Top Stories

LONDON, May 1: Just as the BBC received approval for its iPlayer, commercial rival ITV unveiled plans to launch a new broadband service on its website, delivering a live stream of its channels as well as a 30-day catch-up service. …

LONDON, May 1: As Channel 4 issued its annual report today, with its 2006 profit down to £14.5 million from 2005’s £48.5 million, Kevin Lygo, the director of television, announced that the broadcaster would be cutting its spending on U.S. …

NEW YORK, May 1: The History Channel has announced that its website, History.com, will launch five new original digital brands this year, and that the linear network is currently developing six new specials that will air in the fourth quarter …

BURBANK, May 1: FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) has inked a first-look deal with Wilmer Valderrama—who starred on the hit series That 70’s Show—and his company WV Enterprises (WVE), to develop and launch future scripted and unscripted projects on a global …

TORONTO, May 1: Canada’s Barna-Alper Productions has made a strategic investment in iThentic, an online and mobile video company. The size of Barna Alper’s investment was not disclosed. The venture—which will operate from Toronto as well as New York—is dedicated …

ARLINGTON, May 1: PBS has picked up the first season of the new one-hour weekly series Wired Science, produced by PBS affiliate KCET/Los Angeles in association with Wired Magazine, for premiere on October 3 in prime time. Wired Science is …

LOS ANGELES, May 1: First Look Studios has appointed Dean Wilson, previously with Blockbuster Inc., as its COO, reporting to CEO Trevor Short and to Avi Lerner, the co-chairman of First Look Holdings, which acquired control of the studio earlier …

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 1: According to a new report from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, China and Russia remain on top of the list of the world’s biggest producers of pirated goods. “We must defend ideas, inventions and …

NEW YORK, May 1: The Internet TV platform Joost announced its commercial launch today, along with new content deals with Turner Broadcasting System and Sony Pictures Television, among others. With today’s commercial launch, campaigns from 32 advertising partners will begin …

MADRID, April 30: Spain’s Telefónica and a group of Italian investors are shelling out 4.1 billion euros for a controlling stake in Telecom Italia. In winning the stake, the consortium beat out U.S. giants like AT&T and Mexican mogul Carlos …