Edward L. Scanlon was the ultimate insider.
The long-serving NBC executive was a hugely influential player in the life of the network during the decades when it was owned by RCA and later General Electric. Scanlon was involved in everything from corporate recruiting and personnel vetting to labor negotiations to high-level M&a activity during his 44 years with RCA, Hertz and NBC. He was a close confidant of Ge chairman Jack Welch. But Scanlon never courted the spotlight, preferring to stay behind the scenes. In 2001, as Scanlon prepared to retire from NBC, the New York Times published a rare profile that described him as “NBC’s Negotiator and Fixer.”
Here, veteran media consultant and corporate recruiter Stuart Sucherman pays tribute to his longtime friend and colleague. Scanlon died March 17 in Naples, Florida, one day before his 90th birthday.
The role that Ed played at NBC for 30 years is hard to define.
The long-serving NBC executive was a hugely influential player in the life of the network during the decades when it was owned by RCA and later General Electric. Scanlon was involved in everything from corporate recruiting and personnel vetting to labor negotiations to high-level M&a activity during his 44 years with RCA, Hertz and NBC. He was a close confidant of Ge chairman Jack Welch. But Scanlon never courted the spotlight, preferring to stay behind the scenes. In 2001, as Scanlon prepared to retire from NBC, the New York Times published a rare profile that described him as “NBC’s Negotiator and Fixer.”
Here, veteran media consultant and corporate recruiter Stuart Sucherman pays tribute to his longtime friend and colleague. Scanlon died March 17 in Naples, Florida, one day before his 90th birthday.
The role that Ed played at NBC for 30 years is hard to define.
- 5/11/2024
- by Stuart Sucherman
- Variety Film + TV
Jeff Zucker, the former president of CNN and CEO of NBCUniversal, explained his M&a focus with RedBird Imi during a conference appearance in London on Thursday, saying that “quality programming that you own … will continue to be the key” in a media industry that has been facing “disruption” and various challenges.
The investment firm bases its work on a key premise. “The idea is that intellectual property and quality content, whether it’s entertainment or news and information, will succeed in the long run with the proper eventual amount of capital and patience,” the industry veteran explained at the Wall Street Journal event.
So, “investing, building, and growing” is the focus at RedBird Imi, which is “not what is really going on in a lot of media,” Zucker said. “It’s actually quite a relief right now to be in the process of trying to grow assets, and each...
The investment firm bases its work on a key premise. “The idea is that intellectual property and quality content, whether it’s entertainment or news and information, will succeed in the long run with the proper eventual amount of capital and patience,” the industry veteran explained at the Wall Street Journal event.
So, “investing, building, and growing” is the focus at RedBird Imi, which is “not what is really going on in a lot of media,” Zucker said. “It’s actually quite a relief right now to be in the process of trying to grow assets, and each...
- 5/9/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Imi, the new Abu Dhabi-backed owner of All3Media, has pulled out of its deal to buy the UK’s Daily Telegraph following press freedom concerns.
RedBird Imi will now have to effectively sell the Telegraph as it had already taken control of the British paper plus Spectator Magazine in December when it repaid owner the Barclay family’s debts, including a £600M ($753M) loan against the titles.
“RedBird Imi has today confirmed that it intends to withdraw from its proposed acquisition of the Telegraph Media Group and proceed with a sale,” a RedBird Imi spokesperson told Reuters. “We have held constructive conversations with the government about ensuring a smooth and orderly sale for both titles.”
The move comes months after RedBird Imi was prevented from bringing the deal home due to regulatory roadblocks amid concern at the upper echelons of UK government around press freedom.
RedBird Imi will now have to effectively sell the Telegraph as it had already taken control of the British paper plus Spectator Magazine in December when it repaid owner the Barclay family’s debts, including a £600M ($753M) loan against the titles.
“RedBird Imi has today confirmed that it intends to withdraw from its proposed acquisition of the Telegraph Media Group and proceed with a sale,” a RedBird Imi spokesperson told Reuters. “We have held constructive conversations with the government about ensuring a smooth and orderly sale for both titles.”
The move comes months after RedBird Imi was prevented from bringing the deal home due to regulatory roadblocks amid concern at the upper echelons of UK government around press freedom.
- 4/30/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Reports indicate Bakish could be out as soon as Monday as Paramount continues merger talks with Skydance Media.
Paramount Global has not completed its merger with Skydance Media, but it appears it’s taking the next step in that process. According to multiple reports, Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish is set to resign from the company under pressure and could see his exit come as early as Monday. Bakish has been sitting in the top chair since 2018 when CBS and Viacom merged into Paramount Global, but his vision for the company’s future is no longer aligned with the goals of its controlling shareholder Shari Redstone.
Key Details: Bakish has been an opponent of the merger with Skydance. Executives at CBS are concerned about what will happen to the company’s TV networks after Bakish’s departure. Skydance CEO David Ellison plans to take the top spot at the new Paramount Global,...
Paramount Global has not completed its merger with Skydance Media, but it appears it’s taking the next step in that process. According to multiple reports, Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish is set to resign from the company under pressure and could see his exit come as early as Monday. Bakish has been sitting in the top chair since 2018 when CBS and Viacom merged into Paramount Global, but his vision for the company’s future is no longer aligned with the goals of its controlling shareholder Shari Redstone.
Key Details: Bakish has been an opponent of the merger with Skydance. Executives at CBS are concerned about what will happen to the company’s TV networks after Bakish’s departure. Skydance CEO David Ellison plans to take the top spot at the new Paramount Global,...
- 4/29/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Confusion and anxiety reigned at a CBS-Politico joint party today ahead of the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner, with staffers shocked at news that Bob Bakish, CEO of parent Paramount Global, is set to exit abruptly as early as Monday morning.
There have been rumblings about Bakish for days as the company enters the final stretch of exclusive merger negotiations with David Ellison’s Skydance. But his imminent departure triggered a wave of anxious speculation tonight in Washington, D.C. Ellison has always been mostly interested in the movie studio and historic lot. Although it seems Skydance does plan to keep the company intact, at least for a time, network folks aren’t betting on it and felt uncertain about the future of CBS, and about who might be running Paramount Global in a few short days — a troika of top execs, a new chief executive?
“We knew changes were coming,...
There have been rumblings about Bakish for days as the company enters the final stretch of exclusive merger negotiations with David Ellison’s Skydance. But his imminent departure triggered a wave of anxious speculation tonight in Washington, D.C. Ellison has always been mostly interested in the movie studio and historic lot. Although it seems Skydance does plan to keep the company intact, at least for a time, network folks aren’t betting on it and felt uncertain about the future of CBS, and about who might be running Paramount Global in a few short days — a troika of top execs, a new chief executive?
“We knew changes were coming,...
- 4/28/2024
- by Dominic Patten and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
EverWonder Studio, the nonfiction production venture led by Ian Orefice and financed by Jeff Zucker’s RedBird Imi, has hired Michael Antinoro as its president, and is making a significant push into live programming with a new division.
The studio says that Antinoro will oversee production and strategy for the company, as well as its nascent live division. The executive is a veteran of the NBA, ESPN and Dick Clark Productions, and most recently was president of Endeavor’s Film 45.
“I’ve known Mike for nearly 20 years and have had the privilege of seeing him achieve incredible success. We are beyond thrilled to welcome such a talented and storied producer as Mike, drawing on his experience leading companies and producing some of the world’s biggest and most iconic properties,” said Orefice in a statement. “Our goal is to create a diverse slate of globally commercial content, and live...
The studio says that Antinoro will oversee production and strategy for the company, as well as its nascent live division. The executive is a veteran of the NBA, ESPN and Dick Clark Productions, and most recently was president of Endeavor’s Film 45.
“I’ve known Mike for nearly 20 years and have had the privilege of seeing him achieve incredible success. We are beyond thrilled to welcome such a talented and storied producer as Mike, drawing on his experience leading companies and producing some of the world’s biggest and most iconic properties,” said Orefice in a statement. “Our goal is to create a diverse slate of globally commercial content, and live...
- 4/26/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Skydance and Paramount are deep into hashing out a complicated deal that would see the David Ellison’s studio and its backers take control of the storied film and television company owned by Shari Redstone. The exclusive month-long negotiating period through May 3 is likely to be extended perhaps by a few weeks, Deadline hears, given the complexity of the transaction.
The rough contours of a Skydance deal would see a circa $2 billion payout to Redstone for a majority stake in family holding Nai (which controls Paramount though its voting Class A shares) as well as the National Amusements theater chain and associated real estate assets. Step two would see Paramount acquire Skydance in an all-stock deal valued at circa $4-5 billion. That’s being worked on and will likely wind up at the high end of the range.
Skydance’s last capital raise in the fall of 2022, with Kkr as a new investor,...
The rough contours of a Skydance deal would see a circa $2 billion payout to Redstone for a majority stake in family holding Nai (which controls Paramount though its voting Class A shares) as well as the National Amusements theater chain and associated real estate assets. Step two would see Paramount acquire Skydance in an all-stock deal valued at circa $4-5 billion. That’s being worked on and will likely wind up at the high end of the range.
Skydance’s last capital raise in the fall of 2022, with Kkr as a new investor,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: D. Smith, the filmmaker behind the critically acclaimed documentary Kokomo City, which won the Next Audience and Innovator Awards at Sundance 2022, has partnered with Media Res and Brandon Sharp’s Agenda on her next docu project, Blvd, which is said to ask Dr. King the question: Was it just a dream?
Infused with visual poetry, and applying the same innovative techniques and signature style established in Smith’s debut, the genre-bending Blvd aims to show audiences what really connects and divides people from each other and the rest of the country. The film shines a light on Black communities with the aim to tell not just a neighborhood story or a history lesson, but a story about all of who Black people are, here and now.
“Blvd is a raw real reflection of where we are,” Smith told Deadline. “The best way to encourage Black people is to remind them who we are.
Infused with visual poetry, and applying the same innovative techniques and signature style established in Smith’s debut, the genre-bending Blvd aims to show audiences what really connects and divides people from each other and the rest of the country. The film shines a light on Black communities with the aim to tell not just a neighborhood story or a history lesson, but a story about all of who Black people are, here and now.
“Blvd is a raw real reflection of where we are,” Smith told Deadline. “The best way to encourage Black people is to remind them who we are.
- 4/17/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The slow-speed car chase never really ended.
It began on June 17, 1994, and it happened, appropriately, in prime time for many viewers. A warrant was out for O.J. Simpson’s arrest for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. And when police caught up with Simpson on a Southern California freeway, a TV news helicopter was hovering overhead.
“Ok, I’m going to have to interrupt this caller,” CNN’s Larry King said during his show. “I understand we’re going to go to a live picture in Los Angeles…...
It began on June 17, 1994, and it happened, appropriately, in prime time for many viewers. A warrant was out for O.J. Simpson’s arrest for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. And when police caught up with Simpson on a Southern California freeway, a TV news helicopter was hovering overhead.
“Ok, I’m going to have to interrupt this caller,” CNN’s Larry King said during his show. “I understand we’re going to go to a live picture in Los Angeles…...
- 4/11/2024
- by Brian Stelter
- Rollingstone.com
Turner Broadcasting and Max alumnus Sandra Dewey has joined “The Morning Show” producer Media Res as chief operating officer.
Dewey will help guide the company’s expansion across scripted and nonfiction content. Media Res, founded in 2017 by former HBO executive Michael Ellenberg, has set out a growth plan on the heels of a recent investment from RedBird Imi, the media-focused fund headed by former CNN and NBCUniversal chief Jeff Zucker.
Dewey had a long tenure as a senior business executive at Turner Broadcasting during the company’s heyday as a cable programming pioneer. Media Res is a busy Los Angeles-based production boutique that is home to Apple TV +’s starry Reese Witherspoon-Jennifer Aniston drama series, as well as buzzy shows such as Amazon Prime Video’s “I’m a Virgo” and the Apple TV + drama series “Pachinko” and limited series “Extrapolations.”
“I have had an exciting and extensive career,...
Dewey will help guide the company’s expansion across scripted and nonfiction content. Media Res, founded in 2017 by former HBO executive Michael Ellenberg, has set out a growth plan on the heels of a recent investment from RedBird Imi, the media-focused fund headed by former CNN and NBCUniversal chief Jeff Zucker.
Dewey had a long tenure as a senior business executive at Turner Broadcasting during the company’s heyday as a cable programming pioneer. Media Res is a busy Los Angeles-based production boutique that is home to Apple TV +’s starry Reese Witherspoon-Jennifer Aniston drama series, as well as buzzy shows such as Amazon Prime Video’s “I’m a Virgo” and the Apple TV + drama series “Pachinko” and limited series “Extrapolations.”
“I have had an exciting and extensive career,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov
- Variety Film + TV
Media Res, Michael Ellenberg’s production company that is behind Apple’s The Morning Show, has tapped Sandra Dewey as its new Chief Operating Officer.
Dewey was previously President of Business Operations and Production for streaming service Max.
The move comes after Jeff Zucker’s RedBird Imi invested in the company earlier this year, funding its next stage of growth, including bolster its scripted business in the U.S. and internationally as well as building out its unscripted and film divisions. Dewey will oversee this expansion.
In her last role at then-titled WarnerMedia, which she left in March 2021, Dewey oversaw business planning and launch of the Max service. She also oversaw the business affairs, production and operations teams for the cable networks TNT, TBS, and truTV, which, together with Max, included all scripted and unscripted content, features, documentaries, animation, and children’s programming.
She moved into business affairs in 2011, having...
Dewey was previously President of Business Operations and Production for streaming service Max.
The move comes after Jeff Zucker’s RedBird Imi invested in the company earlier this year, funding its next stage of growth, including bolster its scripted business in the U.S. and internationally as well as building out its unscripted and film divisions. Dewey will oversee this expansion.
In her last role at then-titled WarnerMedia, which she left in March 2021, Dewey oversaw business planning and launch of the Max service. She also oversaw the business affairs, production and operations teams for the cable networks TNT, TBS, and truTV, which, together with Max, included all scripted and unscripted content, features, documentaries, animation, and children’s programming.
She moved into business affairs in 2011, having...
- 4/11/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Welcome to ElectionLine’s A View From Abroad series, in which we speak with media figures who don’t live in America but keep a close eye on its politics. Every few weeks, these smart observers will provide a unique perspective on what promises to be a fraught and unpredictable campaign for the White House. This week, our interview is with Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel, the former BBC presenters who now host podcast The News Agents – USA.
Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel beat the UK’s major news networks in gaining access to Mar-a-Lago on Super Tuesday. They entered Donald Trump’s Florida estate with a simple ambition to test the mood inside the ex-president’s camp, but ended up being told to “f*** off” by one of his most fanatical supporters.
Maitlis, the former BBC journalist immortalized by Gillian Anderson in Netflix’s Scoop, was probing Marjorie Taylor Greene...
Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel beat the UK’s major news networks in gaining access to Mar-a-Lago on Super Tuesday. They entered Donald Trump’s Florida estate with a simple ambition to test the mood inside the ex-president’s camp, but ended up being told to “f*** off” by one of his most fanatical supporters.
Maitlis, the former BBC journalist immortalized by Gillian Anderson in Netflix’s Scoop, was probing Marjorie Taylor Greene...
- 4/10/2024
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
A new report indicates the process of merging Paramount and Skydance Media could be picking up steam.
Update (2:08 p.m. Et): In an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal, Jessica Toonkel reported that members of Paramount Global’s board and Skydance Media have agreed to enter an exclusive period of negotiations for the latter company to take over majority ownership of the latter. The period of exclusivity will last for 30 days while the two sides attempt to come to an agreement for Skydance’s founder David Ellison to purchase enough shares to control the company.
Continue to follow this major story on The Streamable as we cover all angles over the next month of exclusive negotiations between the two sides.
After months of speculating and making educated guesses about Paramount Global’s next move, it appears that some clarity is taking shape in the media giant’s recent merger and acquisition talks.
Update (2:08 p.m. Et): In an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal, Jessica Toonkel reported that members of Paramount Global’s board and Skydance Media have agreed to enter an exclusive period of negotiations for the latter company to take over majority ownership of the latter. The period of exclusivity will last for 30 days while the two sides attempt to come to an agreement for Skydance’s founder David Ellison to purchase enough shares to control the company.
Continue to follow this major story on The Streamable as we cover all angles over the next month of exclusive negotiations between the two sides.
After months of speculating and making educated guesses about Paramount Global’s next move, it appears that some clarity is taking shape in the media giant’s recent merger and acquisition talks.
- 4/3/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Shari Redstone holds Paramount’s ultimate fate in her hands, and appears to be narrowing her focus to David Ellison’s offer for the company.
Another day, another update on the potential sale of Paramount Global. Earlier this week, it was reported that the private equity firm Apollo Global Management had offered $11 billion for Paramount’s TV and movie studios, which constitutes a greater sum than the entire company’s current market cap. But a new report from the Financial Times suggests that Paramount’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone is not convinced by the offer, and is leaning toward a bid by billionaire David Ellison, owner of Skydance Media.
Redstone prefers to sell Paramount as a whole company, as opposed to stripping it for parts and selling it piece by piece. Ellison may bring in former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and former CNN head Jeff Zucker to run cable and...
Another day, another update on the potential sale of Paramount Global. Earlier this week, it was reported that the private equity firm Apollo Global Management had offered $11 billion for Paramount’s TV and movie studios, which constitutes a greater sum than the entire company’s current market cap. But a new report from the Financial Times suggests that Paramount’s controlling shareholder Shari Redstone is not convinced by the offer, and is leaning toward a bid by billionaire David Ellison, owner of Skydance Media.
Redstone prefers to sell Paramount as a whole company, as opposed to stripping it for parts and selling it piece by piece. Ellison may bring in former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and former CNN head Jeff Zucker to run cable and...
- 3/22/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Paramount Global shares, which soared Wednesday on news that Apollo had made an $11 billion offer for Paramount Pictures, has slumped today after a report splashed cold water on the scenario.
Shares in the media company had dropped 5% by mid-day, to below $12, after the Financial Times reported that controlling shareholder Shari Redstone is “unconvinced” by the private equity offer. Apollo’s offer, which valued just the studio at more than the entirety of Paramount Global, pushed the stock up 12% on Wednesday. Redstone has long regarded the studio, which was a cherished asset of her father, Sumner Redstone, as the centerpiece for Paramount and a deal without the studio could be far trickier to engineer.
Reps for Redstone and Paramount did not immediately respond to Deadline’s requests for comment.
Redstone, whose National Amusements controls more than three-quarters of the voting shares in Paramount, is looking more favorably on a competing offer...
Shares in the media company had dropped 5% by mid-day, to below $12, after the Financial Times reported that controlling shareholder Shari Redstone is “unconvinced” by the private equity offer. Apollo’s offer, which valued just the studio at more than the entirety of Paramount Global, pushed the stock up 12% on Wednesday. Redstone has long regarded the studio, which was a cherished asset of her father, Sumner Redstone, as the centerpiece for Paramount and a deal without the studio could be far trickier to engineer.
Reps for Redstone and Paramount did not immediately respond to Deadline’s requests for comment.
Redstone, whose National Amusements controls more than three-quarters of the voting shares in Paramount, is looking more favorably on a competing offer...
- 3/21/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Don Lemon, a former CNN host, announced that he is no longer partnered with the social media platform X. The end of their partnership came after Lemon interviewed X’s owner, billionaire Elon Musk.
Lemon claimed Musk was “apparently so upset” after the interview that Musk terminated their partnership.
On Monday, the interview still aired on The Don Lemon Show.
Lemon announced his departure from X with a video to the platform: “Hi, everyone. Elon Musk is mad at me.”
Lemon said that the situation will not change any aspect of his show “except for [his] relationship with Elon and X.” Lemon also said the interview was respectful and covered a broad range of topics, including Musk’s SpaceX company.
It also touched on Musk’s drug use and hate speech on X, two topics Musk is not eager to discuss.
Musk responded to Lemon, claiming the interview was “basically just CNN,...
Lemon claimed Musk was “apparently so upset” after the interview that Musk terminated their partnership.
On Monday, the interview still aired on The Don Lemon Show.
Lemon announced his departure from X with a video to the platform: “Hi, everyone. Elon Musk is mad at me.”
Lemon said that the situation will not change any aspect of his show “except for [his] relationship with Elon and X.” Lemon also said the interview was respectful and covered a broad range of topics, including Musk’s SpaceX company.
It also touched on Musk’s drug use and hate speech on X, two topics Musk is not eager to discuss.
Musk responded to Lemon, claiming the interview was “basically just CNN,...
- 3/19/2024
- by Ann Hoang
- Uinterview
Don Lemon’s agent has denied allegations that he submitted a list of extravagant demands to X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk before his planned show was canceled on the social media platform.
Claims published in the New York Post on Friday alleged that Lemon had sent a “wish list” to Musk as they negotiated details of Lemon’s show to be hosted on X. The demands allegedly included an $8 million salary in addition to a $5 million upfront payment, a Tesla cybertruck, equity stake in X and the right to approve any changes in X policy as it related to news content.
Lemon’s agent, UTA’s Jay Sures, denied the claims, telling The Post: “This is absolute, complete utter nonsense without an iota of truth to it.” (The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to UTA for additional comment.)
The reports come several days after Lemon said Musk had...
Claims published in the New York Post on Friday alleged that Lemon had sent a “wish list” to Musk as they negotiated details of Lemon’s show to be hosted on X. The demands allegedly included an $8 million salary in addition to a $5 million upfront payment, a Tesla cybertruck, equity stake in X and the right to approve any changes in X policy as it related to news content.
Lemon’s agent, UTA’s Jay Sures, denied the claims, telling The Post: “This is absolute, complete utter nonsense without an iota of truth to it.” (The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to UTA for additional comment.)
The reports come several days after Lemon said Musk had...
- 3/18/2024
- by Zoe G Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Elon Musk and Don Lemon appear to have some bad blood after they sat down for an interview.
If you were unaware, Don was let go by CNN in April 2023. He is preparing to launch The Don Lemon Show, which will air on YouTube and other streaming platforms.
It will also air on X. However, Elon backed out of a partnership that he established with Don after they sat down for an interview. Now, all parties involved are weighing in on the situation.
Keep reading to find out more…
Don took to X to issue a lengthy statement on the matter.
“Elon Musk has canceled the partnership I had with X, which they announced as part of their public commitment to amplifying more diverse voices on their platform. He informed me of his decision hours after an interview I conducted with him on Friday. That interview will remain the premiere...
If you were unaware, Don was let go by CNN in April 2023. He is preparing to launch The Don Lemon Show, which will air on YouTube and other streaming platforms.
It will also air on X. However, Elon backed out of a partnership that he established with Don after they sat down for an interview. Now, all parties involved are weighing in on the situation.
Keep reading to find out more…
Don took to X to issue a lengthy statement on the matter.
“Elon Musk has canceled the partnership I had with X, which they announced as part of their public commitment to amplifying more diverse voices on their platform. He informed me of his decision hours after an interview I conducted with him on Friday. That interview will remain the premiere...
- 3/13/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
President Joe Biden and former CNN anchor Don Lemon participate in a town hall-style interview in 2021. (White House photo)
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has lost his newest gig before it even got off the ground.
On Wednesday, Lemon confirmed that his forthcoming web series on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was canceled by Elon Musk after an interview with the website’s owner got heated.
The 90-minute interview was filmed at Musk’s office in Austin, where his space exploration business SpaceX is headquartered, with both men taking different things out of the interview.
“We had a good conversation; clearly he felt differently,” Lemon said in a statement following the interview. “His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions of him from people like me.”
The specific questions that stoked Musk...
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has lost his newest gig before it even got off the ground.
On Wednesday, Lemon confirmed that his forthcoming web series on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was canceled by Elon Musk after an interview with the website’s owner got heated.
The 90-minute interview was filmed at Musk’s office in Austin, where his space exploration business SpaceX is headquartered, with both men taking different things out of the interview.
“We had a good conversation; clearly he felt differently,” Lemon said in a statement following the interview. “His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions of him from people like me.”
The specific questions that stoked Musk...
- 3/13/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
Former CNN host Don Lemon revealed on Wednesday that just hours after filming an interview with Elon Musk for the premiere of a show to air exclusively on X (formerly Twitter), the platform’s impulsive owner killed the streaming deal altogether.
In a statement shared on X, Lemon said Musk unilaterally canceled the partnership — part of a “public commitment to amplifying more diverse voices” on the site — ahead of a March 18 debut, but that the segment they taped will still be released in various formats, including on X, on that date.
In a statement shared on X, Lemon said Musk unilaterally canceled the partnership — part of a “public commitment to amplifying more diverse voices” on the site — ahead of a March 18 debut, but that the segment they taped will still be released in various formats, including on X, on that date.
- 3/13/2024
- by Miles Klee
- Rollingstone.com
Don Lemon, who was fired from CNN last year after 17 years at the network, had been working with Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) to launch a new talk show on the platform.
Now, according to Lemon, Musk has nixed the partnership — coming just a few hours after Lemon interviewed the tech mogul last week.
“Elon Musk has canceled the partnership I had with X, which they announced as part of their public commitment to amplifying more diverse voices on their platform,” Lemon said in a statement posted Wednesday on X. “He informed me of his decision hours after an interview I conducted with him on Friday. That interview will remain the premiere episode of ‘The Don Lemon Show’ on Monday, March 18.”
A rep for Lemon told Variety, “Don has a deal with X and he expects to be paid for it. If we have to go to court, we will.
Now, according to Lemon, Musk has nixed the partnership — coming just a few hours after Lemon interviewed the tech mogul last week.
“Elon Musk has canceled the partnership I had with X, which they announced as part of their public commitment to amplifying more diverse voices on their platform,” Lemon said in a statement posted Wednesday on X. “He informed me of his decision hours after an interview I conducted with him on Friday. That interview will remain the premiere episode of ‘The Don Lemon Show’ on Monday, March 18.”
A rep for Lemon told Variety, “Don has a deal with X and he expects to be paid for it. If we have to go to court, we will.
- 3/13/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Elon Musk may not like talking with Don Lemon about all the lawsuits against him, but the world’s second richest man could be facing possible new legal action after “canceling” the ex-CNN anchor’s much hyped new show on X just days before its debut.
“Elon Musk is mad at me, and I just put out a statement about what happened between him, me and the interview that he is apparently so upset about,” said Lemon in a video on the platform once known as Twitter:
Elon Musk canceled #TheDonLemonShow...
“Elon Musk is mad at me, and I just put out a statement about what happened between him, me and the interview that he is apparently so upset about,” said Lemon in a video on the platform once known as Twitter:
Elon Musk canceled #TheDonLemonShow...
- 3/13/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Don Lemon won’t be bringing a show to Elon Musk’s X platform, after all.
Lemon on Wednesday said that Musk “has canceled the partnership I had with X … he informed me of his decision hours after an interview I conducted with him on Friday.”
The interview with Musk is slated to be the debut episode of The Don Lemon Show, which was supposed to debut on X (formerly known as Twitter) and YouTube. Lemon says the interview will run as planned on YouTube, and that future episodes will be released there.
Lemon said that “there were no restrictions” in the interview, and that “we had a good conversation. Clearly he felt differently.”
Replying to a comment on X, Musk said that they canceled the show because “his approach was basically just ‘CNN, but on social media’, which doesn’t work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying.
Lemon on Wednesday said that Musk “has canceled the partnership I had with X … he informed me of his decision hours after an interview I conducted with him on Friday.”
The interview with Musk is slated to be the debut episode of The Don Lemon Show, which was supposed to debut on X (formerly known as Twitter) and YouTube. Lemon says the interview will run as planned on YouTube, and that future episodes will be released there.
Lemon said that “there were no restrictions” in the interview, and that “we had a good conversation. Clearly he felt differently.”
Replying to a comment on X, Musk said that they canceled the show because “his approach was basically just ‘CNN, but on social media’, which doesn’t work, as evidenced by the fact that CNN is dying.
- 3/13/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeff Zucker did not hold back today in taking on some of Britain’s biggest media stalwarts as RedBird Imi pushes on with its bid to buy The Telegraph and Spectator publications.
Speaking to The News Agents podcast, the former CNN boss hit out at Andrew Neil, chair of The Spectator, and Paul Marshall, co-owner of right-leaning news network Gb News, who has made a rival bid for The Tele.
Zucker blasted Gb News founder Neil as “quite the hypocrite” after alleging that Neil had been interested in becoming chair of a combined Editorial Trust Board for The Telegraph and Spectator, which RedBird Imi turned down.
“And ever since that day, he’s been one of our most vocal critics,” Zucker said. “And I think that says all you need to know about Andrew Neil. And since I am sure that he’s going to deny this and pretend that didn’t happen,...
Speaking to The News Agents podcast, the former CNN boss hit out at Andrew Neil, chair of The Spectator, and Paul Marshall, co-owner of right-leaning news network Gb News, who has made a rival bid for The Tele.
Zucker blasted Gb News founder Neil as “quite the hypocrite” after alleging that Neil had been interested in becoming chair of a combined Editorial Trust Board for The Telegraph and Spectator, which RedBird Imi turned down.
“And ever since that day, he’s been one of our most vocal critics,” Zucker said. “And I think that says all you need to know about Andrew Neil. And since I am sure that he’s going to deny this and pretend that didn’t happen,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
A new CNN documentary series that examines the 2003 Space Shuttle disaster is the latest effort by the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed outlet to help its original-production arm regain momentum.
“Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight” relies on footage that has never been broadcast before as well as exclusive interviews. The four-part series will air Sunday April 7 and Sunday April 14,both at 9 p.m. eastern, with two hours broadcast each evening. The program is co-produced by BBC and Mindhouse Productions.
“This chapter in the Space Shuttle Program captured the nation’s attention and is equally as captivating in the retelling, with storytelling fueled by those who lived it firsthand and newly revealed footage from the NASA archive,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals, and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “Our viewers have long been fascinated by stories of space exploration and this series is...
“Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight” relies on footage that has never been broadcast before as well as exclusive interviews. The four-part series will air Sunday April 7 and Sunday April 14,both at 9 p.m. eastern, with two hours broadcast each evening. The program is co-produced by BBC and Mindhouse Productions.
“This chapter in the Space Shuttle Program captured the nation’s attention and is equally as captivating in the retelling, with storytelling fueled by those who lived it firsthand and newly revealed footage from the NASA archive,” said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals, and creative development for CNN Worldwide, in a statement. “Our viewers have long been fascinated by stories of space exploration and this series is...
- 3/7/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
It has been two years since Jeff Zucker resigned from the top job at CNN over a consensual relationship with a network executive. Since then, he’s headed up RedBird Imi, a joint venture between Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital and Imi, an investment fund backed by the UAE. With a massive private equity war chest behind him, Zucker, 58, has been relentlessly hunting for deals. In a little over a year, he has invested in TV studio and motion picture company Media Res and news site Front Office Sports and just made an audacious bid to buy the U.K.’s Telegraph, provoking an outcry from journalists and politicians. On Feb. 17, Zucker’s firm bought powerhouse producer All3Media (which backed 1917, Fleabag, Squid Game: The Challenge, The Tinder Swindler and Penny Dreadful, among many other movies, docs and shows) for $1.45 billion. The mogul spoke to The Hollywood Reporter shortly after.
What...
What...
- 2/21/2024
- by Lachlan Cartwright
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Media executive Jeffrey A. Zucker attends an event in 2010. (Photo: David Shankbone via Wikimedia Commons/Graphic by The Desk)
American media mogul Jeff Zucker has acquired a London-based content production company operated in part by his former employer.
On Saturday, Zucker’s RedBird Capital Partners in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments (Imi) announced the acquisition of All3 Media from Liberty Global and Warner Bros Discovery (Wbd) for £1.15 billion (around U.S. $1.45 billion). Zucker previously served as the president of CNN, the international cable network owned by Wbd.
“All3 Media is one of the world’s greatest content companies, and this gives us an incredible platform to continue to grow our expanding portfolio,” Zucker said in a statement. “The demand for new shows and ongoing existing series, both scripted and unscripted, makes All3 a perfect fit for us.”
All3 Media comprises more than four dozen independent content studios spread across several countries,...
American media mogul Jeff Zucker has acquired a London-based content production company operated in part by his former employer.
On Saturday, Zucker’s RedBird Capital Partners in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments (Imi) announced the acquisition of All3 Media from Liberty Global and Warner Bros Discovery (Wbd) for £1.15 billion (around U.S. $1.45 billion). Zucker previously served as the president of CNN, the international cable network owned by Wbd.
“All3 Media is one of the world’s greatest content companies, and this gives us an incredible platform to continue to grow our expanding portfolio,” Zucker said in a statement. “The demand for new shows and ongoing existing series, both scripted and unscripted, makes All3 a perfect fit for us.”
All3 Media comprises more than four dozen independent content studios spread across several countries,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Matthew Keys
- The Desk
US investment giant RedBird Imi has agreed a £1.2bn deal to buy super-indie All3Media.
The deal, announced today, will see the Jeff Zucker-led Red Bird Imi take ownership of the producer-distributor from current owners Warner Bros Discovery and Liberty Global for £1.15bn.
Redbird Imi, a joint-venture between RedBird Capital Partners and Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments, will now have control over the London-based company which commands some 50 international production labels, including Studio Lambert, Raw TV, Two Brothers Pictures, Silverback Films and houses some of the biggest titles in global TV, such as The Traitors, Squid Game: The Challenge and The Tourist.
The deal, announced today, will see the Jeff Zucker-led Red Bird Imi take ownership of the producer-distributor from current owners Warner Bros Discovery and Liberty Global for £1.15bn.
Redbird Imi, a joint-venture between RedBird Capital Partners and Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments, will now have control over the London-based company which commands some 50 international production labels, including Studio Lambert, Raw TV, Two Brothers Pictures, Silverback Films and houses some of the biggest titles in global TV, such as The Traitors, Squid Game: The Challenge and The Tourist.
- 2/16/2024
- ScreenDaily
Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Imi has finalized a £1.15 billion ($1.45 billion) deal to acquire production powerhouse All3Media — the largest TV producer in the U.K. and the company behind such shows as reality series Squid Game: The Challenge and films like World War I epic 1917 — from owners Warner Bros. Discovery and John Malone’s cable and telecom giant Liberty Global.
The deal gives the new owner control over a big production business across scripted and unscripted series as well as theatrical movie titles. Earlier this year, RedBird Imi acquired a stake in Media Res, the studio behind the Apple TV+ shows The Morning Show and Pachinko, among other projects, which was founded by former HBO executive Michael Ellenberg.
Launched in late 2022 with a $1 billion war chest backed by RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi’s Imi, RedBird Imi has the mandate to pursue investments in the news, entertainment and sports sectors.
The deal gives the new owner control over a big production business across scripted and unscripted series as well as theatrical movie titles. Earlier this year, RedBird Imi acquired a stake in Media Res, the studio behind the Apple TV+ shows The Morning Show and Pachinko, among other projects, which was founded by former HBO executive Michael Ellenberg.
Launched in late 2022 with a $1 billion war chest backed by RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi’s Imi, RedBird Imi has the mandate to pursue investments in the news, entertainment and sports sectors.
- 2/16/2024
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
All3Media has finally been sold.
Redbird Imi has snapped up the production-distribution giant behind “The Traitors” and Jamie Dornan-starrer “The Tourist” from owners Liberty Global and Warner Bros. Discovery for $1.45 billion.
An investment group run by Jeff Zucker and former Goldman Sachs banker Gerry Cardinale, Redbird Imi recently revealed plans to acquire the U.K.’s Telegraph newspaper and Spectator magazine.
Jeff Zucker, the CEO of RedBird Imi, will become the chair of the All3Media board. CEO Jane Turton and COO Sara Geater will continue to lead the company for RedBird Imi.
“All3Media is one of the world’s great content companies, and this gives us an incredible platform to continue to grow our expanding portfolio,” Zucker said. “The demand for new shows and ongoing existing series, both scripted and unscripted, makes All3 a perfect fit for us. And we would not be doing this if not...
Redbird Imi has snapped up the production-distribution giant behind “The Traitors” and Jamie Dornan-starrer “The Tourist” from owners Liberty Global and Warner Bros. Discovery for $1.45 billion.
An investment group run by Jeff Zucker and former Goldman Sachs banker Gerry Cardinale, Redbird Imi recently revealed plans to acquire the U.K.’s Telegraph newspaper and Spectator magazine.
Jeff Zucker, the CEO of RedBird Imi, will become the chair of the All3Media board. CEO Jane Turton and COO Sara Geater will continue to lead the company for RedBird Imi.
“All3Media is one of the world’s great content companies, and this gives us an incredible platform to continue to grow our expanding portfolio,” Zucker said. “The demand for new shows and ongoing existing series, both scripted and unscripted, makes All3 a perfect fit for us. And we would not be doing this if not...
- 2/16/2024
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The All3Media sale saga has drawn to a close after almost a year with RedBird Imi confirming the acquisition of The Traitors superindie from Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global for £1.15B ($1.45B).
Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale‘s RedBird Imi takes control of a 50-label outfit with production entities across the world that owns the likes of Fleabag maker Two Brothers Pictures, Traitors producer Studio Lambert and 1917’s Neal Street. The deal will complete in Q2 or Q3 of this year subject to regulatory approvals.
All3Media CEO Jane Turton and COO Sara Geater will continue to lead the company, RedBird said.
“All3Media is one of the world’s great content companies, and this gives us an incredible platform to continue to grow our expanding portfolio,” Zucker said. “The demand for new shows and ongoing existing series, both scripted and unscripted, makes All3 a perfect fit for us.
Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale‘s RedBird Imi takes control of a 50-label outfit with production entities across the world that owns the likes of Fleabag maker Two Brothers Pictures, Traitors producer Studio Lambert and 1917’s Neal Street. The deal will complete in Q2 or Q3 of this year subject to regulatory approvals.
All3Media CEO Jane Turton and COO Sara Geater will continue to lead the company, RedBird said.
“All3Media is one of the world’s great content companies, and this gives us an incredible platform to continue to grow our expanding portfolio,” Zucker said. “The demand for new shows and ongoing existing series, both scripted and unscripted, makes All3 a perfect fit for us.
- 2/16/2024
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
CNN is turning some of the lights out on its efforts to produce morning news.
The network is revamping its entire A.M. schedule as the Warner Bros. Discovery-based cable news outlet continues to grapple with poor ratings.
Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly, who co-anchor “CNN This Morning,” will leave the line-up, while Kasie Hunt’s early-morning program will take on an extra hour. Her show, “Early Start,” will run from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., and will take on the “CNN This Morning” title. CNN will then move “CNN News Central,” anchored by John Berman, Kate Bolduan and Sara Sidner, to a 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. slot, with Jim Acosta and Pamela Brown taking over new hours at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The moves mean, as CNN CEO Mark Thompson said in a note to staffers Monday, that “we will no longer produce morning programming in...
The network is revamping its entire A.M. schedule as the Warner Bros. Discovery-based cable news outlet continues to grapple with poor ratings.
Poppy Harlow and Phil Mattingly, who co-anchor “CNN This Morning,” will leave the line-up, while Kasie Hunt’s early-morning program will take on an extra hour. Her show, “Early Start,” will run from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., and will take on the “CNN This Morning” title. CNN will then move “CNN News Central,” anchored by John Berman, Kate Bolduan and Sara Sidner, to a 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. slot, with Jim Acosta and Pamela Brown taking over new hours at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The moves mean, as CNN CEO Mark Thompson said in a note to staffers Monday, that “we will no longer produce morning programming in...
- 2/5/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Don Lemon appears to have a sweet new deal with social-media giant X.
The former CNN anchor, who parted ways with the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet last year after he was moved to duties on its morning program, said Tuesday that he had launched a new media company and would be debuting a new program via X.
The new program, “The Don Lemon Show,” will allow him to be “bigger, bolder, freer,” Lemon said in a posting. The show “will be available to everyone, easily, whenever and wherever you want it, streaming on the platforms where conversations are happening. And you’ll find it first on X, the biggest space for free speech in the world. I know now more than ever that we need a place for honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors. This is just the beginning so stay tuned.”
“Don’s new company...
The former CNN anchor, who parted ways with the Warner Bros. Discovery-backed news outlet last year after he was moved to duties on its morning program, said Tuesday that he had launched a new media company and would be debuting a new program via X.
The new program, “The Don Lemon Show,” will allow him to be “bigger, bolder, freer,” Lemon said in a posting. The show “will be available to everyone, easily, whenever and wherever you want it, streaming on the platforms where conversations are happening. And you’ll find it first on X, the biggest space for free speech in the world. I know now more than ever that we need a place for honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors. This is just the beginning so stay tuned.”
“Don’s new company...
- 1/9/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Don Lemon is returning to the media landscape, with a new media company and show on X. Lemon announced the news on X (fka Twitter) Tuesday morning
“I’ve heard you …and I am back, bigger, bolder, freer!,” he wrote. “My new media company’s first project is The Don Lemon Show. It will be available to everyone, easily, whenever and wherever you want it, streaming on the platforms where the conversations are happening. And you’ll find it first on X, the biggest space for free space in the world. I know now more than ever that we need a place for honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors. This is just the beginning so stay tuned.”
The move comes nine months after Lemon was let go from CNN after a divisive several months and 17 years with the network as one of its most recognizable stars.
Lemon also...
“I’ve heard you …and I am back, bigger, bolder, freer!,” he wrote. “My new media company’s first project is The Don Lemon Show. It will be available to everyone, easily, whenever and wherever you want it, streaming on the platforms where the conversations are happening. And you’ll find it first on X, the biggest space for free space in the world. I know now more than ever that we need a place for honest debate and discussion without the hall monitors. This is just the beginning so stay tuned.”
The move comes nine months after Lemon was let go from CNN after a divisive several months and 17 years with the network as one of its most recognizable stars.
Lemon also...
- 1/9/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
RedBird Imi, the media investment firm headed by ex-CNN chief Jeff Zucker, has made an investment in Media Res, the studio behind Apple TV+’s hit series “The Morning Show.”
Financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed. It’s the first investment by RedBird Imi into scripted entertainment. Media Res founder and CEO Michael Ellenberg will retain a majority ownership and continue to run day-to-day operations of the company, while Zucker will take a seat on the board.
Media Res, based in L.A., said it will use the investment to “strike new strategic partnerships” and to continue its mission of “championing artists’ original ideas and sourcing projects from exceptional IP.”
Season 3 of “The Morning Show,” starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, last month became the most-watched drama to date on Apple TV+. Media Res’ current slate includes the second season of the Apple TV+ series “Pachinko,...
Financial details of the deal weren’t disclosed. It’s the first investment by RedBird Imi into scripted entertainment. Media Res founder and CEO Michael Ellenberg will retain a majority ownership and continue to run day-to-day operations of the company, while Zucker will take a seat on the board.
Media Res, based in L.A., said it will use the investment to “strike new strategic partnerships” and to continue its mission of “championing artists’ original ideas and sourcing projects from exceptional IP.”
Season 3 of “The Morning Show,” starring and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, last month became the most-watched drama to date on Apple TV+. Media Res’ current slate includes the second season of the Apple TV+ series “Pachinko,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
RedBird Imi, a joint venture investment firm led by Jeff Zucker, has taken a stake in The Morning Show production entity Media Res.
Founded by CEO Michael Ellenberg, a former HBO exec, Media Res also produces another notable Apple TV+ title, Pachinko.
An announcement about the investment said it will “fuel Media Res’ growth as a leading independent studio,” helping it expand in scripted series and also scale its activity in film and non-fiction.
The investment is RedBird Imi’s first in a scripted production outfit. Zucker, who wound down a lengthy run at CNN in 2023, later that year came aboard RedBird Imi, which is owned by private equity firm RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments.
Other investments during the company’s first year include EverWonder Studios, Hidden Pigeon Company and Front Office Sports.
The Morning Show, which launched along with Apple TV+ in 2019, had its third season...
Founded by CEO Michael Ellenberg, a former HBO exec, Media Res also produces another notable Apple TV+ title, Pachinko.
An announcement about the investment said it will “fuel Media Res’ growth as a leading independent studio,” helping it expand in scripted series and also scale its activity in film and non-fiction.
The investment is RedBird Imi’s first in a scripted production outfit. Zucker, who wound down a lengthy run at CNN in 2023, later that year came aboard RedBird Imi, which is owned by private equity firm RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments.
Other investments during the company’s first year include EverWonder Studios, Hidden Pigeon Company and Front Office Sports.
The Morning Show, which launched along with Apple TV+ in 2019, had its third season...
- 1/4/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Jeff Zucker’s RedBird Imi has found its next investment.
The investment fund is taking a stake in Media Res, the studio behind the Apple TV+ shows The Morning Show and Pachinko, among other projects.
The studio, founded by former HBO executive Michael Ellenberg, will use the investment to fuel its scripted business in the U.S. and abroad, as well as to expand its unscripted and film divisions.
Zucker will join the board of Media Res in conjunction with the deal, terms were not disclosed.
Media Res launched in 2017 as a premium independent studio, pursing the types of shows that Ellenberg was interested in while running drama at HBO.
RedBird Imi launched in late 2022 with a $1 billion war chest backed by RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi’s Imi, with a mandate to pursue investments in the news, entertainment and sports sectors. Led by Zucker, the former president of CNN and CEO of NBC Universal,...
The investment fund is taking a stake in Media Res, the studio behind the Apple TV+ shows The Morning Show and Pachinko, among other projects.
The studio, founded by former HBO executive Michael Ellenberg, will use the investment to fuel its scripted business in the U.S. and abroad, as well as to expand its unscripted and film divisions.
Zucker will join the board of Media Res in conjunction with the deal, terms were not disclosed.
Media Res launched in 2017 as a premium independent studio, pursing the types of shows that Ellenberg was interested in while running drama at HBO.
RedBird Imi launched in late 2022 with a $1 billion war chest backed by RedBird Capital and Abu Dhabi’s Imi, with a mandate to pursue investments in the news, entertainment and sports sectors. Led by Zucker, the former president of CNN and CEO of NBC Universal,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The most consequential entertainment business story of 2024 was kickstarted by two pro operators having a pre-Christmas meal. The Dec. 19 lunch between Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish, held at Paramount’s New York office, instantly ignited a firestorm of “what ifs,” as the future of the storied studio was suddenly in question.
Is Paramount for sale? Or is controlling shareholder National Amusements? Or both? But the future of Paramount — and for that matter Wbd — may be defined by a cast of characters straight out of central casting: A trio of scions forging their own path in the footsteps of their mogul fathers (Shari Redstone, David Ellison, Brian Roberts); a pair of self-made billionaire investors who find their fortunes tied up in the debt-laden companies at the heart of the deal (John Malone, Warren Buffett); and a handful of professional executives seeking moguldom — or at...
Is Paramount for sale? Or is controlling shareholder National Amusements? Or both? But the future of Paramount — and for that matter Wbd — may be defined by a cast of characters straight out of central casting: A trio of scions forging their own path in the footsteps of their mogul fathers (Shari Redstone, David Ellison, Brian Roberts); a pair of self-made billionaire investors who find their fortunes tied up in the debt-laden companies at the heart of the deal (John Malone, Warren Buffett); and a handful of professional executives seeking moguldom — or at...
- 1/4/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Martha Stewart didn’t talk to CNN for a new original documentary series the news outlet has produced about her. But she’s still the star of the show.
“The Many Lives of Martha Stewart” is a four-part series produced by CNN Studios, a division devoted to longer-form and enterprise programming in the wake of a strategic decision made in 2022 to scale back big ambitions to compete in the documentary arena. Under previous leader Jeff Zucker, CNN extended its aegis to the world of film festivals and documentary series led by notables such as Anthony Bourdain, Lisa Ling and W. Kamau Bell.
A good chunk of that work was scrapped after Warner Bros. Discovery, a big player in the world of cost-conscious reality programming, took over CNN, and installed a leader, Chris Licht, who had a mandate to pare operations. Months later, CNN would win an Oscar for a documentary...
“The Many Lives of Martha Stewart” is a four-part series produced by CNN Studios, a division devoted to longer-form and enterprise programming in the wake of a strategic decision made in 2022 to scale back big ambitions to compete in the documentary arena. Under previous leader Jeff Zucker, CNN extended its aegis to the world of film festivals and documentary series led by notables such as Anthony Bourdain, Lisa Ling and W. Kamau Bell.
A good chunk of that work was scrapped after Warner Bros. Discovery, a big player in the world of cost-conscious reality programming, took over CNN, and installed a leader, Chris Licht, who had a mandate to pare operations. Months later, CNN would win an Oscar for a documentary...
- 1/3/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Venture capital group reportedly in advanced talks with Warner Bros Discovery and Liberty Global to acquire production group
US-based investment firm RedBird Imi, the venture capital group run by former CNN president Jeff Zucker and former Goldman Sachs exec Gerry Cardinale, has emerged as the frontrunner to buy London-based film and TV outfit All3Media in a deal believed to be valued over £1bn.
According to The Financial Times, tis in advanced talks with All3Media’s owners Warner Bros Discovery and Liberty Global, which acquired the company in 2014 for £550m.
All3Media owns leading film and TV companies including Pippa Harris...
US-based investment firm RedBird Imi, the venture capital group run by former CNN president Jeff Zucker and former Goldman Sachs exec Gerry Cardinale, has emerged as the frontrunner to buy London-based film and TV outfit All3Media in a deal believed to be valued over £1bn.
According to The Financial Times, tis in advanced talks with All3Media’s owners Warner Bros Discovery and Liberty Global, which acquired the company in 2014 for £550m.
All3Media owns leading film and TV companies including Pippa Harris...
- 12/12/2023
- by Marian McHugh Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Imi has emerged as the new frontrunner to purchase U.K. production-distribution outfit All3Media, Variety understands.
The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that the investment group is in advanced talks to purchase the “Fleabag” producer in a deal worth £1 billion ($1.26 billion). Joint owners Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global put All3Media up for sale earlier this year, after purchasing it in 2014 for £550 million.
Though a source told the Financial Times that a deal could enter exclusive negotiations before Christmas, others cautioned that there are still other parties involved. All3Media has seen several potential buyers get close to a sale and then back out, including French super-indie Banijay, which put in an offer on Nov. 30 but has since exited the race. Additional suitors have included ITV, Goldman Sachs, Sony and the North Road Company.
RedBird, All3Media and Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment on the matter.
The Financial Times reported on Tuesday that the investment group is in advanced talks to purchase the “Fleabag” producer in a deal worth £1 billion ($1.26 billion). Joint owners Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global put All3Media up for sale earlier this year, after purchasing it in 2014 for £550 million.
Though a source told the Financial Times that a deal could enter exclusive negotiations before Christmas, others cautioned that there are still other parties involved. All3Media has seen several potential buyers get close to a sale and then back out, including French super-indie Banijay, which put in an offer on Nov. 30 but has since exited the race. Additional suitors have included ITV, Goldman Sachs, Sony and the North Road Company.
RedBird, All3Media and Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment on the matter.
- 12/12/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Jeff Zucker and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Imi has emerged as the new frontrunner in the race to buy Squid Game: The Challenge maker All3Media.
According to the Ft, the private equity group is in advanced talks with All3-owners Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) and Liberty Global in a deal worth around £1B ($1.26B), which could complete before Christmas. Sources confirmed to Deadline that RedBird is now leading the pack.
The investment firm is 75%-owned by Abu Dhabi and was formed last year. RedBird Capital, which owns the other share, has a roster including Skydance Media, the Yes Network, and Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Artists Equity. RedBird also teamed with Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia to buy the XFL out of bankruptcy.
RedBird Imi is pushing into the UK and is currently trying to buy the Telegraph and Spectator magazines, although that has been held up by...
According to the Ft, the private equity group is in advanced talks with All3-owners Warner Bros. Discovery (Wbd) and Liberty Global in a deal worth around £1B ($1.26B), which could complete before Christmas. Sources confirmed to Deadline that RedBird is now leading the pack.
The investment firm is 75%-owned by Abu Dhabi and was formed last year. RedBird Capital, which owns the other share, has a roster including Skydance Media, the Yes Network, and Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s Artists Equity. RedBird also teamed with Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia to buy the XFL out of bankruptcy.
RedBird Imi is pushing into the UK and is currently trying to buy the Telegraph and Spectator magazines, although that has been held up by...
- 12/12/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
For fans of ‘The Witcher,’ the character of Ciri is pivotal to the story’s rich tapestry. As we navigate the realms of casting possibilities, Jeff Zucker’s insights offer an intriguing perspective on who could step into this vital role. Let’s explore the potential heirs to Ciri’s legacy through Zucker’s lens. Exploring Sophia Lillis Potential as Ciri Sophia Lillis has garnered attention with her performances that blend innocence and intensity, traits that resonate with Ciri’s character. Her roles have often skirted the edge of fantasy and reality, providing a glimpse into her ability to navigate a world as multifaceted as ‘The...
- 11/30/2023
- by Steve Delikson
- TVovermind.com
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav weighed in on the twin SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes and defended the company’s budget cuts — including shelving completed films “Batgirl” and “Coyote vs. Acme” — as requiring “courage” to right-size its balance sheet.
Zaslav, speaking Wednesday at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit, reiterated to moderator Andrew Ross Sorkin that with respect to the strikes, he was focused on achieving a resolution as soon as possible.
“I think the idea of going on strike was bad for all of us,” he said. “My focus was on, we need to settle the strike, every day that we were on strike and people weren’t working was a bad day for us.”
Zaslav recently was quoted in a New York Times piece as saying the WGA was “right about almost everything.” Asked about that at the DealBook event, the CEO stuck by his previous comment and...
Zaslav, speaking Wednesday at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit, reiterated to moderator Andrew Ross Sorkin that with respect to the strikes, he was focused on achieving a resolution as soon as possible.
“I think the idea of going on strike was bad for all of us,” he said. “My focus was on, we need to settle the strike, every day that we were on strike and people weren’t working was a bad day for us.”
Zaslav recently was quoted in a New York Times piece as saying the WGA was “right about almost everything.” Asked about that at the DealBook event, the CEO stuck by his previous comment and...
- 11/29/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav gave former CNN chief Chris Licht a warm endorsement, even hinting at the possibility that the TV news vet could work again with the company.
Licht is a “great guy, talented guy,” Zaslav said at the New York Times DealBook Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center, as Licht sat in the audience. The exec was ousted from CNN last June after a tumultuous run capped by a damning profile in The Atlantic. Weeks before the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger closed in April 2022, Zaslav had chosen Licht to head up CNN, reportedly without having conducted a robust search process. The two had been personally acquainted before the hiring.
“Chris is a good friend,” Zaslav said. As to their parting ways, he added, “That was … look, there are a lot of good days and a lot of tough days. Chris has had a lot of great days.
Licht is a “great guy, talented guy,” Zaslav said at the New York Times DealBook Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center, as Licht sat in the audience. The exec was ousted from CNN last June after a tumultuous run capped by a damning profile in The Atlantic. Weeks before the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger closed in April 2022, Zaslav had chosen Licht to head up CNN, reportedly without having conducted a robust search process. The two had been personally acquainted before the hiring.
“Chris is a good friend,” Zaslav said. As to their parting ways, he added, “That was … look, there are a lot of good days and a lot of tough days. Chris has had a lot of great days.
- 11/29/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
David Zaslav Says Hollywood Must Make “Tougher, Faster” Decisions to Avoid “Generational Disruption”
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav says his company is now “in a position to really attack for growth” over the next year, with its finances stabilizing and the entertainment industry moving forward after the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
But he added that the “generational disruption” that is impacting the industry “requires more aggressive, tougher, faster, decisions.”
Zaslav made the comments at the New York Times Dealbook Summit in New York Wednesday morning, in an interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin.
The moment “requires very hard decisions, and many of them are unpopular,” Zaslav added, noting the decision to cut film and TV projects, some of which were already completed. “It’s a very scary time, but its also an exciting time because of what’s possible. We were the first ones through. We needed to get healthy and needed to build a real business around this company.
But he added that the “generational disruption” that is impacting the industry “requires more aggressive, tougher, faster, decisions.”
Zaslav made the comments at the New York Times Dealbook Summit in New York Wednesday morning, in an interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin.
The moment “requires very hard decisions, and many of them are unpopular,” Zaslav added, noting the decision to cut film and TV projects, some of which were already completed. “It’s a very scary time, but its also an exciting time because of what’s possible. We were the first ones through. We needed to get healthy and needed to build a real business around this company.
- 11/29/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jeff Shell, whose tenure running NBCUniversal came to an abrupt end last spring, is in advanced talks to join private equity firm RedBird Capital Partners.
The executive, who had already been working in an informal capacity with the firm, is in discussions to come aboard full time early next year, a rep from the company told Deadline.
The Wall Street Journal had the first report on the negotiations.
Shell exited NBCU last April after an internal investigation uncovered an “inappropriate” relationship with a colleague, who was later identified as a reporter and host with CNBC. In the months after Shell’s departure, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh took on Shell’s oversight duties and handed out promotions to key execs at NBCU like Donna Langley and Mark Lazarus.
RedBird, which is led by former Goldman Sachs banker Gerry Cardinale, has made a number of high-profile investments in entertainment and sports. It has helped bankroll Skydance Media,...
The executive, who had already been working in an informal capacity with the firm, is in discussions to come aboard full time early next year, a rep from the company told Deadline.
The Wall Street Journal had the first report on the negotiations.
Shell exited NBCU last April after an internal investigation uncovered an “inappropriate” relationship with a colleague, who was later identified as a reporter and host with CNBC. In the months after Shell’s departure, Comcast President Mike Cavanagh took on Shell’s oversight duties and handed out promotions to key execs at NBCU like Donna Langley and Mark Lazarus.
RedBird, which is led by former Goldman Sachs banker Gerry Cardinale, has made a number of high-profile investments in entertainment and sports. It has helped bankroll Skydance Media,...
- 11/27/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Jeff Zucker, the former president of CNN and onetime CEO of NBCUniversal, is eying a push by right-leaning British newspaper The Daily Telegraph into the U.S. if his company’s bid to buy the title is successful.
An auction for the Telegraph Media Group, which includes magazine The Spectator, was halted this week when Zucker’s company RedBird Imi offered to clear the debts of the group’s previous owner, the Barclay family, totaling more than £1.1 billion ($1.38 billion), according to The Financial Times.
RedBird Imi is a joint venture between private-equity firm RedBird Capital, led by former Goldman Sachs partner Gerry Cardinale, and Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments, a private investment fund run by Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan.
Other bidders for The Telegraph include Rupert Murdoch’s News U.K., owner of London newspapers The Times and The Sun; Lord Rothermere’s Dmgt, owner of London’s Daily Mail; and Paul Marshall,...
An auction for the Telegraph Media Group, which includes magazine The Spectator, was halted this week when Zucker’s company RedBird Imi offered to clear the debts of the group’s previous owner, the Barclay family, totaling more than £1.1 billion ($1.38 billion), according to The Financial Times.
RedBird Imi is a joint venture between private-equity firm RedBird Capital, led by former Goldman Sachs partner Gerry Cardinale, and Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments, a private investment fund run by Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan.
Other bidders for The Telegraph include Rupert Murdoch’s News U.K., owner of London newspapers The Times and The Sun; Lord Rothermere’s Dmgt, owner of London’s Daily Mail; and Paul Marshall,...
- 11/24/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Jeff Zucker, former head of CNN who now runs media investment fund RedBird Imi, believes the media is overplaying polls showing former President Donald Trump leading Joe Biden.
Appearing at the Yahoo Finance Invest conference in New York, Zucker said it is a “real possibility” that Trump could return to the White House. In preparing for that scenario and covering the yearlong runup to the 2024 election, Zucker said the “key” for news outlets is “not to get caught up” in early poll results. A recent New York Times/Siena College poll showed Biden trailing Trump in five of the six states that helped Biden prevail in 2020.
“That continues to be a huge mistake in the media,” he said. “If you went by the poll in 1983, you would have thought there was no way that Ronald Reagan would win re-election. Or the poll in 2011 — there’s no way Barack Obama could have won re-election.
Appearing at the Yahoo Finance Invest conference in New York, Zucker said it is a “real possibility” that Trump could return to the White House. In preparing for that scenario and covering the yearlong runup to the 2024 election, Zucker said the “key” for news outlets is “not to get caught up” in early poll results. A recent New York Times/Siena College poll showed Biden trailing Trump in five of the six states that helped Biden prevail in 2020.
“That continues to be a huge mistake in the media,” he said. “If you went by the poll in 1983, you would have thought there was no way that Ronald Reagan would win re-election. Or the poll in 2011 — there’s no way Barack Obama could have won re-election.
- 11/7/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Dave O’Connor is exiting production company Majordomo Media to take over the reins of Time Studios as president.
O’Connor will report to Time CEO Jessica Sibley, who announced his hiring in a memo to staff Monday. O’Connor takes over the Time Studios role from Ian Orefice, who left the company this year to lead Jeff Zucker’s RedBird Imi-backed content studio EverWonder.
At Majordomo Media, he was a co-founder and co-ceo alongside David Chang, founder of the famed Momofuku restaurant group. The company has produced series including “Chef Vs. Wild” and “Secret Chef” for Hulu; “Ugly Delicious” for Netflix; and podcasts “The Dave Chang Show” and “Recipe Club” with Spotify’s The Ringer.
“With a proven track record of crafting business models to sustain profits and fuel growth, Dave also brings a deep creative background to Time Studios, with over two decades of experience as a showrunner,...
O’Connor will report to Time CEO Jessica Sibley, who announced his hiring in a memo to staff Monday. O’Connor takes over the Time Studios role from Ian Orefice, who left the company this year to lead Jeff Zucker’s RedBird Imi-backed content studio EverWonder.
At Majordomo Media, he was a co-founder and co-ceo alongside David Chang, founder of the famed Momofuku restaurant group. The company has produced series including “Chef Vs. Wild” and “Secret Chef” for Hulu; “Ugly Delicious” for Netflix; and podcasts “The Dave Chang Show” and “Recipe Club” with Spotify’s The Ringer.
“With a proven track record of crafting business models to sustain profits and fuel growth, Dave also brings a deep creative background to Time Studios, with over two decades of experience as a showrunner,...
- 11/6/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
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