Broadcasting & Cable News

Advanced Ad Efforts Pay Off for Sling

November 25, 2018

A week after dish network’s top executive admitted that the profitability of the satellite TV company’s virtual pay TV platform isn’t nearly what he’d like it to be, Sling TV’s lead executive said there’s plenty to be optimistic about going forward in regard to advanced advertising. “Sling is ...

Kids’ Nets Fight Back Against Digital Bullies

November 25, 2018

WHY THIS MATTERS: Kids are streaming and gaming, cutting into ratings and revenue for children’s programmers, which are fighting back with more digital content. When SpongeBob SquarePants first appeared on Nickelodeon in 1999, kids didn’t have YouTube to watch. They couldn’t stream Hulu or check ...

The Watchman: Netflix Visits Dark Ages England, 'Agatha Raisin' Makes Some Movies, Bravo Gets 'Dirty'

November 25, 2018

Season Three of The Last Kingdom begins on Netflix Monday, Nov. 19. King Alfred’s plan to unite the kingdoms of England is jeopardized by attacks from those pesky Danes. Alexander Dreymon plays Danish warrior Uhtred. “The season starts off with him in a very peaceful place,” Dreymon said, “which is ...

Maffei Sounds Warning on Spiraling Content Costs

November 25, 2018

Netflix may be at the top of the video food chain at the moment, but Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei warned that the subscription video-on-demand pioneer has created an environment of ever-increasing content budgets that may not be sustainable for long. Maffei has been skeptical of the enormous ...

Antitrust Chief Warns Against TV Station Ad Info Exchange

November 25, 2018

The Trump administration’s chief antitrust enforcer had a message for broadcasters who might be sharing certain competitive advertising information: Think twice. Justice Department antitrust chief Makan Delrahim reminded businesses — broadcast and otherwise — that “agreements between competitors to ...

‘Law & Order’ Coming to Katz Networks' Escape

November 25, 2018

The long-running drama Law & Order, whose reruns have lifted innumerable cable networks, is coming to Escape, the digital multicast network from Katz Networks. Katz, part of the E.W. Scripps Co., acquired the rights to the first 12 seasons of Law & Order in a multi-year licensing agreement ...

Meredith Ahr Upped at NBC

November 25, 2018

Meredith Ahr has been promoted to president, alternative and reality group at NBC Entertainment. The 17-year NBC veteran will oversee all aspects of unscripted programming at the network, Universal Television Alternative Studio and first-run syndication. Ahr will report to NBC Co-Chairmen George ...

Court Clears Way for Byron Allen Bias Suit Against Charter

November 25, 2018

A federal appeals court has upheld a California District Court ruling that Byron Allen's Entertainment Studios Networks (ESN) was not barred from suing Charter over its allegation the cable operator's decision not to carry his programming was racially motivated. A three-judge panel of the U.S. ...

‘Crashing’ and ‘High Maintenance’ Back on HBO Jan. 20

November 25, 2018

Seasons three of comedies Crashing and High Maintenance start on HBO Sunday, Jan. 20. Crashing was created by Pete Holmes, who stars in the show as well. The series draws on Holmes’ experiences as a comedian. HBO has eight episodes in season three. Holmes executive produces, along with Judd Apatow, ...