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

Story from Deadline:

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

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

Story from CNBC:

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

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

Story from Media Guardian:

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

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

Story from Media Guardian:

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

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

Story from Radio Today:

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

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

Story from Variety:

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

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

Story from Variety:

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

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

Story from Deadline:

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

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

Story from Media Guardian:

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

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

Story from Media Guardian:

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

Deadline: Ana Cabrera Expected To Depart CNN For NBC News

Story from Deadline:

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

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

Story from Deadline:

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

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

Story from Deadline:

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

Advanced Television: DCMS Secretary to face MP questions

Story from Advanced Television:

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

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

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

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

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

Story from Variety:

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

Variety: HLN Gutted by CNN Layoffs

Story from Variety:

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

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

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

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

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

Story from Media Leader:

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

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

Story from Radio Today:

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