BBC boss Tony Hall says licence fee has 10 more years left June 21, 2015 BBC boss Lord Hall has fired his opening salvo in what is likely to be a tense debate over the future of the BBC. The BBC's director general said that he agreed with the argument put forward by the culture, media and sport select committee in the last parliament that the licence fee would be [...]
The future of the Top Gear brand lies in its content not the presenters June 19, 2015 Even after the removal of Jeremy Clarkson, it was obvious that the BBC were not going to let go of the Top Gear brand altogether. Not only is it one of the most-watched programmes in the world, with an estimated global audience of more than 350m, it is the corporation’s most lucrative money spinner [...]
James Murdoch confirmed as new 21st Century Fox chief exec June 16, 2015 James Murdoch will succeed his father Rupert as chief executive officer of 21st Century Fox, the company confirmed on Tuesday. Company founder Rupert Murdoch will hand over duties on July 1 when he will become executive co-chairman alongside elder son Lachlan. Read more: Rupert Murdoch steps down – here's every company he owns In a statement [...]
Top Gear: BBC picks Chris Evans to replace Jeremy Clarkson as presenter June 16, 2015 The BBC has chosen Chris Evans to replace Jeremy Clarkson as presenter of its flagship car show Top Gear. Evans, who has fronted shows such as The Big Breakfast and The One Show, has signed a three-year contract with the broadcaster to lead a new Top Gear line-up. Read more: Chris Evans is making a [...]
Alibaba wants to create China’s HBO and Netflix equivalent June 14, 2015 Alibaba is releasing a Netflix-style streaming service in two months, the firm's head of digital entertainment revealed today. The service will be called Tmall Box Office – "TBO" for short – and will feature Alibaba-produced content as well as programming acquired from China and other territories. Read more: Alibaba Pictures share price tumbles following $1.6bn placement [...]
Jurassic World: Colossal $500m box office gives dinosaur thriller biggest opening weekend in history June 14, 2015 Jurassic World has stomped its way to the top of the international box office with a mammoth opening weekend thought to be over $500m. The fourth film in the dinosaur franchise made over $500m around the world this weekend – making it the first film in history to do so. In the US it recorded [...]
Jurassic World: Why fans may be disappointed but Hollywood will certainly be happy June 12, 2015 Within three days of being uploaded onto YouTube, over 30m people had watched the trailer for Jurassic World, which enters UK cinemas this weekend. It immediately became one of the most watched trailers of 2014, picking up more views than the trailers for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and The Hunger Games: [...]
Ofcom details proposed price caps on BT’s high-speed business lines June 12, 2015 Ofcom has detailed proposed price controls on BT's leased telecoms lines, saying they would mean significant reductions for many businesses reliant on the high-speed lines. BT has "significant power" in the £2bn leased lines market, which provides vital high-speed broadband and mobile services, according to Ofcom who want to implement charge controls. Read more: BT dismisses [...]
TFI Friday could return permanently after tonight’s anniversary special June 12, 2015 TFI Friday could make a more permanent return to our screens, if tonight's one-off special is a hit (which it is almost certain to be). The Chris Evans-fronted show, which first broadcast in 1996, is coming back for one night only. It will be aired at 9pm – much later than the traditional 6pm [...]
Rupert Murdoch reportedly stepping down from 21st Century Fox June 11, 2015 Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is preparing to step down from his empire at 21st Century Fox, according to reports. Murdoch is expected to hand over the reigns to son James within six months to a year, according to CNBC, citing unnamed sources close to the family. The 84-year-old will remain as executive chairman and will [...]