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LONDON: Jonathan Ford has been promoted to executive VP of digital acquisitions and distribution for Fireworks International. Ford oversees the licensing of Fireworks International and ContentFilm International’s new and library programming and development content to digital media outlets worldwide. He …

NEW YORK: On July 7, SCI FI Channel will become Syfy as it looks to broaden its programming slate to include a wider change of "imagination-based entertainment," such as fantasy, the paranormal, reality, mystery, action and adventure. As Syfy, the on-air and …

LONDON: Cineflix International has acquired the 13×1-hour series Border Security USA, which aired in prime time on ABC in the U.S. as Homeland Security. The original format, Border Security: Australia’s Front Line, is from Australia’s Seven Network. Other newly acquired programming …

ENCINO: The hour-long documentary Becoming Barack: A Future President, which focuses on the early life and career of U.S. president Barack Obama, has been added to the catalogue of Solid Entertainment. The doc includes a never-before-seen interview with the current …

NEW YORK: Net revenues at 4Kids Entertainment for 2008 were up 14.6 percent to $63.7 million, but the company’s loss widened from $23.3 million in 2007 to $36.8 million. In the fourth quarter, meanwhile, revenues fell to $14.3 million from …

MIAMI: Endemol Spain has inked a deal to produce adaptations of Telemundo’s top shows, such as Pasión de Gavilanes, Victoria, Dame Chocolate, Sin Senos No Hay Paraíso and El Cuerpo del Deseo, for Spanish broadcasters. As part of the co-production alliance, international distribution of the Spanish adaptations …

MUNICH: Studio100 Media has appointed Peter Kleinschmidt as its director of marketing, licensing and merchandising. Kleinschmidt will be working across a portfolio that includes brands such as Vicky the Vicking, Maya the Bee, Dive Olly Dive! and The House of …

UNIVERSAL CITY: A host of new and returning series will be featured in NBC’s summer lineup, including The Philanthropist, Merlin and The Listener. I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, based on the international hit from Granada America, will debut …

HILVERSUM: Among the highlights in Endemol’s stable of offerings for international buyers are Wreckreation Nation and Personal Justice. Wreckreation Nation sees U.S. comic David Mordel travel the nation in search of bizarre hometown traditions and wacky pastimes. Personal Justice, meanwhile, …

SINGAPORE: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific is launching a Discovery Kids weekend programming block on Discovery Channel in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand in April. The block will feature a special lineup of programming aimed at encouraging kids to explore …