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

Last updated on May 1st 2024 at 14:10 (THIS POST WILL STAY AT TOP OF BLOG): 

Coming up Changes to Virgin Media, Freesat, Sky Q, Freeview and Freely

Here is a list of Changes at time of posting (Up until 2026):

Media Boy UK Blog to update "Eurosport" Labels by 2025

Right now until end of 2025 you will start to see some changes appearing on this blog:

C21 Media: Sky axes Fantasy Football League

Story from C21 Media:

Sky in the UK has recommissioned the Rob Beckett- and Romesh Ranganathan- fronted Rob & Romesh Vs for a seventh season and ordered A League of their Own: The Rally.

Daily Mail: Channel 4 'spark axe fears by halting production on fan-favourite'

Story from Daily Mail:

Channel 4's bloodbath of axes appears to be rumbling on, as production has reportedly been halted on the fan-favourite show 24 Hours In A&E.

Media Guardian: Nigel Farage can host GB News show during election, says Ofcom

Story from Media Guardian:

Nigel Farage will be allowed to present his nightly GB News programme throughout the general election campaign, Ofcom has confirmed, after the media regulator said there was no clear consensus among the British public to stop politicians presenting shows on news channels.

Advanced Television: Premier Sports scores 2024 Copa América rights

Story from Advanced Television:

Premier Sports has secured the rights to broadcast the 2024 Copa América tournament being held in the US this summer.

Broadcast Sport; Podcast: England Netball explains its free-to-air and D2C rights deals

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The new deal includes matches streamed on iPlayer and BBC Sport as well as shown on Sky Sports.

Radio Today: Mike Graham moves to Breakfast as Vanessa Feltz leaves Talk Radio schedule

Story from Radio Today:

There’s another schedule shuffle at Talk Radio as Mike Graham moves to Breakfast as Vanessa Feltz leaves the station.

Deadline: “Big decisions” on public broadcasting to come

Story from Deadline:

Positing that she will “work constructively” to make sure it continues to operate, Debbonaire swung in behind the BBC, the nation’s 100-year-old pubcaster, which has had an up-and-down relationship with the ruling Conservatives over the past decade.

Deadline: Channel 4 Bows To Pressure & Commits To Making More Shows Outside England

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 has bowed to pressure from producers and will slowly start making more shows outside of England, its boss Alex Mahon revealed today.

Talk TV HD to stop talking next week

News UK will close Talk TV HD on Virgin UK Channel 606 from May 1st at midnight (Early Wednesday).

Deadline: Ofcom Warns UK Broadcasters Over General Election Programing Following GB News Breaches

Story from Deadline:

Any British broadcaster who breaches general election programing rules will be hit with an Ofcom sanction, the regulator has said, a warning likely informed by a number of GB News breaches over the past year.

Deadline: Channel 4 Makes Final Greenlight Decision On Two Of Its Biggest Entertainment Launches Of 2023

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 has delivered the verdict on which of its biggest 2023 entertainment launches have landed a second season.

Deadline: BBC Sparks Anger After Going Back To Drawing Board In Search For First Royal Editor

Story from Deadline:

BBC News’ search for its first royal editor has been blown wide open after the British broadcaster passed over two leading internal candidates.

Daily Mail: Huw Edwards racked up six-figure sums from speaking engagements

Story from Daily Mail:

Three BBC news presenters have racked up lucrative six figure incomes from their outside speaking engagements in the past three years, including Huw Edwards and Naga Munchetty.

Virgin Media UK remove BBC Radio 4 LW

After BBC merge BBC Radio 4 FM and BBC Radio 4 LW together on April 1st. 

Daily Mail: Huw Edwards resigns from the BBC on 'medical advice'

Story from Daily Mail:

Huw Edwards has today resigned from his £439,000-a-year job at the BBC because of 'medical advice' from his doctors, the corporation has revealed.

Advanced Television: Macquarie explores KCOM sale

Story from Advanced Television:

Macquarie, the Australian investment fund and former owner of Thames Water, is reportedly looking to sell KCOM, the Hull-based broadband provider amid growing competition from upstart networks.

Advanced Television: BBC invests £6m into BBC Bitesize

Story from Advanced Television:

BBC Children’s and Education has announced a £6 million investment into its online education platform, BBC Bitesize.

Deadline: Channel 4 Lands Prince Andrew Interviewer Emily Maitlis For General Election Coverage

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 News has landed a major coup in booking Prince Andrew interviewer Emily Maitlis to head up its general election coverage.

Deadline: John Cleese’s Channel 4 Cancel Culture Show Has Been All But Canceled...

Story from Deadline:

John Cleese‘s Channel 4 show about cancel culture appears to be a dead parrot.

Advanced Television: PubMatic FAST ad partnership with Virgin Media

Story from Advanced Television:

PubMatic, an independent technology company delivering a digital advertising supply chain, has announced a partnership with Virgin Media to enable advertisers to reach UK audiences at scale through ad-funded TV content.

Deadline: BBC News Channel Presenters Take Legal Action Citing Age & Gender Discrimination

Story from Deadline:

Five senior female BBC News channel presenters have commenced legal action against the British broadcaster after a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

Deadline: Celebrity Version Of ‘The Traitors’ Set To Launch Next Year On The BBC

Story from Deadline:

Star traitors and faithfuls are set to face off on in the UK in a celebrity version of smash hit format The Traitors, which Deadline understands is set to launch on the BBC next year.

Deadline: Channel 4 Axes UK Version Of U.S. Survival Format ‘Alone’ After One Season

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 has axed its splashy version of U.S. survival format Alone after one season.

Daily Express: BBC blasted for ‘reducing services for older people’

Story from Daily Express:

MPs have accused the BBC of reducing services for older people by moving budgets from local radio to regional online services.

Daily Express: Martin Lewis reacts as BBC host quits and show cuts half its staff after fans switch off

Story from Daily Express:

Martin Lewis reacted after Newsnight’s diplomatic editor Mark Urban announced he would leave the BBC amid cuts to the current affairs programme, saying he didn’t even apply for another job at the broadcaster.

Deadline: UK Government Backs New Scottish Film & TV Studio

Story from Deadline:

A new film and TV studio funded via a portion of a £24M government investment has become the latest to launch in the UK.

Deadline: BBC Blueprint To Move £700M Of Spending Out Of London Criticized By Audit Office For Lacking “Coherent Approach”

Story from Deadline:

The BBC‘s £700M out-of-London masterplan has been criticized for having an “incomplete” evaluation process and lacking a “coherent approach.”

Deadline: BBC Plans To Abolish Automatic Pay Rises For Top Earners, Including On-Screen Stars

Story from Deadline:

The BBC wants to overhaul how it awards salary rises to its highest-paid employees and presenters, Deadline understands.

Daily Mail: BBC covert surveillance ops struggle to catch licence fee evaders

Story from Daily Mail:

TV detection equipment used to catch suspected licence fee evaders is 'struggling to keep up' with technological changes, an inspection report has revealed.

BBC News: STV journalists suspend strike action in pay dispute

Story from BBC News:

STV News journalists have postponed strike action in an ongoing pay dispute.

Daily Mail: BBC cricket correspondent takes swipe at gender neutral cricket terms

Story from Daily Mail:

BBC chief cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew has taken a swipe at gender neutral terminology into the sport, insisting their introduction is 'sad'.

Advanced Television; Ofcom: New guidelines to improve VoD access services

Story from Advanced Television:

Ofcom has announced changes to its Access Services Code and associated best practice guidelines, to improve the accessibility of TV and on-demand programmes for UK audiences.

Deadline; ‘Dear England’: James Graham Ponders Which Former England Soccer Stars Could Feature In His BBC TV Version

Story from Deadline:

James Graham‘s double-OIivier Award winning play Dear England is hitting TV screens and the prolific creator is thinking about whether any former soccer players could make the cut.

Deadline: Pierce Brosnan And Amir El-Masry Join Boxing Drama ‘Giant’ From AGC Studios, Shoot Moves To UK For Indie Movie Tax Credit

Story from Deadline:

Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry have signed on to star in the sports drama Giant from AGC Studios about the life of British-Yemeni boxer Prince Naseem “Naz” Hamed and his rags-to-riches ascent to a world championship under the tutelage of his Irish-born boxing trainer Brendan Ingle.

Media Guardian: TV has become exploitative and cruel, says Ofcom chair Michael Grade

Story from Media Guardian:

Television has become more “exploitative and cruel”, according to Michael Grade, the chair of the broadcasting regulator, Ofcom.

Deadline: UK Presenters Ant And Dec Choke Up With Emotional Farewell To Primetime Show After 20 Years

Story from Deadline:

The UK’s most successful presenting duo, Ant and Dec, signed off their Saturday evening primetime live show after 20 years, going out in style and bidding emotional farewell.

BBC News; Doctor Who: Varada Sethu confirmed as new companion

Story from BBC News:

Varada Sethu will be joining Doctor Who, playing Ncuti Gatwa's companion in his second series as the Doctor.

Daily Record: STV News bulletins to be axed from screens again as staff walk out in pay row

Story from Daily Record:

STV News bulletins will be axed from screens again as staff walk out for a second time amid the ongoing pay row.

Daily Record: Virgin Media customers can get paid to watch Disney+ after price hike

Story from Daily Record:

Disney+ has joined the list of popular streaming sites that have increased their prices for UK viewers, with fans of Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar now having to shell out an extra £36 a year to access its content.

Deadline: UK Animation Firm Which Revamped ‘Clangers’ Goes Into Liquidation After 24 Years

Story from Deadline:

A UK animation firm announced Friday that, after 24 years of operation, it has gone into liquidation, including the sale of many assets that will be familiar to the fans of its shows.

Advanced Television: Young viewers, crime content fuel C4 streaming records

Story from Advanced Television:

Channel 4 delivered its biggest ever month of streaming in March, with viewing up 40 per cent year-on-year to 6.9 billion viewer minutes, boosted by growth from young viewers and a trio of new factual titles.

Advanced Television: UKTV revives Bergerac

Story from Advanced Television:

Iconic detective Jim Bergerac will be returning to TV screens, as UKTV announces the commission of a re-imagined series of Bergerac for free streaming platform UKTV Play and free-to-air channel Drama.

Broadband TV News: Sky Sports launches new golf innovation

Story from Broadband TV News:

Audi and Sky Media have created a new golfing innovation as part of their extended Sky Sports media partnership.

Broadband TV News: ITV Drama has best start to year since 2018

Story from Broadband TV News:

ITV Drama has had its best start to the year for six years with the top four performing brand new original dramas in 2024 all coming exclusively from ITV.

Sky Sports; Sky Sports agrees new five-year EFL deal: Over 1000 matches per season!

Story from Sky Sports:

EFL clubs have unanimously approved a record domestic rights deal with Sky Sports over a five-year period with over 1000 matches to be broadcast each season – a record number of games for any club football agreement.

Deadline: Film4’s Annual Budget Drops To £22.5 Million

Story from Deadline:

Film4’s annual budget has dropped from £25 million to £22.5 Million for 2024.

Deadline: BBC Quietly Butchers Radio 1 Breakfast News Bulletins, With Insiders Calling It Indefensible

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has quietly cut by two-thirds the length of news bulletins on Greg James‘ Radio 1 breakfast show, one of the UK broadcaster’s most important ways of reaching young people.

Deadline: The Athletic Editor To Head Up BBC Sport

Story from Deadline:

The Athletic‘s Editor-in-Chief for UK and Europe is joining the BBC to run its sports coverage.

Deadline: Zig Zag, UK Producer Behind ‘I Wanna Marry Harry’ & ‘Danny Dyer’s Deadliest Men,’ Declared Insolvent

Story from Deadline:

Zig Zag, the 25-year-old UK producer behind shows including Fox‘s I Wanna Marry Harry, is shutting its production arm after being hit by the unscripted commissioning drought.

Broadcast Sport: BBC & Sky Sports renew WSL rights deal

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The BBC and Sky Sports have renewed their rights deal with the Women’s Super League for the 2024/25 season.

Deadline: BBC Close To Crowning First Royal Editor Amid Kate Middleton & King Charles Cancer Battles

Story from Deadline:

BBC News is close to crowning its first royal editor after narrowing the field of candidates down to a final two.

Advanced Television: TNT Sports signs WNBA deal

Story from Advanced Television:

TNT Sports and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have announced a multi-year deal to air WNBA games in the UK and Ireland.

Variety: Warner Bros EVP for Physical Production Kevin Trehy Exits After Two Decades

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Pictures’ longterm head of physical production Kevin Trehy has exited the company after 21 years, Variety has exclusively learned.

Press Gazette: TalkTV losses in first full year on air

Story from Press Gazette:

New figures filed with Companies House also revealed TalkTV made losses of £53.7m in its first full year on air (adding to a £34.1m loss in its first two months on air).

Broadband TV News: AMC Networks launches ITVX streaming offer

Story from Broadband TV News:

AMC Networks International UK has launched two new ‘streaming collections’ on ITVX.

Broadband TV News: TalkTV warned by Ofcom to ensure potentially offensive comments are justified

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom has told TalkTV to take extra care to ensure that comments which have high risk of causing serious offence are justified and put into proper context.

Broadband TV News: Premier Sports restored to UK audiences

Story from Broadband TV News:

Premier Sports has made a return to UK screens after the owners bought the business back from Nordic operator Viaplay.

Deadline: Paul Fox, Pioneering British TV Executive Who Ordered ‘The Two Ronnies’ & ‘Parkinson’, Dies Aged 98

Story from Deadline:

Paul Fox, the British television executive who commissioned iconic shows such as The Two Ronnies and Parkinson, has died aged 98.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom to combine BBC and Public Service Media trackers

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom is proposing to make changes to its BBC Performance and Public Service Media tracking surveys.

Daily Mail: TNT Sports confirm two-year broadcast deal for Autumn Nations Series

Story from Daily Mail:

TNT Sports has confirmed its exclusive deal to broadcast rugby's Autumn Nations Series, as initially reported last month by Mail Sport.

Deadline: Chris McCausland & Lee Mack Set For Sky Festive Special

Story from Deadline:

British comedians Chris McCausland and Lee Mack will front Sky festive special Bad Tidings, about two perpetually feuding neighbors in Northern England who become unlikely heroes after saving their street from notorious burglars with wacky booby traps and British banter.

Daily Mail; BBC bloodbath: Which of your favourite shows have fallen victim?

Story from Daily Mail:

With the BBC setting a target to slash 100 hours of TV shows this year, the bloodbath's body count is comparable with a Line Of Duty-style murder spree.

Daily Mail: ITV 'hire legendary former Sky Sports pundit for Euro 2024'

Story from Daily Mail:

ITV have hired a former Sky Sports pundit to serve as part of their coverage of the upcoming European Championships.

Daily Mail: Jeff Stelling blasts former employers Sky Sports over Arsenal pundits

Story from Daily Mail:

Jeff Stelling has called out former employer Sky Sports for a 'lack of balance' in their punditry and commentary line-up for Arsenal's win at Brighton.

Virgin Media O2 set to launch 15 new FAST Channels?

The following FAST Channels that may launch soon on Virgin Media UK:

Deadline: BBC Responds To Complaints That Its Coverage Of Kate Middleton’s Cancer Diagnosis Was “Excessive & Insensitive”

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has responded robustly to complaints that its coverage of Kate Middleton‘s cancer diagnosis was “excessive and insensitive.”

Daily Record: Ex Netflix chief Erik Barmack in Motherwell investment bid as Hollywood tycoon set to fly in for Fir Park fact finder

Story from Daily Record:

Former Netflix chief Erik Barmack is the man behind the plan to plough fresh money into Motherwell.

Daily Mail: BBC presenter quits show after 43 years

Story from Daily Mail:

BBC Radio presenter Garry Richardson has quit Radio 4's Today programme after 43-years with his final show on September 9 - exactly 50-years to the day since he joined the corporation.

Digital TV Europe: FIFA kicks off UK bids for 2026 and 2030 World Cup rights

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Global leading football body, FIFA, has opened tenders for the media rights to the FIFA World Cup 26 and FIFA World Cup 2030 in the UK.

BBC Sport; Test Match Special: Jonathan Agnew signs new four-year deal with BBC Sport

Story from BBC Sport:

Jonathan Agnew will continue to lead the Test Match Special team after agreeing a new four-year deal with BBC Sport - but will step down from his role as the BBC's cricket correspondent at the end of this summer.

Media Guardian: Jonathan Agnew to step down as BBC cricket correspondent after 33 years

Story from Media Guardian:

Jonathan Agnew is to step down from the role of chief cricket correspondent at the BBC at the end of this summer after 33 years in the post, but the voice of cricket is not about to be silenced: he has signed a new four-year contract to present Test Match Special and will “continue to be a regular voice across BBC programmes”.

Variety; Disney Leans Into U.K. Licensing Strategy: ‘A Small Light,’ ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Heading to BBC Studios-Owned UKTV

Story from Variety:

Disney is licensing a number of its original series to BBC Studios-owned broadcaster UKTV.

Deadline: Former Banijay UK Boss Advising Channel 4 On In-House Productions

Story from Deadline:

The former UK chief of one of Europe’s biggest production giants has been drafted in by Channel 4 to advise on the formation of its in-house productions unit.

Daily Mail: BBC staff 'frustrated' at delays into Huw Edwards investigation

Story from Daily Mail:

BBC staff are 'frustrated' at delays to the Huw Edwards investigation, as it emerges the star is expected to be named as the Corporation's highest-paid newsreader even though he has not worked since July.

Advanced Television: Record quarter for ITVX

Story from Advanced Television:

ITVX recorded its best ever quarter between January 1st and March 31st with 896 million streams across the service – an increase of 12 per cent on Q1 2023.

The Sun: WWE announces first ever PPV wrestling event in Scotland

Story from The Sun:

Wrestling history will be made in Scotland this summer after WWE announced the country’s first ever premium live event will take place at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.

Deadline: Amazon & Lionsgate Strike UK Content Deal

Story from Deadline:

Amazon and Lionsgate have struck a content deal in the UK.

Broadcast Sport: Premier Sports completes Viaplay UK sport acquisition

Story from Broadcast Sport:

SSBL Limited, which trades as Premier Sports, will complete the acquisition of Viaplay’s UK direct-to-consumer sport business on 4 April.

The Sun: BBC sets sights on 'stealing' Cat Deeley from ITV weeks after This Morning debut

Story from The Sun:

The BBC reportedly has eyes on poaching ITV star Cat Deeley just weeks after she signed up to take over this morning.

The Sun: I was on The Apprentice and there’s a major hint the BBC hit will be axed

Story from The Sun:

An Apprentice candidate has sparked fears the show could be axed in just two years' time.

Media Guardian: BBC boss hits out at ‘shortsighted’ Tory budget cuts

Story from Media Guardian:

Cuts to the BBC’s budget by successive Conservative governments have been “shortsighted” and risked undermining its future, the director general said in a speech on Tuesday.

The Sun: BBC News star announces shock departure after 20 years on air

Story from The Sun:

A BBC NEWS star has announced he's leaving the channel after 20 years on air leaving his colleagues stunned.

The Sun: BBC to slash 100 hours of TV shows this year as major drama is axed

Story from The Sun:

The BBC is slashing 100 hours of TV shows this year and a major drama is axed in a bid to save money.

Media Guardian; ‘Know your audience’: BBC 5 Live chief on the station’s staying power

Story from Media Guardian:

More of the BBC needs to be based outside London to reflect the “conversation of the nation” and secure its future, according to the controller of BBC Radio 5 Live.

Deadline: Viaplay Boss Vows Company “Will Be Different” After Horrors Of 2023

Story from Deadline:

“Moving forward, our company will be different.”

Deadline: BBC Deficit Projected To Skyrocket To $620M Next Year

Story from Deadline:

The BBC‘s financial deficit is projected to reach nearly £500M next year as the corporation delivers what it has described as a “transformational budget.”

BBC News: STV journalists on strike over bid for pay rise

Story from BBC News:

News programmes at Scottish broadcaster STV could be blacked out because of a 24 hour strike by journalists.

Deadline: ‘Doctor Who’ Showrunner Says Disney+ Deal Had To Happen As Demise Of The BBC Is “Undoubtedly On Its Way”

Story from Deadline:

Doctor Who showrunner Russell T. Davies has issued some doom-and-gloom thinking behind why the hit sci-fi series needed to partner with Disney+.

Deadline: Richard Sharp Says Actions That Led To His Resignation As BBC Chair Were “Misrepresented Wilfully By Other Forms Of The Media”

Story from Deadline:

“I wasn’t happy at the way my activities were characterized and think they were misrepresented wilfully by other forms of the media.”

Daily Mail: Absolute Radio faces ageism storm over sacking of Frank Skinner

Story from Daily Mail:

Frank Skinner's sacking from his Absolute Radio show has triggered accusations of ageism.

Daily Mail: Richer homes may have to pay more for TV licences

Story from Daily Mail:

The BBC's director-general says he is open to 'reform' of the licence fee and making it 'more progressive', as he laid out his plans for the corporation's future.

Deadline; ‘Dear England’: BBC Beat Netflix In Bidding War For Joseph Fiennes Series Amid Fears For UK Drama

Story from Deadline:

The BBC was victorious in a bidding war with Netflix for Dear England amid fears for the future of British storytelling on television.

Cable Forum: Virgin Media UK and Paramount Global in talks

Found the following over on Cable Forum:

Virgin Media O2 and Paramount+ (are) in talks about Paramount+ being included in top tier TV pack.

Deadline: GB News Boss Criticizes Ofcom For Being Too Slow With Investigations

Story from Deadline:

The boss of GB News has criticized Ofcom for being too slow with its investigations.

Broadband TV News: BBC to focus on three essential roles

Story from Broadband TV News:

BBC director-general Tim Davie has said the broadcaster’s enduring mission to inform, educate and entertain is now more vital than ever as it grapple with rapid technological change, disinformation and social division.

Deadline; Kay Benbow Dies: “Legendary” Leader Of BBC Preschool Channel CBeebies Was Champion Of Kids TV

Story from Deadline:

Key Benbow, the influential former Controller of BBC preschool channel CBeebies, has died.

Deadline: BBC Will Stop Using AI For ‘Doctor Who’ Promotion After Receiving Complaints

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has “no plans” to use AI again to promote Doctor Who after receiving complaints from viewers.

BBC News: BBC to explore how to reform licence fee, director general says

Story from BBC News:

The BBC's director general Tim Davie has announced that the corporation will explore how to reform the licence fee.

Deadline; Kate Middleton: BBC Rejects Complaints Its Photo Edit Coverage Was “Excessive & Sensationalist”

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has rejected complaints from UK viewers who said its coverage of the edited Kate Middleton Mother’s Day photo was over the top.

BBC News: BBC must spend more on TV in Wales, says Senedd report

Story from BBC News:

The BBC needs to spend as much on television content in Wales as it does in Scotland, a new Senedd report says.

Deadline: BBC Commissioned Half Of All UK TV Scripted Shows Last Year, Ampere Research Finds

Story from Deadline:

The BBC commissioned half of all UK TV scripted last year, defying the slowdown that hit its rivals and streamers and spending big on kids shows and thrillers, according to new research.

Virgin Media UK makes catch of the day with launch of Fishing TV app

Virgin Media TV enriches its line-up with Fishing TV, offering over 1,400 hours of angling content.

Media Guardian: BBC looks for commercial deals as it faces potential end of licence fee

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC is to sign more deals with commercial partners in an effort to shore up its finances, with further cuts to services expected as it faces the potential end of the licence fee.

Deadline: ‘The Great British Bake Off’ Likely To Stay On Channel 4 Amid Speculation Over Netflix Move

Story from Deadline:

The Bake Off bun is set to stay in the Channel 4 oven.

Broadband TV News: ITV accepts Ofcom licence renewal

Story from Broadband TV News:

ITV has confirmed it has accepted the offer from regulator Ofcom to renew all of its PSB licences.

Media Guardian: Channel 4 to oust top commissioner in Leeds and run role from London

Story from Media Guardian:

The most senior commissioner in Channel 4’s Leeds office is to lose her job, the Guardian can reveal, leaving the broadcaster with no top decision makers living in the city of its “national headquarters”.

Digital TV Europe: TNT Sports extends Premiership Rugby rights

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery‘s TNT Sports has renewed its rights to the Premiership Rugby in the UK and Ireland.

Deadline: Former ITV & Channel 5 Bosses To Examine Future Funding At The BBC

Story from Deadline:

Former ITV and Channel 5 bosses will examine the future funding model of the BBC.

Deadline: BBC Buys ‘Suits’ Following Smash Year On Netflix

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has acquired Suits, the smash legal drama that was the most-watched show on Netflix last year.

Sky Sports: Sky Sports to show IPL and WPL live on new four-year deal to 2027

Story from Sky Sports:

Sky Sports will show the Tata Indian Premier League and Tata Women's Premier League live in a new four-year deal from 2024-27.

Deadline: BBC Boss Tim Davie Says Broadcaster Must “Be Nice” Amid “Whipped Up” Trans Rights Debate

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has a duty to “be nice” amid the fraught debate about transgender rights, according to the UK broadcaster’s director general.

Media Boy UK on X: More FAST Channels set to launch on Virgin Media

Story from Media Boy UK on X:

 A+E Networks and Virgin Media O2 has announced the UK launch of two new free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels to its offering.

Tiny Pop closes on Virgin Media as Virgin Media O2 signs 11th hour deal to keep some channels on air

Here is the round up of today's changes on Virgin Media UK:

Closes:

• Tiny Pop close on Virgin UK Channel 737 by it owner.

Channels signs new deals:

• The owner of both Islam Channel and Islam Channel Urdu did late yesterday sign a new deal with Virgin Media O2 to carry on broadcasting. Just hours before their old deal was set to run out.

Deadline: ‘Doctor Who’ Producer Jane Tranter Says British TV Tax Credits Must Be Updated Amid Over-Reliance On Hollywood Investment

Story from Deadline:

Jane Tranter, the co-founder of Doctor Who and His Dark Materials producer Bad Wolf, has called on the UK government to update British television tax credits to promote domestic investment.

Deadline: Channel 4 Bonuses Are “Slap In The Face” For Fired Staffers & Ailing Freelance Workforce, Bectu Says

Story from Deadline:

"A slap in the face” was the verdict of broadcasting union Bectu to Channel 4 bosses’ decision to accept bonuses this year amidst a 250-staff layoff program.

Virgin Media UK signed new deals with Al Jazeera Media Network and Nickelodeon UK Limited

Virgin Media UK has sign new deals with Al Jazeera Media Network and Nickelodeon UK Limited. 

Daily Mail: Hollyoaks actor quits soap after nine years amid Channel 4 budget cuts

Story from Daily Mail:

Ross Adams has quit Hollyoaks after after nine years one the soap, he revealed in an update on Sunday.

Broadband TV News: DCMS Committee to question BBC Director-General

Story from Broadband TV News:

Senior BBC executives will face the parliamentary Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Wednesday as part of its regular scrutiny of the broadcaster’s work.

Deadline; Revealed: Channel 4 Bosses To Accept Bonuses In 2024 As Hundreds Of Staffers Laid Off

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 bosses will take home reduced bonuses in 2024 as 250 staffers are laid off.

BBC News; GB News: Ofcom says channel broke rules and warns over MPs presenting news

Story from BBC News:

GB News has been warned about its use of politicians as presenters after media regulator Ofcom ruled that five episodes of programmes hosted by serving Tory MPs broke its rules.

Deadline; ‘Doctor Who’: BBC & Disney+ Set Simultaneous Global Premiere Date

Story from Deadline:

Doctor Who has a date.

Deadline; Netflix UK Unscripted Slate: Bear Grylls, Holly Willoughby Team For ‘Bear Hunt’; Guy Ritchie Boards True Crime Doc ‘Millennium Diamond Heist’

Story from Deadline:

Netflix has pulled the curtain back on a slate of UK unscripted originals, including reality competition series Bear Hunt, starring Bear Grylls and Holly Willoughby.

Deadline: Tim Davie To Set Out “Future Direction Of The BBC” In All-Staff Speech Later This Month

Story from Deadline:

The “future direction of the BBC and its role for the UK” will be set out in an all-staff speech from Director General Tim Davie on March 26th, at which point he will address “a new wave of technological change reshaping the media landscape.”

BBC Sport: BBC to show Scotland games against Northern Ireland & Finland

Story from BBC Sport:

Scotland's two home warm-up matches for Euro 2024 are to be broadcast live by the BBC following a deal with rights holder Viaplay.

Deadline: BBC Unveils New ‘Newsnight‘ Boss After Funding Cuts

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has unveiled the Executive Editor who will lead Newsnight into its new era following funding cuts.

Deadline: Netflix & UK Writers Guild Strike First Ever Agreement For Scripted Series

Story from Deadline:

Netflix has struck a deal with the Writers Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) over live-action scripted series for the first time.

BBC News: STV journalists to go on strike over pay

Story from BBC News:

Journalists at STV are set to go on strike over pay after talks with management broke down.

BBC News; This Morning: Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard make their debut

Story from BBC News:

Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have said they are "so excited" as they make their debut on This Morning.

Deadline: UK Oscars Coverage Makes ITV Bow With Peak Of 1M Viewers But Show Criticized For Insensitivity & A Lack Of Critical Expertise

Story from Deadline:

Oscars coverage in the UK was free-to-air last night for the first time in two decades but ITV‘s coverage was slammed on social media for insensitivity and a lack of critical expertise.

Daily Mail: Alison Hammond breaks silence on This Morning snub

Story from Daily Mail:

Alison Hammond has broken her silence regarding This Morning's new hosts after being 'snubbed' by ITV bosses.

Deadline: Cat Deeley Reveals Being Caught In LA Mall Shooting Scare Inspired Return To UK

Story from Deadline:

Cat Deeley, longtime presenter of So You Think You Can Dance, has revealed details of her experience being caught up in a Los Angeles shopping mall shooting scare that made her want to leave her home in Hollywood and return to live in the UK.

Hollywood Reporter: Paramount Promotes Lee Sears to President, International Markets Ad Sales

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Paramount Global has promoted Lee Sears for the second time in less than a year as it looks to align its domestic and international broadcast, cable and streaming assets to create a global content powerhouse.

Daily Mail: ITV offer Jeremy Clarkson a 'lifeline'

Story from Daily Mail (Story exited by Media Boy UK HQ):

Jeremy Clarkson has been offered a 'lifeline' by ITV.

Deadline; “Quite The Hypocrite”: Jeff Zucker Lashes Out At British Broadcaster Andrew Neil & GB News Co-Owner Paul Marshall Over RedBird IMI’s Proposed Deal For Telegraph Newspapers

Story from Deadline:

Jeff Zucker did not hold back today in taking on some of Britain’s biggest media stalwarts as RedBird IMI pushes on with its bid to buy The Telegraph and Spectator publications.

Deadline; “We Have Made The Bottom Line Better For Production Companies Up & Down The Country”: UK Culture Secretary Says “Game-Changing” Indie Film Relief Will Bring Balance To A Sector Too Reliant On Big-Budget Fare

Story from Deadline:

UK Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has said the 40% indie film tax relief will bring balance to a movie sector that has swung too far towards big-budget fare in recent years.

Hobby Maker HD launches on Virgin Media UK

Hobby Maker HD has today launch on Virgin Media UK on Virgin UK Channel 754.

Digital TV Europe: Sky Sports, BBC & Prime Video among most popular sports streaming apps

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Connected TV and cross-screen advertising company, LG Ad Solutions, has revealed over a third of UK consumers use three or more streaming apps to watch live sports, with Sky Sports (57%), BBC (55%) and Prime Video (53%) among the most popular.

Deadline: Channel 4 Hires Chief Financial Officer Amidst Layoffs

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4 has hired a Chief Financial Officer amidst its 250-staff layoff program.

Media Leader; Snoddy: BritBox has revealed ITV and BBC’s opposing strategies

Story from Media Leader:

ITV is garnering praise for its domestic programming as it battles a tough TV market, while the BBC takes a more internationalist approach.

Media Leader: BritBox has revealed ITV and BBC's opposing strategies

Story from Media Leader:

ITV is garnering praise for its domestic programming as it battles a tough TV market, while the BBC takes a more internationalist approach.

Deadline: ITV Bosses Predict Post-Strike Commissioning “Blip” & Describe Generative AI As A “Co-Pilot” For Creatives

Story from Deadline:

ITV boss Carolyn McCall has detailed the potential for a post-strike “blip” as commissioning conversations are restarted with U.S. buyers, while the head of ITV Studios described generative AI as a “co-pilot for creatives.”

Deadline: ITV Profits Tumble By 32% But Green Shoots In Production Division As Broadcaster Kicks Off “Strategic Restructuring & Efficiency Programme”

Story from Deadline:

ITV profits tumbled by 32% following a tricky 2023 but there were green shoots in a solid performance from the Studios production arm, as the broadcaster reveals it is in the early stages of a “strategic restructuring and efficiency programme.”

Deadline: BBC Buys Viaplay’s ‘Rebus’ Reboot Ahead Of Scandi Streamer’s UK Exit

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has bought Viaplay‘s Rebus reboot, following international streamer Viaplay’s decision to exit the UK.

Daily Mail: BBC strike new FA Cup TV deal with TNT Sports after fending off competition from ITV - in major boost to their sport coverage

Story from Daily Mail:

The BBC will continue to show live FA Cup matches for four years from the 2025/26 season after agreeing a deal with main rights holder TNT Sports.

Deadline: Departing STV Boss Simon Pitts To Become Global CEO

Story from Deadline:

STV boss Simon Pitts has unveiled his new gig just a day after announcing he was leaving the Scottish broadcaster-producer.

BBC News: GB News posts £42m loss but grows online audience

Story from BBC News:

GB News saw its losses jump nearly 40% over the last year but says it has grown its online audience fivefold.

Media Guardian: Dan Wootton leaves GB News to set up own ‘independent platform’

Story from Media Guardian:

The television presenter Dan Wootton has announced he is leaving GB News to set up an independent platform, and in a parting shot accused the media regulator Ofcom of censorship.

Daily Mail: TNT Sports swoop for rugby's autumn internationals

Story from Daily Mail:

TNT Sports are close to securing a two-year contract to broadcast the Autumn Internationals in the last standalone deal before a mega auction for TV rights for the new Nations Championship and the Six Nations from 2026.

Deadline: Rupert Murdoch’s TalkTV To Go Online-Only Weeks After Piers Morgan Quit Daily Linear Show

Story from Deadline:

Rupert Murdoch‘s TalkTV is going online-only two years after launching with fanfare and following the suit of its star presenter Piers Morgan.

Media Guardian: TalkTV to close down television channel and go online only

Story from Media Guardian:

The rightwing news channel TalkTV, launched in 2022 by Rupert Murdoch’s News UK, is to stop broadcasting on television after struggling to match its main rival GB News for ratings.

Deadline: New BBC Chair Samir Shah Kicks Off His Tenure By Telling Staff Of “Tough Choices & Hard Decisions” To Come

Story from Deadline:

“Tough choices and hard decisions” are to come at the BBC.

Deadline: Ofcom Finds GB News In Breach Over Laurence Fox Misogynistic Rant & Says It Has “Significant Concerns” About The Network’s Live Output

Story from Deadline:

Ofcom has said it has “significant concerns about GB News’ editorial control of its live output” after rapping the network for Laurence Fox‘s highly misogynistic rant on Dan Wootton‘s show.

Media Guardian: Hit shows such as Mr Bates could bring a dramatic improvement in ITV’s fortunes

Story from Media Guardian:

When Alan Bates took his campaign for justice to Westminster again last week, it would not just have been the hundreds of post office operators he represents who would have been pleased by his persistence.

UK Cable TV Changes: Hobby Maker HD set to launch Virgin Media UK

Story from UK Cable TV Changes:

UK Cable TV Changes has reveal that Hobby Maker HD is set to launch soon on Virgin UK Channel 754.

Deadline: BBC Determines Presenter “Broke Impartiality Rules” During Discussion On Transwomen Chess Players

Story from Deadline:

One of the BBC’s highest profile news presenters broke rules on impartiality by referring to transgender women as “males” live on air, the corporation has determined.

BBC News: Screenwriter slams Doctors axing as filming ends

Story from BBC News:

A screenwriter has slammed what he called the "disastrous" decision to cut much-loved BBC series Doctors.

Variety: Tubi set to launch in UK by 2025

Story from Variety:

Tubi’s updated brand identity comes as the streamer plans to expand in the U.K. this summer.

Deadline: Writers On BBC Shows To Get 10% Pay Rise & Improved Residuals

Story from Deadline:

Writers on BBC shows have landed themselves a 10% pay increase and improved residuals following updates to the agreement between the Writers Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) and UK’s biggest public broadcaster.

Deadline: Harry Enfield Steps Down As Director Of His Production Outfit After 12 Years

Story from Deadline:

Iconic British comedian Harry Enfield has stepped down as director of his production company after 12 years.

Media Guardian: ITV sells stake in Britbox International to BBC Studios for £255m

Story from Media Guardian:

ITV has sold its 50% stake in BritBox International, the streaming service that offers programmes such as Line of Duty outside the UK, to BBC Studios for £255m in cash.

DAZN Women Football launches on Virgin Media UK

DAZN Women Football FAST Channel has today launch on Virgin UK Channel 554.

Daily Mail: Laura Whitmore and Oti Mabuse's breakfast shows axed

Story from Daily Mail:

Both Laura Whitmore and Oti Mabuse's breakfast weekend shows on ITV have reportedly been axed.

Media Guardian; The TV licence fee scandal: why are 1,000 people a week being casually criminalised?

Story from Media Guardian:

It was autumn 2020 when someone from TV Licensing knocked on Josiane’s door.

Media Guardian: GB News has paid more than £660,000 to Tory MPs since its launch

Story from Media Guardian:

GB News has paid Conservative MPs more than £660,000 in appearance fees and salaries since it launched, against just £1,100 to Labour MPs, Guardian analysis shows.

Deadline: Children’s TV Body Joins Growing List Urging UK Gov’t Intervention To Help Save Genre In Crisis

Story from Deadline:

Children’s TV has joined the growing list of UK genres jostling for government intervention after an emergency summit attended by the biggest players in the game.

Advanced Television: Narrative launching GREAT! Real channel

Story from Advanced Television:

The UK independent TV broadcaster, Narrative Entertainment, continues to expand its GREAT! Network, with new free-to-air channel GREAT! Real launching on March 20th.

Broadcast Sport: BBC to air World Indoor Athletics Championships live from Glasgow

Story from Broadcast Sport:

BBC Sport is airing extensive live coverage from the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow on BBC2 and iPlayer.

Media Guardian: BBC apologises to family at centre of Huw Edwards scandal

Story from Media Guardian:

The BBC has apologised to the parents of a young person who made a complaint about the suspended BBC presenter Huw Edwards, admitting it should have acted more quickly.

Deadline: BBC Failed To Consider “Potential Wider Significance” Of Huw Edwards Complaint, Says Review

Story from Deadline:

The BBC did not “consider the potential wider significance” of the complaint against Huw Edwards when it was logged last May, a review into the disgraced newsreader has said.

Deadline: UK Union Bectu Calls For Urgent Summit With Gov’t Over Freelancer Crisis & Criticizes Culture Secretary For Saying Creative Industries Are “Booming”

Story from Deadline:

“Urgent and joined up action” has been demanded from the UK government by broadcasting union Bectu, which has called for an industry-wide summit and criticized the culture secretary for saying the creative industries are “booming.”

Deadline: Streamers Will Not Be Regulated Fully In UK For Another Two Years

Story from Deadline:

Streamer regulation in the UK will not come into place in full for two years, Ofcom said today.

Hollywood Reporter: Sky Content Chief Touts Collaboration With NBCUniversal, “Increased” Global Demand for Larger Shows

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Sky U.K., part of Comcast-owned European media and technology giant Sky, touted its programming slate for the year at its annual “Up Next” event at Protein Studios in Shoreditch, London on Thursday evening, with Cécile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of Sky Studios and chief content officer, lauding a “fantastic lineup for 2024.”

Cord Busters: HBO Max Finally Confirms UK Launch – After Sky Deal Ends

Story from Cord Busters:

Warner Bros. Discovery is setting the stage for a major shake-up in the UK’s streaming landscape, with plans to launch Max, the platform formerly known as HBO Max, on our side of the pond.

Deadline: BBC Acknowledges Question To Andrew Scott About ‘Saltburn’ Nudity Scene Was “Misjudged”

Story from Deadline:

The BBC has acknowledged that a line of questioning to Andrew Scott over the notorious nudity scene in Saltburn was “misjudged.”

Deadline: Channel 5 Pulls Plug On Ross Kemp Dangerous Prisons Series That Was Beset By Budget Problems & An Ecuadorian Coup

Story from Deadline:

Channel 5 has pulled the plug on Ross Kemp‘s doc series in which the former EastEnders star was spending time in the world’s most dangerous prisons, with factors ranging from budget difficulties to an Ecuadorian coup to blame.

Broadcast Sport: BBC Sport scores NBA

Story from Broadcast Sport:

The BBC will broadcast a number of live NBA games between now and the end of the season.

Deadline: ITV Seeks Post Office Drama Successor With Series On Devastating Contaminated Blood Scandal Penned By Peter Moffat

Story from Deadline:

ITV is on the hunt for a Mr Bates vs the Post Office successor and has landed on the devastating contaminated blood scandal, with Peter Moffat attached.

Deadline: Police Drop Investigation Into Suspended GB News Anchor Dan Wootton

Story from Deadline:

London’s Metropolitan Police will take no further action against suspended GB News anchor Dan Wootton.

Deadline; BBC Film & Film4 Bosses Voice Concern For Future Of UK Indie Film Sector: “We’re At Risk Of Losing A Huge Number Of Talented People From The Industry”

Story from Deadline:

The heads of UK financiers Film4 and BBC Film voiced concern this morning for the future of the indigenous UK film sector, which has seen its market share dwindle in the shadow of big U.S. inward investment and budgets stall at the big UK funding bodies.

Media Leader: The BBC bias debate rears its confused head again

Story from Media Leader:

The BBC Mid-Term Review once again brings up discussions of impartiality and objectivity — but the culture secretary should be reminded that perception of bias is not the same as the real thing.

Media Leader: GB News investigation has put Ofcom under the spotlight

Story from Media Leader:

The industry will be closely watching how Ofcom rules on GB News’ People’s Forum: The Prime Minister.

Broadband TV News: Ofcom plans changes to Digital Television Additional Service licences

Story from Broadband TV News:

Ofcom is proposing changes to the licence conditions for Digital Television Additional Services.

BBC News: BBC Scotland to scrap news programme The Nine

Story from BBC News:

BBC Scotland plans to scrap its hour-long TV news programme The Nine, five years after its launch.

Broadband TV News: TNT Sports secures live rights to revamped world rugby HSBC SVNS

Story from Broadband TV News:

TNT Sports has expanded rugby portfolio by securing live rights to screen the HSBC SVNS, rugby sevens’ biggest annual competition worldwide, in the UK and Ireland on a two-year deal until the end of the 2025 season.

Media Guardian: BBC chief says he is pleased with licence fee deal as TV rivals face ad downturn

Story from Media Guardian:

The director general of the BBC has told MPs he is pleased with the new licence fee settlement, in which the government reneged on an agreement and cut the planned annual rise by a third.

BBC News: Ofcom rejects Brewdog complaint over BBC documentary

Story from BBC News:

A complaint by Brewdog about a BBC documentary that highlighted allegations of inappropriate behaviour against the beer giant's chief executive has been rejected by Ofcom.

Broadcast Sport: Why broadcasters need to get off the sidelines to grow women’s sport

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Anna Reynolds, consultant and Yonder Consulting, believes broadcasters could miss the opportunity available with women’s sport.

Broadcast Sport: Sky & DAZN to share Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Sky Sports and DAZN will both air Anthony Joshua’s bout with Francis Ngannou on their pay-per-view services.

Deadline: UK Prime Minister’s ‘People’s Forum’ On GB News The Latest To Be Probed By Ofcom

Story from Deadline:

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s hour-long ‘grilling’ on GB News is the right-leaning network’s latest to be probed by Ofcom.

Deadline: BBC Reporter Gets Heat For “Cringe” Red Carpet Interview With Andrew Scott About Barry Keoghan’s ‘Saltburn’ Nude Scene

Story from Deadline:

Andrew Scott appeared to walk away from a BBC News red carpet interview at the BAFTA Film Awards after being asked about Barry Keoghan‘s Saltburn nude dance.

Daily Mail: BBC in battle with furious neighbours over noisy live shows in London

Story from Daily Mail:

Furious neighbours have lodged complaints over noisy live shows at the BBC's London headquarters, New Broadcasting House, claiming that the racket is stopping them from sleeping.

Deadline: BBC Red-Faced After Tribute To Veteran Radio Host… With Picture Of Another Star

Story from Deadline:

Fans of the much-loved radio presenter Steve Wright – who died suddenly last Monday – have vented their fury after the BBC’s Breakfast News programme discussed an upcoming tribute to the DJ – while mistakenly showing a photo of a completely different radio personality.

Media Guardian: Telegraph suitor to buy Traitors and Fleabag maker All3Media for £1.15bn

Story from Media Guardian:

The Abu Dhabi-backed company that is trying to take over the Telegraph newspapers has announced a £1.15bn deal to buy the production company behind Fleabag and the Traitors.

Digital TV Europe: Sky Sports renews Netball Super League rights, with free coverage on YouTube

Story from Digital TV Europe:

UK’s Sky Sports will keep its broadcasting rights to Netball Super League (NSL) in a renewed three-year deal.

Morninggate; BBC News: Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard replace Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield

Story from BBC News:

TV presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have been announced as the new hosts of ITV daytime show This Morning.

BBC News; Radio 1: Jamie Laing to replace Jordan North on drivetime show

Story from BBC News:

Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing will replace Jordan North on Radio 1's drivetime show, the station says.

Deadline: All3Media Sale Saga Ends With RedBird IMI Confirming Acquisition Of ‘The Traitors’ Maker For £1.15B

Story from Deadline: 

The All3Media sale saga has drawn to a close after almost a year with RedBird IMI confirming the acquisition of The Traitors superindie from Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global for £1.15B.

The FA: The FA & TNT Sports agree new four-year deal to broadcast The FA Cup from 2025-26

Story from The FA:

The Football Association [The FA] and TNT Sports have agreed a new four-year broadcast deal for the Emirates FA Cup, starting from the 2025/26 season, which will see more games available than ever before, across both TNT Sports and free-to-air, from the world’s oldest national football competition.

Radio Today: BBC Radio Cymru 2 to broadcast more original hours

Story from Radio Today:

BBC Radio Cymru 2 is to broadcast for extended hours from Monday 4th March.

Broadband TV News: Lionsgate confirms UK departure date

Story from Broadband TV News:

Lionsgate has confirmed when it will pull its streaming service from the UK as part of its withdrawal from international markets.

Daily Mail: Every WSL match set to be broadcast live from next season

Story from Daily Mail:

Every Women's Super League game is set to be broadcast live from next season in a historic first for football in this country.

Daily Mail: Steve Wright was set for BBC Radio 2 comeback before his death

Story from Daily Mail:

Steve Wright was due to make a comeback to BBC Radio 2 as part of a line-up for a 'pop nostalgia' spin-off station before his death.

Daily Mail: Ruth Jones says Gavin & Stacey is NOT returning for Christmas special

Story from Daily Mail:

Gavin And Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones has shut down rumours that the British sitcom is returning for a Christmas special.

Broadcast Sport: Sky Sports and ​BBC Sport win Netball Super League rights

Story from Broadcast Sport:

Sky Sports and BBC Sport have secured deals with England Netball to air coverage from the Netball Super League (NSL).

Deadline: Channel 4 Drama & E4 Bosses Expected To Exit Under Jobs Cull

Story from Deadline:

Channel 4‘s drama boss and head of youth channel E4 are both expected to leave the British broadcaster as it cuts up to 250 jobs.

Hollywood Reporter: Freely, Free U.K. Streamer From BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, to Launch in Second Quarter

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Freely, a new free streaming service backed by U.K. broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Paramount Global‘s Channel 5, will launch in the second quarter of 2024.

Bizasia: Gaurav Gogia to return to Star UK as a Business Consultant

Story from BizAsia:

Gaurav Gogia is set to make a return to Star UK, four years after he exited the company.

Advanced Television: BBC, UKA broadcast partnership

Story from Advanced Television:

BBC Sport and UK Athletics (UKA) have announced a broadcast partnership and coverage for the 2024 Major Events series.

Media Guardian: How can GB News get away with peddling ‘turbo cancer’ conspiracy theories? Only Ofcom knows

Story from Media Guardian:

What if I told you a major British institution has been infecting young minds, reducing sperm counts and killing babies in the north of England?

Advanced Television: Government urged to protect Traditional TV

Story from Advanced Television:

5.5 million households in the UK will struggle to watch their favourite TV shows unless Traditional TV is protected to 2040 and beyond, campaigners are warning.

Deadline: Another ‘Gavin & Stacey’ Christmas Special From James Corden & Ruth Jones In The Works At The BBC

Story from Deadline:

Beloved BBC sitcom Gavin & Stacey is set to return for another bite at the Christmas cherry.

Advanced Television: Joshi names as ITV Head of News for West Country

Story from Advanced Television:

ITV has confirmed the new Head of News for ITV West Country will be Nimesh Joshi, who is currently Programme and Digital Editor at ITV Central.

Sky News: Macquarie close to dialling up £1.2bn TalkTalk wholesale deal

Story from Sky News:

Macquarie, the Australian banking giant, is closing in on a deal to buy a big stake in the wholesale arm of TalkTalk Telecom, one of Britain's biggest consumer broadband providers.

Broadband TV News: S4C makes YouTube partnership with Little Dot Studios

Story from Broadband TV News:

S4C is to work with Little Dot Studios to develop content for its YouTube channel.

Broadband TV News: Virgin Media in TalkTalk consumer talks

Story from Broadband TV News:

Virgin Media O2 is back around the table with TalkTalk over a potential deal that would lead to Virgin taking on TalkTalk’s consumer division.

Media Guardian: Rupert Murdoch met Rishi Sunak five times in 12-month period

Story from Guardian:

The media mogul Rupert Murdoch met Rishi Sunak five times over a 12-month period before he stepped down as the chair of News Corp in September last year, according to government records.

Deadline: BBC “Considering” Findings From Landmark Study That Trialled Eight-Hour Working Day In Film & TV Drama Production

Story from Deadline:

The BBC is “considering” the findings of a study that found production costs would increase by a minimal amount if the working day was reduced from 10 to eight hours.