Sean Gallagher, one of the founders of Say Yes to the Dress producer Half Yard Productions who spent over a decade at Discovery, died July 19 of cancer. He was 57..
Gallagher was heralded as a “pioneer” of reality television and a “kingmaker” as the industry took shape in its early years. Friends and colleagues including Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav and former A+E Networks CEO Nancy Dubuc paid tribute to Gallagher.
Gallagher founded Half Yard Productions in 2006 with Abby Greensfelder. In addition to TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, the company made hundreds of hours of unscripted television including Bravo’s The Real Housewives of D.C., Animal Planet’s Hillbilly Handfishin’ and Discovery’s American Loggers and The Last Alaskans, Nat Geo’s Diggers and History’s How The States Got Their Shapes.
Before launching the Bethesda-based company, he spent over ten years working at Discovery. He started as an AP,...
Gallagher was heralded as a “pioneer” of reality television and a “kingmaker” as the industry took shape in its early years. Friends and colleagues including Warner Bros. Discovery boss David Zaslav and former A+E Networks CEO Nancy Dubuc paid tribute to Gallagher.
Gallagher founded Half Yard Productions in 2006 with Abby Greensfelder. In addition to TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, the company made hundreds of hours of unscripted television including Bravo’s The Real Housewives of D.C., Animal Planet’s Hillbilly Handfishin’ and Discovery’s American Loggers and The Last Alaskans, Nat Geo’s Diggers and History’s How The States Got Their Shapes.
Before launching the Bethesda-based company, he spent over ten years working at Discovery. He started as an AP,...
- 7/22/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Just weeks after the company he founded entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy last May, Shane Smith jetted to the French Riviera. But this wasn’t a vacation for the 54-year-old flamboyant former Vice CEO to drown his sorrows. Smith landed in Cannes on a mission to save the media company that he had started as a scrappy punk music magazine in Montreal three decades ago from the financial scrap heap.
Smith, the brash face of Vice, had been quietly operating behind the scenes since stepping aside as CEO in 2018. In his new capacity as executive chairman, he worked the phones and hustled for deals as only he knew how. Now, accompanied by his chief of staff, Alon Soran, he was at Cannes Lions, the annual advertising confab that attracts the monied set looking to do business, desperate to ensure the company he had built didn’t disappear into liquidation and irrelevancy.
In...
Smith, the brash face of Vice, had been quietly operating behind the scenes since stepping aside as CEO in 2018. In his new capacity as executive chairman, he worked the phones and hustled for deals as only he knew how. Now, accompanied by his chief of staff, Alon Soran, he was at Cannes Lions, the annual advertising confab that attracts the monied set looking to do business, desperate to ensure the company he had built didn’t disappear into liquidation and irrelevancy.
In...
- 2/28/2024
- by Lachlan Cartwright
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hozefa Lokhandwala will step down as co-ceo of Vice Media Group to start “a new endeavor,” he said in a memo to staff Thursday. Bruce Dixon, formerly co-ceo alongside Lokhandwala, will now be the sole CEO.
Lokhandwala’s exit comes after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and in July 2023 closed a $350 million sale to a group of its former lenders, Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. Last month, Vice Media announced another round of layoffs, after several Vice News shows failed to get renewed, and consolidated its five operating divisions down to two. The latest layoffs eliminated fewer than 100 jobs. Vice Media most recently had just over 1,000 staffers worldwide; at one point, it counted about 3,000 employees.
Lokhandwala has been at the company since 2018, formerly serving as chief strategy officer. Before joining Vice Media, he worked at Jp Morgan, most recently as managing director, head of content and entertainment investment banking.
Lokhandwala’s exit comes after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and in July 2023 closed a $350 million sale to a group of its former lenders, Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. Last month, Vice Media announced another round of layoffs, after several Vice News shows failed to get renewed, and consolidated its five operating divisions down to two. The latest layoffs eliminated fewer than 100 jobs. Vice Media most recently had just over 1,000 staffers worldwide; at one point, it counted about 3,000 employees.
Lokhandwala has been at the company since 2018, formerly serving as chief strategy officer. Before joining Vice Media, he worked at Jp Morgan, most recently as managing director, head of content and entertainment investment banking.
- 12/7/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Hozefa Lokhandwala will step down as co-ceo of Vice Media Group.
In a memo sent to employees Thursday, and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Lokhandwala said he was leaving the company to start his “next chapter.” Bruce Dixon, formerly the co-ceo alongside Lokhandwala, will be the sole CEO.
“We are at a moment in time where the company is in a place with strong leadership and a new board, that I felt I could take this opportunity to leave and spend some time with my family and friends, before starting a new endeavor,” Lokhandwala said.
Lokhandwala and Dixon took over as co-CEOs after the departure of Nancy Dubuc, who had been CEO since 2018. Her exit was followed by Jesse Angelo, global president of news & entertainment at Vice Media Group, who left to form his own company.
The two left ahead of Vice Media Group filing for bankruptcy on May 15, 2023. Vice...
In a memo sent to employees Thursday, and obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Lokhandwala said he was leaving the company to start his “next chapter.” Bruce Dixon, formerly the co-ceo alongside Lokhandwala, will be the sole CEO.
“We are at a moment in time where the company is in a place with strong leadership and a new board, that I felt I could take this opportunity to leave and spend some time with my family and friends, before starting a new endeavor,” Lokhandwala said.
Lokhandwala and Dixon took over as co-CEOs after the departure of Nancy Dubuc, who had been CEO since 2018. Her exit was followed by Jesse Angelo, global president of news & entertainment at Vice Media Group, who left to form his own company.
The two left ahead of Vice Media Group filing for bankruptcy on May 15, 2023. Vice...
- 12/7/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hozefa Lokhandwala is the latest top exec to leave Vice Media Group.
Lokhandwala has been co-ceo since Februrary, when he and Bruce Dixon took over following Nancy Dubuc’s departure. Dixon will now be the sole CEO of Vmg as Lokhandwala pursues other opportunities.
He had previously been Chief Strategy Officer at Vmg since October 2018, having been an MD in the Media Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan before joining the youth-skewing media company.
His exit follows a number of layoffs at the company over the year, twelve months that has seen its bankruptcy sale. The company was acquired at the end of July by a group of its former lenders, Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital.
Memo from Hozefa Lokhandwala:
Vice Team,
It’s been an incredible journey together, but today I am writing to you all to let you know that I have made the...
Lokhandwala has been co-ceo since Februrary, when he and Bruce Dixon took over following Nancy Dubuc’s departure. Dixon will now be the sole CEO of Vmg as Lokhandwala pursues other opportunities.
He had previously been Chief Strategy Officer at Vmg since October 2018, having been an MD in the Media Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan before joining the youth-skewing media company.
His exit follows a number of layoffs at the company over the year, twelve months that has seen its bankruptcy sale. The company was acquired at the end of July by a group of its former lenders, Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital.
Memo from Hozefa Lokhandwala:
Vice Team,
It’s been an incredible journey together, but today I am writing to you all to let you know that I have made the...
- 12/7/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice Media Group is beginning a restructuring process that will see the departure of a number of employees.
The youth-skewing broadcaster is undergoing its latest round of layoffs this year as it winds down a number of long-running news programs. Sources told Deadline that less than 100 people are impacted.
Vice CEOs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala revealed the news in a memo sent to staff this morning, which Deadline has obtained a copy of (see below).
It comes as Vice on Showtime was canceled after season four and Vice News Tonight ended.
Dixon and Lokhandwala were named co-CEOs in February following the departure of Nancy Dubuc. From there, they’ve had a busy year, laying off staff in April with the cancelation of Vice News Tonight, and in August following its bankruptcy sale.
The company was acquired at the end of July by a group of its former lenders, Fortress Investment Group,...
The youth-skewing broadcaster is undergoing its latest round of layoffs this year as it winds down a number of long-running news programs. Sources told Deadline that less than 100 people are impacted.
Vice CEOs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala revealed the news in a memo sent to staff this morning, which Deadline has obtained a copy of (see below).
It comes as Vice on Showtime was canceled after season four and Vice News Tonight ended.
Dixon and Lokhandwala were named co-CEOs in February following the departure of Nancy Dubuc. From there, they’ve had a busy year, laying off staff in April with the cancelation of Vice News Tonight, and in August following its bankruptcy sale.
The company was acquired at the end of July by a group of its former lenders, Fortress Investment Group,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice Media is putting bankruptcy, and years of seeking a buyer and fresh cash, behind it, as the edgy digital news and lifestyle brand announces today it’s completed the sale to a consortium of former lenders led by Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital.
The deal was announced in June. The iconic Brooklyn-based company had filed for Chapter 11 in May and opened a bidding process. A number of offers emerged but a bankruptcy court judge in the Southern District of New York agreed that the best one came from the group of lenders.
“We are very pleased to complete the acquisition of Vice and we are excited to build upon the achievements of one of the most iconic brands in news and entertainment,” they said in a joint statement. “We look forward to growing a strong business that is committed to serving audiences, brands and partners with award-winning content.
The deal was announced in June. The iconic Brooklyn-based company had filed for Chapter 11 in May and opened a bidding process. A number of offers emerged but a bankruptcy court judge in the Southern District of New York agreed that the best one came from the group of lenders.
“We are very pleased to complete the acquisition of Vice and we are excited to build upon the achievements of one of the most iconic brands in news and entertainment,” they said in a joint statement. “We look forward to growing a strong business that is committed to serving audiences, brands and partners with award-winning content.
- 7/31/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice Media Group announced the completion of its post-bankruptcy sale to a consortium of former lenders, in a deal valuing the once-high-flying media company at $350 million.
As previously announced, the new owners of Vice Media are funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. The recently installed co-CEOs of Vice Media Group heralded the deal close as “the start of an exciting new chapter” for the Brooklyn-based company.
Vice Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May, after months of struggling to pay its bills. It’s a fire sale for the company, which in 2017 had boasted a valuation of $5.7 billion.
The bankruptcy and sale was set to “wipe out” the value of most of Vice’s other shareholders, including private-equity firm Tpg Group and James Murdoch (who invested in the company via his Lupa Systems investment firm), the Wall Street Journal previously reported.
As previously announced, the new owners of Vice Media are funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. The recently installed co-CEOs of Vice Media Group heralded the deal close as “the start of an exciting new chapter” for the Brooklyn-based company.
Vice Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May, after months of struggling to pay its bills. It’s a fire sale for the company, which in 2017 had boasted a valuation of $5.7 billion.
The bankruptcy and sale was set to “wipe out” the value of most of Vice’s other shareholders, including private-equity firm Tpg Group and James Murdoch (who invested in the company via his Lupa Systems investment firm), the Wall Street Journal previously reported.
- 7/31/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
A group of buyers led by Fortress Investment Group has been designated the winning bidder in the bankruptcy sale of Vice Media, after pledging $225 million, according to court documents filed Thursday.
A court hearing to approve the bid has been scheduled for Friday in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. If approved, the sale is expected to be completed by July 7. The bankruptcy auction, which had been scheduled Thursday morning, was canceled.
Fortress Investment Group was an existing lender of the company and had been expected to be a likely buyer of the company, alongside Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. Vice did not receive any other qualified bids before the deadline, according to the court filings.
Vice Group Holding filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 15, 2023. At the time, the media company, which includes Vice Studios, Vice TV, Virtue, Vice.com, Refinery29, listed assets...
A court hearing to approve the bid has been scheduled for Friday in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. If approved, the sale is expected to be completed by July 7. The bankruptcy auction, which had been scheduled Thursday morning, was canceled.
Fortress Investment Group was an existing lender of the company and had been expected to be a likely buyer of the company, alongside Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. Vice did not receive any other qualified bids before the deadline, according to the court filings.
Vice Group Holding filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 15, 2023. At the time, the media company, which includes Vice Studios, Vice TV, Virtue, Vice.com, Refinery29, listed assets...
- 6/22/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, Vice Media is set to be acquired by its lenders Fortress Investment Group and and Soros Fund Management.
Vice representatives declined Variety‘s request for comment Thursday, however, an internal memo was sent out to employees confirming the deal with its own backers, as first reported by the New York Times, is slated to close July 7.
A court hearing is scheduled for Friday during which Fortress’s winning $225 million bid (Vice was valued at $5.7 billion in 2017) for Vice is set to be approved. At that point, the sale will still need to clear a regulatory approval process to be finalized.
Cash-strapped Vice Media has been searching for a buyer over the past year, to no avail. In February, Nancy Dubuc announced her exit as CEO after almost five years. The company subsequently appointed longtime execs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala as co-CEOs.
According to one source,...
Vice representatives declined Variety‘s request for comment Thursday, however, an internal memo was sent out to employees confirming the deal with its own backers, as first reported by the New York Times, is slated to close July 7.
A court hearing is scheduled for Friday during which Fortress’s winning $225 million bid (Vice was valued at $5.7 billion in 2017) for Vice is set to be approved. At that point, the sale will still need to clear a regulatory approval process to be finalized.
Cash-strapped Vice Media has been searching for a buyer over the past year, to no avail. In February, Nancy Dubuc announced her exit as CEO after almost five years. The company subsequently appointed longtime execs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala as co-CEOs.
According to one source,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
A group of Vice Media’s leading lenders will acquire the company out of Chapter 11 after the $225 million bid — led by Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital — was deemed the most qualified.
Bids were due Tuesday, and there were multiple offers. But according to an internal email and court document filed this morning, an auction for Vice set for today was canceled. None of the other offers were deemed superior. The Fortress consortium offer was so-called stalking horse bid from early in the bankruptcy process to set a floor on an an eventual sale. Judge John Mastando III could approve the deal at a hearing set for tomorrow, and the company emere from Chapter 11 in July.
After years of financial struggle, the iconic magazine turned youth-based digital media and news outlet, filed for bankruptcy in May in the Southern District of New York.
A ‘Notice of Designation...
Bids were due Tuesday, and there were multiple offers. But according to an internal email and court document filed this morning, an auction for Vice set for today was canceled. None of the other offers were deemed superior. The Fortress consortium offer was so-called stalking horse bid from early in the bankruptcy process to set a floor on an an eventual sale. Judge John Mastando III could approve the deal at a hearing set for tomorrow, and the company emere from Chapter 11 in July.
After years of financial struggle, the iconic magazine turned youth-based digital media and news outlet, filed for bankruptcy in May in the Southern District of New York.
A ‘Notice of Designation...
- 6/22/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
As Vice Media, the brash company that once had ambitions of replacing legacy news giants, files for bankruptcy protection, with $834 million in debt obligations, its finances are coming into focus.
While its largest creditors include Fortress Investment Group (with a $474.6 million claim), there’s several media companies that are listed as top unsecured creditors that aren’t insiders, as outlined in its filing in the United States Bankruptcy Court for Southern District of New York on Monday. The filing estimates there are more than 5,000 creditors. Given that Vice lists $350 million in assets, many creditors are likely to take a loss during Chapter 11 proceedings.
Among them, CNN Productions is listed as having a $3,798,333 claim, HBO is listed as having a claim of $1,763,157 while A&e Networks is listed as having a claim of $937,500, per the filing. Tech firm Wipro, Amazon Web Services, ad agency Horizon Media, Greek media giant Antenna TV...
While its largest creditors include Fortress Investment Group (with a $474.6 million claim), there’s several media companies that are listed as top unsecured creditors that aren’t insiders, as outlined in its filing in the United States Bankruptcy Court for Southern District of New York on Monday. The filing estimates there are more than 5,000 creditors. Given that Vice lists $350 million in assets, many creditors are likely to take a loss during Chapter 11 proceedings.
Among them, CNN Productions is listed as having a $3,798,333 claim, HBO is listed as having a claim of $1,763,157 while A&e Networks is listed as having a claim of $937,500, per the filing. Tech firm Wipro, Amazon Web Services, ad agency Horizon Media, Greek media giant Antenna TV...
- 5/15/2023
- by Erik Hayden
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Trail-blazing youth brand Vice Media has formally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
The move, filed at the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, is part of a plan to engineer a sale to a group of lenders.
As expected, the company’s biggest creditor, Fortress Investment Group, will make up part of a new ownership. Also including Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital, the lending consortium will invest around $225M as a credit bid for almost all of the company’s assets. The trio will also assume significant liabilities at closing.
A credit bid allows a creditor to swap debt for assets without paying cash.
Vice has listed both assets and liabilities in the range of $500M-$1B. Vice’s brands include Vice News, Vice TV, Vice Studios, Pulse Films, Virtue, Refinery29 and i-d.
The sale is expected to complete in about two to three months. Day...
The move, filed at the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, is part of a plan to engineer a sale to a group of lenders.
As expected, the company’s biggest creditor, Fortress Investment Group, will make up part of a new ownership. Also including Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital, the lending consortium will invest around $225M as a credit bid for almost all of the company’s assets. The trio will also assume significant liabilities at closing.
A credit bid allows a creditor to swap debt for assets without paying cash.
Vice has listed both assets and liabilities in the range of $500M-$1B. Vice’s brands include Vice News, Vice TV, Vice Studios, Pulse Films, Virtue, Refinery29 and i-d.
The sale is expected to complete in about two to three months. Day...
- 5/15/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Struggling media company Vice Media Group said on Monday it had filed for Chapter 11 protection to facilitate its sale to a subset of its backers.
The company said in a court filing that it listed both assets and liabilities in the range of $500 million to $1 billion (available at this link). According to Vice Media, substantially all of the company’s international entities and the Vice TV joint venture with A+E Networks are not part of the Chapter 11 filing.
In a statement, Vice said that it had agreed to the terms of an asset-purchase agreement with a consortium of lenders. These include Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. The consortium agreed to provide total purchase consideration of approximately $225 million in the form of a credit bid for substantially all of the company’s assets, in addition to the assumption of significant liabilities upon closing. In addition, Vice secured...
The company said in a court filing that it listed both assets and liabilities in the range of $500 million to $1 billion (available at this link). According to Vice Media, substantially all of the company’s international entities and the Vice TV joint venture with A+E Networks are not part of the Chapter 11 filing.
In a statement, Vice said that it had agreed to the terms of an asset-purchase agreement with a consortium of lenders. These include Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. The consortium agreed to provide total purchase consideration of approximately $225 million in the form of a credit bid for substantially all of the company’s assets, in addition to the assumption of significant liabilities upon closing. In addition, Vice secured...
- 5/15/2023
- by Patrick Frater and Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
After weeks of speculation, Vice Media filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday to smooth a sale of the company.
In a statement, Vice listed both assets and liabilities in the range of more than $500 million to as much as $1 billion in a Chapter 11 petition filed in a New York court. Bloomberg reports that Fortress Credit Corp. ranked among the biggest secured creditors, with claims totaling about $475 million.
The company added that a consortium that includes Fortress, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital has agreed to purchase the group for $225 million, including all assets and taking on all liabilities. Vice expects to complete the sale process in the next two to three months.
In the face of a weak advertising market and a turbulent economy, Vice, like fellow digital media darlings BuzzFeed and Vox Media, has struggled to manage costs and grow revenues.
Filing for bankruptcy is an epic fall from...
In a statement, Vice listed both assets and liabilities in the range of more than $500 million to as much as $1 billion in a Chapter 11 petition filed in a New York court. Bloomberg reports that Fortress Credit Corp. ranked among the biggest secured creditors, with claims totaling about $475 million.
The company added that a consortium that includes Fortress, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital has agreed to purchase the group for $225 million, including all assets and taking on all liabilities. Vice expects to complete the sale process in the next two to three months.
In the face of a weak advertising market and a turbulent economy, Vice, like fellow digital media darlings BuzzFeed and Vox Media, has struggled to manage costs and grow revenues.
Filing for bankruptcy is an epic fall from...
- 5/15/2023
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Struggling media company Vice Media Group is gearing up to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection — and then sell itself to some of its backers for about $400 million, according to a new report.
The Brooklyn-based company post-bankruptcy arrangement to sell to investors including Fortress Investment Group and Soros Fund Management would value it at $400 million, the Wall Street Journal reported. That would be less than 10% of its once high-flying $5.7 billion valuation back in 2017. The New York Times last week reported that Vice was prepping a bankruptcy filing.
Reps for Vice Media and Soros Fund Management declined to comment. Fortress did not respond to a request for comment.
Cash-strapped Vice Media has been searching for a buyer over the past year, to no avail. In February, Nancy Dubuc announced her exit as CEO after almost five years. The company subsequently appointed longtime execs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala as co-CEOs.
Under the proposed sale to “senior lenders,...
The Brooklyn-based company post-bankruptcy arrangement to sell to investors including Fortress Investment Group and Soros Fund Management would value it at $400 million, the Wall Street Journal reported. That would be less than 10% of its once high-flying $5.7 billion valuation back in 2017. The New York Times last week reported that Vice was prepping a bankruptcy filing.
Reps for Vice Media and Soros Fund Management declined to comment. Fortress did not respond to a request for comment.
Cash-strapped Vice Media has been searching for a buyer over the past year, to no avail. In February, Nancy Dubuc announced her exit as CEO after almost five years. The company subsequently appointed longtime execs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala as co-CEOs.
Under the proposed sale to “senior lenders,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Vice Media Group, the swashbuckling, youth-skewing digital media brand, is preparing to file for bankruptcy.
The company, which was valued at $5.7 billion in 2017, is considering the move after struggling to find a buyer, according to reports.
It comes after a tumultuous start to the year for the company, which saw Nancy Dubuc exit after five years, replaced by Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, as well as the departure of Global President of News & Entertainment Jesse Angelo to launch his own production company.
Last week, the company underwent the latest in a series of layoffs, streamlining its news division and canceling its signature show in Vice News Tonight.
“Vice Media Group has been engaged in a comprehensive evaluation of strategic alternatives and planning,” Vice said in a statement to the New York Times, which broke the news. “The company, its board and stakeholders continue to be focused on finding the best path for the company.
The company, which was valued at $5.7 billion in 2017, is considering the move after struggling to find a buyer, according to reports.
It comes after a tumultuous start to the year for the company, which saw Nancy Dubuc exit after five years, replaced by Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, as well as the departure of Global President of News & Entertainment Jesse Angelo to launch his own production company.
Last week, the company underwent the latest in a series of layoffs, streamlining its news division and canceling its signature show in Vice News Tonight.
“Vice Media Group has been engaged in a comprehensive evaluation of strategic alternatives and planning,” Vice said in a statement to the New York Times, which broke the news. “The company, its board and stakeholders continue to be focused on finding the best path for the company.
- 5/1/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice Media has canceled “Vice News Tonight,” announcing Thursday that the news program’s final airdate will be May 25.
The move comes amid company-wide layoffs at Vice Media and a strategic refocus on digital video and news documentary verticals.
“We believe this strategic focus strongly positions Vice’s incredibly important news coverage for the future,” co-CEOs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala wrote in a staff memo Thursday.
At the top of their announcement, Dixon and Lokhandwala cited the “current market conditions and business realities facing Vmg and the broader news and media industry” as they join a growing list of media companies to implement layoffs over the last year — a list that most recently includes the shuttering of BuzzFeed News.
Also Read:
How Vice, Vox and BuzzFeed Blew the Future of Media
“We hope you understand that these changes were not made lightly, and that it is extremely painful to see our colleagues leave,...
The move comes amid company-wide layoffs at Vice Media and a strategic refocus on digital video and news documentary verticals.
“We believe this strategic focus strongly positions Vice’s incredibly important news coverage for the future,” co-CEOs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala wrote in a staff memo Thursday.
At the top of their announcement, Dixon and Lokhandwala cited the “current market conditions and business realities facing Vmg and the broader news and media industry” as they join a growing list of media companies to implement layoffs over the last year — a list that most recently includes the shuttering of BuzzFeed News.
Also Read:
How Vice, Vox and BuzzFeed Blew the Future of Media
“We hope you understand that these changes were not made lightly, and that it is extremely painful to see our colleagues leave,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Vice Media Group announced that it was streamlining its news division, including layoffs and the cancelation of its signature newscast, Vice News Tonight.
Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, co-CEOs of Vice Media Group, said that the changes were in “response to the current market conditions and business realities facing Vmg and the broader news and media industry.”
“To be incredibly clear, Vice News is core to Vice Media Group and fundamental to our business. We are Not exiting the news business, but we are changing the shape of Vice News to position the whole Company for long-term opportunities and improve how we deliver important, ground-breaking journalism well into the future,” they wrote.
Related: Tucker Carlson Speaks Out For The First Time Since Fox News Exit, Railing Against “The People In Charge” Of American Media
The staff reductions are the latest to hit the news business, with both traditional and digital...
Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, co-CEOs of Vice Media Group, said that the changes were in “response to the current market conditions and business realities facing Vmg and the broader news and media industry.”
“To be incredibly clear, Vice News is core to Vice Media Group and fundamental to our business. We are Not exiting the news business, but we are changing the shape of Vice News to position the whole Company for long-term opportunities and improve how we deliver important, ground-breaking journalism well into the future,” they wrote.
Related: Tucker Carlson Speaks Out For The First Time Since Fox News Exit, Railing Against “The People In Charge” Of American Media
The staff reductions are the latest to hit the news business, with both traditional and digital...
- 4/27/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vice Media has a new partner in the documentary space.
The youth-media company, which recently saw its CEO Nancy Dubuc exit amid sale plans, has struck a deal with Fox-owned Tubi for a new slate of original documentaries for the ad-supported streamer.
Vice News will produce eight documentaries for the service and is kicking off with The Cult of Elon, about Twitter owner Elon Musk.
The Cult of Elon will launch on April 24 and will follow the story of Musk and Tesla’s success, examining his path to becoming one of the most influential, and controversial, businessman by creating an immensely powerful cult of personality.
It is executive produced by Maral Usefi and Stacey Sommer. Jeb Banegas and Patrick Mannion serve as editors and Steve Bartus produces.
It will be followed by Vigilante, Inc., which will launch on May 6. This project will investigate the volatile world of online vigilantism,...
The youth-media company, which recently saw its CEO Nancy Dubuc exit amid sale plans, has struck a deal with Fox-owned Tubi for a new slate of original documentaries for the ad-supported streamer.
Vice News will produce eight documentaries for the service and is kicking off with The Cult of Elon, about Twitter owner Elon Musk.
The Cult of Elon will launch on April 24 and will follow the story of Musk and Tesla’s success, examining his path to becoming one of the most influential, and controversial, businessman by creating an immensely powerful cult of personality.
It is executive produced by Maral Usefi and Stacey Sommer. Jeb Banegas and Patrick Mannion serve as editors and Steve Bartus produces.
It will be followed by Vigilante, Inc., which will launch on May 6. This project will investigate the volatile world of online vigilantism,...
- 4/3/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala have been on the job for less than two weeks as co-CEOs of Vice Media Group. But despite the newness of their current roles, Lokhandwala and Dixon are already well versed in the inner workings of the Brooklyn-based company, having served for several years in senior roles under recently exited CEO Nancy Dubuc.
Lokhandwala has been chief strategy officer at Vmg since October 2018, and Dixon has held the position of CFO since 2021 and was previously CFO of Vice Studios. Both were brought in by Dubuc — who departed the company Feb. 24 after nearly five years as CEO — and now seek to follow in her footsteps while shaping the future of Vice, a company that has been seeking a buyer over the past year.
Vice Media’s investors include Disney, Tpg, James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems, the Raine Group and Wpp. Last month, the cash-strapped company secured...
Lokhandwala has been chief strategy officer at Vmg since October 2018, and Dixon has held the position of CFO since 2021 and was previously CFO of Vice Studios. Both were brought in by Dubuc — who departed the company Feb. 24 after nearly five years as CEO — and now seek to follow in her footsteps while shaping the future of Vice, a company that has been seeking a buyer over the past year.
Vice Media’s investors include Disney, Tpg, James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems, the Raine Group and Wpp. Last month, the cash-strapped company secured...
- 3/15/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Jesse Angelo, global president of news & entertainment at Vice Media Group, announced Wednesday that he will be leaving the company, in the second big exit in recent weeks.
Angelo, who has served in this position since 2019, is departing to form his own company, Checker Media, which will develop and fund original intellectual property and consult with companies on creative projects and products in the news, documentary and non-fiction space. Angelo’s departure follows that of Nancy Dubuc, who told staff on Feb. 24 that she would be stepping down from her position as CEO.
Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala have since been named as co-CEOs of Vice Media Group. The pair take over the role as Vice looks into strategic alternatives for the company, which could include a sale, in whole or in pieces, or further investment.
In an internal memo about Angelo’s departure, Dixon and Lokhandwala called this a “pivotal time” in media,...
Angelo, who has served in this position since 2019, is departing to form his own company, Checker Media, which will develop and fund original intellectual property and consult with companies on creative projects and products in the news, documentary and non-fiction space. Angelo’s departure follows that of Nancy Dubuc, who told staff on Feb. 24 that she would be stepping down from her position as CEO.
Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala have since been named as co-CEOs of Vice Media Group. The pair take over the role as Vice looks into strategic alternatives for the company, which could include a sale, in whole or in pieces, or further investment.
In an internal memo about Angelo’s departure, Dixon and Lokhandwala called this a “pivotal time” in media,...
- 3/1/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Jesse Angelo is the latest top executive to leave Vice Media as he starts his own production company.
Angelo, who has served as Global President of News & Entertainment since 2019, is leaving the youth-skewing media company to launch Checker Media.
The move comes a few days after Vice CEO Nancy Dubuc exited and was replaced by Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala as the company continues through its sale process.
Before joining Vice, Angelo was CEO and publisher of the New York Post.
Checker Media will focus on the news, documentary and non-fiction space and will develop and fund new IP, consult with factual brands and invest in new media ventures and start-ups.
During his time at Vice, Angleo has overseen three of its five lines of business and spearheaded the international expansion, growth and content development of Vice News, its digital channels and the company’s television business, which is...
Angelo, who has served as Global President of News & Entertainment since 2019, is leaving the youth-skewing media company to launch Checker Media.
The move comes a few days after Vice CEO Nancy Dubuc exited and was replaced by Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala as the company continues through its sale process.
Before joining Vice, Angelo was CEO and publisher of the New York Post.
Checker Media will focus on the news, documentary and non-fiction space and will develop and fund new IP, consult with factual brands and invest in new media ventures and start-ups.
During his time at Vice, Angleo has overseen three of its five lines of business and spearheaded the international expansion, growth and content development of Vice News, its digital channels and the company’s television business, which is...
- 3/1/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice France Editor-in-Chief Paul Douard has announced the closure of Vice Media Group’s Paris-based French subsidiary in a tweet.
“I am sorry to write this but it’s the end of Vice France. The office is going to shut between now and the end of March,” he posted on his Twitter account on Monday evening.
“It’s been 15 years of existence for a fabulous outlet that gave me a chance 10 years ago. I am proud to have been its editor-in-chief for five years, accompanying some excellent people.”...
“I am sorry to write this but it’s the end of Vice France. The office is going to shut between now and the end of March,” he posted on his Twitter account on Monday evening.
“It’s been 15 years of existence for a fabulous outlet that gave me a chance 10 years ago. I am proud to have been its editor-in-chief for five years, accompanying some excellent people.”...
- 2/28/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Longtime company executives Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala will serve as co-CEOs of Vice Media Group.
The announcement comes days after Nancy Dubuc, who has served as CEO since 2018, stated she would be leaving the company. Dubuc’s departure came as Vice, among many other media companies, faces “new headwinds in the marketplace,” as Dubuc noted in her Feb. 24 company memo. The company is exploring a potential sale or further investment.
Lokhandwala has been chief strategy officer at Vmg since October 2018 and previously served as a managing director in the Media Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan. Dixon has been CFO at Vmg since 2021 and was previously CFO of Vice Studios. Before working at Vice, Dixon was finance director, global markets for BBC Studios, and group controller and head of Fp&a for Central Media Enterprises.
“Hozefa and Bruce are incredibly experienced and deeply talented executives who enjoy the full...
The announcement comes days after Nancy Dubuc, who has served as CEO since 2018, stated she would be leaving the company. Dubuc’s departure came as Vice, among many other media companies, faces “new headwinds in the marketplace,” as Dubuc noted in her Feb. 24 company memo. The company is exploring a potential sale or further investment.
Lokhandwala has been chief strategy officer at Vmg since October 2018 and previously served as a managing director in the Media Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan. Dixon has been CFO at Vmg since 2021 and was previously CFO of Vice Studios. Before working at Vice, Dixon was finance director, global markets for BBC Studios, and group controller and head of Fp&a for Central Media Enterprises.
“Hozefa and Bruce are incredibly experienced and deeply talented executives who enjoy the full...
- 2/27/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
With Nancy Dubuc’s departure from Vice Media Group last week, the company named longtime execs Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala as co-CEOs, effective immediately.
Lokhandwala (above right) has been chief strategy officer at Brooklyn-based Vice Media since October 2018, and Dixon (above left) has been CFO at Vmg since 2021 and was previously CFO of Vice Studios. The duo will lead the strategic and creative direction of Vice Media, working with the board of directors.
Dubuc announced her exit from Vice Media after almost five years as CEO in a memo to staff on Friday, Feb. 24. The cash-strapped company has been seeking a buyer over the past year.
The Vice board said in a statement: “Hozefa and Bruce are incredibly experienced and deeply talented executives who enjoy the full trust of Vice’s leadership team and board, and are the right individuals to lead Vice forward. With their combined 10 years of experience at Vice,...
Lokhandwala (above right) has been chief strategy officer at Brooklyn-based Vice Media since October 2018, and Dixon (above left) has been CFO at Vmg since 2021 and was previously CFO of Vice Studios. The duo will lead the strategic and creative direction of Vice Media, working with the board of directors.
Dubuc announced her exit from Vice Media after almost five years as CEO in a memo to staff on Friday, Feb. 24. The cash-strapped company has been seeking a buyer over the past year.
The Vice board said in a statement: “Hozefa and Bruce are incredibly experienced and deeply talented executives who enjoy the full trust of Vice’s leadership team and board, and are the right individuals to lead Vice forward. With their combined 10 years of experience at Vice,...
- 2/27/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Nancy Dubuc revealed last week that she was leaving Vice Media Group as CEO after five years. The company said Monday she will be replaced by Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, who will become co-CEOs.
Related Story Nancy Dubuc Exits As Vice Media CEO After 5 Years Related Story Vice Media Cuts Around 2% Of Digital News & Publishing Staff As Part Of Latest Consolidation Efforts Related Story Vice Media Promotes News & Entertainment Leaders As Jesse Angelo Re-Ups
Lokhandwala has been Chief Strategy Officer at Vmg since October 2018, and Dixon has been Chief Financial Officer since 2021 and was previously CFO of Vice Studios.
It comes as the board has launched a process to sell — an acquisition of the whole company, a strategic recapitalization, or other transactions involving individual assets — under the oversight of a Special Board Committee.
Before joining Vice, Lokhandwala was an MD in the Media Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan.
Related Story Nancy Dubuc Exits As Vice Media CEO After 5 Years Related Story Vice Media Cuts Around 2% Of Digital News & Publishing Staff As Part Of Latest Consolidation Efforts Related Story Vice Media Promotes News & Entertainment Leaders As Jesse Angelo Re-Ups
Lokhandwala has been Chief Strategy Officer at Vmg since October 2018, and Dixon has been Chief Financial Officer since 2021 and was previously CFO of Vice Studios.
It comes as the board has launched a process to sell — an acquisition of the whole company, a strategic recapitalization, or other transactions involving individual assets — under the oversight of a Special Board Committee.
Before joining Vice, Lokhandwala was an MD in the Media Investment Banking Group at J.P. Morgan.
- 2/27/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Bravo’s “Summer House” and E!’s “Nikki Bella Says I Do” both exhibited growth in three-day viewership figures, TheWrap can exclusively report. The NBCUniversal-owned unscripted cable series saw increases in their Season 7 premiere and Season 1 finale, respectively.
“Summer House” — which follows a group of friends who vacation in a shared summer house in Long Island’s Montauk — was up 10% in the 18-49 demographic and 2% in total average viewers, as compared to the Season 6 debut in the total audience measurement index through three days.
Also Read:
AMC Cancels Brett Goldstein’s ‘Soulmates’ Despite Season 2 Renewal
The reality show stars Mya Allen, Amanda Batula, Kyle Cooke, Paige DeSorbo, Lindsay Hubbard, Ciara Miller, Danielle Olivera and Carl Radke. Upon the Feb. 13 premiere, the housemates were joined by newcomers Samantha Feher, Chris Leoni and Gabby Prescod, as well as old friends Andrea Denver and Kory Keefer.
“Summer House” Season 7 (Bravo)
Truly Original produces with Steven Weinstock,...
“Summer House” — which follows a group of friends who vacation in a shared summer house in Long Island’s Montauk — was up 10% in the 18-49 demographic and 2% in total average viewers, as compared to the Season 6 debut in the total audience measurement index through three days.
Also Read:
AMC Cancels Brett Goldstein’s ‘Soulmates’ Despite Season 2 Renewal
The reality show stars Mya Allen, Amanda Batula, Kyle Cooke, Paige DeSorbo, Lindsay Hubbard, Ciara Miller, Danielle Olivera and Carl Radke. Upon the Feb. 13 premiere, the housemates were joined by newcomers Samantha Feher, Chris Leoni and Gabby Prescod, as well as old friends Andrea Denver and Kory Keefer.
“Summer House” Season 7 (Bravo)
Truly Original produces with Steven Weinstock,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
Nancy Dubuc announced in a memo to Vice Media Group staff Friday that she is leaving as CEO of the media company, which has been attempting to find a buyer over the last year.
Dubuc, who was previously CEO of A+E Networks and spent nearly 20 years at the cable programmer, was hired as Vice Media’s chief exec in March 2018. She took over for company co-founder Shane Smith, who shifted into a new role as executive chairman. During her tenure as Vice Media’s CEO, Dubuc has had to contend to with downswings in revenue and related cost-cutting measures as well as the fallout from a sexual-harassment scandal and allegations of gender pay disparity at the Brooklyn-based company.
“It’s been an exhilarating five years since joining you at Vice, and I am incredibly proud of the important and long-lasting accomplishments we have made together,” Dubuc wrote in her farewell email.
Dubuc, who was previously CEO of A+E Networks and spent nearly 20 years at the cable programmer, was hired as Vice Media’s chief exec in March 2018. She took over for company co-founder Shane Smith, who shifted into a new role as executive chairman. During her tenure as Vice Media’s CEO, Dubuc has had to contend to with downswings in revenue and related cost-cutting measures as well as the fallout from a sexual-harassment scandal and allegations of gender pay disparity at the Brooklyn-based company.
“It’s been an exhilarating five years since joining you at Vice, and I am incredibly proud of the important and long-lasting accomplishments we have made together,” Dubuc wrote in her farewell email.
- 2/24/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran media and TV executive Nancy Dubuc will step down as CEO of Vice Media, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Dubuc informed Vice employees of her decision in a memo Friday morning. Dubuc has led Vice since 2018, when she succeeded Vice co-founder Shane Smith in an effort to professionalize and grow the media company.
“I am proud to leave a Vice better than the one I joined,” Dubuc wrote to staff. “Together we racked up incredible wins while tackling unprecedented macroeconomic headwinds caused by the pandemic, the war in the Ukraine, and the economy all which forced us to pivot, refocus and pivot again.”
Of course, since that time (and as Dubuc noted in her memo), the entire digital media industry has faced intense pressure, with the digital darlings of the era seeing their business prospects diminish. BuzzFeed, which now trades publicly, has seen its share price flounder and news division mostly dismantled,...
Dubuc informed Vice employees of her decision in a memo Friday morning. Dubuc has led Vice since 2018, when she succeeded Vice co-founder Shane Smith in an effort to professionalize and grow the media company.
“I am proud to leave a Vice better than the one I joined,” Dubuc wrote to staff. “Together we racked up incredible wins while tackling unprecedented macroeconomic headwinds caused by the pandemic, the war in the Ukraine, and the economy all which forced us to pivot, refocus and pivot again.”
Of course, since that time (and as Dubuc noted in her memo), the entire digital media industry has faced intense pressure, with the digital darlings of the era seeing their business prospects diminish. BuzzFeed, which now trades publicly, has seen its share price flounder and news division mostly dismantled,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Nancy Dubuc is leaving Vice Media Group where she was CEO for the past five years. She just announced her decision to her staff in a memo (you can read it below.) It comes as the board has launched a process to sell — an acquisition of the whole company, a strategic recapitalization, or other transactions involving individual assets — under the oversight of a Special Board Committee. According to sources, Dubuc was at the end of her contract and decided it was time to move on.
“Nancy joined Vice at a pivotal time and put in place an exceptional team that has positioned the company for long-term success,” the company’s board of directors said in a statement. “We thank Nancy for her many contributions and will soon announce new leadership to guide Vice forward into its next stage of growth and transformation.”
Dubuc, who had been on the Vice...
“Nancy joined Vice at a pivotal time and put in place an exceptional team that has positioned the company for long-term success,” the company’s board of directors said in a statement. “We thank Nancy for her many contributions and will soon announce new leadership to guide Vice forward into its next stage of growth and transformation.”
Dubuc, who had been on the Vice...
- 2/24/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Peter Smith is leaving Mbc Studios after four years as Managing Director.
We’ve learned the international industry veteran is stepping down from the premium production arm of Middle Eastern and North African network Mbc, though he’ll continue to advise on production and distribution.
In a statement to Deadline, Mbc CEO Sam Barnett confirmed the exit and said a successor would be named “in due course, in coming days.”
Smith is a former NBCUniversal International President and was CEO of Cineflix Studios and Greece-based broadcaster Antenna Group.
He joined Mbc Studios in 2018 as it launched as the production arm of free-to-air network Mbc, which is the largest media company in the Mena region. He was tasked with increasing Mbc’s original film and TV output and and he has gone on to overseen the launch of shows such as Rashash, Rise of the Witches and The Devil’s Promise.
We’ve learned the international industry veteran is stepping down from the premium production arm of Middle Eastern and North African network Mbc, though he’ll continue to advise on production and distribution.
In a statement to Deadline, Mbc CEO Sam Barnett confirmed the exit and said a successor would be named “in due course, in coming days.”
Smith is a former NBCUniversal International President and was CEO of Cineflix Studios and Greece-based broadcaster Antenna Group.
He joined Mbc Studios in 2018 as it launched as the production arm of free-to-air network Mbc, which is the largest media company in the Mena region. He was tasked with increasing Mbc’s original film and TV output and and he has gone on to overseen the launch of shows such as Rashash, Rise of the Witches and The Devil’s Promise.
- 1/26/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The Vice Media Group is expanding its business in Saudi Arabia and has signed a deal to produce content for Mbc Group, the Saudi-owned Middle East giant with the largest media operation in the region.
Unveiled on Wednesday, the deal — which was first rumored last year (The New York Times said it was potentially worth “at least 50 million” — will see the youth-focused digital media company create bespoke, Arabic-language content across food, music, fashion, the visual arts and video games, alongside providing mentorship and training opportunities. It will be run from Vice’s offices in Riyadh, which first opened in 2021.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
“Mbc Group is the leading media platform in the region, and we are happy to help extend its reach while highlighting the vibrant, emerging youth culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – where more than half the population is under the age of 35 – and across the Arabic-speaking world,...
Unveiled on Wednesday, the deal — which was first rumored last year (The New York Times said it was potentially worth “at least 50 million” — will see the youth-focused digital media company create bespoke, Arabic-language content across food, music, fashion, the visual arts and video games, alongside providing mentorship and training opportunities. It will be run from Vice’s offices in Riyadh, which first opened in 2021.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
“Mbc Group is the leading media platform in the region, and we are happy to help extend its reach while highlighting the vibrant, emerging youth culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – where more than half the population is under the age of 35 – and across the Arabic-speaking world,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Vice Media has cut around a dozen editorial and news staff as part of its latest round of layoffs.
The youth-focused media company, which is behind series such as Showtime’s Vice, has laid off around 2 of its news staff, which incorporates people working in online news as well as its flagship Vice News brand.
The layoffs at Vice come as the broader entertainment business has been going through similar changes. Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal have made a number of cuts across its businesses and earlier this afternoon Disney was beginning “tough” and “uncomfortable” decisions around cutting back its approximately 190,000-employee base.
Vice’s cuts comes as part of a consolidation effort that started with promotion of Cory Haik from Chief Digital Officer to Chief Operating Officer, News and Entertainment.
Haik was promoted at the same time as Morgan Hertzan, who became President of Global TV, as well as re-upped contracts for President,...
The youth-focused media company, which is behind series such as Showtime’s Vice, has laid off around 2 of its news staff, which incorporates people working in online news as well as its flagship Vice News brand.
The layoffs at Vice come as the broader entertainment business has been going through similar changes. Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal have made a number of cuts across its businesses and earlier this afternoon Disney was beginning “tough” and “uncomfortable” decisions around cutting back its approximately 190,000-employee base.
Vice’s cuts comes as part of a consolidation effort that started with promotion of Cory Haik from Chief Digital Officer to Chief Operating Officer, News and Entertainment.
Haik was promoted at the same time as Morgan Hertzan, who became President of Global TV, as well as re-upped contracts for President,...
- 11/11/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video has released the official teaser trailer for the upcoming dark comedy-drama series “Mammals,” starring James Corden and Sally Hawkins. All six episodes will drop Nov. 11.
Directed by Stephanie Laing and written by Jez Butterworth, “Mammals” follows Jamie (Corden), a chef who discovers shocking secrets about his pregnant wife, Amandine (Melia Kreiling). Jamie searches for answers with the help of his brother-in-law Jeff (Colin Morgan), but stumbles upon cracks in Jeff’s marriage to Jamie’s sister Lue (Hawkins) along the way.
The series is produced by Street Hassle, in association with Vertigo Films and Fulwell 73. Watch the teaser below.
Also in today’s TV news:
Trailers
Apple TV+ has released the official trailer of the original preschool series “Slumberkins,” premiering globally on the streamer Nov. 4.
From The Jim Henson Company, the series follows the adventures of Bigfoot, Unicorn, Sloth, Yak and Fox as they empower the emotional...
Directed by Stephanie Laing and written by Jez Butterworth, “Mammals” follows Jamie (Corden), a chef who discovers shocking secrets about his pregnant wife, Amandine (Melia Kreiling). Jamie searches for answers with the help of his brother-in-law Jeff (Colin Morgan), but stumbles upon cracks in Jeff’s marriage to Jamie’s sister Lue (Hawkins) along the way.
The series is produced by Street Hassle, in association with Vertigo Films and Fulwell 73. Watch the teaser below.
Also in today’s TV news:
Trailers
Apple TV+ has released the official trailer of the original preschool series “Slumberkins,” premiering globally on the streamer Nov. 4.
From The Jim Henson Company, the series follows the adventures of Bigfoot, Unicorn, Sloth, Yak and Fox as they empower the emotional...
- 10/17/2022
- by Katie Reul, Michaela Zee and EJ Panaligan
- Variety Film + TV
Morgan Hertzan and Cory Haik have been promoted at Vice Media as Jesse Angelo has re-upped his contract.
The company, which is behind series such as Dark Side of the Ring and Showtime’s Vice, has promoted Hertzan to President of Global TV with new oversight of the company’s international TV distribution business. He was previously EVP and Gm of Vice TV.
The distribution division was previously run by Kate Ward, who headed up Vice Studios, and recently departed to join the BBC. Additionally, Bea Hegedus has been upped from SVP of Global Distribution to Executive Managing Director, Distribution, reporting to Hertzan.
Haik has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, News and Entertainment. She was previously Chief Digital Officer.
Hertzan and Haik report to Angelo, who has extended his contract as President, Global News and Entertainment. It comes on the back of a slew of award wins at the News and Documentary Emmys.
The company, which is behind series such as Dark Side of the Ring and Showtime’s Vice, has promoted Hertzan to President of Global TV with new oversight of the company’s international TV distribution business. He was previously EVP and Gm of Vice TV.
The distribution division was previously run by Kate Ward, who headed up Vice Studios, and recently departed to join the BBC. Additionally, Bea Hegedus has been upped from SVP of Global Distribution to Executive Managing Director, Distribution, reporting to Hertzan.
Haik has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, News and Entertainment. She was previously Chief Digital Officer.
Hertzan and Haik report to Angelo, who has extended his contract as President, Global News and Entertainment. It comes on the back of a slew of award wins at the News and Documentary Emmys.
- 10/17/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Vice Media Group is holding on to its team of top executives.
The media company announced Monday that Jesse Angelo will continue as president of global news and entertainment, while Cory Haik, the company’s chief digital officer since 2019, has been promoted to chief operating officer for news and entertainment. Morgan Hertzan, who joined in 2019 as executive vice president and general manager of television at Vice TV, has been promoted to president of global TV. Haik and Hertzan will continue reporting to Angelo.
“I’m incredibly proud of Jesse, Cory and Morgan for all they’ve done to make Vice the leading youth culture brand around the world, leveraging new platforms to accelerate the growth of our business and breaking through with innovative and groundbreaking content that appeals to young consumers everywhere. They’re proven leaders with a profound understanding of Vice’s unique brand and audience,...
Vice Media Group is holding on to its team of top executives.
The media company announced Monday that Jesse Angelo will continue as president of global news and entertainment, while Cory Haik, the company’s chief digital officer since 2019, has been promoted to chief operating officer for news and entertainment. Morgan Hertzan, who joined in 2019 as executive vice president and general manager of television at Vice TV, has been promoted to president of global TV. Haik and Hertzan will continue reporting to Angelo.
“I’m incredibly proud of Jesse, Cory and Morgan for all they’ve done to make Vice the leading youth culture brand around the world, leveraging new platforms to accelerate the growth of our business and breaking through with innovative and groundbreaking content that appeals to young consumers everywhere. They’re proven leaders with a profound understanding of Vice’s unique brand and audience,...
- 10/17/2022
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Vice TV is exploring Sex Before The Internet in a new docuseries from former ABC News President James Goldston.
The linear network has ordered the eight-part series from Goldston’s Aquitania Films and Vice World News.
It is one of the first series orders for Goldston, who launched his company last year and has been an unofficial advisor to the January 6 hearings to make it appealing viewing to the public.
The series, which is set to premiere in 2023, will explore a world before Pornhub and OnlyFans, an era where porn wasn’t available at your fingertips 24/7. This was a time when X-rated magazines, VHS tapes and 1-900 numbers allowed people to get in touch with what touched them.
It will feature Larry Levenson, the infamous owner of 90’s sex club Plato’s Retreat, dial into the controversies surrounding the 1-900 phone sex industry, meet the stars of the exploding...
The linear network has ordered the eight-part series from Goldston’s Aquitania Films and Vice World News.
It is one of the first series orders for Goldston, who launched his company last year and has been an unofficial advisor to the January 6 hearings to make it appealing viewing to the public.
The series, which is set to premiere in 2023, will explore a world before Pornhub and OnlyFans, an era where porn wasn’t available at your fingertips 24/7. This was a time when X-rated magazines, VHS tapes and 1-900 numbers allowed people to get in touch with what touched them.
It will feature Larry Levenson, the infamous owner of 90’s sex club Plato’s Retreat, dial into the controversies surrounding the 1-900 phone sex industry, meet the stars of the exploding...
- 10/4/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice Studios global president Kate Ward is joining BBC Studios to oversee its factual portfolio, Variety can reveal.
Ward has been appointed to the role of managing director for factual at BBC Studios Productions, where she replaces Tom McDonald, who left the company earlier this year to join National Geographic.
With her new role, the well-respected executive — who most recently served as president of global studios and Pulse Films for Vice Media Group — will take on one of the most significant production portfolios in the U.K. industry, spanning the BBC’s Natural History Unit, Documentary Unit and Science Unit. She will also oversee relationships with BBC Studios’ roster of production companies, including Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions, David Olusoga’s Uplands TV and James and Soleta Rogan’s Rogan Productions.
Ward, who starts the role in February 2023, reports into Ralph Lee, CEO of BBC Studios Productions.
The Bbcs managing...
Ward has been appointed to the role of managing director for factual at BBC Studios Productions, where she replaces Tom McDonald, who left the company earlier this year to join National Geographic.
With her new role, the well-respected executive — who most recently served as president of global studios and Pulse Films for Vice Media Group — will take on one of the most significant production portfolios in the U.K. industry, spanning the BBC’s Natural History Unit, Documentary Unit and Science Unit. She will also oversee relationships with BBC Studios’ roster of production companies, including Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions, David Olusoga’s Uplands TV and James and Soleta Rogan’s Rogan Productions.
Ward, who starts the role in February 2023, reports into Ralph Lee, CEO of BBC Studios Productions.
The Bbcs managing...
- 9/22/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
In 2004, Disney’s cable networks executive Anne Sweeney was named co-chair, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney/ABC Television Group. The promotion, announced by then-Disney CEO Bob Iger, to whom Sweeney reported, set off a decade-long reign of Sweeney as one of the most powerful women in entertainment, with a vast TV portfolio encompassing a broadcast network and cable networks, Disney’s TV studio and news.
When Iger announced that he planned to step down in 2016 (he ultimately did not leave and ended up postponing his retirement four times since 2013), Sweeney had to be considered a contender as one of the most senior executives under Iger who was coming up the same route he had taken to the top job, via Disney’s TV operation.
But in 2014, Sweeney announced her exit to become a TV director. (She actually never went into directing.) According to insiders at the time, the fact...
When Iger announced that he planned to step down in 2016 (he ultimately did not leave and ended up postponing his retirement four times since 2013), Sweeney had to be considered a contender as one of the most senior executives under Iger who was coming up the same route he had taken to the top job, via Disney’s TV operation.
But in 2014, Sweeney announced her exit to become a TV director. (She actually never went into directing.) According to insiders at the time, the fact...
- 6/10/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Jonathan Bing has left his post as director of communications at Netflix to take the role of chief communications officer at Vice Media Group, Variety has learned.
Based out of Los Angeles, Bing will lead Vice Media’s communications strategy across its portfolio of brands, including Vice News, Vice TV, Vice Studios and Refinery 29. He will head up Vice’s communications, brand, and reputation strategy globally “to reflect and deliver against the new ambitions for the business,” per the company.
Most recently, Bing was head of communications at Netflix and previously senior vice president of communications for Fox Network Group. Prior to those roles, Bing founded Freud Communications’ Los Angeles office and consulted for Sony Pictures Entertainment, Disney and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Bing’s exit from Netflix comes amid a tumultuous time for the company, which has laid off more than 100 employees as it struggles to...
Based out of Los Angeles, Bing will lead Vice Media’s communications strategy across its portfolio of brands, including Vice News, Vice TV, Vice Studios and Refinery 29. He will head up Vice’s communications, brand, and reputation strategy globally “to reflect and deliver against the new ambitions for the business,” per the company.
Most recently, Bing was head of communications at Netflix and previously senior vice president of communications for Fox Network Group. Prior to those roles, Bing founded Freud Communications’ Los Angeles office and consulted for Sony Pictures Entertainment, Disney and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
Bing’s exit from Netflix comes amid a tumultuous time for the company, which has laid off more than 100 employees as it struggles to...
- 6/1/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Jonathan Bing is joining Vice Media Group as the new chief communications officer.
Bing, who previously served as director of communications for Netflix, will be responsible for leading all communications strategy across the organization’s entire portfolio. Some of the brands that make up Vice include Vice News, Vice TV, Vice Studios and Refinery 29.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jon to Vmg,” said Nancy Dubuc, Chief Executive Officer, Vice Media Group. “Jon’s global communications knowledge will be an asset for us at Vmg, and his well-rounded knowledge of news, film, television, and culture will directly and positively impact our business as we continue to grow and reach new milestones.”
“Vice has an incredibly impressive track record of creating fearless and authentic, original content for a young, diverse, global audience which the rest of the media finds hard to reach,” added Bing. “I am excited to be taking on...
Bing, who previously served as director of communications for Netflix, will be responsible for leading all communications strategy across the organization’s entire portfolio. Some of the brands that make up Vice include Vice News, Vice TV, Vice Studios and Refinery 29.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jon to Vmg,” said Nancy Dubuc, Chief Executive Officer, Vice Media Group. “Jon’s global communications knowledge will be an asset for us at Vmg, and his well-rounded knowledge of news, film, television, and culture will directly and positively impact our business as we continue to grow and reach new milestones.”
“Vice has an incredibly impressive track record of creating fearless and authentic, original content for a young, diverse, global audience which the rest of the media finds hard to reach,” added Bing. “I am excited to be taking on...
- 6/1/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Vice Media Group revealed its 2022-23 programming slate showcasing live events, returning originals, and insights. Select offerings include 50 Years of Hip Hop, The Glow Up, and The Culture of Trust.
“This year we are making bigger bets and we’re responding to what our audiences have asked for,” said Nancy Dubuc, CEO of Vice Media Group. “We continue to go places others can’t and won’t. Our credibility and authenticity with global emerging youth and established millennials is unmatched— and we have the track record to prove it. Our diverse and dynamic house of brands tailors creative experiences to the people that move culture and business.”
Find a full listing of Vice Media Group’s upcoming programming slate below.
Vice + i-d Basquiat: King Pleasure (April-December 2022)
The Basquiat family partners with Vice on Jean-Michel Basquiat, King Pleasure, a new exhibition telling the story of how Jean-Michel paved the way in the art and creativity world.
“This year we are making bigger bets and we’re responding to what our audiences have asked for,” said Nancy Dubuc, CEO of Vice Media Group. “We continue to go places others can’t and won’t. Our credibility and authenticity with global emerging youth and established millennials is unmatched— and we have the track record to prove it. Our diverse and dynamic house of brands tailors creative experiences to the people that move culture and business.”
Find a full listing of Vice Media Group’s upcoming programming slate below.
Vice + i-d Basquiat: King Pleasure (April-December 2022)
The Basquiat family partners with Vice on Jean-Michel Basquiat, King Pleasure, a new exhibition telling the story of how Jean-Michel paved the way in the art and creativity world.
- 4/25/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Brand executive Rich Santiago has joined Vice Media Group as senior vice president of brand strategy and creative experience, Variety has learned exclusively. He will report to Nadja Bellan-White, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Vice Media Group, who announced the news on Wednesday.
Santiago joins the company from Meta (formerly Facebook), and will partner with Vice’s existing creative and editorial teams.
“Vice Media is an innovative media company that consistently delivers thought provoking and edgy news and content,” said Bellan-White. “Rich’s addition to our growing team will elevate our creative work across all Vmg brands.”
Santiago added that the company “continues to skyrocket with their award-winning, impactful content and storytelling. Now, more than ever, I am honored to join this team of creative and thought-provoking minds as we navigate new and exciting frontiers.”
Prior to joining Vice Media, Santiago was a creative leader at Bbdo Worldwide, Meta (formerly Facebook), Live Nation,...
Santiago joins the company from Meta (formerly Facebook), and will partner with Vice’s existing creative and editorial teams.
“Vice Media is an innovative media company that consistently delivers thought provoking and edgy news and content,” said Bellan-White. “Rich’s addition to our growing team will elevate our creative work across all Vmg brands.”
Santiago added that the company “continues to skyrocket with their award-winning, impactful content and storytelling. Now, more than ever, I am honored to join this team of creative and thought-provoking minds as we navigate new and exciting frontiers.”
Prior to joining Vice Media, Santiago was a creative leader at Bbdo Worldwide, Meta (formerly Facebook), Live Nation,...
- 4/13/2022
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
On Thursday, Vice Media Group announced that the company has acquired full ownership of Pulse Films, after buying a controlling interest in 2016. Pulse Films was founded by CEOs Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford in 2005. The brand will join Vice Studios’ portfolio and be managed by Vice Studios president Kate Ward.
Benski and Clifford are stepping down after 16 years of leading the company, although Benski will continue to executive produce and co-produce Pulse projects including “Gangs of London” and Olivia Wilde’s feature “Perfect.”
Pulse’s output includes the Sky/AMC series “Gangs of London,” Cannes Film Festival winner “American Honey,” films such as “Pig”, and “Mogul Mowgli,” music documentaries including Beyonce’s “Lemonade” and the Emmy-nominated documentary “Beastie Boys Story,” as well as the HBO Max reunion special “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.”
Said Benski in a statement, “Leaving Pulse Films is for us a watershed moment. When...
Benski and Clifford are stepping down after 16 years of leading the company, although Benski will continue to executive produce and co-produce Pulse projects including “Gangs of London” and Olivia Wilde’s feature “Perfect.”
Pulse’s output includes the Sky/AMC series “Gangs of London,” Cannes Film Festival winner “American Honey,” films such as “Pig”, and “Mogul Mowgli,” music documentaries including Beyonce’s “Lemonade” and the Emmy-nominated documentary “Beastie Boys Story,” as well as the HBO Max reunion special “Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts.”
Said Benski in a statement, “Leaving Pulse Films is for us a watershed moment. When...
- 3/17/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Vice Media Group has taken full control of “Gangs of London” producer Pulse Films.
Pulse co-founders Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford, who founded the edgy production outfit back in 2005, have departed the company following the takeover, although Variety understands it was their decision to step down ahead of the acquisition. It’s believed the duo will continue to work together in another capacity.
Vice took a controlling stake in Pulse Films in 2016, long before the youth-skewing media brand overseen by Nancy Dubuc launched its own in-house production arm in Vice Studios. Pulse won’t be folded into the company, Variety can confirm, and will remain a distinct brand.
Pulse will be managed by the newly appointed global creative director of non-fiction Diene Petterle; chief operating officer of scripted Jamie Hall; and global president of commercials and entertainment Davud Karbassioun. They will all report into Vice Studios CEO Kate Ward.
The...
Pulse co-founders Thomas Benski and Marisa Clifford, who founded the edgy production outfit back in 2005, have departed the company following the takeover, although Variety understands it was their decision to step down ahead of the acquisition. It’s believed the duo will continue to work together in another capacity.
Vice took a controlling stake in Pulse Films in 2016, long before the youth-skewing media brand overseen by Nancy Dubuc launched its own in-house production arm in Vice Studios. Pulse won’t be folded into the company, Variety can confirm, and will remain a distinct brand.
Pulse will be managed by the newly appointed global creative director of non-fiction Diene Petterle; chief operating officer of scripted Jamie Hall; and global president of commercials and entertainment Davud Karbassioun. They will all report into Vice Studios CEO Kate Ward.
The...
- 3/17/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Vice boss Nancy Dubuc has praised her colleagues in the field in Ukraine as bombing continues in the capital Kyiv, while taking a swipe at traditional news coverage.
This comes as the youth-skewing media company is prepping a special episode of Vice News Tonight on the developing invasion of the country as well as a documentary fronted by Sean Penn.
“Near the end of 2021 I wrote to you how I have long believed that one of the most special things about Vice Media is the human element, and the way it weaves itself into every fiber of what we create and contribute to our global communities,” Dubuc wrote in an internal memo to staff seen by Deadline. “This rings true, more than ever, with the unparalleled, brave and – most of all – human coverage of the events leading up to and throughout the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Government this week.
This comes as the youth-skewing media company is prepping a special episode of Vice News Tonight on the developing invasion of the country as well as a documentary fronted by Sean Penn.
“Near the end of 2021 I wrote to you how I have long believed that one of the most special things about Vice Media is the human element, and the way it weaves itself into every fiber of what we create and contribute to our global communities,” Dubuc wrote in an internal memo to staff seen by Deadline. “This rings true, more than ever, with the unparalleled, brave and – most of all – human coverage of the events leading up to and throughout the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Government this week.
- 2/25/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Ziwe, Desus Nice, The Kid Mero, Lilly Wachowski and other Writers Guild of America East members that work on Showtime titles are calling on Vice Media CEO Nancy Dubuc to reach a “fair and equitable” contract with the union. The new Vice contract, which is currently in its last days of scheduled negotiation, will consolidate four previously separate WGA East contracts, and will cover members working on Vice’s series on Showtime.
The letter, signed by over 40 union members on shows like Billions, City on a Hill and Work in Progress and sent to the CEO on Wednesday, tells Dubuc, “We ...
The letter, signed by over 40 union members on shows like Billions, City on a Hill and Work in Progress and sent to the CEO on Wednesday, tells Dubuc, “We ...
- 12/3/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ziwe, Desus Nice, The Kid Mero, Lilly Wachowski and other Writers Guild of America East members that work on Showtime titles are calling on Vice Media CEO Nancy Dubuc to reach a “fair and equitable” contract with the union. The new Vice contract, which is currently in its last days of scheduled negotiation, will consolidate four previously separate WGA East contracts, and will cover members working on Vice’s series on Showtime.
The letter, signed by over 40 union members on shows like Billions, City on a Hill and Work in Progress and sent to the CEO on Wednesday, tells Dubuc, “We ...
The letter, signed by over 40 union members on shows like Billions, City on a Hill and Work in Progress and sent to the CEO on Wednesday, tells Dubuc, “We ...
- 12/3/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
The Vice Media union’s labor management committee has requested the company improve its “unconscionable” severance terms for the 17 staffers at Vice Digital and Refinery29 who were laid off in late August.
In a letter sent to top executives, including Vice CEO Nancy Dubuc, this week, the committee demanded that the media company increase its severance from 6 to 8 weeks to 9 to 12 weeks for each former staffer, depending on the length of their employment, and pay out the former employees’ unused paid time off — provisions that the union committee said were given to U.S. staffers during ...
In a letter sent to top executives, including Vice CEO Nancy Dubuc, this week, the committee demanded that the media company increase its severance from 6 to 8 weeks to 9 to 12 weeks for each former staffer, depending on the length of their employment, and pay out the former employees’ unused paid time off — provisions that the union committee said were given to U.S. staffers during ...
- 9/11/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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