Media Boy UK Best of and review of 2022

Media Boy UK Best of and review of 2022:

Latest News from Media Boy HQ on new channels testing 2022

Last updated on December 31st 2022 at 17:00: 

Deadline: George R.R. Martin Says Tumult At HBO Max Has “Impacted” Future Of ‘Game Of Thrones’ Franchise

Story from Deadline:

A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin has offered yet another update on the status of future Game of Thrones projects, sharing that the franchise’s path ahead will “certainly” be shaped to one degree or another by current tumult at HBO Max.

Deadline; Showbiz Stocks 2022: WWE Wins Wall Street Battle Royale As Disney, Others Bite The Dust

Story from Deadline:

U.S. stocks just wrapped their worst year since 2008 with media and tech leading the downward spiral.

Broadband TV News: TalkTV gains access to Local TV network

Story from Broadband TV News:

A new commercial partnership will see TalkTV become the exclusive provider of national TV programming on the Local TV network.

Deadline: Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, AMC Networks Among Top Media And Tech Gainers In Stock Market’s ‘Santa Claus Rally’

Story from Deadline:

Shares in Netflix, Warner Bros Discovery and AMC Networks were among the top gainers in a so-called “Santa Claus rally” today near the conclusion of a rough year for media and tech stocks.

Daily Express: BBC splashes out £7MILLION on new logos as over-75s are forced to pay licence fee

Story from Daily Express:

The BBC spent more than £7million on a rebranding exercise creating new logos for its TV channels and digital services, a Daily Express investigation can reveal.

Daily Mail: BBC 'rewriting British history to promote woke agenda', academics say

Story from Daily Mail:

The BBC has 'consistent bias' which amounts to rewriting British history to promote 'woke' views, a group of academics has claimed, as they accused the broadcaster of 'pandering to politically motivated activists'.

Hollywood Reporter: Ryan Seacrest Backs CNN Limiting New Year’s Eve Booze After Last Year’s Insult

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Ryan Seacrest is fully in support of CNN limiting alcohol consumption during its year-end broadcast.

Deadline: BBC Replacing Robot News Studio Cameras In Hope Of Consigning Viral Tech Fails To History

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is set to replace the robot cameras in its news channel studio after a string of viral tech fails over the past decade.

Deadline: James Gunn Responds To Claim HBO Max’s ‘Green Lantern’ Series Has Been Axed

Story from Deadline:

James Gunn is clearing things up about the fate of HBO Max’s Green Lantern series which has been in development for years now.

Talk TV SD comes to Local TV Channels

RXTV is reporting that viewers of eight local channels across the UK will see major changes in the new year as TalkTV extends its reach.

Media Guardian: UK government TV ad urges households to take 30 seconds to reduce energy bills

Story from Media Guardian:

Households will be urged to take only 30 seconds out of their day to reduce their energy use as a UK government TV advertising campaign designed to cut bills finally launches.

Media Guardian: King Charles’s Christmas Day message breaks TV viewing record

Story from Media Guardian:

King Charles’s Christmas broadcast was the most watched Christmas TV address by a monarch on record, as the BBC claimed a festive viewing victory over streaming rivals such as Netflix.

Media Guardian: Sky could lose £150m a year from plan to relax ad limits on UK’s free-to-air TV

Story from Media Guardian:

The pay-TV provider Sky could lose as much as £150m a year in TV advertising revenue from proposals aimed at enabling the UK’s biggest free-to-air broadcasters to make more money and better compete with streaming services.

EXCLUSIVE: Finally Virgin Media UK has axe MPEG2

Base on information posted on Digital Bits Rate ALL CHANNELS has moved from MPEG2 to MPEG4:

Deadline: ‘Shazam!’ Star Zachary Levi Defends James Gunn & Peter Safran Amid Backlash

Story from Deadline:

Shazam! star Zachary Levi is coming to the defense of new DC Studios bosses James Gunn and Peter Safran.

Hollywood Reporter: As Paramount Forecasts $1.8B in Streaming Losses This Year, Wall Street Grades Earnings

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A “contrarian” stock upgrade, a stock price cut and a warning about “new worries” were among Wall Street analysts’ initial reactions to Paramount Global’s second-quarter earnings update Thursday.

New York Post: Anchor Ana Cabrera bids emotional farewell to struggling CNN

Story from New York Post:

CNN anchor Ana Cabrera hinted she won’t be off the air for long while bidding an emotional farewell to her struggling network.

Bizasia: National Company Law Tribunal to hold hearing on ZEE-Sony merger

Story from BizAsia:

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has set a date for a hearing after requests from ZEE lenders against the merger of ZEE and Sony.

Deadline: ‘TCM Underground’ Programmer & ‘Slumberground’ Host Millie De Chirico Laid Off Three Days Before Christmas

Story from Deadline:

“Well, it’s been a great 18 1/2 years, but my job was cut in a company restructure recently which means tomorrow is my last day at TCM,” TCM Underground programmer Millie De Chirico announced today which, of course, is three days before Christmas.

Deadline: ‘Shazam!’ Star Zachary Levi Responds To Claim He’s Being Recast Amid DC Universe Shakeup

Story from Deadline:

Zachary Levi is clearing claims from fans that he is being recast as Shazam! amid the DC Universe shakeup following Peter Safran and James Gunn taking over as co-heads.

Deadline: James Gunn Responds To “Disrespectful Outcry” From Fans Over DC Changes

Story from Deadline:

DC studios co-CEO James Gunn has long engaged with fans on Twitter, both as director of movies such as Guardians of the Galaxy and in his new executive capacity at Warner Bros. Discovery.

CBS Reality to stop broadcasting on local TV Channels next month

CBS Reality has confirmed via Facebook that CBS Reality will no longer broadcast on the following channels from January 1st via Virgin Channel 159:

Media Guardian: Sharing TV streaming passwords is illegal, says UK copyright watchdog

Story from Media Guardian:

Millions of UK viewers are breaking the law by sharing their passwords for services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, according to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

Advanced Television; ITV’s Lygo: ‘The future is X’

Story from Advanced Television:

Kevin Lygo, Director of Television at UK commercial broadcaster ITV, has declared that its recently-launched AVoD service ITVX is part of the future of the way television will be consumed.

New York Post: James Gunn denies Gal Gadot was ‘booted’ from ‘Wonder Woman’

Story from New York Post:

James Gunn is wielding the Lasso of Truth.

Media Guardian: Jeremy Clarkson to remain host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? says ITV boss

Story from Media Guardian:

Jeremy Clarkson will remain host of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? “at the moment”, ITV’s boss has said, as the presenter’s comments about the Duchess of Sussex attracted a record number of press regulator complaints.

Variety; Dwayne Johnson: Black Adam Won’t Be in ‘First Chapter’ of James Gunn-Led DC Universe, but May Return

Story from Variety:

Black Adam has been buried, but he isn’t (quite) dead.

Broadcast Sport: Children to present Sky Sports Premier League match

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Sky Sports is giving four children the chance to front a special presentation of the Premier League clash between Brentford and Liverpool.

Media Boy UK views: Is it time for Paramount Global to axe Comedy Central Extra?

Media Boy UK view: 

I have been looking at EPG Listing on my TiVo for both Comedy Central UK and Comedy Central Extra UK over the Holidays.

Broadband TV News: BBC and ITV claim World Cup streaming records

Story from Broadband TV News:

The BBC and ITV both set new streaming records for their World Cup coverage.

New York Post: Henry Cavill cameo reportedly being cut from ‘The Flash’ movie

Story from New York Post:

The hits just keep coming for Henry Cavill’s Superman.

City AM: Ofcom should regulate Netflix, says Rishi Sunak after Harry-Meghan row

Story from City AM:

Rishi Sunak has proposed a change in law that would bring online streaming services like Netflix under Ofcom regulations.

Rumour: Sky Kids set to launch in February on Virgin Media

"SonicMaster" on Cable Forum has found the following various content has been added to Virgin TV with new folders (currently empty) added to Virgin TV Go for (As of December 14th):

Is Paramount Global set to go after UK Sports Rights?

In a Sunday Times interview, Paramount Global boss Bob Bakish said the company will take an “opportunistic” approach with regards acquiring sports rights for Paramount+ in the UK, potentially squeezing Sky further. Paramount+ doesn’t currently offer sport in the UK.

Sources: Sunday Times/RXTV.

Hollywood Reporter: Chris Licht Says Primetime for CNN Remains “Open Canvas,” Calls Criticisms of Network’s Repositioning “Uninformed Vitriol”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Chris Licht has responded to criticisms of CNN’s changes to news coverage, calling some of it “uninformed vitriol” and declaring that much of what “passes for news is name-calling, half-truths and desperation.”

Deadline; CNN’s Chris Licht: “So Much Of What Passes For News Is Name-Calling, Half-Truths And Desperation”

Story from Deadline:

Chris Licht hasn’t made many friends in his new job. After layoffs, reassignments and a shift in strategic focus that’s angered some, the CNN chairman and CEO recalled one specific ending in a profile that ran today in the New York Times.

Media Guardian: TV and movie streaming: how UK viewers can save

Story from Media Guardian:

Whether you pay for several different streaming services or have signed up for a bumper TV, films and sport package through your broadband and TV provider, there may be ways to bring down the cost of watching your favourite shows – while still having far more programmes and movies to choose from than there are hours in the day.

Media Guardian; Daleks, daemons and Bagpuss: 100 years of the BBC in Wales

Story from Media Guardian:

It began with a crackly radio transmission of a folk song picked up by a few people in Cardiff and the south Wales valleys but a century on has developed into a multichannel, bilingual institution and industry producing blockbuster TV shows featuring Daleks, dæmons and detectives.

Daily Mail: Sky Sports could AXE channels after losing subscribers

Story from Daily Mail:

Sky Sports are considering reducing their number of channels next year due to pressure from their US parent company Comcast to cut costs.

Media Boy UK Views: Sky may do the following a following next year with Sky Sports Channels

Base on Daily Mail reporting here is Media Boy UK HQ views on what may happen next year to Sky Sports:

EXCLUSIVE: Channel 4 set to rebrand Box Plus channels as licensing deal with Bauer Media ends in 2023 - Media Boy UK Sources

Media Boy UK HQ has been given some new information from a Media Boy UK Source on The old Box Plus channels:

EXCLUSIVE: Warner Bros. Discovery may axe QUEST Brand in 2023 - Media Boy UK Sources

A Media Boy UK Source has reveal to Media Boy UK HQ today that Warner Bros Discovery may axe QUEST next year.

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

Rumour: Is Paramount Global set to make some changes to MTV Channels?

epsilon has posted on DS Forum:

Rumour has it that there may be further changes afoot for Paramount with the MTV channels, so keep an eye on those.

Media Boy UK HQ will give out more information on this rumour when we get it.

NOW Rock to launch later this month

NOW 90s has been drop by it owners for NOW Rock on Virgin Media UK.

You will find NOW Rocks from December 27th (where NOW Christmas is right now) on:

• Virgin Media channel 348.

Deadline: Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery Shares Dive With Broader Market As Slow Retail Sales, High Interest Rates Fuel Recession Fears

Story from Deadline:

Media and entertainment stocks led by Netflix were among big losers Thursday as economic data and the latest Fed move has investors panicking about an imminent recession.

New York Post: DC Studios was actually right to fire Superman Henry Cavill

Story from New York Post:

In 2012’s “Dark Knight Rises,” Batman’s foe Bane threatened to blow Gotham City to smithereens.

Hollywood Reporter: James Gunn Writing Superman Movie

Story from Hollywood Reporter

James Gunn is making his first big move at DC and will pen a Superman movie.

Hollywood Reporter; CNN Cancels ‘Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy’ as Part of Originals Pullback

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Stanley Tucci is done searching Italy. At least for now.

Reports: Smithsonian Channel set to close next month (UPDATE)

Reports on Cable Forum and Radio Times say that Smithsonian Channel is set to close on 5th January on Virgin Media UK, Sky, Freesat and Freeview.

December 24th update: Radio Times did report on December 15th that Smithsonian was set to close on January 6th but TiVo reveal on December 22nd that Smithsonian WILL NOW close on January 5th.

Also on December 23rd Freeview did reveal that UKTV is the new owners of Smithsonian EPG Slot on Freeview and UKTV will use Channel 57 for Dave Ja Vu from January 5th.

Deadline: Paul Dacre Documentary Series Put On Ice By Channel 4

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4’s landmark documentary series about former Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre has been put on ice indefinitely.

Deadline: Ana Cabrera Confirms That She’s Leaving CNN — Update

Story from Deadline:

CNN anchor Ana Cabrera confirmed that she is leaving the network.

Digital TV Europe: Sky Sports secured US Open UK rights after eight-year gap

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Sky Sports has unveiled a five-year partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for the UK rights to the US Open Championships.

Variety: James Gunn Writing New ‘Superman’ Film; Henry Cavill Will Not Return, but Eyed to Play Different DC Character

Story from Variety:

Things are heating up in Metropolis, as DC Studios co-head James Gunn has announced he is writing a new feature film about Superman.

Deadline: BBC News Boss Deborah Turness To Share Future Strategy In All-Staff Meet Tomorrow Amidst Across-The-Board Cuts

Story from Deadline:

BBC News Boss Deborah Turness is preparing to address thousands of her staff tomorrow to “share her new strategy for taking BBC News and Current Affairs into the future” amidst across-the-board cuts and tricky questions.

Deadline: Azie Tesfai Crime Drama ‘The Chase’ In Works At NBC

Story from Deadline:

NBC is developing The Chase, a crime drama from Supergirl alumna Azie Tesfai and Universal Television.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Sets New Global Consumer Products Leadership

Story from Deadline:

The Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands and Experiences division unveiled the global leadership for its consumer products business, formalizing the marriage of legacy Warner Bros. and Discovery operations.

Variety: Yanked HBO Max Series Like ‘Westworld’ to Land at Third Party Ad-Based Streamers As Warner Bros. Discovery Plans to Launch Its Own

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced a plan to license some of its canceled and pulled programming to third party free ad-supported television (FAST) channels.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Says Content Write-Offs Could Be Up to $3.5 Billion, $1 Billion Over Previous Estimate

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery updated its estimate on restructuring charges related to Discovery’s acquisition of WarnerMedia, and said content impairment and development write-off charges could be up to $3.5 billion — $1 billion more than it previously pegged.

Deadline; Warner Bros 100th Anniversary Kicks Off Campaign: Celebrations Include Global Concert Series, 3-Part Docu On Studio, Classic Pic Releases & More

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery today fired off its global centennial campaign, Celebrating Every Story, ahead of the Warner Bros. Studio’s 100th anniversary on April 4, 2023.

Hollywood Reporter; Patty Jenkins Breaks Silence on ‘Wonder Woman 3’: “There Was Nothing I Could Do to Move Anything Forward”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Patty Jenkins has broken her silence on Wonder Woman 3.

Media Guardian: Funding cuts mean BBC can’t compete with Netflix, says watchdog

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC is struggling to compete with Netflix because it cannot afford the salaries of tech workers required to create online services, according to the UK’s public spending watchdog.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom to consult on BBC local news changes

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom has launched a consultation into plans by the BBC to make changes to its local output.

Two new HD Channels launches on Virgin Media

Both YESTERDAY and Drama has today been drop for YESTERDAY HD and (only to Virgin) Drama HD to launch on the following Virgin Channel numbers:

Media Guardian: Mick Lynch is right – the BBC has swallowed the anti-strike agenda of the Daily Mail

Story from Media Guardian:

“What I do find annoying, Mishal, is that you put these lines that are directly taken from the propaganda from the other side,” said Mick Lynch, the head of the RMT union, in an interview with the journalist Mishal Husain on Radio 4’s Today programme this morning.

Deadline: John Cena & Jason Momoa To Star In Warner Bros. Action-Comedy ‘Killer Vacation’

Story from Deadline:

John Cena (Peacemaker) and Jason Momoa (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom) have signed on to star in the action-comedy Killer Vacation from Warner Bros., Deadline can confirm.

Deadline: ‘Westworld’ & ‘The Nevers‘ Pulled Off HBO Max, Marking Victorian Drama’s Formal End

Story from Deadline:

Two other original scripted series, Westworld and The Nevers, are coming off HBO Max. Unlike others that we have reported on, Lionsgate TV’s Minx and Love Life and Sony TV’s Gordita Chronicles — all comedies — Westworld and The Nevers are high-end Warner Bros. Discovery drama productions for HBO proper, and I hear they are likely to resurface on other company platforms.

Deadline: CNN Unveils 2023 Original Series And Films Slate: Projects Include ‘Giuliani,’ Jake Tapper-Hosted ‘United States Of Scandal’ And ‘The 2010s’

Story from Deadline:

CNN unveiled its slate of series and films planned for 2023, as the original projects unit prepares to scale back and take production in house.

Deadline: ‘I Hate Suzie Too’ Creator Lucy Prebble On The “Funnier, Angrier” Second Season Of Sky/HBO Max Hit & Being “Ahead Of The Game”

Story from Deadline:

I Hate Suzie Too co-creator Lucy Prebble has said the second season of her and Billie Piper’s Sky/HBO Max hit will be “funnier and angrier” than series one, while she reflected on being “ahead of the game” with their portrayal of anxiety.

Media Guardian: Mick Lynch accuses BBC of ‘parroting’ rightwing propaganda

Story from Media Guardian:

The union leader Mick Lynch has accused the BBC of “parroting” rightwing propaganda in its coverage of the rail strikes, during a series of heated appearances on TV and radio.

Deadline: James Gunn Says “Superman Is A Huge Priority” & Debunks Rumors Of Where He Stands With Henry Cavill

Story from Deadline:

DC Studios co-head James Gunn is back on Twitter replying to fans and this time he is talking about Superman.

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.

Deadline: ‘Who’s Talking To Chris Wallace?’ Returning For Second Season On HBO Max, CNN

Story from Deadline:

Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? will return for a second 10-week season on HBO Max and then a “best of” show that runs on CNN.

New York Post: ‘Dirty Jobs’ is just ‘people getting to know each other,’ says host Mike Rowe

Story from New York Post:

“Dirty Jobs” has been airing continuously for nearly 20 years now — and series host Mike Rowe said there’s a reason for its longevity.

Media Guardian: Is this the end of TV? Broadcasters prepare for online-only switch

Story from Media Guardian:

Hard to miss the huge television events of the last fortnight.

Media Guardian: BBC chairman criticises Emily Maitlis’ Newsnight comments on Dominic Cummings

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC’s chairman has said he believes Emily Maitlis was “wrong” in her Newsnight coverage of Dominic Cummings’ visit to Barnard Castle in 2020, as he set out his blueprint for improving the broadcaster.

Deadline: E! Hit By Layoffs; Cuts Result Of NBCUniversal Reorg

Story from Deadline:

E! has been hit with layoffs, the result of a reorg unveiled exclusively by Deadline back in August.

Deadline: Dwayne Johnson Reveals Warner Bros. Didn’t Want Henry Cavill To Return As Superman

Story from Deadline:

Dwayne Johnson is celebrating the success of Black Adam in theatres and on iTunes.

Broadband TV News: The subscriptions that Brits plan to cancel

Story from Broadband TV News:

As the cost of living continues to increase a new survey has put Amazon Prime as the subscription service most likely to be cancelled.

Media Guardian: Concern as US media hit with wave of layoffs amid rise of disinformation

Story from Media Guardian:

Awave of layoffs have hit the beleaguered American media industry as several major companies, including CNN, BuzzFeed and Gannett, have laid off hundreds of workers in recent weeks citing economic volatility and uncertainty.

Deadline: Former Fox Chair Gary Newman & UK TV Vet Claire Hungate Join BBC Commercial Board

Story from Deadline:

Former Fox Television Chair and CEO Gary Newman has joined the BBC Commercial Board along with UK TV vet Claire Hungate, while Damon Buffini has been upped to Deputy Chair of the BBC Board.

Newman and Hungate are two of a trio of appointments that also include Ian Griffiths, the former deputy CEO of market intelligence agency Kantar. 3-From April 2023 for a term of at least three years, they will sit on the BBC’s board that oversees commercial activities including producer-distributor BBC Studios and post-production outfit BBC Studioworks at a time of change for the pubcaster.

Newman is a huge appointment for the BBC and represents another foray into the commercial world by Director General Tim Davie, who has been steadily bringing in more execs from the private sector since he took over two years ago. Newman was Chairman & CEO of Fox Television Group, which included Fox Broadcasting Co. and Twentieth Century Fox Television, until its acquisition by The Walt Disney Company. He oversaw development and production of such shows as 24, Glee, Modern Family, Homeland, 911 and The Masked Singer.

Hungate is a UK TV vet who has been CEO of Warner Bros TV Production UK, COO of Shed Media and MD of Who Do You Think you Are? producer Wall to Wall Media. She is currently President of esports organization Team Liquid.

Steve Morrison and Dame Elan Closs Stephens are being replaced on the Commercial Board, with their terms set to expire in 2023.

Elsewhere, investment guru Buffini, who came in earlier this year to chair the Commercial Board, today becomes Deputy Chair of the BBC Board – second only to Chair Richard Sharp. He will operate in both capacities.

The move comes as Davie places more stress on BBC Studios to deliver greater returns, with the license fee frozen for the next two years. Davie used a set piece speech earlier this week to state the BBC needs greater investment if it is going to move into an internet-only world in the next decade.

“The BBC’s commercial subsidiaries, already successful, have been tasked with a further step-change in performance,” said Buffini. “The appointment of three new Non-Executives, with spectacular industry experience, reinforces the Commercial Board’s commitment to support and challenge the executive in achieving these stretching goals.”

© 2022 Deadline Hollywood.

Deadline: New Streaming War Brewing? Warner Bros. Discovery Boss David Zaslav Takes Aim At Netflix Over Payment Terms

Story from Deadline:

David Zaslav isn’t happy with Netflix.

Radio Today: Neil Sloan returns to the BBC as Managing Editor of Radio Wales

Story from Radio Today:

Communicorp UK’s Group Content Director Neil Sloan is joining BBC Radio Wales as Managing Editor.

Radio Today: Jason Horton appointed Director of Production for BBC Local services

Story from Radio Today:

Jason Horton has been announced as Director of Production for BBC Local services across England.

Deadline: Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr To Depart CNN; Original Series Executive Jon Adler Also Exiting

Story from Deadline

Barbara Starr, the longtime Pentagon correspondent for CNN, is departing the network.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Ousts Jane Latman, Nancy Daniels, Matt Butler and Scott Lewers in US Networks Group Restructuring

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery has cut another round of prominent leaders, ousting HGTV and Food Network chief Jane Latman and “D-Nets”/”T-Nets” exec Nancy Daniels, both of whom are beloved, longtime legacy Discovery execs.

Variety: Jon Adler, CNN’s SVP of Original Series, Will Depart

Story from Variety:

Jon Adler, a senior vice president who had a hand in developing CNN’s slate of original series, is set to leave the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned network at the end the year.

Advanced Television: Buffini appointed Deputy Chair of BBC Board

Story from Advanced Television:

Richard Sharp, Chairman of the BBC, has announced the appointment of Sir Damon Buffini to the new role of Deputy Chair of the BBC Board, in his capacity as Chair of the BBC Commercial Board.

Deadline; James Gunn Responds To ‘Wonder Woman 3’ Axing, Possible DC Franchise Turnover: “We Are Not Going To Make Every Single Person Happy”

Story from Deadline:

DC Studios co-head James Gunn took to Twitter to respond to the chaotic news that broke yesterday about Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman 3 not moving forward and other DC changes.

Digital TV Europe: ITV and STV deepen content sharing and advertising partnership

Story from Digital TV Europe:

UK commercial broadcaster ITV and Scottish equivalent STV have signed up to an enhanced strategic partnership around content sharing and advertising sales that the pair says creates incremental digital value for both companies and aligns their interests in the streaming age.

Media Guardian: ITV could drop news pledge unless ministers offer help against streamers

Story from Media Guardian:

ITV could abandon its commitment to make news output if the government does not pass a law to protect British television channels from streaming services, according to leaked guidance drawn up for ministers.

Media Guardian: BBC preparing to go online-only over next decade, says director general

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC is preparing to shut down its traditional television and radio broadcasts as it becomes an online-only service over the next decade, according to the director general, Tim Davie.

Channel 4 Takeover - Media Guardian: New Channel 4 funding talks suggest end of privatisation plan

Story from Media Guardian:

Channel 4 is discussing new funding models with the government that could enable it to avoid privatisation, according to the culture secretary.

Advanced Television: ITVX launches with major marketing campaign

Story from Advanced Television:

UK commercial broadcaster ITV has launched a multi-channel marketing campaign for ITVX to drive awareness, consideration and ultimately trial of the new streaming service, which officially launches today [December 8th] with new, exclusive titles streaming for free.

Advanced Television: UKTV names Bertioli Director of Media Services

Story from Advanced Television:

UKTV has appointed Tim Bertioli as its new Director of Media Services, taking on responsibility for the Technology and Operations teams and leading a team of some 50 staff.

Variety: ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ Sequel on Ice, Potential ‘Man of Steel 2’ in Jeopardy as Warner Bros. Considers Major DC Reboot

Story from Variety:

Could DC be hitting the reboot button?

Hollywood Reporter: Patty Jenkins’ ‘Wonder Woman 3’ Not Moving Forward as DC Movies Hit Turning Point

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Call it DC Rebirth or DC: Genesis.

Variety: ‘Batwheels’ Renewed for Season 2 as Cartoon Network Boss Details Warner Bros. Discovery’s Animation Strategy

Story from Variety:

Cartoon Network and Adult Swim president Michael Ouweleen knows you have questions about the fate of the two networks in the new, belt-tightened Warner Bros. Discovery era. And it has changed. But “we’re not dead,” he insists.

Media Guardian: BBC preparing to go online-only over next decade, says director general

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC is preparing to shut down its traditional television and radio broadcasts as it becomes an online-only service over the next decade, according to the director general, Tim Davie.

Deadline; Dwayne Johnson DC Pic ‘Black Adam’ To Profit: Here’s How

Story from Deadline:

There’s some snarking going on out there that Black Adam is poised to lose $50M-$100M, and that is simply just not true.

City AM: BBC calls for more funds to battle Netflix

Story from City AM:

The BBC have called for “serious public service investment” if it is to stand a chance against the likes of Netflix and Disney Plus.

Variety: Big Cable Networks Like HLN Are Failing, and Media Companies Can’t Stop Their Decline

Story from Variety:

Viewers have turned to the cable network HLN over the years for a quick-hit version of its sister, CNN; for coverage of court cases; for Robin Meade’s long-running morning news shows; and for a bevy of true-crime programs, including Nancy Grace’s primetime talk show and repeats of “Forensic Files.”

Deadline: BBC To Have Fewer Linear Broadcast Services In Long Term & Consolidate Under One Brand, Reveals Tim Davie

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is to have “fewer linear broadcast services” in the next decade as it “consolidates activity under one simple, single brand,” Director General Tim Davie has revealed, as he unveiled a blueprint for a digitally-led Public Service Broadcaster.

Digital TV Europe: HBO Max returns to Amazon Prime Channels – a year after pulling out

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery and Amazon have announced that HBO Max is once again available on Prime Video Channels in the US – just over a year after it quit the platform.

Media Leader: Don't bother with 'liberal bias' claims about the BBC without evidence

Story from Media Leader:

A recent interview shows the BBC chairman Richard Sharp believes in the importance of the BBC and the licence fee, but where is the actual evidence for claiming it has a ‘liberal bias’?

Advanced Television: Welsh broadcasters face MP questioning

Story from Advanced Television:

Senior leaders at S4C, ITV Cymru Wales and BBC Cymru Wales will be giving evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee of the UK’s House of Commons as MPs hold a second evidence session exploring the future of broadcasting in Wales.

Advanced Television: BBC acquires two new Warner Bros Discovery shows

Story from Advanced Television:

The BBC has acquired two new shows – Search Party and Our Flag Means Death – from Warner Bros Discovery International Television Distribution that will stream on iPlayer in early 2023.

Advanced Television; BBC DG: “UK media must collaborate to prosper”

Story from Advanced Television:

The BBC Director-General, Tim Davie, has issued a rallying call to ensure the UK media industry can prosper and keep delivering benefits in the decades to come.

Deadline: Fox, News Corp. Hire Independent Advisors, Clarify Rupert Murdoch Role Amid Merger Deliberations

Story from Deadline:

Rupert Murdoch and the Murdoch Family Trust will not vote in favor of a Fox-News Corp. merger unless the combination has the blessing of special committees of outside directors, and of non-Murdoch affiliated stockholders.

Deadline: BBC License Fee “Impossible” To Sustain, Says New UK Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan

Story from Deadline:

New UK Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan has indicated she will take up the mantle of firebrand predecessor Nadine Dorries by insisting it is “impossible” to sustain the BBC license fee after 2027, while distancing herself from the former I’m a Celebrity… contestant’s views on impartiality.

CNBC; David Zaslav’s top priority at Warner Bros. Discovery: Get the cash flowing again

Story from CNBC:

A few months ago, after a lengthy and sobering review of Warner Bros. Discovery’s business, Chief Executive David Zaslav gave his division heads a cutthroat mission.

Channel 4 Takeover - Media Guardian: New Channel 4 funding talks suggest end of privatisation plan

Story from Media Guardian:

Channel 4 is discussing new funding models with the government that could enable it to avoid privatisation, according to the culture secretary.

Media Guardian: ITV could drop news pledge unless ministers offer help against streamers

Story from Media Guardian:

ITV could abandon its commitment to make news output if the government does not pass a law to protect British television channels from streaming services, according to leaked guidance drawn up for ministers.

Radio Today: BBC Radio 3 confirms eight programmes moving to Salford

Story from Radio Today:

The BBC has confirmed which Radio 3 programmes are moving to the North of England to broadcast from MediaCity in Salford.

Variety; Box Office Bust: ‘Black Adam’ Faces Theatrical Losses

Story from Variety:

“Black Adam” has hardly been given a hero’s welcome in its box office run, generating just $387 million globally after seven weeks on the big screen.

Variety: ‘Max’ Could Be the Name of Merged HBO Max/Discovery+ Service

Story from Variety:

The mashup of HBO Max and Discovery+ is likely to be called just “Max,” according to a new report.

Deadline: Fox Considering Best Interests “Of All Its Shareholders” In Possible News Corp. Merger, CFO Promises After Big Investors Sound Off

Story from Deadline:

Fox CFO Steven Tomsic promised that “whatever happens” as its board considers merging with News Corp., creating value for shareholders “will be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”

Media Guardian: Sky News boss set to step down as channel looks to post-TV future

Story from Media Guardian:

The head of Sky News is set to quit after 16 years in the job, as the news outlet faces up to long-term challenges in adapting to a post-television future.

Media Guardian: As ITVX banks on World Cup gold, is channel too late to streaming party?

Story from Media Guardian:

With England roaring into the last 16 and the prospect of maybe, just maybe, airing a quarter-final World Cup clash, the mood at ITV traditionally becomes one of high-fives and talk of bonuses as national fervour turns into advertising gold.

Deadline: Ana Cabrera Expected To Depart CNN For NBC News

Story from Deadline:

Ana Cabrera, who anchors CNN Newsroom on weekdays at 1 PM ET, is expected to depart the network, with sources saying that she is eyeing a new role at NBCUniversal.

Deadline: Rick Lewchuk To Exit CNN Senior VP Post As Network Undergoes Cost Cutting

Story from Deadline:

Rick Lewchuk is exiting his post as senior vice president of creative marketing and brand standards for CNN Worldwide, amid cost-cutting and layoffs at the network this week.

Deadline: CNN “Gut Punch” Of Layoffs And Cost Cuts: What Happens Next?

Story from Deadline:

The hundreds of layoffs at CNN this week were, as CNN boss Chris Licht predicted, a “gut punch,” but the question for staffers — and viewers — is what will happen next.

Advanced Television: DCMS Secretary to face MP questions

Story from Advanced Television:

Michelle Donelan, the UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, will appear before the DCMS Committee for the first time since her September 2022 appointment.

Hollywood Reporter; CNN Chief Outlines Cuts: HLN Slashed, International Reorganized, “Core” News Product In Focus

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Forty years after it was founded by Ted Turner, HLN is getting out of the live TV business. by Ted Turner, HLN is getting out of the live TV business.

Variety: David Decker To Replace Jim Wuthrich As Head of Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales

Story from Variety:

David Decker will take on the role of president of content sales at Warner Bros. Discovery, effective January 2, 2023, replacing longtime executive Jim Wuthrich, who plans to retire from the company at the end of this year.

Variety: HLN Gutted by CNN Layoffs

Story from Variety:

CNN is breaking news — but not in the way it usually does.

Hollywood Reporter: Lionsgate Film, Distribution Chiefs Talk Possible Studio Business Spinoff, Starz Rebrand

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Lionsgate hasn’t unveiled any megadeal, but top executives at the Hollywood studio talked up the benefits of potentially spinning off its studio business during an investor conference appearance on Wednesday.

Media Leader; Ofcom: BBC must do more to reach lower socio-economic groups

Story from Media Leader:

Ofcom has found lower socio-economic and disabled audiences are “persistently underserved” and less satisfied with BBC content.

Radio Today: Local BBC Radio sharing proposals may change before implemented

Story from Radio Today:

BBC Director of Nations Rhodri Talfan Davies and BBC Director of England Jason Horton have defended proposals to reduce the number of local programmes on Local BBC Radio.