Sara Alessi

Comedy Central has appointed Lucy Robinson to lead its London-based programming team in a role created as part of its efforts to increase the number of commissions for original U.K. productions.

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences has appointed André Sampaio, the marketing and media director at the Portuguese multinational group Sonae, as ambassador to Portugal.

Twofour Rights has expanded its distribution team with several promotions and appointments ahead of MIPCOM, including tapping Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) alum Marta Csizmadia as a sales executive.

Three SPI International/FilmBox channels are rolling out on YoufoneTV in the Netherlands.

SPI International/FilmBox and Focus Sat, which is operated in Romania by UPC DTH, have extended their collaboration to offer complimentary access to the FilmBox Live online service.

Channel 5 has inked a digital distribution deal with A+E Networks UK that brings content from the free-to-air entertainment channel BLAZE to its VOD service My5.

ITV has commissioned Your Song, a music special from Syco Entertainment and Thames, which is part of FremantleMedia UK.

WWE Network is set to stream SummerSlam live in Russian for the first time on August 21.

BBC One has lined up a new six-part music series featuring top U.K. and international stars for live broadcast this fall.

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has secured a deal that sees The Daily Show with Trevor Noah become available on Amazon Alexa in the U.K.