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LOS ANGELES, December 19: Peter Jackson, along with the chiefs of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios and New Line Cinema, have announced plans to produce two films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit. Under the agreement, MGM and New Line will …

BOSTON, December 19: According to research firm Strategy Analytics, there will be more than 1 billion broadband users worldwide by the end of 2008, led by the Asia Pacific. “The upcoming year will mark an important milestone in broadband adoption,” …

PALO ALTO, December 19: The IPTV platform Vuze has secured $20 million in its round C financing, led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), with existing investors Redpoint Ventures, Greycroft Partners, BV Capital and Jarl Mohn also participating. Mike Ramsay, the …

HONG KONG, December 19: National Geographic Channel HD is to become the first high-definition documentary channel in Hong Kong, rolling out on PCCW’s IPTV platform, now TV. National Geographic Channels International has already expanded its HD offering to the U.K., …

STAMFORD, December 19: World Wrestling Entertainment is gearing up for two live event tours in Latin America, as it continues to expand its business in the region. In February, the WWE Superstars of SmackDown and ECW will head to Guatemala …

LONDON/TORONTO, December 19: Fireworks International is to take on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s (CBC) international sales catalogue, which encompasses about 135 titles. The deal, expected to close early next year, sees Fireworks taking on the rights to about 700 hours …

TORONTO, December 18: Portfolio Entertainment has secured a number of international sales deals, including one with Red Media Group in Russia for four lifestyle programs. The Russian-based Red Media Group has acquired the exclusive pay-cable and satellite television rights for …

LONDON, December 18: With its acquisition of Sparrowhawk Media complete, NBC Universal has announced a new organization for its Global Networks division in order to support growth for its various brands, including 13th Street and Sci Fi and now the …

LONDON, December 18: ITV has appointed Paul Buccieri as the new president and CEO of Granada America, replacing David Gyngell, who returned to Australia earlier this year to become chief executive of the Nine Network. Based in Granada America’s Los …

LONDON, December 18: A report by the BBC Trust has found that an abundance of reality TV and soaps have led to a perception among viewers “that there is less distinctive TV on the BBC than there once was.” Of …