Top Stories

LONDON, June 14: In an exclusive development deal, the U.K.-based Channel X has granted FremantleMedia Enterprises the first option on all of its scripted comedy programming, with rights across a number of platforms. The deal will grant FME first option …

UNTERFOEHRING, June 14: In advance of DISCOP, EM.Entertainment has licensed a range of children’s programming to Eastern and Southeastern territories for broadcast on free- and pay-TV and for home entertainment release. EM.Entertainment has licensed the edutainment series VIPO to Hagi …

LONDON, June 14: Darlow Smithson Productions has been commissioned to produce for Channel 4 The Real Phil Spector, a one-hour documentary about the legendary pop music producer who is on trial for murder. Set against the backdrop of Spector’s trial …

CULVER CITY, June 14: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has launched Animax Mobile, a mobile version of its global Japanese anime television channel, in Canada and Australia. Animax Mobile will be available on Bell Mobility in Canada and 3 Mobile …

FRANKFURT, June 14: Fallen German media mogul Leo Kirch has filed a lawsuit against Deutsche Bank and its former chief executive, Rolf Breuer, seeking 1.2 billion euros in damages over comments made about the now defunct Kirch Media empire. Kirch’s …

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS/EMERYVILLE, June 14: NBC Universal has reached a deal to launch NBC Sports Mobile on the mobile content provider MobiTV, kicking off today with live coverage of the 2007 U.S. Open Golf tee-off with Tiger Woods. NBC Sports Mobile …

NEW YORK, June 14: News Corporation has announced its intention to sell off nine of its FOX network-affiliated television stations. News Corp. currently owns and operates 35 stations across the U.S. The outlets to be sold are WJW in Cleveland, …

LONDON, June 14: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has promoted Juan Maria Romeu to senior VP and general manager of SPTI Networks Iberia, reporting to Ross Hair, the senior VP of international networks at SPTI. In his new role, Romeu …

NEW YORK, June 14: Liberty Media Corporation and EchoStar Communications Corp. are said to be preparing a joint offer for satellite-communications provider Intelsat, according to The Wall Street Journal. Intelsat is accepting final bids for its sale today and could …

LONDON, June 14: Virgin Media Television (VMtv) has unveiled the initial lineup for its new TV channel Virgin 1, including the forthcoming 13×1-hour U.S. drama The Sarah Connor Chronicles, for premiere this fall. Virgin 1 will launch on its own …