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STAMFORD: WWE has hired Matthew Singerman for the newly created post of executive VP of programming. Singerman will report to Vince McMahon, the chairman and CEO of WWE. He will be expected to handle the strategic development of content, which includes original, unscripted and scripted series. He will also be …

NEW YORK: Continued demands by consumers to access content anywhere, anytime, will help drive further deal activity in the entertainment, media and communications sector in the U.S., PwC reveals in its latest report. PwC’s 3rd Quarter U.S. Entertainment, Media & Communications (EMC) Deal Insights survey out today observes a 9-percent …

SEATTLE: Amazon has signed an exclusive content licensing agreement with the film studio A24, which is behind hits such as Spring Breakers and The Bling Ring. The multi-year deal makes Prime Instant Video the exclusive premium subscription home for all current and upcoming A24 releases. The window will be shortly …

MONTEREY: SNL Kagan is forecasting that U.S. TV station owners' retransmission fees will reach $7.6 billion by 2019, compared to the projected level of $3.3 billion this year. SNL Kagan has revised its projections upwards, calling for retrans revenues to rise to $7.15 billion in 2018, compared to its $6.05-billion …

NEW YORK: Syfy is slated to broadcast seven new and returning original shows this January, including Helix, an upcoming thriller from executive producer Ronald D. More (Battlestar Galactica). A two-episode debut of Helix is scheduled for Friday, January 10 at 10 p.m. The new competitive reality series Opposite Worlds will …

NEEDHAM: Echo Bridge Entertainment has picked up the international rights for Hamlet & Hutch and Sunken City, a family film and crime thriller, respectively. Hamlet & Hutch centers on a woman who is struggling to maintain the community theater she owns. The movie stars Golden Globe-winner Burt Reynolds, Elizabeth Leiner …

ROCHESTER: Nielsen Holdings is acquiring the global market research firm Harris Interactive for around $117 million. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Nielsen will tender an offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Harris Interactive's common stock through a wholly owned subsidiary formed for the purpose of making the offer. The …

LOS ANGELES: Spike TV has hired Tori Socha, formerly the director of alternative programming at Syfy, as senior director of original series, along with promoting Jeff Savaiano to senior director of original series. During her time at Syfy Socha developed and oversaw production on such new unscripted series as Ghost …

NEW YORK: Mindshare has elevated David Lang, president of Mindshare Entertainment (MSE), to the role of chief content officer for North America. As chief content officer, Lang will work under Colin Kinsella, the CEO for North America. He will collaborate with Bob Ivins and Jordan Bitterman, both of whom were …

NORWALK: After having filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, CABLEready has decided to officially shutter operations before the end of the year. CEO Gary Lico said that since the filing the focus has been on minimizing the impact on creditors, namely producers and the bank. "Offers to …