Latest News from Media Boy UK HQ on new channels testing 2024

Last updated on November 18th 2024 at 12:15 (THIS POST WILL STAY AT TOP OF BLOG): 

Coming up Changes to Virgin Media and Sky Q

Here is a list of Changes at time of posting (Up until 2029):

Paramount Global for sale plus Warner Bros Discovery latest on Media Boy UK Blog

We at Media Boy UK HQ will update on all things Paramount Global and Warner Discovery plus latest on Paramount Global merger with SkyDance on the following links:

MEDIA BOY'S WORLD MEDIA NEWS: Paramount Global for sale latest

Warner Bros Discovery Crisis latest

Media Boy UK Blogs updates

When Media Boy UK do some label some changes information appearing on this post:

Advanced Television: The Day of the Jackal sets Sky viewing record

Story from Advanced Television:

The Day of the Jackal has become the biggest launch on Sky in over two years, drawing a record audience of 3 million in its first week making it the biggest Sky Original ever.

That's TV 2 launches on Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media UK has make some changes today:

Variety: Amazon Is Shutting Down Freevee, Its Ad-Supported Video Streamer

Story from Variety:

RIP, Freevee.

Deadline: BBC Confirms Gary Lineker Will Leave ‘Match Of The Day’ Next Year

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has confirmed reports on Monday night that Gary Lineker is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the current Premier League season.

Broadband TV News: “Natural leader” Geraint Evans named as new S4C boss

Story from Broadband TV News:

Welsh language channel S4C has announced Geraint Evans as its new chief executive.

Broadcast Sport: Premier Sports on its European rugby & 24/7 rugby channel plans

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Lawrence Dallaglio, Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt, Andy Goode, Chris Robshaw, Topsy Ojo & Martin Bayfield are among the 32 pundits, presenters and commentators announced for Premier Sports’ coverage of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.

Advanced Television; Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking coming to Prime Video UK

Story from Advanced Television:

Prime Video has announced that the newest addition to the Wizarding World franchise, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, will debut on Prime Video in the UK and Ireland this December.

Broadband TV News: National League goes live on DAZN

Story from Broadband TV News:

DAZN has become the global home of the Vanarama National League with both domestic UK and global rights.

SportsPro: Premier Sports adamant European rugby and dedicated channel will drive subscriptions

Story from SportsPro:

Premier Sports say it is confident in the power of club rugby union to attract subscribers to its pay-TV service in the UK and Ireland ahead of a launch of a channel dedicated to the sport in early 2025.

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media UK set to move That's Christmas to new EPG number soon

Virgin Media UK ARE SET to move That's Christmas (aka That's TV 3) soon to a new channel number.

Deadline: UK Government Launches Forum To Consider Future Of Linear TV Amid Streaming Revolution

Story from Deadline:

The UK government plans to examine ways of sustainably preserving linear television for older and underprivileged audiences amid the streaming revolution.

Advanced Television: UKTV completes rollout of U Masterbrand

Story from Advanced Television:

UKTV has completed the rollout of its U Masterbrand with the commercial broadcaster’s pay channels, Gold & Alibi, transitioning to U&Gold and U&alibi across paid linear and on demand platforms.

Hollywood Reporter: Channel 4 Kicks Ex-U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Out of Election Panel for Plugging Book

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Former U.K. prime minister Boris Johnson was “fired” from Channel 4‘s overnight election coverage after going on and on about his book, according to the program’s co-host.

Broadband TV News: New ITV cost savings after revenues drop

Story from Broadband TV News:

ITV has announced a further £20 million in cost savings in 2024.

Advanced Television: UK media merger laws to be modernised

Story from Advanced Television:

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced plans to broaden the scope of the UK’s media mergers regime, updating it for the digital age to reflect modern news consumption habits and better protect media freedom and plurality.

Deadline: Emily Maitlis Told Off For Swearing During Channel 4’s Sometimes Chaotic U.S. Election Night Live

Story from Deadline:

Emily Maitlis was reprimanded for swearing by her co-host Krishnan Guru-Murthy during Channel 4‘s lively coverage of the U.S. election in the UK.

Hollywood Reporter; BBC Is a “Very British Success Story,” New Chair Says But Warns: “The Fight Is on”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

The BBC “is a very British success story”, new chair Samir Shah said in Leeds, England on Tuesday in his first public speech, in which he outlined his vision for the future of U.K. public service broadcasting and his priorities for the BBC.

Advanced Television: DAZN, Queensberry Promotions multi-year rights deal

Story from Advanced Television:

Queensberry Promotions, the boxing promotion company founded by Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren, has entered into a multi-year media rights agreement with DAZN, the sport streaming platform.

That's TV 2 set to launch on Virgin Media UK

UK Cable TV Changes are today reporting That's TV 2 are testing in Virgin Media O2 HQ ahead of launching on Virgin UK Channel 151.

Deadline: BBC Chair Samir Shah Calls For Action To Future-Proof Public Service Broadcasting In First Major Speech: “The Fight Is On”

Story from Deadline:

BBC Chairman Samir Shah will launch a staunch defense of the UK’s public broadcasting system in his first major speech.

Variety: Freddie Flintoff Sets Disney+ Documentary Charting Recovery From ‘Top Gear’ Crash and Return to Cricket

Story from Variety:

Freddie Flintoff has teamed up with Disney+ for an original documentary film about his cricket career and recovery from his near-fatal “Top Gear” crash in 2022.

Media Guardian: Sky faces bill for hundreds of millions after advertising blunder

Story from Media Guardian:

Sky is facing a bill for hundreds of millions of pounds after a blunder that meant it accidentally underpaid its advertising partners, it has emerged.

The Sun: BBC reveal future of hit comedy panel show after 19 series on air

Story from The Sun:

Fans of The Blame Game will no longer be playing a guessing game as the BBC has confirmed the hit show will be returning for its 20th series.

The Sun: Sky Sports slammed as ‘complete joke’ as technical error leaves fans unable to watch bumper night of cup football

Story from The Sun:

Football fans were left furious after Sky Sports Plus appeared to crash during Manchester United's Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City.

Advanced Television: Government responds to creator remuneration report

Story from Advanced Television:

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee of the UK House of Commons has published the Government response to the report on creator remuneration from the committee in the last Parliament.

Advanced Television: UK creative industries funding confirmed

Story from Advanced Television:

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has welcomed confirmation in the Budget of the government’s commitment to support the creative industries – as part of the Industrial Strategy – recognising the key role it can play in economic growth.

The Sun: Major TV change as England’s Autumn International rugby fixtures move to new channel

Story from The Sun:

England will be shown by a new broadcaster in this year's Autumn International fixtures.

Advanced Television: Pluto TV expands NBCU content in UK

Story from Advanced Television:

Pluto TV has announced a partnership with NBCUniversal (NBCU) Global TV Distribution to bring an array of comedy, dramedy, action, and fan favourites content to viewers in the UK starting November 1st.

BBC News: Sturgeon paid £25k for ITV general election appearance

Story from BBC News:

Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon was paid £25,000 to appear on ITV’s general election results programme, it has been revealed.

Deadline: Ofcom Fines GB News £100,000 Over Rishi Sunak Live Show; GB News Boss Decries “Direct Attack On Free Speech & Journalism”

Story from Deadline:

Ofcom has fined GB News £100,000 over its People’s Forum: The Prime Minister live show with Rishi Sunak just prior to the UK general election, with the head of GB News calling the move a “direct attack on free speech and journalism.”

Sky Sports; WSL new broadcast deal: Sky Sports and The BBC to remain home of women's football in historic five-year deal from 2025/26 season

Story from Sky Sports & The BBC:

Sky has announced a historic five-year partnership with the Women's Professional League, securing the rights to show nearly 90 per cent of all Women's Super League matches from the 2025/26 season.

Advanced Television: ITV scores Ligue 1 highlights

Story from Advanced Television:

LFP Media and ITV have announced a deal that will see ITV broadcast the weekly Ligue 1 McDonald’s highlights magazine show in the UK during the current 2024/25 season.

Advanced Television: ITV extends Lionesses deal

Story from Advanced Television:

ITV has agreed a new four-year record deal with The FA as they will continue to be the home of the Lionesses from 2025-2029.

Media Guardian: No more international cricket live on free-to-air TV as ECB fails to agree deal

Story from Media Guardian:

The England men’s and women’s cricket teams are set to return fully behind the Sky Sports paywall next season after an extension to the BBC rights deal in which the ­corporation opted out of showing live internationals.

Advanced Television; Channel 4’s Katz: ‘No AI-generated drama’

Story from Advanced Television:

Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer at UK PSB Channel 4, has said the channel is not planning to follow the lead of fellow PSB ITV in seeking to recruit a Head of Generative AI to help create ‘shows, films and digital-first content’.

Advanced Television; Survey: Film & TV industry has government budget concerns

Story from Advanced Television:

Specialist film and TV PR consultancy Percy & Warren has revealed the findings of its pre-budget survey of UK film and television producers.

Variety; BBC Reports 10,000 Shows Viewed Online a Day, Compared With Netflix’s 4,800, Prime Video’s 2,400: ‘Everyone’s a Streamer, Even the Broadcasters’

Story from Variety:

The streaming platforms of European broadcasters are outgunning the global streamers when it comes to depth of content, research agency Glance reported in Cannes during TV market Mipcom this week.

Broadband TV News: Create and Craft confirms closure

Story from Broadband TV News:

Shopping channel Create and Craft has confirmed its closure, days after Sky removed the channel from its programme guide.

Advanced Television: Top cycling races remain on Warner Bros Discovery services

Story from Advanced Television:

Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe is extending its rights to show a large number of the world’s greatest cycling races until at least 2030.

Advanced Television: Asian channel boost for Virgin TV subs for Diwali

Story from Advanced Television:

From October 25th until November 8th and in celebration of Diwali, Virgin Media TV customers can enjoy access to 14 premium South Asian TV channels at no extra cost, bringing a wealth of world-leading South Asian entertainment into homes across the UK.

Broadband TV News: Virgin Media rebrands Stream product as Flex

Story from Broadband TV News:

Virgin Media has rebranded its Steam product as well as bringing in a new £5 monthly free for new subscribers.

Virgin Media: Virgin Media O2 to make multi-million-pound investment in new central Manchester office

Story from Virgin Media O2:

Virgin Media O2 has signed a commitment to invest in a new state-of-the art office space in central Manchester, agreeing a contract with Island that will see the new and innovative net zero carbon workspace become the company’s central Manchester office location from late next year.

Variety: ScreenSkills Teams With BBC, Channel 4 on Five-Year Plan to Boost U.K. Screen Industry Workforce

Story from Variety:

ScreenSkills, the U.K.‘s screen industry skills body, has unveiled an ambitious five-year strategy aimed at developing a robust workforce to support the nation’s £13.48 billion screen sector.

Advanced Television: ITV, Mattel announce Pictionary game show

Story from Advanced Television:

Mattel, the toy and family entertainment company, and ITV have jointly announced new game show Pictionary (25 x 30”) based on the popular drawing game. The show will be produced by Whisper North and hosted by Mel Giedroyc.

BBC News: Government intervenes over film studio proposals

Story from BBC News:

The government has intervened over planning proposals to build one of the UK's biggest film and TV studio complexes.

Virgin Media rebrand NDTV News TWO weeks after it rebrand

Virgin Media UK has rebranded NDTV 24x7 as NDTV World on Virgin UK Channel 621.

Media Guardian: Sky’s full-year losses double to £224m as revenue flatlines

Story from Media Guardian:

Sky reported a doubling of its annual losses last year as the media and telecoms company spent more on programming and costs relating to its broadband services and hardware such as mobile devices and Sky Glass TVs increased.

MTV Christmas back next month

Virgin Media TV Boxes has confirmed that MTV 90s will become MTV Xmas on November 1st.

Information was found by Media Boy UK on X Follower Kristian Burrows.

 

Advanced Television: 4creative appoints Wigglesworth as ECD & Creative Partner

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4 has appointed David Wigglesworth as Executive Creative Director & Creative Partner of 4creative, its in-house creative agency.

Rumour: Rewind TV ''To launch on Virgin Media soon''

''Popeye'' has told me on X that ''Rewind TV is coming to Virgin Media but no date has been set yet. I think January 2025 launch.''

Media Guardian: London Live profits plunged by 75%

 Story from Media Guardian:

In The Evening Standard financial accounts the company said London Live, the capital-focused TV station profits plunged by 75% because of the loss of an unnamed key customer. Pre-tax profits fell to £746,000 in the year to 30 September 2023, compared with £2.99m in 2022. Revenues almost halved from £7.2m to £4.1m.

Radio Today: More job cuts announced as BBC radio stations combine further bulletins and programmes

Story from Radio Today:

More programme and news sharing is coming to BBC Asian Network and 5 Live as the BBC announces proposals to cut dozens of radio jobs across the newsrooms.

Cable Forum: Virgin Media UK rebrand their Stream network as Flex

Cable Forum is saying that Virgin Media Stream is NOW known as Flex and comes with a £5 monthly charge for new customers (no change for existing Stream customers).

Broadcast: Channel 4 to overhaul streaming service

Story from Broadcast:

Channel 4 has kicked off a major overhaul of its streaming platform, as part of its Fast Forward strategy to transform into a “genuinely digital-first public service streamer”.

Advanced Television: Channel 4 to boost impact across Nations and Regions

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4 has unveiled what it calls its “biggest-ever intervention in the UK creative industries”, with a package of measures focused on three core areas – skills, content, and people – to serve and reflect the whole of the UK.

Advanced Television: That's TV 3 put it's Christmas tree up

Story from Advanced Television:

That’s TV has launched its annual Christmas entertainment channel That’s Christmas.

Eden channels rebrand

Here is a list of overnight changes on Virgin Media:

Virgin Go now on Apple TV devices

Media Boy UK has just been told by an Media Boy UK on X Follower that Virgin Go is now available on Apple TV devices.

But The Sky Channels are not available except:

• Sky History 2
• Sky Kids

Advanced Television: 10-year PSB licence for Channel 4

Story from Advanced Television:

UK broadcast regulator Ofcom has published its decisions on a new broadcast licence for Channel 4, supporting its digital growth and securing public service broadcasting on the channel for a further ten years.

Deadline: BBC Axes ‘HARDtalk’ As Dozens Of Layoffs Hit News Division

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has axed investigative journalism show HARDtalk after nearly 30 years as part of a 130-person layoff program in its news division.

Deadline: Sale Of ‘Sherlock’ & ‘The Outlaws’ Studio Bottle Yard Given Go-Ahead Despite Union Protest

Story from Deadline:

The UK studio landscape is set for another shakeup with Bristol City Council pushing on with a decision to sell Bottle Yard Studios, where Sherlock, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and The Outlaws were filmed.

Today's Virgin Media UK changes

Virgin Media UK has make a following changes to their network overnight - NOT on TiVo boxes:

Advanced Television; UK Govt: Creative sector key to Industrial Strategy

Story from Advanced Television:

Sky Group CEO, Dana Strong said: “We welcome the decision to prioritise the Creative Industries in the government’s industrial strategy.

Deadline: BBC Boss Bans The Word “Talent”

Story from Deadline:

Don’t let BBC Director General Tim Davie hear you say the word “talent.”

Deadline: Former ITV Commissioner Nicola Lloyd Joins ‘The Apprentice’ Producer Naked As Creative Director

Story from Deadline:

Nicola Lloyd, the ex-ITV commissioner who used to oversee Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and Bradley Walsh shows, has taken up the Creative Director post at The Apprentice producer Naked.

Media Guardian: Labour push for growth spurs Sky appeal against block on film studios expansion

Story from Media Guardian:

Sky is likely to appeal against a planning decision blocking the expansion of its film studios, amid signs that the Labour government is willing to allow building on the green belt to prioritise economic growth.

National World: Paddy McGuinness 'was paid £250,000 by BBC despite Top Gear and Question of Sport being axed' claim insiders

Story from National World:

A BBC star was given £250,000 even though two of the major programmes he worked on were taken off air, it has been claimed.

BBC News: BBC launches review into preventing abuses of power

Story from BBC News:

The BBC has announced details of a review into its workplace culture, focusing on "preventing abuse of power and ensuring everyone at the BBC conducts themselves in line with our values".

Broadband TV News: Paramount+ updates UK terms and conditions to include advertising

Story from Broadband TV News:

Paramount has told its UK subscribers that its updating its terms of use.

Advanced Television: Virgin Media launches digital payment systems

Story from Advanced Television:

Virgin Media has become the first major UK telecoms provider to enable digital methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay for recurring contract payments, providing an alternative to traditional direct debits.

U Media to rebrand Ailbi and Gold next month

U Media has confirmed the following things will happen on November 7th.

Broadband TV News: Netflix UK grows profits by £22m

Story from Broadband TV News:

Netflix has seen the profits for its UK subsidiary grow by £22 million in 2023, according to a Companies House return.

Advanced Television: More Disney titles coming to ITVX

Story from Advanced Television:

ITV has acquired Welcome to Chippendales and Culprits from Disney Entertainment. Both series will be available to stream for free on ITVX later this year.

Advanced Television: Channel 4 reports “resilient performance”; Ofcom approval

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4 has published its annual report for 2023 – later in the year than usual due to the General Election – and provided in-year update on 2024 progress.

Deadline: UK Government Reviewing Decision To Refuse Planning Permission For James Cameron-Backed £750M Film Studio

Story from Deadline:

An appeal against the refusal to give planning permission to a James Cameron-backed £750M UK film studio has reached the UK government.

Deadline: Stormy Daniels & Boris Johnson To Guest On Channel 4’s U.S. Election Night Coverage

Story from Deadline:

UK broadcaster Channel 4 has booked Stormy Daniels and Boris Johnson to feature as guests on its first live U.S. election night show in 32 years.

Deadline: Channel 4 Posts Record Deficit As Content Chief Ian Katz Snubs Bonus

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 posted its biggest deficit of all time last year in what was a chastening financial year, with content boss Ian Katz deciding to reject his bonus.

Deadline: Channel 4 Content Boss Criticizes Channel 5 For Failing To Challenge Phillip Schofield On ‘Cast Away’

Story from Deadline:

Phillip Schofield‘s swift return to TV on Channel 5 over the weekend has generated plenty headlines and the move has clearly dominated chatter at rival broadcasters.

That's Media to start Christmas on October 16th

My Virgin Media's V6 box is saying That's TV 3 will become That's Christmas from October 16th.

 

Deadline: Spotify EMEA Sales Boss Heading To Channel 4 To Run Commercial

Story from Deadline:

The head of sales for Spotify in EMEA is moving to Channel 4 to run the commercial team.

Broadband TV News: GB News facing “substantial fine” after losing High Court challenge

Story from Broadband TV News:

GB News is heading for a substantial fine after the right-leaning channel failed in its High Court bid that would have blocked sanctions brought by the communications regulator Ofcom.

Deadline: ITV News Chief Michael Jermey Quits After 16 Years

Story from Deadline:

Michael Jermey, ITV‘s director of news and current affairs, has resigned after 16 years to chair the Disasters Emergency Committee.

Media Guardian: BBC cancels Boris Johnson interview after Laura Kuenssberg message gaffe

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC has cancelled a prime-time interview with Boris Johnson after the presenter Laura Kuenssberg accidentally sent the former prime minister her briefing notes.

Broadband TV News: GB News goes to High Court to block Ofcom sanctions

Story from Broadband TV News:

GB News has asked a High Court judge to prevent Ofcom from sanctioning the controversial order over a string of breaches of its programming code.

Broadband TV News: Sky Sports secures last minute deal for England’s cricket tour of Pakistan

Story from Broadband TV News:

Sky has made an eleventh hour agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board to screen coverage of England’s tour of Pakistan.

QVC+ app launches on Virgin Media UK

Media Boy UK HQ can confirmed that ''QVC+'' app has today on Virgin Media UK boxes.

Virgin Media's TVGo app launches on Apple TV devices

Virgin Media's TVGo app is now available on Apple TV devices.

Deadline; BBC Boss Tim Davie To Urge The TV Industry To Put Sustainability Content Front & Center: “We Have A Huge Creative Opportunity”

Story from Deadline:

BBC Director General Tim Davie will get on the front foot when it comes to sustainability and climate change this week and urge the industry to put content speaking to these issues front and center. Speaking at the Climate Creatives event this Wednesday, Davie will say that focusing on content that addresses sustainability and climate change is a “huge opportunity.”

Advanced Television: Valentine named Director of BBC Scotland

Story from Advanced Television:

The BBC has appointed journalist and editorial leader Hayley Valentine as its new Director in Scotland.

Deadline: The BBC’s ‘Question Time’ Discussion Show Forced To Correct Itself Live On Air

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has in recent years promoted its “Verify” service in which a special unit acts speedily to support or debunk claims made by guests, often political, on live TV and radio.

Advanced Television: Free kids channels on Virgin TV this October

Story from Advanced Television:

Throughout October, all Virgin TV customers will be given access to additional kids TV channels free of charge including Sky Kids, Cartoon Network, Boomerang HD, Cartoonito HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Nick Jr Too and Nicktoons.

Virgin Media will remove Netflix from TiVo boxes in November

Netflix will no longer be available via Virgin TiVo box from November 2024

The Sun: Darts could be set for major broadcasting change with Luke Littler and Co moving from Sky Sports

Story from The Sun:

Darts could be set for a major broadcasting change with stars such as Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen moving away from Sky Sports.

Advanced Television: ITVX adds Home of the Huns rail

Story from Advanced Television:

ITV’s research titled Hey Hunni: the ultimate guide to Hun Culture has explored the phenomenon of Hun Culture using semiotic, qualitative and comms planning techniques and identifies the audience opportunities for brands.

Two new HD channels appear on Virgin Media

The following changes has happen today on Virgin Media to Warner Bros. Discovery.

Variety: Disgraced Morning Show Anchor Phillip Schofield Plots Comeback With Channel 5 Special ‘Cast Away’

Story from Variety:

Disgraced Morning Show Anchor Phillip Schofield Plots Comeback With Channel 5 Special ‘Cast Away’o an affair with a PA, is planning a return to television.

Advanced Television: ITV extends Matchroom deal

Story from Advanced Television:

ITV will continue to televise major snooker and darts events following the signing of a one-year extension with Matchroom.

Advanced Television: Sky extends UKTV carriage deal

Story from Advanced Television:

Sky and UKTV have announced a multi-year extension to their long-standing partnership.

Virgin Media updates it Virgin TV Go app

Story from Virgin Media web site:

Find yourself locked in an eternal struggle to seize control of the precious TV remote? There is another way to enjoy the telly you love…

Broadband TV News: ITV is to launch two new TV ads created using Generative AI

Story from Broadband TV News:

This Monday ITV viewers will see two new-to-TV brands take launch advertising campaigns using commercials crated through the use of GenAI.

Deadline: BBC Creates Mental Health & Wellbeing Team Led By Former Adviser To Reality TV Inquiry

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is placing renewed focus on improving staff mental health by creating a small wellbeing team led by a psychotherapist who contributed to the parliamentary inquiry into reality TV.

Sky News: Ofcom will not investigate after Yvette Cooper interviewed by husband Ed Balls on ITV's Good Morning Britain

Story from Sky News:

Media regulator Ofcom has confirmed it will not launch an investigation after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was interviewed by her husband Ed Balls live on TV.

Advanced Television: Channel 4 streaming minutes up 25% in 2024

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4’s streaming growth continues, with minutes viewed up 25 per cent (to 42 billion) between January and August 2024.

Deadline: More Layoffs Hit BBC Kids Department As CBBC Production Revamped

Story from Deadline:

Another round of layoffs has hit the BBC Children’s & Education department after a revamp to production of the CBBC Studio.

Advanced Television: BBFC, Prime Video new self-rating partnership

Story from Advanced Television:

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has announced a new self-rating agreement with Prime Video, building on the existing relationship between the two organisations, which dates back to 2015.

Cable Forum: Virgin Media added 'DAZN' app to TV360 and Virgin Media stream boxes

Cable Forum is reporting that Virgin Media O2 has added 'DAZN app' to TV360 boxes.

Deadline: Former BBC Chair Richard Sharp Urges Tim Davie To Make “Tough” Decisions In Order To Spend More On Content

Story from Deadline:

Former BBC Chair Richard Sharp, who resigned in disgrace over his role in the Boris Johnson loan affair, has urged Director General Tim Davie to make tough decisions in order to give his content department more money.

Hollywood Reporter; ITV CEO on Planned U.K. Ban on Junk Food TV Ads for Children: “We’re Going to Have to Mitigate It”

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

U.K. TV giant ITV got only 45 percent of its total revenue from non-advertising sources in 2016, while this year it will get 60 percent from production and digital businesses, CEO Carolyn McCall told an industry conference in London on Tuesday.

Deadline; Alex Mahon: Channel 4 Is Starting To “Buy Bigger Again” After “Horrendous” Time For UK Producers

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon has said that the UK broadcaster is back in the market for big ideas after acknowledging that cuts have been “horrendous” for producers.

Deadline; “The Era Of Government Stoking Culture Wars Is Over”: New UK Culture Secretary Promises End To “Divisive Decade”

Story from Deadline:

“The era of government stoking culture wars is over,” promised new UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy this afternoon as she delivered her first keynote in the role.

Variety; BBC Boss Tim Davie Says Huw Edwards Won’t Work for Broadcaster Again: ‘He’s Been Convicted of Appalling Crimes’

Story from Variety:

BBC boss Tim Davie has said he can’t ever see disgraced ex anchor Huw Edwards working for the BBC again.

Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Exec Looks to 2026 Max Launch in UK

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Everyone agrees: the U.K. is and will remain a production hotspot.

Advanced Television: Rawcliffe named ITV Chief People Officer

Story from Advanced Television:

Ade Rawcliffe has been named ITV Chief People Officer effective from January 2025.

Broadband TV News: BBC iPlayer is fastest growing VOD platform in the UK

Story from Broadband TV News:

BBC iPlayer has pilled ahead of its competitors with growth that is twice that of Netflix, three times ITVX and four times that of Channel 4.

Advanced Television: New 10-year PSB licences for ITV, Channel 5

Story from Advanced Television:

UK broadcast regulator Ofcom has published the renewed broadcast licences for Channel 3 (ITV/STV) and Channel 5, securing public service broadcasting on these channels for a further ten years.

Deadline: UK TV Diversity Monitoring Project To Introduce Questions On Jewish & Muslim Identity For First Time

Story from Deadline:

The UK TV diversity monitoring project is to introduce questions around Jewish and Muslim identity for the first time, as Diamond‘s seventh report reveals minor diversity gains.

Global Radio rebrand GOLD

Virgin Media has rebranded Global Radio's ''Gold'' as ''Gold Radio.'' on Virgin UK Channel 923.

Advanced Television: Channel 4 Paralympics watched by 20m

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4 has reported that its coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games reached 20 million viewers across linear and streaming – one third (33 per cent) of the total TV population – and helped the channel to its biggest audience share in 12 years.

Advanced Television: ITV captioning services partnership with AI-Media

Story from Advanced Television:

AI-Media, a specialist in AI-powered captioning and translation services, has announced a partnership with ITV.

Broadband TV News: Pluto TV ads suite of FAST news channels

Story from Broadband TV News:

Pluto TV is launching a collection of FAST channel focusing on global and local news coverage.

Deadline: UK Broadcasting Chiefs Branded “Callous” & “Cloth-Eared” By Pact Boss For Publicly Proclaiming Death Of Mid-Budget Shows

Story from Deadline:

UK broadcasting bosses have been branded “callous” and “cloth-eared” by the head of Pact for the way in which they publicly proclaimed the death of the mid-budget programing market.

Deadline: Tim Davie Questions Whether BBC Could Have Been More “Muscular” On Huw Edwards $260,000 Payment

Story from Deadline:

Huw Edwards‘ sentencing hearing is less than a week away and BBC boss Tim Davie has been questioning whether the corporation did the right thing in paying him nearly £200,000 ($260,000) between his arrest in November 2023 and his leaving several months later.

Deadline; ‘The Jeremy Kyle Show’: Coroner Rules ITV Show Cannot Be Blamed For Suicide Of Guest

Story from Deadline:

The Jeremy Kyle Show should not be blamed for the death of one of its guests, a coroner has ruled.

Virgin UK Changes: PBS goes HD and Virgin got CNN back

Virgin Media UK has today done a following changes:

EXCLUSIVE: Christmas 24 to launch next month

Our Breaking news page on X has broke that Media Boy UK has found out that Sky UK is set to rebrand Movies 24 and Movies 24+ as Christmas 24 and Christmas 24 + from October 1st 2024 and will run until January 6th 2025.

©Copyright 2024 Media Boy UK 2006 - 2024. A ''Doing it my way'' Production.

Advanced Television: Channel 4 to air Trump vs Harris debate

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4 will be the only UK broadcaster to air live coverage of the first US Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, in partnership with ABC.

Advanced Television: FIFA+ on Pluto TV

Story from Advanced Television:

FAST service Pluto TV has announced the international launch of FIFA+ on its platform across multiple markets, including the UK.

Advanced Television: Channel 4 Paralympics coverage reaches 17m+ in first week

Story from Advanced Television:

With the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games now into its second week, data shows Channel 4’s coverage has reached 17.4 million viewers across linear and streaming – more than one quarter of the total TV population – up +4 per cent on the same stage of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Broadband TV News: Rakuten TV app added to Virgin TV in the UK

Story from Broadband TV News:

Rakuten TV has been added to the Virgin TV app line-up with over 8,000 titles available on demand.

Daily Mail: BBC cuts over 100 jobs while bosses pledge £80m on diversity drive

Story from Daily Mail:

The BBC has announced plans to cut more than 100 jobs, despite pledging to spend tens of millions on a diversity drive.

Broadcast Sport: ITV scores last minute Scotland & Northern Ireland Nations League deal

Story from Broadcast Sport:

ITV has secured the rights to Scotland and Northern Ireland’s Nations League fixtures this month.

Broadcast Sport: Prime unveils first UEFA Champions League fixtures

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Amazon has announced the first five games it will cover in the UK and Ireland.

Deadline: Sky Behind Feature Doc On Iconic British Director David Lean; Embankment Launching Sales At TIFF

Story from Deadline:

Iconic British director David Lean, whose credits included Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, is being given the feature documentary treatment by Sky, with Embankment Films launching sales at TIFF.

Reports: CNN HD set to launch on Virgin Media UK

Virgin Media are testing CNN HD ahead of it relaunch on Virgin Media.

CNN did close on Virgin Media in September 2021.

When launch it Virgin UK Channel will be 626.

X EXCLUSIVE: Rakuten TV launches on Virgin Media UK's V6 Boxes

Story from Media Boy UK on X:

CNN is back on Virgin Media UK but viewers will need to watch via Rakuten TV via Virgin on Demand on V6 Boxes.

©Copyright 2024 Media Boy UK 2006 - 2024. A ''Doing it my way'' Production.

Daily Mail: ITV open talks with Viaplay over deal for Scotland matches

Story from Daily Mail:

ITV have opened discussions over a deal to show Scotland’s Nations League qualifying campaign free-to-air.

Advanced Television: STV H1 revenue up 20%

Story from Advanced Television:

STV, the Scottish media group, has reported that total revenue rose by 20 per cent to £90.4 million in H1 2024 (compared to H1 2023) and adjusted operating profit increased by 33 per cent to £10.6 million.

Daily Record: Scotland games will be free to air as BBC seek deal with Premier Sports for Nations League clashes

Story from Daily Record:

Scotland matches are set to be on council telly once more after the BBC launched a joint bid with Premier Sports.

Broadband TV News: BBC launches Generative AI tool to add subtitles to BBC Sounds

Story from Broadband TV News:

The BBC has launched a new trial that uses a Generative AI tool to help us add subtitles and transcripts to content on BBC Sounds.

Broadband TV News: BBFC and Netflix sign new deal to extend collaboration

Story from Broadband TV News:

The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has renewed its existing rating agreement with Netflix.

Broadband TV News: Viaplay subscription channel to launch in the UK on Prime Video

Story from Broadband TV News:

UK Prime Video customers will have access to premium Nordic and European series and films through a new add-on subscription to the Viaplay channel.

Daily Express: BBC faces £85m black hole as bosses launch drastic bid to save corporation

 Story from Daily Express:

The BBC could face a £85m financial shortfall, prompting discussions on radical measures to secure its future as it contends with declining licence fee revenues.

Advanced Television: BBC acquires One Piece anime series

 Story from Advanced Television:

The BBC has acquired the UK rights to over 1,000 episodes of the English dubbed versions of the celebrated anime series One Piece.

Broadband TV News: STV appoints Rufus Radcliffe as new CEO

Story from Broadband TV News:

STV Group plc today announces that Rufus Radcliffe will join the Board as Chief Executive Officer on Friday 1 November 2024.

Daily Express: BBC 'merge with Channel 4' backed by TV boss during licence fee crisis

 Story from Daily Express:

The BBC faces significant financial challenges with declining TV licence revenue, prompting considerations of radical changes, including a merger with Channel 4.

Daily Mail: Gary Lineker provides update on his Match of the Day future

Story from Daily Mail:

Gary Lineker has indicated he is willing to stay on as host of Match of the Day after his 'natural successor' Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC last week.

Advanced Television: Serie A, Ligue 1 go DTC in UK

Story from Advanced Television:

OneFootball and Lega Serie A have announced a partnership to deliver coverage of Italy’s top flight football league to fans in the UK and Ireland for the 2024/2025 season.

Broadband TV News: Akhila Khanna appointed Director of Distribution at ITV

Story from Broadband TV News:

ITV’s Chief Viewer Officer Jane Stiller has announced the appointment of Akhila Khanna to head up the Media and Entertainment division’s UK distribution strategy, in the role of Director of Distribution, starting in October.

Daily Mail: Bryn Law slams Sky Sports' coverage of Liverpool vs Brentford

Story from Daily Mail:

Former Sky commentator Bryn Law has criticised Sky Sports' coverage of Liverpool's victory against Brentford on Sunday.

Variety: ‘The Traitors’ U.K. Sets Celebrity Edition as BBC Confirms Season 4 of Hit Reality Series

Story from Variety:

''The Traitors” U.K. fans are in for a treat as the BBC today confirmed a fourth season of the hit show as well as a celebrity edition.

Edgate - Deadline; BBC Content Boss Charlotte Moore Reflects On Huw Edwards Scandal: “Hindsight Is A Wonderful Thing”

Story from Deadline:

“Hindsight is a wonderful thing,” Charlotte Moore said at Edinburgh this afternoon when addressing the Huw Edwards scandal and whether the BBC could have done more.

Advanced Television: BBC acquires Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 rights

Story from Advanced Television:

With a year to go until England kick off the opening match in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, BBC Sport has announced an exclusive UK rights deal with World Rugby for live coverage in England.

Deadline: ITV Boss Says “We Are Not Turning Stuff Down Because We Can’t Afford It” To Reassure Producers Amid Market Contraction

Story from Deadline:

ITV is yet to find itself in a position where it is “turning stuff down because we can’t afford it,” according to programs boss Kevin Lygo, who nonetheless acknowledged “the middle ground has gone” from the the market due to massive hits like Netflix’s The Gentlemen.

Deadline: Channel 4 Content Chief Says Ad Market “Wheezing Back Into Life” After Grueling Slump

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 wants the UK television industry to know: the dark days are over.

Deadline; Sky Content Restructure: Meghan Lyvers, Phil Edgar-Jones & Poppy Dixon Handed Expanded Roles

Story from Deadline:

Sky has restructured its content team in the UK following the exit of Zai Bennett.

Variety: Netflix U.K. Content Boss Anne Mensah on Creating Blockbuster British Shows, Steady Commissioning and Genre Expansion

Story from Variety:

Anne Mensah, Netflix’s U.K. VP of content, is one of the streamer’s most senior U.K. executives, overseeing scripted, unscripted, film and acquisitions.

Advanced Television: Channel 5, My5 relaunching as 5

Story from Advanced Television:

UK commercial PSB Channel 5 and its free streaming service, My5, will relaunch in 2025 under a unified parent brand of 5 across linear, streaming and digital platforms – giving its audience access to its range of programming and content, wherever and whenever they want it.

Broadcast Sport: DAZN to stream Gotham v Chelsea

Story from Broadcast Sport:

DAZN will stream Chelsea Women’s friendly match with Gotham FC.

Deadline: Former BBC Studios Drama Boss Priscilla Parish Heads To Sky Studios

Story from Deadline:

Former BBC Studios drama boss Priscilla Parish has headed in the opposite direction to Zai Bennett.

Sky News: Government urged to remove Premier League from paywall

Story from Sky News:

The government has been urged to make this season the last that Premier League games are locked behind a paywall.

Advanced Television: DLT Entertainment acquires Juniper Productions

Story from Advanced Television:

DLT Entertainment, the independent television production and distribution company, has announced the acquisition of Juniper Productions, expanding its portfolio in the factual programming space.

Advanced Television: FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain – Cardiff on S4C

Story from Advanced Television:

S4C will broadcast live coverage of this year’s FIM Speedway GP of Great Britain tking place in Cardiff on August 17th.

Sky Sports + latest

Last updated on August 14th 2024 at 18:10 - THIS PAGE IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED:

We at Media Boy UK HQ will update this thread with more information as soon as we get any:

Variety: U.K. Entertainment and Media Market to Hit $155 Billion by 2028, PwC Forecasts

Story from Variety:

Streaming services and cinema are set to play pivotal roles in the U.K.‘s entertainment and media (E&M) market, which is on track to become Europe’s largest by 2025, overtaking Germany, according to PwC‘s latest Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2024-2028.

Advanced Television: BBC, ITV to share UEFA Women’s Euro 2025

Story from Advanced Television:

BBC Sport and ITV have agreed a deal for live coverage of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, which takes place in Switzerland.

Broadband TV News: Netflix password crackdown grows UK entertainment market

Story from Broadband TV News:

A crackdown by Netflix on password-sharing is a major contributor in the growing value of the British entertainment market, which is forecast to reach 100 billion for the first time this year.

WST: TNT Sports UK give up Ligue1 UK rights

Story from World Soccer Talk:

Ligue 1 has lost its UK broadcaster TNT Sports, who has decided not to renew the French league rights for the season that begins Friday.

Broadcast Sport: Premier Sports to launch 24/7 rugby channel with EPCR rights

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Premier Sports is set to launch a 24/7 rugby-specific channel, after acquiring the rights to the EPCR’s competitions, the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.

BBC Sport: BBC to show Champions League highlights this season

Story from BBC Sport:

The BBC will show highlights of the Champions League this season - with a special highlights show after this Wednesday's Uefa Super Cup.

Rumour - Digital Spy Forum: Will Eurosport UK become TNT Sports 'Before February 6th 2026'?

Story from Digital Spy Forum:

DS Forum 'Martin1' has posted - Isn't clear when (Eurosport UK 1 & Eurosport UK 2) will rebranded 'before the Winter Olympics in 2026'.

Broadcast Sport: TNT Sports to show MAX60 Caribbean cricket

Story from Broadcast Sport:

TNT Sports will air the MAX60 Caribbean cricket competition in the UK.

Broadcast Sport: S4C to broadcast Super Rygbi Cymru (S4C to broadcast Super Rugby Wales)

Story from Broadcast Sport:

S4C will broadcast Super Rygbi Cymru, the new top tier of Welsh rugby union.

Variety: Disney Commits $5 Billion to U.K. and European Production Over Next Five Years

Story from Variety:

Disney is set to invest at least $5 billion in production across the U.K. over the next five years, according to Jan Koeppen, the company’s European chief.

Edgate - BBC News: Is the BBC realistic to ask Huw Edwards to return his pay?

Story from BBC News:

As the BBC’s highest-paid news presenter, Huw Edwards was on a salary of almost half a million pounds.

Edgate - BBC News: BBC asks Huw Edwards to return more than £200,000

Story from BBC News:

Huw Edwards has been asked by the BBC to hand back more than £200,000 salary he earned after being arrested in November on child abuse image charges.

Sky News: Thousands of complaints after Yvette Cooper interviewed by husband Ed Balls on GMB

Story from Sky News:

Media regulator Ofcom has received more than 8,000 complaints after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was interviewed by her husband Ed Balls live on TV.

The Sun: Virgin Media customers to lose access to eight TV sport channels in just a few days

Story from The Sun:

Virgin Media customers will lose eight sports channels at the end of the week in the latest changes to the service.

Media Guardian: Ofcom receives 8,000 complaints over Ed Balls interviews on Good Morning Britain

Story from Media Guardian:

The media regulator Ofcom has received more than 8,000 complaints after an episode of Good Morning Britain in which the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, was interviewed by her husband, Ed Balls.

The Sun: BEEB cutbacks BBC Scotland given green light to slash flagship programmes amid ‘atrocious’ viewing figures

Story from The Sun:

BBC Scotland is preparing to axe a raft of programmes amid woeful viewing figures.

Broadcast Sport: Why lifting the 3pm blackout can shine a light on women’s football

Story from Broadcast Sport:

While the men’s 2024 Euro final reached record levels of viewership in England this year, over in the women’s game, the confusion surrounding the scheduling of matches continues to be one of the factors limiting its growth.

FT: Warner Bros Discovery looks to avoid break-up with smaller asset sales

Story from FT:

Warner Bros Discovery’s senior management is looking to avoid a break-up of the company as executives race to reverse the Hollywood group’s plunging share price, according to people familiar with the matter.

Media Guardian: ITV defends allowing Yvette Cooper to be interviewed by husband Ed Balls

Story from Media Guardian:

ITV has defended allowing the home secretary to be interviewed by her husband on Good Morning Britain, arguing the exchange was “balanced, fair and duly impartial”.

Advanced Television: Sky Sports+ goes live on August 8th

Story from Advanced Television:

From August 8th, Sky Sports subscribers can watch the new Sky Sports+ dedicated channel and numerous live streams at no extra cost.

Advanced Television: Premier Sports free on Virgin TV for August

Story from Advanced Television:

Throughout August, Virgin Media is offering its TV customers who don’t currently subscribe to Premier Sports access to the channels at no extra cost.

Edgate - Variety: Huw Edwards-Featuring Episodes of ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Great British Menu’ Pulled by BBC, Mural in Hometown Painted Over as Fallout Continues

Story from Variety:

The BBC has removed a “Doctor Who” episode featuring former newsreader Huw Edwards from its iPlayer service, while a mural of him has been painted over in his home village, BBC News reports.

Edgate - RTÉ: Former BBC chairwoman thanked Edwards despite arrest

Story from RTÉ News:

The former chairwoman of the BBC thanked disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards for his "huge contribution" despite knowing he had been arrested in November 2023.

Edgate - Media Guardian: Huw Edwards should return BBC salary paid after arrest, says Lisa Nandy

Story from Media Guardian:

Huw Edwards should return the salary he was paid by the BBC after being arrested, the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, has said.

Broadband TV News: BBC Research and Development reveals transformation plan

Story from Broadband TV News:

The BBC’s Chief Technology Officer has given details of changes to BBC Research and Development after the BBC announced plans to reduce staffing levels by a further 500.

Deadline: BBC Boss Tim Davie Says He’s Not Hiding Huw Edwards Evidence As Fresh Claims Emerge About Presenter’s Conduct

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is not hiding evidence about the conduct of disgraced presenter Huw Edwards, according to director general Tim Davie.

Virgin Media: With football, rugby union, MMA, motorsport and more, there’s superb sporting action on Premier Sports – and you’ve got the whole of August to watch it, on us

Story from Virgin Media:

Premier Sports is the home of superb live football, from the top Spanish teams in LALIGA to all the top competitions in Scotland, plus top English teams in action ahead of the start of the season.

Variety: BBC Studios Forms New U.K. Entertainment Unit to House ‘Strictly Come Dancing,’ Glastonbury Coverage

Story from Variety:

BBC Studios have formed a new division for U.K. entertainment to be headed by Suzy Lamb, Variety has learned.

EXCLUSIVE: Virgin Media UK resign with TNT Sports UK

Virgin Media has resign with TNT Sports and Virgin Media are now allowing viewers to order Boxing and WWE Summerslam that is being shown LIVE this Saturday on TNT Sports Box Office.

Deadline: UK Culture Secretary Could Meet BBC Boss Tim Davie As Early As Today To Pose Tricky Questions Over Huw Edwards Scandal

Story from Deadline:

The UK’s new Culture Secretary will meet BBC Director General Tim Davie as early as today to discuss the fallout of the Huw Edwards scandal.

Deadline: New UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy Says “Spirit Of Our New Government” Reflected In Film & TV Industry Potential, As Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery & Paramount Execs Attend Her Debut Speech

Story from Deadline:

Representatives from Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount attended new UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy‘s debut speech today, in which Nandy said “the spirit of our new government” is reflected in the social and economic potential of the nation’s film and TV industry.

BizAsia: Youngsters continue to turn away from traditional TV; radio listening up

Story from BizAsia:

For the first time, less than half of 16-24-year-olds are now watching broadcast TV in an average week, according to Ofcom’s annual study into the nation’s media habits.

Variety: U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy Outlines Prospects for $218 Billion Creative, Sports and Media Sector

Story from Variety:

U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy gathered leaders from over 150 organizations in Manchester on Wednesday to discuss the government’s plans for economic growth in the creative industries, sports, and media sectors.

Virgin Media UK: Virgin Media to offer Premier Sports for FREE in August

Story from virginmedia .com:

From August 1st you can watch all the action on Premier Sports 1 HD (Channel 551) and Premier Sports 2 HD (Channel 552) at no extra cost, including live Scottish Premiership and LALIGA action.

©2022 Virgin Media.

FT: Virgin Media UK 'closing in' on new deal with TNT Sports UK

Story from FT:

Virgin Media O2 Executives are closing in on a deal to show the Premier League football matches managed by TNT Sports, which is jointly owned by BT and Warner Bros. Discovery, as broadcasting fee negotiations near conclusion.

FT: Warner Bros Discovery in talks with UK streamers over HBO programmes

Story from FT:

Warner Bros Discovery is in talks about showing HBO content in the UK via its Max streaming platform on rival streaming and TV services, raising fresh questions over its existing exclusive arrangement with Sky to show hit programmes such as Game of Thrones.

Comfirmed: Sky Sports + linear TV Channels to launch on August 8th

Sky Sports has confirmed that Sky Sports Arena will become Sky Sports + from August 8th.

National League: Groundbreaking Deal Announced With Broadcast Giants DAZN

Story from The National League:

The National League are delighted to announce a new long-term partnership with DAZN, Europe’s largest sports broadcaster.

Broadband TV News: Virgin Media O2 in profit against subscriber losses

Story from Broadband TV News:

Virgin Media O2 has continued to fight against subscriber erosion as its cable business lost 13,600 customers in Q2.

Variety: ITV Grows Profits, Margins as It Battles Headwinds in First Half of 2024

Story from Variety:

British broadcast group ITV delivered a mixed financial performance for the first six months of 2024, as it continues to navigate a shifting media landscape.

Variety: Sky Content Boss Zai Bennett Jumps Ship to BBC Studios Productions as CEO and Chief Creative Officer

Story from Variety:

Sky content boss Zai Bennett has jumped ship to BBC Studios Productions, where he has been appointed CEO and chief creative officer.

Sky News: BBC reveals highest-paid stars - including former newsreader Huw Edwards despite being off-air

Story from Sky News:

Huw Edwards is among the BBC's highest-paid stars of the last year, despite being suspended in July 2023 amid allegations of misconduct.

Variety: BBC to Cut 500 Jobs as Financial Deficit Grows

Story from Variety:

The BBC has revealed plans to reduce its workforce by 500 full-time positions over the coming two years as the broadcaster’s annual report displays evidence of financial difficulties.

Media Guardian: Half a million households cancelled BBC licence fee last year

Story from Media Guardian:

Half a million households cancelled their licence fee last year as the BBC struggled to connect with younger audiences drifting away to Netflix and YouTube.

EXCLUSIVE: 'Meets the Babes' to close on July 31st

From July 31st at 10am Adult Phone in channel 'Meets the Babes' is set to close on Virgin Media UK.

Source: V6.

Media Guardian: ECB wants to keep the Hundred name even if it switches to Twenty20 format

Story from Media Guardian:

The England and Wales Cricket Board is pushing ahead with proposals to switch the Hundred to a Twenty20 format, but plans to keep the competition’s name.

Media Guardian: BBC chief warns viewers could miss big Olympic moments due to ‘pinch points’

Story from Media Guardian:

Television viewers of the Olympics in the UK could miss exciting live moments during the Games if several key events happen simultaneously, the man in charge of delivering the BBC’s Olympics coverage has warned.

Rugby Broadcast: Premier Sports may land rights to the Champions Cup

Story from Rugby Broadcast on X:

BREAKING:

Media Guardian: Ofcom to ban inflation-linked mid-contract price rises on phones, pay-TV and broadband

Story from Media Guardian:

Phone, broadband and pay-TV companies are to be banned from imposing mid-contract price increases linked to inflation, in a crackdown by the regulator after a Guardian investigation exposed “greedflation” in the sector last year.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom to update rules on Crown Jewels events

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom is seeking evidence around TV’s Crown Jewels as it prepares to implement changes to the rules around their broadcast under the Media Act 2024.