News


BeIN close to Digitürk acquisition

Al Jazeera-owned BeIN Media Group, which operates the sports networks of the same name, is in advanced talks to buy Turkish pay TV operator Digitürk, according to Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the talks. Reuters reported that the talks are at an advanced state but have not yet been finalised, with the possibility that […]

Netflix a ‘bad idea for Aussie consumers’

An Australian price comparison website is urging consumers to think twice before signing up to Netflix or other local SVOD competitors. Finder.com.au has warned acquiring Netflix could be a “bad idea” and that consumers should “do their research and understand all the necessary considerations before buying Netflix and other internet TV providers”. Launching a comprehensive attack […]

Brian Sullivan exiting Sky Deutschland

Brian Sullivan will step down as CEO of Sky’s German arm on June 24 to return to the US. Sky Deutschland’s supervisory board has named Carsten Schmidt, currently the pay TV operator’s chief officer for sports, advertising sales and the internet, as his successor. Schmidt will take on the new position of deputy CEO immediately and […]

Channel 4 buys into another UK indie

UK broadcaster Channel 4 has bought into another emerging indie producer as part of its £20 million (US$30 million) Growth Fund investment strategy. Renowned Films is a three-year-old prodco that former BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Duane Jones co-founded with then-students Max Welch and Tim Withers (all three pictured left). The company is known for securing […]

NBCU inks Thorne duo development deal

NBCUniversal has signed a one-year first-look deal with UK writing duo Jim Keeble and Dudi Appleton. NBCU International Television Production’s deal runs through Keeble and Appleton’s indie 87 Films and encompasses their writing and producing capabilities. NBCUITVP’s executive VP, scripted programming JoAnn Alfano will oversee the agreement and develop 87’s scripts for the US, UK […]

Aussie net goes Inside the Commons

The ABC in Australia has tapped UK indie Atlantic Productions for 4x60mins doc series Inside the Commons. The series, from political filmmaker Michael Cockerell, will air on the Australian pubcaster later this month, with Atlantic taking it to MIPTV in April. The show goes behind the scenes of Britain’s parliament buildings in Westminster, London. It […]

RTÉ, YLE in tune with Hozier music doc

Ireland’s RTÉ and Finland’s YLE are among buyers of an Other Voices strand special on Irish singer-songwriter Hozier. Hozier – Other Voices Special is a 1x50mins doc that Dublin’s Monster Entertainment is launching at MIPDoc next month. It includes an interview with Andrew Hozier-Byrne and live performances. Arts Channel in New Zealand has also acquired […]

Henson, Cyber Group ink copro pact

The Jim Henson Company and Cyber Group Studios have struck a two-project coproduction deal. The US and France-based independent kids studios will jointly finance and make one show from each company under the terms of the deal: Jim Henson’s Enchanted Sisters (pictured) and Cyber Group’s Boubouh! Jim Henson’s Enchanted Sisters will be an animated comedy adventure […]

TMG, Sky have Sensitive Skin

Sky has picked up Kim Catrall comedy drama series Sensitive Skin for its UK pay TV Sky Arts channel. German producer and distributor Tele München Group has taken European German-language rights to the series, which is distributed by Tricon Films & Television. The Canadian series is a remake of an earlier BBC Two drama that […]

Gary Carter to exit Endemol Shine

Gary Carter has decided to leave Endemol Shine Group. Carter was recently named as co-international CEO of the new entity, but has decided against taking he role further. This leaves Martha Brass as sole international chief executive. Carter will remain in the role for coming months as a replacement is found. The regional managing directors […]