Longtime NBC comedy Scrubs is heading to rival network ABC. Sources say ABC is in negotiations to pick up 18 episodes of the show from Disney corporate sibling ABC Studios, which has produced the series for NBC since 2001.
A broadcast show switching networks, though often discussed during contract renewals,… Continue Reading >>
Industry, International Media, Television, Television Programmes February 29th 2008 — 4:01 pm
There’s speculation in New Zealand that News Corporations Sky TV business (which includes both free to air and Pay TV) might be about to do some sort of deal with Foxtel.
A merger has been suggested, but that would need the approval of Telstra and Cons Media Holdings, which is… Continue Reading >>
Industry, International Media, Subscription Television, Television February 28th 2008 — 4:09 pm
Veteran broadcaster Clive Robertson has left Sydney radio station 2UE, but former bosses say that his departure was not related to controversial comments made about rape victims.
Robertson was a target of last week’s edition of ABC1’s Media Watch, where the program looked at his comments drawing comparisons to women… Continue Reading >>
Celebrities / Personalities, Radio February 28th 2008 — 2:44 pm
After nine years staying up past bedtime as host of the late-night Lateline, Tony Jones will cut back that commitment to two nights a week from midyear.
But the ABC’s grand inquisitor isn’t turning down the heat on Canberra; he’s just moving his trademark political cross-examinations to prime time as… Continue Reading >>
Appointments, Industry, Television, Television Programmes February 28th 2008 — 10:15 am
Regional subscription television operator Austar has struck gold with its MyStar box, with the company revealing it’s struggling to keep up with demand for its digital video recorder. The company has installed 10,000 boxes in its customers’ home just weeks after its official launch.
CEO John Porter said there was… Continue Reading >>
Digital Television, Industry, Subscription Television February 27th 2008 — 10:50 am
Press Release:
The Nine Network Australia today announced that highly regarded television executive, Les Sampson, has been appointed to the role of Director of Acquisitions, Daytime Programming and Digital Television.
Michael Healy, Director of Programming, Nine Network Australia said: “We are delighted to be working with Les again. Les brings… Continue Reading >>
Appointments, Industry, Subscription Television, Television February 26th 2008 — 6:01 pm
Multicultural broadcaster SBS has been found guilty of airing sexually explicit material nearly 12 months ago, according to a new report from the Australian Communications and Media Authority. ACMA found that the broadcaster breached its codes of conduct by airing the British documentary Obscene Machines in April last year. The… Continue Reading >>
Industry, Television Programmes February 26th 2008 — 12:35 pm
Prime Media Group has expressed interest in buying the Fairfax Media-owned River 94.9 in Ipswich, which is on the market in order to comply with a ruling made by ACMA.
“Regional radio continues to be an area of interest to us,” Prime’s chief executive, Warwick Syphers, said yesterday, and added… Continue Reading >>
Seven Network Limited has told West Australian Newspaper Holdings that it wants shareholders to think about removing directors from its board. Seven chairman Kerry Stokes says his company is “appalled at the lack of leadership of the board and the resulting performance of the company.”
“Financially the reduction in the… Continue Reading >>
Former Big Brother housemate Zach Douglas has been dumped from the panel of the Seven Network’s high definition panel show The Night Cap, following a segment where advice given to a viewer on kissing became an overtly sexual joke-fest.
The comments on last Tuesday’s show left fellow panel member Matthew… Continue Reading >>
Celebrities / Personalities, Digital Television, Television Programmes February 25th 2008 — 8:51 am
Mel Gibson’s Icon Film Distribution has bought the Dendy Cinema and Film distributions from Becker Group. Originally to be sold back to the Becker family after Prime Media’s $30 million acquistion of Becker Group, Icon will pay $21 million for the businesses. The original sale plan was scrapped… Continue Reading >>
Industry, Subscription Television, Talking Points, Uncategorised February 22nd 2008 — 7:42 pm
Consolidated Media Holdings have reported a net profit rise to $57 million for the first half of this financial year, thanks to dividends from their subscription television interests and online job site seek.
Foxtel’s profit improvements have benefited CMH, accounting for $15 million of CMH’s earnings for the half year,… Continue Reading >>
Industry, Print, Subscription Television, Television February 21st 2008 — 7:02 am
The National Basketball League says it is optimistic its competition will continue to be broadcast on television. The league’s broadcast deal with Fox Sports and Channel Nine expires at the end of the NBL finals.
NBL interim chief executive Chuck Harmison says he hopes the partnership continues.
“I’m holding out… Continue Reading >>
Subscription Television, Television February 21st 2008 — 7:00 am
Punters will be able to have a punt through their television soon after the Victorian Government approved a Tabcorp wagering service through Sky Racing on Foxtel. The service will be run by interactive television company Two Way TV and is believed to start in April.
Punters in NSW wont be… Continue Reading >>
Digital Television, Industry, Subscription Television February 21st 2008 — 6:50 am
Foxtel’s first half results released today have shown growth in both revenue and subscribers with subscriptions up 13% and revenue up 17%.
Foxtel’s direct subscriber numbers to the end of December reached 1,335,000 with the total subscriber base (inclusive of business customers) of 1,492,000. The total subscriber figure passed… Continue Reading >>
Digital Television, Subscription Television February 20th 2008 — 9:03 pm