Media Leader: BBC confirms local radio post closures

Story from Media Leader:

The BBC has confirmed it plans to make jobs cuts within its local radio services as part of its digital-first strategy.

RXTV; Confirmed: Two BBC TV regions to close within weeks

Story from RXTV:

BBC local news programmes from Cambridge and Oxford will be axed the week before Christmas.

Desi Entertainment via Virgin Media UK to close on November 4th

My TiVo box has reveal that Desi Entertainment (Virgin UK Channel 800) will close on November 4th.

Variety: Amazon Studios Names Warner Bros. Vet Sue Kroll Head of Marketing

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. alum Sue Kroll has been named head of marketing for Amazon Studios after serving as lead consultant on the streamer’s extensive rollout campaign for the first season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”

Media Leader: ITV CEO Carolyn McCall’s vision for TV and streaming

Story from Media Leader:

ITV CEO Carolyn McCall discusses the launch of ITV’s new streaming service ITVX, where it fits into her vision to digitally transform the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, and what’s next for ad-funded television as Netflix and Disney+ enter the arena.

Media Guardian: High court dismisses James Dyson libel claim against Channel 4 News

Story from Media Guardian:

A high court judge has dismissed a libel claim brought by Sir James Dyson against Channel 4 over allegations of exploitation of workers at one of his suppliers’ factories.

Digital TV Europe: Virgin Media O2 reported to have given up on TalkTalk acquisition

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Virgin Media O2 has abandoned plans to acquire smaller rival TalkTalk due to regulatory and credit concerns, according to a report in the Telegraph newspaper.

Media Leader: CNN names new chief digital officer, ‘signals cuts to Originals and staff’

Story from Media Leader:

CNN has named Athan Stephanopoulos executive vice president and chief digital officer of CNN worldwide.

Deadline: ‘DC’s Stargirl’ Will End After Season 3 At The CW

Story from Deadline:

DC’s Stargirl is coming to an end. The series will conclude with its third season, which is currently airing on The CW.

Deadline: ‘House Of The Dragon’ Author George R.R. Martin Muses On The Many Ways The Series Could Have Started

Story from Deadline:

George R.R. Martin, whose novel Fire & Blood is the basis for HBO’s House of the Dragon television series, claims he doesn’t get his way on everything concerning the script.

Media Guardian: BBC local radio stations face big cuts to content made for their area

Story from Media Guardian:

BBC local radio stations could be left with just a handful of programmes specific to their area under proposals set to be announced this week.

Daily Mail: Moment transgender singer strips NAKED live on Channel 4

Story from Daily Mail:

This is the moment a transgender comedian stripped completely naked mid-song before playing the keyboard with her p**** on live television.

TVB Europe: Channel 4 ‘exploring non-profit trust’ ownership

Story from TVB Europe:

Broadcaster Channel 4 is reportedly exploring the possibility that it could be acquired by a non-profit trust as an alternative to privatisation.

TV Zone: ITV presentation refresh set for early November

Story from TV Zone:

TV Zone are posting that all ITV linear channels are set for a presentation refresh, and in some cases a rebrand, from early November.

Media Guardian; Bound for the reload: how DC’s new maestro James Gunn rebuilt his career

Story from Media Guardian:

When James Gunn was sacked as director of Guardians of the Galaxy 3 in 2018, he must have wondered if his career in Hollywood was over just as it had really started to catch fire.

TBI Vision: NBCUniversal hires Turner exec to work across alternative entertainment

Story from TBI Vision:

NBCUniversal has landed Warner Bros. Discovery exec Jenny Ramirez to work across its unscripted output.

Deadline: CNN To Scale Back Original Series And Films As It Looks To Move Longform In House

Story from Deadline:

CNN is scaling back on original series and films and is looking to move to in-house production, citing costs as the network looks to cuts in division budgets.

New York Post: CNN layoffs loom as Chris Licht warns staffers shakeup ‘will accelerate’

Story from New York Post:

CNN President Chris Licht signaled layoffs are imminent, telling the embattled network’s staffers that the pace of its ongoing internal shakeup “will accelerate” by the end of the year.

New York Post; Megyn Kelly says it’s ‘too late’ to save CNN: ‘Already told half the country they hate them’

Story from New York Post:

Megyn Kelly said there’s no redemption for ratings-challenged cable news channel CNN because the network has “already told half the country that they hate them.”

Deadline: CNN CEO Warns Of “Unsettling” Changes Coming To Network That Will Impact Employees, Budgets

Story from Deadline:

CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht on Wednesday warned staffers that there would be “noticeable change” to the network that will affect employees, budgets and projects.

Deadline; As Courtenay Valenti Exits Warner Bros, Production Boss Won’t Be Idle For Long: The Dish

Story from Deadline:

Friday, we hear, is Courtenay Valenti’s last day as Warner Bros President of Production and Development after we told you first last month that she was exiting the Burbank, CA lot after a 33-year run.

New York Post: CNN layoffs loom as Chris Licht warns staffers shakeup ‘will accelerate’

Story from New York Post:

CNN President Chris Licht signaled layoffs are imminent, telling the embattled network’s staffers that the pace of its ongoing internal shakeup “will accelerate” by the end of the year.

Deadline: BBC News International Supremo Lyse Doucet On “Fighting For The License Fee” In Ukraine, Covering Warzones & “Painful” World Service Cuts

Story from Deadline:

Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s international news supremo, has said she felt she was “fighting for the license fee” when broadcasting for weeks on end in Ukraine earlier this year, as she opened up about covering warzones, “painful” World Service cuts and the digital news revolution.

Deadline: CNN Taps Athan Stephanopoulos As Chief Digital Officer

Story from Deadline:

Athan Stephanopoulos has been tapped by CNN to serve as executive vice president and chief digital officer of CNN Worldwide.

Advanced Television; UK Lords: BBC funding responses show lack of urgency

Story from Advanced Television:

The Communications and Digital Committee of the House of Lords, UK parliament’s upper legislative chamber, has published responses from the Government and BBC to its report, Licence to change: BBC future funding.

Media Leader: The BBC shouldn’t trade truthful reporting for impartiality

Story from Media Leader:

In today’s climate, the BBC can’t afford to sacrifice contextual, in-depth reporting in the name of ‘balance’.

Media Guardian: LBC draws level with 5 Live as BBC loses ground to commercial rivals

Story from Media Guardian:

LBC has drawn level with 5 Live in the battle for radio audiences, as commercial stations continue to challenge their BBC equivalents.

Deadline; Government Report Criticizes Ex-UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries Over Channel 4 Faked Doc Claims: “Integrity Is Vitally Important”

Story from Deadline:

Former UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has been strong criticized by a British government report over her claims a Channel 4 documentary used actors.

Hollywood Reporter: Layoffs to Hit CNN as CEO Chris Licht Tells Staff That Restructuring “Will Accelerate” Soon

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

CNN will see layoffs and other cuts in the coming weeks, as the global news division responds to a worsening economic climate and as Warner Bros. Discovery continues its effort to bring together the WarnerMedia and Discovery businesses.

CNBC: CNN chief Chris Licht has big ideas, but employees are nervous, and more job cuts are coming

Story from CNBC:

CNN CEO Chris Licht started conducting a business review of the news network when he agreed to take the job in April.

Hollywood Reporter: George R.R. Martin Says ‘The Winds of Winter’ Is Now Three-Quarters Finished

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

George R.R. Martin is giving a specific update on his Winds of Winter progress.

New York Post: James Gunn, Peter Safran to co-lead newly formed DC Studios

Story from New York Post:

The search for new DC Universe executives is over.

Media Leader: Is LBC the new BBC?

Story from Media Leader:

LBC seems to be profiting from a confluence of trends, as well as the BBC’s misfortune.

Hollywood Reporter; DC Shocker: James Gunn, Peter Safran to Lead Film, TV and Animation Division

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The hierarchy of power in the DC universe really is changing.

Hollywood Reporter: With ‘Black Adam,’ Dwayne Johnson Puts His “Franchise Viagra” Reputation to the Test

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In 2015, the cast of Saturday Night Live crooned about Dwayne Johnson being “franchise Viagra” during the actor’s opening monologue.

Deadline: Former WWE Marketing Manager Michelle Donelan Reappointed UK Culture Secretary

Story from Deadline:

Former WWE marketing manager Michelle Donelan has been reappointed UK Culture Secretary, with responsibility for the future of the BBC and Channel 4.

Variety: ‘House of the Dragon’ Finale Surpasses ‘Game of Thrones’ for Sky, HBO – Global Bulletin

Story from Variety:

The series finale of “House of the Dragon” has overtaken “Game of Thrones” for Sky in the U.K. and HBO internationally.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery to Take up to $4.3 Billion in Post-Merger Restructuring Charges, Including up to $2.5 Billion in Content Write-Offs

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery, trying to right-size its cost structure on the balance sheet, said it will incur a total of between $3.2 billion and $4.3 billion in pre-tax restructuring charges related to Discovery’s acquisition of WarnerMedia.

Variety; Henry Cavill: ‘I Am Back as Superman’

Story from Variety:

The Man of Steel returns!

New York Post; ‘The Flash’ sequel already written despite Ezra Miller drama: report

Story from New York Post:

“The Flash” — led by the controversial Ezra Miller — has yet to be released for audiences to decide if it’s a blockbuster or a flop.

Media Guardian: BBC takes Martine Croxall off air for potential breach of impartiality over Johnson

Story from Media Guardian:

A BBC News presenter has been taken off air over a “potential breach of impartiality” after Boris Johnson pulled out of the Conservative leadership race.

Clean Feed: ITV broadcast channel refresh on 3rd November

Story from Clean Feed:

As exclusively revealed on Clean Feed and the Pres Café forum yesterday, ITV will be introducing new on-screen presentation across its portfolio of broadcast channels on 3rd November.

Digital TV Europe: Warner Bros build ‘living NFT’ around Lord of the Rings movie

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has joined forces with Content Blockchain pioneer Eluvio to launch “a multimedia living NFT” based around the movie version of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord Of The Rings.

Variety; Box Office: ‘Black Adam’ Debuts at No. 1 With $67 Million, ‘Ticket to Paradise’ Scores $16 Million

Story from Variety:

“Black Adam,” a superhero adventure starring Dwayne Johnson as a villain who promises to change the “hierarchy of power” in the DC universe, towered over box office charts with $67 million in its domestic debut.

Deadline: ‘House Of The Dragon’ Showrunner Ryan Condal Promises More War And Humour Coming In Season Two

Story from Deadline:

The House of the Dragon bosses are promising the second season will deliver more of the thrills and spills familiar to the millions of Thrones fans tuning in, along with more humour along the lines of the original series.

Metro: Channel 4 confirms Krishnan Guru-Murthy won’t be reinstated this week despite backlash to punishment and Tory leadership chaos

Story from Metro:

It’s been a chaotic week in the world of UK politics.

Media Guardian; Murdoch’s succession: who wins from move to reunite Fox and News Corp?

Story from Media Guardian:

This week’s 200th anniversary soiree for the Sunday Times gathered some of the biggest names in media at the headquarters of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts in London’s Piccadilly to celebrate one of the jewels of Rupert Murdoch’s empire.

CONFIRM: Virgin Media UK to move 8 channels to new home soon

Reports are coming in that Virgin Media UK is set to move a following channels to new EPG homes:

Deadline: Warner Bros Names Jesse Ehrman To President Production & Development; Promotes Three

Story from Deadline:

In what has been heavily buzzed around town, Jesse Ehrman has been named President, Production and Development at Warner Bros Pictures.

Variety: CNN Starts Push to Promote New Morning-Show Trio

Story from Variety:

CNN hopes it can warm people up to its new morning program.

Media Guardian: ‘Government in death spiral’: broadcasters’ remarks on an extraordinary day in UK politics

Story from Media Guardian:

Absolute abject chaos. A government in its death spiral. Utter turmoil. Chaos on all fronts.

Digital TV Europe: Anyone for tennis? Amazon poised to exit the court

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Media reports are circulating that Amazon Prime has decided to pull out of the UK live tennis rights market, five years after it shook up the status quo.

Media Leader: Warner Bros. to sell ‘Fellowship of the Ring’ as NFT

Story from Media Leader:

Warner Bros. is set to become the first major studio to sell a film as an NFT.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom launches consultation on BBC iPlayer archive expansion

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom has announced a consultation into proposals by the BBC to increase the amount of archive content on BBC iPlayer.

Media Guardian: Krishnan Guru-Murthy taken off air for swearing about Steve Baker

Story from Media Guardian:

The Channel 4 News anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy has been taken off air for a week after he was caught making an offensive comment off-camera about the Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker.

Media Guardian: MPs condemn Nadine Dorries for claims Channel 4 faked TV show

Story from Media Guardian:

Nadine Dorries has been told she is not credible by MPs after continuing to maintain that Channel 4 faked a reality TV programme – despite the denials of everyone involved in making the show.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Grapples With the Cost of Cutting Pipeline Programs

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

As Warner Bros. TV Group underwent a round of layoffs in October, the news that garnered the most attention seemed to catch the leadership of the newly merged Warner Bros. Discovery off guard: the shuttering of Warner Bros. TV Group’s long-running writer and director workshops.

Hollywood Reporter: Audie Cornish’s CNN Podcast to Premiere Next Month

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Audie Cornish, the venerated NPR host who left the public radio giant in January to join CNN and the now-shuttered CNN+, will premiere her first podcast with CNN Audio, The Assignment With Audie Cornish, on Nov. 17.

Variety: U.K. Broadcaster Channel 4 Launches Digital-First Brand Channel 4.0

Story from Variety:

U.K. public service broadcaster Channel 4 is launching a new digital-first brand titled Channel 4.0.

Digital TV Europe: ITV Studios sell-off rumours spike company share price

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Speculation that UK media group ITV might sell off some or all of its production & distribution arm ITV Studios sent the company’s share price up by 8% on Monday.

Broadband TV News: Amazon to end UK tennis coverage

Story from Broadband TV News:

Amazon Prime will stop broadcasting coverage of international tennis tournaments in the UK after 2023.

Deadline: Dwayne Johnson Says He’s “Very Confident About The Direction Of The DC Universe”

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery’s film studio has been through a series of shake ups this year, most recently with the exit of Courtenay Valenti, the ascendance of Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy and the unsuccessful negotiations with Dan Lin to run DC. Despite the tumult, the studio has one very powerful ally as it tries to find its cadence.

Deadline: DC Films Boss Walter Hamada Has Departed Studio As Warner Bros Discovery Finalizes Exit

Story from Deadline:

After 15 years at Warner Bros and four as the president of DC Films, Walter Hamada has finally left the Burbank, CA lot. Sources tell Deadline the exec is waiting for the senior Warner Bros Discovery brass to finalize his exit payout.

Broadcast Sport: Prime Video to end tennis deal from 2023

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Prime Video is reportedly set to end its tennis broadcasting deal in 2023.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay to launch in UK on November 1

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay has received approval from the Irish authorities for its merger with Premier Sports.

Media Guardian: BBC prepares secret scripts for possible use in winter blackouts

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC has prepared secret scripts that could be read on air if energy shortages cause blackouts or the loss of gas supplies this winter.

Advanced Television; BT: Sports JV will reduce revenue

Story from Advanced Television:

BT has suggested that the formation of the sports joint venture between BT Sport and Eurosport UK will reduce reported BT Group revenue for FY23 by c.£300 million (€345m) to £350 million.

Deadline: UK Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan Wishes BBC Well As Government Sets Aside Grievances On Public Broadcaster’s 100th Birthday

Story from Deadline:

The BBC turns 100 today and it appears the centenary is helping to build bridges between the UK public and the Conservative government — at least in the short term.

Media Guardian; BBC at 100: the next decade that could determine fate of broadcaster

Story from Media Guardian:

Today is the BBC’s 100th birthday. But after a century on air, its next few years are likely to determine whether the BBC survives in a recognisable form by the end of the decade.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Extends ‘Inside The NBA’ Hosting Deals for Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery just sent a bright signal about its intentions regarding the NBA.

New York Post: CNN’s Jim Acosta reportedly safe as rumors of exit called ‘absolute bulls–t’

Story from New York Post:

CNN anchor Jim Acosta’s job is reportedly safe for the time being despite rumors that he could be ousted during an ongoing shakeup by the struggling cable network.

Daily Record: Graeme Souness 'set to leave' Sky Sports as Rangers legend at centre of broadcaster's latest shake up

Story from Daily Record:

Graeme Souness will step down from his Sky Sports punditry duties as the end of the 2022/23 season, according to reports.

Variety: Murdochs Mull New Combination of Fox, News Corp.

Story from Variety:

Rupert Murdoch is considering getting the whole gang together again — a new combination of the two big media companies his family controls.

Deadline; John Oliver Takes Dig At HBO’s ‘House Of The Dragon’ For Dark Scenes: “It’s Genuinely Hard To Watch”

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver was back for another episode of Last Week Tonight and this time he’s taking digs at HBO’s own House of the Dragon.

Deadline; ‘Unbelievable Me’: Warner Bros. Discovery Behind Human Adversity TV Series

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery is behind a TV show telling real life stories of people overcoming severe medical conditions to show human bravery, with Netflix’s Amazing on the Inside producer Future Studios and distributor TVF International shopping Unbelievable Me at Mipcom Cannes this week.

Deadline: Tim Roth-Starring Paramount+ Australia Drama ‘Last King Of The Cross’ Sold To Sky

Story from Deadline:

Tim Roth-starring Australian drama Last King of the Cross has been picked up by Sky in Europe, marking the first major sale of the Paramount+ series as it heads to Mipcom Cannes.

Media Guardian: The floundering of GB News and Talk TV reveals a dark truth about the mainstream media

Story from Media Guardian:

It couldn’t have happened to a nicer channel. GB News, it appears, has lost half its value since it launched last year. Shareholder Discovery sold its stake in the channel in August, with accounts lodged after the sale showing that its 25% share of the company, bought initially for £20m, was offloaded for just £8m.

Rumour: Are ITV PLC set to rebrand ITV back to ITV1 next month?

Rumour: The Web is reporting that ITV will soon be rebranded back to ITV1 when ITVX launch in "Early November".

Radio Today: BBC Radio 4 presenter apologises after Miriam Margolyes swears on-air

Story from Radio Today:

Actress Miriam Margolyes managed to squeeze in two swear words on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday following an interview about Robbie Coltrane.

Media Leader; ITV CEO McCall: our competition has moved beyond broadcast

Story from Media Leader:

ITV’s main competitors are not necessarily other broadcasters or global streaming services, but “anyone that takes eyeballs away” like social media and digital companies, CEO Carolyn McCall has told The Future of Media.

Digital TV Europe: Streaming giant Netflix joins UK measurement panel BARB

Story from Digital TV Europe:

After years of keeping its viewing figures shrouded in mystery, streaming platform Netflix has joined the BARB audience measurement panel; the first time the SVOD platform has signed up to an official industry currency.

Media Guardian: Rupert Murdoch considering merging Fox and News Corp once again

Story from Media Guardian:

The two parts of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire are discussing a merger nearly a decade after they split.

Media Guardian: Netflix launches £4.99 package with adverts to lure cost-conscious streamers

Story from Media Guardian:

Netflix is to broadcast adverts for the first time in the UK from 3 November, as the streaming giant launches a new £4.99 monthly package in an effort to reignite its stalled global growth.

Media Guardian: Gary Lineker found in breach of BBC guidelines with Tory donors tweet

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC has found Gary Lineker in breach of the broadcaster’s own impartiality guidelines after he tweeted about the Conservative party taking money from Russian donors.

Media Guardian: Backlash against Channel 4 show that may destroy works by Hitler and Picasso

Story from Media Guardian:

Channel 4 has come under fire over plans for a new show that will allow a studio audience to decide whether Jimmy Carr should destroy a painting by Adolf Hitler.

Hollywood Reporter: DC’s ‘Legion of Super-Heroes’ Sets Voice Cast With Meg Donnelly and Harry Shum Jr. to Star

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Supergirl is headed to the 31st century with Legion of Super-Heroes, an upcoming animated feature due out early next year from Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

Media Guardian: Channel 4 buys painting by Hitler – and may let Jimmy Carr destroy it

Story from Media Guardian:

Channel 4 has bought a painting by Adolf Hitler and will allow a studio audience to decide whether Jimmy Carr should destroy it.

Variety: Dwayne Johnson on His Future Advising DC After ‘Black Adam’ and Why He’s ‘Optimistic’ About a Potential Marvel Crossover

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has stated that the studio is seeking out DC’s answer to Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige, whose leadership shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Could that person at the helm of DC Films be “Black Adam” star Dwayne Johnson?

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery TV Marketing Executives Tricia Melton & Jill King Exit

Story from Deadline:

Tricia Melton, Chief Marketing Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics, and company veteran Jill King, SVP, Marketing and Partnerships, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, will be leaving at the end of the year; the latest senior executives to depart Warner Bros. Discovery following the completion of the Discovery-WarnerMedia merger.

Media Leader; UKTV restructure: North and Watsham take on bigger remits

Story from Media Leader:

UKTV execs Steve North and Richard Watsham have been given expanded remits as part of a restructure.

New York Post: Cartoon Network’s future in doubt as Warner Bros. Discovery slashes costs

Story from New York Post:

The future of The Cartoon Network has been thrown into question as the cable channel gets gutted by corporate parent Warner Bros. Discovery, whose CEO David Zaslav is looking to trim at least $3 billion from the sprawling media giant.

Hollywood Reporter; Warner Bros. Discovery’s Karen Horne on Workshop Reversal: “This Was Always Our Plan”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Fewer than 24 hours after the shuttering of Warner Bros. Television Group’s long-running writers and directors workshops prompted outcry and lament from industry creatives — and a challenge from the Directors Guild of America — Warner Bros. Discovery announced that the workshops weren’t dead after all: They were simply being relocated from the TV division to the company’s corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team.

Deadline: CNN Comes In Third In Total Viewers, Second In Demo With Jake Tapper’s Debut Night Featuring Joe Biden Interview

Story from Deadline:

The first night of Jake Tapper’s stint as host of CNN Tonight, featuring a heavily promoted interview with President Joe Biden, drew an average of 854,000 viewers in the 9 PM ET hour, according to Nielsen numbers.

Deadline: ‘Glee’ Controversies Explored In Discovery+ Docuseries From Ample Entertainment

Story from Deadline:

Discovery+ and ID are exploring the real story behind Fox’s hit series Glee.

Hollywood Reporter: CNN’s New Morning Show Title Is a Throwback to Chris Licht’s CBS Days

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

CNN wants to launch its new morning show ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery Makes U-Turn On Closure Of Writers & Directors Workshops, Moves Initiatives To Diversity Unit

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery has performed a quick U-turn on its decision to close its Writers and Directors Workshops.

Deadline: Discovery+’s ‘Million Dollar Wheels’ To Air On TNT In Latest Sign Of Corporate Synergy

Story from Deadline:

Discovery+’s Million Dollar Wheels, the unscripted series exec produced by Jamie Foxx, is getting a linear launch on sibling linear network TNT in the latest example of corporate synergy at Warner Bros. Discovery.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Layoffs: Streaming Marketing Latest Division To Be Hit

Story from Deadline:

The Warner Bros. Discovery layoffs continue.

Deadline: Parul Agrawal Named Head Of Drama At Warner Bros. Television

Story from Deadline:

Parul Agrawal, a longtime drama executive at Warner Brothers Television, has been promoted to SVP and head of drama development.

The Sun: VAR set to make its Scottish football debut next week as first match revealed

Story from The Sun:

VAR will make its debut in the Scottish Premiership next week when Hibs face St Johnstone at Easter Road.

Deadline: TNT Acquires British Drama Series ‘The Lazarus Project’ As Kathleen Finch Insists T-Nets Remain Committed To Scripted Originals

Story from Deadline:

TNT is looking to a British drama series – The Lazarus Project – to plug its scripted gap as Kathleen Finch maintains that the cable network remains in the scripted business.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery U.S. Networks Group Boss Looks to Sports for Scripted Future at TNT and TBS

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In the wake of the $43 billion Warner Bros. Discovery merger, it’s often overlooked that the streaming-focused conglomerate also owns dozens of linear cable networks outside of CNN and HBO.

Hollywood Reporter; Warner Bros. TV Workshop Alumni React to Program’s Shutdown: “It Is the Gold Standard”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Screenwriters across the industry are mourning the long-running Warner Bros. Television Workshop, which newly merged studio Warner Bros. Discovery is shutting down after more than 40 years.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom launches investigation into GB News vaccine show

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom has opened an investigation into an episode of the Mark Steyn programme on GB News featuring author and journalist Dr Naomi Wolf.

Deadline: Jake Tapper Starts Primetime Gig With Joe Biden Interview; POTUS Talks Of Vladimir Putin’s Nuclear Saber-Rattling And Addresses Son Hunter Biden’s Legal Trouble

Story from Deadline:

Joe Biden, in an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, said that he doesn’t think that Russian President Vladimir Putin would use a tactical nuclear weapon but that it was “irresponsible” for him to talk about it.

Advanced Television: Ex-ITV chairman warns of PSB existential threat

Story from Advanced Television:

Sir Peter Bazalgette, the former chairman of UK commercial public service broadcaster ITV, has suggested that the UK public service broadcasting system is “undoubtedly facing an existential threat”.

Media Guardian: EFL will consider lifting Saturday 3pm blackout in next TV deal

Story from Media Guardian:

Lifting the Saturday 3pm blackout is one option the English Football League will consider in the sale of its next television and media rights.

Variety: Warner Bros. TV Group Lays Off 82 Staffers, Consolidates Some Unscripted and Animation Departments in Belt-Tightening Restructure

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Television Group handed out pink slips to 82 staffers on Tuesday, representing 19% of the studio’s workforce, across its scripted, unscripted and animation divisions.

Variety; George R.R. Martin: ‘House of the Dragon’ Needs 40 Episodes to Tell Full Story, Paddy Considine ‘Deserves an Emmy’

Story from Variety:

George R.R. Martin wrote in an Oct. 11 blog post that “House of the Dragon” will need to run a total of 40 episodes if it wants to fully tell the story of the Targaryen civil war, commonly referred to as the Dance of Dragons.

Deadline: Warner Bros TV Workshop & Stage 13 Shut Down As Part Of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc Cuts

Story from Deadline:

Layoffs are underway at Warner Bros Television Group on Tuesday.

Media Guardian: King to star in The Repair Shop for BBC’s centenary celebrations

Story from Media Guardian:

King Charles will star in a special episode of The Repair Shop later this month as part of events to mark 100 years since the BBC was established.

From now until October 25th, Virgin Media offers free Asian channels for Diwali

What Asian Channels are being free on Virgin Media for Diwali?

Hollywood Reporter: Brooke Karzen Exits as Head of Warner Horizon Unscripted

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

After a more than two-decade run, Brooke Karzen is stepping down from her role as exec vp and head of Warner Horizon Unscripted Television.

Hollywood Reporter: More Layoffs Coming Tuesday at Warner Bros. Discovery

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Another round of layoffs is coming Tuesday at Warner Bros. Discovery.

Broadcast Sport: S4C launches own Wrexham AFC documentary series

Story from Broadcast Sport:

S4C will premiere its own Wrexham AFC documentary series, Wrecsam…Clwb Ni! (Our Club!), this week, following Disney+’s look at the club following Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney takeover.

Daily Mail: SPFL vow to pursue a sponsor for VAR in a bid to lower the annual cost

Story from Daily Mail:

The SFA are finalising plans to introduce Video Assistant Referees to the SPFL Premiership by the end of this month.

Media Guardian: Netflix reports £1.4bn revenue last year from UK subscribers

Story from Media Guardian:

Netflix, the US streaming service with hits including The Crown and Stranger Things, has revealed its annual revenue from UK subscribers for the first time – £1.4bn in 2021 – after changing its accounting practices in a move that also resulted in a big increase in its corporation tax payment to almost £7m.

Hollywood Reporter: John Oliver Refers to NFL’s ‘Monday Night Football’ as “Primetime Programming Where People Kill Themselves for Entertainment”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

John Oliver took a jab at the NFL on Sunday’s Last Week Tonight, going as far as saying the sport shouldn’t exist.

Deadline; ‘Titans’ Season 4 Teaser Trailer: HBO Max Confirms Premiere Date & Previews Beast Boy’s Supersuit

Story from Deadline:

The Titans will be returning to HBO Max starting Thursday, November 3 for their fourth season, the streaming platform confirmed. After the two-episode premiere, one episode will be dropped weekly through December 1.

Deadline: Amazon Prime Video To Share ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Season Five UK Premiere With Channel 4 Following MGM Buy

Story from Deadline:

Amazon Prime Video is to co-premiere The Handmaid’s Tale for the first time in the UK with Channel 4.

Deadline: Monty Python’s John Cleese Joins GB News To Front “Free Speech” Show

Story from Deadline:

Comedy star John Cleese is returning to British TV by making a show for right-leaning channel GB News.

Advanced Television: BBC acquires 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships rights

Story from Advanced Television:

BBC Sport has secured full broadcasting rights to the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland, extending its long-term commitment to the coverage of major UCI events.

Broadband TV News: Magnus Brooke to run ITV group strategy

Story from Broadband TV News:

ITV is to combine its strategy and policy teams under Magnus Brooke, the current director of policy and regulation, who has been promoted to also take board responsibility for group strategy.

Media Guardian: CNN ‘deeply regrets’ distress caused by report on Thailand nursery killings

Story from Media Guardian:

CNN has said it deeply regrets any distress caused by its report on the nursery killings in north-east Thailand, after its footage of the building’s blood-stained floor sparked a police investigation and a debate over how the media should cover such tragedies.

Variety: ‘Mexican Week’ on ‘Great British Baking Show’ Comes Under Fire for Stereotypes and Pronunciation Disasters

Story from Variety:

Sombreros, serapes and maracas, horrible pronunciations, jokes about Mexican stand-offs, and really strange-looking tacos — did the “Mexican Week” episode of “The Great British Baking Show” leave any stereotypical stone unturned?

Deadline: Don Lemon Says Goodbye To CNN Primetime Show With Emotional Farewell Ahead Of Morning Show Debut

Story from Deadline:

Don Lemon bid farewell to his primetime show on CNN after more than eight years of hosting Don Lemon Tonight.

RXTV: BT Sports moves Headquarters

Media Web site RXTV has reveal that BT Sport has moved out of Here East, Hackney Wick, London and into Warner Bros. Discovery UK base in Chiswick. RXTV is reporting that BT Sport is now being run by Warner Bros. Discovery.

Deadline: ‘House Of The Dragon’ Showrunner Ryan Condal Extends Overall Deal With HBO

Story from Deadline:

Ryan Condal succeeded where others failed — out of half-dozen or so writers who took a stab at co-creating a Game Of Thrones prequel with author George R.R. Martin, Condal’s House of the Dragon was the one to make it to series at HBO.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘The Penguin’ Enlists ‘Mare of Easttown’ Director Craig Zobel

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The Penguin, HBO Max’s upcoming The Batman spinoff, has found a director to helm the first two episodes.

Deadline: Veteran UK Broadcaster David Dimbleby Lifts Lid On How The Royal Family Controlled Its Image At Queen’s Funeral

Story from Deadline:

One of the UK’s most revered broadcasters has revealed the level of control exerted by the British Royal Family over broadcasters’ rights for the Queen’s funeral.

Variety: David Nevins Out at Paramount Global

Story from Variety:

Longtime Paramount Global exec David Nevins is exiting the company, Variety has learned.

Broadcast Sport: BT Sport renews TV deal with Professional Squash Association

Story from Broadcast Sport:

BT Sport is to remain the Professional Squash Association (PSA)’s official British broadcast partner after renewing its multi-year partnership with the federation.

Channel 4 Takeover - Media Guardian: James Dyson sues Channel 4 for libel over news report

Story from Media Guardian:

The billionaire businessman James Dyson is attempting to sue Channel 4 over a news report about claims of abuse and exploitation in the Malaysia factory of a former supplier to his firm.

Deadline: Jim Sciutto Absent From CNN ‘Newsroom’ As He Takes Personal Leave, Expected Back In Several Weeks

Story from Deadline:

Jim Sciutto, CNN’s chief national security correspondent and co-anchor of its morning Newsroom newscast, has been absent from the show for the past two days in what is said to be a personal leave.

Deadline: Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Black Adam’ To Wake Up Fall Moviegoers With $65M-$70M Opening

Story from Deadline:

Given the wonky marketplace, studios haven’t been really bullish about putting advance box office projections out there. No one wants to get over their skis.

Deadline: ‘The Batman’ Actor Barry Keoghan Shares Riddler Audition Tape That Landed Him The Joker Role

Story from Deadline:

Barry Keoghan made a cameo at the end of The Batman as the Joker but the actor said he originally wanted to play The Riddler.

Deadline: ‘Rock The Block’ Renewed For Season 4 By HGTV; Jonathan Knight, Bryan & Sarah Baeumler Among Competitors

Story from Deadline:

Rock the Block will be back for a fourth season. HGTV has renewed the hit renovation competition series hosted by Ty Pennington (Battle on the Beach) for a new six-episode season. It’s slated to premiere in March.

Deadline: Donald Trump Sues CNN For $475 Million Over “Big Lie” References

Story from Deadline:

Donald Trump fired off his latest defamation lawsuit against a news outlet Monday, this time seeking $475 million in punitive damages from CNN over what his lawyers say was an effort to “defame the Plaintiff in the minds of its viewers and readers for the purpose of defeating him politically.”

Deadline: Two Senior CW Execs Depart In Wake Of Nexstar Takeover

Story from Deadline:

Two senior executives at the CW — Rick Haskins, president of streaming and chief branding officer, and finance chief Mitch Nedick — are departing the network as Nexstar assumes control.

Deadline: Ryan Nobles Moves To NBC News From CNN

Story from Deadline:

Ryan Nobles is joining NBC News after eight years at CNN.

Deadline: John Oliver Recognizes Kim Kardashian’s Influence In Helping Solve Art Fraud Scheme

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver was back on HBO and HBO Max with a new episode of Last Week Tonight where Kim Kardashian got a special mention.

Media Leader: Local radio stole the show, BBC stars then upped their game

Story from Media Leader:

We’ve become so used to the standard political interview, but a series of ‘car crash’ local radio interviews has been followed by much sterner tests for Liz Truss on national broadcasts.

Digital TV Europe: GB News appoints Geoff Marsh as digital boss

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Conservative newscaster GB News has announced the appointment of Geoff Marsh as its chief digital officer.

Advanced Television: Heineken Champions Cup on ITV

Story from Advanced Television:

European club rugby will be shown free to air on ITV under a new deal that will see live coverage of the Heineken Champions Cup shown from this season.

Advanced Television: ZEE, Sony Indian merger approved

Story from Advanced Television:

India’s Competition Commission (CCI) has finally approved the merger between ZEE Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Network India.

TBI Vision: Warner Bros. Discovery names Casey Bloys as chairman & CEO of HBO/HBO Max

Story from TBI Vision:

Casey Bloys has been named chairman and CEO of HBO and HBO Max.

Broadband TV News: Ex-HBO Max executive Anna Putts joins Netflix

Story from Broadband TV News:

Anna Putts has been appointed the new marketing director of Netflix in Central and Eastern Europe and will take up her new role in the middle of this month.

Broadband TV News: TalkTV moves up Virgin Media EPG

Story from Broadband TV News:

TalkTV has secured a more prominent slot within the Virgin Media EPG, moving from 627 to 606.

Broadband TV News: Channel 4 & Sky deal keeps Formula 1 highlights FTA for 2023 season

Story from Broadband TV News:

Channel 4 has renewed its partnership with Sky, ensuring that motorsport fans will be able to enjoy free-to-air Formula 1 coverage on the terrestrial broadcaster throughout the 2023 season.

Broadband TV News: BT Sport secures rugby’s Heineken Cup

Story from Broadband TV News:

BT Sport will continue to be the home of live European club rugby until the end of the 2023/24 season after agreeing a rights extension with governing body ECPR.

Broadband TV News: GB News loses half its value after Discovery sale

Story from Broadband TV News:

It’s emerged the valuation of GB News has more than halved after Discovery withdrew its investment from the right-leaning channel.

Media Guardian: Rightwing thinktanks run this government. But first, they had to capture the BBC

Story from Media Guardian:

Some of it is easy to understand. Liz Truss, a hollow vessel filled with secondhand ideas by the dark-money thinktanks, believed their assurances that the magic of an unregulated market and tax cuts for the very rich would trigger an economic boom.

Media Guardian: Trump sues CNN for defamation and seeks $475m in punitive damages

Story from Media Guardian:

Donald Trump has sued cable TV network CNN, claiming defamation and seeking punitive damages of $475m, according to a Florida court filing on Monday.

Media Guardian: BBC apologises after technical glitches mar Liz Truss interview

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC has apologised to viewers after the start of Liz Truss’s first live TV interview since the mini-budget was marred by “technical glitches”.

Media Guardian: Critics lament cuts to BBC radio drama – seedbed of UK talent

Story from Media Guardian:

Drama, one of the more costly forms of radio broadcasting, is losing airtime as the BBC cuts back, despite being recognised as a vital seedbed for British talent.

Daily Record: Ross Wilson reveals the Rangers TV money answer that leaves inquisitive Champions League rivals in disbelief

Story from Daily Record:

Ross Wilson claims the clubs that Rangers meet in Europe can't believe the amount they take in from domestic prize money and TV revenue.

Deadline: BBC Former Presenter Hits Back At Broadcaster For Handling Of Exit From World’s Longest TV Quiz

Deadline:

Veteran BBC presenter Sue Barker has criticised the Corporation for the way it handled her departure from one of its most popular game shows.

Media Guardian: BBC accused of endangering World Service Vietnamese staff

Media Guardian:

Journalists at the BBC World Service have said plans to move its Vietnamese service from London to Thailand pose a danger to press freedom.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Cohort, Advisory Board and Speakers for Music Supervisor Program

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced the finalists for its Warner Bros. Discovery Access Music Supervisor program, which gives creative voices from historically underrepresented communities the training and tools to gain experience in television and film music supervision.