MADRID: Vodafone Spain has signed an agreement that will see Netflix become available on a Spanish TV platform for the first time. Using the Netflix app, Vodafone TV homes will be able to watch a broad variety of series, films documentaries and kids' titles through their set-top box. Netflix will …
World Screen
FOX International Channels Launching U.K. Free-to-Air Net
September 3, 2015
LONDON: FOX International Channels UK is launching its first free-to-air entertainment network, YourTV. Launching October 1, the channel will broadcast for 20 hours each day, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. YourTV will be primarily targeted to women, featuring real-life stories, audacious characters and inspirational advice. Programming highlights include Corrupt …
Management Shakeup at CANAL+ Group
September 3, 2015
PARIS: Vivendi's Vincent BolloreÌ has been appointed chairman of the CANAL+ Group supervisory board, as part of a larger management restructure. The supervisory board also appointed two additional members: Julien Verley and Jean-Christophe Thiery. Thiery will become the chairman of the CANAL+ Group management board, while Maxime Saada continues as …
Trio of CANAL+ Channels Being Renamed
September 4, 2015
PARIS: In the wake of the Vivendi takeover, the CANAL+ free-to-air channels D8, D17 and iTélé are all being renamed. The announcement was made via an email to staff from Vincent Bolloré, the newly appointed chairman of the CANAL+ Group supervisory board. The D8, D17 and iTélé channels become C8, C17 and CNews, respectively, …
Vivendi Acquires Three More Companies
September 4, 2015
PARIS: Vivendi has made three new acquisitions, including the London-based distribution outfit Can't Stop Media, following on its recent investment in the online video website Dailymotion. Can't Stop Media was founded in 2011 by Matthieu Porte, a former senior VP of entertainment at Zodiak Rights. The company represents both scripted …
Freeview Play Set for October Launch
September 4, 2015
LONDON: The new U.K. connected TV service Freeview Play is set to launch in October, coming first to Panasonic televisions. From Digital UK and Freeview, Freeview Play combines catch-up TV from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, on-demand services and live television. The service is free from subscription …
Sky & RTÃ Enter Long-Term Pact
September 4, 2015
DUBLIN: A new long-term partnership agreement has been signed between Sky and RTÉ involving carriage in Ireland. Sky has delivered the RTÉ One and RTÉ2 channels in households across the country for more than 12 years. The new agreement sees more RTÉ channels and services becoming available to Sky customers. …
Scotland Offers New $2.7 Million Fund for Film & TV Productions
September 4, 2015
EDINBURGH: The Scottish government has established a new £1.75 million ($2.7 million) Production Growth Fund to lure film and TV producers to base their productions in Scotland. The fund, announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, is designed to stimulate growth in film and TV production by providing an additional incentive …
Nevision Picks Up Majority Stake in About Premium Content
September 7, 2015
PARIS/LONDON: In an effort to expand its international business, indie producer Nevision has acquired a majority stake in financing and distribution company About Premium Content (APC). The deal will give Nevision a stronger European presence as it takes advantage of APC’s Paris and London locations. It is also set to …
BBC Outlines Proposals to Become ‘More Open’
September 7, 2015
LONDON: BBC Director-General Tony Hall has set out new proposals on how the corporation plans to be "more open and more distinctive," with recommendations that include setting up a dedicated children's VOD service and allowing third-party programming on the BBC iPlayer. One of the proposals involves its commitment to original, …