UK Government Considers Expanding TV Licence to Streaming Users
The UK government is weighing a proposal to extend the TV licence fee to households that only use subscription streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The move aims to broaden the BBC’s funding base as the current licence, now £180 (about $230), no longer matches viewing habits – only 80% of the population pays it while 94% access BBC content each month. Ministers want to avoid shifting the BBC to a subscription or advertising model, preferring a wider licence pool. The BBC is also implementing a £500 million (≈$640 million) savings programme that will cut roughly 2,000 jobs.
How IBC’s Accelerators Aim to Reflect Industry Challenges
IBC2026’s Accelerator Media Innovation Programme has selected nine Proof‑of‑Concept projects for a six‑month development sprint, culminating in live demonstrations during the IBC conference from September 11‑14. The cohort tackles AI‑driven production, immersive live experiences, next‑generation streaming, and advanced connectivity solutions....
‘Shelter’ No. 1 Disc Seller in April; ‘Wicked: For Good’ Remains On Top for 2026
Black Bear’s action thriller *Shelter* topped Circana’s VideoScan physical‑media sales chart for April 2026, outselling all other DVD and Blu‑ray releases. MGM’s *Mercy* and Lionsgate’s *Greenland 2: Migration* rounded out the top three, while Disney‑owned titles such as *Zootopia 2* and *Send Help*...
HBO’s Near-Perfect 2-Part Series Just Proved It Could Run for Years
HBO’s medical drama *The Pitt* wrapped its second season with a staggering 15 billion minutes of watch time, dwarfing rivals like Netflix’s *The Boys*. The series, praised for its realistic emergency‑room portrayal, earned a third‑season renewal, signaling strong audience demand. Its...
Hayu Relaunches in NZ Adding Movies, Entertainment Titles.
Hayu, NBCUniversal’s subscription video‑on‑demand service, relaunched in New Zealand with a major content expansion that now includes first‑run scripted dramas, classic comedies, popular NBCUniversal series, and a slate of blockbuster movies. The new library adds titles such as Hacks (seasons 4‑5), The Office,...
Buzzfeed Sold to Late Night Host and Media Mogul Byron Allen
Byron Allen, the CBS late‑night host and owner of Allen Media Group, has purchased a 52% majority stake in Buzzfeed for $120 million, becoming its chairman and CEO. The transaction, funded by $20 million in cash and a $100 million promissory note due...
The 'Reacher' Meets 'Rambo' Action Series You've Never Heard of Is a Surprise Streaming Smash
The Nowhere Man, a six‑episode action thriller starring Bonko Khoza, has surged into Starz’s Top 10 streaming chart within weeks of its November 2025 release. The series blends the lone‑wolf appeal of "Reacher" with the war‑scarred intensity of "Rambo," set against Johannesburg’s...
'Fourth Wing' TV Series Ordered by Prime Video
Prime Video announced during Amazon Upfront that it has ordered a television adaptation of the bestselling romantasy series Fourth Wing. Executive producers Michael B. Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo will oversee the project, while author Rebecca Yarros joins as a producer. Meredith Averill...
Prime Video Shoots for Assassins and Steamy Titles With New TV Show Pickups
Amazon’s 2026 Upfront introduced a fresh slate of Prime Video originals slated for 2026‑27, ranging from the action‑comedy "Ride or Die" to the reality competition "Reality Retreat." Notable updates include Aaron Paul returning to Fallout Season 3 and a confirmed premiere...
Culver City Slashes Shooting Fees by Up to 60% in Push for Local Film Production
Culver City has eliminated its $660 permit fee and daily shooting fees of $350 for motion‑picture and $75 for still‑photography shoots, effectively waiving all FilmLA fees for on‑location work. FilmLA estimates a typical three‑day production will save about $1,700, roughly...
‘Fourth Wing’ Series Greenlit at Prime Video, Lisa Joy to Direct First Episode
Amazon Prime Video has greenlit a television adaptation of Rebecca Yarros’ bestselling romantasy series “Fourth Wing.” The order was announced by executive producer Michael B. Jordan during Amazon’s upfront, and acclaimed “Westworld” creator Lisa Joy will direct the pilot and...
Amazon to Open ‘TNF’ With Bills-Lions, Highmark Stadium Debut
Amazon announced that its 2026 Thursday Night Football (TNF) season will open with a Bills‑Lions matchup on Sept. 17, the first regular‑season game at the Bills’ new Highmark Stadium. The debut aligns with the NFL’s rollout of next‑generation venues for several...
10 Under $10: The Best Budget Streaming Picks for May 2026
May 2026 sees a wave of streaming promotions that keep popular services under $10 a month. Crunchyroll, AMC+, STARZ, Discovery+, PBS Masterpiece, Sling TV, Prime Video, MGM+, Frndly TV and Dropout all offer limited‑time or tiered pricing that undercuts typical bundle...
Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power Lands Season 3 Premiere Date On Prime Video — Get A First Look
Prime Video announced that *Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power* returns for Season 3 on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. The new season will jump several years ahead, focusing on the War of the Elves and Sauron as the Dark Lord...
Prime Video Greenlights Two Original Series, Brett Goldstein Comedy ‘Escorted,’ and Drama ‘Rose Hill’
Prime Video announced the greenlight of two original series: the eight‑episode comedy "Escorted," created and co‑showrun by Emmy‑winner Brett Goldstein, and the romance‑drama "Rose Hill," adapted from Elsie Silver’s bestselling novels. "Escorted" is produced by Warner Bros. Television with Brian Gallivan,...
Amazon Flexes Its Reach With Star-Packed Upfront
Amazon held its third annual upfront on May 11 at New York’s Beacon Theatre, drawing hundreds of ad executives, agency reps, and brand marketers. The 90‑minute, star‑studded event featured DJ Diplo, Kacey Musgraves, Oprah Winfrey, NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford, and Arnold Schwarzenegger,...
‘Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power’ Season 3 to Premiere in November
Amazon announced that the third season of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" will premiere on Prime Video on November 11. The fantasy epic, set before Tolkien’s classic novels, has become one of Prime Video’s biggest draws,...
‘Beast Games’ Season 3 Agrees to IATSE Deal After Non-Union Start to Production
Beast Industry Studios, the company behind Jimmy "Mr. Beast" Donaldson's reality series "Beast Games," has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) after initially starting season three with non‑union crew. The deal retroactively...
New Ghost In The Shell Anime Finally Has A Streaming Date
The long‑awaited Ghost in the Shell anime will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on July 7, 2026. The series is helmed by director Mokochan with scripts by Toh Enjoe and character designs by Shuhei Handa, bringing together talent from recent hit...
Anticipated ABC Spin-Off Show Scores Series Pickup, Crossovers Planned
ABC has green‑lit a 10‑episode spin‑off titled “The Rookie: North” for its 2026‑27 midseason slate. The series stars Jay Ellis as Alex Holland, who joins the Pierce County Police after a traumatic home invasion. Production will begin soon and the...
FOX & NBC Expand NFL Packages While League Faces Antitrust Scrutiny
Fox and NBC are expanding their NFL coverage for the 2026‑27 seasons. Fox will add two more regular‑season games in 2026, including the high‑profile Week 10 Munich matchup and a Week 15 Saturday game. NBC’s Peacock platform will receive an additional exclusive...
BBC Shakes up Weekly Schedule for Eurovision - but Which Shows Are Impacted?
The BBC is reshuffling its prime‑time lineup to accommodate the live Eurovision Song Contest semi‑finals and grand final from Vienna. flagship shows such as MasterChef, Interior Design Masters and Race Across the World have been moved to BBC Two or...
At Fox’s Upfront, the World Cup, Tubi, and AI Adtech Headline the Pitch
At Fox’s upfront, the network emphasized a streamlined portfolio anchored by live sports, news, entertainment, and ad‑supported streaming. The centerpiece was Fox Fan OS, an AI‑native media operating system that tags every second of video and powers the new Fox...
Alan Ritchson’s Reacher Has 1 Key to Success That Other Action TV Shows Fail to Replicate
Prime Video has renewed the action‑crime series Reacher for a fifth season before the fourth season even premieres, underscoring its status as one of the streamer’s top‑performing originals. Since its 2022 debut, the show has consistently ranked high in viewership...
Congress Urged to Protect Live Sports on Broadcast TV
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), backed by all 50 state broadcaster associations, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, has urged Congress to revisit the 1961 Sports Broadcasting Act. The coalition argues that the rise of streaming paywalls is...
Roku Announced As North American Streaming Platform For Inaugural Enhanced Games
Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU) will serve as the North American streaming home for the inaugural Enhanced Games, launching on May 24 at 9 p.m. EST. The free-to-watch competition will air on the Roku Sports Channel across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, featuring...
Vin Diesel Confirms Fast & Furious Is Getting a Yellowstone TV-Verse
Vin Diesel announced that Universal Television is developing four new Fast & Furious TV series, including a live‑action show slated for Peacock. Writers Mike Daniels and Wolfe Coleman are attached to the pilot, with Diesel serving as executive producer. The...
At Upfronts, NBCUniversal’s Legacy Is the Message
NBCUniversal marked its centennial at a Radio City Music Hall upfront, positioning its 100‑year legacy as a strategic advantage in a crowded TV and streaming landscape. Chairman Mark Marshall highlighted evolution, innovation, and consumer focus as core strengths, while Tina...
Ghost in the Shell 2026 Release Date Revealed in New Trailer for the Science Saru Anime
Bandai Namco Filmworks announced that the new Ghost in the Shell anime will debut on July 7, 2026. Produced by Science Saru and directed by Touma Kimura (Mokochan), the series offers a full retelling of Masamune Shirow’s cyber‑punk manga. It will stream...
Can JUJUTSU KAISEN Fans Conquer This Anime Fitness Test?
Crunchyroll has teamed with virtual‑fitness firm The Conqueror to roll out an officially licensed Jujutsu Kaisen fitness challenge, debuting globally on 15 May 2026. The program offers three distance‑based events—Cursed Vessel (79 km), Unlimited Void (88 km) and Chimera Shadow Garden (124 km)—that participants can complete...
CBC Upping Investment in Documentaries, Launching New FAST Channel This Fall
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) announced a significant boost to its documentary slate and plans to launch a new FAST (Free‑Ad‑Supported Streaming TV) channel this fall. The investment will fund original long‑form nonfiction projects and acquire international titles, aiming to...
Prime Video Renews ‘Reacher’ for Fifth Season Ahead of Season Four Premiere
Amazon Prime Video has renewed the action series "Reacher" for a fifth season, announcing the decision before the fourth season premieres later this year. The renewal reflects the show's strong global performance, with season three attracting 54.6 million viewers worldwide in...
JustWatch: Hulu’s ‘Send Help,’ Netflix’s ‘Lord of the Flies’ Top Weekly Streaming Through May 10
JustWatch’s weekly chart for the week ending May 10 shows Hulu’s original film “Send Help” capturing the No. 1 spot among U.S. streamed movies, while Netflix’s limited series “Lord of the Flies” exploded 1,490 % to dominate the TV‑show ranking. The rapid ascent...
Bell Media Partners with YouTube to Bring Newly Digitized Archives to Global Viewers
Bell Media announced it will digitize its national archive of roughly 300,000 tapes, converting over 100,000 tapes by the end of 2026. The company is using Google’s Gemini AI to generate searchable metadata and will host the restored content primarily...
IndieWire Honors the Best of TV with Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicolas Cage, Charles Melton, and More
IndieWire announced its Spring 2026 IndieWire Honors, the publication’s biggest celebration of television to date. The ceremony will be held on June 4 in Los Angeles, featuring a cocktail reception, awards presentation, and a 30th‑anniversary dance party. Honorees span veteran talent such...
Inside NBCUniversal’s Upfront: Vin Diesel Surprise, Tina Fey Sets Up NBC’s 100th Birthday Bash and More at ‘Most Glamorous Midmorning...
NBCUniversal kicked off its 2026 Peacock upfront with a high‑gloss production at Radio City Music Hall, unveiling a slate that blends new scripted series, franchise extensions and linear revivals. Highlights included Vin Diesel announcing a Fast & Furious TV series for Peacock and...
Prime Video Enhances ‘Clips’ Vertical Video Feed For Mobile Users
Amazon's Prime Video has upgraded its NBA‑themed “Clips” feature with a vertical short‑form video feed for mobile devices, letting users scroll personalized snippets of movies, TV series, and sports highlights. The rollout begins with a select group of U.S. users...
Bravo Is Creating Unscripted Microdramas for the Peacock App
Peacock is debuting two unscripted Bravo microdramas, each 60‑90 seconds long, to stream on its app. The vertical‑video format mirrors TikTok’s short‑form style and targets Bravo’s existing fan base. Microdrama platforms like ReelShort and DramaBox generated $1.2 billion and $276 million in...
NAB 2026: Kronehit Awards Lawo and SLG Broadcast Contract for Full Studio Modernization
Austrian broadcaster kronehit awarded SLG Broadcast and Lawo a contract to modernize its entire studio infrastructure, announced at NAB Show 2026. The deal will replace all studios with Lawo diamond audio mixing consoles, five Power Core engines, and expand the existing...
Deadline Launches Streaming Site For Sound & Screen Television
Deadline launched a dedicated streaming site on May 11 for its Sound & Screen Television awards, a showcase of television music from the awards season. The event, held May 6 at UCLA’s Royce Hall, featured composers and songwriters from 11 high‑profile series...
Vizrt Named Official Technical Supplier of Eurovision Song Contest 2026
Vizrt has been appointed the Official Technical Supplier for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, partnering with host broadcaster ORF in Vienna. The broadcaster will deploy Viz Engine for real‑time 3D graphics, compositing, on‑screen and data‑driven scoring visuals, while Viz Virtual...
FCC Commissioner: Agency Gave Preferential Treatment to Sinclair, TEGNA ABC Affiliates
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez accused the agency of giving preferential treatment to Sinclair‑owned ABC affiliates while withholding the same guidance from Disney’s ABC‑owned station KTRK in Houston. The FCC sent informal letters to roughly two dozen independent ABC stations urging...
FCC Commissioner Gomez Tells Disney CEO Government Agency Is Trying to Censor ABC
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez sent a letter to Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro accusing the Trump administration of orchestrating a coordinated campaign to censor ABC. She cites FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s early review of ABC’s broadcast license as retaliation for Jimmy...
Gray Media Advances James Fitch to Senior VP, News Services
Gray Media has promoted James Fitch, a 30‑year veteran, to senior vice president of news services. Fitch previously served as the company’s vice president of news services for a decade, overseeing vendor relationships and the expansion of Gray’s news programming...
RunnTV Launches Rewind Feature for FAST Streaming Channels
RunnTV, a fast‑growing Indian FAST (Free Ad‑Supported Streaming Television) platform, has launched a Time‑Shift feature that lets viewers rewind live linear channels, mimicking a DVR experience. The capability is already active on select channels and is built on the company’s...
New 'Fast & Furious' TV Shows Are Coming to Peacock
Peacock announced it will produce four new television series set in the Fast & Furious universe. The announcement was made by star Vin Diesel during NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation, highlighting the franchise’s 25‑year milestone. Universal Pictures chairwoman Donna Langley will oversee...
CBS Sacramento Debuts New AR/VR Studio
CBS Sacramento launched an augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) studio on May 11, integrating immersive graphics into its local newscasts. The rollout makes Sacramento the 12th station in the CBS Television Stations group to adopt in‑house AR/VR technology. Viewers will see the...
Hub: Free Streaming Emerges as TV’s New Normal
Free ad‑supported streaming TV (FAST) has moved into the mainstream, with 55% of U.S. TV viewers having tried at least one FAST service. A February survey of 3,009 consumers shows 28% of FAST users watch daily, logging roughly 24 hours...
ATVA Urges FCC to Close “Affiliation-Swap” Loopholes Impacting Satellite Operators
On May 11, 2026 the American Television Alliance filed a petition with the FCC demanding an end to “affiliation‑swap” loopholes that let broadcasters sidestep ownership limits. The filing details a scheme where a broadcaster first acquires a network’s programming rights,...
EchoStar TV Business Struggles but Wireless Inches Up
EchoStar’s pay‑TV business continued to erode in Q1, shedding 366,000 subscribers and seeing revenue dip more than 10% to $2.29 billion, which pulled group revenue down 5% to $3.67 billion. The wireless arm, though much smaller, added about 16,000 net customers, lifting...