuts Tuesday morning, part of a larger bid by the owner of CBS, Comedy Central and MTV to reduce costs in a fraught era for traditional media companies.

Broadband TV News: Revamp for FilmBox+ streaming service

Story from Broadband TV News:

FilmBox+ has unveiled a new enhanced version that features a refreshed look and new functionality.

Advanced Television: Liberty Broadband seeks Charter merger

Story from Advanced Television:

Liberty Broadband Corporation has communicated a counterproposal to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Charter Communications in response to an initial merger proposal sent by the Charter Special Committee.

Deadline: Disney-Fox-Warner Bros. Discovery Streaming Venture Venu Sports Fires Back At Fubo In Antitrust Case, Dubbing Itself A “Pro-Competitive” Response To Cord-Cutting

Story from Deadline:

Venu Sports, the joint sports streaming venture backed by Disney, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery, has laid out its case to a federal appeals court, requesting permission to resume its plans to launch.

Variety: Pluto TV Inks Streaming Deal With French AVOD Platform M6+

Story from Variety:

M6+, the AVOD platform recently launched by French TV network M6, has signed a long-term deal with Paramount’s FAST service Pluto TV.

Broadband TV News: Bosnia and Herzegovina finally ready to complete DTT project

Story from Broadband TV News:

An addendum has been signed to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s €13.3 million digitisation project confirming OIV and Nimbus Innovations as the principal contractors.

Advanced Television: South Africa’s StarSat ordered to close

Story from Advanced Television:

On Digital Media (ODM), licensed in 2007, and now trading as StarSat, has been ordered to close by South Africa’s telecommunications regulator Icasa.

Advanced Television: DAZN scores Super League Basketball rights

Story from Advanced Television:

DAZN, the sports streaming platform, has secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the new Super League Basketball (SLB), with all games to be aired for free to audiences worldwide.

Advanced Television; Sweden: Tele2 bundles Disney+

Story from Advanced Television:

Tele2 and and The Walt Disney Company Nordic & Baltic has entered an agreement to provide Tele2 customers with more entertainment through Disney+.

Rupert Murdoch "Succession" - Media Guardian: Rupert Murdoch attends court hearing in battle over future of media empire

Story from Media Guardian:

A probate court in Nevada is set to begin reviewing evidence behind closed doors in a case that could determine who will control Rupert Murdoch’s media empire after his death.

Rupert Murdoch "Succession" - Deadline; Peter Bart: Rupert Murdoch’s Legacy At Center Of Family Succession Drama In Reno Courtroom

Story from Deadline:

“The bankers are trying to crunch me. They’ll fail.”

Rupert Murdoch "Succession" - BBC News: Rupert Murdoch's 'Succession' court battle begins

Story from BBC News:

A court battle to determine the future of Rupert Murdoch's media empire and a £14.9bn family trust begins in the US on Monday.

Rupert Murdoch "Succession" - Media Guardian: Murdoch family drama plays out in court with fate of Fox News at stake

Story from Media Guardian:

A 113-year-old courthouse with a towering copper dome near the banks of the Truckee River in Reno, Nevada, was for several days last week the center of a family drama that could in time affect the information and opinion consumption of global millions.

Hollywood Reporter: Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters Says the Streamer Wants “Netflix-ify” the NFL, “Never Say Never” to Other Sports Rights

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The NFL may be the biggest event programming on TV, but Netflix thinks that it can also bring something to that table.

Deadline: NFL Christmas Day Games Will Be “Netflix-ified”, Streamer’s Co-CEO Greg Peters Teases; Company Would “Love To” Have Major Sports Rights If Math Works

Story from Deadline:

Netflix plans to add signature flourishes to its live broadcasts of two Christmas Day NFL games, but remains circumspect about paying billions for major sports rights.

Advanced Television: Digi Portugal’s Nowo acquisition approved

Story from Advanced Television:

The Portuguese Regulatory Authority for Social Communication (ERC) has greenlit Digi Portugal’s purchase of Cabonitel, the parent company of Nowo.

Advanced Television; India: Disney Star acquires T10 tournaments

Story from Advanced Television:

Disney Star has agreed adeal with T Ten Global to bring all four T10 cricket tournaments – Zim Afro T10, US Masters T10, Abu Dhabi T10, and the newly launched Lanka T10 – to fans in India over the next four months.

Broadband TV News: XITE expands reach on Android TV in the UK, Canada, and Germany

Story from Broadband TV News:

Music video streaming platform XITE has extended its connected TV app to Android TV in the UK, Canada, and Germany.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ Polska appoints new marketing director

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ Polska has named Ewa Soroka as its marketing director.

Broadband TV News: Saorview demonstrates DVB-I capability

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ireland’s DTT platform, Saorview, is working towards a public trial of a hybrid platform featuring DVB-I.

Variety: Warner Bros. TV Boss Channing Dungey to Deliver Keynote at Mipcom

Story from Variety:

Channing Dungey, Warner Bros. TV Group chairman and CEO, will deliver a keynote address at Mipcom in Cannes next month.

BizAsia: NCLT approves merger of TV18 & E18 into Network18

Story from BizAsia:

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the merger of TV18 and E18 into Network18 Media and Investments, a company backed by Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).

Variety: Head of FCC Rejects Donald Trump’s Call to Revoke ABC Broadcast License

Story from Variety:

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has officially rejected a call by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to “take away” the government’s broadcast license from ABC, after Trump was angry about his treatment from ABC News’ moderators in his Sept. 10 debate with VP Kamala Harris.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount’s Erin Calhoun Exits As EVP Communications Ahead Of Next Round Of Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

One of Paramount Global’s top communications executives, Erin Calhoun, is stepping down from her role as EVP, Head of Communications, Paramount Streaming & Showtime and Cross-Company Publicity after seven years at the company.

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery Legal Chief Savalle Sims Exits; Key Member Of David Zaslav’s Merger Team

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s Chief Legal Officer Savalle Sims, a longtime member of David Zaslav‘s corporate inner circle, is leaving the media giant.

Hollywood Reporter: Lance Frank Named Head of Communications for CBS News, Stations & Media Ventures

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

CBS is promoting Lance Frank to lead all communications for CBS News, Stations & Media Ventures.

Deadline: Jared Bush Named Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer

Story from Deadline:

As Disney readies the sequels to its uber-grossing $1.75 billion Frozen franchise, Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee is segueing from her position to direct and write Frozen 3 and executive produce Frozen 4 with Marc Smith.

Advanced Television: MFE net profit up 20% in H1

Story from Advanced Television:

MFE-MediaForEurope (MFE) has reported consolidated net revenues of €1.47 billion for the first half of 2024, an annual increase of 7.8 per cent.

Hollywood Reporter: Bell Media Sells Minority Stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment for More Than $3B

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Canadian phone giant BCE Inc. has inked a deal with rival telecom and cable TV giant Rogers Communications to sell its 37.5 percent stake in Maple Leafs Sports Entertainment for CAN$4.7 billion (US$3.46 billion).

Hollywood Reporter: Amazon Prime Video and MGM Studios Join Motion Picture Association

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The Motion Picture Association, the Hollywood trade group that represents film and TV studios, is adding a high-profile new member.

Variety: Sport Dominates as India’s Premium Streaming Market Recovers to Reach $1 Billion Half-Year Revenues, Says Report

Story from Variety:

Revenues from India’s premium video-on-demand sector surged by 38% to generate $1.04 billion in the first half of this year, compared with $760 million in the first half of 2023.

Variety: Max to Debut in Japan Within U-Next Platform

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery will give Max, its enhanced streaming service, its first outing in the Asia-Pacific region beginning next week in a partnership with Japan’s U-Next.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: Who’s Really Going to Run Paramount?

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The deal that is expected to install Skydance chief David Ellison as chairman, CEO and hopefully savior of Paramount Global is a labyrinth of entities, trusts and transactions.

Broadband TV News: TVN adds new FAST channels to Polish market

Story from Broadband TV News:

TVN has added three new FAST channels to its Player app, bringing the total in the format to 20, the highest number on the Polish market.

Broadband TV News: Canal takes C8 DTT licence refusal to Council of State

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ Group has launched an appeal against the decision by the media regulator Arcom not to renew the licence for its controversial news channel C8.

Broadband TV News: o2 Telefónica and The Channel Store introduce FAST proposition in Germany

Story from Broadband TV News:

o2 Telefónica and The Channel Store have entered into a long-term global partnership starting with bundling FAST and AVOD services into o2 Telefónica’s TV offering in Germany.

Advanced Television; Germany: NHK World-Japan expands distribution via HD+

Story from Advanced Television:

NHK World-Japan, the English-language international service of Japan’s public media organisation NHK, is expanding its distribution in Germany in collaboration with HD+.

Warner Bros Discovery Crisis latest - Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Adds John Malone’s Nephew Daniel Sanchez to Board of Directors

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery is expanding its board of directors.

Hollywood Reporter: Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos Calls on Competitors to Release Viewership Numbers

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos is asking other streaming competitors to release their viewership numbers.

Broadband TV News: Al Jazeera renews Eutelsat satellite services agreement

Story from Broadband TV News:

Al Jazeera Media Network has extended its agreement with Eutelsat for broadcast services across the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.

Broadband TV News: Arte and Hearst to join TF1+ streaming platform

Story from Broadband TV News:

TF1 is to add two significant content providers to its platform in October.

Advanced Television: Pluto TV, Borussia Dortmund partnership

Story from Advanced Television:

Pluto TV and Borussia Dortmund (BVB) have announced a partnership that will see the FAST TV service and Bundesliga football club work together across BVB content for fans, including a dedicated 24 hour channel distributed across the world.

Hollywood Reporter: Adrian Wojnarowski to Retire From ESPN

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In a sports world shocker, ESPN‘s lead NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski will retire from the sports giant — and from the news business altogether — to lead the basketball program at his alma mater St. Bonaventure.

Hollywood Reporter: Lionsgate Inks Deal With AI Firm to Mine Its Massive Film and TV Library

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In a significant move, Lionsgate and the video-focused artificial intelligence research firm Runway have inked a deal that will see Runway train a new generative AI model on Lionsgate content, and will see the entertainment company use the tech as it produces future film and TV projects.

Deadline: Canal+ Group Appoints Amandine Ferré As Chief Financial Officer

Story from Deadline:

Canal+ Group has appointed long-time exec Amandine Ferré as Chief Financial Officer, in a move that will also see her join the French pay-TV giant’s management board.

Deadline: Studiocanal Rebrands The Copyright Group As Studiocanal Kids & Family Ltd

Story from Deadline:

Canal+ Group subsidiary Studiocanal has rebranded its merchandising and licensing business The Copyrights Group as Studiocanal Kids & Family Ltd.

Bizasia: ZEE refutes Star India claims over ICC rights deal; seeking damages worth $940 million

Story from BizAsia:

Star India has filed a Statement of Case in its ongoing arbitration against ZEE, seeking damages of $940 million (approximately Rs 7,869 crore) following the termination of their ICC TV rights deal.

Deadline: Banijay Reorganizes Nordic Production Through Label Mergers

Story from Deadline:

Banijay Nordics has become the latest production business to restructure.

Deadline: Archie Panjabi To Play ‘Doctor Who’ Villain In New Season From Disney+ And BBC

Story from Deadline:

Emmy Award winner Archie Panjabi (Under the Bridge, Snowpiercer) will star as a villain in Season 2 of Doctor Who, sources tell Deadline. The BBC and Disney+ series is set to return in 2025.

Deadline: Mike Nelson Steps Down As SVP, Communications For CBS News, Stations And Media Ventures

Story from Deadline:

Longtime communications executive Mike Nelson is leaving his post as SVP Communications for CBS News, Stations and Media Ventures.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount Layoffs Hit Advertising Division

Story from Deadline:

Paramount’s advertising division is the latest unit to be hit by layoffs.

Deadline: Kelly Hughes Joins MGM+ As Head Of Marketing

Story from Deadline:

MGM+ has brought on Kelly Hughes as head of marketing.

Broadband TV News: French TV plan for mutual co-operation

Story from Broadband TV News:

French broadcasters have announced plans for greater co-operation.

Broadband TV News: o2 Telefónica launches new streaming service in Germany

Story from Broadband TV News:

o2 Telefónica will launch a new streaming platform in Germany on 25 September 2024, replacing its previous TV offering.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney to Spend $1B a Year in Europe

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Everyone agrees: the U.K. is and will remain a production hotspot.

Hollywood Reporter; Netflix’s Ted Sarandos: Theatrical Releases Are “Inefficient” Way to Distribute Some Movies

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Streaming giant Netflix is betting on original content with local authenticity and a focus on audiences rather than critics or media executives, co-CEO Ted Sarandos told a TV industry gathering in London on Tuesday.

Hollywood Reporter: Amazon Prime Video Unveils New Heads for Australia, New Zealand and Canada

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Amazon Prime Video has unveiled a new organizational structure for Australia, New Zealand and Canada with several key promotions.

Broadband TV News; Antitrust veto: Super RTL cancels takeover of Nickelodeon

Story from Broadband TV News:

German children’s channel Super RTL will not acquire its competitor Nickelodeon: RTL Deutschland has withdrawn its notification of the project after the Federal German Cartel Office informed RTL and Paramount that it intends to prohibit the transaction.

Deadline: Shares In Dish Network Parent EchoStar Surge On Reports Of Yet Another Round Of Merger Talks With DirecTV

Story from Deadline:

Shares in Dish Network parent EchoStar climbed 7% in early trading Monday in the wake of reports that the satellite TV division is once again discussing a merger with DirecTV.

Broadband TV News: Makedonski Telekom and MediaKind unveil MagentaTV

Story from Broadband TV News:

MediaKind in partnership with Makedonski Telekom are launching MagentaTV, the next generation of digital TV services.

Deadline: Jon Stewart Says ‘The Daily Show’ Emmy Win Has Made “An Old Man Very Proud”, Thanks News Team & “Keeper Of The Flame” Jen Flanz

Story from Deadline:

Jon Stewart is back winning Emmys.

Deadline: John Oliver Thanks HBO For “Not Canceling Us” As ‘Last Week Tonight’ Continues Emmy Streak

Story from Deadline:

Can Last Week Tonight with John Oliver ever be stopped at the Emmys? It seems not.

Broadband TV News: Netgem and Okast join forces for distribution of FAST channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Netgem has signed a partnership agreement with Okast to integrate its FAST ‘FAST Lane’ channel aggregation service.

Variety: Disney, DirecTV Reach Deal Ending Two-Week Blackout of ESPN, ABC; Agreement Encompasses New Streaming Options

Story from Variety:

After a bruising fight for both sides, Disney and DirecTV have called a truce: The companies announced a preliminary agreement on a new deal that will restore ESPN, ABC, FX, Disney Channel and other Disney networks to the DirecTV lineup after a nearly two-week blackout.

Irish Examiner: RTÉ to spend €1.8m on new panel to report on audience reaction to its programming

Story from Irish Examiner:

Cash-strapped national broadcaster RTÉ is set to spend an estimated €1.8m over a five-year period on the provision of an ‘Internet-based Audience Reaction Panel’ to its programming.

Hollywood Reporter: Longtime Marvel Executive Dave Bushore Exits

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Longtime Marvel executive Dave Bushore is exiting the company to discover, and build, new worlds.

Irish Mirror: Cash-strapped RTÉ to pay travel agency €840,000 to book corporate flights and hotels

Story from Irish Mirror:

Cash-strapped RTÉ is set to spend up to €840,000 on travel agency services to arrange flights, accommodation and other transport requirements for staff and executives at the national broadcaster.

Deadline: Disney Nears Emmy Weekend With ABC & Other Networks Still Dark On DirecTV In Carriage Fight

Story from Deadline:

Sunday’s Emmy Awards will take place nearly two weeks after 16 Disney networks went dark on DirecTV due to a carriage dispute between the companies.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Carriage Deal With Charter Cools Heat Under David Zaslav’s Seat

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery and its besieged CEO David Zaslav finally have reason to celebrate in 2024.

Deadline; Paramount & NBC Bosses On Venu Sports: “We Weren’t Hurt By Not Being Invited”

Story from Deadline:

Paramount‘s George Cheeks and NBC‘s Jon Miller aren’t having sleepless nights over Venu Sports.

Deadline: Trial Date Set For October 2025 In Fubo Antitrust Lawsuit Against Disney, Fox And Warner Bros. Discovery

Story from Deadline:

A jury trial of Fubo‘s antitrust lawsuit against Disney, Fox Corp. and Warner Bros. Discovery will start October 6, 2025, a federal judge ruled Thursday.

Variety: Sony and Warner Bros. Gear Up for Political Fight for Las Vegas Studio

Story from Variety:

Sony and Warner Bros. are preparing for a heavyweight fight in Las Vegas, as both studios seek state funding to build rival production facilities.

Deadline: DirecTV Customer Defections Not “Immaterial” Exec Says Amid Disney Blackout – “The Annoyance Factor Is Very High”

Story from Deadline:

DirecTV‘s chief marketing officer Vince Torres acknowledged today that the satellite video distributor is losing customers in a battle with Disney but believes it will “claw back the losses” later.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Expects Max Subscribers to Rise More Than 6 Million in Q3

Story from Variety:

More than six million subscribers signed up for Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max streaming service in the third quarter, according to the company’s CEO.

Variety: 14 Major Cast Exits to Remember as ‘One Chicago,’ ‘Law & Order’ and ‘FBI’ Series Return

Story from Variety:

If one thing stays consistent with Dick Wolf procedurals, it’s that they’re always subject to change.

Variety: Roy Wood Jr. Wants to Shake Up CNN’s Saturday Nights With Comedy

Story from Variety:

Roy Wood Jr. is about to launch a new comedy show that will, if all goes well, feature people who aren’t supposed to be funny cracking wise on a network that isn’t known for making people laugh.

Broadband TV News: Rakuten TV is now available on Altibox TV

Story from Broadband TV News:

Rakuten TV’s FAST channels and on-demand movies are now available through the set-top boxes of the Norwegian ISP and television service provider Altibox TV.

Broadband TV News: Disney discounts Standard with Ads ahead of price rise

Story from Broadband TV News:

Disney is offering a “limited time promotion” ahead of both a blockbuster autumn and an upcoming price increase.

Variety: Max Will Be Bundled for No Extra Charge With Charter’s Spectrum TV Select Plan Under Early Warner Bros. Discovery Deal Renewal

Story from Variety:

Charter Communications, now the No. 1 U.S. cable TV operator, continues to reshape its video biz for the streaming era: Under an early deal renewal with Warner Bros. Discovery, Spectrum TV Select customers will have access to the Max streaming service “at no extra charge.”

Advanced Television: Virgin Media Play launches in Ireland

Story from Advanced Television:

Simplestream, an OTT services provider, has partnered with Virgin Media Television to launch Virgin Media Play in Ireland, a range of streaming services designed to enhance how viewers access and consume their favorite content from the country’s biggest commercial free to air broadcaster.

Broadband TV News: Vodafone and RTL Deutschland renew cable carriage

Story from Broadband TV News:

Vodafone Deutschland’s 11 million cable customers will continue to be able to receive RTL Deutschland’s streaming and TV services.

Broadband TV News; Vodafone Italia acquisition by Swisscom: Italian Competition Authority opens in-depth investigation

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Italian Competition Authority (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato) announced has opened an in-depth investigation to assess the acquisition of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom under Italy’s merger control rules.

Deadline: A+E Networks EMEA Rebrands Under Hearst Moniker

Story from Deadline:

A+E Networks EMEA will be known as Hearst Networks EMEA going forwards.

Deadline: BBC Studios Splashed Out Nearly $10M On ‘The Newsreader’ Producer Werner & Spain’s Brutal

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios has revealed how much it paid to bolster its international production footprint earlier this year with the acquisitions of Australia’s Werner Film Productions and Spain’s Brutal Media.

Deadline: Richard Bacon’s Yes Yes Media Strikes Deal With Germany’s Tresor

Story from Deadline:

Richard Bacon‘s Yes Yes Media has struck a first-look formats deal with Keshet International-owned German label Tresor.

Variety: Mike Sneesby Resigns as CEO of Australia’s Nine Entertainment

Story from Variety:

Mike Sneesby has announced his resignation as CEO of Nine Entertainment, one of Australia’s largest media groups.

Broadband TV News: Comcast to provide centralised playout for AMC Networks

Story from Broadband TV News:

Comcast Technology Solutions has announced a new multi-year agreement with AMC Networks to provide a centralised video platform Managed Channel Origination and Video on Demand.

Broadband TV News: BBC Studios launches BBC Earth FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus in EMEA

Story from Broadband TV News:

BBC Studios is launching BBC Earth as a FAST channel on the Samsung TV Plus platform.

Broadband TV News: Pluto TV ads suite of FAST news channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Pluto TV is launching a collection of FAST channel focusing on global and local news coverage across multiple international markets.

Deadline: Fubo Tells Judge In Antitrust Case It Will Reveal Long-Secret Details Of Carriage Negotiations By Disney, Fox & Warner Bros. Discovery

Story from Deadline:

In Fubo‘s antitrust lawsuit against Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery, the pay-TV operator has told a federal judge it plans to bring to light sensitive details of carriage negotiations by the media giants over many years.

Deadline: 49ers-Jets Boasts Solid Audience For ABC & ESPN Despite Disney-DirectTV Dispute, But NBC Wins NFL Week 1

Story from Deadline:

Despite not being available to 11M DirecTV customers, ESPN‘s Monday Night Football was still off to a strong start with its 49ers-Jets season opener.

Deadline: Lachlan Murdoch Says Fox Is On The Prowl For M&A

Story from Deadline:

Media deals are having a moment and now a leading player, Fox, is looking to jump in as CEO Lachlan Murdoch told investors at a conference today that the company will train its solid balance sheet on M&A.

Deadline: DirecTV Rejects Disney Offer To Restore ABC News Tonight Only For POTUS Debate

Story from Deadline:

There will be no presidential debate on ABC for DirecTV customers tonight.

Deadline: Disney-DirecTV Carriage Fight Goes On As ‘Monday Night Football’ Kicks Off; POTUS Debate & Emmys In Jeopardy

Story from Deadline:

The carriage dispute between DirecTV and Disney has entered new, nerve-wracking territory as the companies have failed to reach a deal as NFL Monday Night Football kicks off its season on ESPN.

Variety: DirecTV Rejects Disney’s Offer to Provide Access to ABC News’ Harris-Trump Debate Amid Contract Standoff

Story from Variety:

Disney offered to temporarily provide DirecTV access to ABC News‘ coverage of the presidential debate Tuesday night between VP Kamala Harris and Donald Trump — but DirecTV turned the offer down.

Variety: Paramount Content Licensing Chief Dan Cohen to Give Keynote at Mipcom

Story from Variety:

Dan Cohen, Paramount’s chief content licensing officer and the president of Republic Pictures, is set to give a keynote speech at Mipcom in Cannes this Fall.

Variety: Fremantle Merges U.S. and Europe Scripted Operations Under Christian Vesper; Dante Di Loreto Moves to Producer Deal

Story from Variety:

Fremantle is moving its North America scripted business under Christian Vesper, the CEO of global drama and film, who will now up all drama and film operations for Fremantle across both the U.S. and Europe.

Variety: MSNBC Wants to Meet More Fans Without Using Its Cable Network

Story from Variety:

Some of MSNBC’s most dynamic moments in 2025 may not take place on a TV screen.

Variety: Producer Daniel Silver Launches BD4 Documentary Label With Banijay Americas

Story from Variety:

Banijay Americas has partnered with former ESPN producer Daniel Silver to launch a documentary label BD4, which will mix documentary filmmaking with narrative storytelling.

Advanced Television: FIFA+ on Pluto TV

Story from Advanced Television:

FAST service Pluto TV has announced the international launch of FIFA+ on its platform across multiple markets, including the UK.

BBC News: A mega merger aims to reshape India's entertainment landscape

Story from BBC News:

Imagine binge-watching The Bear, Succession, Deadpool and reality show Bigg Boss all on one platform - an entertainment bonanza could be just around the corner for Indians if a blockbuster streaming merger goes through as expected.

Hollywood Reporter: DirecTV Files FCC Complaint Accusing Disney of Negotiating in Bad Faith as Blackout Continues

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

DirecTV filed a complaint on Saturday with the Federal Communications Commission, alleging that Disney failed to negotiate in good faith as the satellite provider’s blackout of Disney-owned networks continues into a second week.

Variety: DirecTV Tells Customers It’s Hiking Prices Next Month, Coming Amid Blackout of ESPN, ABC and Other Disney Nets

Story from Variety:

DirecTV subscribers just lost ESPN, ABC and other Disney-owned channels due to a still-unresolved contract fight — and now the pay-TV provider is informing customers that it’s hiking prices next month.

Variety: Amid Disney Blackout, DirecTV Is Offering Customers a $30 Credit Toward Dish’s Sling or Fubo Streaming Services

Story from Variety:

Carriage fights create some strange bedfellows.

Variety; ‘Plenty of Options’: Disney Steers DirecTV Customers to Dish, Hulu, YouTube TV and More as Blackout of Channels Including ESPN and ABC Hits Day 6

Story from Variety:

Disney — whose networks have been dark on DirecTV since Sept. 1 amid a carriage dispute — on Friday launched a campaign to alert DirecTV customers that they have “plenty of options” to get ABC, ESPN and others from rival providers.

Variety: NBC Pulls Back ‘Tonight Show’ to Four Nights Per Week

Story from Variety:

The last of TV’s big five-original-nights-a-week late-night show is giving up 24 hours out of its schedule.

Broadband TV News: ZDF to switch off SD via satellite in November 2025

Story from Broadband TV News:

German public broadcaster ZDF will cease the SD satellite transmission of ZDF, ZDFinfo, ZDFneo, 3sat and KiKA via Astra (19.2° East) on 18 November 2025.

Broadband TV News: Vodafone to switch off ARD channels in SD in 2025

Story from Broadband TV News:

From 7 January 2025, Vodafone Deutschland will distribute the TV channels of German public broadcaster ARD exclusively in HD resolution on its cable network; SD distribution will be discontinued.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: New Plan to “Revitalize” CBS Revealed In Filing by Skydance and Paramount

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A new filing with the Federal Communications Commission outlines a plan to “strengthen and revitalize” the CBS broadcast network and its owned and operated stations, should Oracle founder Larry Ellison be allowed to assume control of the broadcast licenses.

Paramount Global for sale latest - New York Post; Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison will control Paramount after Skydance deal

Story from New York Post:

Tech billionaire Larry Ellison will control CBS parent Paramount Global after Skydance Media completes its purchase of the Redstone family’s interest in the film and TV company, according to a report.

Hollywood Reporter: Lionsgate Names New Head of Inclusive Content at Movie Group

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

After a nearly four-year run, Lionsgate‘s leader of inclusion and diversity efforts at its film division is stepping away from the role and pacting with the studio for a producing deal.

New York Post: Amazon nears major deal to broadcast NBA, MLB and NHL games on Prime streaming

Story from New York Post:

Amazon is in talks to become a major player in regional sports broadcasting for the NBA, MLB and NHL — with a surprise deal that could shake up the way fans have watched their local teams for decades, The Post has learned.

Variety: Disney Leaders Clap Back at DirecTV’s Claims as ESPN, ABC, Disney Channel Blackout Stretches into Day 4

Story from Variety:

Disney leaders have responded to claims made by DirecTV executives amid the contract dispute that led to ESPN, ABC and other Disney-owned channels going dark on the satellite TV provider’s platform as of Sept. 1.

Advanced Television: Telesat sells off communications services division

Story from Advanced Television:

Canada-based satellite operator Telesat has sold its Infosat Communications subsidiary which specialised in remote satellite services.

Variety: Verizon to Acquire Frontier in $20 Billion Cash Deal

Story from Variety:

Telecommunications giant Verizon Communications plans to take over smaller player Frontier Communications in an all-cash deal valued at $20 billion, as Verizon seeks to bolster its fiber footprint to battle its biggest rival, AT&T.

Variety: Fremantle Lays Off All Staff at ‘Wreck’ Producer Euston Films, Newly-Launched Doc Label Undeniable

Story from Variety:

Fremantle has laid off all the staff at drama producer Euston Films and documentary label Undeniable.

Broadband TV News: Viasat True Crime launches in Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viasat World has announced the launch of Viasat True Crime, in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia on 17 September 2024.

Advanced Television: Sony bets on content

Story from Advanced Television:

Sony Corp is taking a major bet on a multibillion-dollar push into producing more original content, as part of a “creation shift” it says should bring it a greater share of the $3 trillion entertainment industry.

Deadline: Disney Hits Back At DirecTV In Carriage Fight, Saying It “Continues To Misrepresent The Facts”

Story from Deadline:

After DirecTV had its say Tuesday in an hour-long conference call with Wall Street analysts, Disney hit back at the pay-TV operator as the companies’ carriage impasse enters its fourth day.

Hollywood Reporter: How ESPN Is Dramatically Rewriting Its Streaming Playbook

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Walking around ESPN’s sprawling campus in Bristol, Connecticut, visitors will find the sports giant’s mission statement at almost every turn.

Deadline: BBC Increases Representation Target On All Shows To 25% After Revealing $318M Diversity Content Spend

Story from Deadline:

The BBC will require all TV shows to hit 25% off-screen representation targets after spending double the amount it expected to spend on diverse content since 2021.

Hollywood Reporter: Brian Stelter Rejoins CNN

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Two years after his show Reliable Sources was canceled by CNN, Brian Stelter is rejoining the media network.

Deadline: Kamala Harris & Donald Trump Debate Next Week Threatened By Disney Channels Going Dark On DirecTV

Story from Deadline:

Just over 60 days to go what is considered one of the most consequential elections of modern times, the tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump has become ensnared in the carriage dispute between the Walt Disney Company and DirecTV.

Variety: DirecTV Says Disney Blackout Has No Easy Resolution, Even With NFL Season Starting

Story from Variety:

Don’t count on next week’s debut of a new season of ESPN‘s “Monday Night Football” to force a quick end to the current carriage dispute between DirecTV and Walt Disney Co.

Variety: NBC Taps TikTok Influencers to Grab Younger Viewers for NFL Games

Story from Variety:

A cadre of TikTok influencers will join NBC Sports on a massive three-day trek that takes them from Kansas City to Sao Paulo to Detroit, all in the name of boosting professional football to people who might not ordinarily think of traditional NBC-backed media as the place to see it.

BizAsia: Sonia Huria leaves Amazon Prime Video post

Story from BizAsia:

Sonia Huria has stepped down from her role as Head of Communications for APAC at Amazon Prime Video after four years.

Broadcast Cable: Warner Bros. Discovery promote Harshit Sahni

Story from Broadcast Cable:

Harshit Sahni, Director of South Asia (TV & OTT), has been promoted to Cluster Revenue Head—Factual & Lifestyle, Eurosport, International Business—South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Variety: Zee Group’s Subhash Chandra Accuses Indian Regulatory Chief of Sinking Company’s Merger With Sony

Story from Variety:

Subhash Chandra, chairman emeritus of Indian media giant Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), has accused Madhabi Puri Buch, chair of regulator Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) of scuppering the Sony-ZEEL merger.

Advanced Television: DAZN to offer weekly free NFL game in select markets

Story from Advanced Television:

DAZN, the sports streaming platform, and the NFL are ready for fans across the globe to watch the 2024 NFL season on NFL Game Pass — via DAZN’s platform in 200+ markets, as well as on YouTube and Amazon in select markets.

Deadline: Ex-CNN Journalist Saima Mohsin Says Network Causing Her “Psychological, Financial & Physical Stress” By Kicking Legal Battle Into “Long Grass”

Story from Deadline:

Former CNN journalist Saima Mohsin has criticized the news network for stalling her efforts to sue for unfair dismissal and disability discrimination.

Variety: Disney Goes Dark on DirecTV in Contract Fight Over Fees for ESPN, ABC, Disney Channel, Freeform and More

Story from Variety:

ESPN and other Disney-owned channels have gone dark on DirecTV after the sides failed to come to terms on a new carriage agreement, a business impasse that reflects the broader economic pain spreading throughout the pay TV sector.

Broadband TV News: Discounted HBO and Max in revamped Orange Slovakia line-up

Story from Broadband TV News:

HBO and Max are now available as part of a revamped channel offer from Orange TV in Slovakia.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay subscription channel to launch in the UK on Prime Video

Story from Broadband TV News:

UK Prime Video customers will have access to premium Nordic and European series and films through a new add-on subscription to the Viaplay channel.