Variety: ‘Aquaman’ Star Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Says Acting in Movies Like ‘Aquaman’ Is ‘Clown Work’

Story from Variety:

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s career thus far has included an Emmy-winning turn on HBO’s “Watchmen,” awards buzz for playing Bobby Seale in “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and movies like “Candyman,” “Aquaman” and “The Matrix Resurrections.”

Hollywood Reporter; ‘House of the Dragon’ Shake-Up: Co-Showrunner Miguel Sapochnik Leaving Hit Series

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

There’s been a big shake-up inside House of the Dragon: The HBO fantasy drama’s co-showrunner and director Miguel Sapochnik is stepping down from the freshly launched hit series.

Variety: CNN Plans to Air Murdoch Documentary Originally Created for Streaming

Story from Variety:

CNN sure likes to keep ’em guessing.

Deadline: Battle Lines: BBC Insiders ‘Support Former Presenter Emily Maitlis Over Claims Of Political Meddling’

Story from Deadline:

The battle lines between the BBC and its former star news presenter Emily Maitlis continue to be drawn, with BBC insiders lending their support after she claimed a BBC board member had interfered in editorial matters as “an active agent” of the Conservative party.

Deadline: HBO Launches Production On ‘BS High,’ Doc About Football Team From “Fake” School That Got Drubbed On National TV

Story from Deadline:

Exactly one year ago today, the Bishop Sycamore high school football team took the field in a nationally televised game on ESPN, and proceeded to suffer a horrible 58-0 pounding by elite IMG Academy.

Deadline: ‘House Of The Dragon’ On HBO Up 2 Percent From Premiere

Story from Deadline:

More people were definitely keen on learning about the House Targaryen: the second episode of HBO’s House of the Dragon was up 2 percent from its Aug. 21 premiere, which amounts to 10.2 million viewers domestically across HBO Max and linear telecasts, based on a combination of Nielsen and first party data.

Deadline: Fox News Tops August Nielsen Numbers And ‘Gutfeld!’ Has Highest-Rated Month; MSNBC Sees Total Viewership Boost Vs. Last Year

Story from Deadline:

Fox News again topped the monthly ratings, as The Five topped in total viewers and Tucker Carlson Tonight won the adults 25-54 demographic in August.

Deadline: Jeff Bezos Makes Surprise Appearance At Global ‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power’ Premiere, Reveals He Gave Notes To Showrunners As Battle Of The Prequels Rages Between Amazon & HBO

Story from Deadline:

Jeff Bezos made a surprise appearance at The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power global premiere last night, joking about his notes to showrunners and son’s “Don’t f*ck it up” advice as the battle of the tentpole prequels between Amazon Prime Video and HBO’s House of the Dragon hots up.

Media Leader: It's not too late for the BBC to heed Emily Maitlis's warnings

Story from Media Leader:

Whether it’s making the BBC more accountable, or improving journalistic standards against the tide of populism, Emily Maitlis needs to be heard.

Media Guardian: The News Agents review – how Maitlis and Sopel will use their post-BBC freedom remains to be seen

Story from Media Guardian:

The biggest difference between the old and new broadcasting, it turns out, is not knowing when to tune in. When Emily Maitlis was on BBC Two’s Newsnight and Jon Sopel reporting from Washington for BBC News, you found her at 10.30pm and him at 6pm or 10pm, regular as Radio Times.

New York Post; Warner Bros. Discovery shops ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ to rivals: source

Story from New York Post:

Warner Bros. Discovery is shopping “Batman: Caped Crusader” after it shelved a slew of animated projects amid steep cost-cutting at the company, a source told The Post.

Media Guardian: Ex-BBC executive says he was blocked from board due to ‘Labour background’

Story from Media Guardian:

A former BBC executive has claimed he was blocked from a top job at the broadcaster due to fears his background in Labour politics would anger Boris Johnson’s government.

Media Guardian: Labour pledges to strengthen the BBC’s independence and protect funding

Story from Media Guardian:

Labour has pledged to strengthen the BBC’s political independence and retain it as a publicly-owned, public service broadcaster at the heart of British life, amid signs that a Tory government led by Liz Truss would wage war on the corporation.

Hollywood Reporter: Ezra Miller Meets With Warners Leadership in a ‘The Flash’ Course Correct

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

This was one of the most consequential weeks in DC’s history. Warner Bros. Discovery seems to have found the executive to lead that division’s film and TV efforts. There were funeral screenings for canceled movie Batgirl. And the moving of major tentpoles Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Shazam! Fury of the Gods revealed the shifting sands under the newly acquired studio.

Deadline; Battle Lines: BBC Insiders ‘Support Former Presenter Emily Maitlis Over Claims Of Political Meddling’

Story from Deadline:

The battle lines between the BBC and its former star news presenter Emily Maitlis continue to be drawn, with BBC insiders lending their support after she claimed a BBC board member had interfered in editorial matters as “an active agent” of the Conservative party.

Media Guardian: David Dimbleby criticises Emily Maitlis over Cummings ‘polemic’

Story from Media Guardian:

David Dimbleby has suggested Emily Maitlis’s Newsnight monologue about Dominic Cummings was more of a “polemic” and her remarks should have been phrased as questions.

Variety: HBO Max Has an Inventory Problem

Story from Variety:

A decade into the streaming revolution, seams are showing and stitches are starting to pop.

Deadline; Peter Bart: US Cable News Needs To Recruit New Anchors Amid Fears Centrist Hosts Won’t Fly

Story from Deadline:

News junkies this week are agitated over the disappearance of CNN’s Reliable Sources, but cable news network chiefs have a deeper concern: the disappearance of reliable anchors.

City AM: Ofcom gives merged BBC News channel the nod but calls for quality UK content

Story from City AM:

Ofcom have called on the BBC to guarantee that the newly merged BBC News Channel will continue to provide high quality UK news.

Hollywood Reporter: DC’s Kevin Feige Found? Producer Dan Lin in Talks to Take Control of Film, TV for Superhero Arm

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Has the new head of DC has been found?

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Hasn’t Finalized Top DC Job, ‘Lego Movie’ Producer Dan Lin Only in the Mix

Story from Variety:

From “The Lego Batman Movie” to just…Batman?

Variety: ‘The Way Down’ Pastor Takes Credit for HBO Max Woes: ‘This Is a Big Win’

Story from Variety:

The Aug. 6 address before the assembly at Remnant Fellowship — delivered to an in-person gathering in Brentwood, TN, and via webcast to anyone who might want to watch — began typically enough, with congregants watching an old video sermon from Gwen Shamblin Lara, the church’s late founder who died in a plane crash on May 29, 2021.

Deadline: Sky’s Content Pact With HBO “Will Continue One Way Or The Other”

Story from Deadline:

British pay-TV network Sky expects to continue its relationship with HBO “one way or the other,” as Warner Bros. Discovery’s plans to merge HBO Max and Discovery+ in Europe next year gather pace.

Deadline; Triggered: ‘House Of The Dragon’ Criticised For Lack Of Warning Ahead Of Birthing Scene In Debut Episode

Story from Deadline:

House of the Dragon has received criticism for its lack of a trigger warning before its dramatic first episode.

Radio Times: BBC Three boss defends broadcast ratings, says iPlayer is priority

Story from Radio Times:

The performance of BBC Three's programming on iPlayer remains top priority, the channel's controller has said – despite its much-publicised return to linear broadcasting.

Radio Times: BBC boss gives update on fate of BBC Four, CBBC amid closure plans

Story from Radio Times:

Charlotte Moore, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, has addressed the future of both BBC Four and the CBBC channel, following the announcement that both are to close.

Media Guardian: BBC says ‘in no way’ did government prompt it to censure Emily Maitlis

Story from Media Guardian:

A BBC executive has said “in no way” did the government prompt the broadcaster to censure Emily Maitlis.

Media Guardian: Emily Maitlis is finally free to say what needed saying: the BBC has lost its nerve

Story from Media Guardian:

When Emily Maitlis was growing up, everything stopped for the news. Her father would tune in religiously to the evening bulletins and nobody was allowed to interrupt the pips.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘Batgirl’ Actress Ivory Aquino Implores Warner Bros. Discovery to “Consider Releasing” the DC Film

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Batgirl actress Ivory Aquino called the lead character in the now-shelved film an “underdog and has nowhere to go but up” in a public plea to release the DC movie.

Variety; BBC Chief Content Officer Responds to Emily Maitlis’ Criticism of the Broadcaster: ‘There Was No Government Influence’

Story from Variety:

The BBC’s chief content officer Charlotte Moore responded to former “Newsnight” host Emily Maitlis’s criticism of the broadcaster.

Deadline: Channel 4 Chief Content Officer Ian Katz: “There Is Something Depressing” About Number Of UK TV Reboots

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 Chief Content Officer Ian Katz has said “there is something depressing” about the number of UK TV reboots currently in production.

Deadline: Warner Bros Holding ‘Batgirl’ Screenings For Cast And Crew On Lot This Week

Story from Deadline:

While a majority of people will never get a chance to see the Batgirl movie Warner Bros shelved earlier this month, multiple sources confirmed to Deadline that screenings are being held on the Warners lot this week for a select few.

Deadline: BBC Content Boss Charlotte Moore Takes On Channel 4’s Ian Katz Over Reboots: “Well, Channel 4 Bought ‘Bake Off’ Back”

Story from Deadline:

BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore has hit back at Channel 4’s Ian Katz’s view on TV reboots by stating “well, Channel 4 bought The Great British Bake Off back.”

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Lays Off 29 Roles in Europe as HBO Max Originals Model Shifts

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery is laying off 29 people in Europe over the next 15 months as it shifts its originals model for HBO Max, Variety has confirmed.

Hollywood Reporter: Secret ‘Batgirl’ Screenings Hit the Warner Bros. Lot

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Batgirl won’t be flying onto HBO Max screens, but a select group of insiders is getting to see the film during secret screenings on the Warner Bros. lot this week, multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.

Deadline: HBO Max Dates Four Holiday Movies Including Sequel ‘A Christmas Story Christmas’

Story from Deadline:

We hear that four holiday movies have received HBO Max release dates as of Wednesday: Legendary’s Christmas Story sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas for November 17 this year, and three yuletide titles from ESX Entertainment: Holiday Harmony and A Christmas Mystery both on November 24 and A Hollywood Christmas on December 1.

Deadline: ‘Aquaman 2’ Heads To Christmas 2023, ‘Shazam: Fury Of The Gods’ Goes To March; HBO Max Pics ‘House Party’ & ‘Evil Dead Rise’ Going Theatrical – Warner Bros. Release Date Changes

Story from Deadline:

Deadline has learned that Warner Bros is making a slew of release-date changes next year. First of all, James Wan’s Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom needs more time in postproduction, so it’s moving from March 17, 2023 to December 25, 2023.

Hollywood Reporter: Jason Momoa on Future of ‘Aquaman’ and David Zaslav’s Proposed 10-Year DC Plan: “I Just Trust Them to Make the Right Decisions”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

It seems that all eyes in Hollywood have been focused on Warner Bros. Discovery as of late, and for good reason.

New York Post: CNN’s Jake Tapper sparks Twitter outrage after sharing Salena Zito story: ‘He drank the Kool-Aid’

Story from New York Post:

CNN anchor Jake Tapper sparked fury on Twitter on Tuesday by sharing an article written by right-leaning Washington Examiner columnist Salena Zito about the race for the US Senate seat from Pennsylvania.

Media Guardian: Emily Maitlis says ‘active Tory party agent’ shaping BBC news output

Story from Media Guardian:

Emily Maitlis has said a BBC board member is an “active agent of the Conservative party” who is shaping the broadcaster’s news output by acting “as the arbiter of BBC impartiality”.

Variety: ‘House of the Dragon’ Becomes Biggest European Launch for HBO and HBO Max

Story from Variety:

“Game of Thrones” prequel “House of the Dragon” debuted on HBO Max in Europe with the largest ever audience for any new series or movie on a HBO streaming service.

Variety: U.K. Streaming Platform ITVX to Launch in November

Story from Variety:

ITVX, the upcoming streaming platform from U.K. broadcaster ITV, will launch in November.

Deadline: HBO Max VP Nikki Reed Exits Amid Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

About 70 people, or 14% of the programming operation overseen by HBO and HBO Max Chief Content Officer Casey Bloys, were laid off last week as part of cost-cutting across Warner Bros. Discovery.

Channel 4 Takeover - Media Guardian: Could Jackie Weaver be the next PM? Channel 4 seeks to find out

Story from Media Guardian:

She became a viral superstar for her calm control of an eye-poppingly chaotic parish council meeting, and now Channel 4 wants to know if people think Jackie Weaver should be prime minister.

Media Guardian: The changes at CNN look politically motivated. That should concern us all

Story from Media Guardian:

For several years, Brian Stelter’s Sunday show on CNN, Reliable Sources, has been a reliable source of intelligent criticism of Fox News, rightwing media in general, Trumpism, and the increasingly authoritarian lurch of the Republican party.

Virgin Media UK moves GB News to new EPG Number

 Virgin Media has moved GB News from Virgin UK Channel 626 to Virgin UK Channel 604.

Variety: With Brian Stelter’s ‘Reliable Sources’ Canceled, Who’s Left to Keep Tabs on the Media?

Story from Variety:

When Brian Stelter signed off from the last installment of CNN’s “Reliable Sources” Aug. 21, the number of mainstream vehicles analyzing an increasingly confusing media industry shrank even further.

Deadline: ‘Reliable Sources’ Draws 769,000 Viewers In Final Week As CNN’s Top Sunday Show

Story from Deadline:

The final episode of Reliable Sources on Sunday drew an average of 769,000 total viewers and 105,000 in adults 25-54, according to Nielsen.

New York Post: John Oliver rips HBO Max parent for canceling shows: ‘Series of tax write-offs’

Story from New York Post:

John Oliver and other comedians slammed their new parent company Warner Bros. Discovery after it pulled hundreds of shows from its HBO Max streaming service.

Deadline: ‘The Batman’ Director Matt Reeves Sets Multi-Year First Look Film Deal At Warner Bros. & Re-Ups With Warner Bros Television

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros is going all in on The Batman director Matt Reeves and his 6th & Idaho production company.

New York Post: CNN ‘blowing up’ its morning show next after Brian Stelter firing: report

Story from New York Post:

CNN brass is reportedly planning to shake up the network’s morning show “New Day” as its next move following the abrupt dismissal of ex-anchor Brian Stelter.

TBI Vision: All3 merges Maverick TV with Objective Media Group Scotland to create new label

Story from TBI Vision:

All3Media has restructured operations at Embarrassing Bodies producer Maverick Television UK and Objective Media Group Scotland, with the two companies being merged to create a new label.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘Batgirl’ Directors Reveal They Have No Footage of Shelved Film, Still Hope for Release One Day

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, the Belgian filmmakers behind the recently shelved Batgirl movie, have revealed they don’t have any footage of the film saved but are still hopeful that one day the film will be finished and released.

Deadline: ‘House Of The Dragon’ Premiere On HBO Draws Nearly 10 Million Viewers

Story from Deadline:

History was made at HBO with the debut of House of the Dragon.

Deadline: ‘House Of The Dragon’ Pulls In 2.6 Million U.S. Households, Highest Same-Day Viewership Of 2022 In Samba TV Metrics

Story from Deadline:

Natch, HBO and HBO Max had a hit on their hands with the premiere of House of the Dragon, which in Samba TV-measured U.S. households delivered 2.6 million viewers.

Variety: ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ Animated Series From Bruce Timm, J.J. Abrams, Matt Reeves Not Moving Forward at HBO Max, Will Be Shopped Elsewhere

Story from Variety:

HBO Max has canceled six upcoming animated series, including “Batman: Caped Crusader,” Variety has learned.

Variety: HBO Max Cancels Animated Family Film ‘Driftwood’ From Cartoon Network Studios

Story from Variety:

HBO Max has canceled upcoming animated feature film “Driftwood,” Variety has learned. From Cartoon Network Studios, the film was greenlit just three months ago.

Variety: ‘Little Ellen’ Co-Creator on HBO Max Removing Show, Despite 20 Unreleased Episodes: ‘It Feels Like Being Kicked to the Curb’

Story from Variety:

“Little Ellen” co-creator Jennifer Skelly found out her show would be removed from HBO Max earlier this month by reading the news.

Media Guardian: Vanessa Feltz to join TalkTV to take over Jeremy Kyle’s drivetime show

Story from Media Guardian:

Vanessa Feltz has announced she is joining TalkTV after leaving the BBC after nearly 20 years on its radio stations.

Variety: ‘Joker 2’ and New Sofia Coppola Film to Receive California Tax Credits

Story from Variety:

“Joker” was a very New York movie — so much so that tourists flocked to the Bronx staircase where Joaquin Phoenix danced in a montage.

New York Post: Guest asks ex-CNN host Brian Stelter: ‘Is John Malone responsible for axing your show?’

Story from New York Post:

A guest on Brian Stelter’s “Reliable Sources” CNN show publicly aired speculation about whether an influential billionaire was responsible for axing the left-leaning media commentary show.

TBI Vision: UK’s ITVX streamer reveals Quay Street, Tiger Aspect shows among comedy slate

Story from TBI Vision:

Soon-to-launch UK streamer ITVX has unveiled details of its upcoming comedy slate, including a remake of the Israeli show Significant Other from Nicola Shindler’s Quay Street Productions.

Variety: George R.R. Martin Urged HBO to Make ‘Game of Thrones’ Run for ’10 Seasons at Least’

Story from Variety:

With “House of the Dragon” debuting Sunday evening on HBO, “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin spoke with The Wall Street Journal about the network’s franchise, which is adapted from his hit book series.

Broadband TV News: CNN Originals Hub launches on Discovery+

Story from Broadband TV News:

The first CNN documentary titles have made their debut on Discovery+ in the United States.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘Last Week Tonight’ Host John Oliver Calls HBO Max “a Series of Tax Write-Offs to Appease Wall Street”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

John Oliver took a couple of jabs at HBO Max on Sunday’s Last Week Tonight — which, of course, airs on HBO.

Deadline: ‘House Of The Dragon’ Premiere On HBO Max Crashes App For Some Subscribers

Story from Deadline:

The much-anticipated Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon premiered on HBO Max with some hiccups for some subscribers. As the first episode was launched online, some users reported the app crashing which prompted them to seek help.

Deadline: John Oliver Takes Jab At HBO Max For Pulling Shows “To Appease Wall Street”

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver took another swipe at all the changes happening at Warner Bros. Discovery and this time he addressed the shows getting pulled from HBO Max.

Advanced Television: PSBs call for sports rights protection

Story from Advanced Television:

The heads of UK public service broadcasters (PSBs) BBC and ITV have written an open letter warning that so-called ‘Crown Jewel’ sporting events such as the Olympics and the football World Cup risk going behind a paywall unless the Government proceeds with new legislation, amid fears that proposed media legislation could be dropped by Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s successor.

Media Guardian: Brian Stelter rebukes CNN on final show: ‘It’s not partisan to stand up to demagogues’

Story from Media Guardian:

Brian Stelter, host of CNN’s media affairs show Reliable Sources which was cancelled last week after 30 years on air, used his final episode on Sunday to make a pointed rebuke of the network’s new bosses and their intention to pursue a more “neutral voice” to its coverage.

Media Guardian: BBC staff to publish damning report on planned merger of news channels

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC’s plan to merge its two rolling news channels could suffer a setback this week when staff publish a damning report that claims the move will have a negative effect on news coverage across BBC radio, TV and online.

Deadline: 'The Batman' Director Matt Reeves Sets Multi-Year Warner Bros Film Deal, Re-Ups With WBTV

Story from Deadline:

What’s that, you say? There’s a new show about dragons on HBO tonight?

Daily Mail: Sky Sports are behind ECB decision to stop staging England Test matches in August, with next year's Ashes set to finish in July for the first time ever to avoid clashing with the Premier League

Story from Daily Mail:

The ECB's controversial decision to stop staging England matches during August was the result of a request from Sky Sports, who are eager to avoid international cricket clashing with their Premier League football coverage.

New York Post: Axed Brian Stelter says ‘CNN must remain strong’ in final ‘Reliable Sources’ show

Story from New York Post:

“Reliable Sources” host Brian Stetler said goodbye to viewers Sunday following the show’s cancellation, warning that “CNN must remain strong” and calling his role patriotic in a dramatic final monologue.

Daily Mail; Mark Lawrenson: The football results are part of our heritage. They are sacrosanct. For the BBC to cut them is madness. They have lost the PLOT

Story from Daily Mail:

The reading of the football results at 5pm on a Saturday is part of the BBC’s heritage. To do away with it is absolute madness and I am beside myself about it. What a joke.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘Loki’ Composer Natalie Holt on Finding the Title Theme and Landing Danny Elfman’s Blessing for ‘Batgirl’

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Natalie Holt has had a busy 12 months that included landing two Emmy nominations for Loki, working with idol John Williams on Obi-Wan Kenobi and meeting with Danny Elfman in preparation for her work on HBO Max’s now-canceled Batgirl film. But when Holt began her journey on Loki, all of those things seemed rather unimaginable.

Deadline: Brian Stelter Signs Off On ‘Reliable Sources’ Finale: “CNN Must Remain Strong”

Story from Deadline:

Brian Stelter signed off from CNN on Sunday with the final edition of Reliable Sources, telling viewers that “CNN must remain strong,” while his guests warned throughout the hour of the threats facing the media and democracy.

Deadline: CNN Boss Chris Licht Warns Anxious Staffers Over “More Changes” After Axing Of ‘Reliable Sources’ And Exit Of Brian Stelter

Story from Deadline:

CNN’s chairman and CEO Chris Licht told anxious staffers Friday that more changes are coming to CNN, as he addressed the news of Brian Stelter’s exit following the cancellation of his Sunday show Reliable Sources.

Hollywood Reporter: After ‘House of the Dragon,’ Will Warner Bros.’ World of Westeros Fly or Fail?

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

When House of the Dragon, HBO’s big-budget prequel to Game of Thrones, premieres Sunday night, the future of the Targaryen family won’t be the only thing at stake.

EXCLUSIVE: "Warner Bros. Discovery are in very hot water"

Media Boy UK Sources has today told me that Warner Bros. Discovery are in very hot water apparently something to do with the Warner Bros. Discovery merger, no other info was given.

I feel it will be HBO or DC.

©Copyright 2022 Media Boy UK 2006 - 2022. A ''Doing it my way'' Production.

Variety: Ryan Gosling in Talks to Join Margot Robbie in ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ Reboot

Story from Variety:

Ryan Gosling is in talks to join Margot Robbie in Warner Bros.’ new “Ocean’s Eleven” reboot, Variety can confirm.

Daily Mail: Sky Sports chief Adam Smith DEFENDS British record £26.95 price for Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua II as he names it 'biggest fight of the year'... and he confirms interest in keeping the Ukrainian on Sky

Story from Daily Mail:

Sky Sports chief Adam Smith has defended the British record £26.95 pay-per-view price for Anthony Joshua's crucial rematch against Oleksandr Usyk.

New York Post: CNN boss Chris Licht warns ‘more changes’ are on the horizon after Brian Stelter exit

Story from New York Post:

CNN boss Chris Licht told staffers that “more changes” are coming following this week’s announcement that “Reliable Sources” host Brian Stelter will exit the network and his show will be canceled.

New York Post; Lineup refresh: Brian Stelter ‘taken off guard’ by CNN ouster

Story from New York Post:

CNN personality Brian Stelter is leaving the network during an ongoing shakeup at the left-leaning cable news outlet.

Hollywood Reporter: CNN Staff Brace for Change as Chris Licht Era Starts to Take Shape

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

On Friday morning, CNN CEO Chris Licht addressed the decision to cancel the Sunday show Reliable Sources, and told staff on the news channel’s 9 a.m. editorial call that there will be more changes to come.

Variety: HBO Max Removes About 200 ‘Sesame Street’ Episodes

Story from Variety:

Brought to you by the letters G-O-N-E: The content purge at HBO Max continues as the streaming platform has pulled about 200 older episodes of classic kids’ show “Sesame Street.”

BizAisa: Utsav Gold to exclusively broadcast Asia Cup 2022 in UK

Story from BizAisa:

Utsav Gold has acquired the UK rights to broadcast the Asia Cup 2022, starting Saturday 27th August until Sunday 11th September 2022.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Cuts Four Top OWN Execs

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery has let go of four top executives, including Karen Grant-Selma and Jennifer Giddens, at the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Variety has learned exclusively.

New York Post: CNN’s news coverage should be ‘more centrist’: John Malone

Story from New York Post:

Key Warner Bros. Discovery shareholder John Malone reportedly denied involvement in CNN’s decision to axe Brian Stelter this week and cancel his “Reliable Sources” program – but called for the network to return to non-partisan coverage.

Media Leader: HBO partners with Snap to bring dragons to life

Story from Media Leader:

In the latest augmented reality marketing campaign via Snapchat, HBO Max is partnering with the social media and tech company to bring dragons from HBO’s upcoming Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon to life around the world.

Deadline; International Insider: Warner Bros. Discovery Exits

Story from Deadline:

Barely a week goes by without Warner Bros. Discovery tinkering with its international offering and this past one was no different, as it exited its shareholding in fledgling UK news network GB News and said goodbye to HBO Max International Originals chief Jennifer Kim.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Chief David Zaslav Ignores HBO Layoffs While Praising ‘House of the Dragon’ Team in Staff Memo

Story from Variety:

In a memo to staff on Friday, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav gave a major company-wide shoutout to the team that has worked on Sunday’s “House of the Dragon” premiere, while avoiding any talk of the significant layoffs that hit HBO and streamer HBO Max earlier this week.

Variety: The Media industry’s debt dilemma

Story from Variety:

With the current macroeconomic slowdown and increased recession risk, the Federal Reserve has been on an interest-rate hiking spree.

Daily Record: SPFL to 'invite' TV rights bids from Sky rivals IF broadcasting giant rejects extra bundles

Story from Daily Record:

SPFL chiefs will aim to entice other broadcasters if Sky don't take up their first refusal on extra match packages accompoanying Scottish football's new TV deal.

Variety: Ryan Kadro, News Veteran, Joins CNN to Develop New Morning Show

Story from Variety:

CNN has enlisted a new executive to help it generate programming ideas.

Deadline: ‘The Fungies!’ Creator Slams HBO Max For Pulling Jennifer Coolidge-Voiced Animated Series

Story from Deadline:

Stephen P. Neary, creator of animated series The Fungies!, has slammed HBO Max for pulling his Jennifer Coolidge-voiced show from the service.

New York Post: MSNBC’s Alex Wagner beats CNN with 2M viewers in debut

Story from New York Post:

Alex Wagner’s MSNBC debut racked up 2 million total viewers on Tuesday night, thumping CNN’s 9 p.m. show but still falling short of surpassing Fox News’ Sean Hannity.

Deadline: HBO Max Offers Discounts Of Up To 42% To New And Returning Subscribers

Story from Deadline:

Against the eventful corporate backdrop of Warner Bros Discovery trimming expenses and trying to convince Wall Street of its strategy, the company is offering limited-term discounts on streaming service HBO Max for both new and returning subscribers.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Sets CEE, Baltics, Middle East, Med And Turkey Management Team

Story from Deadline:

The latest piece of the international Warner Bros. Discovery management puzzle has slotted into place, as the wider reshaping of the business continues.

Variety: Brian Stelter to Exit CNN After ‘Reliable Sources’ Is Canceled

Story from Variety:

And now some news about the news program that covers the news.

Deadline: Chad Stahelski & Warner Bros’ Assassin Movie ‘Shibumi’ Finds Writer In Matthew Orton, Stahelski To Direct

Story from Deadline:

John Wick franchise director Chad Stahelski has a number of irons in the fire at the moment. Among the buzzy projects on the go is assassin movie Shibumi at Warner Bros, which has now found a writer in Operation Finale scribe Matthew Orton.

Media Boy UK Views: This won't happen but

Media Boy UK HQ feel that Disney's Marvel Studios and Warner Bros Discovery's DC Entertainment need to merge and own by Disney (50%) and Warner Bros. Discovery (50%).

©Copyright 2022 Media Boy UK 2006 - 2022. A ''Doing it my way'' Production.

The Telegraph: Discovery offloads GB News stake as channel builds £60m war chest

Story from The Telegraph:

GB News has secured £60m of fresh investment as part of an ownership shake-up in which the Hollywood titan Warner Bros. Discovery has sold its stake in the fledgling news network.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery to Divest in Right-Leaning U.K. TV Startup GB News One Year After Launch

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery is set to sell its stake in GB News, the U.K. news channel that launched in June 2021 as a right-leaning alternative to the likes of the BBC and ITV News.

Bloomberg UK: Warner Bros. Discovery to Sell Stake in GB News

Story from Bloomberg UK:

Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. will sell its stake in British television startup GB News as part of a £60 million fundraising round.

Deadline: ‘Summer Camp Island’ Creator Reacts To HBO’s Max’s Decision To Pull The Series “Like We Were Nothing”

Story from Deadline:

Summer Camp Island creator Julia Pott is sharing her disappointment with HBO Max’s decision to pull the series as part of an upcoming content purge in unscripted and animated genres.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Exits GB News Investment

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery has exited its shareholding in fledgling UK news channel GB News, having been bought out by existing backers Legatum Ventures Limited and Sir Paul Marshall. GB News Co-founders Andrew Cole and Mark Schneider have also resigned as directors.

Variety: HBO Max, Amid Content Purge, Launches 30% Discount Offer

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery is eager to lock in HBO Max customers on annual plans — even as the streamer is culling dozens of titles in a cost-cutting effort.

Variety: Yes, the CW’s Average Viewer Is Actually 58 — Here’s How the Rest of Broadcast Stacks Up

Story from Variety:

The CW was only founded 16 years ago, and throughout that short life, it’s been known as both the youngest broadcaster and the broadcaster with the youngest audience.

Daily Mail: Young adults watch SIX times less broadcast TV than OAPs as entertainment generation gap hits new high, report reveals

Story from Daily Mail:

The generation gap in broadcast TV viewing has hit a new high, with young adults watching six times less than the over-65s, the media regulator revealed yesterday.

Variety: HBO Max to Remove 36 Titles, Including 20 Originals, From Streaming

Story from Variety:

HBO Max will remove 36 titles from its service as early as this week, Variety has confirmed.

Variety: Synanon Documentary Set at HBO From Director Rory Kennedy

Story from Variety:

A documentary about the rehab center turned cult Synanon is in production at HBO Documentary Films, Variety has learned exclusively.

Hollywood Reporter: Why Warner Bros. Discovery’s Issues Are Beyond ‘Batgirl’

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Months before the Justice Department blessed the $43 billion Warner Bros. Discovery merger, 30 members of Congress warned the agency in a letter that the resulting competition vacuum could allow the newly formed giant to ignore what consumers want. Among the antitrust concerns they pressed was that it could dampen diverse and inclusive programming — which has become a common criticism after Warner Bros. Discovery canned its $90 million HBO Max film Batgirl, the first DC movie led by a Latina, Leslie Grace.

Variety: Food Network and HGTV Set Four Scripted Holiday Movies at Discovery+ Featuring Ben and Erin Napier, Bobby Flay and More

Story from Variety:

Following last year’s premiere of “Candy Coated Christmas,” featuring Food Network star Ree Drummond, Discovery+ is getting even more into the scripted holiday spirit with two new Christmas movies from Food Network — and the first two ever from HGTV, Variety has learned exclusively.

Hollywood Reporter: Robert De Niro, Barry Levinson Team for Warner Bros. Gangster Drama ‘Wise Guys’

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warners’ first original feature of the Warner Bros. Discovery era is here … and it’s a period mobster drama fronted by two Hollywood veterans.

Broadcast Sport: ITV scores NFL rights touchdown

Story from Broadcast Sport:

ITV has agreed a three-year broadcast deal with the NFL, 15 years after it last showed the competition in 2007.

Broadcast Sport; Premier Sports CEO: Viaplay takeover could take us to the next level

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Premier Sports CEO Richard Sweeney believes the company’s acquisition by Viaplay could help them move to the next level.

Deadline: Terry Press & John Goldwyn To Advise At Warner Bros Discovery

Story from Deadline:

Former CBS Films President and DreamWorks marketing head Terry Press and former Paramount Vice Chairman John Goldwyn will be informal advisers to Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, Deadline has confirmed.

Hollywood Reporter: Layoffs Hit HBO Max: Casey Bloys Reshapes Leadership Structure

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

As expected, layoffs have hit Casey Bloys’ HBO Max and HBO teams.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery OneFifty, HBO Max Swoop on Vee Bravo Documentary ‘Primera’

Story from Variety:

In a deal negotiated by Leslie Cohen, senior vice president of acquisitions for HBO Max, the streaming platform has joined Warner Bros. Discovery OneFifty to acquire the poignant Vee Bravo documentary, “Primera,” a gripping look into the Chilean protests that proved a turning point in the fight against Pinochet-era induced economic strife.

Variety: HBO Content Chief Casey Bloys Explains Restructure, Layoffs in Memo to Staffers

Story from Variety:

HBO/HBO Max chief content officer Casey Bloys sent a memo to employees this afternoon, explaining the decision by Warner Bros. Discovery to layoff 70 employees, or 14% of his workforce, as the company restructures.

Variety: HBO/HBO Max Laying Off 70 Staffers as It Shuts Down Streamer’s Reality Unit and Restructures Other Departments

Story from Variety:

After weeks of speculation, Warner Bros. Discovery is ready to reveal some of the changes that will take place at HBO Max, in advance of next year’s anticipated combination of the HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming services. And as expected, HBO Max will downsize its reality programming department.

Yorkshire Post: Government officials told Channel 4 to delete parts of annual report 'at odds' with privatisation

Story from Yorkshire Post:

Email exchanges between the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Channel 4 released under Freedom of Information laws reveal Government officials sought a total of ten changes to the annual report - including removing three separate references to the broadcaster’s “long-term sustainability”.

Variety: CNN Parts Ways With Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin

Story from Variety:

Jeffrey Toobin, the veteran legal analyst and writer who has opined on cases and the courts for CNN since 2002, appears to have offered his last testimony at the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet.

New York Post: ‘Batgirl’ Leslie Grace could fly despite Warner Bros. shelving film

Story from New York Post:

“Batgirl” Leslie Grace may not have to hang up her cape just yet.

Daily Mail: 'They don't seem to want to question anything': Crimewatch star Sue Cook blasts BBC over 'shameful' box-ticking

Story from Daily Mail:

Former Crimewatch presenter Sue Cook has criticised the BBC’s ‘shameful’ reporting, claiming the broadcaster is concerned with ticking ‘woke boxes’.

ITV: ITV to show LaLiga in new three season deal

Story from ITV.com:

ITV will broadcast LaLiga in a new three season deal announced today.

Variety: ‘Batgirl’ Movie Axing Spawns Hilarious #HBOMaxJustCanceled Trend

Story from Variety:

The recent decision by Warner Bros. Discovery to shelve the nearly finished DC superhero movie “Batgirl” left fans confused and outraged. But it has also yielded a trove of fantastic memes.

Daily Mail: LBC steal in on the BBC after announcing they will broadcast the classified results service at 5.05pm

Story from Daily Mail:

The BBC’s rivals LBC on Thursday announced that they will broadcast the classified football results at 5.05pm every Saturday during the season.

Deadline; Peter Bart: David Zaslav’s “Gap Year” Is Ending At A ‘Psycho’ Moment For The Entertainment Industry

Story from Deadline:

David Zaslav is a busy man, but I think he would benefit from a meeting with Alfred Hitchcock. They had this in common: Facing cycles of disruption, each decided to call a “time out” to gain perspective and design new strategies.

Variety: Inside the Confusing State of DC, From Huge ‘Joker 2’ Paydays to the Search for Their Kevin Feige

Story from Variety:

When Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav spoke to investors on Aug. 4, the very first question was about his decision, announced two days earlier, to cancel the release of DC comics adaptation “Batgirl,” taking the HBO Max production (as well as “Scoob!: Holiday Haunt”) as a tax write-down instead.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery’s ‘Batgirl’ Blunder spoils a solid strategy

Story from Variety:

HBO Max is in solid shape, and it’s likely to stay that way. The impressive tide of HBO originals will continue flowing. In-demand content from Discovery brands like HGTV and Food Network will soon be folded into its library, broadening the potential audience.

The Telegraph: GB News beats TalkTV to Virgin Media channel slot

Story from The Telegraph*:

GB News has outmuscled Rupert Murdoch's TalkTV to secure a channel slot on Virgin Media that will bolster its fight for viewers.

The Telegraph: Murdoch battle for viewers with GB News triggers bidding war

Story from The Telegraph*:

Rupert Murdoch's TalkTV and its rival GB News are locked in a bidding war over a channel slot on Virgin Media that would aid their struggle to attract viewers.

New York Post: Warner Bros. may pull ‘The Flash’ amid Ezra Miller legal woes

Story from New York Post:

“The Flash” may be left in the dust by studio executives.

Media Leader: Holy Budget Cuts, Batman!

Story from Media Leader:

As Warner Bros. Discovery send the Batgirl movie (permanently) back to the Batcave…

Variety: What Warner Bros. Games must get right under Warner Bros. Discovery

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s second-quarter earnings call last week was one of the more significant events of the overall earnings season.

Variety: Disney Beats Quarterly Expectations, Disney+ Soars to 152 Million Subscribers

Story from Variety:

The Walt Disney Co. powered up a strong June quarter, highlighted by a 14.4 million gain in Disney+ streaming subscribers and a robust rebound in theme park revenue — topping Wall Street expectations on most metrics.

Media Leader: Just how big is Warner Bros. Discovery’s debt problem?

Story from Media Leader:

Warner Bros. Discovery has over $53bn in debt. How big of an issue is it for the recently-merged company?

Deadline: Princess Diana Police Investigations Explored By Channel 4 & Discovery+

Story from Deadline:

The story of the two police investigations into the death of Princess Diana is to be told in a rare co-production for Channel 4 and Discovery+.

Hollywood Reporter: David Zaslav’s Hollywood Doctrine; “Make Sure We Get Paid”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In 2015, David Zaslav compared the industrywide rush to scripted TV to a kids’ soccer game — all players are clumped around the ball, while the rest of the field is wide open. “It’s quite crowded, it’s pretty expensive, and it’s looking more and more like the movie business,” the then-Discovery CEO said, explaining why his executive team wouldn’t join the Peak TV fray.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery CFO Buys $500,000 in Stock

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The stock of Warner Bros. Discovery dropped sharply on Aug. 5 after the recently merged Hollywood conglomerate cut its profit projections and CEO David Zaslav, CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels and their team outlined course corrections to entertainment business strategies pursued by WarnerMedia when it was owned by AT&T.

Media Guardian: BBC stands firm on decision to scrap classified football results on Radio 5 Live

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC has refused to back down over its decision to scrap the classified football results on Radio 5 Live and said that continuing to broadcast the full service would “constrain the number of sports we could cover”.

Media Guardian: The classified results still gave fans joy – even if we all knew the scores

Story from Media Guardian:

It doesn’t take much for a media storm to brew. Take something traditional, ditch it without giving any notice and stand back to assess the damage. Removing the classified football results from the BBC Sports Report programme at 5pm on a Saturday was always going to set teeth gnashing up and down the country.

Deadline: Discovery+ Unveils Trailer, Sets Premiere Date For ‘House Of Hammer’; Docuseries About Armie Hammer & His Family’s Legacy

Story from Deadline:

Discovery+ has revealed the debut date and released the trailer for House of Hammer, a new docuseries that promises to dig into the accusations leveled against actor Armie Hammer and how the legacy of his wealthy family may have contributed to his downfall.

Hollywood Reporter: DC Films “Reset” Adds More Confusion for Warner Bros.’ Slate

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

“We’ve done a reset.” That’s how Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav described DC on Aug. 4, days after he made the call to shelve the $90 million HBO Max film Batgirl. The mogul said there’d now be a team that would create a “10-year” plan for DC, although who’s on that team is unclear.

Advanced Television: S&P; Warner Bros Discovery outlook remains positive

Story from Advanced Television:

Credit ratings agency S&P Global Ratings has confirmed its positive outlook on Warner Bros Discovery (WBD; BBB-/positive/A-3) is unchanged after the company reported its first quarterly results post-merger and lowered its 2022 and 2023 EBITDA guidance.

Advanced Television: A+E Networks launching Crime+Investigation Play in UK

Story from Advanced Television:

Dean Possenniskie, Managing Director at A+E Networks UK & EMEA, has announced that A+E Networks EMEA will launch a dedicated direct-to-consumer destination for true crime, Crime+Investigation Play, in the UK on September 5th.

Hollywood Reporter: DC’s ‘Strange Adventures’ Scrapped at HBO Max

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Another DC Comics property has gotten the axe at HBO Max.

New York Post: Don Lemon rejects ‘narrative’ that CNN is moving toward political center

Story from New York Post:

CNN anchor Don Lemon pushed back on the notion that his new boss, Chris Licht, is attempting to push the left-leaning network toward the center – dismissing reports about the shift as a “narrative” concocted by the media.

New York Post: Fans call for Warner Bros. to pull ‘Flash’ amid Ezra Miller felony charges

Story from New York Post:

Fans of upcoming “The Flash” movie demanded Warner Bros. Discovery pull the superhero flick on Tuesday — a day after star Ezra Miller was charged with felony burglary.

Variety: Lionsgate’s ‘Fall’ Used Deepfake-Style Tech to Change 30-Plus F-Bombs, Bringing Movie From R to PG-13 Rating

Story from Variety:

The filmmakers behind indie action-thriller “Fall” were facing kind of a big freaking problem.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Sets Out Germany Management Team; Discovery Deutschland Exec Alberto Horta To Exit

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s European operation continues to take shape, with Hannes Heyelmann today unveiling his German management team. The shake-up sees the departure of Discovery Communications Deutschland Deputy Managing Director Alberto Horta.

Digital TV Europe: Lionsgate could close Starz sale by end of fiscal year, holds back from international streaming expansion

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Lionsgate could be in a position to close the sale of its channels and streaming business by the end of its current fiscal year, and will look closely at the value of its existing international distribution in order to maximise its value, according to CEO Jon Feltheimer.

Variety: HBO Max Claims It Has Finished Moving Apps a More Stable ‘Tech Stack’

Story from Variety:

HBO Max customers pulling their hair out over slow and glitchy performance may finally find some relief.

Deadline: John Oliver Slams New “Business Daddy” Warner Bros. Discovery: “I Get The Sense You’re Burning Down My Network For The Insurance Money”

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver took his first major swipe at his new “business daddy” Warner Bros. Discovery.

New York Post: CNN’s Stelter admits Hunter Biden scandal ‘not just a right-wing media story’

Story from New York Post:

Looks like CNN’s Brian Stelter got the memo from the network’s new owners about discussing ‘facts’ — even when it relates to the once-taboo subject of Hunter Biden.

Variety: HBO Orders Superhero Movie-Making Comedy Pilot From ‘Veep’ Creator Armando Iannucci, Sam Mendes to Direct

Story from Variety:

HBO has ordered a comedy pilot about the making of a superhero movie, Variety has learned.

Variety: ‘Scoob!: Holiday Haunt’ Producer Reveals Score Being Recorded After Film’s Axing: ‘Already Paid for the Stage and Musicians’

Story from Variety:

Although Warner Bros. Discovery has officially pulled the plug on release plans for “Scoob!: Holiday Haunt,” a followup to the 2020 animated film “Scoob!,” the film isn’t quite done with work yet. Producer Tony Cervone, who directed the first “Scoob!,” has revealed that the production is still recording the film’s score, despite the official cancellation.

Variety: Kevin Smith Slams Warner Bros. for Axing ‘Batgirl’ but Still Releasing ‘The Flash’: ‘That Is Baffling’

Story from Variety:

Kevin Smith spoke out against Warner Bros.’ axing of “Batgirl” during the latest episode of his “Hollywood Babble-On” YouTube show.

Digital TV Europe: SVOD sees decline in UK

Story from Digital TV Europe:

The UK’s economic crisis may be hitting subscription streaming services, with the number of households with access to an SVOD service declining.

Broadband TV News: TVN Warner Bros. Discovery scores record Facebook and Instagram figures

Story from Broadband TV News:

Poland’s TVN Warner Bros. Discovery had a total of almost 12 million subscribers on Facebook and Instagram in the first half of this year.

Media Guardian: ‘Talk about an OG’: BBC ditches classified football results on Radio 5 live

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC has marked the end of an era by discontinuing its classified football results service on 5 live, ending a British radio institution that has been broadcast since the 1950s.

Digital TV Europe: HBO Max comes back to AT&T

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Hot off the news that it is to launch a combined streaming offer in 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery has announced an agreement with US telco AT&T to offer its customers access to HBO Max.

Broadband TV News: ITVX reveals autumn exclusives

Story from Broadband TV News:

ITV has given details of some of the exclusive programmes that will feature on the streaming platform when it goes live this autumn.

Deadline: Amid Layoffs, How David Zaslav Might Deal With J.J. Abrams, DC’s Walter Hamada & Warner Bros. Pictures Chiefs Mike De Luca & Pam Abdy

Story from Deadline:

If there was one thing that the turbulent week at Warner Bros. Discovery displayed, it’s just how quickly conventional wisdom can change from one regime to the next, when each is trying to gin up the stock price for Wall Street.

Variety: ‘Batgirl,’ David Zaslav and the End of Streaming Evangelism in Hollywood

Story from Variety:

Five years almost to the day after it began, Hollywood’s evangelistic fervor for streaming has been extinguished this week by the “Batgirl” imbroglio.

Media Guardian: Batgirl star Leslie Grace thanks fans for ‘love and belief’ following film’s cancellation

Story from Media Guardian:

Leslie Grace, the star of Warner Bros’ Batgirl film, has spoken out after the studio’s decision to cancel the release of the movie across all platforms.

Variety: Zaslav’s Contrarian Bet on the Future of the Media Biz

Story from Variety:

When everyone else is going right, Warner Bros. Discovery’s CEO David Zaslav is going left. But so far, it’s a lot of promises made, with little execution to show.

BBC News: Batgirl filming wasted a month of our business

Story from BBC News:

It was the only movie to have been filmed entirely in Glasgow - a cinematic first that audiences will no longer get to see now the plug has been pulled on Batgirl.

EXCLUSIVE: New app testing on TiVo boxes

A new app is testing on TiVo boxes saying "local name" only when you go into it STV Player appeared.

Media Guardian: Cancel culture is rife at newly merged HBO and Warner Bros isn’t immune either

Story from Media Guardian:

There’s a wonderful novel by the Japanese writer Yōko Ogawa called The Memory Police, which portrays an island community living under a strange form of repression: every now and again, something is taken from them – it might be photographs, or rose petals, or hats – and not only do the objects disappear but all references, memories and language associated with them.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Took $825M Hit For Content Write-Downs, $208M For Layoffs In Q2

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery Friday detailed its charges for the second quarter that included a combined $825 million hit on the content side, including $496 million for content impairment and $329 million for content development write-downs, as well as $208 million for employee terminations for the three months ended June.

Variety: ‘Batgirl,’ David Zaslav and the End of Streaming Evangelism in Hollywood

Story from Variety:

Five years almost to the day after it began, Hollywood’s evangelistic fervor for streaming has been extinguished this week by the “Batgirl” imbroglio.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Takes $825M Write-Down on Content Following High-Profile DC Axings and TBS-TNT Cancellations

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Just how much content has Warner Bros. Discovery axed since the WarnerMedia merger just a few months ago? $825 million worth.

Variety: Why HBO Max May Already Have Lost the International Streaming Race

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery says it will merge HBO Max and Discovery+ into a single platform that is commercially and technologically viable. But the conglomerate looks like it will be playing catch-up in streaming markets outside the U.S. for many years to come.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Plunges Following Earnings Loss and Forecast Revisions

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery shares were battered Friday on the heels of its after-market second-quarter earnings report on Thursday that revealed the depth of the financial and operational pressures that the newly enlarged conglomerate is facing.

New York Post: CEO of Warner Bros. parent cut ‘Batgirl’ because he ‘didn’t believe in it’

Story from New York Post:

Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav didn’t mince words about the company’s controversial decision to cancel releases for “Batgirl” and “Scoob!: Holiday Haunt.”

Hollywood Reporter: DC Films’ Walter Hamada Was on the Brink of Exit After ‘Batgirl’ Cancellation

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Amid the shelving of the HBO Max film Batgirl and the clear desire of Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav to find new leadership for the DC universe, DC Films president Walter Hamada has come to the verge of exiting the studio and consulted with counsel, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.

Variety: Kevin Feige, James Gunn and Edgar Wright Reached Out to ‘Batgirl’ Directors After Warner Bros. Axed Their Film

Story from Variety:

“Batgirl” co-director Adil El Arbi revealed on Instagram that several high-profile Hollywood names have reached out to him and fellow “Batgirl” director Bilall Fallah in the aftermath of Warner Bros. shelving their comic book movie.

Advanced Television: Combined HBO Max, Discovery+ to launch in 2023

Story from Advanced Television:

Warner Bros Discovery has revealed further details about its plan to combine SVoD services HBO Max and Discovery+ into one offering.

Media Guardian: Sky Sports pundits face the media; ‘We’re better than BT Sport’

Story from Media Guardian:

Sitting side by side on high stools in the Monday Night Football studio in front of an invited audience fielding questions from the presenter Dave Jones, the pundits Roy Keane, Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville do not so much resemble a crack team of in-house analysts assembled to publicise Sky Sports’ coverage of the imminent Premier League season as a has-been boy band announcing a comeback tour prompted by multiple mid-life crises or a large bill from HMRC.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Brass Stress Commitment To HBO Brand As They Mull Name For Combined Streaming Service

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery plans to launch its streaming service that combines the assets of HBO Max and Discovery+ next summer in the U.S., the company said during its quarterly earnings call Thursday. With a target date set, there is a lot to figure out in the coming months, including what the consolidated platform will be called.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Down 15% After Earnings Debut As Wall Street Sees “Post-Merger Growing Pains”

Story from Deadline:

Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery continued to fall Friday, down more than 15%, after its first combined financials report featured a big net loss, disappointing revenue, high debt and a slower outlook for streaming amid anticipate post-merger growing pains.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery To “Spend Dramatically More” On HBO/HBO Max & “Lock Up” Majority Of Casey Bloys’ Top Team

Story from Deadline: 

Warner Bros. Discovery is doubling down on HBO and HBO Max.

Hollywood Reporter: Deciphering Warner Bros. Discovery’s Recent Moves

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

It’s the talk of the town: anxiety over the future merging of Discovery+ and HBO Max. This week has been filled with insane rumors as film and TV creators grapple with the uncertainty of just how both platforms will be combined.

Variety: Watch HBO Shows for Free? Warner Bros. Discovery Says It’s Exploring No-Cost, Ad-Supported Streaming Option

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery is looking to pull a FAST one — telling investors the company is mulling the launch of a free, ad-supported TV (FAST) service stocked with content from its portfolio of brands to complement its premium subscription biz.

New York Post: Warner Bros. Discovery misses on earnings, shares plunge 10% in after-hours trading

Story from New York Post:

Warner Bros. Discovery posted weaker-than-expected second quarter earnings Thursday and announced the merger of its two most popular streaming services would be completed by next summer.

Hollywood Reporter: DC Will Have 10-Year Plan Akin to Marvel’s Playbook, Says David Zaslav

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Just two days after Warner Bros. Discovery made the stunning move to cancel the HBO Max film Batgirl, an unapologetic CEO David Zaslav sought to reassure Wall Street there is a cohesive plan for the future of DC.

Variety: ‘The Flash’ Release Still a Go Despite Ezra Miller Scandals, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO ‘Very Excited’

Story from Variety:

“The Flash” movie starring Ezra Miller is still a go, despite the actor’s numerous scandals this year.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery CEO Defends Axing ‘Batgirl’; ‘We’re Not Going to Put a Movie Out Unless We Believe in It’

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav addressed the company’s controversial decision this week to cancel releases for “Batgirl” and “Scoob!: Holiday Haunt,” during the company’s Q2 earnings call on Thursday.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms Kids’ Content Cuts

Story from Deadline:

Kids and animated content are set for a broad swath of cuts across Warner Bros. Discovery.

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav; “We Will Fully Embrace Theatrical”

Story from Deadline:

In a complete about-face from the business strategy employed by former WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar, Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav made it firm today that the new merged entertainment conglomerate “will fully embrace theatrical.” Period.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Details New Streaming Plans; U.S. Launch of Combined Service in Summer 2023, Free AVOD Service to Follow

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery executives outlined the company’s plans in streaming Thursday, revealing that the new global service will launch in the U.S. in summer 2023, with other markets to follow.

Variety: HBO Max, Discovery+ to Merge Into Single Streaming Platform Starting in Summer 2023

Story from Variety:

Is the whole of a combined HBO Max-Discovery+ greater than its streaming parts? Warner Bros. Discovery is going to find out next year.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Down 15% After Earnings Debut As Wall Street Sees “Post-Merger Growing Pains”

Story from Deadline:

Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery continued to fall Friday, down more than 15%, after its first combined financials report featured a big net loss, disappointing revenue, high debt and a slower outlook for streaming amid anticipate post-merger growing pains.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Logs Big Q2 Loss on Content and Merger Costs

Story from Variety:

Combining the former WarnerMedia with the company once know as Discovery Communications took a lot of work. Executives at the newly combined Warner Bros. Discovery can’t rest yet.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Reports 92.1M Combined Streaming Subscribers In First Full Earnings Since Merger

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

For the first time since WarnerMedia and Discovery Inc. merged earlier this year, the combined Warner Bros. Discovery reported full quarterly earnings, outlining its plan to fully integrate the two companies, and find billions of dollars in cost savings along the way.

Digital TV Europe: Tax write-offs, disappearing content and mass redundancies; HBO Max set for radical change

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streaming service HBO Max appears to be on the verge of a self-inflicted collapse.

CNBC: HBO Max is under new management, and fans are worried about the fate of shows like ‘Hacks’, ‘Peacemaker’ and ‘South Side’

Story from CNBC:

Fans of popular HBO Max original shows and movies are anxiously awaiting to hear their fate as rumors swirl that major changes are underway at the streaming service.

Variety: James Gunn Says ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Is ‘Safe’ at HBO Max After ‘Batgirl’ Axed: ‘Guys, Calm Down’

Story from Variety:

James Gunn is assuring DC fans that “Peacemaker” Season 2 is in fine shape at HBO Max, despite the recent news that Warner Bros. has killed “Batgirl” from being released either on the streamer or in theaters. “Peacemaker,” a spinoff of Gunn’s movie “The Suicide Squad,” starring John Cena in the title role, was a big hit for HBO Max when it debuted at the start of 2022. A second season was officially announced in February.