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.

Deadline; NBCUniversal Restructuring: Nod To Vertical Integration Past Or Sign Of The Future?

Story from Deadline:

The television business has a habit of repeating itself.

Advanced Television: DAZN targets 1bn users

Story from Advanced Television:

DAZN has provided a company update, which offers an overview of the sports streaming service’s strategy as well as the milestones and financial performance for the prior year.

Broadcast Sport: PSA Squash Tour events secures French free-to-air deal

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has partnered with Sport en France that will see a selection of PSA Squash Tour events broadcast live on the free-to-air broadcaster during the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

Deadline: Disney CEO Bob Iger’s Total Pay Jumps 30% To $41.1 Million

Story from Deadline:

Disney CEO Bob Iger saw his total pay package rise to $41.1 million in fiscal 2024, up 30% from $31.6 million in the previous year.

Advanced Television: Viasat reorganises senior executive team

Story from Advanced Television:

Viasat has announced a restructuring of its senior executive team to “better position the company for long-term growth”.

Advanced Television: Super League Basketball Women’s Finals free on DAZN

Story from Advanced Television:

DAZN, the sports entertainment platform, has announced that it will broadcast three Super League Basketball (SLB) Women’s Finals free to audiences globally.

Advanced Television: IMG extends Australian Open broadcast deal with Sport 24

Story from Advanced Television:

IMG has extended its agreement to broadcast the Australian Open on Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, through to 2027.

Deadline: Netflix Africa Hires Scripted Content Chief As Tendeka Matatu Exits

Story from Deadline:

Netflix‘s Africa content team has reshuffled with ex-Amazon exec Kaye-Ann Williams brought in to oversee TV and movies as Tendeka Matatu exits.

Broadband TV News: Magenta Telekom adds RTL+ in Austria

Story from Broadband TV News:

Magenta Telekom has made streaming service RTL+ available on its Magenta TV platform in Austria.

Deadline; NBCUniversal Restructure Is Official: Pearlena Igbokwe To Run NBC, Frances Berwick To Oversee Bravo & Peacock Unscripted; Donna Langley & Matt Strauss Unveil Their Teams

Story from Deadline:

NBCUniversal’s long-awaited restructure is now official.

Deadline: Comcast Ups Steve Croney To Chief Operating Officer Of Connectivity & Platforms, Its Largest Division

Story from Deadline:

Comcast has promoted Steve Croney to a newly created role as chief operating officer for the domestic businesses of its Connectivity & Platforms segment that serves more than 32 million customers.

Deadline: Lionsgate Extends Multi-Year Pic Deal With Starz As Both Studios Prepare For Full Separation

Story from Deadline:

Lionsgate has extended its multi-year theatrical output deal with Starz as the two studios prepare for full separation.

Cord Cutters News: 75+ NWSL Games to Stream Across ESPN+, Paramount+ & Prime Video in 2025

Story from Cord Cutters News:

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season is readying up for its 13th season of play.

Deadline: Comcast Xfinity Launches Sports & News Package For $70 A Month In Latest Embrace Of Slimmer Pay-TV Options

Story from Deadline:

As more pay-TV operators embrace slimmer packages, Comcast Xfinity is rolling out Sports & News TV, a $70-a-month offering based on two foundational elements of live programming.

Deadline: CNN Shuffles Lineup With New Spots For Jake Tapper, Wolf Blitzer & Kasie Hunt; Jim Acosta’s Show Bumped From Mornings

Story from Deadline:

CNN unveiled details of changes to its daytime and afternoon lineup Thursday, with Wolf Blitzer moving to mornings to anchor The Situation Room with Pamela Brown, Jake Tapper getting a new time slot, and Kasie Hunt shifting to afternoons.

Advanced Television: BBC Studios makes LA leadership appointments

Story from Advanced Television:

BBC Studios has announced executive appointments which will expand its Los Angeles leadership team.

New York Post: Jim Acosta ‘may exit’ CNN rather than accept move to graveyard shift

Story from New York Post:

Jim Acosta is threatening to quit CNN rather than accept a reassigned time slot that would see him move from late mornings to the graveyard shift, according to a report.

Variety: Warner Bros. Games Chief David Haddad to Exit

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment president David Haddad is exiting his role after 12 years leading the Warner Bros. Games division.

Broadband TV News: CNN, NBC planning staff reductions

Story from Broadband TV News:

CNN is expected to announce the layoff of several hundred employees Thursday, US Media reports.

Deadline: Meteorologists At Allen Media Group TV Stations Give Emotional Farewells After Nationwide Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

It has been an emotional time for meteorologists at nearly two dozen Allen Media Group television stations across the country.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline; ‘South Park’ Streaming Brawl: Trial Looms As Paramount Loses Motion To Dismiss Unjust-Enrichment Claim

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery‘s lawsuit against over South Park streaming rights looks like it’s headed to trial.

Deadline; NBCUniversal Shake-Up: Unscripted Chief Corie Henson Exiting Amid Broader Restructure

Story from Deadline:

Change is coming at NBCUniversal.

Deadline: BBC Natural History Boss Exiting To Take Up New Role At NHU

Story from Deadline:

The BBC‘s natural history chief is swapping commissioning for program-making by taking up a newly-created role at the fabled BBC Studios Natural History Unit (NHU).

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery Names Jose Maria Caro As Scripted Originals Chief At Max Spain

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery just handed the scripted original reins at Max in Spain to Jose Maria Caro.

Deadline: CNN To Launch New Streaming Service As It Sets Sights On Digital Future; About 200 Jobs To Be Cut In Restructuring

Story from Deadline:

CNN is cutting about 200 jobs as it focuses on a digital future, the network said Thursday, while its CEO Mark Thompson unveiled plans for a new subscription streaming service.

Variety: Bollywood Buzz

Story from Variety:

Indian media and entertainment convention FICCI Frames has tapped Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana as its brand ambassador as the event gears up for its silver jubilee celebration.

Variety; ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’: BBC Unveils First Look at Epic Prehistoric

Story from Variety:

BBC Factual‘s landmark dinosaur series “Walking With Dinosaurs” roars back to life in a new reimagining, 25 years after its original stomp across television screens.

New York Post: FCC chair Brendan Carr restores bias complaints by Trump against ABC, NBC, CBS over campaign coverage

Story from New York Post:

New FCC chair Brendan Carr reversed a last-minute decision by the Biden administration-led regulator to reject bias complaints lodged by Donald Trump against three network TV news broadcasters, the agency said Wednesday.

Advanced Television: Fremantle appoints Duncan as Head of Sustainability

Story from Advanced Television:

Fremantle has appointed Shaunagh Duncan as Head of Sustainability reporting to Matt Wilson, Chief Legal Officer, and Andrew Bott, Group CFO.

Broadband TV News: Yes extends satellite switch-off

Story from Broadband TV News:

Israeli pay-TV platform Yes is looking to continued a limited satellite service beyond the proposed date of February 2026.

Deadline: Max-Starz Bundle Launches On Prime Video

Story from Deadline:

Max and Starz are joining forces in a new streaming bundle launching on Prime Video in the U.S.

Deadline: NBCUniversal Names Michael Bonner President Global TV Distribution, Justin Che Takes Over As President Home Entertainment

Story from Deadline:

NBCUniversal Studio Group Pete Levinsohn has made some executive changes in its his division of the studio: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment President Michael Bonner is taking on the new role of President of Global TV Distribution, while Justin Che is being named President of UPHE.

Deadline: Netflix Stock Hits New Heights After Spectacular Earnings Report

Story from Deadline:

Netflix stock flirted with the $1,000 mark Wednesday, hitting all-time highs in the wake of the company’s spectacular earnings report.

Reports: DAZN wants to redo it France Football rights

DAZN has informed the LFP that it is not satisfied with its subscriber numbers.

Hollywood Reporter: Keith Le Goy Named Chairman of Sony Pictures TV

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Sony Pictures Television has filled its top job by hiring from within.

BizAsia: Is ZEE TV returning to its original ‘Z’ ident logo?

Story from BizAsia:

ZEE TV is set to undergo a brand revamp by reintroducing its iconic ‘Z’ ident in its logo.

Deadline: Ted Sarandos On The Prospect Of Full Season, Big League Sports On Netflix

Story from Deadline:

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos called live sports on the streamer “a really fantastic thing” but said dipping into the NFL, WWE and more “doesn’t really change the underlying economics of full season, big league sports being extremely challenging.”

Variety: Netflix Adds Nearly 19 Million Subscribers to End 2024 With More Than 300 Million Globally

Story from Variety:

Netflix revealed it has now reached 301.63 million subscribers globally when it reported its fourth-quarter 2024 earnings Tuesday.

Variety: Netflix Raising Prices in U.S. Again, Including First Hike on Ad-Supported Tier

Story from Variety:

Netflix is increasing subscription prices in the U.S. and other markets — including the first hike on its ad-supported plan.

Advanced Television: Vilda named CEO of DAZN Spain and Portugal

Story from Advanced Television:

DAZN, the sports streaming platform, has announced that Bosco Aranguren, CEO of DAZN Spain, is leaving the company to pursue a new project.

Variety: France’s Newen Studios Rebrands as Studio TF1 as It Fully Steps Into Theatrical Distribution

Story from Variety:

Newen Studios, a French media group wholly owned by TF1, is entering a new era in which theatrical movies and the international world will play a bigger role.

Deadline: Amazon’s IMDb Names Nikki Santoro Just The Second CEO In Its 35-Year History; Founder Col Needham Becomes Executive Chair

Story from Deadline:

Amazon-owned IMDb, a longtime digital repository of movie, TV and celebrity information, is shuffling its top exec, with founder Col Needham passing the CEO baton to Nikki Santoro.

Broadband TV News: FilmMania now available on DIGI Romania

Story from Broadband TV News:

AMC Networks International Central and Northern Europe (AMCNI CNE) has announced the launch of FilmMania on DIGI Romania.

Broadband TV News: Liberty Global -EY report forecasts AI gains

Story from Broadband TV News:

A new report from Liberty Global and EY suggests that the strategic adoption of AI in the telco sector has the potential to drive major sustainability gains over the next decade.

Broadband TV News: VodafoneZiggo improves UEFA access after Commissioner’s Office intervention

Story from Broadband TV News:

VodafoneZiggo has agreed to male UEFA league football more accessible to viewers.

Advanced Television: Carr named FCC Chairman

Story from Advanced Television:

US President Donald Trump has signed an order that designates Commissioner Brendan Carr as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.

Broadband TV News: RTL secures reach for RTL+ in renewed Telekom deal

Story from Broadband TV News:

Deutsche Telekom and RTL Deutschland have renewed their streaming cooperation in Germany for another five years.

Deadline: Prime Video Names Keisuke Oishi Country Manager For Japan

Story from Deadline:

Prime Video Japan has a new Country Manager in the shape of Keisuke Oishi.

Deadline; Japan’s Nippon TV Unveils New Chief, Who Warns: “Our Battle For Survival Is Reaching Its Climax”

Story from Deadline:

Japanese network Nippon TV has unveiled Hiroyuki Fukuda as its new representative Director, President and COO. Fukuda assumed his role from January 1 this year.

Deadline: BBC Studios Considers Exiting Indian Production Business

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios is considering winding its content production biz down in India due to the local landscape.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Netflix’s Expected Q4 Subscriber Bonanza Should Get Earnings Season Off To A Fast Start

Story from Deadline:

As is the case with most Netflix earnings reports, the question for the company on Tuesday isn’t whether the number of subscribers will rise – it’s about just how high the number can go.

Advanced Television: Thaicom resists takeover bid

Story from Advanced Television:

A takeover bid for satellite operator Thaicom has been made by Gulf Edge, Gulf Energy and Intouch Holdings.

Broadband TV News: ARD and ZDF to show UEFA Euro 2028 on free-TV

Story from Broadband TV News:

German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF have acquired the free-TV broadcast rights to the UEFA Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland via their joint sports rights agency SportA.

Deadline: Nexstar & Optimum Reach Carriage Agreement After Standoff

Story from Deadline:

After multiple stations went dark last week, Nexstar has reached a carriage agreement with Altice USA.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Paramount Global Discusses Settling Donald Trump Lawsuit Against CBS News As Media Companies Look To President’s Next Term

Story from Deadline:

Executives at Paramount Global are discussing, internally and informally, what it might take to settle a lawsuit by incoming President Donald Trump against CBS News centered around a 60 Minutes interview with his then rival Kamala Harris, Deadline has confirmed.

Deadline: Donald Trump Threatens Comcast In Rant Over Seth Meyers’ Late-Night Show

Story from Deadline:

In an early morning rant, Donald Trump went off on Seth Meyers‘ late-night NBC show, declaring that “Comcast should pay a BIG price” for shows that he calls “political hits.”

Variety: CNN Ordered to Pay $5 Million for Defaming Contractor in Afghan Refugee Story

Story from Variety:

CNN was ordered Friday to pay $5 million for defaming a security contractor in a 2021 story about desperate Afghan refugees seeking to flee their country.

Deadline; Tom Brady “Excited About The Future With Fox” Amid 10-Year Broadcasting Contract: “The First Year Of A Long Relationship,” Agent Says

Story from Deadline:

Tom Brady is wrapping up his first year as a Fox Sports broadcaster and plans to continue talking about the NFL for years to come.

Hollywood Reporter: CNN Loses Defamation Trial Over Afghan Evacuation Report

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

CNN defamed a U.S. Navy veteran in a 2021 report portraying him as illegally exploiting Afghans by charging exorbitant fees to be evacuated in the aftermath of the U.S. military withdrawal from the country, a jury has found.

Advanced Television: CNMC fines DAZN for untagged ad

Story from Advanced Television:

CNMC, the Spanish regulatory body, has fined sports streaming platform DAZN €182,531 for showing an advert without a specific ad tag.

Variety: Why Would Warner Bros. Fire Its Marketing Chief Ahead of Its Riskiest Movie Slate in Years?

Story from Variety:

On January 7th, Warner Bros. worldwide marketing chief Josh Goldstine was called into the office of his bosses, studio chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, at the end of the day to find out that he was being let go after four years at the company.

Deadline: Sony Domestic Distribution Boss Adrian Smith Retiring After 35 Years; Adam Bergerman Promoted To Post

Story from Deadline:

Sony’s President of Domestic Distribution Adrian Smith is retiring after a 35-year run at the studio.

Broadband TV News: RAI sublicenses Six Nations rugby from Sky Italia

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Six Nations rugby tournament is to return to Italy’s public broadcaster following an agreement between RAI and Sky Italia.

Broadband TV News: Sportdigital kicks off 2025 with two new channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

German broadcaster Sportdigital has launched the new pay-TV channels Sportdigital1+ and eSportsONE on 1 January 2025.

Advanced Television: Canal+ launches Foundation

Story from Advanced Television:

French media group Canal+ has announced the creation of its Foundation, supporting the right to “culture for all”.

Advanced Television; Canada: NASCAR announces media rights deals

Story from Advanced Television:

NASCAR has announced multiple media rights deals that bolster its presence in Canada, the sport’s largest international market, highlighted by the expansion of its decades-long partnership with Bell Media.

Advanced Television: WWE, TNA announce partnership

Story from Advanced Television:

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, and TNA Wrestling, one of the world’s top wrestling brands and a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, have announced a multi-year partnership aimed at creating crossover opportunities within WWE and TNA programming for NXT Superstars and TNA Wrestling Stars.

Broadband TV News: Sunrise fully integrates Disney+

Story from Broadband TV News:

Swiss telco Sunrise will fully integrate Disney+ into the TV shop on the Sunrise TV box from 17 January 2025.

Paramount Global for sale latest - Deadline: Exiting FCC Chair Warns That Agency “Should Not Be The President’s Speech Police” As Broadcast News Complaints Are Dismissed

Story from Deadline:

The departing chairwoman of the FCC, Jessica Rosenworcel, warned of efforts to tie the broadcast station license renewals to news content, as the agency dismissed a series of complaints brought from the left and the right.

Broadband TV News: Kicker deploys Bitmovin Player for sports streaming

Story from Broadband TV News:

German sports publisher Kicker has chosen the Bitmovin Player to elevate its video streaming capabilities and drive revenue growth.

Broadband TV News: Tet TV and Netflix create Latvian partnership

Story from Broadband TV News:

Latvian television service provider Tet has entered into a new partnership with Netflix.

Hollywood Reporter; MSNBC’s Project 2025: Rebuilding Itself In the Trump Era

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

When top MSNBC talent and executives gathered for a morning editorial call on Jan. 14 in the 15th floor executive conference room at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, they were greeted by a powerful guest at the head of the table: Mark Lazarus, the incoming CEO of “SpinCo.”

Variety: Fox Sports Gets Back Into Golf With LIV Deal

Story from Variety:

Fox Sports is taking a new swing at TV golf by striking a deal with LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league that has been luring top players away from PGA Tour and has been seeking a wider presence in U.S. media.

Broadband TV News: Vivacom adds 20 new TV channels to EON

Story from Broadband TV News:

Vivacom is adding 20 new channels to its EON television platform.

Broadband TV News: RTÉ set to lose League of Ireland rights to Virgin Media

Story from Broadband TV News:

Virgin Media is poised to become the lead broadcaster for Premier Division football in Ireland after clubs voted for their bid in favour of RTE.

Broadband TV News: Netgem adds 40 free sports channels with Sports Studio

Story from Broadband TV News:

Netgem has added a suite of more than 40 sports channels following an agreement with Free Love Sports.

Broadcast Sport: Saudi wealth fund close to $1bn DAZN investment

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Saudi Arabian national wealth fund Surj Sports Investment is reportedly close to investing $1 billion in DAZN.

Deadline: NBCUniversal Content Distribution Chairman Matt Bond Announces Retirement Ahead Of Media Group Revamp

Story from Deadline:

NBCUniversal distribution chief Matt Bond has announced his retirement, citing the pending revamp of the NBCU Media Group led by Matt Strauss.

Broadband TV News: Chair named for reformed Latvian public service media

Story from Broadband TV News:

Latvian Radio and Latvian Television have been merged to form a single entity known as Latvian Public Service media.

Broadband TV News: TVN Warner Bros. Discovery is Poland’s market leader in 2024

Story from Broadband TV News:

TVN Warner Bros. Discovery continued to dominate the Polish TV market during 2024.

Broadband TV News: RTÉ to sell GAAGO share to GAA

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ireland’s public broadcaster is expected to sell its share in streaming service GAAGO to the GAA within the next few weeks.

Broadband TV News: Former Sky boss Sir Jeremy Darroch becomes KKR advisor

Story from Broadband TV News:

American private equity group KKR has appointed Sir Jeremy Darroch to help expand its interest in telecoms, media and technology.

Advanced Television: DirecTV takes majority ownership in Invidi

Story from Advanced Television:

DirecTV has acquired the majority ownership of Invidi Technologies, a specialist in providing addressable television advertising solutions that increase the value of advertising inventory for programmers and distributors by allowing marketers to target specific audiences on television without wasting ad impressions.

Deadline: Why Warner Bros Shook Up Its Feature Exec Ranks As It Braces For An Auteur-Driven 2025 Slate

Story from Deadline:

Last week, as the town was grappling with the Palisades and Eaton wildfires the Warner Bros Motion Picture Group saw the double exit of lynchpin executives, Worldwide Marketing president Josh Goldstine and International Theatrical Distribution president Andrew Cripps, a corporate maneuver that continues to jar many.

Variety: Australia’s Nine Entertainment Reshuffles Exec Ranks, Sets $31 Million Cost-Cutting Target

Story from Variety:

Australian media giant Nine Entertainment Co. is undergoing a major organizational overhaul, announcing a streamlined operating model and fresh executive appointments as it targets AUD50 million ($31 million) in cost reductions for fiscal year 2025.

Deadline: Donald Trump Threatens Comcast In Rant Over Seth Meyers’ Late-Night Show

Story from Deadline:

In an early morning rant, Donald Trump went off on Seth Meyers‘ late-night NBC show, declaring that “Comcast should pay a BIG price” for shows that he calls “political hits.”

Hollywood Reporter: Disney’s Debt Rating Outlook Stable But Fitch Flags Theme Park, Cruise Line Investments

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Disney is in a good position to manage its debt levels.

Hollywood Reporter; Venu Fallout: Disney Hit With Antitrust Lawsuit From Fubo Subscriber

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In the wake of Disney abandoning sports-focused streaming service Venu, the entertainment giant has been sued for alleged antitrust violations related to its dual role as a content supplier and distributor in business dealings.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Adds SoFi CEO Anthony Noto, Former IAC Chief Joey Levin to Board

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery said Anthony Noto, CEO of financial services company SoFi, and Joey Levin, who is stepping down as CEO of Barry Diller’s IAC, have been appointed to its board.

Hollywood Reporter: TV Station Giant Sinclair Restructures Debt as It Eyes Growth

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

TV station giant and media company Sinclair Inc. on Tuesday unveiled deals with select creditors to boost its liquidity, strengthening its balance sheet for the longer-term.

Deadline: MSNBC Will Retain Its Name After Comcast Spinoff

Story from Deadline:

MSNBC will retain its name after it is spun off from Comcast along with other cable assets.

Variety: Rashida Jones to Exit MSNBC; Rebecca Kutler Named Interim President

Story from Variety:

Rashida Jones, a respected news operator who has led MSNBC for four years, will leave the NBCUniversal cable outlet to pursue other opportunities, she informed executives and staffers Tuesday.

Hollywood Reporter: With Venu Sports Dead, DirecTV Bets That MySports Can Live

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Now that Venu Sports is dead, DirecTV thinks that it can fill the void.

Broadband TV News: New numbering system for French DTT

Story from Broadband TV News:

A new numbering system for national channels broadcast on the digital terrestrial television (TNT) system in France is being introduced from June.

Broadband TV News: Vodafone Qatar launches new OSNtv bundles

Story from Broadband TV News:

Vodafone Qatar is combining OSNtv into its Home Fibre internet service.

Broadband TV News: RiC.today to join simpliTV in Austria

Story from Broadband TV News:

Children’s and family channel RiC.today will launch on Austrian TV platform simpliTV on 15 January 2025.

Broadband TV News: Warner Bros. Discovery adds DMAX to DNMG portfolio

Story from Broadband TV News:

German men’s channel DMAX is now part of the channel lineup cable association DNMG is offering to cable operators for distribution on their networks.

Deadline: The Week Hollywood Stood Still: Entertainment Industry Struggles To Carry On Amid L.A. Fire Devastation

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery has pledged $15 million to help Los Angeles combat and rebuild from the wildfires currently ravaging the county, the company announced on Monday afternoon.

Deadline: NBCUniversal Shutting Down Universal Kids Cable Network

Story from Deadline:

NBCUniversal, which has already been evaluating its stake in the declining pay-TV business, plans to shut down cable network Universal Kids.

Deadline: Netflix To Give $10M For L.A. Wildfire Relief

Story from Deadline:

Netflix is the latest media giant to respond to the devastating L.A. fires with charitable outreach, pledging to give $10 million to a number of non-profit organizations involved in fire-related relief efforts.

Deadline: In Latest Streaming Bundle Twist, Vizio Launches Starz-AMC+ Combo

Story from Deadline:

In the latest variation on the streaming bundle theme, Vizio is launching a package of Starz and AMC+.

Deadline: Comcast NBCUniversal Giving $10M For L.A. Wildfire Relief Efforts

Story from Deadline:

Comcast NBCUniversal said it plans to give $10 million to support Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts.

Broadband TV News: DAZN France permanently reduces subscription pricing

Story from Broadband TV News:

The main broadcaster of top-flight football in France is to radically change its pricing model.

Advanced Television; Italy: DVB-T2/HEVC transition requires “urgent intervention”

Story from Advanced Television:

Aeranti-Corallo, the association representing Italian local television broadcasters, has said it intends to draw attention to the “serious situation” that is penalising the Italian local TV sector, in the process of transition to DVB-T2/HEVC.

Advanced Television: Telenor appoints new Group Management members

Story from Advanced Television:

Telenor Group has appointed Jon Omund Revhaug as Head of Telenor Asia and Sigvart Voss Eriksen as Head of Telenor Nordics.

Advanced Television: MODUS Super Series Darts on Pluto TV

Story from Advanced Television:

FAST service Pluto TV and MODUS Super Series have agreed a partnership to bring MODUS Super Series Darts on Pluto TV across multiple international markets, including exclusively in the UK, GSA and Denmark – providing darts content 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Hollywood Reporter: SAG-AFTRA Donates $1 Million for L.A. Fires Relief

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

As the economic toll of the wildfires ripping through Los Angeles County continues to rise, performers’ union SAG-AFTRA has pledged $1 million to help union members impacted by the disaster.

Deadline; Media Execs, Tech Vets And Legal Experts Debate AI’s Impact At CES: “Devastating Threat”, “Net Positive” … Or Both?

Story from Deadline:

Saying that AI was discussed at CES last week is a bit like saying oxygen was breathed during the giant tech confab. There was simply no way of avoiding the topic.

Deadline: What Just Happened? Winners & Losers In The Venu Sports Meltdown

Story from Deadline:

Divergent priorities, an evolving media landscape, ongoing legal threats and the march of time just crushed a joint venture called Venu Sports.

Variety: Disney and Paramount Donate to L.A Fire Relief and Rebuilding Efforts, CAA Launches SoCal Fire Fund

Story from Variety:

The Walt Disney Company is donating $15 million for response and rebuilding efforts amid the ongoing Southern California fires.

Deadline; Back From Black: L.A.’s ABC7 Over-The-Air Signal Is Working Again

Story from Deadline:

ABC7 (KABC), the ABC affiliate station in Los Angeles, is back from black.

Deadline: Nexstar Local Stations Including New York’s WPIX, Cable’s NewsNation Go Dark On Optimum In Carriage Dispute

Story from Deadline:

Two million subscribers of Optimum pay-TV systems are going without 63 Nexstar Media Group local stations and cable network NewsNation due to a carriage dispute.

Advanced Television: Murdoch must face Smartmatic in court

Story from Advanced Television:

A New York State appeals court has rejected a request by Fox Corporation to dismiss part of a $2.7 billion (€2.63bn) defamation lawsuit stemming from the broadcasting of misinformation around the 2020 presidential election.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery to Use Puppy Bowl For ‘Superman’ Marketing Push

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery is using one of its tentpole animal, er, annual events in a major marketing push for its biggest film of the year.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Hires Priya Aiyar as Chief Legal Officer

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery has filled a key role in its C-suite, hiring the general counsel of American Airlines Group as its chief legal officer.

Hollywood Reporter: Former WWE CEO Vince McMahon Settles SEC Charges Over Undisclosed Payments

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The Securities and Exchange Commission says that it has reached a settlement deal with former WWE CEO Vince McMahon relating to undisclosed payments to an employee and an independent contractor with whom he allegedly had relationships with.

Deadline: SpinCo’s Choice Of Entertainment President Hints At NBCUniversal Offshoot’s Programming Strategy

Story from Deadline:

From red carpets to resident aliens and driving ranges, NBCUniversal’s SpinCo has given its first indication what its programming strategy might look like with the hire of Val Boreland as President of Entertainment.

Advanced Television: WWE announces Cosm partnership

Story from Advanced Television:

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, and Cosm, the immersive technology, media and entertainment company, has announced a multi-year partnership that will see WWE Premium Live Events (PLEs) – such as WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Royal Rumble – delivered to fans in Shared Reality at Cosm’s experiential venues in Los Angeles and Dallas.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and Fox Pull the Plug on Venu Sports Streaming Venture

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Venu is dead.

Hollywood Reporter: Mark Lazarus Sets Executive Team at Comcast SpinCo Cable TV Network Business

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Comcast‘s SpinCo cable business is beginning to take shape under incoming CEO Mark Lazarus and CFO Anand Kini.

Hollywood Reporter: Despite Disney’s Surprise Fubo Deal, DirecTV and Dish Signal They May Hold Up Venu Launch

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Lawyers for DirecTV and EchoStar’s Dish have asked a U.S. district judge to reconsider a dismissal of claims by Fubo TV against the Venu Sports streamer after a surprise merger with Hulu + Live TV.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros.’ Big Spending Plans for a Nevada Studio Lot Complex Take Step Back

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Last August, Warner Bros. Discovery unveiled a plan to work with Birtcher Development and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on an ambitious proposal to develop, build and lease a studio lot complex in what was described as a long-term commitment for an $8.5 billion production spend in the state over the course of more than a decade.

DAZN is now negotiating with the English Football Association to buy the rights to FA Cup matches in more than one regions

DAZN is now negotiating with the English Football Association to buy the rights to FA Cup matches in more than one regions, including the Middle East and North Africa.

Deadline: Fox Execs Highlight The Impact Of Fans Beyond The Realm Of Sports

Story from Deadline:

While Fox Corp.‘s sports division is known for generating fan engagement, the company is increasingly aiming to showcase its capabilities across the board in leveraging fandom.

Variety: Peacock President Kelly Campbell to Exit

Story from Variety:

Kelly Campbell is stepping down from her role as president of Peacock and direct-to-consumer at NBCUniversal, Variety has confirmed with sources.

Deadline: Comcast NBCUniversal’s Cable “SpinCo” Fills Out Exec Roster; Val Boreland Gets Top Entertainment Role

Story from Deadline:

The executive ranks of the cable network entity being spun off from Comcast/NBCUniversal later this year are being filled in with a few appointments, including Val Boreland as head of entertainment.

Deadline: Legendary Entertainment Ends Venture With Watford & Essex As UK Producer Files For Closure

Story from Deadline:

In another reminder of the challenging climate for UK scripted producers, Watford & Essex has filed for closure after its joint-venture deal with Legendary Entertainment was not renewed.

Broadband TV News: TF1+ celebrates first 12 months

Story from Broadband TV News:

Almost 54 million people – close to 9 out of 10 of the French population – have used the TF1 streaming platform.

Broadband TV News: M6+ now available on TNT in HbbTV

Story from Broadband TV News:

French commercial channel M6 has extended its streaming service to connected televisions receiving DTT, with a little help from HbbTV technology.

Advanced Television: FA Cup comes to BBC HD on cruise lines

Story from Advanced Television:

BBC Studios has announced that BBC HD, available for viewers on their partnering cruise ships, can now tune into coverage of the longest-running national cup competition in the world.

Advanced Television: Chambers named Disney President EMEA

Story from Advanced Television:

The Walt Disney Company has appointed Tony Chambers as President, The Walt Disney Company, EMEA, as it restructures how its entertainment businesses in the region function to ensure further unification of the company’s global strategy.

Deadline: Disney Says It Has Averaged 157M Global Monthly Streaming Users (And 112M Domestic) Over Past Six Months

Story from Deadline:

Disney Advertising says the company’s streaming platforms collectively racked up an average of 157 monthly active users globally (and 112 million domestic) over the past six months.

Variety: Sony Pictures CEO on Cost-Plus Deals and Harvesting Video Game IP at Variety CES Summit

Story from Variety:

Mother Nature threw Ravi Ahuja a curve ball for his first interview since taking the reins as president and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), conducted at the Variety Summit at CES today at the Aria in Las Vegas.

Deadline: John Malone’s Liberty Media Names Derek Chang President & CEO

Story from Deadline:

John Malone’s Liberty Media Corp. has named Derek Chang president and chief executive effective Feb. 1.

Deadline: NBCU, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery, DirecTV & Comcast Execs Say Their Unusual Ad Collaboration Can Help Close The Gap With Big Tech

Story from Deadline:

An unusual coalition of the willing – senior execs from NBCUniversal, Fox Corp., Warner Bros. Discovery, DirecTV and Comcast – took the stage at CES on Wednesday to discuss their latest effort to compete with Big Tech.

Hollywood Reporter; Warner Bros. Shakeup: Marketing Head Josh Goldstine, International Distribution Boss Andrew Cripps Stepping Down

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Marketing chief Josh Goldstine and Andrew Cripps, the president of International distribution, are stepping down from their posts at Warner Bros.

Hollywood Reporter: NBCUniversal Taps Randy Culbertson as CFO

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

NBCUniversal has a new chief financial officer, with Randy Culbertson being elevated to oversee the entertainment company’s finances.

Broadband TV News: Deutsche Telekom introduces new MagentaTV stick

Story from Broadband TV News:

On 16 January 2025 Deutsche Telekom will introduce the second generation of its MagentaTV streaming stick, enabling access to its TV platform MagentaTV.

Broadband TV News: EBU and Eurovision Services secure sports broadcasting agreement

Story from Broadband TV News:

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Eurovision Services have finalised a long-term agreement that reinforces their collaboration and ensures continuity in delivering sports coverage to EBU members.

Advanced Television: Viaplay acquires Nordics rights to FIS winter sports

Story from Advanced Television:

Viaplay Group has secured an exclusive pan-Nordic agreement with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).

Advanced Television: Rakuten TV launches Nordic Films FAST channel

Story from Advanced Television:

Rakuten TV, the European streaming platform, has launched a new branded owned and operated FAST Channel, Nordic Films, dedicated to celebrating the very best of Nordic cinema.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount, Comcast Strike New Multiyear Distribution Deals Covering Networks, Streamers

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Global, which is set to be acquired by David Ellison’s Skydance Media, and NBCUniversal parent Comcast unveiled the renewal of comprehensive distribution agreements on Tuesday “to continue delivering Paramount’s leading portfolio of broadcast, entertainment, news and sports brands across Xfinity platforms.”

Hollywood Reporter: Disney’s Hulu + Live TV, Fubo Merger Surprised Wall Street and Could Lead to More Deals

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Disney started off 2025 with a bang, unveiling on Monday a surprise merger of its multichannel video streaming service Hulu + Live TV with competitor FuboTV, forming a combined company that will continue to be publicly traded under the Fubo name, but with the Hollywood giant controlling 70% and a majority of the board.

Hollywood Reporter: Discovery+ Latest Streamer to Get Price Hike, Cost Raised by $1 Per Month

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

New year, new streaming price hikes.

Deadline: UFC Chief Dana White Joins Board Of Facebook & Instagram Parent Meta – “I Am A Huge Believer That Social Media And AI Are The Future”

Story from Deadline:

Dana White, president and CEO of UFC, is joining the board of Meta, one of three new directors announced today by Mark Zuckerberg’s social media giant.

Deadline: Lisa Hamilton Daly Is Out At Hallmark Media

Story from Deadline:

Lisa Hamilton Daly, who joined Crown Media Family Networks in 2021 to lead programming and development across Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries and Hallmark Drama, is out.

Deadline: Billion-Dollar Television City Expansion Gets Final Approval By L.A. City Council

Story from Deadline:

The Television City Project has gotten the all-clear to move forward.

Deadline: Sony Pictures EVP Production Palak Patel Exits Studio

Story from Deadline:

Sony Pictures EVP of Production and Development Palak Patel is leaving the Culver City lot for a new gig as Chief Content Officer at Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios.

Broadband TV News: ARD switches from SD to HD on Astra

Story from Broadband TV News:

German public broadcaster ARD has discontinued the satellite transmission of its main channel Das Erste and all regional channels on Astra (19.2° East) in SD resolution on 7 January 2025.

Advanced Television: Australian Open comes to Max, discovery+ in Europe

Story from Advanced Television:

The stage is set for the start of the Grand Slam tennis season as Warner Bros Discovery steps up to screen live and exclusive coverage of every match from every court at the Australian Open on Max and discovery+.

Advanced Television: Disney to merge live channels with Fubo

Story from Advanced Television:

Disney is to merge its multichannel streaming service Hulu Live TV with competitor Fubo, the companies have revealed in a surprise announcement.

Deadline: Tubi Hits 97M Monthly Users And 10B Annual Streaming Hours

Story from Deadline:

Tubi continued to gain traction in 2024, surpassing 97 million monthly active users and 10 billion streaming hours.

Hollywood Reporter: Disney to Merge Hulu + Live TV With Fubo, Taking on YouTube TV and Ending Venu Lawsuit

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The Walt Disney Co. will merge its streaming multichannel video service Hulu With Live TV with its competitor Fubo in a surprise deal that will shake up the streaming TV business, the companies said Monday.