Warner Bros Discovery Crisis latest

Last updated on February 7th 2025:

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

Paramount Global for sale latest

Last updated on February 22nd 2025:

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

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Media Guardian: MSNBC reportedly cancels Joy Reid show in reshuffle at liberal network

Story from Media Guardian:

MSNBC has reportedly canceled longtime anchor Joy Reid’s show in what is evidently a major programming restructure at the liberal network.

Media Guardian; ‘We’re clearly heading towards collapse’: why the Murdoch empire is about to go bang

Story from Media Guardian:

When some of the mind games and manoeuvres that turned a Murdoch family “retreat” into an ordeal appeared in Succession, the TV drama about squabbling family members of a right-wing media company, members of the real-life family started to suspect each other of leaking details to the writers.

Deadline: MSNBC Building Up News Operation In Advance Of Split From Comcast; Jen Psaki And ‘The Weekend’ Hosts Eyed For Expanded Roles

Story from Deadline:

MSNBC is embarking on its first major steps toward building up a newsgathering operation, with plans to add a Washington bureau and domestic and international correspondents.

Cord Cutters: ESPN & Fox Sports End Talks on Joint Streaming Venture, Will Instead Launch Separate Streaming Services

Story from Cord Cutters:

The prospect of a groundbreaking streaming collaboration between ESPN and Fox Sports has fizzled out, marking the end of a flirtation that once promised to reshape the sports media landscape.

Deadline: Amazon MGM Studios Theatrical Marketing Head Gerry Rich Departing

Story from Deadline:

We have confirmed that Gerry Rich, who steered the Bond films going back to Goldeneye, is leaving Amazon MGM Studios.

Advanced Television: Patel takes on expanded SVP role at Disney

Story from Advanced Television:

Nami Patel is taking on an expanded role at Disney, as SVP, Consumer Strategy & Business Development, Direct To Consumer EMEA.

Advanced Television: Airbus, Thales to merge satellite divisions?

Story from Advanced Television:

Europe’s two giant aerospace companies are looking to merge their satellite-related businesses.

Hollywood Reporter: Elizabeth Warren Asks DOJ to Investigate Disney Deal to Buy Fubo

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Elizabeth Warren is asking the Department of Justice to investigate and potentially block Disney‘s surprise deal to buy the streaming service Fubo, arguing that it raises notable antitrust concerns.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: Paramount Is Starting to Fight Back Against Trump in ’60 Minutes’ Lawsuit

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In January, reports that Paramount Global was mulling whether to settle a long-shot lawsuit filed by President Trump against its CBS News unit sparked a frenzy over the appearance that the company was capitulating to the administration as it sought regulatory approval for its merger with Skydance Media.

Variety: ‘Neighbours’ Canceled Again, Ending Amazon’s Two-Year Revival

Story from Variety:

The long-running Australian soap opera “Neighbours” is set to end its run once again, with the final episode scheduled to air in December.

Variety; Baseball Strikes Out at ESPN: Sports Giant to End TV Rights Deal With MLB After Current Season

Story from Variety:

Disney‘s ESPN and Major League Baseball are breaking up after nearly 40 years together, a sign of how even the most durable content relationships have come under scrutiny in the streaming era, with sports rights increasing exponentially and entertainment conglomerates left to figure out how to pay the bill.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety; George Clooney Says Biden ‘Was Terrible at Explaining’ the World Economy, Warns of CBS News Settling With Trump: ‘It Has a Chilling Effect on the Press’

Story from Variety:

George Clooney had some pointed remarks about the Donald Trump administration, describing the current political climate as one where people “don’t worry about facts.”

Broadband TV News: Matthias Reichert new Managing Director of Sport1

Story from Broadband TV News:

German broadcaster Sport1 has appointed Matthias Reichert as its new Managing Director.

Broadband TV News: SES will maintain Betzdorf as HQ

Story from Broadband TV News:

SES will keep its Luxembourg headquarters in Betzdorf following its planned redundancies and the upcoming merger with Intelsat.

Broadband TV News: DAZN demands €573 million from French Football League

Story from Broadband TV News:

The dispute between the French Football League (LFP) and its domestic TV rights hold DAZN has escalated after the streaming service claimed €573 million from its partner.

Broadband TV News: ProSiebenSat.1 faces major job cuts in shareholder turmoil

Story from Broadband TV News:

German media company ProSiebenSat.1 is reportedly planning a significant round of job cuts.

Advanced Television: Max launches in Greece with Vodafone TV

Story from Advanced Television:

Vodafone TV is ushering in the exclusive launch home of Max in Greece.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Daily Mail: CBS star exec next on the chopping block after daring to go against billionaire heiress owner

Story from Daily Mail:

CBS News chief Wendy McMahon is likely set to lose her job as head of the news division, insiders have claimed.

Variety: A+E Networks Launches Digital Division, Plans History .com Overhaul

Story from Variety:

A+E Networks, the Disney-Hearst joint venture that is better known for its cable networks than for its new-media expertise, said it would launch a new A+E Digital division aimed at diversifying its business and amplifying its digital presence.

Broadband TV News: Conseil d’État rejects NRJ-Canal+ DTT licence appeal

Story from Broadband TV News:

France’s Conseil d’État has ruled Arcom was within the law when it chose not to renew the DTT licences of the Canal+ channel C8 and NRJ 12.

Variety: Netflix Unveils $1 Billion Mexican Investment Over the Next 4 Years

Story from Variety:

In a landmark announcement that underscores Netflix‘s continued close relationship with Mexico’s audiovisual industry, Co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed a $1 billion investment in the country over the next four years.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: CBS Lawyers Say They Will Seek Donald Trump’s Personal Financial Information If President’s ’60 Minutes’ Lawsuit Proceeds To Discovery Phase

Story from Deadline:

CBS‘ legal team said in a court filing this week that the network planned to seek Donald Trump‘s personal financial information if the president’s $20 billion lawsuit against the network proceeds to a discovery phase.

Deadline: Viaplay Continues Financial Turnaround With Reduced Q4 Losses

Story from Deadline:

Sweden’s Viaplay continues to head back towards the black, as its fourth quarter financial results showed dramatically shortened losses.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney’s Multibillion-Dollar Streaming Decisions May Be Unearthed in Court Battle Against Investors

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A federal judge has advanced a lawsuit against Disney from investors who claim that they were misled about the extent of the entertainment giant’s losses stemming from its lofty streaming subscriber growth and profitability targets in the era of ousted CEO Bob Chapek.

Variety: TelevisaUnivision Narrows Q4 Loss Despite Impairment Charges

Story from Variety:

Spanish-language media giant TelevisaUnivision narrowed its losses in the fourth-quarter despite a $900 million non-cash impairment charge and declines in revenue at its Mexican operations after the company worked to streamline the merger that placed the Univision television network and the Televisa TV operations under the same corporate umbrella.

Broadband TV News: New growth for BBC Studios across CEE

Story from Broadband TV News:

BBC Studios has extended the reach of its channel brands across Central and East Europe with new launches in the Czech Republic and Romania.

Variety: Sony Pictures TV Promotes Mike Wald, Jason Spivak to Co-Presidents of Distribution and Networks

Story from Variety:

Sony Pictures Television has upped Mike Wald and Jason Spivak to co-presidents of distribution and networks.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Paramount Global Battles Trump Politics and Investor Suits. Is the Sale to Skydance in Peril?

Story from Variety:

In October, it will be 10 years since Shari Redstone began her campaign to get her family’s legacy in order. Most likely, she hasn’t had a day of rest in all that time.

Variety: Disney Hires Paramount’s Daria Cercek to Lead Film Studio’s Live-Action Division

Story from Variety:

Walt Disney Studios has appointed Daria Cercek as president of the studio’s theatrical live-action division.

Broadband TV News: Cloudflare takes legal action over LaLiga’s “disproportionate blocking efforts”

Story from Broadband TV News:

Cloudflare has launched a legal action against LaLiga over IP blocking action that it says blocked millions of users from accessing unrelated websites.

Broadband TV News: BBC player to launch in Spain with Movistar Plus

Story from Broadband TV News:

BBC Studios has announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Movistar Plus+ in Spain.

Disney will close the following channels on February 28th in Brazil

Disney will close the following channels on February 28th in Brazil:

Paramount Global for sale latest - Daily Mail: NFL attracts massive new bidder for Sunday packages that currently cost Fox and CBS $4 billion a year

Story from Daily Mail:

Yet another media giant is clamoring for the NFL's domestic media rights just four years after the league's record-setting $111 billion TV deal.

Advanced Television: SES hit by ratings downgrade

Story from Advanced Television:

It’s not been a good month for European satellite operators.

Best Media Info: JioStar to close some channels

On Media Boy UK social channels an follower of Media Boy UK has reveal:

Looks like the JioStar is ending the Indian versions:

1. Comedy Central
2. VH1
3. MTV Beats
4. Bindass
5. Colors Odia
6. Star Kiran
7. Plus Sports 18 will merge with Star Sports.

Info via bestmediainfo .com

Advanced Television; Germany: F1 back free-to-air on RTL

Story from Advanced Television:

For the 2025 season, RTL, in partnership with Sky Sport, will again broadcast seven races as well as eleven qualifying sessions and one sprint race of Formula 1 live on free TV.

Advanced Television: FIFA+ on Netgem

Story from Advanced Television:

Netgem has announced a collaboration with FIFA+, the official streaming platform of FIFA.

Deadline: Sony Pictures Names Pixar Vet Michael Agulnek EVP Global Publicity; Rose Phillips Promoted To EVP Global Digital Marketing & Social Media

Story from Deadline:

Former Disney/Pixar veteran Michael Agulnek has joined Sony Pictures as EVP Global Publicity, where he will report to Danielle Misher, Co-Head of Theatrical Marketing.

Advanced Television: Saudi invests $1bn in DAZN

Story from Advanced Television:

Saudi Arabia is to invest $1 billion (€0.95bn) in DAZN and a forming new JV with the sports streaming service owned by Sir Leonard Blavatnik, as the country doubles up its bet on the global sports market.

Advanced Television: Little Dot Studios launching Little Dot Channels brand

Story from Advanced Television:

Content studio and digital media network, Little Dot Studios, an All3Media company, is set to double its owned and operated digital network channels to 160 by the end of 2025, while unveiling its new consumer-facing brand, Little Dot Channels.

Advanced Television: Canal+ expands partnership with Samsung

Story from Advanced Television:

Canal+ and Samsung Electronics have extended their strategic partnership to cover over 40 territories globally.

Advanced Television: La Liga blocks illegal streaming platforms

Story from Advanced Television:

As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting intellectual property rights, Spain’s top-flight football league La Liga has successfully blocked illegal broadcasts from the DazcFutbolios and RBTV77 platforms.

City AM: DAZN eyes Liga MX TV deal

Story from City AM:

Dazn’s next target after paying £800m to secure global TV rights for this summer’s first expanded Club World Cup will be to make a move into the south and central American markets.

Advanced Television: John Cena returning to UK for WWE Raw shows

Story from Advanced Television:

WWE, part of TKO Group, has confirmed that legendary WWE superstar that John Cena will return to Europe this March as part of his 2025 Farewell Tour and appear live on Raw for the final time in Brussels, Glasgow and London.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Donald Trump And The FCC Chairman Are Waging War On The News Media As Much Of The Industry Frets Over Whether To Fight Back

Story from Deadline:

In the blizzard of executive orders, Resolute desk pronouncements and mass firings of President Donald Trump‘s first weeks in office, it’s easy to lose sight of what has been happening at the FCC and its chilling effect on the media.

Hollywood Reporter: Ari Emanuel Officially Becomes a Billionaire

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Ari Emanuel is officially a billionaire.

Broadband TV News: Dutch viewers get two Viaplay linear channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay will next month launch two linear channels into the Dutch market.

Deadline: ITV Studios Alum Pascal Dalton Launches Formats Biz

Story from Deadline:

ITV Studios alum Pascal Dalton is setting up shop.

Advanced Television: SES wins ATP Media worldwide delivery

Story from Advanced Television:

SES has agreed a deal to deliver and manage video content for ATP Tour events around the world using Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) and its Sports Content Orchestration Enabler (SES SCORE) platform enabled by SES’s hybrid IP, fibre and satellite distribution network.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Paramount and YouTube TV Reach Multiyear Distribution Deal for CBS and Other Networks, Agreement Includes Option to Bundle Paramount+

Story from Variety:

After several days of intensive negotiations, YouTube TV and Paramount Global renewed their carriage deal for CBS stations nationwide, MTV, Comedy Central and 20 other channels on the service.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety; Inside the Cable TV Hospice: Can NBCUniversal’s Divorce From MSNBC, Syfy, E! and More Prolong the Life of Once-Popular Channels?

Story from Variety:

In the early 1980s, when cable TV was young and music videos were on the cutting edge, Doug Herzog used to fly coach for his job as a junior MTV programming executive.

Hollywood Reporter: Murdoch Family Drama Details Emerge After Nevada Trial Ruling Over Fate of Empire

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A culmination of the long-running battle over the Murdoch Empire, with the powerful Fox News’ future as a conservative kingmaker in U.S. politics hanging in the balance has played out in a Nevada courtroom as any hope of the rift between the two politically-opposed flanks of the media’s most powerful family shattered as years of bitter feelings surfaced.

Advanced Television: Eutelsat H1 “in line with expectations”

Story from Advanced Television:

Eva Berneke, CEO at Eutelsat, has unveiled the operator’s financial results.

Advanced Television: DAZN, TelevisaUnivision partner for FIFA Club World Cup in US

Story from Advanced Television:

DAZN, the sports streaming platform, has entered into a wide-ranging partnership with TelevisaUnivision, the Spanish-language media company, for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the US.

Advanced Television: BBC News Sinhala launches YouTube channel

Story from Advanced Television:

BBC News Sinhala has launched its channel on YouTube.

Broadband TV News: Titan OS partners with All3Media International for 3 streaming channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Titan OS has announced a partnership with All3Media International for the launch of three new streaming channels.

Broadband TV News: TF1+ finds place in French streaming market

Story from Broadband TV News:

TF1+ has become the leading free streaming platform in France, just one-year after its launch, according to the broadcaster’s annual report.

Broadband TV News: waipu.tv adds romantic movie channel Fabella

Story from Broadband TV News:

German TV streaming provider waipu.tv is adding Fabella to its platform for all customers.

Deadline: AMC Networks Revenue Slides 12% In Q4 As Results Fall Short Of Wall Street Targets

Story from Deadline:

AMC Networks undershot Wall Street forecasts in the fourth quarter, with advertising continuing to decline in the U.S. and affiliate revenue also hitting a slump.

Deadline: Comedy Casting Executive Ben Harris Promoted At Netflix

Story from Deadline:

Ben Harris, who has been overseeing casting for Netflix‘s comedy series for the past three and a half years as Director, Series Casting, Comedy, has been promoted, adding casting oversight of the streamer’s drama series too.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount & YouTube TV Agree To Short-Term Extension In Carriage Dispute, Avoiding Blackout

Story from Deadline:

With minutes left until midnight on the East Coast when Paramount Global and YouTube TV‘s current carriage agreement was set to expire, the two sides agreed to continue negotiations, keeping Paramount’s TV networks, including CBS, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central, on the Google platform.

Deadline; JioHotstar’s Bosses On The Challenges For Their Newly Combined Disney+ Hotstar & JioCinema Streamer: “At Our Scale, We Can’t Afford To Fail”

Story from Deadline:

When Mumbai commercial powerhouse Reliance Industries and Disney India decided to team up and form India’s largest broadcasting, production and streaming business, it was clear the ambition was as big as the $8.5 billion price tag slapped on the deal.

Deadline: Rahm Emanuel Joins CNN As Senior Political And Global Affairs Commentator

Story from Deadline:

Rahm Emanuel is joining CNN as senior political and global affairs commentator, making his first appearance on the network on a segment today.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount-Skydance Merger Clears SEC And EU Amid Ongoing, Fractious FCC Review

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global moved a step closer to a deal, technically anyway, as the Securities and Exchange Commission made effective its registration statement outlining the transaction.

Deadline: Amazon Studios Discontinues Inclusion Playbook As Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Programs Topple Under Donald Trump

Story from Deadline:

As Diversity, Equity And Inclusion buckles under President Donald Trump, Amazon Studios — along with its parent company, the broader tech industry, and much of corporate America — has discontinued its Inclusion Policy and Playbook unveiled in the summer of 2021 to codify its existing diversity, equity and inclusion practices with the aim, it said then, of creating content that is more representative of U.S. audiences.

Deadline: Roku Cracks $1B Mark In Platform Revenue In Q4; Shares Jump

Story from Deadline:

Roku delivered a strong set of fourth-quarter results, including crossing the $1 billion threshold in platform revenue.

Deadline; A+E Networks Shuffles Distribution Chiefs: Jane Rice And Michelle Strong Named Co-Presidents As David Zagin Exits

Story from Deadline:

A+E Networks has shuffled distribution chiefs, installing Jane Rice and Michelle Strong as Co-Presidents as David Zagin exits the company.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Senate Democrats Fire Off Letter To FCC Chairman Over “Weaponization” Of Agency To Punish CBS And Other Broadcast Outlets Over News Content

Story from Deadline:

A group of Democratic senators say that FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has been engaged in a “weaponization” of the agency to “punish, censor or intimidate” members of the press based on “political disagreement over editorial choices.”

Advanced Television: LFP sues DAZN for fees

Story from Advanced Television:

French football governing body LFP is suing DAZN over unpaid rights fees for this season.

Broadband TV News: MediaForEurope to withdraw from TVN bid

Story from Broadband TV News:

MediaForEurope is expected to drop out of the race for Polish broadcaster TVN.

Deadline: Dissent Grows At Disney Over Perceived “Capitulation” To Trump As Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives Diminished

Story from Deadline:

Recent bends by Disney related to a court battle and diversity programs that appear to appease President Donald Trump and the MAGA crowd has left the home of the self-described happiest place on Earth not so joyful for some staff.

Deadline: ‘Culpa Tuya’ & ‘Maxton Hall’ Exec James Farrell Leaving Amazon MGM Studios After A Decade To Launch YA Company

Story from Deadline:

Amazon international originals boss James Farrell is exiting to launch a company focusing on YA movies following the breakout success of Culpa Tuya.

Broadcast Sport; DAZN extends Germany & Austria UFC rights

Story from Broadcast Sport:

DAZN will continue to show UFC in Germany and Austria, after a “multi-year” extension.

Broadband TV News: ARD and ZDF in dispute with ProSiebenSat.1 over media libraries

Story from Broadband TV News:

German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF have taken legal action against ProSiebenSat.1 in a dispute over the embedding of their media libraries into the commercial broadcaster’s streaming service Joyn.

Advanced Television: TF1 FY revenue up 2.6%

Story from Advanced Television:

French media group TF1 has reported consolidated revenue amounted to €765 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 2.1 per cent.

Advanced Television: United Group to sell SBB Serbia to e& PPF Telecom

Story from Advanced Television:

United Group, the Southeastern European telco majority-owned by BC Partners, has reached an agreement to sell SBB doo Belgrade, a pay-TV, broadband and fixed telephone services provider in Serbia, to e& PPF Telecom.

Deadline: BBC Studios Strikes Multi-Year Natural History Deals In Australia & NZ

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios has renewed its multi-year deals with Australia’s Nine and New Zealand’s TVNZ.

Deadline: Jacob Elordi Series ‘The Narrow Road To The Deep North’ Sells To NBCUniversal Ahead Of Berlinale Premiere

Story from Deadline:

Jacob Elordi-starring series The Narrow Road to the Deep North has been picked up by Sky and Max in Europe along with NBC Universal in Latin America ahead of its Berlinale premiere.

Deadline: Foxtel Group’s Content Chief Alison Hurbert-Burns Exiting After Six Years

Story from Deadline:

Big changes to the content game in Australia, where Alison Hurbert-Burns is exiting pay-TV and streaming giant Foxtel Group after six years.

Deadline: Sony Pictures Entertainment Third-Quarter Profits Dip 21% To $223M; Corporate Results Jump On Games & Music

Story from Deadline:

Third-quarter profits at Sony Pictures Entertainment slid to $223 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: YouTube TV And Paramount Global At Odds On Carriage Renewal; CBS, Nickelodeon And Other Networks Could Go Dark For Millions

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global is warning of a looming carriage impasse with YouTube TV, meaning channels such as CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and others could go dark Thursday for millions of subscribers.

BizAsia: JioStar teases about new announcement relating to its mega merger

Story from BizAsia:

The newly merged entity JioStar, formed from the combination of Reliance’s Viacom18 and Disney Star, is expected to reveal more details about its upcoming plans.

Hollywood Reporter: MSNBC’s Rebecca Kutler Takes Over as President

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

As it prepares for its next chapter apart from Comcast, MSNBC has formally found its new leader.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety; Inside the Cable TV Hospice: Can NBCUniversal’s Divorce From MSNBC, Syfy, E! and More Prolong the Life of Once-Popular Channels?

Story from Variety:

In the early 1980s, when cable TV was young and music videos were on the cutting edge, Doug Herzog used to fly coach for his job as a junior MTV programming executive.

Deadline: Studiocanal Appoints Chief International Officer & UK CEO

Story from Deadline:

Studiocanal has appointed Alex Hamilton as the company’s Chief International Officer and Katheryn Needham has been promoted to UK CEO.

Deadline: Media Billionaire John Malone’s Memoir To Be Published By Simon & Schuster

Story from Deadline:

Billionaire media sage John Malone, who has built and presided over a number of influential companies in telecom, cable, sports and digital, will publish his memoir in September.

Deadline: Sean “Diddy” Combs Slaps NBCUniversal With $100M Defamation Suit Over ‘Making Of A Bad Boy’ Documentary

Story from Deadline:

Sean “Diddy” Combs on Wednesday has taken a $100 million swing at NBCUniversal and Peacock over what the rapper terms an “outrageous set of fresh lies and conspiracy theories.”

Deadline: Fox Pulls In $800M In Super Bowl Ad Revenue

Story from Deadline:

Fox Corp. says it collected more than $800 million in advertising revenue from its broadcasts and streams of Super Bowl LIX on Fox, Fox Deportes and Tubi.

Hollywood Reporter: FCC Targets Comcast, NBCUniversal With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs Probe

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The Trump administration’s campaign against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in the media and entertainment sector has turned its attention on Comcast.

Advanced Television; France: DAZN delays Ligue 1 payments

Story from Advanced Television:

Sports streaming platform DAZN has threatened not to pay part of the due sums to the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), citing growing Ligue 1 football piracy.

Cord Cutters News: ESPN Is in Advance Talks to Take Over The NFL Network & NFL Redzone

Story from Cord Cutters News:

In the ever-shifting landscape of the media industry, ESPN and the NFL are reportedly back at the negotiating table, exploring a potential partnership that could reshape the future of sports broadcasting.

Advanced Television: Star India wins blocking injunction

Story from Advanced Television:

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction in favour of Star India which bars the IPTV Smarter Pro media player and other defendants from illegally streaming the broadcaster’s copyrighted content.

Advanced Television: Peru, Uruguay drop on Netflix Speed Index

Story from Advanced Television:

In January, 5 per cent of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) saw a speed increase between 0.2 and 0.4 Mbps, 87 per cent remained consistent with last month’s results, and 8 per cent experienced a decrease of 0.2 Mbps on the Netflix ISP Speed Index – a monthly update on which ISPs provide the best prime-time Netflix streaming experience.

Variety: Jamie Oliver Expands Tastemade Presence in New Fremantle Deal

Story from Variety:

Food and lifestyle media company Tastemade is expanding its partnership with Fremantle, snagging three premium series featuring culinary powerhouse Jamie Oliver for its streaming platforms.

Deadline: ITV Drama Commissioner Helen Ziegler Exiting To New Sony Label Hot Sauce

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures Television’s (SPT) newest UK label is staffing up.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney Stepping Back From Some Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Efforts as Trump Takes Power

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In a move to try and ensure that it doesn’t wind up in the crosshairs of the Trump administration’s campaign against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs, Disney appears to be rolling back some of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts.

Broadband TV News: DIGI TV extended to all Spanish provinces

Story from Broadband TV News:

More than 100 channels are now available to DIGI TV subscribers across Spain following an extension of its service furst launched in December.

Broadcast: Potential ITVS deal supported by investors

Story from Broadcast:

Investors in ITV are broadly supportive of moves by the UK commercial broadcaster to sell its production and distribution arm ITV Studios, according to a report.

Hollywood Reporter: PBS Closes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office After Trump Executive Order

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

PBS confirmed it has closed its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion office in order to comply with the recent executive order from President Donald Trump.

Deadline: BBC Studios Exiting Indian Production Business & Signs Banijay Asia Deal

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios has confirmed it will cease producing in India, with Banijay Asia gaining access to its formats catalog in the country.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: In Procedural Move, Judge Denies CBS Motion to Dismiss Trump ’60 Minutes’ Lawsuit

Story from Variety:

In a procedural move, a federal judge on Monday denied CBS‘ motion to throw out President Trump’s lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” broadcast.

Deadline: Becca Vodnoy Named SVP Corporate Alliances On Asad Ayaz’s Senior Leadership Team At Disney

Story from Deadline:

Near two-decade Disney veteran Becca Vodnoy is segueing to the senior leadership team of Walt Disney Chief Brand Officer and President of Marketing Asad Ayaz in the role of SVP Corporate Alliances.

Broadcast Sport: Warner Bros. Discovery reveals live schedule for major winter sports

Story from Broadcast Sport:

With one year to go until the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe has revealed its calendar of live coverage of winter sports World Championships events for this year.

Broadband TV News: German consumer organisation begins action against DAZN

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations has filed a class action against streaming service DAZN over what it sees as ‘illegal’ price increases.

Variety: Fox Corp. Sets John Nallen as President and Chief Operating Officer

Story from Variety:

Fox Corp. has named John Nallen president and chief operating officer of the media company with a deal extending through June 2028, the company announced Monday.

Variety: Fox Corp. Acquires Red Seat Ventures, Partner to Shows Led by Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson

Story from Variety:

Megyn Kelly, Tucker Carlson and Bill O’Reilly are going home — sort of.

Cord Cutters News: MLB Threatens to Walk Away From ESPN TV Deal

Story from Cord Cutters News:

Major League Baseball’s (MLB) national media rights landscape is facing a potential shakeup as the league adopts a hardline stance in its negotiations with ESPN.

Advanced Television; Italy: TIM launches Apple TV+, Apple Music deals

Story from Advanced Television:

Telcom Italia (TIM) and Apple have announced a new partnership giving TIM Customers access to Apple Music in its new monthly plans, while TimVision customers can now also access to Apple TV+ at a 30 per cent discount for six months.

Advanced Television: SES, Eutelsat could struggle to pay debts

Story from Advanced Television:

Investors are increasingly concerned about the state of finances at Europe’s two giant satellite operators, SES and Eutelsat, according to a report in the FT.

Broadband TV News: Vodafone Deutschland integrates Disney+ in GigaTV platform

Story from Broadband TV News:

Vodafone Deutschland is integrating streaming service Disney+ into its TV platform GigaTV.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Donald Trump Amends CBS Lawsuit To Claim ‘60 Minutes’ Kamala Harris Interview Unfairly Diverted Viewers From His Truth Social Platform

Story from Deadline:

Donald Trump filed an amended lawsuit against CBS late Friday, adding a series of new claims over the network’s edits in a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris.

Hollywood Reporter: Amazon Prime Video Ad Tier Class Action Lawsuit Dismissed

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A lawsuit accusing Amazon of misleading Prime subscribers by charging them an additional fee to stream movies and TV shows without ads has been dismissed.

Advanced Television: Netflix to bid for F1 in US?

Story from Advanced Television:

Netflix is reportedly considering a bid for Formula One’s US TV rights, starting from the 2026 season.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: Paramount Pauses Some Major Events, Including CMT Music Awards, MTV EMAs, Ahead of Skydance Deal Close

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Global — which has agreed to a merger with David Ellison’s Skydance Media that is expected to close in the first half of this year — is hitting pause on select events in 2025, including the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) and the CMT Music Awards, to reimagine what they might look like in the future and “optimize” its tentpole strategy.

Cord Cutters News: Nexstar Launches Free Streaming Apps for Local ABC, CBS, FOX, & NBC News On Roku, Fire TV, & Apple TV

Story from Cord Cutters News:

Nexstar Media Group, the largest television station owner in the United States, is expanding its digital footprint with the launch of free streaming apps for its local news stations.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: Judge Grants CBS Temporary Restraining Order Against Sony in ‘Jeopardy!’-‘Wheel of Fortune’ Suit

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A judge has stepped in to block, at least for the moment, Sony’s efforts to take over distribution of syndicated game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune from CBS.

Warner Bros Discovery Crisis latest - Deadline: Series Mania Unveils Keynotes Including Warner Bros. Discovery International Boss Gerhard Zeiler

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery international boss Gerhard Zeiler will keynote this year’s Series Mania alongside bosses at the French broadcasters.

Advanced Television: ESPN, Major League Rugby sign multiyear deal

Story from Advanced Television:

ESPN and Major League Rugby (MLR) have reached a multiyear media rights agreement, bringing professional rugby to the US across ESPN platforms.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney Lowers Content Spending Estimate by $1B for This Year

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A day after Disney disclosed its fiscal first quarter 2025 results - which included entertainment revenue rising year-over-year, Disney+ slightly declining as expected in subscribers and ESPN revenue also up - its stock dipped slightly even as five Wall Street analysts published relatively bullish post-earnings notes.

Broadband TV News: Strong year for Czech Television’s digital platforms

Story from Broadband TV News:

Czech Television’s digital platforms reached an average of 2.4 million users per month in 2024.

Broadband TV News: Prime Video added to Allente in Norway

Story from Broadband TV News:

Nordic TV platform Allente is adding Prime Video to its steaming offer in Norway, following its earlier addition in Sweden.

Deadline: Rooster Teeth Revived By Co-Founder Burnie Burns After Warner Bros. Discovery Shutdown

Story from Deadline:

Almost a year after Rooster Teeth, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming & Interactive Entertainment, announced it was ceasing operations after 21 years, the digital content brand is staging a comeback.

Broadband TV News: waipu.tv and NBC Universal extend distribution agreement

Story from Broadband TV News:

German TV streaming provider waipu.tv has renewed its distribution agreement with NBC Universal Global Networks Deutschland, ensuring continued access to its pay-TV channels.

Deadline; BBC Studios Invests In Indie Run By Creator of Fox’s ‘Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test’

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios has invested in the nascent production outfit co-run by the creator of Fox’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.

Variety; CBS News Posts ‘60 Minutes’ Transcripts, Video Sought by FCC: ‘Not Doctored or Deceitful’

Story from Variety:

CBS News made public all materials tied to a “60 Minutes” interview with former U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris that have spurred a $10 billion suit from President Donald Trump and scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission, saying in a release Wednesday that all the materials show that “consistent with 60 Minutes’ repeated assurances to the public — that the 60 Minutes broadcast was not doctored or deceitful.”

Variety; ‘Fed Up With Fake News’: CNN Juror Would Have Awarded Up to $100 Million in Punitive Damages

Story from Variety:

In a Florida courtroom last month, a plaintiff’s attorney asked jurors to “send a message” by holding CNN accountable for defaming security contractor Zachary Young.

Hollywood Reporter: The Final Flicker of Cable News As We Know It

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

At a moment when the news cycle is moving at a breakneck pace, top cable news executives are grappling with an uncomfortable reality: The future of the business has never been more uncertain.

Broadband TV News: Tivify adds three BBC FAST channels to its free entertainment offering

Story from Broadband TV News:

Spanish steaming service Tivify is launching three new FAST channels; BBC Drama, Doctor Who and Top Gear.

Deadline: Disney CEO Bob Iger Says “Venu Basically Looked Redundant To Us” As Other Skinny Bundles Emerged

Story from Deadline:

Venu, the planned streaming sports joint venture that’s fading into history, became irrelevant as similar opportunities began to arise for ESPN to join other targeted, or so-called “skinny,” bundles.

Deadline: Bob Iger Won’t Rule Out Sale Of Smaller Networks As Cable Consolidates But Says Disney’s Linear Business “Not A Burden At All”

Story from Deadline:

With Comcast planning to spin out NBCUniversal cable networks and Warner Bros. Discovery positioning itself to do the same, Disney CEO Bob Iger said the company may or may not join an anticipated move towards consolidation since its linear business is doing just fine.

Advanced Television: Disney Q1 revenue up 5%; Disney+ subs dip

Story from Advanced Television:

The Walt Disney Company has reported revenues increased 5 per cent year-on-year in Q1 to $24.7 billion (€23.7bn).

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: FCC Chairman Who Revived ‘60 Minutes’ Inquiry Once Said Newsroom Decisions “Should Be Beyond The Reach Of Any Government Official”

Story from Deadline:

In one of his initial acts since becoming FCC chairman, Brendan Carr last month revived a complaint against CBS News over the way that 60 Minutes edited an interview with Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election season.

Advanced Television: Blue Ant FAST channels on MyFree DirecTV

Story from Advanced Television:

International production studio, rights business and channel operator, Blue Ant Media, has announced at NATPE Global that three of its free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels are now available on MyFree DirecTV.

Advanced Television: Free Starz offer on YouTube TV

Story from Advanced Television:

Starz and YouTube have partnered to offer 30 days of access to Starz’s library of programming included with a subscription to YouTube TV and through YouTube Primetime Channels.

Broadband TV News: Titan OS rolls out ZEE One across Europe

Story from Broadband TV News:

Titan OS is partnering with Zee Entertainment UK for the launch of Indian entertainment channel ZEE One in 13 European territories.

Variety: YouTube Q4 Ad Sales Hit Record $10.5 Billion, Parent Alphabet Projects $75 Billion in 2025 Capex Spending Amid AI Arms Race

Story from Variety:

YouTube, the internet’s biggest streaming video platform, delivered a healthy 13.8% increase in global ad revenue for the year-end 2024 quarter to surpass $10 billion for the first time.

Hollywood Reporter: No, No, No, Ozempic? RFK Jr.’s Plan to Ban Big Pharma Ads Could Hit TV Networks Hard

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Just days before the 2024 presidential election, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took the stage in Glendale, Arizona, at an event hosted by conservative pundit Tucker Carlson.

Variety: Fox Corp. Expects to Launch New Stand-Alone Streamer by End of 2025

Story from Variety:

Fox’s Sunday-afternoon football games and Fox News host Jesse Watters may soon have a new digital home.

Hollywood Reporter: Fox Corp. Soars to Big Quarter Fueled By Election Spending and Live Sports

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Fox reported a blowout earnings report Tuesday, with the 2024 presidential election and a stacked live sports schedule seeing quarterly revenue rise by 20 percent year over year to $5.1 billion and net income more than doubling to $388 million.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Names New U.S. Advertising Sales Chiefs

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery has promoted Ryan Gould and Robert “Bobby” Voltaggio to presidents of U.S. advertising sales.

Advanced Television: E1 signs FTA broadcast deal with DAZN

Story from Advanced Television:

The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF, the all-electric raceboat series, has announced a new multi-year, global broadcast rights agreement with DAZN, the sports streaming platform.

Cord Cutters News: ACC & ESPN Extend Media Deal Through 2036

Story from Cord Cutters News:

One of the most storied conferences in college sports won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

Broadcast Sport: DAZN ties up eight-year European League of Football partnership

Story from Broadcast Sport:

DAZN and American football competition the European League of Football have agreed an exclusive eight-year partnership.

Deadline: Charter CEO Chris Winfrey Addresses “Chatter” About Potential Blockbuster Merger With Comcast, Doesn’t See “Wide-Open” Path To Deal Under Donald Trump

Story from Deadline:

Charter CEO Chris Winfrey acknowledged the “chatter” in the media business and on Wall Street about a potential merger with Comcast, but said such a megadeal is not “core” to his company’s strategy.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Creates Joint Venture for Film and TV Music Rights

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery has partnered with rights firm Cutting Edge Group in a joint venture which will co-own the studio’s catalog of film and TV music from its blockbusters.

Advanced Television: Netflix to strengthen French movie line-up

Story from Advanced Television:

Netflix plans to strengthen its presence and offering in the French film industry, announcing the launch of more than ten pre-acquired movies this year.

Advanced Television; Spain: RTVE scores Euro 2028 rights

Story from Advanced Television:

Spanish public broadcaster RTVE has acquired the TV rights to the Euro 2028 football tournament – which will co-hosted by England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales – for around €50 million.

Hollywood Reporter: Charter Loses 123,000 Pay-TV Subscribers, But That’s An Improvement

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Cable giant Charter Communications added to the headwinds facing the traditional cable TV sector by continuing to lose broadband and video customers during the fourth quarter.

Advanced Television: MPs call for BBC World Service funding certainty

Story from Advanced Television:

Three UK House of Commons Select Committees – the Culture, Media and Sport, Foreign Affairs and International Development Committees – have called on the Government to sufficiently resource the BBC World Service so that it is less reliant on the licence fee and short-term funding cycles.

Advanced Television: DAZN renews Hexagone MMA deal

Story from Advanced Television:

DAZN, the sports streaming platform, has returned as one of Hexagone MMA’s broadcasting partners.

Advanced Television: Comcast cord cuts take shine off studios

Story from Advanced Television:

Comcast has reported results for the quarter ended December 31st 2024.

Deadline: FCC Chairman Launches Investigation Into NPR And PBS Over Program Sponsorships — And Warns About Future Government Funding

Story from Deadline:

New FCC chairman Brendan Carr has ordered the agency to launch an investigation into underwriting sponsorship announcements that air during PBS and NPR programming, suggesting they may cross the line “into prohibited commercial advertisements.”

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount Global In Discussions With Donald Trump To Settle Lawsuit Over Kamala Harris’ ‘60 Minutes’ Interview

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global has been in detailed discussions with Donald Trump‘s team about settling his lawsuit against CBS over the way a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris was edited last year, we can confirm.

Broadband TV News: Ryszard Sibilski, founder of TVN, dies aged 69

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ryszard Sibilski, who was one of the founders of entertainment channel TVN and went on to manage EndemolShine in Poland, has died at the of 69.

Variety: PBS, NPR Say They Comply With U.S. Regulations After Trump-Appointed FCC Chairman Warns They May Be ‘Violating Federal Law’ by Airing Ads

Story from Variety:

Brendan Carr, the President Trump-appointed FCC chairman, warned the CEOs of PBS and NPR that they “could be violating federal law by airing commercials” — and that he has ordered an investigation by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau into the matter.

Variety: ITV, RedBird IMI in Early Talks to Merge Production Arms

Story from Variety:

ITV has held early talks with the Abu Dhabi-backed investment group RedBird IMI, led by CEO Jeff Zucker, about a potential merger of their production businesses, according to a report.

Variety: Disney Hires YouTube, Meta Veteran Andre Rohe to Lead Product Engineering for Entertainment Division and ESPN

Story from Variety:

Andre Rohe, who previously held senior engineering roles at Meta, YouTube and Google, has been hired to lead a newly created consolidated product engineering team in the Disney Entertainment and ESPN technology group.

Broadcast Sport: Free golf streamer, DP World Tour channel, launches

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The European Tour Group and C15 Studio have launched the DP World Tour channel, a 24/7 free ad-suppored streaming TV channel focused on “world-class golf”.

Deadline: Michael Azzolino Named Drama VP, Overall Deals Head Nne Ebong Also Promoted At Netflix

Story from Deadline:

Netflix has elevated two VP-level development executives, Michael Azzolino and Nne Ebong, with new or expanded responsibilities.

Deadline: Comcast Handily Beats Wall Street’s Q4 Forecasts; ‘Wicked’ Provides Boost, Peacock Trims Losses; Stock Slumps On Broadband Losses

Story from Deadline:

Comcast closed 2024 with a strong quarter, handily beating Wall Street estimates, but its shares slumped due to declines in its broadband business.

Deadline: Comcast Execs Talk Cable SpinCo & New NBCUniversal As Wall Street Presses For Details

Story from Deadline:

Comcast executives spent much of Thursday’s post-earnings conference call on the biggest news of the last few months, its upcoming cable spinoff, with president Mike Cavanagh calling a new company comprised of most NBCUniversal cable networks as “a free-standing, strong collection of businesses with lots of cash flow generation capability for many years to come, good market position and great focus.”

Broadband TV News: Netgem grows recurring revenues

Story from Broadband TV News:

Netgem has said its recurring revenues grew by 6% in 2024, reflecting sustained demand for the group’s service offerings.

Broadband TV News: MediaForEurope bids for Warner Bros Discovery’s TVN

Story from Broadband TV News:

MediaForEurope (MFE) is one of three known bidders for the Polish commercial channel TVN.

Broadband TV News: Sportdigital secures exclusive NASCAR Cup Series rights

Story from Broadband TV News:

German pay-TV broadcaster Sportdigital has acquired the exclusive live broadcast rights to the NASCAR Cup Series in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Broadband TV News: ProSiebenSat.1 expands Joyn with new TV rights deals

Story from Broadband TV News:

German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 is extending the content offering of its streaming platform Joyn through two major licensing deals with ARD Plus, WDR mediagroup, High View, and ZDF Studios.

Advanced Television: Comcast, Apple announce integrated MLS Season Pass

Story from Advanced Television:

Comcast and Apple have revealed plans to offer all Xfinity customers in the US an integrated viewing experience for MLS Season Pass in time for the start of the 2025 season.

Advanced Television; France: Canal+ film investment threat

Story from Advanced Television:

Canal+ Group has threatened to reduce its €220 million annual movie investment in France in light of the fresh windowing agreement between Disney+ and the industry.

Hollywood Reporter: U.K.’s Pinewood Studios Unveils Revised Expansion Plans Amid “Reduction in Global Production”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Pinewood Group, the U.K. home of the James Bond franchise, unveiled a public consultation on revised expansion plans for Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England on Thursday. The focus is on the land south of Pinewood Studios.

Advanced Television; Italy: Prime Video dropping DAZN carriage

Story from Advanced Television:

Prime Video has informed its subscribers in Italy that, from February 28th, it will no longer carry DAZN as part of its Prime Video Channels offering.

Advanced Television: South Africa analogue deadline looms

Story from Advanced Television:

South Africa must totally end analogue TV transmissions by March 31st.

Advanced Television: Netflix adds Season Download button for Apple devices

Story from Advanced Television:

Netflix has added a Season Download button for all iPhone and iPad users.

Advanced Television: RTVE to launch Catalonian channel

Story from Advanced Television:

Spanish public broadcaster RTVE is set to launch a TV channel in Catalonian.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Hollywood Reporter: Bryan Seabury’s Role Expanded at CBS Studios, Will Now Lead Content Strategy

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Longtime CBS Studios executive Bryan Seabury has been promoted into an expanded role.

Deadline: Prime Video Closes Multi-Year Deal For Lionsgate’s Films

Story from Deadline:

Prime Video has hammered out a multi-year agreement for Lionsgate movies.

Broadband TV News: KPN secures Eredivisie online package

Story from Broadband TV News:

KPN has acquired an exclusive rights package for the Eredivisie and Keuken Kampioen Divisie.

Variety: Banijay’s Live Entertainment Division Acquires ‘Luminiscence’ Creator Lotchi

Story from Variety:

Banijay Live is expanding with the strategic acquisition of Lotchi, a creator of live immersive experiences whose debut show “Luminiscence” has attracted more than 350,000 spectators across France.

Broadband TV News: NOW to migrate to NBCU’s Global Streaming Platform

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky’s streaming platform NOW has unveiled a brand new look and feel to its UI.

Variety: WWE Announces First-Ever Premium Live Event in Paris

Story from Variety:

WWE, part of TKO Holdings, is set to make a high-profile return to Europe with its first stadium show in almost three years, officially announcing Clash in Paris, scheduled to take place on Aug. 31 at the Paris La Défense Arena.

Advanced Television: SES borrows €125m for O3b

Story from Advanced Television:

The European Investment Bank’s global arm, EIB Global, has signed a €125 million loan agreement with satellite operator SES to fund three satellites of its second-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) system O3b mPOWER.

Advanced Television: BBC World Service sets out £6m saving plan

Story from Advanced Television:

The BBC World Service has announced that it will be making a series of changes in order to meet savings requirements for the year ahead.

Deadline: ZDF Studios & WedoTV Team For Factual & Relaxation Channels

Story from Deadline:

ZDF Studios and free streamer WedoTV have teamed to launch a pair of thematic channels.

Deadline: BBC Studios Hires Seven.One Studios’ Rose Hughes To Lead Global Format Sales

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios has named Seven.One Studios‘ Rose Hughes as its Senior Vice President for Global Format Sales.

Deadline: Fox Breaks $8M Barrier For A 30-Second Super Bowl Ad, Selling At Least 10 Spots At That Level

Story from Deadline:

Fox has cracked the $8 million mark for a 30-second Super Bowl ad, selling at least 10 spots at that level, according to sources familiar with negotiations ahead of the February 9 game.

Hollywood Reporter; Sony Shake-Up: Hiroki Totoki Named CEO, Kenichiro Yoshida to Remain as Chairman

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Sony Group revealed Wednesday that current president Hiroki Totoki will be elevated to the position of CEO, starting April 1st, in the Japanese electronics and entertainment giant’s first major leadership change in seven years.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Hires Amazon MGM Exec as Chief Business Officer for Film Division

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

As it gears up for a busy year of tentpole releases, Warner Bros.‘ film division has hired an Amazon MGM Studios executive as its chief business officer.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay Netherlands introduces subscription with ads

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay is to introduce four new subscription tiers for audiences in the Netherlands including a new entry-level tier with advertising.

Broadband TV News: Servus TV to drop SD distribution on 31 January

Story from Broadband TV News:

Austrian commercial TV channel Servus TV will terminate its SD distribution for DTH satellite households on Astra (19.2° East) on 31 January 2025.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount Board’s Special Committee Says It Is “Bound” By Merger Pact With Skydance; “There Will Not Be Any Engagement” With Rival Bidders

Story from Deadline:

A special committee of Paramount Global’s board of directors says it is “bound” by a pending agreement to merge with Skydance Media and will not consider an 11th-hour offer from a rival bidder.

Deadline: Lionsgate Nears Separation Of Studio And Starz

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate today filed an amended registration statement incorporating the latest comments fomr the Security and Exchange Commission, moving it a step closer to the planned separation of Lionsgate Studios and Starz.

Variety: Sony Pictures Television Hires Disney’s Jennifer Rogers Doyle as Head of Franchises

Story from Variety:

Sony Pictures Television has hired Disney TV exec Jennifer Rogers Doyle for the newly created position of executive vice president of franchise management.

Variety: Major League Soccer to Move Production Studio to WWE Headquarters

Story from Variety:

Major League Soccer will move its production arm to new studios at the headquarters of WWE in Stamford, Conn., as part of a renewal of a pact with IMG.

Broadband TV News: Sir Leonard Blavatnik injects further $800m into DAZN

Story from Broadband TV News:

DAZN founder Sir Leonard Blavatnik has invested an additional $827 million into the sports streaming service.

Broadcast Sport: 2023 DAZN Group losses widen to $1.4bn

Story from Broadcast Sport:

DAZN Group reportedly lost $1.4 billion (£1,12bn) in 2023, up from $1.2 billion (£960m) the years before.

Advanced Television: SES buys back €100m of bonds

Story from Advanced Television:

Satellite operator SES has bought back €100 million of its perpetual bonds of which €625 million were in issue.

Advanced Television: Spain’s Indra to buy Hispasat

Story from Advanced Television:

Spanish technology company Indra is set to buy satellite operator Hispasat from Redeia for €650 million.

Deadline: Banijay Entertainment Promotes Steve Matthews & Johannes Jensen In Global Scripted Rejig

Story from Deadline:

Steve Matthews and Johannes Jensen have been handed new roles in Banijay Entertainment’s central scripted division.

League of Ireland: Virgin Media Television announces landmark exclusive four-year League of Ireland broadcast agreement

Story from League of Ireland:

Virgin Media Television has today announced a new four-year landmark broadcast agreement with the League of Ireland.

Deadline: Sharon Vuong Named Interim Unscripted Competition Head At NBCU Following Corie Henson’s Exit

Story from Deadline:

NBCUniversal made a slew of changes to its executive ranks this week and there’s more to come.

BizAsia: ZEE files counterclaim of $8 million against Star India over ICC rights dispute

Story from BizAsia:

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has filed an $8 million counterclaim against Reliance Industries Limited’s Star India over a dispute related to an International Cricket Council (ICC) contract.

Broadband TV News; Amid struggle with MFE: ProSiebenSat.1 Board Chair Dr Andreas Wiele to step down

Story from Broadband TV News:

Dr Andreas Wiele, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of German media company ProSiebenSat.1, will not seek re-election after the regular expiration of his term.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Variety: Paramount Hit With Legal Letter to Consider Last-Minute $13.5 Billion Offer From Outside Investors Over Skydance Bid

Story from Variety:

Here comes a plot twist: As Skydance Media and RedBird Capital Partners work to close the Larry Ellison-backed takeover of Paramount Global this spring, a consortium of investors who previously bid on the storied media conglomerate is mounting an eleventh-hour $13.5 billion offer.