Monday, 21 July 2025

Media Boy UK HQ

Hi all.

If you want any up-to-date news see Media Boy UK Socials Channels.

Lionsgate Studios for sale 2025 latest - Page last updated on July 14th

Last updated on July 12th 2025:

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

A&E Global Media for sale latest - Page last updated on July 12th

Last updated on July 12th 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 - Page last updated on July 24th

Last updated on July 24th 2025:

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

Media Boy UK's World Blogs Labels updates

When Media Boy UK do some label some changes information appearing on this post:

Sunday, 20 July 2025

Variety: India’s JioStar Posts $1.3 Billion Revenue in Q1, Sets IPL Viewership and Streaming Records

Story from Variety:

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries reported strong financial and operational results from its media and entertainment unit JioStar for the quarter ended June 30, powered by unprecedented digital and television viewership during the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament.

Saturday, 19 July 2025

BizAsia: New channels ZEE Power & ZEE BanglaSonar unveiled at ‘Z’ Whats Next event

Story from BizAsia:

Zee, one of India’s most iconic and beloved media brands, reaching 854 million viewers across 208 million households, entered a bold new era with the launch of its new brand identity and powerful brand promise “Yours Truly, Z”.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter; Critic’s Notebook: The Awful Optics of CBS Canceling ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In a shocking move that reflected just about every deeply felt insecurity in the TV industry, the entertainment industry and perhaps American media at large, CBS announced on Thursday, July 17, that The Late Show With Stephen Colbert will wrap its run in May 2026, following the 2025-26 broadcast season.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - BBC News: Is this the death of the late night US chat show?

Story from BBC News:

Stephen Colbert took viewers by surprise this week when he announced The Late Show would be heading for the big TV schedule in the sky.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter: CBS’ Colbert Axe and Late-Night’s Slow Death

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Late night hosts are just like us: They vent in group texts too.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Skydance’s David Ellison Meets With FCC Chairman Brendan Carr To Discuss Paramount Merger And Company’s “Commitment to Unbiased Journalism”

Story from Deadline:

Skydance Media CEO David Ellison met with FCC chairman Brendan Carr and other agency staffers this week to discuss the pending regulatory decision on the company’s merger with Paramount Global, where topics included news coverage.

Friday, 18 July 2025

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Donald Trump Celebrates CBS’ Cancellation Of Stephen Colbert’s ‘The Late Show’

Story from Deadline:

Donald Trump celebrated CBS‘ decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and attacked the two remaining broadcast network late night hosts, Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.

Broadband TV News: tivùsat rolls out new HbbTV-based EPG via satellite and DTT

Story from Broadband TV News:

Italian TV platform tivùsat has launched Tivù la Guida, a new interactive electronic programme guide (EPG) delivered over the HbbTV standard and available free of charge via satellite and DTT.

Broadband TV News: Mehmet Zahid Sobacı reappointed as Director General of TRT

Story from Broadband TV News:

TRT Director General Prof. Dr. Mehmet Zahid Sobacı has been reappointed as Director General for a second four-year term.

Broadband TV News: Telia Company to dispose of Latvian operations

Story from Broadband TV News:

The Latvian state is to take control of Tet and LMT.

Variety: India Reports Over $1.1 Billion in Media Deals at WAVES 2025

Story from Variety:

India’s creative economy ambitions were on full display at WAVES 2025, the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, where a new government report tallies over $1.1 billion in media and entertainment deals and investment commitments inked during the four-day event.

Variety; Trump Celebrates Congress Pulling $1.1 Billion in Funding From ‘Atrocious’ NPR and PBS: ‘This Is Big!’

Story from Variety:

President Donald Trump took a victory lap after Congress formally passed his measure to claw back $9 billion in previously approved funding, including $1.1 billion for PBS and NPR — which public media execs have said could force dozens of local stations to shut down.

Hollywood Reporter: PBS and NPR Funding Face “Devastating” Cut as Rescission Package Heads to Trump’s Desk

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Federal funding for PBS and NPR is about to be eliminated, in a move that will likely cause an existential cash crunch for many local broadcast stations.

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Deadline; Peter Bart: With YouTube Soaring, PBS Fading And Film Struggling, Critics As We Know Them Might Be An Endangered Species

Story from Deadline:

The three news stories ran back to back last week but only one stirred much attention.

Hollywood Reporter: Erin Westerman Named President at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Amid Studio Shake-Up

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Erin Westerman has been formally named president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, replacing Nathan Kahane after he recently announced plans to step down by the end of the year.

Hollywood Reporter: Netflix’s Ted Sarandos Says AI Will Make Movies and TV “Better, Not Just Cheaper”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos sees generative artificial intelligence tools expanding creativity during the making of movies and TV series and not just being a cost-cutting option for studios.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Will Skydance Cancel ‘The Daily Show’? Jon Stewart Weighs In On Future Of Late-Night Series

Story from Deadline:

The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart, who recently called Paramount Global’s settlement with President Donald Trump “shameful”, has weighed in on the future of the late-night show.

Variety: Fox Sports Inks Broad Pact With Barstool Sports, Dave Portnoy to Become Regular On-Air Contributor

Story from Variety:

Fox Sports is officially in business with Barstool Sports, which has built a solid fanbase for its brash brand of commentary, and company founder Dave Portnoy.

Variety: CNBC Shake-Up Has David Cho Replace Dan Colarusso as Editorial Chief

Story from Variety:

CNBC heads toward market close with a new executive about to come on board to manage its editorial ups and downs.

Deadline: Netflix Readies Q2 Report As Wall Street Anticipates Strong Kickoff To Earnings Season

Story from Deadline:

Netflix is due to report second-quarter results after the close of trading Thursday, with Wall Street eagerly anticipating a strong kickoff to media earnings season from the giant streamer.

Deadline: Senate Votes To Cut Federal Funding To Public Broadcasting; “Against The Will Of The American People,” PBS CEO Says

Story from Deadline:

The Senate passed Donald Trump‘s set of spending cuts to rescind $1.1 billion from public media, despite warnings that the funding rollbacks will devastate the PBS, NPR and public station ecosystem.

Advanced Television: Telenor sells Allente stake to Viaplay

Story from Advanced Television:

Telenor Group has signed an agreement to sell its 50 per cent stake in Allente to Viaplay for a total consideration of SEK 1.1 billion (€0.09bn).

Advanced Television: SES closes Intelsat acquisition

Story from Advanced Television:

SES has announced the completion of its acquisition of Intelsat, creating a strengthened global satellite operator with an expanded fleet of 120 satellites across two orbits.

Advanced Television: Viaplay “continues transformation”; TV 2 football deal

Story from Advanced Television:

Viaplay Group, which has just announced the acquisition of the 50 per cent stake in Allente that it didn’t already own, has reported that its “transformation continued in Q2” with focus on value over volume.

Advanced Television: Tele2 reports “flying start” in Q2

Story from Advanced Television:

Tele2, the Sweden-based multinational telco, has announced its consolidated results for the second quarter of 2025 with a full year 2025 guidance on underlying EBITDAaL raised to slightly above 10 per cent organic growth.

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

Hollywood Reporter: NBCUniversal Reaches $3.6 Million Settlement In Lawsuit Over Peacock Subscription Cancellations

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

NBCUniversal will pay $3.6 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of failing to provide users an easy mechanism to cancel automatically renewing Peacock subscriptions.

Deadline: Senate Starts “Vote-A-Rama” As It Heads For Final Roll Call On Rescinding Federal Funding For PBS, NPR And Public Media Stations

Story from Deadline:

The Senate started a day-long prelude to a final vote on whether to strip public broadcasting of all federal funding, with lawmakers expected to introduce amendments throughout the day.

Variety: Would You Pay More for Netflix? Survey Shows Most of the Streamer’s Customers Willing to Spend Extra Even After Price Hikes

Story from Variety:

Netflix just raised prices in the U.S. six months ago.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety; Defeat the Press: How Donald Trump’s Attacks on News Outlets Undermine the First Amendment

Story from Variety:

Kiss the ring; bend the knee.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Democrats To Introduce Bill To Restrict Contributions To Presidential Libraries; Legislation Follows Trump Settlements With Paramount, Disney

Story from Deadline:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and other congressional Democrats are introducing legislation on Wednesday that would restrict contributions to presidential libraries.

Hollywood Reporter; Netflix Earnings Preview: Price Hikes, AI and Cash Flow in Focus

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

No Netflix subscriber number disclosures?

Broadband TV News: BBC’s response to global news events drives audience growth

Story from Broadband TV News:

BBC News grew its global audience by 4 million people in 2024/25 as coverage of international conflicts, crises and elections drew audiences in. 

Broadband TV News: RTLzwei and Warner Bros. Discovery plan joint advertising sales house

Story from Broadband TV News:

German broadcaster RTLzwei and media company Warner Bros. Discovery Deutschland are joining forces to set up a joint advertising sales company.

Advanced Television: NBCUniversal reports record ad sales volume

Story from Advanced Television:

NBCUniversal has announced the close of its 2025-26 Upfront negotiation cycle, which generated the highest ad sales volume ever for its slate of programming.

Deadline: Casey Bloys On HBO Max Emmy Dominance, ‘The Pitt’ Breakthrough, ‘White Lotus’, ‘Last Of Us’ & ‘Hacks’ Future, ‘The Penguin’ Season 2 & ‘Euphoria’

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s HBO Max was the most nominated platform at the 2025 Emmy Awards with 142 noms, paced by HBO’s limited series The Penguin (24), The White Lotus Season 3 (23) and The Last of Us Season 2 (16) as well as HBO Max originals Hacks Season 4 (14) and The Pitt Season 1 (13).

Deadline: Donald Trump’s DOJ Again Seeks To Remove Three Board Members From Corporation For Public Broadcasting

Story from Deadline:

The Justice Department has embarked on a new effort to remove three board members, including Sony’s Tom Rothman, from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Deadline: Senate Votes To Advance Trump’s Effort To Rescind Funding For PBS, NPR And Public Media

Story from Deadline:

The Senate voted on Tuesday evening to advance a package that would roll back $1.1 billion in funding to PBS, NPR and public media that had already been allocated over the next two years.

The Following Paramount Global in Central And Eastern Europe by 2026

The following channels is set to close:

Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Variety: NBCU Says Surge in Sports Ads Boosts Upfront Sales Haul

Story from Variety:

People still want to watch sports on TV, and that means — at least for now — advertisers still need to spend on it.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter: Inside the $3 Billion ‘South Park’ Fight That May Blow Up Its Future

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The premiere for the 27th season of South Park later this month is in serious doubt amid wrangling between series creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, Paramount Global and incoming studio owner Skydance, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Deadline: TelevisaUnivision Warns “Softness” In U.S. Ad Business Will Cause Q2 Revenue Drop

Story from Deadline:

Debt-laden Hispanic media giant TelevisaUnivision said it expects to report a drop in revenue for the second quarter due in part to “softness” in its U.S. advertising operation.

Deadline: ‘Bluey’ Tops Streaming Rankings Dominated By Acquired Titles From ‘Supernatural’ To ‘South Park’ In First Half Of 2025, Nielsen Says

Story from Deadline:

The results are in, and the streaming landscape was once again primarily dominated by acquired content in the first half of the year, according to a new report from Nielsen.

Deadline: Copa América Docuseries Lands At Disney+

Story from Deadline:

Last year, Lionel Messi helped Argentina retain its Copa América trophy and now Disney+ subscribers in Latin America can look back at the tournament in a new six-part docuseries.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Stephen Colbert Riffs On Paramount’s “Big Fat Bribe” To Settle Donald Trump’s CBS ’60 Minutes’ Lawsuit

Story from Deadline:

Stephen Colbert riffed Paramount Global’s $16 million settlement of Donald Trump‘s lawsuit, calling the payment a “big fat bribe” and joking about the prospects that new owner Skydance will try pressure him to back off from humor directed at the president.

Advanced Television: SES purchase of Intelsat to wrap this week

Story from Advanced Television:

SES has confirmed that it has received all the necessary legal and commercial permits to needed to complete its acquisition of Intelsat.

Advanced Television: Ericsson sales up 2% in Q2

Story from Advanced Television:

Ericsson has reported that Q2 2025 sales grew by 2 per cent, driven by market area Americas and IPR licensing, partly offset by declines in other market areas, with investments in India on hold.

Advanced Television: Smartclip launches Sidekicks AI platform

Story from Advanced Television:

Smartclip, RTL Group’s adtech business, has announced the launch of Sidekicks, a new agentic AI platform designed to address practical challenges in the media industry.

Advanced Television: NEP, Sunset+Vine dive into World Aquatics

Story from Advanced Television:

Media services company and host broadcast facilities provider NEP Group and creative production company Sunset+Vine are partnering up to provide creative, technical and editorial production services for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, running now through to August 3rd, as well as the World Aquatics Masters Championships from July 26th to August 22nd.

Broadband TV News: Tim Gerhartz to join ZDF Studios as Chief Commercial Officer

Story from Broadband TV News:

Tim Gerhartz will expand the management team of ZDF Studios Group as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) with effect from 1 October 2025.

Broadband TV News: Record revenues for BBC Commercial

Story from Broadband TV News:

The BBC-owned company behind international hits including Bluey, streaming service Britbox, and the UKTV channels has recorded its fourth consecutive year of profit in excess of £200 million.

Deadline: Donald Trump Threatens To Withhold Support For Lawmakers Who Vote Against Effort To Defund PBS, NPR And Public Media

Story from Deadline:

Donald Trump said that he will withhold support or endorsements for any lawmaker who votes against a White House effort to roll back funding for foreign aid and public media.

Monday, 14 July 2025

Advanced Television: HBO’s Harry Potter series starts production; Hagrid first look

Story from Advanced Television:

Production has commenced on the HBO Original Harry Potter television series at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, UK.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ to refund subscription activation fees in Austria

Story from Broadband TV News:

TV and streaming provider Canal+ Austria must refund an activation fee charged to customers, following legal action by the Austrian Chamber of Labour (AK).

Hollywood Reporter; Dr. Phil Returns: Launches Envoy Media Co. in Comeback Bid

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Dr. Phil‘s Merit Street Media may be effectively dead, but his Envoy Media Co. is just beginning.

Hollywood Reporter: ABC News to Launch Exclusive Daily Show on Disney+

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

ABC News is launching a new, exclusive daily news program that will stream on Disney+.

Sunday, 13 July 2025

Paramount Global is set to close some channels in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary & New Zealand

Media Boy UK has seen the list of Paramount Global channels that are set to close by 2026:

Poland;

Deadline; Warner Bros. Discovery Boss David Zaslav Celebrates DC Win At The Box Office: “Superman Is Just The First Step”

Story from Deadline:

Despite Warner Bros. Discovery ultimately being split into two companies, CEO David Zaslav can celebrate a big win this weekend with DC Studios‘ Superman.

Saturday, 12 July 2025

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: ‘South Park’ Taken Off Paramount+ Internationally As Streaming Rights Uncertainty Deepens

Story from Deadline:

Another setback for South Park fans.

RXTV: BBC News European satellite switch

Story from RXTV:

For the second time in two years, the satellite feed of BBC News via the Eutelsat Hotbird satellite system is changing.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter: What Will It Take to Get the Paramount-Skydance Deal Done?

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

On Monday July 7, representatives for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and its Hollywood Local 399 and the conservative public interest group the Center for American Rights met with staff of the Federal Communications Commission to discuss a deal important to both of them: The Skydance-Paramount merger.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter: David Ellison’s Skydance Has Held Talks to Buy Bari Weiss’ The Free Press

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Skydance CEO David Ellison has held talks about acquiring Bari Weiss’ online publication The Free Press, The New York Times reported, citing two sources.

Lionsgate Studios for sale - Deadline: Legendary Kicking Lionsgate’s Tires

Story from Deadline:

Legendary Entertainment may be looking to acquire Lionsgate Studios, which has just spun off on its own ticker on Wall Street.

Friday, 11 July 2025

Broadband TV News: MultiChoice planning revamp of DStv service

Story from Broadband TV News:

MultiChoice is planning a major overhaul of its DSTV satellite service as it attempts to reduce subscriber losses.

Advanced Television; Spain: Movistar Plus+, EuroLeague extend broadcast deal

Story from Advanced Television:

Euroleague Basketball has announced the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Movistar Plus+, securing the exclusive broadcast rights of the EuroLeague and non-exclusive rights of the BKT EuroCup in Spain through the 2030-31 season.

Advanced Television; France: Ligue 1+ on DAZN, Orange and more

Story from Advanced Television:

DAZN, the sports streaming platform, has announced a new partnership with the French Professional Football League (LFP) for the distribution of Ligue 1+, the new channel from the LFP that will broadcast Ligue 1 McDonald’s.

Advanced Television: Lola Cars, Warner Bros Discovery announce collaboration

Story from Advanced Television:

Lola Cars and Warner Bros Discovery have announced a strategic partnership to produce content for motorsport fans as part of a new combined market approach.

Corus Entertainment to close Nickelodeon Canada, Disney XD, Disney Jr. and La Chaîne Disney on September 1st

Story from ToonHive:

Nickelodeon Canada will shut down on September 1st due to financial pressure, Corus Entertainment announces.

Deadline: Michael Mann To Be Honored With France’s Lumière Award

Story from Deadline:

Michael Mann will be honored with the Lumière Award at the 17th edition of the classic film-focused Lumière Festival in Lyon this fall.

Thursday, 10 July 2025

Deadline: France’s Studio TF1 Taps Former 42 & Universal Exec As It Eyes International Expansion

Story from Deadline:

France’s Studio TF1 has appointed former 42 and Universal International Studios executive David O’Donoghue as EVP International.

Variety: John Martin, Former Warner Executive, Named CEO at Professional Fighters League

Story from Variety:

The new leader of Professional Fighters League says he’s happy to be running the number-two player in the mixed-martial arts field….for now.

RTÉ News: Committee hears concerns over outsourcing content at RTÉ

Story from RTÉ News:

Offering existing RTÉ programmes "out to tender" to outside production companies "does not enhance the cultural life of this nation", a Dáil committee has heard.

Advanced Television; South Africa: ICASA outlines new rules for DTT

Story from Advanced Television:

South Africa’s communications regulator ICASA has issued a draft set of digital terrestrial broadcasting regulations.

Advanced Television: SES, Intelsat deal clears Federal permissions

Story from Advanced Television:

The acquisition of Intelsat by SES has been cleared by Federal law enforcement officials.

Advanced Television: Viaplay unveils Sport vs Money docuseries

Story from Advanced Television:

Viaplay has announced Sport vs Money with Simon Jordan, a four-part docuseries that tackles one of the most urgent questions in global sport: how money is reshaping the game of football.

Broadband TV News: ITV chooses Fincons Group as strategic partner for content supply simplification

Story from Broadband TV News:

ITV has selected Fincons Group as its strategic partner for a multi-year programme aimed at streamlining its media supply chain.

Broadband TV News: DMC acquires Plazamedia from Sport1, merges with RT1.TV

Story from Broadband TV News:

German media group Sport1 Media, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Highlight Communications, has sold its subsidiary Plazamedia to sports production company DMC Production.

Deadline: Prime Video Italy Adds NBA As It Unveils Packed 2025 Slate Featuring ‘The Traitors Italia’ & Slew Of Romcom Movies

Story from Deadline:

Prime Video Italy unveiled its upcoming 2025 slate in Rome on Thursday, in an event attended by a host of local stars such as Michela Andreozzi, Stefano Cipani, Christian De Sica and Diana Del Bufalo as well as best-selling writer Felicia Kingsley and U.S. filmmaker Jessica Yu.

Wednesday, 9 July 2025

Deadline: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Enters The Multiverse As Sci-Fi Spinoff ‘Stuart Fails To Save The Universe’ Gets HBO Max Pickup & Sets Up More OG Returns

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery streamer HBO Max‘s first order of business after officially changing its name is to officially order to series The Big Bang Theory spinoff Stuart Fails To Save The Universe starring the mothership series’ Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie.

Deadline: Touching Down In Sun Valley, Can Moguls Find Answers To Media’s Pressing Questions Amid The Ponderosa Pines?

Story from Deadline:

At Sun Valley 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav predicted a surge of media M&A and said he didn’t care who became president as long as deals got done.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety: Trump Payout Just the Latest – and Most Blatant – Political Interference at FCC: ‘Sad That It’s Come to This’

Story from Variety:

The controlling owner of Paramount Global, Shari Redstone, delivered a commencement speech at Boston University last year on the theme of “moral leadership.”

Advanced Television: France Télévisions seeks YouTube partnership; budget concerns

Story from Advanced Television:

Following its content distribution deal with Prime Video, France Télévisions is now seeking to strengthen its partnership with YouTube, the president of the French PSB Group, Delphine Ernotte Cunci, has revealed.

Advanced Television: Apple to bid for F1 rights?

Story from Advanced Television:

Apple is reportedly in talks for the US TV rights to Formula 1.

Broadband TV News: Televisión de Galicia pioneers Ultra High Definition broadcasting in Spain

Story from Broadband TV News:

Televisión de Galicia has made history by becoming the first regional channel in Spain to broadcast in Ultra High Definition (UHD) through Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).

Hollywood Reporter: Behind Dr. Phil’s Media Flameout

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Phil McGraw‘s Merit Street Media is in bankruptcy court and is simultaneously suing its distribution partner, Trinity Broadcasting, for breach of contract that the company says led to the chapter 11 filing.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter: Silicon Valley Stalks the Cineplex

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Even in Hollywood, there are likely few people who know what separates a major studio from the rest.

Variety: As HBO Max Returns, Max Account on X Says ‘Twitter Won’t Let Me Change My Name Back’

Story from Variety:

Max, the streaming service formerly known as HBO Max and now known by that name again, complained that X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter, is not letting it switch back to its original moniker.

Variety: Fox Sees Earlier-Than-Expected Sell-Out for MLB All-Star Game Commercials

Story from Variety:

Advertiser demand for the Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game has been so intense, even the commercials that might never air are getting snapped up.

Advanced Television: Esports World Cup Foundation partners with IMG

Story from Advanced Television:

The Esports World Cup Foundation has partnered with sports marketing agency IMG to elevate the broadcast coverage and reach new global audiences for the Esports World Cup (EWC), the world’s largest eSports tournament and gaming festival, which has returned to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from now through to August 24th.

Variety: Max Changed Back to HBO Max on Wednesday

Story from Variety:

The flip is done.

Variety: Turner Classic Movies Will Stay on David Zaslav’s Side of Warner Bros.

Story from Variety:

Turner Classic Movies has carved out a special custody arrangement in the forthcoming Warner Bros. Discovery split, Variety has learned exclusively.

Variety: ‘28 Years Later’ Leads New Sony Deal as Spain’s Movistar Plus+ Renews Pact for Films and AXN Channels

Story from Variety:

Movistar Plus+ and Sony Pictures Entertainment have renewed their long-standing partnership, securing continued access for Spanish audiences to Sony’s theatrical films and television content, including exclusivity in the Pay 1 window.

Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Deadline: Universal Pictures Promotes Niels Swinkels To Focus Features International Distribution President

Story from Deadline:

Universal Pictures International’s EVP and Manager Director Niels Swinkels will now add President, International Distribution, Focus Features, to his current role as EVP & MD, Universal Pictures International.

Deadline: Sony Pictures Hires Ross Klein As SVP Domestic Sales

Story from Deadline:

Distribution vet Ross Klein has joined Sony Pictures as SVP of Domestic Sales.

Hollywood Reporter: Behind Dr. Phil’s Media Flameout

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Phil McGraw‘s Merit Street Media is in bankruptcy court and is simultaneously suing its distribution partner, Trinity Broadcasting, for breach of contract that the company says led to the chapter 11 filing.

Advanced Television; Spain: Record-breaking pay-TV audiences

Story from Advanced Television:

Pay-TV in Spain ended the 2024/2025 season (September 20th 2024 to June 30th 2025) with record-setting numbers.

Deadline: Boss Of Dutch Broadcaster To Run Banijay Benelux

Story from Deadline:

The head of Dutch pubcaster KRO-NCRV is joining Banijay Entertainment to run the super-indie’s Benelux biz.

Deadline: Mark Linsey Pivots To L.A. As BBC Studios Seeks New Scripted Chief

Story from Deadline:

Mark Linsey, BBC Studios’ scripted man in L.A., is to focus on the U.S. full time as BBC Studios seeks a global scripted MD.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety: After Paramount’s Trump Settlement, What’s Next? Even the Company Doesn’t Seem Sure

Story from Variety:

Now that Paramount Global has settled a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against “60 Minutes,” is there a chance the fog surrounding the company’s quest to sell itself to Skydance Media is about to lift?

A&E Global Media for sale? - Hollywood Reporter: Disney and Hearst Exploring Deals for A+E Global Media as Cable Channel Market Ramps Up

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The deal market for cable channels is heating up, with A+E Global Media now exploring its strategic options, including a potential sale or merger, sources familiar with the matter confirm to The Hollywood Reporter.

Advanced Television: Nigeria, Ghana hit MultiChoice

Story from Advanced Television:

Nigeria seems to be in near-permanent dispute with pay-TV broadcaster MultiChoice – and now Ghana has joined in, ordering MultiChoice Ghana to cut subscription rates by 30 per cent.

Advanced Television: Mediawan Sport to produce Ligue 1 platform

Story from Advanced Television:

Following a consultation initiated by LFP Media on the editorial production of France’s new Ligue 1 platform, LFP Media has announced that it has awarded the contract to Mediawan Sport, a subsidiary of Mediawan.

Broadband TV News: MBS acquires SES playout, content management and IP delivery services

Story from Broadband TV News:

German communications provider MBS has taken over selected media service operations from Astra satellite operator SES in Germany and the UK.

Deadline: Local TV Groups E.W. Scripps And Gray Media Swap Stations In Five Markets

Story from Deadline:

Gray Media and the E.W. Scripps Co., two of the largest U.S. owners of local TV stations, have engineered a swap of stations in five small and mid-sized markets.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline; Paramount-Skydance: Latest 90-Day Merger Extension Kicks Off Today

Story from Deadline:

A second 90-day extension on Paramount Global’s proposed sale to David Ellison’s Skydance automatically triggered today as per the deal agreement, leaving the parties and the FCC more time to nail things down.

Deadline: FX Greenlights Comedy Pilot From ‘Reno 911’ Team; Robert Ben Garant, Cathy Shim & WWE’s Becky Lynch Among Cast

Story from Deadline:

FX has picked up the new workplace comedy pilot Movers, from creators and executive producers Robert Ben Garant and Cathy Shim. Garant co-created Comedy Central’s Reno 911!, in which Shim also starred. That mockumentary’s executive producers, Stacey Sher and Peter Principato, will EP the pilot with Jonny Shipes (BMF: The Rise and Fall of a Hip-Hop Drug Empire).

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety: Jon Stewart and Steve Kroft Break Down Paramount’s $16 Million Trump Settlement, Former ‘60 Minutes’ Correspondent Slams Deal as ‘Tribute to the King’

Story from Variety:

On this week’s episode of “The Daily Show,” host Jon Stewart was joined by journalist Steve Kroft to discuss Paramount’s $16 million settlement with Donald Trump, a deal the former “60 Minutes” correspondent called “tribute to the king.”

Monday, 7 July 2025

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - New York Post: CBS parent company sparks massive outrage with Trump lawsuit settlement

Story from New York Post:

Paramount Global and CBS’ eight-figure settlement to President Donald Trump has caused widespread outrage across the legal and journalism communities.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - New York Post: Trump says ‘60 Minutes’ lawsuit settlement is more than double the $16M that Paramount claims

Story from New York Post:

President Trump said his settlement with Paramount Global is worth more than twice the company’s stated figure of $16 million — confirming an exclusive report by The Post.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - New York Post: Expect CBS News to undergo a major overhaul under Skydance boss David Ellison

Story from New York Post:

If it were, say, just a decade ago, cachet and power would be conferred on Skydance founder and CEO David Ellison, the soon-to-be chief of Paramount and its once-holy grail of TV news, CBS.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter: The New Rules of Media Under Trump

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

On June 7, months into Paramount’s negotiations to settle a $20 billion lawsuit over CBS’ 60 Minutes, President Trump was spotted ringside at an UFC event in Newark, New Jersey. All the usual suspects came to greet him, including Marco Rubio, Mike Tyson and Joe Rogan.

Deadline: Netflix Promotes Łukasz Kłuskiewicz To Run TV & Movies Out Of CEE Region

Story from Deadline:

Netflix has promoted Łukasz Kłuskiewicz to run TV and movies in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region.

Broadband TV News: Icelandic partnership between Síminn and HBO

Story from Broadband TV News:

Síminn is to be a partner of Warner Bros. Discovery in Iceland under a new agreement.

Advanced Television: Banijay Kids & Family announces raft of sales

Story from Advanced Television:

Banijay Kids & Family, a specialist in children’s entertainment behind hit shows such as Totally Spies! and Mr Bean: The Animated Series, has announced that its distribution arm has secured a raft of multi-package sales for its portfolio of shows.

Broadband TV News: ProSiebenSat.1 secures Hollywood content deal with NBC Universal

Story from Broadband TV News:

German media group ProSiebenSat.1 has signed a wide-ranging, multi-year agreement with NBC Universal Global TV Distribution, bringing nearly 2,000 hours of Hollywood content to its platforms Joyn, Sat.1 and ProSieben.

Broadband TV News: Media Tasting marks 10th anniversary in Stuttgart

Story from Broadband TV News:

German media congress Media Tasting celebrated its 10-year anniversary on 3 July 2025 in Stuttgart, drawing a record-breaking crowd of more than 350 industry executives and experts from media, politics, universities and creative sectors.

Advanced Television: Nippon TV’s Traveling with Snow Man on Disney+

Story from Advanced Television:

Japan’s Nippon TV has announced that its new travel reality show, Traveling with Snow Man, featuring the popular nine-member boy band Snow Man, will premiere on July 27th on Nippon TV with the uncut version streaming globally on Disney+ immediately afterwards.

Sunday, 6 July 2025

Hollywood Reporter: When Fox Made the Wrong Bets — and Wound Up In a Hostile Takeover

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

On the morning of July 17, 1929, American film industry titan William Fox and his treasurer Jacob Rubenstein were on their way from Long Island to a round at the Lakeville Golf and Country Club with fellow producers Adolph Zukor, Nicholas Schenck, and actor Thomas Meighan.

Saturday, 5 July 2025

Deadline: Trump Proposes UFC Fight On White House Grounds

Story from Deadline:

For the first time in the country’s 250-year history, the White House could host a cage match, serving as the UFC‘s next venue.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - New York Post: ‘60 Minutes’ correspondent who interviewed Kamala Harris got ‘teary-eyed’ after Trump lawsuit settlement

Story from New York Post:

The veteran “60 Minutes” correspondent who interviewed Kamala Harris for the segment that triggered the just-settled lawsuit filed by President Trump against CBS News and its parent company reportedly grew emotional during a staff meeting held after the deal was announced.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - New York Post: How secret ‘side deal’ helped seal Paramount’s $16M settlement with Trump — and here’s who deserves the credit

Story from New York Post:

Shari Redstone’s Paramount received an unusual assist to settle its controversial lawsuit with President Trump, which should now clear the way for its long-awaited sale to independent studio Skydance, On The Money has learned.

Variety: Bill Nighy, Mathew Horne, WWE’s Jordynne Grace Board Fantasy Film ‘Welcome to Paradise’

Story from Variety:

British thespian Bill Nighy and “Gavin & Stacey” star Mathew Horne have joined the cast of genre-bending fantasy feature “Welcome to Paradise,” alongside WWE superstar Jordynne Grace making her screen debut.

Friday, 4 July 2025

Deadline: Luca Bernabei Exiting ‘Medici’ Producer Lux Vide As Fremantle Ups Stake To 100%

Story from Deadline:

Lux Vide boss Luca Bernabei is exiting the firm he joined more than three decades ago, with Fremantle upping its 70% stake to 100%.

Advanced Television: TPG completes acquisition of AT&T’s stake in DirecTV

Story from Advanced Television:

TPG, an alternative asset management firm, has announced the completion of its acquisition from AT&T of the remaining 70 per cent stake in DirecTV it did not already own.

Broadband TV News: Court dismisses Spanish DTT subsidy appeal

Story from Broadband TV News:

The General Court of the European Union has dismissed an appeal against the European Commission’s decision to force Spain and its autonomous communities to hand back subsidies given during the deployment of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).

BBC News: BBC radio available outside UK after Sounds switch-off

Story from BBC News:

The BBC has said its radio stations will continue to be available for people outside the UK to listen to live after BBC Sounds access is restricted for international listeners.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Trump Claims CBS Settlement “Maybe $35M” Despite Paramount’s Denial Of PSAs & Ads On Top Of $16M Deal

Story from Deadline:

Someone’s playing fast and loose with the real numbers, and, for once, it may not be Donald Trump — at least when it comes to POTUS’ recent multi-million dollar lawsuit settlement with CBS.

Thursday, 3 July 2025

Advanced Television: EU Court rules Spanish aid to DTT was illegal

Story from Advanced Television:

The General Court of the European Union has ruled against Spain and telco Cellnex, upholding an EU decision that requires both the national government and regional authorities to recover €260 million in public funds granted to TV operators for rolling out DTT in remote areas.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter; CBS News’ John Dickerson Takes on Trump Settlement: “Can You Hold Power to Account After Paying It Millions?”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

How did CBS News cover the settlement between its parent company Paramount Global and President Donald Trump?

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety; Paramount’s Trump Lawsuit Settlement: Curtain Call for the First Amendment?

Story from Variety:

A few weeks before the announcement in the wee hours of July 1 that Paramount Global and CBS were settling a widely derided lawsuit brought by Donald Trump against “60 Minutes” for $16 million,

Deadline: How Banijay Germany Is Bringing The Creator Economy Into The TV Production Fold

Story from Deadline:

“Being a TV production company is the basis of Banijay Germany, but we’re an entertainment business and creators are part of entertainment now, that’s a fact,” says Marcus Wolter.

Broadband TV News: Arcom intervenes to stop retransmission of Russian channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

The French media regulator is to block and delist 19 official Russian media sites subject to direct or indirect sanctions.

Advanced Television: Extreme H signs broadcast deal with Warner Bros Discovery

Story from Advanced Television:

Extreme H has signed a new multi-year agreement with Warner Bros Discovery that will bring motorsport fans live and on-demand race coverage across Europe.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety; Dan Rather on Paramount’s $16 Million Trump Settlement: ‘It Was a Sell-Out to Extortion by the President’

Story from Variety:

Legendary former CBS News anchor Dan Rather expressed disappointment Wednesday at Paramount Global‘s decision to pay $16 million to the Trump administration and settle its lawsuit over a “60 Minutes” report.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: What’s Next In The Trump-CBS, Paramount-Skydance Saga

Story from Deadline:

In the aftermath of the company’s $16 million settlement of a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump, Paramount Global CEO George Cheeks told shareholders that there was a reason to do so, even if CBS had long argued that the litigation was meritless.

Deadline: ‘Destination X’ Producer Twofour Ups David Brindley To CEO After Tim Carter Takes On ITV Studios Unscripted Role

Story from Deadline:

Destination X producer Twofour has upped David Brindley to CEO following Tim Carter‘s promotion to run ITV Studios unscripted UK.

Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Warner Bros Discovery's Cartoon Network mergers their Latin America's operations

Story from Regular Capital UK and TV Laint:

As of July 1st Cartoon Network has restructured its Latin American operations by merging its Argentina, Panregional 1 (Colombia/Venezuela), and Panregional 2 (Chile/Peru) feeds.

Advanced Television: Warner Bros Discovery’s Tour de France coverage adds new viewing features

Story from Advanced Television:

Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe is readying to present “next-level” coverage of the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift for cycling fans across Europe and Asia.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety: ‘South Park’ Creators Slam Paramount-Skydance Merger as a ‘S— Show’ and Say ‘It’s F—ing Up’ New Episodes: ‘We Hope Fans Get to See Them Somehow’

Story from Variety:

On the heels of the “South Park” Season 27 premiere getting delayed by two weeks to July 23, creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone released a scathing statement against Comedy Central parent Paramount Global, whose proposed merger with Skydance Media has still yet to close nearly a year after the companies inked the deal.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety: The CBS News Settlement Proves Trump Is Winning His War on the Press

Story from Variety:

The $16 million settlement agreed to by CBS News and President Donald Trump is not as troubling as it might, in the most extreme case, have been: It did not include an apology.

Deadline: Former Disney Channel & Fox Exec Kemal Coşkuner To Lead New Spacetoon Kids Network In Turkey

Story from Deadline:

Dubai-based family entertainment group Spacetoon is making moves in Turkey.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Deadline: Elizabeth Warren Says Paramount’s Trump Lawsuit Settlement “Could Be Bribery In Plain Sight,” Plans Bill To Restrict Presidential Library Donations

Story from Deadline:

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) is calling for an investigation of Paramount Global’s settlement of Donald Trump‘s 60 Minutes lawsuit, while vowing to introduce legislation that would “rein in corruption” via donations to presidential libraries.

Deadline: Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media JV Files For Bankruptcy, Sues Partner Trinity Broadcasting For Breach Of Contract

Story from Deadline:

Dr. Phil’s Fort Worth-based JV Merit Street Media filed for Chapter 11 on Wednesday, simultaneously suing business partner Trinity Broadcasting for breach of contract that it claims destroyed its new television network and pushed it into bankruptcy.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Hollywood Reporter: Inside CBS News, Staffers Voice Disgust, Anger, Relief and Anxiety After Trump Settlement

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The midnight settlement between Paramount Global and President Donald Trump was greeted by CBS News employees with what one called a reaction of “disgust and relief.”

Broadband TV News: RTL Group confirms RTL Nederland sale

Story from Broadband TV News:

RTL Group has confirmed it has closed the transaction on the sale of its RTL Nederland to DPG Media.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety: Paramount’s Trump Settlement Worries CBS News Staffers, Who Fear Weakening of ‘60 Minutes’

Story from Variety:

The familiar tick-tick-tick of the famous stopwatch that has been part of “60 Minutes” for decades may give way to a new sound: a loud alarm.

Variety: Asacha Media Group CEO Steps Down Following Company’s Integration Into Fremantle

Story from Variety:

Gaspard de Chavagnac has stepped as CEO of Asacha Media Group, the pan-European TV and film studio he co-founded in 2020, to focus on new media investment projects.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety; CBS Chief George Cheeks Addresses Paramount’s Trump Lawsuit Settlement: Deal Allows Company to Focus on ‘Core Objectives,’ Avoid ‘Reputational Damage’

Story from Variety:

Nine hours after Paramount Global announced a $16 million payment to President Donald Trump to settle his “60 Minutes” lawsuit, Paramount co-CEO George Cheeks — who is the head of CBS — defended the pact at the media company’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting.

Advanced Television: LFP confirms in-house Ligue 1 streaming platform

Story from Advanced Television:

Following a July 1st meeting, the Presidents of League 1 clubs, the LFP Media Supervisory Committee and the LFP Board of Directors officially announced their long rumoured, strategic project: the creation of a TV and digital platform entirely dedicated to the McDonald’s League 1, managed and led by LFP Media.

Paramount Global/Skydance merger - Variety: Paramount to Pay Trump $16 Million to Settle ‘60 Minutes’ Lawsuit

Story from Variety:

Paramount Global opted to write a $16 million check to President Donald Trump rather than fight what it had called a “meritless” lawsuit.

Advanced Television: Warner Bros International Television Production Italia appoints new senior team

Story from Advanced Television:

Following the launch of its new production label in Italy earlier this year under Stefano Torrisi, Warner Bros International Television Production has confirmed the senior leadership appointments for Warner Bros International Television Production Italia.

Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Deadline: CNN Says There’s “Nothing Illegal” About Reporting On ICE Sighting App As Trump Administration Threatens Network With DOJ Investigation

Story from Deadline:

CNN defended its report on a new app that tracks sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in users’ areas.

Advanced Television: Telia completes sale of TV & Media business

Story from Advanced Television:

Telia Company has closed the sale of its TV & Media business to Schibsted, first announced in February, at an enterprise value of SEK 6.55 billion (€0.59bn) on a cash and debt-free basis.

Deadline: Vaughn Hillyard To Join MSNBC As Network Taps Additional Correspondents In Advance Of Split From Comcast

Story from Deadline:

Vaughn Hillyard will join MSNBC as senior White House correspondent, as the network has hired a group of journalists for its team in advance of its split from Comcast and sister network NBC News.

Broadband TV News: Canal+ will not distribute new LFP channel

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ President Maxime Saada has said the platform will not carry the new LFP channel being established for the broadcast of Ligue 1 matches.

New York Post: ESPN, MLB renew media rights talks after ugly split

Story from New York Post:

There is still hope that MLB will not be leaving ESPN.

Broadband TV News: Eutelsat and SRG renew Hotbird satellite capacity agreement

Story from Broadband TV News:

Eutelsat Group and Swiss public broadcaster SSR SRG have signed a multi-year renewal of their satellite capacity agreement at Eutelsat’s Hotbird position (13° East), cementing a partnership spanning over 30 years.

Broadband TV News: Sky Deutschland replaces Discovery Channel with National Geographic

Story from Broadband TV News:

German pay-TV broadcaster Sky Deutschland is set to overhaul its documentary lineup by reintroducing National Geographic and National Geographic Wild to its portfolio, replacing Discovery Channel.