Joanna Padovano Tong

CNN is launching Explore Parts Unknown, a mobile-first immersive guide featuring original stories and video, photography and interactive experiences based on its Emmy-winning series Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown.

I Am Heath Ledger, a new documentary focused on the life and work of the late actor, is due to debut on Spike TV in the U.S. next month.

Blink Films has been commissioned to produce three factual productions for broadcasters in the U.K., U.S., Canada, Australia and France.

LONDON: BBC One has commissioned Endemol Shine's Dragonfly to produce a second installment of the factual series Ambulance.

LONDON: UKTV has revealed the co-production of Swipe Right for Murder (working title) for its free-to-air network Really, which will also see the return of Nurses Who Kill.

LONDON: Channel 4 has commissioned The Prison Visit, a tentatively titled single-access documentary from Chalkboard TV.

LOS ANGELES: IM Global Television has appointed a trio of execs to its unscripted and alternative development division, including seasoned executive producer Jennifer Colbert as VP of development.

LONDON: At next month's MIPTV, Passion Distribution is slated to showcase nearly 200 hours of new factual-entertainment, documentary and entertainment programming.

LOS ANGELES: GRB Entertainment's long-running factual series Untold Stories of the ER has been renewed for a 12th season, which is currently in production.

NEW YORK: HISTORY has given the go-ahead to more than 100 hours of original, premium documentary limited series and specials that are slated for broadcast this year, including the four-parter America's War on Drugs.