Deadline: CBS Studios & Paramount TV Studios Layoffs Hit As New Structure Set

Story from Deadline:

The dust has settled on the restructucturing across CBS Studios, Paramount TV Studios and the Paramount+ scripted originals team, which resulted in under 30 staff cuts.

Deadline: Layoffs Underway At CBS Studios & Paramount TV Studios; Paramount+ Scripted Team To Be Merged

Story from Deadline:

The expected alignment of CBS Studios, Paramount TV Studios and the Paramount+ scripted originals team is happening, and it is resulting in staff cuts.

Deadline; George Cheeks Lays Out New Structure Of CBS Studios & Paramount TV Studios: Centralizes Back-End Functions, “No Exclusive Lanes” & Eyes More Global Production

Story from Deadline:

George Cheeks has outlined his vision for CBS Studios and Paramount TV Studios.

Deadline: CNN Starts Layoffs Of Workforce As Parent Warner Bros. Discovery Undergoes Cost-Cutting

Story from Deadline:

CNN started to inform staffers of layoffs, as its chairman and CEO Chris Licht wrote that notices will go out on Wednesday and Thursday.

Advanced Television; Ofcom: ‘BBC must do more to serve lower income audiences’

Story from Advanced Television:

The BBC needs to do more to reach and resonate with viewers and listeners on lower incomes, Ofcom has found in its annual report on the BBC’s performance.

Media Guardian: BBC planning deep cuts to Northern Ireland coverage

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC is planning to make deep cuts to its Northern Ireland coverage, in a move that could centralise the broadcaster’s coverage of the region in Belfast.

Broadcast Sport: Sky Sports goes behind-the-scenes for EFL innovation game

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Sky Sports will use Wycombe Wanderers’ 4 December League One clash with Portsmouth to test a number of broadcast innovations.

Broadband TV News: BBC gains approval to increase iPlayer’s archive content

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom has told the BBC it can go ahead with plans to increase the number of library shows on BBC iPlayer, but criticised a lack of inclusiveness in low socio-economic groups.

Variety: CNN Starts Layoffs Amid Cost-Cutting Pressures

Story from Variety:

CNN signaled to its employee base Wednesday that it had begun to cut some staff amid economic headwinds that are affecting its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Variety: Warner Bros. TV Boss Channing Dungey Says There’s ‘A Lot of Interest’ in Harry Potter Series

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. TV group boss Channing Dungey has said there is a “tremendous amount of ambition” for a Harry Potter TV series as well as revealing the company is closing a deal with Amazon for animated DC content.

Variety: Mike Darnell Reveals ‘Friends’ Cast Made ‘Quite a Lot of Money’ From Reunion Show

Story from Variety:

Mike Darnell spilled secrets from his decades-long journey through the world of unscripted TV – including his work on the “Friends” reunion special, “American Idol” and “Hell’s Kitchen – during a career retrospective in London, U.K. on Tuesday.

Advanced Television: ITVX signs Paramount content deal

Story from Advanced Television:

ITV has signed a multi-year licensing deal with Paramount Global Content Distribution which will allow UK audiences to stream a number of hit series on ITVX for free in 2023 and beyond.

Broadband TV News: Romance channel to launch in January

Story from Broadband TV News:

A new free-to-air TV channel is launching in the UK in January featuring feelgood romance films.

Variety: Lenny Daniels, Turner Sports President, Exits

Story from Variety:

Lenny Daniels on Monday became the latest WarnerMedia veteran to exit the company since it was acquired by the former Discovery Communications.

Channel 4 Takeover - Advanced Television; DCMS Secretary: ‘BBC a national asset’

Story from Advanced Television:

UK culture secretary Michelle Donelan has told Sky News that the BBC is a “national asset” and confirmed that she is “working very closely” with fellow public service broadcaster Channel 4 as to whether it should be sold off or not.

Media Guardian; Layoffs, low ratings and a lurch closer to the right: is CNN in crisis?

Story from Media Guardian:

At some time in the next couple weeks CNN will begin to lay off staff, part of a slimming down strategy that is affecting the whole media sector but also a move that has shocked many at one of the household names in US news which now seems to be in crisis as it adjusts to new owners keen to slash costs.

EXCLUSIVE: No deal yet signed for Sky Kids to launch on Virgin Media UK

Media Boy UK Blog sources has told us tonight that Sky UK has still to offer Virgin Media UK broadcasting rights to Sky Kids.

(So is Sky Kids is just a rebrand of E! HD???)

We have pick E! HD due to it lower channel number on Sky.

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

Media Leader: Kilcawley promoted to director of UKTV Ventures

Story from Media Leader:

UKTV has promoted Brendan Kilcawley from head of commercial to director of UKTV Ventures.

Digital TV Europe: ITV’s I’m A Celebrity uses Fortnite Creative to promote ITVX launch

Story from Digital TV Europe:

ITV subsidiary Metavision has launched an I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! jungle trials experience in Fortnite Creative to coincide with the current series of the broadcaster’s flagship show.

Digital TV Europe: Some shareholders resistant to Fox Corp/News Corp merger, claim reports

Story from Digital TV Europe:

A key shareholder in Fox Corp and News Corp has reportedly expressed its doubts about the Murdoch family’s plans to reunite the two leading media firms.

Digital TV Europe: Warner Bros. Discovery licenses IBU Biathlon rights from EBU

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery claims to have “cemented its status as the home of winter sports” by agreeing a new multi-year deal with the European Broadcasting Union to screen all International Biathlon Union (IBU) events, starting this season.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Makes Western Pacific Appointments

Story from Variety:

As the post-merger restructuring continues, Warner Bros. Discovery has appointed Gillian Zhao as president of its China operations.

New York Post: CNN boss Chris Licht calls ‘bulls–t’ on reports his mission is ‘vanilla’ and ‘centrist’

Story from New York Post:

CNN boss Chris Licht slammed criticism that he’s muting CNN’s opinion-based programming for news-centric coverage, according to a new report.

Digital TV Europe: New streamer ITVX secures rights to slate of iconic Warner Bros Discovery series

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Last week, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav bemoaned the fact that excessive emphasis on building streaming services meant that a lot of great content is no longer being monetised effectively.

Variety; Why David Zaslav Added Chip and Joanna Gaines‘ Shows to HBO Max Ahead of Other Discovery+ Content: ’Everything They Touch Turns to Gold’

Story from Variety:

Chip and Joanna Gaines are longtime friends of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, a man who has backed them since before “Fixer Upper” was a hit the first time around. Now, Zaslav is banking on his buddies Chip and Jo to help him bridge the gap between Discovery+ and HBO Max subscribers in the coming months, as Warner Bros. Discovery plans the literal combination of the two streamers.

Variety: Food Network’s First-Ever Kwanzaa Series Set for December

Story from Variety:

Food Network is getting into the holiday spirit with its first Kwanzaa series, set to highlight the food and history of the annual seven-day celebration.

Deadline: Paramount Global Terminates $2.2B Simon & Schuster Sale But Still Wants Out Of Publishing Biz

Story from Deadline:

A major publishing deal is officially dead in the water as Paramount Global scrapped its sale of Simon & Schuster to Bertelsmann’s Penguin Random House, declining to pursue an appeal after the Department of Justice sued to block the merger and a federal judge upheld the government’s position.

Deadline: News Corp.- Fox Merger Faces Opposition From Key Shareholder In Both Companies

Story from Deadline:

A London-based investor in Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. and Fox Corp. has reportedly expressed its opposition to the companies’ potential reunification.

Deadline: News Corp. Activist Investor Calls Potential Merger With Fox A Bad Idea, Suggests Others Ways To Maximize Value “For All Shareholders”

Story from Deadline:

Irenic Capital, which owns about 2% of News Corp. has taken issue with its potential merger with Fox, noting the latter’s advertising exposure and legal exposure.

Broadband TV News: Merged Disney+/Hulu would own most US titles

Story from Broadband TV News:

A combined offering of Disney+ and Hulu would account for the largest share of the 100 most popular titles of any US SVOD service.

Deadline: BBC Report Reveals Scale Of ‘Frozen Planet’ Producer Natural History Unit Impact On Bristol But Corporation Raises Inflation Fears

Story from Deadline:

BBC Studios powerhouse Natural History Unit (NHU), which makes Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and Jon Favreau’s Prehistoric Planet, has nearly doubled employment in the Bristol creative industries over the past few years, according to a BBC report that says almost 50,000 jobs will be forged outside London by 2027.

Deadline; John Oliver Calls Out Warner Bros. Discovery Again In Season Finale: “They’re Too Busy Canceling Shows”

Story from Deadline:

John Oliver got bold on the season finale of Last Week Tonight when he called out his employer, Warner Bros. Discovery, once again.

Hollywood Reporter: Sky to Launch Ad-Free Kids Channel

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Sky, owned by Comcast, will launch an advertising-free linear kids TV channel in the U.K. and Ireland in February.

Variety: Michael Bass, CNN Programming Chief, to Exit

Story from Variety:

Michael Bass, the longtime CNN programming chief who played a role in devising the network’s more passionate demeanor during the Trump era, is leaving the outlet.

Deadline: Disney Shocker! Bob Iger Back As CEO, Bob Chapek Out

Story from Deadline:

After less than a year in retirement, Bob Iger has returned as the CEO of the Walt Disney Company.

Media Guardian: BBC ignores World Cup opening ceremony in favour of Qatar criticism

Story from Media Guardian:

When the Qatari government decided to spend millions of pounds on a World Cup opening ceremony featuring Morgan Freeman, Jungkook from BTS and hundreds of performers, it probably hoped it would be the moment when the global media finally focused on football rather than human rights.

Deadline: John Malone Goes ‘House Of The Dragon’ On Streaming – “There Is A Lot Of Blood Flowing”

Story from Deadline:

Liberty Media chairman John Malone slammed AT&T, praised Reed Hastings and affirmed his faith in the Warner Bros. Discovery team led by David Zaslav amid the drama and red ink of today’s streaming wars.

Broadcast Sport: EFL to test ending 3pm blackout during World Cup

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The EFL has revealed its broadcast plans during the World Cup, with League One and League Two going ahead while the tournament plays as well as some Championship matches.

Deadline: James Gunn On DC Plans & Leaving Marvel ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Sandbox

Story from Deadline:

James Gunn revealed on Twitter today in response to a fan’s question that he and new DC Studios co-head Peter Safran are planning to reveal their new DC plan to the Warner Bros. Discovery team in the next two months.

eOne Takeover - Hollywood Reporter: Why Hasbro Put a “For Sale” Sign On Entertainment One

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In December 2019, Hasbro, home to G.I. Joe, Transformers and Dungeons & Dragons brands, closed a $3.8 billion deal for Entertainment One, a producer with a 6,500 title library and popular cartoons like Peppa Pig and PJ Masks.

eOne Takeover - Hollywood Reporter: Hasbro Puts Entertainment One Film, TV Unit Up for Sale

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Toy giant Hasbro is set to put Entertainment One up for a possible sale as it explores interest fielded in the film and TV production and distribution unit.

Deadline; ‘Branson’ Trailer: HBO Documentary Series Takes Intimate Look At Risk-Taking Billionaire Richard Branson, Mogul Who “Thrives On Jeopardy”

Story from Deadline:

We have your first look at Branson, HBO’s upcoming four-part documentary series on highflying tycoon Richard Branson, who built an empire around the Virgin brand.

Hollywood Reporter; Billionaire Investor John Malone’s Streaming Wars Update: “There’s a Lot of Blood Flowing Down the Gutters”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

John Malone, a major investor at Warner Bros. Discovery, says the streaming world is hobbled by too many competitors, and that online video giants will do better after inevitable industry consolidation.

Media Leader: UKTV and BBC Studios restructure commercial team

Story from Media Leader:

UKTV and BBC Studios have appointed Jonathan Newman as general manager, commercial, as part of a restructure.

Variety: Marvel Fans Showing Franchise Fatigue, While DC Fans More Likely to Prefer Single Superhero Over Universe, Says New Fandom Study

Story from Variety:

Over one-third of Marvel fans feel fatigued from the constant stream of content served in theaters and on Disney+ this year, according to a new study released on Thursday by the fan platform Fandom.

Confirm: Nat Geo and Nat Wild to carry on broadcasting in 2023

Disney has confirmed that Nat Geo HD and Nat Wild HD will NOT close on Virgin and Sky before 2024 as Sky Media are looking for sponsors for them for 2023.

Hollywood Reporter: HBO, HBO Max Communications Head Karen Jones Departing

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

HBO and HBO Max head of communications Karen Jones is departing the company after more than 20 years.

Variety: CNN Plans to Sober Up Boozy New Year’s Eve Coverage

Story from Variety:

As 2022 goes out, so too will a recent holiday tradition: During CNN’s broadcast of various New Year’s Eve celebrations, Don Lemon probably won’t be downing shots on camera.

Media Leader: Zaslav calls TV ad market ‘weak’

Story from Media Leader:

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav described the TV advertising market as “very weak” in an interview this week with a Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Capital Markets analyst.

Deadline: Paramount Global Begins New Round Of Layoffs, Focused In Ad Sales Group

Story from Deadline:

Layoffs are under way at Paramount Global, with several dozen employees expected to formalize their departures today, insiders have confirmed to Deadline.

Hollywood Reporter: CNN ‘Early Start’ Anchor Laura Jarrett Jumping to NBC News

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

NBC News has hired CNN Early Start anchor Laura Jarrett.

Variety: CNN Considers Outside Anchor to Boost Primetime

Story from Variety:

The next star anchor of CNN may not even work there yet.

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery Boss David Zaslav Holds Town Hall With New DC Heads James Gunn & Peter Safran About New Cohesive Universe

Story from Deadline:

Deadline hears that a global Zoom meeting was held for Warner Bros Discovery employees Thursday morning, on which CEO David Zaslav introduced new DC Studios co-chairmen and CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran. It marked was first appearance together in front of the company since being named to their posts October 25.

Deadline: David Zaslav On DC Rising, Ad Market Tanking, HBO’s Losses & Warner Bros. Discovery’s New Streaming Playbook

Story from Deadline:

David Zaslav channeled his inner John Dutton today: “We have an awful lot to do, and an awful lot to undo,” he said, crediting the line to Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone patriarch in the Season 5 premiere, with a shoutout to the Paramount show. Zaslav’s hard-to-wrangle ranch is a merged Warner Bros. Discovery.

Variety: Former DC Films President Walter Hamada Signs Multi-Year Production Deal With Paramount Pictures

Story from Variety:

Walter Hamada, the former president of DC Films, has signed an exclusive, multi-year production deal with Paramount Pictures.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Sends Mixed Signals to NBA On Next Rights Deal

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery values its NBA programming so much that it recently struck a multi-year deal to keep its top basketball.

Digital TV Europe: Golf TV in the bunker as Warner Bros. Discovery dispenses with another niche streamer

Story from Digital TV Europe:

As staff and service restructuring shockwaves continue to reverberate through every corner of Warner Bros Discovery’s global empire, the latest casualty is dedicated golf streaming service Golf TV.

Media Guardian: BBC local radio is a lifeline for millions of listeners – we can’t afford to cut it Nick Coffer

Story from Media Guardian:

I came into work at BBC Three Counties Radio one day to a message from the daughter of one of my regular listeners.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav Talks “Weak” Advertising Market, DC Plans and HBO Losses

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In a wide-ranging conversation hosted by RBC Tuesday morning, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav painted a pessimistic picture of the macroeconomic environment but expressed optimism about his company’s plans to get to the other side of it.

Media Guardian: Murdoch tells Trump he will not back fresh White House bid – report

Story from Media Guardian:

Rupert Murdoch has reportedly warned Donald Trump his media empire will not back any attempt to return to the White House, as former supporters turn to the youthful Florida governor Ron DeSantis.

Boxnation to close next month

 From December 14th Boxnation will close on Virgin UK Channel 546.

Hollywood Reporter: As Pay TV Subscribers Decline Faster, Pressure Builds for Streaming Profits

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Cable TV providers widened their subscriber losses in the third quarter of 2022, increasing the pressure on major media companies such as Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Deadline; ‘Last Week Tonight With John Oliver’: UK’s Sky Airs Monarchy Segment, Saving Viewers From 25-Minute Winston Churchill/Benny Hill Waterslide Gag

Story from Deadline:

UK-based fans of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver were spared a 25-minute clip of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill going backwards down a waterslide, set to the theme of The Benny Hill Show.

Advanced Television: ITV launches unified channels branding

Story from Advanced Television:

Ahead of the launch of AVoD service ITVX, commercial broadcaster ITV’s channels have been given a fresh look, with new channel branding, on-screen presentation and idents rolling out across all on air channels.

Media Guardian; The Successor review: life of Lachlan Murdoch pulls punches all too often

Story from Media Guardian:

The Murdochs are in many ways the most important media story of the last 50 years. On three continents their shoddy journalism, blind political ambition, outright racism and unlimited greed have done more damage to democracy than the actions of all their rivals put together.

Radio Today: BBC executives to be questioned by the DCMS on local radio cuts

Story from Radio Today:

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee will be questioning BBC executives during a session scheduled for December 1st 2022.

Deadline: ‘Gotham Knights’: Lauren Stamile & Damon Dayoub Join CW Series As Recurring

Story from Deadline:

Lauren Stamile (Complications) and Damon Dayoub (Stitchers) are set for heavily recurring roles in Gotham Knights, the CW’s DC Comics-based series slated for a midseason premiere.

Deadline: ‘Stargirl’s Brec Bassinger Talks “Emotional Roller Coaster” In Lead Up To Show’s Cancellation

Story from Deadline:

Stargirl is wrapping up after its third season and star Brec Bassinger recently opened up about the “emotional roller coaster” it was waiting to find out what was happening with the DC show.

Daily Mail: ITV and BBC will share the rights to show Euro 2024 and Euro 2028

Story from Daily Mail:

ITV and BBC have agreed a deal with UEFA to share the rights to show Euro 2024 and Euro 2028 matches on free-to-air television.

Media Leader; ITVX’s launch faces a big challenge: ITV’s track record

Story from Media Leader:

On the plus side, ITVX has been set a low bar for success, at least in terms of perception.

Advanced Television: Viaplay scores PDC European Tour darts

Story from Advanced Television:

Viaplay Group and the Professional Darts Corporation have agreed a five-year deal that makes the Viaplay streaming service the exclusive home of the Professional Darts Corporation European Tour in the UK, the Netherlands, Poland and all Nordic and Baltic countries from February 2023.

Broadband TV News: Sky & Channel 4 strike deal to make England’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final FTA

Story from Broadband TV News:

Channel 4 will show Sky Sports’ coverage of cricket’s T20 World Cup Final between England and Pakistan.

ITV to rebrand back to ITV1 on November 15th

ITV PLC has today confirm that ITV will become ITV1 from next Tuesday - November 15th:

Deadline: Black Beauty Roster, Warner Bros. Discovery Set 12 For New Hair And Makeup Department Head Training Program

Story from Deadline:

Black Beauty Roster and Warner Bros. Discovery have today announced their partnership on a new, one-of-a-kind program that will afford hairstylists and makeup artists from historically marginalized communities the chance to position themselves for a department head position in entertainment.

Deadline: The CW To Shed Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount Content In 2023-24 Season; Former Owners “Not Precluded From Selling Us Programming” If It’s “A Deal We Like,” Says Nexstar CEO

Story from Deadline:

Nexstar CEO Perry Sook and execs of the nation’s biggest broadcaster said its imprimatur will be evident on The CW schedule for the 2023-2024 season with lower cost, broader appeal, and more unscripted fare and minimal content from former co-owners Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Price Closes at Lowest Level Since Merger

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery closed at less than $10 on Wednesday, the lowest level since the merger was finalized in April.

Variety: How HBO Max Head of Originals Sarah Aubrey Is Using Her New ‘Marching Orders’ to Dive Deeper Into Fan-Favorite Warner Bros. Discovery IP

Story from Variety:

Sarah Aubrey definitely did not sign up for this.

Media Leader: NUJ members sign motion of no confidence in BBC

Story from Media Leader:

Members of The National Union of Journalists have signed a motion of no confidence in the senior management of BBC England and the Director of Nations over local radio cost-cutting plans.

Virgin Media UK moves some channels

Virgin Media UK has moved the following channels today: 

Media Guardian: Ofcom criticises BBC reporting of antisemitic attack on party bus

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC committed “significant editorial failings” in its TV and online reporting of an antisemitic attack on Jewish students travelling on a bus in London, according to an investigation by Ofcom.

Hollywood Reporter: ITV Sets December Launch Date for Ad-Supported Streamer ITVX

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

U.K. TV giant ITV will launch its new free, advertising-supported streaming service ITVX on Dec. 8, the company unveiled on Monday. It also detailed the debut dates for the streamer’s first original series.

Digital TV Europe: World Cup ‘will fail to offset’ declining ad demand for ITV

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Cutting its 2022 advertising estimates for the broadcaster following conversations with media buyers, Berenberg said that demand seems to be dropping “quite sharply” for the final quarter.

Media Leader: UK Broadcasters are afraid to challenge the post-Brexit orthodoxy

Story from Media Leader:

Despite the blindingly obvious failure of the entire Brexit project, the BBC, ITV, and Sky aren’t yet emboldened to challenge the new orthodoxy.

Channel 4 Takeover - Media Guardian: Rishi Sunak expected to shelve privatisation of Channel 4

Story from Media Guardian:

Rishi Sunak is expected to shelve the proposed privatisation of Channel 4 after a backlash against the move from within his own cabinet.

Deadline; Henry Cavill Says He “Very, Very Gently” Held On To Superman Role During DC Hiatus: “There Are Things Out Of Your Control”

Story from Deadline:

Henry Cavill said it’s always been “very important” to maintain his ties to Superman, with the actor just recently being able to announce his return as the Kryptonian Kal-El.

Deadline; Warner Bros Discovery Chief David Zaslav On Conglom’s Content Strategy: “Real Focus On Franchises” Like ‘Superman’ & ‘Harry Potter’

Story from Deadline:

In the near future, it’s pretty simple what the new Warner Bros Discovery will zero in on: “We’re going to have a real focus on franchises,” President and CEO David Zaslav said on this afternoon’s Q3 earnings call.

Deadline: ‘Westworld’ Canceled After Four Seasons

Story from Deadline:

It’s sunset for HBO-Bad Robot’s Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy created series Westworld, the pay-cabler announced this afternoon. The show ended its fourth season on Aug. 14.

Express: BBC 'shooting themselves in foot' with TV licence demands as they 'breach public contract'

Story from Express:

Dr Bull invited Defund the BBC campaigner Rebecca Ryan on air to discuss the licence fee in the wake of presenter Martine Croxall's return to presenting after 12 days off-air.

Rumour: ITV PLC to rebrand ITV as ITV1 on November 15th

Although the ITV refresh of channel brands has been delayed, we are expecting it to happen later this month. Provisionally, 15th November. That date could change.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Falls After Earnings, But Analysts Take Different Views

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Finance experts are divided about Warner Bros. Discovery’s stock, which fell to a new 52-week low on Friday.

Deadline: British PM Rishi Sunak Expected To Scrap Plans To Sell Channel 4 — Reports

Story from Deadline:

Controversial plans to privatize Channel 4 are set to be dropped as British PM Rishi Sunak reassesses campaign and policy pledges made by his past two predecessors and gears up to set his own legislative agenda, according to new reports.

Variety: HBO Max Price Increase in 2023 Is an ‘Opportunity’ for Warner Bros. Discovery, Streaming Chief Says

Story from Variety:

The price of HBO Max could be going up soon — even as Warner Bros. Discovery accelerates plans to smush HBO Max and Discovery+ together next year.

Media Leader: Sunak ‘plans to stop Channel 4 privatisation’

Story from Media Leader:

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to confirm that the Government will halt plans to privatise Channel 4 as expected.

Deadline: As NBA Eyes Streaming Future, Warner Bros Discovery Could Bounce Some Games To HBO Max/Discovery+ In “Creative” Deal

Story from Deadline:

When the NBA signs its next broadcast deal, which comes up in 2025, the league wants to make sure that it can appeal to younger viewers plugged in to streaming, while also bringing in a big check.

Hollywood Reporter: ‘Degrassi’ Revival Scrapped at HBO Max

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

School is out at HBO Max: The streamer has scuttled its planned revival of Degrassi.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Boss Wants More ‘Harry Potter’ Movies If J.K. Rowling Will Agree

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav is keen to exploit the company’s franchises — and that includes the possibility of making more Harry Potter films, if something can be worked out with author J.K. Rowling.

Deadline: David Zaslav Warns Creating Content At “Any Cost Is Over” But Says “Golden Age” Is Still Alive & Kicking

Story from Deadline:

“The grand experiment of creating something at any cost is over,” warned David Zaslav.

Hollywood Reporter: David Zaslav Touts James Gunn, Peter Safran’s “Unified Creative Approach” for DC

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

In August, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav declared he would find leaders for DC who could create a ten-year plan for the comic book brand as he looked to the success of rival Marvel Studios.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Increases Cost-Cutting Synergies Target to $3.5 Billion

Story from Variety:

Six months after the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Warner Bros. Discovery is upping the goal for its seemingly never-ending cuts across the board.

Deadline: HBO Max & Discovery+ Combo Service Launch Date Moved Up

Story from Deadline:

The combined HBO Max and Discovery+ service is coming sooner than expected.

Hollywood Reporter: Lionsgate Takes $1.8B Hit As It Exits Seven Former Starz Markets

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Lionsgate has chosen to exit seven international territories for Lionsgate+, its rebranded international operations for Starzplay, leading to a second quarter operating loss of $53.7 million before the impact of around $1.7 billion in non-cash goodwill accounting and restructuring charges.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Nears 95 Million Streaming Subscribers in Q3, Moves Up Date for Merged HBO Max-Discovery+ Launch

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery saw streaming subscriptions rise to nearly 95 million combined global customers across HBO, HBO Max and Discovery+ from July 1-Sept. 30, the quarter during which the highly anticipated “Game of Thrones” prequel “House of the Dragon” took flight.

Deadline: Warner Bros Discovery Stumbles In Q3, Falling Short Of Wall Street Targets Due To Ad Slowdown, Pay-TV Losses And Restructuring Charges

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros Discovery stumbled in the third quarter, falling short of Wall Street expectations due to a slowdown in advertising and merger-related restructuring charges.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Reports 94.9M Combined Streaming Subscribers, Misses on Revenue as Advertising Takes a Hit

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery now has 94.9 million combined subscribers across its streaming services, led by HBO Max and Discovery+, the company reported in its quarterly earnings report Thursday.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Q3 Weighed Down By Merger Costs, Economy

Story from Variety:

In a sort of one-two punch, Warner Bros. Discovery said the bulk of its operations in the third quarter were affected not only by significant costs related to the merger that set the company on its current path earlier this year, but by an economic downturn that affected lines of revenue tied to advertising and distribution.

New York Post: Don Lemon’s new show ‘CNN This Morning’ bombs in debut

Story from New York Post:

CNN’s flashy new morning show co-hosted by Don Lemon, Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins bombed in its debut episode on Tuesday.

Express: Fury as BBC branded 'incapable' of impartiality after vile insults aimed at Sunak live

Story from Express:

The BBC is facing fresh calls for its licence fee to be scrapped after a word cloud it shared described new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a "liar", "c***" and "t**t" in a live broadcast.

Express: 'Not in same league': Paul Whitehouse defends BBC amid Channel 4 dig after licence fee row

Story from Express:

The Fast Show’s Paul Whitehouse, 64, shared his thoughts about the BBC on the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show today on Radio 2.

Media Guardian: BBC says presenter ‘gleeful’ after Boris Johnson quit Tory race breached impartiality rules

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC has found that an episode of its newspaper review programme broadcast on the night Boris Johnson pulled out of the most recent Conservative leadership contest failed to meet its editorial standards on impartiality.

Hollywood Reporter: After Primetime Tryout, CNN’s Jake Tapper to Return to Afternoons

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

After what was widely seen as a tryout for a primetime show, Jake Tapper is returning to his afternoon show following the midterms.

Broadband TV News: BT holds revenues after BT Sport divestment

Story from Broadband TV News:

BT’s chief executive says the telco remains “on the front foot” in turbulent times.

Deadline: Paramount Eyes “Meaningful And Sizable” Cost Cuts, With Possible Restructuring Charge In Q4

Story from Deadline:

Paramount Global is planning for “meaningful and sizeable” cost cuts in the coming months as it looks to balance streaming investments with declining pay-TV operations.

Media Leader: Channel 4 rebrands All 4 and considers linear changes

Story from Media Leader:

Channel 4 plans to rebrand its on-demand service in a bid to help audiences “better navigate the abundance of choice in the digital world”.

Advanced Television: Birthday cards call for end to Channel 4 privatisation plan

Story from Advanced Television:

Supporters of Channel 4 have gathered outside the broadcaster’s offices in Leeds and London to hand in two giant birthday cards calling for the channel to stay in public hands.

Media Guardian: Will Channel 4 bounce back again as it hits its 40th anniversary?

Story from Media Guardian:

When some of the biggest names in British media gather at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to celebrate Channel 4’s 40th anniversary on Wednesday night, the hot topic of conversation will be whether it has once again triumphed in the latest battle to sell off the publicly owned broadcaster.

Media Boy UK Blog Views: Paramount Networks and Virgin Media UK - What may happen next!

As part of this new deal with Virgin Media UK and Paramount Networks UK & Australia:

We may see the following Paramount Networks UK & Australia being axe:

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount+ Coming to Virgin Media in U.K. Under Multi-Year Carriage Deal

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Global and British cable giant Virgin Media on Wednesday unveiled a new multi-year distribution agreement, extending their existing partnership across Paramount’s streaming services and linear channels in the U.K.

Express: BBC urged to stop hounding pensioners over licence fee non-payment

Story from Express:

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan believes the BBC should give older viewers who have failed to buy a TV Licence an amnesty from prosecution, the Daily Express understands.

Deadline: Channel 4 Renames All4 To… Channel 4

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 has decided to rename its VoD player All4 to… Channel 4.

Variety: Nexstar Lays Off At Least 30 CW Employees

Story from Variety:

Nexstar laid off between 30-40 staffers at the CW network Tuesday, marking the first sweeping staffing overhaul at the “Walker” broadcaster since it changed ownership, according to a source familiar with the situation.

BBC News; BBC local radio: Government 'concerned and disappointed' by planned cuts

Story from BBC News:

The government has said it is "concerned" and "disappointed" by planned cuts to BBC local radio output.

Deadline: CNN’s New Morning Show Launches With Emphasis On Conversation And Chemistry; Don Lemon Pushes Back On ‘Both Sides’ Responses To Pelosi Attack

Story from Deadline:

CNN’s new morning show CNN This Morning launched Tuesday with a news-heavy three hours that nevertheless played up an essential element of rival shows: conversation and chemistry.

Deadline: Fox Corp. Chief Lachlan Murdoch Declines To Address News Corp. Reunion Scenario, But Says Scale Will Be Key In Coming Years As Media M&A “Opportunities Will Emerge”

Story from Deadline:

Fox Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch declined to directly address deliberations about a potential reunion with corporate sibling News Corp. during Fox’s quarterly earnings call, but he readily acknowledged the importance of scale in the media business.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay goes live in the UK

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay is now available in the UK market with an interesting mix of Nordic drama and European football.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay to sponsor Scottish League Cup

Story from Broadband TV News:

Viaplay and the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) have announced that the Scottish League Cup, previously known as the Premier Sports Cup, will be rebranded as the Viaplay Cup. The change follows Viaplay’s recent acquisition of Premier Sports.

New York Post; CNN employee morale at ‘all-time low’ under Chris Licht: report

Story from New York Post:

CNN’s newsroom is in the midst of a morale crisis as top boss Chris Licht leads a cost-cutting overhaul at the network, according to a report.