A reorganisation designed to offer a simplified and more co-ordinated strategy across BBC Television’s channel portfolio has seen Charlotte Moore appointed Controller, TV Channels and iPlayer. In the newly created role, Moore – currently Controller of BBC One – will become the creative, editorial and strategic lead for BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and […]
More than 8,500 new TV and SVoD programme concepts were launched in 2015 in the 44 countries monitored by NOTA, Eurodata TV Worldwide’s unique tracking service. More than half of these new programmes are original and local creations. Series spearhead the new programming figures (40 per cent ) followed by factual programmes – magazines, documentaries […]
Cable and satellite programmer UKTV has revealed details of W, a flagship subscription entertainment channel. Watch will relaunch as W in February 2016 with what the broadcaster describes as a “dazzling new look” themed around its glossy and geometric jewel-shaped logo, offering compelling entertainment. Brand new launch shows will include a mix of channel-defining originals […]
Al Jazeera America is to close its cable TV and digital operations by April 30th of this year. According to AJAM CEO Al Anstey, the decision by the AJAM board was driven by the fact that its business model was “simply not sustainable” in light of the economic challenges in the US media marketplace. “I […]
In a move that it describes as “transformational” and which significantly enhances its content portfolio, Canadian integrated media and content company Corus Entertainment is to acquire Shaw Media, the television broadcasting division of Shaw Communications from the telco in a C$2.65 billion (€1.70bn) cash and stock deal. The transaction will give Corus ownership of all […]
Mentorn Scotland, part of the Tinopolis Group, has been commissioned by BBC Two to produce a new series of the man and machine battle series Robot Wars. The iconic entertainment show will return some 13 years after is last aired as a 6x60min series and will feature “a new structure with more robots, more battles […]
UK terrestrial pubcaster Channel 4 has awarded the production contract for its coverage of the FIA Formula One World Championship to experienced independent sports production company Whisper Films. The contract was awarded after a competitive tender process with production companies with Formula 1 credentials. The tender process was led by Ed Havard, Channel 4’s Head […]
The findings of a joint virtual reality (VR) research study of content creators in the Hollywood community reveal that participants are passionate about the new medium and think it is likely a game changer. The study, conducted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) was designed to paint a […]
National Geographic Channel has signed a development deal with DNA Films & TV and FX Productions for what will be the network’s first scripted series, Blood Ivory (working title). Joshua Brand (The Americans) has been tapped to write the pilot script of what promises to be an “edge-of-your-seat thriller, tracing the massive global web of […]
UK comms regulator Ofcom believes that complete deregulation of the UK TV production sector would be uncertain and risky, having undertaken a review of the regulatory framework following a request from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in August 2015. Ofcom’s review recognises that the independent TV production industry has seen significant […]