UK network ITV has posted Q1 revenues down 7%, as its studios division felt the impact of last year’s Hollywood labor strikes.
The commercial broadcaster’s total revenue was £887M ($1.1B), compared with £952M in 2023, with a recovery in the ad market offset by a 16% dip at ITV Studios.
The Media and Entertainment unit that houses its main network was up 2% at £505M, according to a trading update this morning. Earnings weren’t broken out.
Total revenue at ITV Studios, which makes the likes of Love Island and Mr Bates Vs the Post Office were £382M, down on the £457M in the same period last year.
According to ITV, this was “due to the phasing of deliveries which are heavily weighted to H2 and the expected impact from both the 2023 U.S. writers and actors strikes and the weaker demand from free-to-air broadcasters in Europe who have been holding back...
The commercial broadcaster’s total revenue was £887M ($1.1B), compared with £952M in 2023, with a recovery in the ad market offset by a 16% dip at ITV Studios.
The Media and Entertainment unit that houses its main network was up 2% at £505M, according to a trading update this morning. Earnings weren’t broken out.
Total revenue at ITV Studios, which makes the likes of Love Island and Mr Bates Vs the Post Office were £382M, down on the £457M in the same period last year.
According to ITV, this was “due to the phasing of deliveries which are heavily weighted to H2 and the expected impact from both the 2023 U.S. writers and actors strikes and the weaker demand from free-to-air broadcasters in Europe who have been holding back...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster ITV has reported mixed financial fortunes for the first quarter of 2024.
Its advertising revenue growth of 3%, with the second quarter expected to be up around 12%, is offset by the downturn in revenues from ITV Studios. Total revenue was down 7% to £887 million ($1.10 billion), between January and March, compared to £952 million ($1.18 billion) during the same period in 2023.
Within that total, ITV Studios revenues were down by 16% to £382 million (2023: £457 million), “due to the phasing of deliveries which are heavily weighted to H2 and the expected impact from both the 2023 U.S. writers and actors strikes and the weaker demand from free-to-air broadcasters in Europe who have been holding back spend until they see more certainty in the advertising market,” the broadcaster said.
During the quarter ITV Studios delivered “The Reluctant Traveller” for Apple TV+, “The Red King” for Alibi, “The Gathering” for Channel 4 and “I’m A Celebrity…...
Its advertising revenue growth of 3%, with the second quarter expected to be up around 12%, is offset by the downturn in revenues from ITV Studios. Total revenue was down 7% to £887 million ($1.10 billion), between January and March, compared to £952 million ($1.18 billion) during the same period in 2023.
Within that total, ITV Studios revenues were down by 16% to £382 million (2023: £457 million), “due to the phasing of deliveries which are heavily weighted to H2 and the expected impact from both the 2023 U.S. writers and actors strikes and the weaker demand from free-to-air broadcasters in Europe who have been holding back spend until they see more certainty in the advertising market,” the broadcaster said.
During the quarter ITV Studios delivered “The Reluctant Traveller” for Apple TV+, “The Red King” for Alibi, “The Gathering” for Channel 4 and “I’m A Celebrity…...
- 5/9/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. TV giant ITV on Thursday reported a 3 percent advertising revenue gain for the first quarter of 2024, with the current second quarter forecast to record stronger growth. But its ITV Studios unit posted a big drop “due to the phasing of deliveries which are heavily weighted to the second half and the expected impact from both the 2023 U.S. writers and actors strikes and the weaker demand from free-to-air broadcasters in Europe” which, the company said, “have been holding back spend until they see more certainty in the advertising market.”
ITV’s quarterly ad gain was in line with management’s forecasts. Compared to the same period in 2023, ITV had previously forecast its first-quarter 2024 ad revenue would be up 3 percent, “with continued strong growth in digital advertising revenues.”
On Thursday, the company highlighted “strong momentum into the second quarter, expected to be up around 12 percent,” helped by the Euros soccer...
ITV’s quarterly ad gain was in line with management’s forecasts. Compared to the same period in 2023, ITV had previously forecast its first-quarter 2024 ad revenue would be up 3 percent, “with continued strong growth in digital advertising revenues.”
On Thursday, the company highlighted “strong momentum into the second quarter, expected to be up around 12 percent,” helped by the Euros soccer...
- 5/9/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos, BBC director-general Tim Davie, and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall are among the industry leaders set to speak at the Royal Television Society’s (Rts) London Convention this year.
Its lineup also includes Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, journalist and host Amol Rajan, former quiz show co-host Richard Osman – widely known as the author of the best-selling crime novel The Thursday Murder Club – and The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde. The not-yet-complete list of speakers will be updated in the future.
Dubbed a “leading forum” for the U.K.’s television and media, the organization announced streaming giant Netflix as the biennial event’s principal sponsor in 2024.
Taking place on Sept. 17 at Kings Place in the British capital, the convention’s title is: “The Next Episode: Keeping Our Creative Edge.” It will focus on how the U.K. can “hold on to its creative brilliance, take full advantage...
Its lineup also includes Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, journalist and host Amol Rajan, former quiz show co-host Richard Osman – widely known as the author of the best-selling crime novel The Thursday Murder Club – and The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde. The not-yet-complete list of speakers will be updated in the future.
Dubbed a “leading forum” for the U.K.’s television and media, the organization announced streaming giant Netflix as the biennial event’s principal sponsor in 2024.
Taking place on Sept. 17 at Kings Place in the British capital, the convention’s title is: “The Next Episode: Keeping Our Creative Edge.” It will focus on how the U.K. can “hold on to its creative brilliance, take full advantage...
- 5/1/2024
- by Lily Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Rts London Convention Speakers
The Royal Television Society has revealed the dates and initial speakers for its annual Rts London Convention.
This year’s event will take place on Sept. 17 at Kings Place in London and is chaired by Anna Mallett, Netflix’s vice president of production for Emea and the U.K. Netflix is also serving as the convention’s principal sponsor.
Confirmed speakers include Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos, BBC director-general Tim Davie, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall and journalist Amol Rajan. “The Thursday Murder Club” author Richard Osman and The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde are also on the line-up, with further speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.
The theme for the forthcoming edition is “The Next Episode: Keeping Our Creative Edge,” highlighting how the U.K. can “hold on to its creative brilliance, take full advantage of the opportunities of the future,...
The Royal Television Society has revealed the dates and initial speakers for its annual Rts London Convention.
This year’s event will take place on Sept. 17 at Kings Place in London and is chaired by Anna Mallett, Netflix’s vice president of production for Emea and the U.K. Netflix is also serving as the convention’s principal sponsor.
Confirmed speakers include Netflix co-ceo Ted Sarandos, BBC director-general Tim Davie, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall and journalist Amol Rajan. “The Thursday Murder Club” author Richard Osman and The Guardian columnist Marina Hyde are also on the line-up, with further speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.
The theme for the forthcoming edition is “The Next Episode: Keeping Our Creative Edge,” highlighting how the U.K. can “hold on to its creative brilliance, take full advantage of the opportunities of the future,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Despite its “particularly British” nature, Mr Bates vs the Post Office has now sold to a dozen territories around the world, ITV bosses revealed this morning.
The show, which is the network’s biggest hit since Downton Abbey, has sold to PBS Masterpiece in the U.S., four BritBox Nordics territories, Benelux pubcaster Npo for Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, Australia’s Seven, New Zealand’s Tvnz, Pccw in Hong Kong and Virgin Media Ireland.
Deadline understands one more sale will be announced imminently.
ITV Studis/Little Gem’s Mr Bates only launched in January and the deals are being celebrated by ITV and its distribution arm given its highly localized nature, CEO Carolyn McCall said today. During its first week of release, Head of Drama Polly Hill told Deadline shows like Mr Bates are becoming “increasingly” hard to fund in the current climate.
McCall said today: “British dramas like...
The show, which is the network’s biggest hit since Downton Abbey, has sold to PBS Masterpiece in the U.S., four BritBox Nordics territories, Benelux pubcaster Npo for Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, Australia’s Seven, New Zealand’s Tvnz, Pccw in Hong Kong and Virgin Media Ireland.
Deadline understands one more sale will be announced imminently.
ITV Studis/Little Gem’s Mr Bates only launched in January and the deals are being celebrated by ITV and its distribution arm given its highly localized nature, CEO Carolyn McCall said today. During its first week of release, Head of Drama Polly Hill told Deadline shows like Mr Bates are becoming “increasingly” hard to fund in the current climate.
McCall said today: “British dramas like...
- 3/7/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV boss Carolyn McCall has detailed the potential for a post-strike “blip” as commissioning conversations are restarted with U.S. buyers, while the head of ITV Studios described generative AI as a “co-pilot for creatives.”
Speaking after the publication of ITV’s full-year results, which saw profits tumble by 32% amidst a tricky ad market, McCall said a factor “never really talked about” in relation to last year’s months-long U.S. labor strikes is that “commissioning conversations could not happen and we were not allowed to pitch ideas or discuss anything that would build a pipeline.”
“This is never really talked about but is also quite an important factor in the market,” she said, adding that the more obvious impact of the strike physically delaying productions had been prominent in discussions.
Pressed on whether this could lead to a surge in commissioning from U.S. buyers, McCall said “we are...
Speaking after the publication of ITV’s full-year results, which saw profits tumble by 32% amidst a tricky ad market, McCall said a factor “never really talked about” in relation to last year’s months-long U.S. labor strikes is that “commissioning conversations could not happen and we were not allowed to pitch ideas or discuss anything that would build a pipeline.”
“This is never really talked about but is also quite an important factor in the market,” she said, adding that the more obvious impact of the strike physically delaying productions had been prominent in discussions.
Pressed on whether this could lead to a surge in commissioning from U.S. buyers, McCall said “we are...
- 3/7/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV profits tumbled by 32% following a tricky 2023 but there were green shoots in a solid performance from the Studios production arm, as the broadcaster reveals it is in the early stages of a “strategic restructuring and efficiency programme.”
Delivering its full-year results this morning, the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster said adjusted Ebita for the group had fallen 32% to £489M ($622M), with margin at 13% – down 6 percentage points.
Adjusted profit before tax fell by a sharper 41% to £396M. The commissioning team, known as Media & Entertainment, saw Ebita slide by a whopping 56% to £205M.
ITV said the profit woes are due to “the decline in linear television advertising” and planned investment in streamer Itvx. Growth in digital advertising “substantially offset” a 15% decline in linear advertising, according to ITV. Total advertising revenue was down 8% to £1.8B.
Group turnover fell a tad by 2% to £4.2B but there was a slight increase in total non-advertising revenue,...
Delivering its full-year results this morning, the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster said adjusted Ebita for the group had fallen 32% to £489M ($622M), with margin at 13% – down 6 percentage points.
Adjusted profit before tax fell by a sharper 41% to £396M. The commissioning team, known as Media & Entertainment, saw Ebita slide by a whopping 56% to £205M.
ITV said the profit woes are due to “the decline in linear television advertising” and planned investment in streamer Itvx. Growth in digital advertising “substantially offset” a 15% decline in linear advertising, according to ITV. Total advertising revenue was down 8% to £1.8B.
Group turnover fell a tad by 2% to £4.2B but there was a slight increase in total non-advertising revenue,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. TV giant ITV reported record results for its ITV Studios production unit and an 8 percent advertising revenue decline for 2023, compared with 2022, on Thursday, also unveiling a new efficiency program to boost profitability amid an economic environment that remains “uncertain.”
ITV, led by CEO Carolyn McCall, also saw total external revenue drop 2 percent in the latest full year to £4.26 billion ($5.43 billion). Adjusted profit before tax for the year fell 41 percent to £396 million ($504 million).
On an earnings conference call, McCall said 2023 featured “a tough advertising market,” but she was now seeing “more confidence in the ad market.” Compared to the same period in 2023, ITV is forecasting its first-quarter 2024 ad revenue to be up 3 percent, “with continued strong growth in
digital advertising revenues.”
The company made good on its previous forecast that ad revenue would be down around 8 percent for the full year 2023 after a 7 percent drop over the first nine months...
ITV, led by CEO Carolyn McCall, also saw total external revenue drop 2 percent in the latest full year to £4.26 billion ($5.43 billion). Adjusted profit before tax for the year fell 41 percent to £396 million ($504 million).
On an earnings conference call, McCall said 2023 featured “a tough advertising market,” but she was now seeing “more confidence in the ad market.” Compared to the same period in 2023, ITV is forecasting its first-quarter 2024 ad revenue to be up 3 percent, “with continued strong growth in
digital advertising revenues.”
The company made good on its previous forecast that ad revenue would be down around 8 percent for the full year 2023 after a 7 percent drop over the first nine months...
- 3/7/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
U.K. commercial broadcaster ITV’s annual results for 2023 were revealed Thursday.
Total group revenue was down 2% and total external revenue was down 3% to £3.6 billion ($4.6 billion). Total revenues at ITV Studios, which produces shows including “Fool Me Once” and “Love Island,” grew 4%.
The U.K. media conglomerate also revealed linear advertising had dropped by 15%. The group adjusted Ebita was down 32% to £489 million, reflecting the decline in linear advertising revenue and investment in streamer Itvx. Ebita was £404 million, down from £668 million in 2022. Statutory profit before tax was £193 million down from £501 million in 2022.
There was positive news on the digital front, with streamer Itvx performing strongly. Monthly active users were up 19%, and total streaming hours increased by 26%, which drove 19% growth in digital revenues to £490 million. ITV said it is on track to deliver at least £750 million of digital revenues by 2026.
The company said that it expects to marginally reduce content cost in...
Total group revenue was down 2% and total external revenue was down 3% to £3.6 billion ($4.6 billion). Total revenues at ITV Studios, which produces shows including “Fool Me Once” and “Love Island,” grew 4%.
The U.K. media conglomerate also revealed linear advertising had dropped by 15%. The group adjusted Ebita was down 32% to £489 million, reflecting the decline in linear advertising revenue and investment in streamer Itvx. Ebita was £404 million, down from £668 million in 2022. Statutory profit before tax was £193 million down from £501 million in 2022.
There was positive news on the digital front, with streamer Itvx performing strongly. Monthly active users were up 19%, and total streaming hours increased by 26%, which drove 19% growth in digital revenues to £490 million. ITV said it is on track to deliver at least £750 million of digital revenues by 2026.
The company said that it expects to marginally reduce content cost in...
- 3/7/2024
- by K.J. Yossman and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios has bought out ITV’s 50% interest in streamer BritBox International in a deal worth £255m.
The landmark move gives BBC Studios sole ownership of the previously joint venture platform, which has a subscriber base of around 3.8m across the various territories it operates.
After the transaction has completed it will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends of around £235m after tax to ITV.
BBC Studios will move BritBox International into its global media and streaming division to sit alongside other direct-to-consumer propositions including factual streamer BBC Select. The move will see current global chief executive Reemah Sakaan exiting the company.
The landmark move gives BBC Studios sole ownership of the previously joint venture platform, which has a subscriber base of around 3.8m across the various territories it operates.
After the transaction has completed it will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends of around £235m after tax to ITV.
BBC Studios will move BritBox International into its global media and streaming division to sit alongside other direct-to-consumer propositions including factual streamer BBC Select. The move will see current global chief executive Reemah Sakaan exiting the company.
- 3/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
BBC Studios, the BBC’s commercial content studio and streaming business, is acquiring ITV’s 50 percent stake in BritBox International for $322 million.
The deal, announced Friday, will give BBC Studios full ownership of the BritBox streaming platform and values the streamer at $631 million. As part of the agreement, BBC Studios has extended its licensing agreements with ITV to ensure that the latter company’s British content will continue to appear on BritBox.
BBC Studios said that BritBox will become part of the company’s Global Media and Streaming division, complementing its expanding portfolio of digital and direct-to-consumer services that includes BBC.com, BBC Select, the BBC’s premium ad-free doc streaming service in North America and BBC Podcast Premium, an audio service available in more than 160 countries.
“This is an important acquisition for us. We are taking full ownership of a successful, growing service we know well and that fits...
The deal, announced Friday, will give BBC Studios full ownership of the BritBox streaming platform and values the streamer at $631 million. As part of the agreement, BBC Studios has extended its licensing agreements with ITV to ensure that the latter company’s British content will continue to appear on BritBox.
BBC Studios said that BritBox will become part of the company’s Global Media and Streaming division, complementing its expanding portfolio of digital and direct-to-consumer services that includes BBC.com, BBC Select, the BBC’s premium ad-free doc streaming service in North America and BBC Podcast Premium, an audio service available in more than 160 countries.
“This is an important acquisition for us. We are taking full ownership of a successful, growing service we know well and that fits...
- 3/1/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BBC Studios has bought British broadcaster ITV’s 50% stake in streamer BritBox International for £255 million ($322 million), the companies revealed on Friday.
The streamer was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between BBC Studios, which is the commercial arm of the British broadcaster, and ITV. “The transaction will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends and after tax of around £235 million,” the companies said.
“The sale reflects ITV’s strategy of focusing on supercharging its U.K. advertiser-funded streaming service, Itvx and growing its global Studios division,” ITV added. “The board intends to return the entire net sale proceeds to shareholders through a share buyback which it expects to launch imminently after the full-year results on March 7.”
Under the terms of the agreement, ITV Studios will continue to receive an ongoing revenue stream from BritBox International similar to current levels for the use of ITV content under new extended licensing agreements.
The streamer was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between BBC Studios, which is the commercial arm of the British broadcaster, and ITV. “The transaction will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends and after tax of around £235 million,” the companies said.
“The sale reflects ITV’s strategy of focusing on supercharging its U.K. advertiser-funded streaming service, Itvx and growing its global Studios division,” ITV added. “The board intends to return the entire net sale proceeds to shareholders through a share buyback which it expects to launch imminently after the full-year results on March 7.”
Under the terms of the agreement, ITV Studios will continue to receive an ongoing revenue stream from BritBox International similar to current levels for the use of ITV content under new extended licensing agreements.
- 3/1/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios has paid £255M ($321M) to acquire ITV’s shareholding in their joint venture streamer, BritBox International.
In a regulatory note confirming the sale this morning, ITV confirmed it had sold its 50%, with the proceeds set to return to shareholders through a share buyback scheme that will launch after full-year results are posted on March 7.
BritBox CEO Reman Sakaan will exit the business, which will join the BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division alongside the likes of BBC.com, BBC Select and BBC Podcast Premium. The BBC said new leaderships plans are “in place to ensure a smooth transition” and will be announced “imminently.”
The deal values BritBox International, which has nearly four million subscribers in eight territories, at over £500M. However, ITV is focusing on growth of its own streamer, Itvx, and its global ITV Studios division will redirect efforts in that direction following the deal.
ITV Studios,...
In a regulatory note confirming the sale this morning, ITV confirmed it had sold its 50%, with the proceeds set to return to shareholders through a share buyback scheme that will launch after full-year results are posted on March 7.
BritBox CEO Reman Sakaan will exit the business, which will join the BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division alongside the likes of BBC.com, BBC Select and BBC Podcast Premium. The BBC said new leaderships plans are “in place to ensure a smooth transition” and will be announced “imminently.”
The deal values BritBox International, which has nearly four million subscribers in eight territories, at over £500M. However, ITV is focusing on growth of its own streamer, Itvx, and its global ITV Studios division will redirect efforts in that direction following the deal.
ITV Studios,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV Spent $68M On Diverse Shows In 2023
ITV invested £54.2M ($68M) of its Diversity Commissioning Fund last year on shows made by or about people from under-represented backgrounds such as Lenny Henry’s Three Little Birds. The fund was launched in 2022 with £80M to be spent across three years to “drive change towards racial equity and disability equity in whose stories get told,” with one quarter reserved for content made by “production companies led by People of Colour and/or Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent people.” The figures came as part of the Love Island network’s Diversity Acceleration Plan report for the previous 12 months, which said 475 productions across around 160 production companies have embedded Dei using ITV’s production principles over the past three years. The BBC has a similar £100M fund across a three-year period to March 2024 and says it has already exceeded this target. ITV said plans for...
ITV invested £54.2M ($68M) of its Diversity Commissioning Fund last year on shows made by or about people from under-represented backgrounds such as Lenny Henry’s Three Little Birds. The fund was launched in 2022 with £80M to be spent across three years to “drive change towards racial equity and disability equity in whose stories get told,” with one quarter reserved for content made by “production companies led by People of Colour and/or Deaf, Disabled and/or Neurodivergent people.” The figures came as part of the Love Island network’s Diversity Acceleration Plan report for the previous 12 months, which said 475 productions across around 160 production companies have embedded Dei using ITV’s production principles over the past three years. The BBC has a similar £100M fund across a three-year period to March 2024 and says it has already exceeded this target. ITV said plans for...
- 1/31/2024
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 is finalizing plans to cut as many as 200 employees, or around 17 percent of its workforce, amid advertising headwinds.
Up to 200 of its estimated more than 1,200 staffers could be hit as the broadcaster looks to limit content cutbacks and focus more on its streaming strategy, the Guardian reported. It said that management has been working on what would be Channel 4’s biggest round of layoffs in more than 15 years in terms of overall people affected. During the financial crisis of 2008, it had to lay off 200 people, which at the time was almost a quarter of its staff.
The news comes amid continued advertising market challenges for U.K. TV companies. In November, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon told a parliamentary committee that the state of the ad market was in “shock territory,” predicting that the broadcaster would record losses in the next two years after three years of profits.
Up to 200 of its estimated more than 1,200 staffers could be hit as the broadcaster looks to limit content cutbacks and focus more on its streaming strategy, the Guardian reported. It said that management has been working on what would be Channel 4’s biggest round of layoffs in more than 15 years in terms of overall people affected. During the financial crisis of 2008, it had to lay off 200 people, which at the time was almost a quarter of its staff.
The news comes amid continued advertising market challenges for U.K. TV companies. In November, Channel 4 CEO Alex Mahon told a parliamentary committee that the state of the ad market was in “shock territory,” predicting that the broadcaster would record losses in the next two years after three years of profits.
- 1/8/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s been seven years since “The X Factor” runner-up Rebecca Ferguson last put out a record. Despite her hiatus from the industry, Ferguson never walked away from music, instead using her downtime to craft songs in a more spontaneous way.
“It was me organically calling up people saying, ‘Should we do a session?’ over seven years, very sporadically,” Ferguson tells Variety. “I got to the point where I was like, I do need to get an album out. Then I thought, ‘But I’ve got an album.’”
The result is “Heaven Part II,” which, according to the accompanying press release, is an exploration of “love, family, joy, liberation and Rebecca’s journey to happiness.” Over the past seven years, Ferguson has experienced a number of ups and downs, from personal and professional break-ups (including with her former management company) as well as a new marriage and a new baby,...
“It was me organically calling up people saying, ‘Should we do a session?’ over seven years, very sporadically,” Ferguson tells Variety. “I got to the point where I was like, I do need to get an album out. Then I thought, ‘But I’ve got an album.’”
The result is “Heaven Part II,” which, according to the accompanying press release, is an exploration of “love, family, joy, liberation and Rebecca’s journey to happiness.” Over the past seven years, Ferguson has experienced a number of ups and downs, from personal and professional break-ups (including with her former management company) as well as a new marriage and a new baby,...
- 12/8/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
In June, U.K. TV giant ITV emphasized that a relationship between former top host Phillip Schofield and a much younger colleague was “deeply inappropriate.” CEO Carolyn McCall launched an investigation of the case after Schofield had to resign from his role as co-host of U.K. TV giant ITV’s morning show This Morning after lying about the affair with a production assistant.
On Thursday, a report with the probe’s findings was published. “ITV’s management made considerable efforts to determine the truth about an alleged relationship between Ps and Px following on from the publication of a story in The Sun newspaper in early December 2019,” wrote Jane Mulcahy, who led the investigation. “However, in the face of the denials of the individuals involved, ITV was unable to uncover the relevant evidence until Ps’s admission in late May 2023.”
As a result, she highlighted “the importance of junior employees...
On Thursday, a report with the probe’s findings was published. “ITV’s management made considerable efforts to determine the truth about an alleged relationship between Ps and Px following on from the publication of a story in The Sun newspaper in early December 2019,” wrote Jane Mulcahy, who led the investigation. “However, in the face of the denials of the individuals involved, ITV was unable to uncover the relevant evidence until Ps’s admission in late May 2023.”
As a result, she highlighted “the importance of junior employees...
- 12/7/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
U.K. public service broadcaster ITV launched proprietary streamer Itvx almost exactly 12 months ago with a star-studded event in London featuring talent including Helen Bonham Carter (the lead in Itvx original “Nolly”) and “Without Sin” star Vicky McClure.
Signalling its commitment to the new platform (which replaced much-maligned catch-up service ITV Hub), ITV CEO Carolyn McCall also directed $1.6 billion into original content for Itvx in 2023 alone, a bold move which briefly hit the company’s share price. “I know the London stock market was quite surprised,” she told Variety earlier this year. “But we knew that we had to do that to make this step change. Because without that, we wouldn’t be a powerful U.K. streamer.”
Itvx is primarily a free-to-watch AVOD platform, echoing ITV’s position as a commercial Psb, although it does offer an ad-free premium tier which also offers paying subscribers access to BritBox U.
Signalling its commitment to the new platform (which replaced much-maligned catch-up service ITV Hub), ITV CEO Carolyn McCall also directed $1.6 billion into original content for Itvx in 2023 alone, a bold move which briefly hit the company’s share price. “I know the London stock market was quite surprised,” she told Variety earlier this year. “But we knew that we had to do that to make this step change. Because without that, we wouldn’t be a powerful U.K. streamer.”
Itvx is primarily a free-to-watch AVOD platform, echoing ITV’s position as a commercial Psb, although it does offer an ad-free premium tier which also offers paying subscribers access to BritBox U.
- 11/29/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
ITV Studios and Itvx revenues helped to offset falls in linear at UK network ITV in the first nine months of 2023.
A Q3 trading update revealed ITV Studios turnover has grown 9% to £1.52B ($1.87B), while digital revenues — much of which are now derived from streamer Itvx — are up 23% to reach £340M.
Key productions in the period have included Prime Video tennis drama Fifteen Love; Love Island USA season 5 for Peacock; and World on Fire season 2 for the BBC, while total streaming hours were up 27% year-on-year to the end of September — you can read more analysis about ITV’s pivot to streaming here.
Those two figures meant ITV’s overall revenues remained almost exactly flat, up 1% at £2.98B. Total external revenue was a similar result, coming in at £2.53B. Revenue from the Media & Entertainment division that houses its networks was down 7%, as expected, at £1.46B.
Advertising revenue was down 7%. Most major...
A Q3 trading update revealed ITV Studios turnover has grown 9% to £1.52B ($1.87B), while digital revenues — much of which are now derived from streamer Itvx — are up 23% to reach £340M.
Key productions in the period have included Prime Video tennis drama Fifteen Love; Love Island USA season 5 for Peacock; and World on Fire season 2 for the BBC, while total streaming hours were up 27% year-on-year to the end of September — you can read more analysis about ITV’s pivot to streaming here.
Those two figures meant ITV’s overall revenues remained almost exactly flat, up 1% at £2.98B. Total external revenue was a similar result, coming in at £2.53B. Revenue from the Media & Entertainment division that houses its networks was down 7%, as expected, at £1.46B.
Advertising revenue was down 7%. Most major...
- 11/8/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
King Charles III confirmed the government’s plan to push through with its long-discussed Media Bill on Tuesday morning during the traditional opening of Parliament ceremony in London.
Tradition dictates that the King’s speech, sets out the incumbent British government’s most pressing legislative issues of the day, effectively rubber stamping them on the way to becoming law.
Among the key points in the Media Bill are protection for U.K. public service broadcasters (PSBs) such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 including “prominence” and discoverability on digital devices and platforms as well as the extension of media regulator Ofcom’s powers to cover streaming services. With the introduction of the bill, Ofcom will be able to investigate and penalize streamers.
Following protracted discussion of Channel 4’s future, the Media Bill also ensures the network will remain publicly owned but, for the first time, allows Channel 4 to produce its own content,...
Tradition dictates that the King’s speech, sets out the incumbent British government’s most pressing legislative issues of the day, effectively rubber stamping them on the way to becoming law.
Among the key points in the Media Bill are protection for U.K. public service broadcasters (PSBs) such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 including “prominence” and discoverability on digital devices and platforms as well as the extension of media regulator Ofcom’s powers to cover streaming services. With the introduction of the bill, Ofcom will be able to investigate and penalize streamers.
Following protracted discussion of Channel 4’s future, the Media Bill also ensures the network will remain publicly owned but, for the first time, allows Channel 4 to produce its own content,...
- 11/7/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The U.K. government, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, plans to present the much-debated Media Bill to the parliament in London in the new legislative period, including regulation of streaming services in line with TV networks, King Charles III said in his first King’s Speech on Tuesday.
The speech, drawn up by the government but read by the monarch, outlines the various laws that the government plans to pursue in the new parliamentary session.
The Media Bill would, among other things, force streaming services, from Netflix and Amazon Prime to the likes of Disney+, follow the code of conduct set out by media regulator Ofcom, whose rules around harmful material have applied to the national broadcasters for decades, or face fines of up to £250,000 ($308,000) or restrictions in the U.K., if they break them.
The conservative U.K. government had outlined some of these plans in a white paper...
The speech, drawn up by the government but read by the monarch, outlines the various laws that the government plans to pursue in the new parliamentary session.
The Media Bill would, among other things, force streaming services, from Netflix and Amazon Prime to the likes of Disney+, follow the code of conduct set out by media regulator Ofcom, whose rules around harmful material have applied to the national broadcasters for decades, or face fines of up to £250,000 ($308,000) or restrictions in the U.K., if they break them.
The conservative U.K. government had outlined some of these plans in a white paper...
- 11/7/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The UK’s long-gestating Media Bill, which includes regulation of streaming services in line with broadcasters for the first time, has finally been rubberstamped in the King’s Speech.
King Charles III has just laid out the various laws that will now make their way through parliament – in the process becoming the first King to do so in seven decades – which features the long-awaited Media Bill. The speech is devised by the UK Prime Minister and read out by the monarch in a centuries-old ceremony in parliament.
Published earlier this year, the headline policy in the Media Bill is a move to bring the U.S. streamers under Ofcom’s regulatory framework, which would mean they can be fined up to £250,000 or restricted in the UK entirely if they break rules around harmful material that have applied to the public broadcasters for decades.
The bill will “better protect children by...
King Charles III has just laid out the various laws that will now make their way through parliament – in the process becoming the first King to do so in seven decades – which features the long-awaited Media Bill. The speech is devised by the UK Prime Minister and read out by the monarch in a centuries-old ceremony in parliament.
Published earlier this year, the headline policy in the Media Bill is a move to bring the U.S. streamers under Ofcom’s regulatory framework, which would mean they can be fined up to £250,000 or restricted in the UK entirely if they break rules around harmful material that have applied to the public broadcasters for decades.
The bill will “better protect children by...
- 11/7/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV News has apologized after giving over airtime to a journalist for Iranian state TV, who described Hamas’ attack on Israel as a “moment of triumph.”
ITV News London interviewed Latifa Abouchakra on Monday, describing her as a “British Palestinian woman living in London” and quoting her views on the discrimination faced by Muslim people in the UK.
The ITN-produced news show did not disclose that Abouchakra works as a reporter for Press TV, the Iranian propaganda machine that has been banned from broadcasting in the UK.
In an Instagram post on October 7, Abouchakra hailed Hamas’ attack on Israel, during which more than 1,400 people were killed.
“Nothing will ever be able to take back this moment, this moment of triumph, this moment of resistance, this moment of surprise, this moment of humiliation on behalf of the Zionist entity,” she said.
And if anyone was in doubt this is what...
ITV News London interviewed Latifa Abouchakra on Monday, describing her as a “British Palestinian woman living in London” and quoting her views on the discrimination faced by Muslim people in the UK.
The ITN-produced news show did not disclose that Abouchakra works as a reporter for Press TV, the Iranian propaganda machine that has been banned from broadcasting in the UK.
In an Instagram post on October 7, Abouchakra hailed Hamas’ attack on Israel, during which more than 1,400 people were killed.
“Nothing will ever be able to take back this moment, this moment of triumph, this moment of resistance, this moment of surprise, this moment of humiliation on behalf of the Zionist entity,” she said.
And if anyone was in doubt this is what...
- 10/25/2023
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The staff working for UK commercial broadcaster ITV have been told they will have declare their relationships – sexual, romantic and, when appropriate, platonic – or risk losing their job.
The new policy comes in the wake of the departure of one of its highest profile hosts, Phillip Schofield – who presented This Morning alongside Holly Willoughby – and his admission that he had had a secret relationship with a younger male member of staff, and lied about this to his bosses at the channel.
The Times newspaper reports that the broadcaster has issued a “Personal Relationships at Work Policy” to all staff. The relationships are defined as: “a close connection such as a partner or significant other”, “a person living in the same household” and “anyone involved in a sexual, romantic or close relationship or friendship (whether short or longer term).” Staff must complete a Google Forms questionnaire.
Staff are told: “If a...
The new policy comes in the wake of the departure of one of its highest profile hosts, Phillip Schofield – who presented This Morning alongside Holly Willoughby – and his admission that he had had a secret relationship with a younger male member of staff, and lied about this to his bosses at the channel.
The Times newspaper reports that the broadcaster has issued a “Personal Relationships at Work Policy” to all staff. The relationships are defined as: “a close connection such as a partner or significant other”, “a person living in the same household” and “anyone involved in a sexual, romantic or close relationship or friendship (whether short or longer term).” Staff must complete a Google Forms questionnaire.
Staff are told: “If a...
- 10/22/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
Inspiration can start at home.
For the panel of executives at this year’s MIPCOM Women in Global Entertainment Power Lunch, an annual get-together of the female movers and shakers in the international television industry, their first role models were their own mothers.
“My mother had a master’s degree in physics, to give you an idea of the brilliance of her mind,” noted The Hollywood Reporter‘s co-editor-in-chief Nekesa Mumbi Moody when asked about her first mentor. “She was also one of the first Black engineers in New York. She was brilliant. She really wanted me to got into maths or science, but I was always attracted to words. I always wanted to talk about stories and tell other people’s stories.”
The answer echoed that of the other members on the Power Lunch panel: Ruth Berry, ITV Studios’ managing director of global partnerships, and Universal International Studios and UCP president Beatrice Springborn,...
For the panel of executives at this year’s MIPCOM Women in Global Entertainment Power Lunch, an annual get-together of the female movers and shakers in the international television industry, their first role models were their own mothers.
“My mother had a master’s degree in physics, to give you an idea of the brilliance of her mind,” noted The Hollywood Reporter‘s co-editor-in-chief Nekesa Mumbi Moody when asked about her first mentor. “She was also one of the first Black engineers in New York. She was brilliant. She really wanted me to got into maths or science, but I was always attracted to words. I always wanted to talk about stories and tell other people’s stories.”
The answer echoed that of the other members on the Power Lunch panel: Ruth Berry, ITV Studios’ managing director of global partnerships, and Universal International Studios and UCP president Beatrice Springborn,...
- 10/16/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV, has led the U.K. TV giant since 2018, driving its transformation for the digital age.
Freemium streaming service Itvx launched in late 2022 with such originals as Cold War drama A Spy Among Friends, starring Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce. It has brought the company “over 2 billion streams and a significant increase in users,” emphasizes McCall.
The firm’s production arm ITV Studios is “the largest producer in the U.K, one of the largest unscripted producers in the U.S. and one of the top three in the majority of the remaining international markets in which it operates,” ITV touts on its website. ITV Studios has launched such hit shows as Tomorrow Studios’ live-action manga adaptation One Piece, World Production’s Line of Duty from Jed Mercurio and Love Island, which is now commissioned in 27 territories. It also owns stakes in such companies as Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television.
Freemium streaming service Itvx launched in late 2022 with such originals as Cold War drama A Spy Among Friends, starring Damian Lewis and Guy Pearce. It has brought the company “over 2 billion streams and a significant increase in users,” emphasizes McCall.
The firm’s production arm ITV Studios is “the largest producer in the U.K, one of the largest unscripted producers in the U.S. and one of the top three in the majority of the remaining international markets in which it operates,” ITV touts on its website. ITV Studios has launched such hit shows as Tomorrow Studios’ live-action manga adaptation One Piece, World Production’s Line of Duty from Jed Mercurio and Love Island, which is now commissioned in 27 territories. It also owns stakes in such companies as Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Television.
- 10/15/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
We’ve got the keys to the weekend, Insider fans. Jesse Whittock here guiding you through the international film and TV stories you need to read to top off the working week.
Russell Brand Fallout
Serious allegations: Jake and Max headed to the Rts Cambridge Convention this week, a bi-annual confab bringing together the great-and-the-good of the British TV industry to ruminate and speculate over the future of the sector. But, as is so often the case, events got in the way. In the days leading up, Russell Brand was accused by four women of allegations ranging from rape to sexual assault via a bombshell joint investigation that has been nearly five years in the making from The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4. The entertainment world was rocked and the BBC, Channel 4 and Big Brother producer Banijay all reacted by launching investigations into historic allegations, while Brand, a one-time man-of-the-moment,...
Russell Brand Fallout
Serious allegations: Jake and Max headed to the Rts Cambridge Convention this week, a bi-annual confab bringing together the great-and-the-good of the British TV industry to ruminate and speculate over the future of the sector. But, as is so often the case, events got in the way. In the days leading up, Russell Brand was accused by four women of allegations ranging from rape to sexual assault via a bombshell joint investigation that has been nearly five years in the making from The Times, Sunday Times and Channel 4. The entertainment world was rocked and the BBC, Channel 4 and Big Brother producer Banijay all reacted by launching investigations into historic allegations, while Brand, a one-time man-of-the-moment,...
- 9/22/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. TV giant ITV’s CEO Carolyn McCall said on Thursday that “strong leaders” must ensure talent is managed properly to avoid “appalling” behavior in the TV industry.
Speaking in a keynote at the Royal Television Society (Rts) Cambridge Convention days after allegations against Russell Brand were reported, she was asked about reports on complaints about industry talent in general, with Brand’s name not being specifically mentioned. “It’s a really serious issue,” the ITV boss said. “It’s appalling, some of the things that have emerged.”
She emphasized that “how talent is managed” is a “very big area that we’ve spent an awful lot of time on,” adding: “You have to have strong leaders, managers, who will say, ‘That’s not appropriate,’ or, ‘We’ve had a complaint and this is what we’re going to do about it.’ And I think perhaps that has not happened enough.
Speaking in a keynote at the Royal Television Society (Rts) Cambridge Convention days after allegations against Russell Brand were reported, she was asked about reports on complaints about industry talent in general, with Brand’s name not being specifically mentioned. “It’s a really serious issue,” the ITV boss said. “It’s appalling, some of the things that have emerged.”
She emphasized that “how talent is managed” is a “very big area that we’ve spent an awful lot of time on,” adding: “You have to have strong leaders, managers, who will say, ‘That’s not appropriate,’ or, ‘We’ve had a complaint and this is what we’re going to do about it.’ And I think perhaps that has not happened enough.
- 9/21/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Strong leaders and managers” are required to call out bad behavior in the UK TV industry, ITV CEO Carolyn McCall said today as she addressed the Russell Brand allegations and slammed the government for its economic policies.
Although Brand has never worked on ITV and the BBC and Channel 4 have been far more in the firing line since the allegations, McCall said the management of talent is as important as victims speaking up to stop a repeat of Brand’s alleged behavior.
“You have to have strong leaders and managers who will say ‘that’s not appropriate’ or ‘we have had a complaint and here’s what we will do about it’,” she told the Rts Cambridge Convention. “Perhaps that has not happened enough because [the behavior has] not come out enough.”
McCall, however, said “anyone in government or anywhere else that could even think or imagine that we don’t take...
Although Brand has never worked on ITV and the BBC and Channel 4 have been far more in the firing line since the allegations, McCall said the management of talent is as important as victims speaking up to stop a repeat of Brand’s alleged behavior.
“You have to have strong leaders and managers who will say ‘that’s not appropriate’ or ‘we have had a complaint and here’s what we will do about it’,” she told the Rts Cambridge Convention. “Perhaps that has not happened enough because [the behavior has] not come out enough.”
McCall, however, said “anyone in government or anywhere else that could even think or imagine that we don’t take...
- 9/21/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Britain’s public service broadcasters (PSBs) are developing a new free TV service that will deliver live TV over broadband.
Set for launch in 2024, the service, called Freely, will allow viewers to browse and watch live TV channels together with on-demand content streamed to their smart TV via the internet. Freely will be built-in to the next generation of smart TVs and feature a lineup of public service broadcaster content and other free-to-air channels. It will replicate the terrestrial TV experience, building on the heritage and popularity of the Freeview TV platform, currently used in 16 million homes.
The initiative is being developed by Everyone TV, the organization which runs free TV in the U.K. and is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, said: “This new development is a reflection of the fact that a growing number of U.K.
Set for launch in 2024, the service, called Freely, will allow viewers to browse and watch live TV channels together with on-demand content streamed to their smart TV via the internet. Freely will be built-in to the next generation of smart TVs and feature a lineup of public service broadcaster content and other free-to-air channels. It will replicate the terrestrial TV experience, building on the heritage and popularity of the Freeview TV platform, currently used in 16 million homes.
The initiative is being developed by Everyone TV, the organization which runs free TV in the U.K. and is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, said: “This new development is a reflection of the fact that a growing number of U.K.
- 9/17/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
James Corden and Emma Thompson are among the industry leaders featuring in the speaker lineup of the U.K. Royal Television Society’s annual convention.
The program titled Too Much to Watch, will see Corden give his first industry interview since returning to the U.K., and Bryan Lourd, co-chair of Creative Artists Agency in conversation with Oscar and BAFTA winner Emma Thompson. The convention will also include conversations with Mike Fries, chief executive and vice chair, Liberty Global; Shay Segev, CEO, Dazn; Dana Strong, CEO, Sky; U.K. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer; BBC director general Tim Davie and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall.
Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4 and convention chair, said: “I’m thrilled to confirm an outstanding cast for this year’s convention, including some of the biggest names and most provocative figures in TV, globally esteemed and savvy CEOs, and a fresh contingent of visionary media innovators.
The program titled Too Much to Watch, will see Corden give his first industry interview since returning to the U.K., and Bryan Lourd, co-chair of Creative Artists Agency in conversation with Oscar and BAFTA winner Emma Thompson. The convention will also include conversations with Mike Fries, chief executive and vice chair, Liberty Global; Shay Segev, CEO, Dazn; Dana Strong, CEO, Sky; U.K. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer; BBC director general Tim Davie and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall.
Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4 and convention chair, said: “I’m thrilled to confirm an outstanding cast for this year’s convention, including some of the biggest names and most provocative figures in TV, globally esteemed and savvy CEOs, and a fresh contingent of visionary media innovators.
- 8/30/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
ITV programs boss Kevin Lygo has urged no “hasty judgement” before the independent report into Phillip Schofield is published, citing “enormous pressure from press and social media.”
The independent probe into the disgraced This Morning host will likely be published next month, the exec confirmed today at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The commercial broadcaster drafted in Jane Mulcahy Kc to examine the facts around Schofield’s relationship with a much younger runner in late May.
Lygo said Mulcahy has been “talking to everyone involved, taking our phones and looking at every text we’ve sent, including emails and WhatsApps,” as he joked: “I’m sure nothing relevant to this inquiry will be revealed [by my WhatsApps].”
Lygo confirmed the report will most likely be published at the end of next month and urged calm until then.
“The most important thing is to get facts and truth, not a hasty judgement,” he added. “There...
The independent probe into the disgraced This Morning host will likely be published next month, the exec confirmed today at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
The commercial broadcaster drafted in Jane Mulcahy Kc to examine the facts around Schofield’s relationship with a much younger runner in late May.
Lygo said Mulcahy has been “talking to everyone involved, taking our phones and looking at every text we’ve sent, including emails and WhatsApps,” as he joked: “I’m sure nothing relevant to this inquiry will be revealed [by my WhatsApps].”
Lygo confirmed the report will most likely be published at the end of next month and urged calm until then.
“The most important thing is to get facts and truth, not a hasty judgement,” he added. “There...
- 8/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Avalon boss Jon Thoday has said he is “surprised” that ITV bosses weren’t aware of Phillip Schofield’s relationship with a much younger runner on This Morning.
Speaking during the Power of TV debate at the Edinburgh TV Festival, the boss of the Starstruck producer and Rose Matafeo agency said “it is management’s job to know what is going on.”
Schofield resigned in disgrace several weeks ago from the popular breakfast show and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has since said “no evidence” of the affair was brought to her team, while more This Morning current and former staff have since approached a government committee with toxicity complaints. ITV has said it informally approached the younger runner and Schofield around a dozen times over the years about the affair rumors.
“If you run a business and someone is doing something wrong it’s unusual for [management] not to know about it,...
Speaking during the Power of TV debate at the Edinburgh TV Festival, the boss of the Starstruck producer and Rose Matafeo agency said “it is management’s job to know what is going on.”
Schofield resigned in disgrace several weeks ago from the popular breakfast show and ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has since said “no evidence” of the affair was brought to her team, while more This Morning current and former staff have since approached a government committee with toxicity complaints. ITV has said it informally approached the younger runner and Schofield around a dozen times over the years about the affair rumors.
“If you run a business and someone is doing something wrong it’s unusual for [management] not to know about it,...
- 8/23/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
More individuals have raised concerns over toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harassment on This Morning since ITV bosses appeared for a grilling over the Phillip Schofield saga, the UK Committee reviewing it has said.
In a letter published today from Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to ITV CEO Carolyn McCall, Dinenage said “a large number of individuals” have been in touch since the June hearing.
Dinenage, whose letter was sent in late July, said individuals “speak with great pride” about working at ITV and are “hugely positive” about many colleagues. But “they also raise claims of toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harrassment,” she went on to write.
Dinenage queried McCall and fellow ITV bosses’ claims that there have been only two complaints from people working on the show in five years. This came up during the June hearing, when committee member John Nicolson said he had personally received many more than two.
In a letter published today from Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage to ITV CEO Carolyn McCall, Dinenage said “a large number of individuals” have been in touch since the June hearing.
Dinenage, whose letter was sent in late July, said individuals “speak with great pride” about working at ITV and are “hugely positive” about many colleagues. But “they also raise claims of toxic working cultures, bullying, discrimination and harrassment,” she went on to write.
Dinenage queried McCall and fellow ITV bosses’ claims that there have been only two complaints from people working on the show in five years. This came up during the June hearing, when committee member John Nicolson said he had personally received many more than two.
- 8/9/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV’s evidence during a parliamentary inquiry into the Phillip Schofield scandal has been branded “inconsistent” and “contradictory,” letters reveal today.
Earlier this summer ITV boss Carolyn McCall, head of media Kevin Lygo and the network’s general counsel Kyla Mullins appeared before the committee for Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) to discuss Schofield and the events that led to him resigning from the network earlier this year.
The former “This Morning” anchor was one of ITV’s best known faces until his fall from grace, triggered by an admission he had had an affair with a young member of staff on the show.
In a letter sent by the Culture Committee chair Caroline Dinenage after the inquiry, she asked McCall to clarify whether Schofield had stepped down voluntarily from the network or was pushed, describing Lygo’s responses on the point as “at best inconsistent.”
During the Q&a session at Westminster in June,...
Earlier this summer ITV boss Carolyn McCall, head of media Kevin Lygo and the network’s general counsel Kyla Mullins appeared before the committee for Culture, Media and Sport (Cms) to discuss Schofield and the events that led to him resigning from the network earlier this year.
The former “This Morning” anchor was one of ITV’s best known faces until his fall from grace, triggered by an admission he had had an affair with a young member of staff on the show.
In a letter sent by the Culture Committee chair Caroline Dinenage after the inquiry, she asked McCall to clarify whether Schofield had stepped down voluntarily from the network or was pushed, describing Lygo’s responses on the point as “at best inconsistent.”
During the Q&a session at Westminster in June,...
- 8/9/2023
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) and Liberty Global’s bid to sell The Tourist and Traitors maker All3Media could be hampered by concerns over a hefty debt pile and weighty £1B ($1.3B) valuation.
Despite ITV pulling out of the running for the super-indie last month, our sources remain confident that a deal will ultimately make but several have told us that challenges in the global economy could hold up the process and that interested parties still have multiple concerns.
Mike Fries, CEO and Vice Chairman of All3’s part-owner Liberty Global, recently signaled a “broader [sales] process” will get underway in September after UK network ITV walked away. We hear prospective buyers have baulked at the estimated £1B valuation, especially amid a downturn in the ad and streaming markets and during two strikes, let alone economic challenges in the UK and other parts of Europe.
“People are saying that it’s too...
Despite ITV pulling out of the running for the super-indie last month, our sources remain confident that a deal will ultimately make but several have told us that challenges in the global economy could hold up the process and that interested parties still have multiple concerns.
Mike Fries, CEO and Vice Chairman of All3’s part-owner Liberty Global, recently signaled a “broader [sales] process” will get underway in September after UK network ITV walked away. We hear prospective buyers have baulked at the estimated £1B valuation, especially amid a downturn in the ad and streaming markets and during two strikes, let alone economic challenges in the UK and other parts of Europe.
“People are saying that it’s too...
- 8/4/2023
- by Max Goldbart and Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
All3Media, the production-distribution giant behind “Fleabag,” “The Traitors” and Jamie Dornan-starrer “The Tourist,” will return to the sales block in September after ITV backed away from a deal last month.
The indie powerhouse, which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global, is now being quietly courted by a string of European players, from Plan B owner Mediawan to Banijay and Sony Pictures, according to several industry sources.
It’s understood that ITV had a preemptive right to explore an acquisition of All3Media, since both companies have a joint shareholder in Liberty Global (which owns nearly 9.9% of ITV). Sources indicate a deal wasn’t just likely, it was almost across the finish line. Some executives at the company were even calculating their redundancy packages due to the overlap between ITV and All3Media’s assets, particularly on the unscripted side.
But sources say the mood changed internally...
The indie powerhouse, which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global, is now being quietly courted by a string of European players, from Plan B owner Mediawan to Banijay and Sony Pictures, according to several industry sources.
It’s understood that ITV had a preemptive right to explore an acquisition of All3Media, since both companies have a joint shareholder in Liberty Global (which owns nearly 9.9% of ITV). Sources indicate a deal wasn’t just likely, it was almost across the finish line. Some executives at the company were even calculating their redundancy packages due to the overlap between ITV and All3Media’s assets, particularly on the unscripted side.
But sources say the mood changed internally...
- 7/31/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy and Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
U.K. commercial broadcaster ITV is ready to step into the breach in case of U.S. programming schedules being impacted down the line because of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
“We are hoping for a swift resolution [to the strikes]” said Julian Bellamy, MD of ITV’s production arm ITV Studios. “In terms of the broader point, one of our strengths is a strong U.K. and international pipeline and we do have a distribution arm that offers a catalogue of 90,000 hours. So we’re in a good position to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.”
“Or to just to help,” added ITV CEO Carolyn McCall. “What we’ll be doing is to see whether we can help fill their schedules. We’re not gonna be charging premiums, by the way, we think we should be offering our customers what they [want] from our catalogue if they require it.”
McCall and...
“We are hoping for a swift resolution [to the strikes]” said Julian Bellamy, MD of ITV’s production arm ITV Studios. “In terms of the broader point, one of our strengths is a strong U.K. and international pipeline and we do have a distribution arm that offers a catalogue of 90,000 hours. So we’re in a good position to take advantage of any opportunities that arise.”
“Or to just to help,” added ITV CEO Carolyn McCall. “What we’ll be doing is to see whether we can help fill their schedules. We’re not gonna be charging premiums, by the way, we think we should be offering our customers what they [want] from our catalogue if they require it.”
McCall and...
- 7/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
ITV bosses have provided color on how the U.S. labor strikes are impacting the UK broadcaster and why they walked away from a £1B ($1.3B) deal to acquire The Traitors production group All3Media.
On a call with journalists this morning, ITV Studios Managing Director Julian Bellamy said the writers and actors strikes would not have “a material impact” on his production and sales division’s 2023 financials, stressing the division produces across genres in multiple territories.
“Saying that, if the strike goes into the autumn, it will potentially impact on the start of [ITV Studios] productions” in the U.S., he added. “Obviously, we’re hoping for a swift resolution.”
Bellamy was asked if U.S. networks had approached ITV Studios, which has a catalog of about 90,000 hours, to help fill scheduling gaps created by the strikes. “We’re not seeing that,” he responded. “We work with them all the time on originals,...
On a call with journalists this morning, ITV Studios Managing Director Julian Bellamy said the writers and actors strikes would not have “a material impact” on his production and sales division’s 2023 financials, stressing the division produces across genres in multiple territories.
“Saying that, if the strike goes into the autumn, it will potentially impact on the start of [ITV Studios] productions” in the U.S., he added. “Obviously, we’re hoping for a swift resolution.”
Bellamy was asked if U.S. networks had approached ITV Studios, which has a catalog of about 90,000 hours, to help fill scheduling gaps created by the strikes. “We’re not seeing that,” he responded. “We work with them all the time on originals,...
- 7/27/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. network ITV has posted a drop in its interim earnings, citing a “challenging” advertising market and planned investment in its video on-demand service Itvx.
In its half-year financial results, released Thursday, the broadcaster showed that total external revenues had fallen 2 percent to 1.63 billion pounds ($2.11 billion).
Earnings before interest, taxes and amortization (Ebita) were 133 million pounds, a plunge from 295 million pounds during the same period last year. Statutory profit before tax hit 45 million pounds, a sharp drop from the 219 million pounds it declared in its 2022 half-yearly results.
Media and entertainment revenue fell 9 percent to 964 million pounds, with total advertising revenue down 11 percent. Within this, digital advertising revenue was up 24 percent to 179 million pounds.
At ITV’s production arm ITV Studios, revenue was up by 8 percent to 1 billion pounds , driven by the U.K. High-end scripted output was down to 109 hours from 133 hours in the first half of 2022, something ITV...
In its half-year financial results, released Thursday, the broadcaster showed that total external revenues had fallen 2 percent to 1.63 billion pounds ($2.11 billion).
Earnings before interest, taxes and amortization (Ebita) were 133 million pounds, a plunge from 295 million pounds during the same period last year. Statutory profit before tax hit 45 million pounds, a sharp drop from the 219 million pounds it declared in its 2022 half-yearly results.
Media and entertainment revenue fell 9 percent to 964 million pounds, with total advertising revenue down 11 percent. Within this, digital advertising revenue was up 24 percent to 179 million pounds.
At ITV’s production arm ITV Studios, revenue was up by 8 percent to 1 billion pounds , driven by the U.K. High-end scripted output was down to 109 hours from 133 hours in the first half of 2022, something ITV...
- 7/27/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Half-year earnings at the UK’s largest commercial network, ITV, fell more than 50%, its latest interim financials show.
Group adjusted Ebita was down 52% at £152M ($197M) for the six months to June 30 — a result the broadcaster expected as the global advertising market continues to suffer. Last year the figure was £318M. Earnings per share were down 62%.
Revenues at ITV’s Media & Entertainment segment was down 9% at £964M but strong performances from production and sales wing ITV Studios (£1B) and the digital division (£218M), which houses streamer Itvx, meant total external revenues came in at £1.64B, down just 2% on the same six months in 2022.
ITV Studios already has 89% of committed revenues for the full year, in line with last year, with new and returnable programs lined up.
ITV said Itvx, which replaced ITV Hub in November last year, was “attracting increased users, who are watching more and staying for longer” compared with its predecessor.
Group adjusted Ebita was down 52% at £152M ($197M) for the six months to June 30 — a result the broadcaster expected as the global advertising market continues to suffer. Last year the figure was £318M. Earnings per share were down 62%.
Revenues at ITV’s Media & Entertainment segment was down 9% at £964M but strong performances from production and sales wing ITV Studios (£1B) and the digital division (£218M), which houses streamer Itvx, meant total external revenues came in at £1.64B, down just 2% on the same six months in 2022.
ITV Studios already has 89% of committed revenues for the full year, in line with last year, with new and returnable programs lined up.
ITV said Itvx, which replaced ITV Hub in November last year, was “attracting increased users, who are watching more and staying for longer” compared with its predecessor.
- 7/27/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster ITV’s total external revenues declined 2% to £1.63 billion ($2.11 billion), according to half year financial results released on Thursday.
The decline, which is due to a challenging advertising market, was offset by growth in ITV Studios and digital revenues.
Earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization (Ebita) plunged to £133 million from £295 million during the same period last year. Statutory profit before tax was £45 million, a steep drop from the £219 million declared during the 2022 half yearly results.
Group adjusted Ebita was down 52% at £152 million, which the “Love Island” broadcaster said was “as expected” and reflected the challenging advertising market and the planned investment in streamer Itvx.
Media and entertainment revenue was down 9% at £964 million, with total advertising revenue (Tar) down 11%. Within this, digital advertising revenue was up 24% to £179 million. Media and entertainment adjusted Ebita was £23 million, down from £194 million in 2022.
Total ITV Studios revenue was up 8% to £1 billion, driven by the U.
The decline, which is due to a challenging advertising market, was offset by growth in ITV Studios and digital revenues.
Earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization (Ebita) plunged to £133 million from £295 million during the same period last year. Statutory profit before tax was £45 million, a steep drop from the £219 million declared during the 2022 half yearly results.
Group adjusted Ebita was down 52% at £152 million, which the “Love Island” broadcaster said was “as expected” and reflected the challenging advertising market and the planned investment in streamer Itvx.
Media and entertainment revenue was down 9% at £964 million, with total advertising revenue (Tar) down 11%. Within this, digital advertising revenue was up 24% to £179 million. Media and entertainment adjusted Ebita was £23 million, down from £194 million in 2022.
Total ITV Studios revenue was up 8% to £1 billion, driven by the U.
- 7/27/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Brit TV chef James Martin is at the center of a bullying storm after he was accused of intimidating his crew on multiple occasions.
Deadline can reveal that ITV has told Martin to change his behavior after the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster received a complaint in May about his conduct from some of the presenter’s closest colleagues.
Concerns were raised about Martin’s treatment of crew during recent filming on James Martin’s Spanish Adventure, the latest in a long line of travel cooking shows the chef has fronted for ITV over his six-year spell with the broadcaster.
Deadline understands that the complaint is the second time ITV has been made aware of misgivings about Martin’s conduct following a separate incident in 2018 when he launched a foul-mouthed tirade against staff after a drain was blocked at his home during the production of James Martin’s Saturday Morning.
Deadline can reveal that ITV has told Martin to change his behavior after the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster received a complaint in May about his conduct from some of the presenter’s closest colleagues.
Concerns were raised about Martin’s treatment of crew during recent filming on James Martin’s Spanish Adventure, the latest in a long line of travel cooking shows the chef has fronted for ITV over his six-year spell with the broadcaster.
Deadline understands that the complaint is the second time ITV has been made aware of misgivings about Martin’s conduct following a separate incident in 2018 when he launched a foul-mouthed tirade against staff after a drain was blocked at his home during the production of James Martin’s Saturday Morning.
- 7/26/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV “No Longer Actively Exploring” All3Media Acquisition From Warner Bros. Discovery, Liberty Global
ITV said on Friday that it was “no longer actively exploring” an acquisition of All3Media from Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global. In June, the U.K. TV giant, led by CEO Carolyn McCall, had said it was “actively exploring” such a deal.
“There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction,” ITV had emphasized back then. “A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”
This announcement, in the form of a statement to the London Stock Exchange, came early on Friday London time. “ITV plc confirms it continues to monitor but is no longer actively exploring the possible acquisition of All3Media,” the company said. And it highlighted: “ITV plc assesses all potential value-creating M&a opportunities against its strict financial criteria and disciplined capital allocation framework.”
Entertainment conglomerates Warner Bros. Discovery and John Malone’s...
“There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction,” ITV had emphasized back then. “A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”
This announcement, in the form of a statement to the London Stock Exchange, came early on Friday London time. “ITV plc confirms it continues to monitor but is no longer actively exploring the possible acquisition of All3Media,” the company said. And it highlighted: “ITV plc assesses all potential value-creating M&a opportunities against its strict financial criteria and disciplined capital allocation framework.”
Entertainment conglomerates Warner Bros. Discovery and John Malone’s...
- 7/14/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Creative Diversity Network’s sixth annual report on inclusivity in the U.K. TV industry reveals a generally sorry state of affairs with some sparks of progress.
The report analyzes data collected through the Diamond diversity monitoring system, used by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount (which owns U.K. broadcaster Channel 5), UKTV and Sky to obtain consistent diversity data on programs they commission, revealing several areas of concern within the industry, particularly in off-screen and senior roles.
A significant finding is that women are making fewer contributions compared to four years ago, primarily due to a decline in senior roles. The number of female writers and directors remains alarmingly low, contributing to the overall decrease. Disabled individuals and individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (Bame) backgrounds also continue to be underrepresented in senior positions, while craft roles remain largely segregated.
Except for the role of commissioning editor,...
The report analyzes data collected through the Diamond diversity monitoring system, used by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Paramount (which owns U.K. broadcaster Channel 5), UKTV and Sky to obtain consistent diversity data on programs they commission, revealing several areas of concern within the industry, particularly in off-screen and senior roles.
A significant finding is that women are making fewer contributions compared to four years ago, primarily due to a decline in senior roles. The number of female writers and directors remains alarmingly low, contributing to the overall decrease. Disabled individuals and individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (Bame) backgrounds also continue to be underrepresented in senior positions, while craft roles remain largely segregated.
Except for the role of commissioning editor,...
- 7/6/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
The controversial Jeremy Clarkson Sun column last year slamming Meghan Markle has been censured for “a pejorative and prejudicial reference to the Duchess of Sussex’s sex,” but escaped punishment for harassing her or being prejudicial on grounds of race.
UK newspaper regulator Ipso has immediately ordered Rupert Murdoch’s UK newspaper to publish a summary of the findings on the same page as the column appears along with the front page and on its website.
Ipso ruled that the former Top Gear host’s column, titled “One day, Harold the glove puppet will tell the truth about A Woman Talking B*****ks,” contained a “pejorative and prejudicial reference to the Duchess’ sex.”
The column, which was published in December 2022, said Markle should be “made to parade naked through the streets of every town in Britain while the crowds chant, ‘Shame!” and throw lumps of excrement at her” — a reference...
UK newspaper regulator Ipso has immediately ordered Rupert Murdoch’s UK newspaper to publish a summary of the findings on the same page as the column appears along with the front page and on its website.
Ipso ruled that the former Top Gear host’s column, titled “One day, Harold the glove puppet will tell the truth about A Woman Talking B*****ks,” contained a “pejorative and prejudicial reference to the Duchess’ sex.”
The column, which was published in December 2022, said Markle should be “made to parade naked through the streets of every town in Britain while the crowds chant, ‘Shame!” and throw lumps of excrement at her” — a reference...
- 6/30/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Hello Insiders, Jesse Whittock here to take you through a scorching week in international TV and film. Don’t forget to subscribe. Let’s go.
Strike Goes Global
“What happens in America happens here”: More than 20 countries came together for a global day of solidarity Wednesday, as protestors showed support for striking scribes in the U.S. In the UK, Germany, France, Korea and many other places, writers around the world showed why shepherding the WGA through its labor dispute matters. We were on the ground in the UK and Germany, and in the former a succession (see what we did there) of senior scribes along with around 200 others lined up to show support, including Jesse Armstrong, Russell T. Davies, Jack Thorne, Charlie Brooker and, from across the pond, The Flash showrunner Eric Wallace. “What happens in America happens here,” declared Doctor Who showrunner Davies, who revealed to Deadline...
Strike Goes Global
“What happens in America happens here”: More than 20 countries came together for a global day of solidarity Wednesday, as protestors showed support for striking scribes in the U.S. In the UK, Germany, France, Korea and many other places, writers around the world showed why shepherding the WGA through its labor dispute matters. We were on the ground in the UK and Germany, and in the former a succession (see what we did there) of senior scribes along with around 200 others lined up to show support, including Jesse Armstrong, Russell T. Davies, Jack Thorne, Charlie Brooker and, from across the pond, The Flash showrunner Eric Wallace. “What happens in America happens here,” declared Doctor Who showrunner Davies, who revealed to Deadline...
- 6/16/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV said Friday that it was “actively exploring” a potential acquisition of All3Media.
Entertainment conglomerates Warner Bros. Discovery and John Malone’s cable and telecom giant Liberty Global have been considering alternatives for their production joint venture All3Media, the largest TV production firm in Britain. Its titles also include the likes of The Traitors and The Tourist, as well as the 2019 film 1917.
Potential buyers previously mentioned by industry sources and analysts included ITV, but also the likes of production giants Fremantle and Banijay, as well as private equity firms.
In a Friday statement, ITV, led by CEO Carolyn McCall, noted “the recent media speculation and confirms that it is actively exploring the possible acquisition of All3Media.” It added: “There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction. A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.
Entertainment conglomerates Warner Bros. Discovery and John Malone’s cable and telecom giant Liberty Global have been considering alternatives for their production joint venture All3Media, the largest TV production firm in Britain. Its titles also include the likes of The Traitors and The Tourist, as well as the 2019 film 1917.
Potential buyers previously mentioned by industry sources and analysts included ITV, but also the likes of production giants Fremantle and Banijay, as well as private equity firms.
In a Friday statement, ITV, led by CEO Carolyn McCall, noted “the recent media speculation and confirms that it is actively exploring the possible acquisition of All3Media.” It added: “There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction. A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.
- 6/16/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
U.K. broadcaster ITV has confirmed that it’s “actively exploring the possible acquisition” of “Fleabag” and “The Traitors” producer All3Media.
In a letter to shareholders on Friday morning local time, the “Love Island” broadcaster confirmed media speculation about its talks to buy All3Media, which was first reported by Reuters.
“There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction,” reads the letter. “A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”
Citing sources close to the deal, Reuters reported on Thursday that ITV is looking to combine All3Media with its own in-house production and distribution business ITV Studios, which itself has been the subject of sales speculation in the last year.
London-headquartered TV producer All3Media is responsible for shows including “Gogglebox,” “Call the Midwife” and Jamie Dornan-led drama “The Tourist.” The company...
In a letter to shareholders on Friday morning local time, the “Love Island” broadcaster confirmed media speculation about its talks to buy All3Media, which was first reported by Reuters.
“There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction,” reads the letter. “A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”
Citing sources close to the deal, Reuters reported on Thursday that ITV is looking to combine All3Media with its own in-house production and distribution business ITV Studios, which itself has been the subject of sales speculation in the last year.
London-headquartered TV producer All3Media is responsible for shows including “Gogglebox,” “Call the Midwife” and Jamie Dornan-led drama “The Tourist.” The company...
- 6/16/2023
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
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