LONDON: The BBC is planning to launch five new subscription-free HD channels tomorrow, with BBC Three HD, BBC Four HD, BBC News HD, CBeebies HD and CBBC HD. The new HD channels will be available on Freeview HD, Freesat HD, YouView, Sky HD and Virgin Media. Viewers can also get …
World Screen
Odeon Film Recruits Former Global Screen Exec
December 9, 2013
MUNICH: Britta Meyermann, who previously led acquisitions at Global Screen, has been hired as the head of international co-production for Odeon Film. In her new role, Meyermann is responsible for building Odeon Film's international arm, which will concentrate on the development and co-production of television programming and feature films for …
Zodiak Rights, Loft London Eye Post-Production Deal
December 9, 2013
LONDON: Zodiak Rights and Loft London have commenced exclusive negotiations regarding Zodiak Rights' post-production facility. If an agreement is reached, Loft London will take control of Zodiak Rights' London-based in-house post-production business as part of a five-year post-production, content management and content distribution contract. This transition would involve Zodiak Rights' …
Channel 4 Brings Back Fifteen to One
December 10, 2013
LONDON: Channel 4 has greenlit a new run of Fifteen to One, which is getting a 20-episode series and four celebrity specials. Fifteen to One originally ran from 1988 to 2003. Channel 4 brought it back recently for a one-off special for its '80s Night. The four new celebrity specials …
SET Scores Carriage on BT in the U.K.
December 10, 2013
LONDON: The general-entertainment channel Sony Entertainment Television (SET) has secured carriage with British Telecom (BT). Starting next week, BT subscribers will be offered SET through the VT TV Entertainment and Unlimited Extra packages. The channel delivers such TV series as Will and Grace, Life on Mars and Jane Eyre, along …
MD in Place for A+E Networks Italy
December 11, 2013
NEW YORK/ROME: Following an announcement earlier this week regarding the creation of A+E Networks Italy, Sherin Salvetti has been appointed as managing director of the new Rome-based operation. Salvetti is responsible for all channel operations, including programming and production, marketing, sales activities, digital and broadcast operations. Salvetti is currently the …
Howard Stringer to Join BBC Executive Board
December 11, 2013
LONDON: Sir Howard Stringer, former chairman and CEO of Sony, has been appointed as a non-executive director on the board of the BBC. Stringer has been appointed for a three-year term, starting January 1, 2014. His appointment was part of a series of changes put in place following the BBC …
Britons Pay More for Premium Pay-TV Subscriptions vs. Other Countries
December 12, 2013
LONDON: New figures from Ofcom find that premium TV subscriptions are more expensive in the U.K., averaging £66, which is twice as much as the cheapest nation surveyed. British consumers are paying £66 for the "best offer" premium pay-TV subscription, a package that includes league football, films and HD offerings. …
Liberty Global Revives Ziggo Takeover Talks
December 12, 2013
UTRECHT: Ziggo has confirmed that it is currently in discussions with Liberty Global regarding a potential acquisition offer. Liberty already owns a 28.5-percent stake in Ziggo. Back in October, Ziggo rejected an offer from the group to buy out the remainign shares, saying the proposed price was too low. In …
French Export Awards Honor PGS, Zodiak, France TeÌleÌvisions Distribution
December 12, 2013
PARIS: TV France International has recognized the exporters of the best-selling French program of the past year in the categories of animation, documentary and fiction with the 10th Export Awards. In animation, PGS Entertainment was honored for The Jungle Bunch: Back to the Ice Floe. Also in the category are …