World Screen

BRUSSELS: A group of organizations representing the interests of broadcasters across Europe, including the Association of Commercial Television (ACT) and Thinkbox, have released preliminary research on audiences for the World Cup group stage, with viewing records being broken in multiple markets and a growing interest in second-screen applications. In Croatia, …

STOCKHOLM: Bonnier has bought out Telenor's 35-percent interest in C More, taking full control of the Nordic premium pay-TV channel operator. “By taking over as sole owner, we are now creating full freedom of action for our work of identifying the best possible structure and direction for C More going …

COLOGNE/BERLIN: Seasoned producer and TV exec Christiane Ruff has been lined up to become the next managing director of ITV Studios Germany, effective July 16. Ruff will head the ITV Studios Germany business, the portfolio of which includes such titles as I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Four …

LONDON: FremantleMedia has named Robin Chalmers, a former BBC Worldwide exec, as its new general counsel. Chalmers is replacing Sarah Tingay, who’s retiring in September after 27 years with FremantleMedia. Once on board, Chalmers will report to Sangeeta Desai, the company’s COO/CFO. He’ll provide, and be responsible for, legal and …

LONDON: The U.K.’s BBC has tapped Matthew Postgate, its current controller for R&D, to be its new chief technology officer. Postgate will report to Anne Bulford, the managing director of finance and operations. He’ll be responsible for delivering the corporation’s tech strategy, which will encompass the delivery and management of …

ATHENS: The Greek telecommunications company OTE has made an offer to acquire the pay-TV platform NOVA from Forthnet for between 250 million and 300 million euros. The Forthnet board says it is evaluating the debt-free and cash-free offer for NOVA, a satellite-delivered pay-TV service that has been in operation since …

LONDON/BURBANK: Alison Morris is taking over leadership of Warner Bros. International Television Distribution’s U.K. sales operation. As VP, Morris will manage the sales of Warner Bros. film, television, animation and short-form content to all forms of linear and subscriber on-demand television in the U.K. She reports to Josh Berger, president …

LONDON: Rod Henwood has been tapped to oversee Zodiak Media’s production companies in the U.K., as well as in Belgium and the Netherlands. As CEO of Zodiak UK, Belgium and Netherlands, Henwood’s remit includes oversight of RDF Television, Bwark, IWC, Touchpaper, Comedy Unit and Red House in the U.K., along …

PARIS: The first season of the Ukrainian crime drama The Sniffer has been sold into France and French-speaking territories by FILM.UA Distribution. The deal between FILM.UA Distribution and Box Distribution includes all Francophone territories, which covers 30 countries around the world. The pact follows TF1 acquiring the format rights to the …

PARIS: Novovision has sold the new soccer-themed comedy show Foot Pop to Turkey's TTNET, Fine TV in Malaysia and MBC in the Middle East. Foot Pop features a compilation of gags and funny clips that center on soccer. The dialogue-free program watches as players, children and animals have amusing encounters …