Top Stories

TORONTO: A new initiative between CBC and Telefilm Canada sees an integrated approach to the commissioning, marketing and distribution of Canadian English-language feature films. The films would have an initial theatrical release, and would broadcast on CBC shortly thereafter. CBC will contribute …

  LONDON: UKTV’s Dave has commissioned a third season of the comedy panel show Argumental, produced by Tiger Aspect Productions, while BBC Two signed on for four episodes for its fall schedule. BBC Two has taken on four episodes from the …

HONG KONG: Fox International Channels is set to launch Fox One Stop Media (FOSM), an advertising sales house in the Asia Pacific that represents STAR, FOX and National Geographic brands. FOSM will coordinate media buying services for 28 channel brands, …

STOCKHOLM: Viasat Ukraine has the exclusive satellite TV rights to the Football channel, as well as to Football Extra, which is to be launched in 2010.  The Football channel has the exclusive broadcasting rights in Ukraine for matches from the Ukrainian …

 SINGAPORE: ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) is partnering with ZI Production to organize and broadcast the Perak AmanJaya International Eco Adventure, a five-day athletic competition, for the next three years. Organized by the Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR)—the think tank of the …

LONDON: In celebration of the tenth anniversary of the SpongeBob SquarePants property, Nickelodeon UK has produced a live-action Bollywood-style two-minute film, Bollywood Bob, choreographed by Slumdog Millionaire’s Longinus Fernandes. The film, also developed in a shorter 30-second advertisement format, will …

CALGARY: Knight Enterprises, along with CBC Television English Services and the government of Alberta’s Ministry of Culture and Community Spirit, is developing a TV movie based on the life of Canadian mountie Sir Samuel Benfield Steele.  The project includes a full multiplatform content component …

LONDON: Dragonfly Film and Television Productions, part of Shine Group, has restructured its management, with co-founders Nick Curwin and Magnus Temple to step down as co-chairmen at the end of the year. Sanjay Singhal, who was promoted to managing director of Dragonfly …

LONDON/BUDAPEST: Chellomedia has appointed Levente Malnay as managing director for Chello Central Europe, effective December 1.  Malnay will be responsible for the management and development of the Chello Central Europe channel portfolio, which includes 11 channels with a combined footprint of 46 …

BURBANK: Fourth-quarter profit at The Walt Disney Company increased by 18 percent to $895 million, while revenues rose by 4 percent to $9.9 billion.   The Q4 profit boost was attributed to gains from the merger of Lifetime and AETN …