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ATLANTA: The new demo-specific over-the-air U.S. broadcast networks Escape and Grit have acquired the TV rights to a package of 135 motion pictures in a deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD). The female-skewed Escape channel is anchored in stories of crime and mystery. Warner Bros. movies set for …

NEW YORK: Jacki Kelley has been appointed COO of Bloomberg Media, a post she takes up on September 1. Kelley will be responsible for leading the business operations of Bloomberg's worldwide multiplatform media operation. She will work across the Media Group and focus on driving global revenue growth, brand strength …

LOS ANGELES: Rive Gauche Television has elevated international sales executives Marine Ksadzhikyan and Bryan Gabourie, both of whom have been with the company for a half decade. Ksadzhikyan has become the senior VP of international distribution, which includes coverage of France, Italy, Benelux, Scandinavia and Africa. Gabourie was promoted to …

NEW YORK: Even though digital video advertising in the U.S. is increasing rapidly, TV ad spending will still grow more than digital video in dollar growth in 2014, according to eMarketer. TV advertising in the U.S. is forecast to reach $68.54 billion, up by 3.3 percent. Digital video ad spending, …

NEW YORK: USA Network has ordered a 13-episode second season of the half-hour comedy Sirens from Fox Television Studios and executive producers Denis Leary (Rescue Me) and Bob Fisher (Wedding Crashers). The series follows a group of Chicago’s best EMTs who are rock stars professionally, but struggle to keep their …

NEW YORK: SnagFilms is gearing up to launch Thundershorts, a new comedy website featuring original short-form programming, on June 26. The new platform will launch with seven episodic short-form series. They include American Viral, about a family's attempts to recapture their YouTube fame; Teachers Lounge, featuring a slew of A-list …

TORONTO: Following its acquisition of Phase 4 Films, Entertainment One (eOne) has brought together a new leadership team for U.S. film and distribution under President Berry Meyerowitz. Sean Monson is tapped as the executive VP of finance and operations for U.S. film and distribution at eOne, while David Richardson serves …

NEW YORK: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts New York (BAFTA New York) has some new executives joining its board of directors, following a recent election. Luke Parker Bowles, the executive VP of production for Open Road Integrated Media, was voted vice chairman by the board of directors. …

PLANO: Despite the fact that an increasing number of U.S. TV providers are offering TV Everywhere services, tablet owners are significantly more likely to use OTT service apps such as Netflix than those offered by TV networks or operators, according to new research from The Diffusion Group (TDG). TDG finds …

PRAGUE: The large-scale documentary The World Wars, a highlight from A+E Networks for NATPE Europe, examines WWI and WWII on a contiguous timeline starting in 1914 and continuing to 1945. “The World Wars is a gem for buyers, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of WWI and the 70th …