Today's changes on Virgin Media UK

Here is a full list of changes that happen today on Virgin Media: 

• W (SD) has close and removed from Virgin UK Channel 125.

Channel 4 Takeover - Digital TV Europe: MFE will ‘surely look at’ Channel 4 acquisition

Story from Digital TV Europe:

The Berlusconi-controlled MediaForEurope (MFE) will consider acquiring Channel 4 when it goes on sale, the company’s chief operating officer has said.

Media Guardian: Amazon close to deal over Champions League rights in UK

Story from Media Guardian:

Amazon is close to securing a groundbreaking deal to broadcast live Champions League football in the UK from 2024, with highlights returning to terrestrial TV for the first time in nearly a decade in a midweek BBC Match of Day show.

Hollywood Reporter: Many Hollywood Stocks Underperform Broader Market in First Half of Year

Story from Hollywood Reporter:

A tough first half of the year for U.S. media stocks has come to a merciless end.

Deadline: As Nexstar Deal For Control Of The CW Nears Finish, Ownership Structure Comes Into Focus

Story from Deadline:

Nexstar Media Group’s pursuit of majority control of the CW is nearing the finish line, according to people with knowledge of the pending transaction.

Advanced Television; Ofcom: ITV and Channel 5 should keep licences

Story from Advanced Television:

UK broadcast regulator Ofcom believes ITV and Channel 5 should retain their PSB licences. It has assessed whether the holders of the Channel 3 and Channel 5 licences will be able to fulfil their public service broadcasting obligations at a commercially sustainable cost, over the next ten-year licence period.

Channel 4 Takeover - Media Leader: There's more to this Channel 4 story than Idris Elba

Story from The Media Leader:

There may be moves afoot to make the state-owned broadcaster too unattractive to buy. But can Boris Johnson hang on long enough to push it through anyway?

Channel 4 rebrand some Music Channels

Channel 4 has today rebranded a following channels on Virgin Media:

• 336. Box Hits has been rebrand as 4Music
• 337. 4Music has been rebrand as E4 Extra.

Greatest Hits Radio is NOT coming to Virgin Media

After testing on Virgin Media since August 17th 2021 Virgin has today removed a label for Bauer Radio's Greatest Hits Radio.

BBC News: Peterborough City Council expresses concerns over BBC Look East merger

Story from BBC News:

A council has unanimously passed a motion vowing to fight the BBC's plans to end its Cambridge-based version of the regional news programme Look East.

Channel 4 Takeover - Media Guardian: Channel 4 working on new ITN deal as bosses fight privatisation plan

Story from Media Guardian:

Channel 4 is preparing to sign a deal to keep its news programme on air for the next five years, meaning any new private sector owner could be locked into producing a show that has repeatedly angered Conservative ministers.

Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery Reveals Comic-Con TV Lineup: ‘House Of Dragon’, ‘Riverdale’, ‘The Sandman’ & More

Story from Deadline:

Warner Bros. Discovery has revealed its lineup for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con which runs July 21-24.

Variety: Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to Co-Produce Both Men’s and Women’s Tour de France Coverage

Story from Variety:

Warner Bros. Discovery Sports (WBDS) will co-produce coverage of both the men’s and women’s Tour de France cycling competition for the first time.

Variety: Christi Paul, CNN’s ‘New Day’ Weekend Anchor, Will Depart

Story from Variety:

A lot of changes are taking place at CNN after the merger of its parent company, WarnerMedia, with Discovery, but this wasn’t one many people were anticipating.

Channel 4 Takeover - Advanced Television: Idris Elba eyes Channel 4 bid

Story from Advanced Television:

Actor Idris Elba is reportedly in talks to take part in a bid for Channel 4.

Digital TV Europe: BBC opens public interest test consultation on future of iPlayer

Story from Digital TV Europe:

The BBC has opened a public interest test consultation on the future of BBC iPlayer, its popular on-demand and catch-up offering.

Deadline: Netflix Axes Another 300 Staff, Taking Total Layoffs To More Than 450

Story from Deadline:

Netflix has laid off an additional 300 employees.

Deadline: Adrienne O’Riain Exits As SVP Original Programming For TNT, TBS & truTV

Story from Deadline:

Adrienne O’Riain is leaving the Turner networks after 11 years, most recently as SVP, original programming for TNT, TBS and truTV, serving as co-head of scripted development for the TNets.

Deadline: Discovery+ Behind Mystery Donald Trump Docuseries That’s A Reason The January 6th Committee Will Extend Hearings Into July; Trailer Released

Story from Deadline:

Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), the chairman of the January 6th Committee, said on Wednesday that the hearing schedule will continue into July.

TVB Europe: Ofcom proposes modernising BBC’s operating licence to enable broadcaster to be more innovative

Story from TVB Europe:

UK media regulator Ofcom is launching a consultation on the BBC’s operating licence which it says would enable the broadcaster to innovate and respond to changing audience needs, while ensuring it delivers its remit.