The BBC has greenlit a reality series following a fledgling British boy band as it departs for Korea to attend the ultimate K-Pop boot camp.
The untitled show is the debut commission for BAFTA-winning producer Nigel Hall, talent manager Russ Lindsay (former manager of Ant & Dec and Simon Cowell) and broadcast executive Dawn Airey’s Moon & Back Media, coming from the indie’s partnership with Sm Entertainment. Deadline revealed the company’s launch last year and it is backed Steve Michaels’ Asylum Entertainment Group.
It follows the as-yet-unnannounced band as it departs for Korea to attend the ultimate K-Pop boot camp, learning from the experts who have created the world’s biggest K-Pop superstars. But will these young artists have what it takes to learn from the best and make the jump from ordinary life to new pop sensations?
Sm Entertainment...
The untitled show is the debut commission for BAFTA-winning producer Nigel Hall, talent manager Russ Lindsay (former manager of Ant & Dec and Simon Cowell) and broadcast executive Dawn Airey’s Moon & Back Media, coming from the indie’s partnership with Sm Entertainment. Deadline revealed the company’s launch last year and it is backed Steve Michaels’ Asylum Entertainment Group.
It follows the as-yet-unnannounced band as it departs for Korea to attend the ultimate K-Pop boot camp, learning from the experts who have created the world’s biggest K-Pop superstars. But will these young artists have what it takes to learn from the best and make the jump from ordinary life to new pop sensations?
Sm Entertainment...
- 2/27/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Steve Michaels, boss of Asylum Entertainment Group, is continuing his Endeavor-backed M&a drive.
The company has invested in British production company Soho Studios Entertainment, founded by former Alaska TV and Zodiak exec Ian Lamarra.
It marks the latest investment for Michaels’ group, which bought a stake in Dawn Airey’s British production company Moon&Back Media last September.
It comes nearly a year after WME owner Endeavor acquired a majority stake in Asylum with plans to “supercharge” its footprint with a major M&a drive that has seen it invest in a number of nonscripted businesses.
Soho Studios was founded by Lamarra in 2022 with former Objective Media Group boss Paul Sandler and Money Group Entertainment CEO Francis Ridley as co-founding directors.
Its first series order was for ITV’s The Playboy Bunny Murder, a two-part documentary series from Marcel Theroux, which told the murders of three young women in London,...
The company has invested in British production company Soho Studios Entertainment, founded by former Alaska TV and Zodiak exec Ian Lamarra.
It marks the latest investment for Michaels’ group, which bought a stake in Dawn Airey’s British production company Moon&Back Media last September.
It comes nearly a year after WME owner Endeavor acquired a majority stake in Asylum with plans to “supercharge” its footprint with a major M&a drive that has seen it invest in a number of nonscripted businesses.
Soho Studios was founded by Lamarra in 2022 with former Objective Media Group boss Paul Sandler and Money Group Entertainment CEO Francis Ridley as co-founding directors.
Its first series order was for ITV’s The Playboy Bunny Murder, a two-part documentary series from Marcel Theroux, which told the murders of three young women in London,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Scott Weintrob, who created Peacock’s upcoming adventure series Orlando Bloom: To The Edge, has lept into business with Steve Michaels’ Asylum Entertainment Group.
Weintrob and his Large Eyes Entertainment have struck a partnership with the Endeavor-backed production group to produce nonfiction long-form projects under Asylum’s umbrella.
It is the latest deal for Asylum, which is behind Texas Crew Productions, Big City TV, and Audity, after it invested in Dawn Airey’s British production company Moon&Back Media and struck first look deals with the likes of Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello and the New York Post.
LA-based Weintrob recently worked on Amazon’s Rihanna fashion series Savage x Fenty Show and Pepsi-backed feature-length documentary Built to Fail, chronicling the origins of streetwear through the eyes of designer Bobby Kim. He has also directed episodes of Apple’s Home, Netflix’s Fastest Car and Roku’s Skrrt with Offset.
Weintrob and his Large Eyes Entertainment have struck a partnership with the Endeavor-backed production group to produce nonfiction long-form projects under Asylum’s umbrella.
It is the latest deal for Asylum, which is behind Texas Crew Productions, Big City TV, and Audity, after it invested in Dawn Airey’s British production company Moon&Back Media and struck first look deals with the likes of Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello and the New York Post.
LA-based Weintrob recently worked on Amazon’s Rihanna fashion series Savage x Fenty Show and Pepsi-backed feature-length documentary Built to Fail, chronicling the origins of streetwear through the eyes of designer Bobby Kim. He has also directed episodes of Apple’s Home, Netflix’s Fastest Car and Roku’s Skrrt with Offset.
- 1/18/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Asylum Entertainment Group, the Endeavor-backed production group run by Steve Michaels, has invested in British producer Moon&Back Media, founded by veteran UK execs Dawn Airey, Nigel Hall and Russ Lindsay.
It marks the company’s first investment in an international production company and comes after Endeavor invested in Asylum earlier this year, as revealed by Deadline.
Airey has worked for British broadcasters including ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky. She is best known as the inaugural director of programmes for Channel 5, where she coined the term ‘films, football and f*cking’ to describe its content strategy, before becoming CEO of the network, which is now owned by Paramount. She subsequently ran channels at Sky before becoming Director of Global Content at ITV. She has also held senior roles at Rtl, Yahoo and Getty Images.
Hall is best known as Global Head of TV for Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment,...
It marks the company’s first investment in an international production company and comes after Endeavor invested in Asylum earlier this year, as revealed by Deadline.
Airey has worked for British broadcasters including ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky. She is best known as the inaugural director of programmes for Channel 5, where she coined the term ‘films, football and f*cking’ to describe its content strategy, before becoming CEO of the network, which is now owned by Paramount. She subsequently ran channels at Sky before becoming Director of Global Content at ITV. She has also held senior roles at Rtl, Yahoo and Getty Images.
Hall is best known as Global Head of TV for Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment,...
- 9/27/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The new chair of UK broadcaster Channel 4 has been appointed. Media regulator Ofcom has confirmed that businessman Sir Ian Cheshire will be joining the board of the channel on April 11, taking over from interim chair Dawn Airey.
In appointing Cheshire, Channel 4 will have the benefit of his decades of business experience in both the commercial and public sector – key skills at a time when the broadcaster awaits the government’s decision on whether to privatize the channel, currently a publicly-owned, not-for-profit organisation, whose remit would be significantly altered if put up for sale. The proposal has attracted many critics, citing Channel 4’s commitment to diversity and range of programming that they claim would be put at risk if the channel were sold.
Cheshire is currently chair of Spire Healthcare plc, chair of the environmental investment trust Menhaden plc, and a non-executive director of BT plc. He is also chair...
In appointing Cheshire, Channel 4 will have the benefit of his decades of business experience in both the commercial and public sector – key skills at a time when the broadcaster awaits the government’s decision on whether to privatize the channel, currently a publicly-owned, not-for-profit organisation, whose remit would be significantly altered if put up for sale. The proposal has attracted many critics, citing Channel 4’s commitment to diversity and range of programming that they claim would be put at risk if the channel were sold.
Cheshire is currently chair of Spire Healthcare plc, chair of the environmental investment trust Menhaden plc, and a non-executive director of BT plc. He is also chair...
- 4/3/2022
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran businessman Ian Cheshire has been appointed the next chair of U.K. broadcaster Channel 4, media regulator Ofcom revealed on Sunday. Cheshire will join the broadcaster’s board on Apr. 11, succeeding interim chair Dawn Airey.
Cheshire is currently chair of Spire Healthcare plc, chair of the environmental investment trust Menhaden plc, and a non-executive director of BT plc. He is also chair of the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund, and of the Mental Health at Work leadership council. He was group chief executive of Kingfisher plc from 2008-2015 and before that he was chief executive of B&q from 2005. He has also served as chair of Barclays U.K., the British Retail Consortium, Debenhams plc and Maisons Du Monde Sa, and as senior independent director at Whitbread plc.
In public service roles, he was lead non-executive director at the Cabinet Office, has chaired the Ecosystem Markets Task Force, the Economy...
Cheshire is currently chair of Spire Healthcare plc, chair of the environmental investment trust Menhaden plc, and a non-executive director of BT plc. He is also chair of the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund, and of the Mental Health at Work leadership council. He was group chief executive of Kingfisher plc from 2008-2015 and before that he was chief executive of B&q from 2005. He has also served as chair of Barclays U.K., the British Retail Consortium, Debenhams plc and Maisons Du Monde Sa, and as senior independent director at Whitbread plc.
In public service roles, he was lead non-executive director at the Cabinet Office, has chaired the Ecosystem Markets Task Force, the Economy...
- 4/3/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Former Channel 5 Director of Programmes Dawn Airey has been appointed Interim Chair of Channel 4 and will likely steer the network through the upcoming privatization decision.
Airey joined the Channel 4 Board as Non-Executive Director late last year and her appointment today has been approved by UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.
She will replace incumbent Charles Gurassa later this week, who is stepping down after six years, and remain until a permanent Chair has been appointed.
Airey is a high-profile British broadcasting figure who was ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5’s Director Of Programmes and held two stints as Chair/CEO. She is also a former Director of Global Content for ITV and Managing Director of Channels and Services for Sky.
She was appointed to the board alongside former Today program editor Sarah Sands, former advertising body Thinkbox CEO Tess Alps and Reuters’ ex-Managing Director Global David Kogan in December.
The move...
Airey joined the Channel 4 Board as Non-Executive Director late last year and her appointment today has been approved by UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.
She will replace incumbent Charles Gurassa later this week, who is stepping down after six years, and remain until a permanent Chair has been appointed.
Airey is a high-profile British broadcasting figure who was ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5’s Director Of Programmes and held two stints as Chair/CEO. She is also a former Director of Global Content for ITV and Managing Director of Channels and Services for Sky.
She was appointed to the board alongside former Today program editor Sarah Sands, former advertising body Thinkbox CEO Tess Alps and Reuters’ ex-Managing Director Global David Kogan in December.
The move...
- 1/25/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The UK broadcaster is gearing up to navigate a potential privatisation process.
Dawn Airey has been appointed interim chair of UK broadcaster Channel 4 as it gears up to navigate a potential privatisation process.
She replaces Charles Gurassa, whose six-year term as non-executive chair ends this week.
Airey joined the C4 board last month as a non-executive director.
As part of its hunt to replace Gurassa, which was led by search firm Russell Reynolds, Ofcom emphasised that the role required experience in ‘stewarding businesses through a sale’.
As Channel 5’s chief exec in 2010, she oversaw the sale of the...
Dawn Airey has been appointed interim chair of UK broadcaster Channel 4 as it gears up to navigate a potential privatisation process.
She replaces Charles Gurassa, whose six-year term as non-executive chair ends this week.
Airey joined the C4 board last month as a non-executive director.
As part of its hunt to replace Gurassa, which was led by search firm Russell Reynolds, Ofcom emphasised that the role required experience in ‘stewarding businesses through a sale’.
As Channel 5’s chief exec in 2010, she oversaw the sale of the...
- 1/25/2022
- by Marian McHugh Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
‘The King’s Speech’ Director Tom Hooper Blocked By UK Government From Channel 4 Board Re-Appointment
Academy Award-winning The King’s Speech director Tom Hooper has been blocked by the UK government from re-appointment to the Channel 4 board, along with Althea Efunshile, the board’s only person from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background.
According to the Financial Times, culture secretary Nadine Dorries has decided against signing off on the re-appointments after outgoing Channel 4 Chair Charles Gurassa recommended they both serve another term. Regulator Ofcom therefore told the Ft it will start a process to find the duo’s replacements in the New Year, the Ft added.
These re-appointments were traditionally passed by ministers without incident but Boris Johnson’s Conservative government has shown a propensity to push back. Against the advice of both Channel 4 and Ofcom, the UK government controversially vetoed the reappointment of two other female directors – Uzma Hasan and Fru Hazlitt – to the Channel 4 board over the summer.
Hooper, who also directed Les Misérables,...
According to the Financial Times, culture secretary Nadine Dorries has decided against signing off on the re-appointments after outgoing Channel 4 Chair Charles Gurassa recommended they both serve another term. Regulator Ofcom therefore told the Ft it will start a process to find the duo’s replacements in the New Year, the Ft added.
These re-appointments were traditionally passed by ministers without incident but Boris Johnson’s Conservative government has shown a propensity to push back. Against the advice of both Channel 4 and Ofcom, the UK government controversially vetoed the reappointment of two other female directors – Uzma Hasan and Fru Hazlitt – to the Channel 4 board over the summer.
Hooper, who also directed Les Misérables,...
- 12/14/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Channel 4 has signed industry vet Dawn Airey, who has held senior roles with ITV, Channel 5 and Sky, to its board, while issuing industry-first guidelines to producers working with disabled talent, presenters and contributors.
Airey is one of four Non-Executive directors appointed to the board today who will serve a term of at least three years, alongside former Today program editor Sarah Sands, former advertising body Thinkbox CEO Tess Alps and Reuters’ ex-Managing Director Global David Kogan.
Airey is a high-profile appointment who was ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5’s Director Of Programmes and held two stints as Chair/CEO. She is also a former Director of Global Content for ITV and Managing Director of Channels and Services for Sky.
All appointments were approved by new UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, who is currently presiding over whether to privatize Channel 4, a move that would have enormous ramifications for the channel. If rubberstamped,...
Airey is one of four Non-Executive directors appointed to the board today who will serve a term of at least three years, alongside former Today program editor Sarah Sands, former advertising body Thinkbox CEO Tess Alps and Reuters’ ex-Managing Director Global David Kogan.
Airey is a high-profile appointment who was ViacomCBS-owned Channel 5’s Director Of Programmes and held two stints as Chair/CEO. She is also a former Director of Global Content for ITV and Managing Director of Channels and Services for Sky.
All appointments were approved by new UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, who is currently presiding over whether to privatize Channel 4, a move that would have enormous ramifications for the channel. If rubberstamped,...
- 12/6/2021
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The door slams shut today on applications for one of the biggest jobs in global broadcasting: running the BBC. Resumes have been dusted off and the BBC’s headhunters have been courting interest as the corporation seeks to replace Tony Hall as director general after he announced his departure in January.
It’s not been the most electrifying of races to date, with a number of industry insiders observing that the recruitment process has been quiet. There have been no shock candidates, no big pitches for the job. But that could all change in an instant as the BBC chairman Sir David Clementi edges closer to a decision.
Hall’s successor faces a gargantuan task. The to-do list includes, but is not limited to: Grappling with a government that seems determined to undermine the BBC’s funding, slashing costs, securing the success of commercial arm BBC Studios, cleaning up a rumbling equal pay dispute,...
It’s not been the most electrifying of races to date, with a number of industry insiders observing that the recruitment process has been quiet. There have been no shock candidates, no big pitches for the job. But that could all change in an instant as the BBC chairman Sir David Clementi edges closer to a decision.
Hall’s successor faces a gargantuan task. The to-do list includes, but is not limited to: Grappling with a government that seems determined to undermine the BBC’s funding, slashing costs, securing the success of commercial arm BBC Studios, cleaning up a rumbling equal pay dispute,...
- 3/11/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
As predicted, the UK private broadcaster has rejoined the TV service, which will convert your television set into an on-demand portal. BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Talk Talk and Arqiva plan to launch their joint consumer product in 2011. nm2773563 autoDawn Airey[/link], who has just exited Five as CEO, was recently appointed non-executive director of Lovefilm, the UK’s version of Netflix. No surprises that Lovefilm wants to join Canvas too.
- 8/24/2010
- by TIM ADLER
- Deadline London
London -- Well, it didn't take long for Channel Five's new owner Richard Desmond to stamp his authority on the channel he bought from Rtl last month.
In characteristic style the media mogul has ripped out the existing Five management team, firing seven of nine executive directors and announcing as many as 80 job cuts, a quarter of the total employee base.
Desmond said the moves were part of "long-term financial input in the field of £300 million ($471.3 million) per year for the next five years is planned by Northern & Shell," the mogul's media vehicle which also owns the Express newspapers and celebrity magazine brand Ok.
Chairman and chief executive Dawn Airey, program head Richard Woolfe and managing director Mark White are just some of the execs to depart terrestrial network Five in a management cull. Airey will return to an as-yet undisclosed role at Rtl.
But head of acquisitions Jeff Ford...
In characteristic style the media mogul has ripped out the existing Five management team, firing seven of nine executive directors and announcing as many as 80 job cuts, a quarter of the total employee base.
Desmond said the moves were part of "long-term financial input in the field of £300 million ($471.3 million) per year for the next five years is planned by Northern & Shell," the mogul's media vehicle which also owns the Express newspapers and celebrity magazine brand Ok.
Chairman and chief executive Dawn Airey, program head Richard Woolfe and managing director Mark White are just some of the execs to depart terrestrial network Five in a management cull. Airey will return to an as-yet undisclosed role at Rtl.
But head of acquisitions Jeff Ford...
- 8/11/2010
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
That’s what CEO Dawn Airey told senior managers at a group meeting this morning. Richard Desmond, Five’s new owner, told Sky News that he’s planning to invest £50-100 million ($77-155 million) in Five’s schedule. He can afford it. The Sunday Times Rich List has estimated his personal fortune to be just under £1 billion. But before Hollywood executives start popping the California champagne, they should know Desmond plans to renegotiate some of Five’s studio deals. This is because many of Five’s current studio deals are loss-making. It has to pay out every time it screens a movie, rarely making enough ad revenue back to cover the cost. Desmond has underlined his desire to keep Us shows such as CSI though as well as Australian soap Home and Away. Indeed, he doesn’t have an option with Home and Away. Five is tied into a lifetime deal for the soap.
- 7/26/2010
- by TIM ADLER
- Deadline London
London -- U.K. broadcasters are taking a "wait-and-see" approach to buying U.S. fare post the recent L.A. Screenings, Five programming head Richard Woolfe said Wednesday, warning that past cancellations and the absence of many standout shows meant that buyers were exercising caution.
The former Sky One head, who was wooed to Five as head of programming by chief executive Dawn Airey last year, is responsible for commissioning, scheduling and strategy at the Rtl-owned channel that boasts such fare as the "CSI" franchise, "The Mentalist" and "NCIS."
"I saw over 65 shows at the L.A. Screenings, and there was not a great deal of quality in evidence," he said, speaking at a lunch hosted by the Broadcasting Press Guild.
"One of the things we (buyers) can do is wait and see," he said, pointing out that following the cancellation of Five's 2009 big buy "FlashForward," he was keen...
The former Sky One head, who was wooed to Five as head of programming by chief executive Dawn Airey last year, is responsible for commissioning, scheduling and strategy at the Rtl-owned channel that boasts such fare as the "CSI" franchise, "The Mentalist" and "NCIS."
"I saw over 65 shows at the L.A. Screenings, and there was not a great deal of quality in evidence," he said, speaking at a lunch hosted by the Broadcasting Press Guild.
"One of the things we (buyers) can do is wait and see," he said, pointing out that following the cancellation of Five's 2009 big buy "FlashForward," he was keen...
- 6/30/2010
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- As European broadcasters face up to the prospect of an uncertain advertising horizon over the next 12 months and debt fears sweep through some of its key economies, it emerged Wednesday that the continent's biggest free- to-air broadcaster Rtl is preparing to sell off its ailing British network Five.
Rtl is understood to have appointed advisors to begin a formal tender process for the business. Among those thought likely to emerge as potential buyers include British commercial broadcaster ITV and News Corp-backed pay TV giant BSkyB, though neither commented Wednesday.
Rtl chief executive Gerhard Zeiler is thought to have had conversations with ITV boss Adam Crozier floating the idea of merging Five and Rtl's global production and licensing division Fremantle Media with ITV's own broadcasting and production businesses.
At the same time Jeremy Darroch, CEO of the highly cashflow-positive satellite broadcaster BSkyB, is also thought to be extremely interested in looking at a deal,...
Rtl is understood to have appointed advisors to begin a formal tender process for the business. Among those thought likely to emerge as potential buyers include British commercial broadcaster ITV and News Corp-backed pay TV giant BSkyB, though neither commented Wednesday.
Rtl chief executive Gerhard Zeiler is thought to have had conversations with ITV boss Adam Crozier floating the idea of merging Five and Rtl's global production and licensing division Fremantle Media with ITV's own broadcasting and production businesses.
At the same time Jeremy Darroch, CEO of the highly cashflow-positive satellite broadcaster BSkyB, is also thought to be extremely interested in looking at a deal,...
- 5/26/2010
- by By Mimi Turner and Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Rtl-group-owned terrestrial network Five Thursday announced a long-form carriage deal with YouTube which will see its own full-length commissioned shows available on-demand and free-of-charge via YouTube from today.
The non-exclusive, advertising supported deal, announced by Five chief executive Dawn Airey and Google president of global sales operations and business development Nikesh Arora, is only the second comprehensive long-form deal YouTube has signed with a broadcaster anywhere in the world, following a similar deal with Britain's Channel 4 in October.
The arrangement will see Five make its Demand Five video-on-demand catch-up service of new programs available on YouTube shortly after television transmission.
Shows included under the deal will be Australian daytime soaps "Neighbours," and "Home And Away," as well as factual content including "The Hotel Inspector" and "The Gadget Show."
YouTube users will also be able to access around 250 hours of Five's archive content. Five will still retain rights...
The non-exclusive, advertising supported deal, announced by Five chief executive Dawn Airey and Google president of global sales operations and business development Nikesh Arora, is only the second comprehensive long-form deal YouTube has signed with a broadcaster anywhere in the world, following a similar deal with Britain's Channel 4 in October.
The arrangement will see Five make its Demand Five video-on-demand catch-up service of new programs available on YouTube shortly after television transmission.
Shows included under the deal will be Australian daytime soaps "Neighbours," and "Home And Away," as well as factual content including "The Hotel Inspector" and "The Gadget Show."
YouTube users will also be able to access around 250 hours of Five's archive content. Five will still retain rights...
- 12/3/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Berlin -- RTL Group, Europe's leading television group, has chopped more than $400 million from its expense column so far this year and ratings have held up or increased in most major markets.
But that's cold comfort for the Bertelsmann subsidiary, which Tuesday posted a 5% drop in Q3 revenues to €1.13 billion ($1.7 billion). Revenues for the year to Sept. 30 were off 8.3% at €3.7 billion ($5.6 billion).
The Euro-wide ad slump continues to bite across Rtl's portfolio, which includes 46 TV channels in 11 European countries, as well as production giant FremantleMedia, producer of the "Got Talent" and "X Factor" formats.
While Rtl can point to cost cuts of €289 million ($433 million) in the first three quarters and reports an uptick in ad sales in September, the situation is still far from sunny.
Despite the problems, however, CEO Gerhard Zeiler said net results were "clearly positive" for Q3 and will be for the full year.
"It would be...
But that's cold comfort for the Bertelsmann subsidiary, which Tuesday posted a 5% drop in Q3 revenues to €1.13 billion ($1.7 billion). Revenues for the year to Sept. 30 were off 8.3% at €3.7 billion ($5.6 billion).
The Euro-wide ad slump continues to bite across Rtl's portfolio, which includes 46 TV channels in 11 European countries, as well as production giant FremantleMedia, producer of the "Got Talent" and "X Factor" formats.
While Rtl can point to cost cuts of €289 million ($433 million) in the first three quarters and reports an uptick in ad sales in September, the situation is still far from sunny.
Despite the problems, however, CEO Gerhard Zeiler said net results were "clearly positive" for Q3 and will be for the full year.
"It would be...
- 11/10/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- U.K. public service channel Five said Thursday it would become the fourth partner in Project Canvas, the BBC/ITV/British Telecom-backed platform that aims to offer broadband content to the TV.
Announcing the move, which could cost as much as £5 million ($8.2 million) a year to operate, Five chief executive nm2773563 autoDawn Airey[/link] said Canvas would extend choice and improve viewers' experience of catch-up television.
With Internet-connected TV set to be a major technological advance in broadcasting, Five sees Canvas as critical to the long-term future of subscription-free TV, as well as a significant opportunity to provide next-generation services to viewers.
Airey urged other broadcasters to "form partnerships such as Canvas if they're to open up new commercial opportunities and thrive in the digital world."
Channel Four has yet to sign a deal with Canvas, and is thought to be hedging because of cost issues. Canvas, which aims...
Announcing the move, which could cost as much as £5 million ($8.2 million) a year to operate, Five chief executive nm2773563 autoDawn Airey[/link] said Canvas would extend choice and improve viewers' experience of catch-up television.
With Internet-connected TV set to be a major technological advance in broadcasting, Five sees Canvas as critical to the long-term future of subscription-free TV, as well as a significant opportunity to provide next-generation services to viewers.
Airey urged other broadcasters to "form partnerships such as Canvas if they're to open up new commercial opportunities and thrive in the digital world."
Channel Four has yet to sign a deal with Canvas, and is thought to be hedging because of cost issues. Canvas, which aims...
- 7/30/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Google chairman and chief executive Eric Schmidt will headline this year's Royal Television Society biennial Cambridge conference, delivering a keynote address by satellite to the U.K.'s leading broadcast executives, it was announced Thursday.
The two-yearly conference that runs Sept. 16 to 18, will be chaired by BBC director general Mark Thompson and held at King's College Cambridge.
The Rts convention is the U.K.'s highest-power media confab, running sessions, panels and keynotes aimed at progressing U.K. media policy.
This year's conference is to be titled "Riding Out the Storm" and will evaluate new business models and the changing patterns of entertainment consumption against the backdrop of an advertising recession.
Culture media and sport minister Ben Bradshaw will also deliver the customary government address at the conference.
The minister -- who was appointed just last month, will make his first appearance before U.K. broadcasting executives and...
The two-yearly conference that runs Sept. 16 to 18, will be chaired by BBC director general Mark Thompson and held at King's College Cambridge.
The Rts convention is the U.K.'s highest-power media confab, running sessions, panels and keynotes aimed at progressing U.K. media policy.
This year's conference is to be titled "Riding Out the Storm" and will evaluate new business models and the changing patterns of entertainment consumption against the backdrop of an advertising recession.
Culture media and sport minister Ben Bradshaw will also deliver the customary government address at the conference.
The minister -- who was appointed just last month, will make his first appearance before U.K. broadcasting executives and...
- 7/16/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- What series British TV buyers pick up -- and what they pay for them -- typically makes for one of the biggest dramas of the L.A. Screenings. The weeklong event kicks off Thursday as program buyers from around the world converge on Tinseltown to sift through the new primetime shows from the U.S. broadcasters.
This go-round, eye-popping prices are not likely -- unless everyone goes after the same show.
Consider this recessionary factor: Advertising-driven commercial channels in the U.K. are seeing revenue down 15% year on year.
"We will be spending nowhere near the levels we did in the past on American programming, and it's unlikely we will buy a new show this year unless we get a good deal," said Kevin Lygo, Channel 4's director of television.
Channel 4 made U.S. fare part of its core output during the past 20 years, but its execs suggest U.
This go-round, eye-popping prices are not likely -- unless everyone goes after the same show.
Consider this recessionary factor: Advertising-driven commercial channels in the U.K. are seeing revenue down 15% year on year.
"We will be spending nowhere near the levels we did in the past on American programming, and it's unlikely we will buy a new show this year unless we get a good deal," said Kevin Lygo, Channel 4's director of television.
Channel 4 made U.S. fare part of its core output during the past 20 years, but its execs suggest U.
- 5/20/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- ITV Global Entertainment chief Peter Iacono has parted company with the broadcaster less than three weeks after it announced plans to cull 600 jobs to cut costs.
Iacono is one of the highest-profile execs to exit the beleaguered U.K. broadcaster so far, confirming earlier speculation over his future at the commercial network.
Iacono was hired at ITV 15 months ago from Sony Pictures International by former production head Dawn Airey -- who quit ITV soon after to join Five. As head of distribution, he has lead international growth strategies for such shows as "Hell's Kitchen," "Lost in Austin" and "Come Dine With Me," and grown ITV's international co-production slate.
"My time at ITV has been hugely rewarding. I've been fortunate enough to work alongside some exceptionally talented people on a wide range of successful entertainment brands, and I'd like to thank my colleagues for all their commitment and enthusiasm,...
Iacono is one of the highest-profile execs to exit the beleaguered U.K. broadcaster so far, confirming earlier speculation over his future at the commercial network.
Iacono was hired at ITV 15 months ago from Sony Pictures International by former production head Dawn Airey -- who quit ITV soon after to join Five. As head of distribution, he has lead international growth strategies for such shows as "Hell's Kitchen," "Lost in Austin" and "Come Dine With Me," and grown ITV's international co-production slate.
"My time at ITV has been hugely rewarding. I've been fortunate enough to work alongside some exceptionally talented people on a wide range of successful entertainment brands, and I'd like to thank my colleagues for all their commitment and enthusiasm,...
- 4/15/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Berlin – European broadcast giant RTL Group scored its seventh-straight jump in revenue and operating profit last year but massive write-downs on its U.K. television business cut into net profits.
Sales at RTL were up 1.2% to 5.77 billion euros ($7.35 billion) last year, reported operating profit (Ebita) up 2% to 916 million euros.
But goodwill write offs totaling 337 million euros ($430 million) on its U.K. television operations – where RTL-owned channel Five is going through painful restructuring – slashed net profits.
Earnings dropped to 296 million euros ($377 million) compared with 674 million euros in 2007.
Rtl chief executive Gerhard Zeiler said the group has a "broad-based, secure set-up" but acknowledged tough times were ahead.
"We are experiencing a substantial slowdown in advertising bookings," Zeiler said. "We will respond to this by focusing on our core business and by reviewing all costs and structures. This will result in a significantly lower cost base in all our operations."
At Five this...
Sales at RTL were up 1.2% to 5.77 billion euros ($7.35 billion) last year, reported operating profit (Ebita) up 2% to 916 million euros.
But goodwill write offs totaling 337 million euros ($430 million) on its U.K. television operations – where RTL-owned channel Five is going through painful restructuring – slashed net profits.
Earnings dropped to 296 million euros ($377 million) compared with 674 million euros in 2007.
Rtl chief executive Gerhard Zeiler said the group has a "broad-based, secure set-up" but acknowledged tough times were ahead.
"We are experiencing a substantial slowdown in advertising bookings," Zeiler said. "We will respond to this by focusing on our core business and by reviewing all costs and structures. This will result in a significantly lower cost base in all our operations."
At Five this...
- 3/12/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- ITV Worldwide president and managing director Peter Iacono is thought to be among more than 50 top managers at the broadcaster who began redundancy talks Thursday, following the news that it will cull 600 jobs to cut costs.
A spokesman for ITV confirmed that 51 of the network's 171 top managers are expected to leave the organization, but would not comment on any particular executives, saying only that consultation processes have begun.
Other executives thought to be on their way out include daytime head Adam McDonald, drama commissioner Victoria Fea and award-winning producer Sita Williams.
ITV staffers have been left reeling as redundancy consultations began Thursday, with job losses expected across broadcasting, program sales, drama production and the sports department as well as back-office operations.
"It's a very tense time here now," said one insider who has been tapped for redundancy.
Iacono, a well-liked executive, was hired to join ITV 15 months ago...
A spokesman for ITV confirmed that 51 of the network's 171 top managers are expected to leave the organization, but would not comment on any particular executives, saying only that consultation processes have begun.
Other executives thought to be on their way out include daytime head Adam McDonald, drama commissioner Victoria Fea and award-winning producer Sita Williams.
ITV staffers have been left reeling as redundancy consultations began Thursday, with job losses expected across broadcasting, program sales, drama production and the sports department as well as back-office operations.
"It's a very tense time here now," said one insider who has been tapped for redundancy.
Iacono, a well-liked executive, was hired to join ITV 15 months ago...
- 3/5/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Five chief executive Dawn Airey said Thursday that the Rtl-owned broadcaster could lose as many as 84 of its 354 staffers under plans to integrate and streamline its operations.
The announcement, the latest stage in an ongoing business review, will result in flatter management structures and see several key departments merged into a creative unit and a legal and commercial affairs division.
Five already has implemented a stringent cost-cutting program across its main channel and digital nets Five U.S. and Five Life with the aim of freeing up funds to allow it to focus on core primetime slots.
"I am confident we are putting in place a new, streamlined structure which will ensure we remain the most agile and effective commercial broadcaster in the country," Airey said. "Unfortunately, the restructure raises the prospect of some positions being made redundant."
U.K. commercial broadcasters have been hit hard by the relentlessly downbeat advertising market,...
The announcement, the latest stage in an ongoing business review, will result in flatter management structures and see several key departments merged into a creative unit and a legal and commercial affairs division.
Five already has implemented a stringent cost-cutting program across its main channel and digital nets Five U.S. and Five Life with the aim of freeing up funds to allow it to focus on core primetime slots.
"I am confident we are putting in place a new, streamlined structure which will ensure we remain the most agile and effective commercial broadcaster in the country," Airey said. "Unfortunately, the restructure raises the prospect of some positions being made redundant."
U.K. commercial broadcasters have been hit hard by the relentlessly downbeat advertising market,...
- 3/5/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- In what promises to be one of the bleakest weeks British television has endured, leading commercial broadcasters are expected to announce 600 job losses.
ITV is expected to announce about 500 layoffs Wednesday when it unveils disastrous advertising-revenue declines as part of its full-year results.
Later in the week, commercial rival Five, part of the Rtl Group, is expected to announce that it is slashing its 350-person work force by 100 as new chief executive nm2773563 autoDawn Airey[/link] announces results of the Boston Consulting Group's strategy review.
Meanwhile, publicly owned broadcaster Channel 4 is examining merger options with British Telecom as a means of resolving an annual funding gap it predicts will be about 100 million pounds ($140.4 million) by 2010.
As ITV management confronts a possible 15%-20% dip in year-to-year ad revenue -- an annual loss of about 300 million pounds ($421 million) -- executive chairman Michael Grade will be under pressure to stabilize the broadcaster's financial position.
ITV is expected to announce about 500 layoffs Wednesday when it unveils disastrous advertising-revenue declines as part of its full-year results.
Later in the week, commercial rival Five, part of the Rtl Group, is expected to announce that it is slashing its 350-person work force by 100 as new chief executive nm2773563 autoDawn Airey[/link] announces results of the Boston Consulting Group's strategy review.
Meanwhile, publicly owned broadcaster Channel 4 is examining merger options with British Telecom as a means of resolving an annual funding gap it predicts will be about 100 million pounds ($140.4 million) by 2010.
As ITV management confronts a possible 15%-20% dip in year-to-year ad revenue -- an annual loss of about 300 million pounds ($421 million) -- executive chairman Michael Grade will be under pressure to stabilize the broadcaster's financial position.
- 3/3/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Commercial broadcaster ITV is thought to be considering a radical merger with both Channel 4 and Five, creating a single commercial broadcaster in what would amount to the biggest shake-up in the history of U.K. commercial television.
In a move that underscores the broadcaster's anxieties over the future of the U.K. broadcasting sector, executives from ITV are reported to have outlined the proposals to the government as one of a number of possible outcomes aimed at securing the broadcaster's future, according to a report in the Media Guardian.
Executive chairman Michael Grade will unveil ITV's full-year results March 4, and is expected to provide the shareholders with a radical rescue plan that will include redundancies, the sale of non-core assets and a cut in dividends.
The merger of Channel 4, Five and ITV would require major regulatory consideration as well as amendments to broadcasting legislation designed to promote competition.
In a move that underscores the broadcaster's anxieties over the future of the U.K. broadcasting sector, executives from ITV are reported to have outlined the proposals to the government as one of a number of possible outcomes aimed at securing the broadcaster's future, according to a report in the Media Guardian.
Executive chairman Michael Grade will unveil ITV's full-year results March 4, and is expected to provide the shareholders with a radical rescue plan that will include redundancies, the sale of non-core assets and a cut in dividends.
The merger of Channel 4, Five and ITV would require major regulatory consideration as well as amendments to broadcasting legislation designed to promote competition.
- 2/25/2009
- by By Mimi Turner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- ITV on Tuesday appointed former Fox exec Lee Bartlett to the post of managing director of ITV Global Content, replacing Dawn Airey, who abruptly quit the post six weeks ago.
Bartlett joined the ITV unit at the beginning of April as COO, but was made acting managing director four weeks later after Airey's shock exit to head RTL-owned Five.
In the new role, Bartlett will oversee all of ITV's U.K. and international production and distribution businesses, including its most popular shows, "Coronation Street" and "Emmerdale".
He will be expected to boost ITV Global Content's contribution to the shows airing on the main network -- a task Airey is widely thought to have considered untenable -- as well as increase program and format exports.
ITV COO John Cresswell said that the appointment "put the global into ITV Global Content," pointing to Bartlett's international track record.
"To meet the objectives of the Turnaround Plan and deliver 360 degree value to our content properties, we need executives with proven experience of the international market," Cresswell said.
Bartlett joined the ITV unit at the beginning of April as COO, but was made acting managing director four weeks later after Airey's shock exit to head RTL-owned Five.
In the new role, Bartlett will oversee all of ITV's U.K. and international production and distribution businesses, including its most popular shows, "Coronation Street" and "Emmerdale".
He will be expected to boost ITV Global Content's contribution to the shows airing on the main network -- a task Airey is widely thought to have considered untenable -- as well as increase program and format exports.
ITV COO John Cresswell said that the appointment "put the global into ITV Global Content," pointing to Bartlett's international track record.
"To meet the objectives of the Turnaround Plan and deliver 360 degree value to our content properties, we need executives with proven experience of the international market," Cresswell said.
- 6/10/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BERLIN -- Leading European TV network RTL Group left its main competitor, ProSiebenSat.1, in the dust in the first quarter, boosting revenue by 2% to 1.34 billion euros ($2.08 billion) and upping operating profits (EBITDA) to 188 million euros ($291 million), a 8.7% hike.
The growth came mainly from RTL's core German channels and offset drops in it channels in France (M6) and in the U.K. (Five). RTL boss Gerhard Zeiler has recently reshuffled management at Five, bringing back former CEO Dawn Airey, who was at competitor ITV, as the channel's new chairman and CEO (HR 4/29).
RTL's numbers match up favorably with ProSiebenSat.1, which saw operating profits drop off a cliff in the first quarter, falling 25% to 88.5 million euros ($137 million).
While RTL stock dipped sharply in the second half of 2007, it has since recovered and remains stable near 80 euros ($123). ProSieben shares have nose-dived, losing 60% of their value against last year and currently hovering around 10 euros ($15).
The growth came mainly from RTL's core German channels and offset drops in it channels in France (M6) and in the U.K. (Five). RTL boss Gerhard Zeiler has recently reshuffled management at Five, bringing back former CEO Dawn Airey, who was at competitor ITV, as the channel's new chairman and CEO (HR 4/29).
RTL's numbers match up favorably with ProSiebenSat.1, which saw operating profits drop off a cliff in the first quarter, falling 25% to 88.5 million euros ($137 million).
While RTL stock dipped sharply in the second half of 2007, it has since recovered and remains stable near 80 euros ($123). ProSieben shares have nose-dived, losing 60% of their value against last year and currently hovering around 10 euros ($15).
LONDON -- The revolving door at RTL-owned Five continues to turn: Content chief Lisa Opie has quit.
Hired by Jane Lighting 18 months ago, Opie will be on what is termed "gardening leave" in the U.K. for the next six months.
Opie said Friday that her decision to depart was driven by the appointment of former ITV global content head Dawn Airey to the post of Five chairman and CEO and subsequent exit of Five CEO Lighting.
"Five is in good health, but Jane's departure and the arrival of Dawn Airey as chairman of Five means that it is time for a change," she said.
Following the resignations of Lighting and now Opie, RTL CEO Gerhard Zeiler insisted that Five's content division remains in good shape but said he will step in to assist.
"We have a great program team, and they have delivered good results during the first part of the year," Zeiler said. "During the transition period, I will be working closely with them and with (interim CEO) Mark White to ensure that we move forward."
Airey, who quit ITV last week, is expected to have to wait out most of her 12-month-notice period before taking the reins at Five.
Hired by Jane Lighting 18 months ago, Opie will be on what is termed "gardening leave" in the U.K. for the next six months.
Opie said Friday that her decision to depart was driven by the appointment of former ITV global content head Dawn Airey to the post of Five chairman and CEO and subsequent exit of Five CEO Lighting.
"Five is in good health, but Jane's departure and the arrival of Dawn Airey as chairman of Five means that it is time for a change," she said.
Following the resignations of Lighting and now Opie, RTL CEO Gerhard Zeiler insisted that Five's content division remains in good shape but said he will step in to assist.
"We have a great program team, and they have delivered good results during the first part of the year," Zeiler said. "During the transition period, I will be working closely with them and with (interim CEO) Mark White to ensure that we move forward."
Airey, who quit ITV last week, is expected to have to wait out most of her 12-month-notice period before taking the reins at Five.
LONDON -- Perhaps No One was more shocked by Tuesday's news that Dawn Airey had jumped ship at ITV to join RTL-owned Five as chairman and CEO than current Five CEO, Jane Lighting, who only found out after the news had broken in the media.
Lighting, who was at a business engagement in the north of England when ITV announced the news of Airey's departure Tuesday, was forced to send an e-mail to Five staff saying she "was not in a position to confirm" the news.
"By now, you will have read in the press that Dawn Airey is leaving ITV to come and work at Five," she wrote in the e-mail. "I am sorry that I am not in a position to confirm any other details yet, but I hope to be able to do so soon."
About 24 hours after ITV executive chairman Michael Grade confirmed Airey's departure and new appointment at Five in a terse statement, neither Five nor its parent company, RTL, have made any comment either confirming or denying the hire, though they are promising to make a statement "within days."
But behind closed doors, there is fury at the botched manner in the way the hiring has been handled and confusion about how it will play out.
Lighting, who was at a business engagement in the north of England when ITV announced the news of Airey's departure Tuesday, was forced to send an e-mail to Five staff saying she "was not in a position to confirm" the news.
"By now, you will have read in the press that Dawn Airey is leaving ITV to come and work at Five," she wrote in the e-mail. "I am sorry that I am not in a position to confirm any other details yet, but I hope to be able to do so soon."
About 24 hours after ITV executive chairman Michael Grade confirmed Airey's departure and new appointment at Five in a terse statement, neither Five nor its parent company, RTL, have made any comment either confirming or denying the hire, though they are promising to make a statement "within days."
But behind closed doors, there is fury at the botched manner in the way the hiring has been handled and confusion about how it will play out.
- 4/30/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- In a major shock to the media industry here, Dawn Airey has quit barely seven months into her role as ITV's global content head and resigned from the board. She's moving into a senior role at pan-European broadcaster RTL later this year, becoming chairman and CEO of Five, Britain's smallest terrestrial network, where she was CEO eight years ago.
In a terse statement that did not allude to Airey's contribution or role at ITV, executive chairman Michael Grade said that her responsibilities will be assumed on an interim basis by former Fox business affairs executive Lee Bartlett, the newly installed COO of ITV's global content business.
The move puts control of ITV's core domestic production businesses under the aegis of someone with little experience in British television. But Grade said that he also will step into the breach to "maintain momentum" in the Global Content division.
"We have assembled a strong team to lead our global content business, and they will now report to Lee.
In a terse statement that did not allude to Airey's contribution or role at ITV, executive chairman Michael Grade said that her responsibilities will be assumed on an interim basis by former Fox business affairs executive Lee Bartlett, the newly installed COO of ITV's global content business.
The move puts control of ITV's core domestic production businesses under the aegis of someone with little experience in British television. But Grade said that he also will step into the breach to "maintain momentum" in the Global Content division.
"We have assembled a strong team to lead our global content business, and they will now report to Lee.
- 4/29/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- Classic ITV shows including Brideshead Revisited, Goodnight Mr. Tom and Captain Scarlet will be available via iTunes under a content deal unveiled Tuesday by ITV global content head Dawn Airey.
Customers accessing the download site will be able to choose from more than 260 hours of programming, with such shows as Inspector Morse, The Prisoner, The Saint and adaptations of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey and Emma being offered later in the year.
Shows will cost from 1.89 pounds ($3.76) per download and can be viewed on Macs, PCs, iPods and iPhones.
Some 38 million videos have been downloaded from ITV's own broadband portal, ITV.com, since the service launched last October.
ITV content also will be licensed to the forthcoming VOD platform Kangaroo, a joint venture between the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
Customers accessing the download site will be able to choose from more than 260 hours of programming, with such shows as Inspector Morse, The Prisoner, The Saint and adaptations of Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey and Emma being offered later in the year.
Shows will cost from 1.89 pounds ($3.76) per download and can be viewed on Macs, PCs, iPods and iPhones.
Some 38 million videos have been downloaded from ITV's own broadband portal, ITV.com, since the service launched last October.
ITV content also will be licensed to the forthcoming VOD platform Kangaroo, a joint venture between the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
- 4/22/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Complete MIPTV coverage
CANNES -- Further underlining its global ambitions, ITV plans to launch a range of international channels that could cover such areas as drama, lifestyle and children's programming, new ITV Worldwide head Peter Iacono said Wednesday.
"We have a lot of very interesting drama, factual, lifestyle and children's shows, and it is natural to want to see if we can replicate the success of our domestic channels internationally," Iacono said, adding that the channels would not necessarily be limited to English-speaking markets. "We are looking at how to build up our presence, and launching networks and partnering with other networks is a real aspiration."
Unlike the BBC, the commercial broadcaster has never ventured into the international television network business. ITV's publicly funded rival is growing its global channel portfolio into a significant part of its international business, and channels like BBC America have delivered critical as well as commercial success.
Although no timetable was given, ITV global content head Dawn Airey is under orders to double the division's content revenue to £1.2 billion ($2.4 billion) by the end of 2012 and has announced plans to boost ITV's global production footprint, recently adding indies in the U.K.
CANNES -- Further underlining its global ambitions, ITV plans to launch a range of international channels that could cover such areas as drama, lifestyle and children's programming, new ITV Worldwide head Peter Iacono said Wednesday.
"We have a lot of very interesting drama, factual, lifestyle and children's shows, and it is natural to want to see if we can replicate the success of our domestic channels internationally," Iacono said, adding that the channels would not necessarily be limited to English-speaking markets. "We are looking at how to build up our presence, and launching networks and partnering with other networks is a real aspiration."
Unlike the BBC, the commercial broadcaster has never ventured into the international television network business. ITV's publicly funded rival is growing its global channel portfolio into a significant part of its international business, and channels like BBC America have delivered critical as well as commercial success.
Although no timetable was given, ITV global content head Dawn Airey is under orders to double the division's content revenue to £1.2 billion ($2.4 billion) by the end of 2012 and has announced plans to boost ITV's global production footprint, recently adding indies in the U.K.
More MIPTV coverage
CANNES -- ITV global content head Dawn Airey on Monday unveiled ambitious plans to ramp up the broadcaster's international format business, promoting German production head Stefan Oelze to a new position responsible for setting up and overseeing production operations for ITV across Europe and in emerging markets worldwide.
Oelze, formerly head of ITV subsidiary Granada Germany, will take the London-based post of director of international business development. His appointment is the latest move in ITV's strategic plan to double its content revenue to £1.2 billion by 2012. It follows the recent integration of the company's international and domestic production and distribution businesses under former Sony executive Peter Iacono.
Until now, ITV has had only a limited production presence abroad, with flagship bases in the U.S., Germany and Australia.
Oelze will be replaced at Granada Germany by Jan Kromschroeder, from independent producer Kromschroeder & Pfannenschmidt, in which ITV is to acquire a 50% stake for an undisclosed fee.
CANNES -- ITV global content head Dawn Airey on Monday unveiled ambitious plans to ramp up the broadcaster's international format business, promoting German production head Stefan Oelze to a new position responsible for setting up and overseeing production operations for ITV across Europe and in emerging markets worldwide.
Oelze, formerly head of ITV subsidiary Granada Germany, will take the London-based post of director of international business development. His appointment is the latest move in ITV's strategic plan to double its content revenue to £1.2 billion by 2012. It follows the recent integration of the company's international and domestic production and distribution businesses under former Sony executive Peter Iacono.
Until now, ITV has had only a limited production presence abroad, with flagship bases in the U.S., Germany and Australia.
Oelze will be replaced at Granada Germany by Jan Kromschroeder, from independent producer Kromschroeder & Pfannenschmidt, in which ITV is to acquire a 50% stake for an undisclosed fee.
LONDON -- Granada International managing director Nadine Nohr is stepping down with immediate effect, the company said Monday.
Nohr, a Granada veteran, is expected to devote more of her time to the role as chair of international development charity Every Child, which she took on at the beginning of the year, but will remain as a consultant to Granada for three months to ensure a smooth transition.
"I have had a wonderful experience working with ITV and Granada International, and I would like to thank my past and present colleagues for the invaluable contribution they have made to the business and to me personally," she said.
Nohr's departure comes as ITV Global Content head Dawn Airey prepares to an-nounce the appointment of a chief operating officer that insiders speculate could be Fox business affairs chief Lee Bartlett.
During her ITV tenure, Nohr successfully led the consolidation of sales units at Carlton International and Granada International, and oversaw a huge increase in scripted and non-scripted format deals.
Nohr, a Granada veteran, is expected to devote more of her time to the role as chair of international development charity Every Child, which she took on at the beginning of the year, but will remain as a consultant to Granada for three months to ensure a smooth transition.
"I have had a wonderful experience working with ITV and Granada International, and I would like to thank my past and present colleagues for the invaluable contribution they have made to the business and to me personally," she said.
Nohr's departure comes as ITV Global Content head Dawn Airey prepares to an-nounce the appointment of a chief operating officer that insiders speculate could be Fox business affairs chief Lee Bartlett.
During her ITV tenure, Nohr successfully led the consolidation of sales units at Carlton International and Granada International, and oversaw a huge increase in scripted and non-scripted format deals.
- 3/11/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- All eyes will be on ITV executive chairman Michael Grade when the broadcaster unveils its full-year figures Wednesday.
The wily showman has bought himself some time with last week's surprise hiring of former BBC1 head Peter Fincham to head ITV's program strategy. But with ITV shares at an all-time low, an ongoing gloomy advertising outlook and the broadcaster increasingly vulnerable to takeover, many in the City are asking just what Grade has achieved in his 14 months atop the broadcaster.
"Michael Grade has not cut back and is following a strategy that is purely emotional, not strategic," says seasoned commercial television executive Paul Robinson, a former Disney executive and now managing director of global entertainment venture KidsCo. "Michael is essentially pursuing the same strategy as (former chief executive) Charles Allen. There's nothing radical or new and it's the strategy that got Charles Allen fired."
Indeed ITV's shares fell, rather than rose, following its much-vaunted strategic review to city analysts last summer, which left many scratching their heads as to how it differed from the old strategy.
Among Grade's few new initiatives was the surprise announcement that ITV Production -- headed by Dawn Airey -- would produce an unprecedented 70% of the network's output, a figure many believe is unrealistic.
The wily showman has bought himself some time with last week's surprise hiring of former BBC1 head Peter Fincham to head ITV's program strategy. But with ITV shares at an all-time low, an ongoing gloomy advertising outlook and the broadcaster increasingly vulnerable to takeover, many in the City are asking just what Grade has achieved in his 14 months atop the broadcaster.
"Michael Grade has not cut back and is following a strategy that is purely emotional, not strategic," says seasoned commercial television executive Paul Robinson, a former Disney executive and now managing director of global entertainment venture KidsCo. "Michael is essentially pursuing the same strategy as (former chief executive) Charles Allen. There's nothing radical or new and it's the strategy that got Charles Allen fired."
Indeed ITV's shares fell, rather than rose, following its much-vaunted strategic review to city analysts last summer, which left many scratching their heads as to how it differed from the old strategy.
Among Grade's few new initiatives was the surprise announcement that ITV Production -- headed by Dawn Airey -- would produce an unprecedented 70% of the network's output, a figure many believe is unrealistic.
LONDON -- ITV content head Dawn Airey has poached Sony executive Peter Iacono to serve as president and managing director of ITV Worldwide, its global content division, it announced Wednesday.
His appointment, which follows last month's announcement that Paul Buccieri would head ITV's Los Angeles production business, Granada America, signals Airey's commitment to bulking up ITV's global programming footprint.
He joins from Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, where he most recently served as acting president of international features.
As president and managing director of ITV Worldwide, Iacono will oversee expansion of ITV's worldwide sales, distribution, merchandising, publishing and licensing arm ITV Worldwide, which includes Granada International and Granada Ventures. He also will work closely with the heads of each department to ensure "full 360-degree value" for ITV Prods. and build strong relationships with key broadcasters and producers around the world, ITV said.
"We're delighted to be appointing someone of Peter's caliber to this role," Airey said. "There is a real demand for U.K.
His appointment, which follows last month's announcement that Paul Buccieri would head ITV's Los Angeles production business, Granada America, signals Airey's commitment to bulking up ITV's global programming footprint.
He joins from Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, where he most recently served as acting president of international features.
As president and managing director of ITV Worldwide, Iacono will oversee expansion of ITV's worldwide sales, distribution, merchandising, publishing and licensing arm ITV Worldwide, which includes Granada International and Granada Ventures. He also will work closely with the heads of each department to ensure "full 360-degree value" for ITV Prods. and build strong relationships with key broadcasters and producers around the world, ITV said.
"We're delighted to be appointing someone of Peter's caliber to this role," Airey said. "There is a real demand for U.K.
- 1/10/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In a surprise move, Twentieth Television president of programming Paul Buccieri has left the company to take the reins of Granada America as president and CEO.
At ITV's Granada America, Buccieri will replace David Gyngell, who abruptly exited the post in September after a two-year stint to return to Australia and take his old job as CEO of Nine Network.
Buccieri, who will start at Granada America after the holidays, will report to Dawn Airey, ITV managing director of global content. It was Airey's recent appointment to oversee all of the British broadcaster's activities outside the U.K., including Granada America, that allegedly led to Gyngell's departure.
"This is a critical role in ensuring ITV's international growth by creating and delivering high-quality content to American audiences," Airey said. "Paul has a superb track record in producing hit shows for the U.S. networks."
As CEO, Buccieri -- the first American to head ITV's U.S. producing outpost -- will oversee Granada America's team of producers on the West and East coasts in the development of new reality and scripted series and formats, as well as the exploitation of other ITV formats created in the company's production units in the U.K., Germany and Australia.
At ITV's Granada America, Buccieri will replace David Gyngell, who abruptly exited the post in September after a two-year stint to return to Australia and take his old job as CEO of Nine Network.
Buccieri, who will start at Granada America after the holidays, will report to Dawn Airey, ITV managing director of global content. It was Airey's recent appointment to oversee all of the British broadcaster's activities outside the U.K., including Granada America, that allegedly led to Gyngell's departure.
"This is a critical role in ensuring ITV's international growth by creating and delivering high-quality content to American audiences," Airey said. "Paul has a superb track record in producing hit shows for the U.S. networks."
As CEO, Buccieri -- the first American to head ITV's U.S. producing outpost -- will oversee Granada America's team of producers on the West and East coasts in the development of new reality and scripted series and formats, as well as the exploitation of other ITV formats created in the company's production units in the U.K., Germany and Australia.
- 12/18/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
LONDON -- ITV Prods. is poised to acquire quiz show maker 12 Yard Prods. in a 35 million pound ($72 million) deal that would mark Dawn Airey's first acquisition since taking the helm of ITV's in-house production division, sources said Wednesday.
Airey has a 200 million pound ($411.4 million) acquisitions fund to build up ITV's production base, and formally took up the ITV post in October. The former BSkyB head of networks has been charged by ITV executive chairman Michael Grade with upping the amount of content her division makes for ITV's own channels from about 55% to 75% of the content they air.
12 Yard, which makes long-running daytime quiz shows including "Eggheads" and "In It to Win It", would be an unusual choice for Airey because it produces the majority of its output for the BBC, and is thought to be tied into a number of long-term contracts with the pubcaster.
The venture was founded in 2001 by former BBC light entertainment executive David Wood, creator of "The Weakest Link".
ITV did not return calls seeking comment.
Airey has a 200 million pound ($411.4 million) acquisitions fund to build up ITV's production base, and formally took up the ITV post in October. The former BSkyB head of networks has been charged by ITV executive chairman Michael Grade with upping the amount of content her division makes for ITV's own channels from about 55% to 75% of the content they air.
12 Yard, which makes long-running daytime quiz shows including "Eggheads" and "In It to Win It", would be an unusual choice for Airey because it produces the majority of its output for the BBC, and is thought to be tied into a number of long-term contracts with the pubcaster.
The venture was founded in 2001 by former BBC light entertainment executive David Wood, creator of "The Weakest Link".
ITV did not return calls seeking comment.
- 12/5/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.