Hollywood Reporter: What’s Behind HBO Max’s European Originals Strategy Change?

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

Warner Bros. Discovery shared a change of strategy for its streaming business in Europe on July 4, saying that it would be “ceasing our original programming efforts for HBO Max in the Nordics and Central Europe” and had already ended “our nascent development activities in the newer territories of Netherlands and Turkey, which had commenced over the past year.”

Channel 4 Takeover - TVB Europe; Analyst: Channel 4 privatisation ‘likely to be pushed back’ following Johnson’s ousting

Story from TVB Europe:

Gill Hind, director of TV at Enders Analysis, has told TVB Europe she expects the government’s plan to sell off Channel 4 to move to the backburner following Boris Johnson’s resignation as UK prime minister.

Channel 4 Takeover - C21 Media: UK kids’ industry leaders mull impact of government chaos on Channel 4, YACF

Story from C21 Media:

The chaos currently engulfing the UK government has prompted key figures in the local kids’ industry to consider what a change in administration might mean for the future of Channel 4 and the Young Audiences Content Fund (YACF).

Advanced Television: Record audience for Warner Bros Discovery Sports

Story from Advanced Television:

Warner Bros Discovery Sports has announced a record first half of the year with double-digit audience and engagement growth on all its channels and platforms so far in 2022. Warner Bros Discovery Sports reports it is witnessing increases on both its linear television channels and digital platforms.

New York Post: CNN’s corporate boss David Zaslav wants network for ‘Republicans, Democrats’ as ratings sink

Story from New York Post:

Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said CNN is renewing its focus on “journalism” — signaling he wants the scandal-scarred, left-leaning network to eventually deliver straight news that also appeals to conservatives.

Variety: David Zaslav Sees ‘Opportunity’ Amid Industry Turmoil as Moguls Convene in Sun Valley

Story from Variety:

David Zaslav was upbeat as he arrived in Sun Valley, Idaho on Tuesday for Allen & Co.’s gathering of business media and tech moguls. The Warner Bros. Discovery CEO had kind words for Netflix and “Stranger Things,” and he told reporters that he expects the annual summit to be “a great week” amid “a lot of turmoil in the business.”

Digital TV Europe: HBO Max halts European productions as WBD says it is ‘reviewing current proposition’

Story from Digital TV Europe:

Warner Bros. Discovery has halted development of local original productions for streaming service HBO Max in the Nordics, Central Europe, the Netherlands and Turkey.

Broadband TV News: Canal circling Lionsgate

Story from Broadband TV News:

Canal+ is looking to purchase the Starz and its Starzplay platform from the US studio Lionsgate.

Deadline: Job Cuts Expected At HBO Max Europe Following Major Strategic Review

Story from Deadline:

Job cuts are expected at HBO Max Europe following a major strategic review that will see development of local originals halted in the Nordics and Central Europe.

Hollywood Reporter: Sun Valley Beckons Moguls Amid Storm Clouds in the Deals Sky

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

First, July 4. Then, Sun Valley. Right after Independence Day, media and technology titans will once again jet to the Idaho resort to mingle at the annual gathering of investment bank Allen & Co., which has been nicknamed “summer camp for moguls.”

Variety: HBO Max Halts Originals in Parts of Europe in Major Restructure

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery’s post-merger growing pains and an eye-watering $3 billion cost-savings target are hitting its programming strategy in Europe, Variety can reveal.

Broadband TV News: Isa Soares Tonight launches on CNN International

Story from Broadband TV News:

CNN is adding to its international schedule with a new nightly show presented from its EMEA headquarters in London.

Deadline: Media Moguls To Gather At Annual Allen & Co. Sun Valley Retreat Amid Streaming Rethink, Economic Woes

Story from Deadline:

The mountains are as gorgeous as ever, the deal climate not so much as boutique investment bank Allen & Co. prepares to host its annual Sun Valley retreat. After guests arrive on Tuesday, official activities get under way Wednesday.

New York Post: CNN ratings tank in first weeks under new boss Chris Licht

Story from New York Post:

New boss, even worse results.

Deadline: ‘Magnum P.I.’ Cast Reacts To Show’s Save By NBC: “Time To Dust Off The Aloha Shirt”

Story from Deadline:

Some very happy Magnum P.I. cast members are reacting to the news that the show will go on.

Media Guardian: Amazon and BBC break BT stranglehold on Champions League football

Story from Media Guardian:

Amazon has broken BT’s stranglehold on live Champions League football in the UK and highlights are set to air on the BBC for the first time in a new deal starting in 2024. BT has retained the lion’s share of the Champions League rights, securing UK rights for 187 of the 204 games in the new expanded format from 2024, while also cutting the price of the next three-year deal by 23% to £917m.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery’s ‘Cake Boss’ Buddy Valastro Signs A+E Networks Deal, Including Lifetime Holiday Movie

Story from Variety:

“Cake Boss” star Buddy Valastro, a longtime staple in the Warner Bros. Discovery lifestyle brands family, is making A+E Networks his new TV home.

BBC Sport; Champions League: BBC to show highlights from 2024-25 season

Story from BBC Sport:

The men's Champions League is to be broadcast on BBC TV for the first time from the 2024-25 season.

Media Guardian: Ofcom may extend TV ad breaks in review of broadcasting rules

Story from Media Guardian:

Ofcom has said it may extend the time and frequency allowed for advertising breaks on UK television as part of a review of broadcasting rules.

Deadline: ‘Magnum P.I.’ Rescued By NBC With 2-Season, 20-Episode Order

Story from Deadline:

Magnum P.I. has been saved. It came down to the wire but a deal just closed for NBC to order 20 new episodes of the action drama starring Jay Hernandez following its cancellation by CBS last month, I have learned. I hear the 20 episodes will be split into two seasons, bringing the reboot’s run to 96 episodes, with an option for more.