Media Guardian: GB News’ Calvin Robinson is third presenter suspended in three days

Story from Media Guardian:

Calvin Robinson has become the third GB News presenter to be suspended in the last three days, as the channel struggles to contain the fallout from the misogynistic comments made by Laurence Fox.

Bizasia; Sony issues statement on merger with ZEE: “We expect completion within few months”

Story from Bizasia:

The merger between ZEE and Sony will be taking a little more longer, according to a statement issued by Sony Pictures Networks India.

GB News; BBC admits bias: Broadcaster says it 'should have tried harder' after scandalous Newsnight debate

Story from GB News:

Caroline Nokes and Adam Boulton appeared on the current affairs programme to say they wanted GB News 'off air'.

Media Guardian: Laurence Fox remarks ‘way past limits of acceptance’, says GB News boss

Story from Media Guardian:

The head of GB News has signalled that Laurence Fox is likely to be sacked by describing his misogynist comments about a political journalist as “way past the limits of acceptance”.

Media Guardian: No rule to stop Tory MP interviewing minister on GB News, says Ofcom boss

Story from Media Guardian:

Ofcom’s chief executive has said there is nothing under current rules to stop GB News using the Conservative MP Lee Anderson to interview the Tory home secretary, Suella Braverman.

BBC News: Premier League expects sizeable increase on domestic TV rights deals

Story from BBC News:

The Premier League expects to secure a significant increase on its £5bn domestic TV rights deals when it launches its new tender later in 2023.

BBC News: GB News boss 'appalled' by Laurence Fox comments

Story from BBC News:

Laurence Fox's on-air comments about a female journalist were "way past the limits of acceptance" and should have been properly challenged by host Dan Wootton, the boss of GB News has said.

Deadline: Ofcom Opens Yet Another Investigation Into GB News After Receiving 7,300 Complaints About Laurence Fox’s Misogynist Rant On Dan Wootton Show

Story from Deadline:

Ofcom has opened yet another investigation into GB News following the Laurence Fox rant on Dan Wootton Tonight, which the regulator revealed has received 7,300 complaints.

Garygate - Deadline: Star BBC Presenters Should Avoid “Political Campaigning” On Social Media, New Rules State

Story from Deadline:

Star BBC presenters such as Gary Lineker should avoid overt “political campaigning,” according to new rules recommended in an independent report for the UK’s public broadcaster.

Media Guardian: DMG Media said Dan Wootton’s contract had been terminated ‘following events this week’

Story from Media Guardian:

Dan Wootton has been sacked by MailOnline the day after he was suspended by GB News for his part in an on-air discussion with actor Laurence Fox about a female journalist.

Broadband TV News: Sky News wins International Emmy for coverage of the Ukraine War

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky News has been awarded an International Emmy for its 2022 coverage of the Ukraine war.

Deadline: BBC On Brink Of Publishing New Rules Policing What Stars Can Post On Social Media

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is preparing to set out new rules that will govern what its biggest stars can post on social media after a debacle over a Gary Lineker tweet earlier this year.

Media Guardian: GB News suspends Dan Wootton after Laurence Fox’s remarks on show

Story from Media Guardian:

GB News has suspended the presenters Dan Wootton and Laurence Fox as the channel struggles to contain the fallout after misogynistic comments made on Wootton’s show.

Media Guardian: Laurence Fox comments prompt rare climbdown by ‘home of free speech’ GB News

Story from Media Guardian:

GB News’ decision to suspend presenters Laurence Fox and Dan Wootton is a rare example of a channel that calls itself the “home of free speech” backing down in the face of a backlash from critics and its own employees.

Broadband TV News: TalkTalk Group reorganises leadership ahead of demerger

Story from Broadband TV News:

TalkTalk CEO Tristia Harrison is stepping down after six years in the role ahead of the break up of the company.

Broadband TV News: Shopping Channel news - Ideal World to relaunch later this week on Virgin Media via 5USA

Story from Broadband TV News:

Vaibhav Global Limited, which runs the TJC shopping channel, has acquired the assets of Ideal World Ltd.

Advanced Television: Ofcom fines Islam Channel

Story from Advanced Television:

Media regulator Ofcom has imposed a £40,000 financial penalty on Islam Channel Ltd for serious and repeated breaches of its broadcasting rules.

Manchester Evening News: BBC to sell home of CBBC and CBeebies as it downsizes MediaCity space

Story from Manchester Evening News:

The BBC is selling its leasehold of one of its major buildings at MediaCity as it bids to downsize its office space.

Daily Mail: Why is the BBC spending your licence fee on 22 weather forecasters?

Story from Daily Mail:

It may be Britain's favourite topic – but does the BBC really need 22 national forecasters to tell us about the weather?

Deadline: Top Gear Presenter “Voiced Concerns About Safety On Same Day As Horror Crash”

Story from Deadline:

Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff voiced his concerns about safety during filming on the same day as he was injured in a 130mph crash, The Sun newspaper reports.

Media Guardian: Next BBC chair faces tougher scrutiny over conflicts of interest

Story from Media Guardian:

Candidates for the top job at the BBC will be subject to greater scrutiny than ever in an effort to avoid a repeat of the conflict of interest row that led to its chair Richard Sharp resigning in April, the Observer has learned.

Daily Mail: BBC drama has number of episodes slashed in 'devastating' move

Story from Daily Mail:

BBC drama Casualty has seen its number of episodes slashed in a bid to save money amid the cost of living crisis.

Daily Mail: Alex Scott hits back as former Football Focus presenter Dan Walker

Story from Daily Mail:

Football Focus presenter Alex Scott has hit back at her predecessor Dan Walker, who said that it's 'hard' to see the iconic BBC show struggling amid a dramatic slump in audience figures that could see it axed.

Daily Mail: Fears it's full-time for Football Focus as BBC face urgent talks

Story from Daily Mail:

The future of Football Focus is under discussion at the BBC due to a dramatic drop in viewing figures.

Deadline: Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon Was Queen Of RTS Cambridge, But Backstage Her Future Was A Source Of Fevered Speculation

Story from Deadline:

“It’s the Alex Mahon show,” was how one seasoned British TV executive characterized the industry’s biennial gathering in Cambridge, chaired by the Channel 4 CEO.

Deadline: BBC Buys Hulu’s ‘Love, Victor’

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has acquired all three seasons of Hulu’s Love, Victor.

Broadband TV News: Mike Fries moves to UK

Story from Broadband TV News:

As the cablenet has withdrawn from parts of Europe, Liberty Global’s UK operations have become increasingly significant, with the company holding half of Virgin Media O2, half of All3Media, 10% in ITV and 5% in Vodafone.

TBI Vision: Amazon Prime Video to introduce advertisements from 2024

Story from TBI Vision:

Amazon is to introduce advertisements on its Prime Video service from next year, the retail giant has said.

TBI Vision: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Andrew Georgiou says ‘eventual’ Max UK launch part of thinking around TNT Sports

Story from TBI Vision:

Warner Bros. Discovery exec Andrew Georgiou has discussed the rationale behind the creation of TNT Sports in the UK, admitting that it formed part of a broader strategy ahead of the “eventual” launch of streamer Max in the country.

Deadline: Krishnan Guru-Murthy Says Gov’t Using Networks Like GB News As “Platform” To Avoid Scrutiny

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 News lead anchor Krishnan Guru-Murthy has raised concerns that the government is using the likes of GB News as a “platform” to avoid scrutiny.

Media Leader; ‘Truly astonishing’: Rupert Murdoch retires from News Corp

Story from Media Leader:

Rupert Murdoch is stepping down as chairman of the boards of News Corp and Fox Corp, effective mid-November, ending an unprecedented seven-decade career as one of media’s truly iconic global figures.

Digital TV Europe: Warner Bros. Discovery’s Georgiou links TNT Sports strategy to ‘eventual’ launch of Max in UK

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery UK and Ireland chief Andrew Georgiou has discussed the rationale behind the creation of TNT Sports in the UK, admitting that it formed part of a broader strategy ahead of the “eventual” launch of streamer Max in the country.

Deadline: McCall hits out at UK government

Story from Deadline:

With the cost-of-living crisis and ad recession hitting commercial broadcasters hard, McCall slammed the UK government for lacking a plan and “talking about growth all the time but being very very quiet.”

Deadline: Rupert Murdoch Stepping Down As Chairman Of News Corp., Fox; Lachlan Murdoch Sole Chair Of Both

Story from Deadline:

Rupert Murdoch will be stepping down shortly as chairman of the board of Fox and News Corp., the companies said Thursday.

Deadline: Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries Says All3Media Sale Is “Bittersweet”; Confirms ITV Back In For Producer

Story from Deadline:

Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries has said that the sale of All3Media will be a “bittersweet” moment, as it launches an auction for the British super producer.

Deadline: Sky CEO Dana Strong “Optimistic” UK Arm Can Keep Hold Of HBO Content Beyond 2026

Story from Deadline:

Sky CEO Dana Strong has said she is “optimistic” that the company’s UK unit can keep hold of HBO content when its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery comes up for renewal in 2026.

Broadband TV News; Davie: Freely is about trust

Story from Broadband TV News:

BBC director-general Tim Davie has said Britain is “miles away” from a new digital switchover.

Broadband TV News: Channel 5 catches Cricket World Cup highlights

Story from Broadband TV News:

Channel 5 has agreed a partnership with Sky to bring daily highlights of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Daily Mail: Premier League 'plan 6.30pm Sunday kick-off time' in TV rights deal

Story from Daily Mail:

The Premier League are reportedly set to shake up their television rights in a move that could see 25 per cent more matches broadcast during the season.

Broadcast Sport: WSL aiming for winter rights tender in £1bn plans

Story from Broadcast Sport:

WSL chair Dawn Airey has revealed that it aims to become the first £1 billion women’s football league.

Deadline: Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer Vows To Protect Traditional TV Viewer In World Of Technological Change

Story from Deadline:

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has vowed to protect traditional TV viewers as she unveils planned research on the future of television in the UK.

Deadline: ITV Takes Over From Channel 4 As Home Of England Men’s Soccer Qualifiers

Story from Deadline:

ITV has won the rights to show England men’s soccer qualifiers from 2024 to 2028.

Broadcast Sport: ITV stays on track with Extreme E extension

Story from Broadcast Sport:

ITV and Extreme E have agreed a “multi-year” extension to their broadcast partnership.

Deadline: GB News Show Hosted By Politicians Found In Breach By Ofcom Over Impartiality Concerns

Story from Deadline:

Ofcom has found GB News to be in breach of due impartiality rules in a landmark ruling pertaining to an episode of Esther McVey and Phillip Davies’ show.

Deadline: British Broadcasters Join Together For Live TV Broadband Platform

Story from Deadline:

The British broadcasters are collaborating on a landmark free TV service that will deliver live television over broadband.

X: Christmas 24 returns on October 1st

Story from our sister site Media Boy UK on X:

Deadline: ‘Top Gear’ Team Dismantled, In Further Sign That BBC Hit Car Show May Never Return After Flintoff Crash

Story from Deadline:

The Mail on Sunday newspaper reports that Top Gear, in all likelihood, will not return to screens following a near-fatal crash involving one of its star presenters, Freddie Flintoff. Following the show being put “on hold” in March, the paper claims that the hit show’s production team has been dismantled.

Advanced Television: Prime Video, Warner Bros Discovery sign UK agreement for discovery+ Premium

Story from Advanced Television:

Amazon and Warner Bros Discovery have signed a UK agreement that will see the recently launched discovery+ Premium (including TNT Sports) plan, available as a new Prime Video Channel.

Deadline: Amazon’s UK Content Chief Dan Grabiner Exiting

Story from Deadline:

Amazon’s UK content arm, which is behind series such as Clarkson’s Farm and The Rig, is saying goodbye to its boss.

Viaplay Sports UK Crisis; Advanced Television: Schibsted acquires 10.1% Viaplay stake

Story from Advanced Television:

Norway-based Schibsted, a family of digital brands, has informed the Oslo Stock Exchange that it now owns a minority stake of 10.1 per cent in Viaplay Group.

Media Leader: Richard Dawkins exits as Bauer Media audio chief

Story from Media Leader:

Richard Dawkins, Bauer Media president of audio, has stepped down due to “differing ideas around the next phase of transformation” of its business.

Advanced Television: Sesame Street coming to Amazon Kids+

Story from Advanced Television:

Recent seasons of iconic children’s series Sesame Street are set to debut on Amazon Kids+. Children in the UK will laugh and learn with eight of the latest seasons of Sesame Street, totalling 280 episodes, produced by nonprofit media and education organisation Sesame Workshop.

Deadline: BBC Buys ‘Interview With The Vampire’ From AMC Networks

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is bringing AMC Networks’ Interview with the Vampire TV series to the UK.

Deadline: BBC Kids Boss Urges Gov’t Lobbying & “Radical” Solutions To Prevent UK Kids Becoming “Culturally Swamped”

Story from Deadline:

“We are sleepwalking into a media landscape where UK kids are culturally swamped,” the BBC Children’s boss warned today, as she urged government lobbying and “radical” solutions.

Deadline; Amazon & Jeremy Clarkson: It’s Not Over Yet As Prime Video Gears Up To Renew ‘Clarkson’s Farm’

Story from Deadline:

Don’t bet the farm on Amazon parting ways with Jeremy Clarkson.

Hollywood Reporter; Sky News Executive Chair David Rhodes: “We Want Our Coverage to Set an Agenda, Not Present One”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Sky News, a division of Comcast-owned European media and technology giant Sky, wants its coverage to “set an agenda, not present one,” David Rhodes, executive chairman of the Sky News Group, said in London on Tuesday evening.

Broadband TV News: British Basketball League extends Sky Sports Broadcast deal

Story from Broadband TV News:

Basketball fans will see one game from the UK game’s top professional league live each week on Sky Sports’ linear and YouTube channels.

Daily Mail: Jean Boht who starred as Nellie Boswell in BBC sitcom Bread dies at 91

Story from Daily Mail:

Jean Boht, best known for playing Nellie Boswell in sitcom Bread, has died aged 91 just six weeks after her composer husband passed away.

Deadline; Huw Edwards Scandal: UK Government Defends Itself Against Concerns It Meddled In BBC Crisis

Story from Deadline:

The UK government has said it was “important” to raise questions with the BBC about the Huw Edwards scandal amid concerns it could have called the broadcaster’s independence into question.

Advanced Television: AMC Networks shows for UKTV

Story from Advanced Television:

UKTV and BBC Studios have secured the UK and Benelux rights to a number of shows from AMC Networks in a joint deal.

Advanced Television: SES extends UKTV broadcast deal

Story from Advanced Television:

SES and UKTV have agreed to extend their UK and ROI capacity agreement at SES’s key TV neighbourhood at 28.2 degrees East through to the end of the decade.

Deadline: Amazon’s Call For More Consultation On New UK Streaming Laws Knocked Back By Government

Story from Deadline:

Amazon’s call for a “dedicated consultation” on new UK streaming laws looks set to be rejected by the government.

Deadline; Oscars: ITV Becomes New Home Of Academy Awards Ceremony In The UK

Story from Deadline:

ITV has become the new home of the Oscars awards ceremony in the UK.

Deadline: UK Government Holds Up Hire Of Four New Channel 4 Board Members Amid Pressure To Tackle “Scandalous” All-White Non-Executive Team

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 may have escaped privatization, but in at least one respect it remains at the mercy of ministers.

Morninggate - Daily Mail: NTAs fans spot Holly Willoughby jumping in front of Alison Hammond

Story from Daily Mail:

National Television Awards fans have spotted the toe-curling moment Holly Willoughby appeared to jump in front of Alison Hammond to hug Jay Blades.

Deadline: Paramount UK Unscripted Boss Daniel Pearl Moving To Lion TV

Story from Deadline:

UK unscripted vet Daniel Pearl is exiting Paramount UK for Lion TV.

Deadline: Ofcom Raps UKTV For Swearing Gaffe During Daytime Repeat Of ‘Casualty’

Story from Deadline:

UKTV has been wrapped by Ofcom for subtitling the word “f***ing” twice during a repeat of Casualty that aired at 10:30 in the morning.

Daily Mail: Danielle Nicholls reveals very raunchy backstage antics at CITV

Story from Daily Mail:

After 17 years on air CITV officially shut down on September 1, leaving fans and former show hosts bereft.

Broadband TV News: GREAT! Christmas back on TV

Story from Broadband TV News:

They say that Christmas gets earlier every year, but for some UK viewers that’s nothing to worry about.

Daily Mail: BBC boss hits out at critic of disinformation reporter Marianna Spring

Story from Daily Mail:

A BBC boss today hit back at criticism of the corporation's disinformation correspondent after claims she lied about her experience on her CV.

Advanced Television: England rugby league internationals on BBC

Story from Advanced Television:

BBC Sport will air live and exclusive coverage of five internationals involving three England rugby league teams this autumn, including a rematch of the 2022 Wheelchair Final between England and France.

Daily Mail: Hollyoaks is axed from Channel 4 after 28 years

Story from Daily Mail:

Channel 4 has announced it will stop airing individual Hollyoaks episodes for the first time in 28 years on its main channel.

Broadband TV News: TNT Sports to show exclusive live coverage of Premiership Rugby Cup pool stage

Story from Broadband TV News:

Rugby fans will be able to enjoy exclusive live coverage of the Premiership Rugby Cup pool stage.

Warner Bros Discovery to close some channels in Europe by 2024

RegularCapital has tweet on X that Discovery Science and DTX (Discovery Turbo Extra) will close at the end of 2023 in the following countries and territories:

Advanced Television: Disney+ UK launches £1.99 promo

Story from Advanced Television:

From September 6th to September 20th, new and returning customers in the UK can subscribe to the Disney+ streaming service for £1.99 per month for three months – an £18 saving compared to the regular price for three months.

Morninggate - Daily Mail; EXCLUSIVE: Holly Willoughby reveals fears for future at NTA red carpet

Story from Daily Mail:

Holly Willoughby probably would rather have been elsewhere last night than sashaying down a red carpet with millions watching – before being booed by the audience for the second NTA ceremony in a row.

Deadline: BBC Sport Boss Barbara Slater To Retire

Story from Deadline:

The BBC’s Director of Sport is retiring after four decades with the corporation.

Deadline: BBC Considers Replacing Huw Edwards On Election Night Show As Presenter Remains Suspended

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is actively weighing whether it should replace Huw Edwards as the anchor of its flagship election night show amid continued uncertainty over the presenter’s future.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom appoints Simon Bucks to Content Board

Story from Broadband TV News:

Former BFBS chief executive Simon Bucks has been appointed to Ofcom’s Content Board on a three-year term.

Media Guardian; ‘No one expects him back’: what now for the BBC’s Huw Edwards?

Story from Media Guardian:

Last September, Huw Edwards sprinted out of a barbershop near his south London home after being summoned to the BBC’s headquarters so he could announce Queen Elizabeth’s death to the nation.

Advanced Television: Recommendations for new UK channel numbers

Story from Advanced Television:

The Service List Registry has released its recommendations for a new Logical Channel Number plan for television and radio services in the UK.

Virgin Media and Warner Bros Discovery at war - Media Boy UK Views: Has Virgin sign a new carriage deal with Warner Bros Discovery?

Here is Media Boy UK HQ views on the changes revealed today on Cable Forum:

Virgin Media and Warner Bros Discovery at war - Cable Forum: Virgin Media UK rebrand some package plus start to make TNT Sports a add on package

A Virgin Media UK worker has reveal the following on Cable Forum: