Advanced Television

Production

Execs: ‘Online BBC Three will nurture talent’

In advance of its move from a linear channel to online, with switchover set for February 16th, BBC executives have revealed details of new and continuing content on the service. The new service will feature brand new original British comedy, contemporary British drama, innovative entertainment, thought-provoking documentaries and distinctive current affairs programming all made for […]

January 26, 2016By Colin Mann

UK creative industries worth nearly £10m/hour

The UK’s creative industries are now worth a record £84.1 billion (€110bn) to the UK economy, figures released by the Government reveal. British films, music, video games, crafts and publishing are taking a lead role in driving the UK’s economic recovery, according to the latest Government statistics. The figures show the sector growing at almost […]

January 26, 2016By Colin Mann

Moore to head BBC TV, iPlayer

A reorganisation designed to offer a simplified and more co-ordinated strategy across BBC Television’s channel portfolio has seen Charlotte Moore appointed Controller, TV Channels and iPlayer. In the newly created role, Moore – currently Controller of BBC One – will become the creative, editorial and strategic lead for BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four and […]

January 19, 2016

Original concepts boost TV and web production

More than 8,500 new TV and SVoD programme concepts were launched in 2015 in the 44 countries monitored by NOTA, Eurodata TV Worldwide’s unique tracking service. More than half of these new programmes are original and local creations. Series spearhead the new programming figures (40 per cent ) followed by factual programmes – magazines, documentaries […]

January 15, 2016

UKTV’s Watch relaunching as W

Cable and satellite programmer UKTV has revealed details of W, a flagship subscription entertainment channel. Watch will relaunch as W in February 2016 with what the broadcaster describes as a “dazzling new look” themed around its glossy and geometric jewel-shaped logo, offering compelling entertainment. Brand new launch shows will include a mix of channel-defining originals […]

January 15, 2016

Al Jazeera America to close down

Al Jazeera America is to close its cable TV and digital operations by April 30th of this year. According to AJAM CEO Al Anstey, the decision by the AJAM board was driven by the fact that its business model was “simply not sustainable” in light of the economic challenges in the US media marketplace. “I […]

January 14, 2016

Corus Entertainment buys Shaw Media

In a move that it describes as “transformational” and which significantly enhances its content portfolio, Canadian integrated media and content company Corus Entertainment is to acquire Shaw Media, the television broadcasting division of Shaw Communications from the telco in a C$2.65 billion (€1.70bn) cash and stock deal. The transaction will give Corus ownership of all […]

January 14, 2016

BBC resurrects Robot Wars

Mentorn Scotland, part of the Tinopolis Group, has been commissioned by BBC Two to produce a new series of the man and machine battle series Robot Wars. The iconic entertainment show will return some 13 years after is last aired as a 6x60min series and will feature “a new structure with more robots, more battles […]

January 13, 2016By Nik Roseveare

Whisper Films wins C4 F1 production deal

UK terrestrial pubcaster Channel 4 has awarded the production contract for its coverage of the FIA Formula One World Championship to experienced independent sports production company Whisper Films. The contract was awarded after a competitive tender process with production companies with Formula 1 credentials. The tender process was led by Ed Havard, Channel 4’s Head […]

January 12, 2016By Colin Mann

Hollywood studios: ‘VR a game changer’

The findings of a joint virtual reality (VR) research study of content creators in the Hollywood community reveal that participants are passionate about the new medium and think it is likely a game changer. The study, conducted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) was designed to paint a […]

January 11, 2016