Disney director James Gorman, who retired as CEO of Morgan Stanley in January after a smooth succession process, will also be stepping down as executive chairman of the financial giant.
One of the longest tenured top executives on Wall Street, Gorman told Morgan Stanley’s annual meeting of shareholders today that he plans to exit the role at year end. He was CEO for 18 years and segued to executive chair after his successor Ted Pick took the reins of the investment banking and financial services giant at the start of 2024.
Named to Disney’s board in February, Gorman is one four directors looking closely at succession, a critical issue for the company.
CEO Bob Iger’s latest contract expires at the end of 2026. He has said that succession is a top priority for himself and the board and would ideally require a transition period for him to work with the new chief executive.
One of the longest tenured top executives on Wall Street, Gorman told Morgan Stanley’s annual meeting of shareholders today that he plans to exit the role at year end. He was CEO for 18 years and segued to executive chair after his successor Ted Pick took the reins of the investment banking and financial services giant at the start of 2024.
Named to Disney’s board in February, Gorman is one four directors looking closely at succession, a critical issue for the company.
CEO Bob Iger’s latest contract expires at the end of 2026. He has said that succession is a top priority for himself and the board and would ideally require a transition period for him to work with the new chief executive.
- 5/23/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Blackwells Capital, a Disney shareholder with plenty of opinions about who should sit on the company’s board of directors, blasted the rival Trian Group for its own board maneuvering.
In a press release Monday, Blackwells Chief Investment Officer Jason Aintabi said Trian co-founder Nelson Peltz has come up short in terms of suggesting ways for the media giant to right its ship. Trian, which owns about $3 billion in Disney stock, last week formally initiated a proxy war with Disney by nominating Peltz and former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo to the board. The firm plans to solicit support from a shareholder base that it believes has grown restless over the company’s lackluster stock performance.
Trian has attacked Disney’s path under CEO Bob Iger, who returned to the top exec role in November 2022 in a bid to shore up the company after it slipped under his hand-picked successor, Bob Chapek.
In a press release Monday, Blackwells Chief Investment Officer Jason Aintabi said Trian co-founder Nelson Peltz has come up short in terms of suggesting ways for the media giant to right its ship. Trian, which owns about $3 billion in Disney stock, last week formally initiated a proxy war with Disney by nominating Peltz and former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo to the board. The firm plans to solicit support from a shareholder base that it believes has grown restless over the company’s lackluster stock performance.
Trian has attacked Disney’s path under CEO Bob Iger, who returned to the top exec role in November 2022 in a bid to shore up the company after it slipped under his hand-picked successor, Bob Chapek.
- 1/22/2024
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
As promised, Trian Partners, the hedge fund led by activist investor Nelson Peltz, officially submitted its preliminary proxy statement for the election of Peltz and former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo to Disney’s board at the Mouse House’s 2024 annual shareholders meeting.
In its filing Thursday, Trian also outlined its goals and initial perspectives for Disney regarding corporate governance, streaming profitability — to “target and achieve Netflix-like margins” of 15%-20% by fiscal year 2027 — as well as ESPN, studio creativity, and growth in Disney’s Parks and Experiences unit. It’s all intended, according to the company, to “#RestoreTheMagic” at the media conglomerate.
But the key question is: Can Nelson Peltz get the backing of enough Disney shareholders to succeed in shaking up the board and challenging CEO Bob Iger for the future direction of the company?
Trian’s proposals, including its two board nominees, would require an affirmative vote of...
In its filing Thursday, Trian also outlined its goals and initial perspectives for Disney regarding corporate governance, streaming profitability — to “target and achieve Netflix-like margins” of 15%-20% by fiscal year 2027 — as well as ESPN, studio creativity, and growth in Disney’s Parks and Experiences unit. It’s all intended, according to the company, to “#RestoreTheMagic” at the media conglomerate.
But the key question is: Can Nelson Peltz get the backing of enough Disney shareholders to succeed in shaking up the board and challenging CEO Bob Iger for the future direction of the company?
Trian’s proposals, including its two board nominees, would require an affirmative vote of...
- 1/18/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Disney CEO Bob Iger saw his compensation hit $31.6 million in 2023 — down from $45.9 million in 2021, his last prior full year of employment at the company.
Iger’s 2023 pay package included $865,385 in base salary, plus 16.1 million in stock awards, $10 million in stock-option awards, $2.14 million cash bonus and $2.48 million in other compensation, according to the company’s proxy statement filed Tuesday with the SEC. His contract with Disney runs through the end of 2026.
Iger was Disney CEO from 2005-20 and served as executive chairman of the company through the end 2021. He returned as interim CEO after the ouster of Bob Chapek — who had been Iger’s hand-picked successor — in November 2022. For 2023, Chapek received total compensation from Disney of $9.94 million.
Also Tuesday, Disney’s board of directors disclosed its recommended slate of 12 nominees for election at the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders (with the date Tba) in the preliminary proxy materials. The board officially rejected...
Iger’s 2023 pay package included $865,385 in base salary, plus 16.1 million in stock awards, $10 million in stock-option awards, $2.14 million cash bonus and $2.48 million in other compensation, according to the company’s proxy statement filed Tuesday with the SEC. His contract with Disney runs through the end of 2026.
Iger was Disney CEO from 2005-20 and served as executive chairman of the company through the end 2021. He returned as interim CEO after the ouster of Bob Chapek — who had been Iger’s hand-picked successor — in November 2022. For 2023, Chapek received total compensation from Disney of $9.94 million.
Also Tuesday, Disney’s board of directors disclosed its recommended slate of 12 nominees for election at the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders (with the date Tba) in the preliminary proxy materials. The board officially rejected...
- 1/16/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
It’s getting complicated — and crowded — in the conference rooms at Cinderella’s Castle.
Everyone has new board members for Disney, it seems. Billionaire Nelson Peltz and his Trian Fund Management have certainly made known their opinion on Disney CEO (and board member) Bob Iger’s leadership. Tl;Dr, it’s not positive. This morning, two new activist investors entered the chat.
Iger’s got friends in high places at ValueAct Capital Management and activist hedge fund Blackwells Capital; both stepped up to bat for Bob on Wednesday. In a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, ValueAct says it will support the current Disney Board of Directors’ 2024 nominees for the board seats. Iger returned the compliment.
“ValueAct Capital has a track record of collaboration and cooperation with the companies it invests in, and its Co-CEO Mason Morfit has been very constructive in the conversations we’ve had over the past year,...
Everyone has new board members for Disney, it seems. Billionaire Nelson Peltz and his Trian Fund Management have certainly made known their opinion on Disney CEO (and board member) Bob Iger’s leadership. Tl;Dr, it’s not positive. This morning, two new activist investors entered the chat.
Iger’s got friends in high places at ValueAct Capital Management and activist hedge fund Blackwells Capital; both stepped up to bat for Bob on Wednesday. In a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, ValueAct says it will support the current Disney Board of Directors’ 2024 nominees for the board seats. Iger returned the compliment.
“ValueAct Capital has a track record of collaboration and cooperation with the companies it invests in, and its Co-CEO Mason Morfit has been very constructive in the conversations we’ve had over the past year,...
- 1/3/2024
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Disney has formally responded to activist shareholder Trian Fund Management’s unsolicited effort to nominate its co-founder, Nelson Peltz, and ex-Disney CFO James Rasulo to the media giant’s board of directors.
The company said a board committee will review the nominations, but it also made a point of noting that Trian has teamed up with former Marvel Entertainment boss Ike Perlmutter. Disney earlier this year rejected a request from Trian for a presence on the board. It has described Perlmutter as having a “longstanding personal agenda” against CEO Bob Iger.
Perlmutter, a longtime associate of Peltz’s, was removed from the Disney executive ranks by Iger, reportedly after clashing with Marvel chief Kevin Feige over film budgets. Rasulo, meanwhile, at one time was considered a potential successor to Iger. His run as an executive lasted from 1986 to 2015, including the last five of those years as CFO. He had also...
The company said a board committee will review the nominations, but it also made a point of noting that Trian has teamed up with former Marvel Entertainment boss Ike Perlmutter. Disney earlier this year rejected a request from Trian for a presence on the board. It has described Perlmutter as having a “longstanding personal agenda” against CEO Bob Iger.
Perlmutter, a longtime associate of Peltz’s, was removed from the Disney executive ranks by Iger, reportedly after clashing with Marvel chief Kevin Feige over film budgets. Rasulo, meanwhile, at one time was considered a potential successor to Iger. His run as an executive lasted from 1986 to 2015, including the last five of those years as CFO. He had also...
- 12/14/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Activist investor Nelson Peltz, who’s looking to shake up Disney’s board, plans to nominate two directors as candidates for directors of the Mouse House’s board: Peltz himself, and former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo.
Peltz’s Trian Fund Management said Thursday it submitted a notice of its intention to nominate the two independent director candidates at Disney’s 2024 annual shareholders meeting, expected to be held next spring.
“Disney is one of the most iconic companies in the world with unrivaled scale, unparalleled customer loyalty, irreplaceable intellectual property (IP) and an enviable commercial flywheel. However, Disney has woefully underperformed its peers and its potential,” Trian said in a statement.
Disney confirmed that Trian provided notice of its intent to nominate Peltz and Rasulo as directors. The company said the board’s governance and nominating committee, which evaluates director nominations, “will review the proposed Trian nominees and provide a recommendation...
Peltz’s Trian Fund Management said Thursday it submitted a notice of its intention to nominate the two independent director candidates at Disney’s 2024 annual shareholders meeting, expected to be held next spring.
“Disney is one of the most iconic companies in the world with unrivaled scale, unparalleled customer loyalty, irreplaceable intellectual property (IP) and an enviable commercial flywheel. However, Disney has woefully underperformed its peers and its potential,” Trian said in a statement.
Disney confirmed that Trian provided notice of its intent to nominate Peltz and Rasulo as directors. The company said the board’s governance and nominating committee, which evaluates director nominations, “will review the proposed Trian nominees and provide a recommendation...
- 12/14/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
The last time Nelson Peltz and his firm Trian Partners waged a proxy battle against Disney, less than a year ago, they laid out their concerns in a PowerPoint presentation. Disney needed to cut costs, Trian said. It needed to bring back its dividend and get its free cash flow back on track. Disney was “over-earning” at its theme parks, gouging guests and not investing enough.
Bob Iger’s return as CEO in November 2022 and the stock surge that followed ultimately called Peltz off. “This was a great win for all the shareholders. Management at Disney now plans to do everything that we wanted them to do,” Peltz told CNBC in February, announcing that he was dropping his proxy fight.
Indeed, Disney did tackle essentially all of Peltz’s concerns. The company has cut $7.5 billion in costs and laid off thousands of employees. It is bringing back its dividend, and...
Bob Iger’s return as CEO in November 2022 and the stock surge that followed ultimately called Peltz off. “This was a great win for all the shareholders. Management at Disney now plans to do everything that we wanted them to do,” Peltz told CNBC in February, announcing that he was dropping his proxy fight.
Indeed, Disney did tackle essentially all of Peltz’s concerns. The company has cut $7.5 billion in costs and laid off thousands of employees. It is bringing back its dividend, and...
- 12/7/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The same day activist investor Nelson Peltz announced he was launching a proxy campaign to get seats on Disney’s board of directors, the company adopted amended bylaws covering nominations of directors by outside parties.
Meanwhile, in a bid to win shareholder favor amid the brewing proxy battle, Disney separately Thursday announced a cash dividend of $0.30 per share, payable Jan. 10, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 11, 2023. It’s the company’s first dividend payments to investors in more than three years, after Disney suspended them during the Covid pandemic.
On Nov. 30, Disney’s board “amended and restated” the company’s bylaws, which became effective as of Thursday, the company said in an SEC filing Thursday.
Among other things, the amendments “enhance the procedural mechanics and disclosure requirements relating to business proposals submitted and director nominations made by stockholders,” Disney said in the filing. That includes requiring “certain additional background information,...
Meanwhile, in a bid to win shareholder favor amid the brewing proxy battle, Disney separately Thursday announced a cash dividend of $0.30 per share, payable Jan. 10, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 11, 2023. It’s the company’s first dividend payments to investors in more than three years, after Disney suspended them during the Covid pandemic.
On Nov. 30, Disney’s board “amended and restated” the company’s bylaws, which became effective as of Thursday, the company said in an SEC filing Thursday.
Among other things, the amendments “enhance the procedural mechanics and disclosure requirements relating to business proposals submitted and director nominations made by stockholders,” Disney said in the filing. That includes requiring “certain additional background information,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
After activist investor Nelson Peltz announced his intention to renew his proxy battle to secure seats on Disney’s board, the company responded by alleging former Marvel Entertainment chairman Ike Perlmutter — who is in league with Peltz’s Trian Fund Management — has a personal grudge against Disney chief Bob Iger.
In a statement responding to Trian’s announcement, Disney said that Perlmutter “was terminated from his employment by Disney earlier this year and has voiced his longstanding personal agenda against Disney’s CEO, Robert A. Iger, which may be different than that of all other shareholders.”
Disney noted that Perlmutter owns 78% of the shares that Peltz’s Trian claims beneficial ownership of, and said, “This dynamic is relevant to assessing Mr. Peltz and any other nominees he may put forth as directors.” Perlmutter did not immediately have any comment, according to his spokesperson. Asked for comment, a rep for Trian...
In a statement responding to Trian’s announcement, Disney said that Perlmutter “was terminated from his employment by Disney earlier this year and has voiced his longstanding personal agenda against Disney’s CEO, Robert A. Iger, which may be different than that of all other shareholders.”
Disney noted that Perlmutter owns 78% of the shares that Peltz’s Trian claims beneficial ownership of, and said, “This dynamic is relevant to assessing Mr. Peltz and any other nominees he may put forth as directors.” Perlmutter did not immediately have any comment, according to his spokesperson. Asked for comment, a rep for Trian...
- 11/30/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with Disney response to Trian threat: Disney has responded to activist investor Nelson Peltz’ plan to go directly to shareholders to seek a seat on the board, which the company denied him, saying a vendetta by his ally Isaac Permlutter may be distorting an agenda that’s not in line with the broader Disney shareholder base.
The Trian founder is “in partnership with Isaac Perlmutter, a former Disney executive…Mr. Perlmutter owns 78% of the shares that Mr. Peltz claims beneficial ownership of, or more than 25 million of the 33 million shares. This dynamic is relevant to assessing Mr. Peltz and any other nominees he may put forth as directors, as Mr. Perlmutter was terminated from his employment by Disney earlier this year and has voiced his longstanding personal agenda against Disney’s CEO, Robert A. Iger, which may be different than that of all other shareholders.”
In other words, Perlmutter...
The Trian founder is “in partnership with Isaac Perlmutter, a former Disney executive…Mr. Perlmutter owns 78% of the shares that Mr. Peltz claims beneficial ownership of, or more than 25 million of the 33 million shares. This dynamic is relevant to assessing Mr. Peltz and any other nominees he may put forth as directors, as Mr. Perlmutter was terminated from his employment by Disney earlier this year and has voiced his longstanding personal agenda against Disney’s CEO, Robert A. Iger, which may be different than that of all other shareholders.”
In other words, Perlmutter...
- 11/30/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney will have to deal with a new proxy fight, as activist investor Nelson Peltz will seek board seats at the company.
Peltz’s Trian Partners said Thursday morning that, having not received a warm welcome from Disney’s board of directors or from CEO Bob Iger, “Trian intends to take our case for change directly to shareholders.”
Disney’s next shareholder meeting will take place in the spring.
Trian said that it spoke with Iger this week, and that Disney extended an offer for Trian to meet with its board of directors. However, the board also said that it would not extend an offer for Peltz to join it as a director.
The news comes a day after Disney named two new members to its board: Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman and former Sky CEO Sir Jeremy Darroch. Disney said the process to add them began in April 2023, and that one current director,...
Peltz’s Trian Partners said Thursday morning that, having not received a warm welcome from Disney’s board of directors or from CEO Bob Iger, “Trian intends to take our case for change directly to shareholders.”
Disney’s next shareholder meeting will take place in the spring.
Trian said that it spoke with Iger this week, and that Disney extended an offer for Trian to meet with its board of directors. However, the board also said that it would not extend an offer for Peltz to join it as a director.
The news comes a day after Disney named two new members to its board: Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman and former Sky CEO Sir Jeremy Darroch. Disney said the process to add them began in April 2023, and that one current director,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Nelson Peltz is renewing his fight to shake up Disney’s board.
Peltz’s Trian Fund Management investment firm, which controls about $3 billion in Disney stock, issued a statement Thursday that after the Mouse House’s board rejected Trian’s request for board seats, the hedge fund will “take our case for change directly to shareholders.” Trian is seeking two seats on Disney’s board, CNBC reported. The firm oversees more than $2 billion worth of Disney shares held by former Marvel Entertainment chairman Ike Perlmutter, who has been vocal critic of Disney CEO Bob Iger and was dismissed from the company in March.
The announced intention by Trian to launch a proxy fight to get its directors on the board comes a day after Disney named Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman and former Sky chief Jeremy Darroch as new directors.
In a statement Trian said, “This morning, following conversations with Disney’s CEO,...
Peltz’s Trian Fund Management investment firm, which controls about $3 billion in Disney stock, issued a statement Thursday that after the Mouse House’s board rejected Trian’s request for board seats, the hedge fund will “take our case for change directly to shareholders.” Trian is seeking two seats on Disney’s board, CNBC reported. The firm oversees more than $2 billion worth of Disney shares held by former Marvel Entertainment chairman Ike Perlmutter, who has been vocal critic of Disney CEO Bob Iger and was dismissed from the company in March.
The announced intention by Trian to launch a proxy fight to get its directors on the board comes a day after Disney named Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman and former Sky chief Jeremy Darroch as new directors.
In a statement Trian said, “This morning, following conversations with Disney’s CEO,...
- 11/30/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
The Walt Disney Co. has added former Group CEO of Sky Jeremy Darroch and Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman to its board of directors and said Francis A. deSouza plans to surrender his seat at the end of his term.
The corporate announcement follows an appearance by CEO Bob Iger at The New York Times DealBook Summit, during which he addressed an activist push by investor Nelson Peltz. Along with former Marvel chief Ike Perlmutter, Peltz is seeking to gain seats on Disney’s board. “I am certain that the board will hear them out as to what their plans are,” Iger said of the duo, but added, “It’s not like we have a number of empty seats.”
Darroch’s appointment is effective January 9, 2024, Disney said, and Gorman’s takes effect on February 5, 2024.
The nominations of Gorman and Darroch to the board will be voted on by shareholders at...
The corporate announcement follows an appearance by CEO Bob Iger at The New York Times DealBook Summit, during which he addressed an activist push by investor Nelson Peltz. Along with former Marvel chief Ike Perlmutter, Peltz is seeking to gain seats on Disney’s board. “I am certain that the board will hear them out as to what their plans are,” Iger said of the duo, but added, “It’s not like we have a number of empty seats.”
Darroch’s appointment is effective January 9, 2024, Disney said, and Gorman’s takes effect on February 5, 2024.
The nominations of Gorman and Darroch to the board will be voted on by shareholders at...
- 11/29/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Co. is beefing up its board of directors.
The company says that Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman and former Sky CEO Sir Jeremy Darroch will join the board in early 2024.
The studio conglomerate cited Gorman’s experience with Morgan Stanley’s acquisition of E-Trade in 2020 to note that the exec will “provide key perspectives as Disney leverages technology to advance its strategy.” And Darroch’s work transitioning Sky from linear TV to multi-platform was touted in relation to Disney’s own efforts to grow its direct-to-consumer streaming business.
Both will be up for election at the company’s next annual meeting. Current Disney board member Francis A. deSouza is stepping down to pursue an opportunity in the technology sector.
“James and Jeremy are both widely respected leaders in their industries, and their expertise will complement the talents and experience of the Disney board as we continue to...
The company says that Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman and former Sky CEO Sir Jeremy Darroch will join the board in early 2024.
The studio conglomerate cited Gorman’s experience with Morgan Stanley’s acquisition of E-Trade in 2020 to note that the exec will “provide key perspectives as Disney leverages technology to advance its strategy.” And Darroch’s work transitioning Sky from linear TV to multi-platform was touted in relation to Disney’s own efforts to grow its direct-to-consumer streaming business.
Both will be up for election at the company’s next annual meeting. Current Disney board member Francis A. deSouza is stepping down to pursue an opportunity in the technology sector.
“James and Jeremy are both widely respected leaders in their industries, and their expertise will complement the talents and experience of the Disney board as we continue to...
- 11/29/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney’s board named Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman and former Sky chief Jeremy Darroch as new directors Wednesday.
Additionally, Disney has announced that board member Francis A. deSouza, former president and CEO of Illumina, will not stand for reelection at the company’s upcoming annual meeting, “as he pursues new opportunities in the technology sector that will require his full attention.”
The news comes one day after Disney held a company-wide town hall featuring CEO Bob Iger and his top lieutenants discussing the state of the business.
Along with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney board chairman Mark Parker, executive chairman of Nike, and deSouza, Disney’s board currently includes Mary T. Barra, Safra A. Catz, Amy L. Chang, Carolyn N. Everson, Michael B.G. Froman, Maria Elena Lagomasino, Calvin R. McDonald and Derica W. Rice.
The additions of Gorman (who begins his role Feb. 5) and Darroch (starting Jan.
Additionally, Disney has announced that board member Francis A. deSouza, former president and CEO of Illumina, will not stand for reelection at the company’s upcoming annual meeting, “as he pursues new opportunities in the technology sector that will require his full attention.”
The news comes one day after Disney held a company-wide town hall featuring CEO Bob Iger and his top lieutenants discussing the state of the business.
Along with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney board chairman Mark Parker, executive chairman of Nike, and deSouza, Disney’s board currently includes Mary T. Barra, Safra A. Catz, Amy L. Chang, Carolyn N. Everson, Michael B.G. Froman, Maria Elena Lagomasino, Calvin R. McDonald and Derica W. Rice.
The additions of Gorman (who begins his role Feb. 5) and Darroch (starting Jan.
- 11/29/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
New York Times DealBook Summit was hosted by Andrew Ross Sorkin.
Disney CEO Bob Iger addressed succession and Marvel Studios box office misses at the New York Times DealBook Summit on Wednesday.
The CEO said he had analysed what went wrong with the previous succession plann – a reference to the short-lived previous CEO Bob Chapek – adding that the company’s succession plan was robust and that he will step down when his contract ends in 2026.
The executive also spoke about the need to focus on quality rather than quality in the Marvel Studios stable after recent stumbles, including the performance of The Marvels,...
Disney CEO Bob Iger addressed succession and Marvel Studios box office misses at the New York Times DealBook Summit on Wednesday.
The CEO said he had analysed what went wrong with the previous succession plann – a reference to the short-lived previous CEO Bob Chapek – adding that the company’s succession plan was robust and that he will step down when his contract ends in 2026.
The executive also spoke about the need to focus on quality rather than quality in the Marvel Studios stable after recent stumbles, including the performance of The Marvels,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Sky is making 200 originals in 2022, CEO Dana Strong has said, while talking up the pay-tv giant’s relationship with the Public Service Broadcasters (Psb) as having “never been stronger” and revealing that 30 of BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5’s content is watched on the platform.
The number of originals has trebled over three years and is testament to Sky’s commitment to its original content pivot, said Strong.
Speaking at the Deloitte and Enders Media and Telecoms conference, Strong said she is “extraordinarily respectful” of these PSBs at a time when they are under threat, with the BBC license fee frozen for two years and Channel 4 set to be privatized.
“The role Psb plays could not be more important in UK culture,” she added. “The history of storytelling in the UK is profound and I couldn’t be more supportive. Connecting people with the content they love works...
The number of originals has trebled over three years and is testament to Sky’s commitment to its original content pivot, said Strong.
Speaking at the Deloitte and Enders Media and Telecoms conference, Strong said she is “extraordinarily respectful” of these PSBs at a time when they are under threat, with the BBC license fee frozen for two years and Channel 4 set to be privatized.
“The role Psb plays could not be more important in UK culture,” she added. “The history of storytelling in the UK is profound and I couldn’t be more supportive. Connecting people with the content they love works...
- 5/12/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky executive Jane Millichip, a distribution leader and a driving force behind the company’s sustainability drive, is leaving the company after almost 10 years.
News of the executive’s departure was revealed to staff in a memo from Sky Studios CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz on Tuesday morning. Millichip, who currently serves as chief content officer for Sky Studios, is leaving the company after nine years. She first joined the business in 2013.
Millichip, a well-respected executive in the U.K. industry, made her mark at Sky through her leadership of the company’s in-house distribution banner Sky Vision, which was folded into NBCUniversal International Distribution following Comcast’s acquisition of Sky in 2018.
Under Millichip, Sky Vision grew from £8 million ($10.8 million) in revenues to £250 million ($338 million) in just six years. The executive was also key in growing the company’s investments in independent production companies, such as “Great British Bake Off” outfit Love Productions.
News of the executive’s departure was revealed to staff in a memo from Sky Studios CEO Cécile Frot-Coutaz on Tuesday morning. Millichip, who currently serves as chief content officer for Sky Studios, is leaving the company after nine years. She first joined the business in 2013.
Millichip, a well-respected executive in the U.K. industry, made her mark at Sky through her leadership of the company’s in-house distribution banner Sky Vision, which was folded into NBCUniversal International Distribution following Comcast’s acquisition of Sky in 2018.
Under Millichip, Sky Vision grew from £8 million ($10.8 million) in revenues to £250 million ($338 million) in just six years. The executive was also key in growing the company’s investments in independent production companies, such as “Great British Bake Off” outfit Love Productions.
- 2/8/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
In her first on-stage interview since she became CEO of European pay-tv giant Sky, Dana Strong discussed the Comcast-owned broadcaster’s recent deal with ViacomCBS in Europe, the potential sale of Channel 4 and her favorite TV shows.
Strong became Sky Group CEO in early 2021, taking over from longtime boss Jeremy Darroch, who led the company for 13 years. Prior to taking the reins at Sky, Strong was President of Consumer Services for Comcast Cable, and before that served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Media and Chief Transformation Officer of Liberty Global.
In her discussion with Sky journalist Beth Rigby, Strong regularly sounded notes of optimism about how the company was responding to the challenges posed by SVODs and shifting viewing habits.
“Our industry is incredibly resilient and adaptable. The level of innovation gives me an enormous confidence. Despite all the rumored demise in the press, the...
Strong became Sky Group CEO in early 2021, taking over from longtime boss Jeremy Darroch, who led the company for 13 years. Prior to taking the reins at Sky, Strong was President of Consumer Services for Comcast Cable, and before that served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Media and Chief Transformation Officer of Liberty Global.
In her discussion with Sky journalist Beth Rigby, Strong regularly sounded notes of optimism about how the company was responding to the challenges posed by SVODs and shifting viewing habits.
“Our industry is incredibly resilient and adaptable. The level of innovation gives me an enormous confidence. Despite all the rumored demise in the press, the...
- 9/15/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Sky’s new American CEO Dana Strong has touted the U.K. as an “imperative market” for parent company Comcast as it looks to grow its investment in local infrastructure, and strengthen its European partnerships.
Speaking at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge on Wednesday, where she was interviewed by Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, Strong made her first public address since taking the reins as CEO at the pay-tv operator in January.
Strong kept her cards close to the chest throughout the session, diplomatically dodging questions about the health of the U.K. market, which is being disrupted in a major way by streaming services — a strained reality that’s traditionally a central topic of discussion at the annual conference. “You don’t respond to the rumored anxieties in the market,” declared Strong.
“You’ve got to look at the fundamental principles,” she continued. “Looking at the [public-service broadcasting] market,...
Speaking at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge on Wednesday, where she was interviewed by Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, Strong made her first public address since taking the reins as CEO at the pay-tv operator in January.
Strong kept her cards close to the chest throughout the session, diplomatically dodging questions about the health of the U.K. market, which is being disrupted in a major way by streaming services — a strained reality that’s traditionally a central topic of discussion at the annual conference. “You don’t respond to the rumored anxieties in the market,” declared Strong.
“You’ve got to look at the fundamental principles,” she continued. “Looking at the [public-service broadcasting] market,...
- 9/15/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Suzanne Mackie, one of the U.K.’s foremost drama executives, has been selected as the 2021 recipient of Variety’s International Achievement in Television Award, to be presented at the MipTV virtual global content market in Cannes in April.
The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the international television marketplace.
In 2020, Mackie departed “The Crown” producer Left Bank Pictures after 12 years to set up her own independent production company, Orchid Pictures. She remained on “The Crown” as one of the executive producers and is actively involved in seasons five and six. She is engaged by Netflix on the show through Orchid.
Mackie was an architect of “The Crown’s” success on Netflix, playing a key part in shepherding the Golden Globe-winning show’s first four seasons and working closely with writer Peter Morgan. Last week, “The Crown’s” producing team won the prize for Outstanding Producer...
The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the international television marketplace.
In 2020, Mackie departed “The Crown” producer Left Bank Pictures after 12 years to set up her own independent production company, Orchid Pictures. She remained on “The Crown” as one of the executive producers and is actively involved in seasons five and six. She is engaged by Netflix on the show through Orchid.
Mackie was an architect of “The Crown’s” success on Netflix, playing a key part in shepherding the Golden Globe-winning show’s first four seasons and working closely with writer Peter Morgan. Last week, “The Crown’s” producing team won the prize for Outstanding Producer...
- 3/30/2021
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
If there was any question about the original content ambitions of Comcast-backed pay-tv operator Sky under its new leadership, a 125-title film and TV slate for 2021 reflects a company poised to build a distinct, autonomous service that can compete with its deep-pocketed SVOD rivals.
Sky in late 2019 renewed its output deal with HBO — which allows the business to offer the U.S. cabler’s top shows on its Sky Atlantic channel — for “multiple years,” but the company is clearly planning for a future where WarnerMedia pulls the plug on international licensing in favor of its own platform, HBO Max, which is now getting its house in order in Latin America and Europe.
The contract has “quite a few years to run,” says Zai Bennett, Sky U.K.’s managing director of content, “but you can put two and two together: where people are going direct-to-consumer, we have to have our own unique content…...
Sky in late 2019 renewed its output deal with HBO — which allows the business to offer the U.S. cabler’s top shows on its Sky Atlantic channel — for “multiple years,” but the company is clearly planning for a future where WarnerMedia pulls the plug on international licensing in favor of its own platform, HBO Max, which is now getting its house in order in Latin America and Europe.
The contract has “quite a few years to run,” says Zai Bennett, Sky U.K.’s managing director of content, “but you can put two and two together: where people are going direct-to-consumer, we have to have our own unique content…...
- 1/25/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast’s European pay-tv giant Sky has outlined new environmental standards for its originals, including an ambition to ensure shows including Gangs Of London and A League Of Their Own are net zero on carbon emissions.
The broadcaster set out the Sustainable Production Principles as it announced that it will be the principal media partner for the COP26 international climate change summit taking place in Glasgow this November.
All Sky originals have been carbon neutral since 2019, meaning the amount of carbon they emit is offset. Sky says it now prefers to work with “producers and businesses who are aligned with our net zero carbon ambitions.” This includes producers using net zero suppliers of their own. Sky has a 2030 net zero target.
The Comcast-owned outfit added that it will work with heads of production to provide “guidance, find solutions and mitigate carbon emissions during production wherever possible.” This will result in a so-called ‘Green Memo,...
The broadcaster set out the Sustainable Production Principles as it announced that it will be the principal media partner for the COP26 international climate change summit taking place in Glasgow this November.
All Sky originals have been carbon neutral since 2019, meaning the amount of carbon they emit is offset. Sky says it now prefers to work with “producers and businesses who are aligned with our net zero carbon ambitions.” This includes producers using net zero suppliers of their own. Sky has a 2030 net zero target.
The Comcast-owned outfit added that it will work with heads of production to provide “guidance, find solutions and mitigate carbon emissions during production wherever possible.” This will result in a so-called ‘Green Memo,...
- 1/12/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Hello International Insider readers, and welcome to 2021. Jake Kanter here with you to reflect on a week when the industry was well and truly woken from its Christmas slumber. Got a story you want to share? You can contact me on jkanter@deadline.com, or my DMs are open on Twitter.
Capitol Carnage
Fearless reporting: If you watch one thing from the chaotic scenes in Washington on Wednesday, make it this extraordinary report from ITV News correspondent Robert Moore, who surfed the Trump mob all the way into the Capitol building. As colleagues joked about him becoming the first Brit to storm the Capitol in 200 years, Moore’s despatch went viral and won widespread praise from broadcast journalists on both sides of the pond. It should scoop prizes come awards season here in the UK. You can read Deadline’s full coverage on events in Washington right here.
Comcast Tightens...
Capitol Carnage
Fearless reporting: If you watch one thing from the chaotic scenes in Washington on Wednesday, make it this extraordinary report from ITV News correspondent Robert Moore, who surfed the Trump mob all the way into the Capitol building. As colleagues joked about him becoming the first Brit to storm the Capitol in 200 years, Moore’s despatch went viral and won widespread praise from broadcast journalists on both sides of the pond. It should scoop prizes come awards season here in the UK. You can read Deadline’s full coverage on events in Washington right here.
Comcast Tightens...
- 1/8/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Few media watchers in the U.K. were surprised that Jeremy Darroch, CEO of Sky these past 13 years, is finally quitting two years after Comcast acquired the U.K.-based pay-tv giant.
There’s been a steady exodus of senior execs from Sky since the U.S. cable group became its owner — and just weeks ago, Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey, who helped Rupert Murdoch launch Sky back in 1989, announced his retirement.
Darroch, a direct and straight-talking executive who joined Sky after a career in retail, helped transform the company into a European media powerhouse — a complex business spanning TV and telecoms — and tripled its size. Sky now has 24 million customers across Europe.
He oversaw the takeover of sister companies Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland and the construction of Sky Elstree Studios just outside London, likely to generate up to an additional £3 billion ($3.79 million) of production investment in the U.
There’s been a steady exodus of senior execs from Sky since the U.S. cable group became its owner — and just weeks ago, Sky Studios CEO Gary Davey, who helped Rupert Murdoch launch Sky back in 1989, announced his retirement.
Darroch, a direct and straight-talking executive who joined Sky after a career in retail, helped transform the company into a European media powerhouse — a complex business spanning TV and telecoms — and tripled its size. Sky now has 24 million customers across Europe.
He oversaw the takeover of sister companies Sky Italia and Sky Deutschland and the construction of Sky Elstree Studios just outside London, likely to generate up to an additional £3 billion ($3.79 million) of production investment in the U.
- 1/8/2021
- by Steve Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Dana Strong will succeed Jeremy Darroch as Sky Group CEO, parent company Comcast said on Wednesday. Darroch will transition into an executive chairman role.
Darroch has been CEO of Sky since 2007. Under his leadership, Sky has tripled in size. In 2018, Comcast outbid Fox to buy Sky for $39 billion.
With nearly 24 million customers, Sky is Europe’s largest multi-platform TV provider.
Strong was most recently the president of consumer services for Comcast Cable. Prior to joining Comcast, Strong was president and chief operating officer of Virgin Media in the UK.
“I would like to thank Jeremy for his exceptional leadership of Sky and his partnership since we acquired the company,” Comcast chief Brian L. Roberts said in a statement accompanying the announcement. “Sky’s values have been a perfect fit for ours and I credit Jeremy with building an incredible culture and executing the seamless integration with Comcast. He and his...
Darroch has been CEO of Sky since 2007. Under his leadership, Sky has tripled in size. In 2018, Comcast outbid Fox to buy Sky for $39 billion.
With nearly 24 million customers, Sky is Europe’s largest multi-platform TV provider.
Strong was most recently the president of consumer services for Comcast Cable. Prior to joining Comcast, Strong was president and chief operating officer of Virgin Media in the UK.
“I would like to thank Jeremy for his exceptional leadership of Sky and his partnership since we acquired the company,” Comcast chief Brian L. Roberts said in a statement accompanying the announcement. “Sky’s values have been a perfect fit for ours and I credit Jeremy with building an incredible culture and executing the seamless integration with Comcast. He and his...
- 1/6/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Jeremy Darroch is stepping down as the CEO of European pay-tv giant Sky after 13 years. In his place, Comcast is installing one of its own executives: Dana Strong, president of consumer services.
Darroch first joined Sky in 2004 as CFO and was elevated to chief executive three years later. He has overseen a period of extraordinary growth at Sky, which resulted in the company becoming a European powerhouse and ultimately being acquired by Comcast for £30 billion ($40 billion) in 2018.
Darroch will move upstairs for the rest of 2021, serving as executive chairman. Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts thanked Darroch for his “exceptional leadership” and said he was glad to have him around as an adviser.
Strong becomes Sky CEO after three years as Comcast’s president of consumer services, based in Philadelphia. She is no stranger to the UK, however, having worked as president and COO at Sky’s cable rival Virgin Media...
Darroch first joined Sky in 2004 as CFO and was elevated to chief executive three years later. He has overseen a period of extraordinary growth at Sky, which resulted in the company becoming a European powerhouse and ultimately being acquired by Comcast for £30 billion ($40 billion) in 2018.
Darroch will move upstairs for the rest of 2021, serving as executive chairman. Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts thanked Darroch for his “exceptional leadership” and said he was glad to have him around as an adviser.
Strong becomes Sky CEO after three years as Comcast’s president of consumer services, based in Philadelphia. She is no stranger to the UK, however, having worked as president and COO at Sky’s cable rival Virgin Media...
- 1/6/2021
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Comcast Cable executive Dana Strong is set to succeed Jeremy Darroch as CEO of Sky Group in what is a major restructure at the European pay-tv operator.
A 13-year veteran of Sky, Darroch will stay on as executive chairman through 2021, and will serve as an advisor to the company thereafter. The reshuffle comes just over two years since Comcast completed its acquisition of Rupert Murdoch’s pay-tv outfit.
Strong, who joined Comcast in 2018 from Sky competitor Virgin Media in the U.K., most recently served as president of consumer services for Comcast Cable, the largest broadband and TV provider in the U.S with nearly 33 million customers. In this role, she was responsible for Comcast’s residential business and led new product and market launches in broadband, video, home security and mobile. Under Strong, the company achieved record subscriber and broadband growth.
Strong — who was educated in the U.S.
A 13-year veteran of Sky, Darroch will stay on as executive chairman through 2021, and will serve as an advisor to the company thereafter. The reshuffle comes just over two years since Comcast completed its acquisition of Rupert Murdoch’s pay-tv outfit.
Strong, who joined Comcast in 2018 from Sky competitor Virgin Media in the U.K., most recently served as president of consumer services for Comcast Cable, the largest broadband and TV provider in the U.S with nearly 33 million customers. In this role, she was responsible for Comcast’s residential business and led new product and market launches in broadband, video, home security and mobile. Under Strong, the company achieved record subscriber and broadband growth.
Strong — who was educated in the U.S.
- 1/6/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast on Wednesday named Dana Strong the CEO of European pay TV giant Sky Group, succeeding Jeremy Darroch who decided to step down and will serve as executive chairman of the European pay TV giant through 2021.
Strong most recently served as president, consumer services for Comcast Cable and will report to Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts. During her tenure, the company said it “achieved record subscriber and broadband growth and the company’s highest levels of customer satisfaction.”
With more than 25 years of international experience in telecommunications and media, Strong was previously president and COO of ...
Strong most recently served as president, consumer services for Comcast Cable and will report to Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts. During her tenure, the company said it “achieved record subscriber and broadband growth and the company’s highest levels of customer satisfaction.”
With more than 25 years of international experience in telecommunications and media, Strong was previously president and COO of ...
Comcast on Wednesday named Dana Strong the CEO of European pay TV giant Sky Group, succeeding Jeremy Darroch who decided to step down and will serve as executive chairman of the European pay TV giant through 2021.
Strong most recently served as president, consumer services for Comcast Cable and will report to Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts. During her tenure, the company said it “achieved record subscriber and broadband growth and the company’s highest levels of customer satisfaction.”
With more than 25 years of international experience in telecommunications and media, Strong was previously president and COO of ...
Strong most recently served as president, consumer services for Comcast Cable and will report to Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts. During her tenure, the company said it “achieved record subscriber and broadband growth and the company’s highest levels of customer satisfaction.”
With more than 25 years of international experience in telecommunications and media, Strong was previously president and COO of ...
Gary Davey, the CEO of Comcast-owned Sky Studios, has announced his decision to retire in summer 2021 after more than a decade with the company.
The Australian executive, who was a stalwart of Rupert Murdoch’s broadcasting empire until the Comcast sale in 2018, set up Sky Studios last year, bringing together the pay-tv giant’s originals commissioning and production under one roof.
He was the managing director of Sky when it first launched in the UK in 1989 and returned to Britain in 2015 as managing director of content after spells in Italy and Germany at other Murdoch-associated TV brands, including Sky Deutschland. He was elevated to Sky Studios CEO in June 2019.
In the 1980s, Davey was employed by News Corporation boss Murdoch to work on special projects at the company’s headquarters in New York and helped launch the Fox Stations Group in the U.S.
In an email to staff,...
The Australian executive, who was a stalwart of Rupert Murdoch’s broadcasting empire until the Comcast sale in 2018, set up Sky Studios last year, bringing together the pay-tv giant’s originals commissioning and production under one roof.
He was the managing director of Sky when it first launched in the UK in 1989 and returned to Britain in 2015 as managing director of content after spells in Italy and Germany at other Murdoch-associated TV brands, including Sky Deutschland. He was elevated to Sky Studios CEO in June 2019.
In the 1980s, Davey was employed by News Corporation boss Murdoch to work on special projects at the company’s headquarters in New York and helped launch the Fox Stations Group in the U.S.
In an email to staff,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Gary Davey, CEO of Sky Studios, is stepping down from the post in 2021, with plans to retire.
Davey — a long-time veteran who first joined the company upon its launch in 1989 — was appointed CEO of Sky Studios in June 2019, famously telling the industry that “we only have one rule and that is ‘no rules'” in regards to the fledgling studio’s strategy under new owners Comcast. Since starting up, production banner Sky Studios has delivered 29 series to 15 U.S. networks and platforms, including the likes of “I Hate Suzie,” “The Third Day” and “Hausen.”
Davey was previously managing director of content for pay-tv operator Sky, where he oversaw entertainment, movies and news channels in the U.K. and Ireland, as well as the entertainment offering for Sky Deutschland, where he was executive VP of programming from 2011.
For the majority of his career, Davey worked as a senior executive in the international pay TV industry,...
Davey — a long-time veteran who first joined the company upon its launch in 1989 — was appointed CEO of Sky Studios in June 2019, famously telling the industry that “we only have one rule and that is ‘no rules'” in regards to the fledgling studio’s strategy under new owners Comcast. Since starting up, production banner Sky Studios has delivered 29 series to 15 U.S. networks and platforms, including the likes of “I Hate Suzie,” “The Third Day” and “Hausen.”
Davey was previously managing director of content for pay-tv operator Sky, where he oversaw entertainment, movies and news channels in the U.K. and Ireland, as well as the entertainment offering for Sky Deutschland, where he was executive VP of programming from 2011.
For the majority of his career, Davey worked as a senior executive in the international pay TV industry,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast-owned European pay TV giant Sky is looking to reduce its programming costs by being “a lot more choiceful around where we spend our money and where we don’t” in discussions with content companies, CEO Jeremy Darroch said on Wednesday.
Speaking during the virtual Bank of America Securities 2020 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, he said the increased capabilities of showcasing content in various ways on the premium Sky Q service was a key driver here. Citing the company’s recent deal with Walt Disney for the Disney+ streaming service as an example, he explained: “We essentially took what ...
Speaking during the virtual Bank of America Securities 2020 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, he said the increased capabilities of showcasing content in various ways on the premium Sky Q service was a key driver here. Citing the company’s recent deal with Walt Disney for the Disney+ streaming service as an example, he explained: “We essentially took what ...
Comcast-owned European pay TV giant Sky is looking to reduce its programming costs by being “a lot more choiceful around where we spend our money and where we don’t” in discussions with content companies, CEO Jeremy Darroch said on Wednesday.
Speaking during the virtual Bank of America Securities 2020 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, he said the increased capabilities of showcasing content in various ways on the premium Sky Q service was a key driver here. Citing the company’s recent deal with Walt Disney for the Disney+ streaming service as an example, he explained: “We essentially took what ...
Speaking during the virtual Bank of America Securities 2020 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference, he said the increased capabilities of showcasing content in various ways on the premium Sky Q service was a key driver here. Citing the company’s recent deal with Walt Disney for the Disney+ streaming service as an example, he explained: “We essentially took what ...
Reed Midem head of television Laurine Garaude joined presenter Justin Crosby on TV industry news review podcast TellyCast where the two discussed the current state of Mipcom, set to be one of the first major global marketplaces to return to an in-person format when it kicks off in Cannes this October.
Predictably, much of the conversation focused on health and safety concerns, and Garaude outlined some ways Mipcom is adapting, while acknowledging that other changes are likely to come in the intervening months.
Traffic flow in the exhibition hall will be regulated and additional entrances and exits added. Conference halls will be limited to 50% capacity and cleaned and sterilized for 45 minutes between presentations. Facemasks will be mandatory and hand sanitizer will be widely available. Face-to-face meetings are being redesigned to allow for one-meter social distancing, as are all areas where queuing may be necessary.
Garaude also said there won’t be any major social events,...
Predictably, much of the conversation focused on health and safety concerns, and Garaude outlined some ways Mipcom is adapting, while acknowledging that other changes are likely to come in the intervening months.
Traffic flow in the exhibition hall will be regulated and additional entrances and exits added. Conference halls will be limited to 50% capacity and cleaned and sterilized for 45 minutes between presentations. Facemasks will be mandatory and hand sanitizer will be widely available. Face-to-face meetings are being redesigned to allow for one-meter social distancing, as are all areas where queuing may be necessary.
Garaude also said there won’t be any major social events,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast-owned European pay TV giant Sky said its U.K. originals were carbon neutral for 2019 and committed to keeping things that way going forward.
Sky, which previously committed to reaching net zero carbon status company-wide by 2030, said this makes it the "first broadcaster" in Britain's albert consortium to achieve this status. It also spoke of its "determination to be the most sustainable media and entertainment company in Europe."
Said Sky group CEO Jeremy Darroch: "We are entering a critical decade on the long road to climate recovery, and all businesses have the opportunity ...
Sky, which previously committed to reaching net zero carbon status company-wide by 2030, said this makes it the "first broadcaster" in Britain's albert consortium to achieve this status. It also spoke of its "determination to be the most sustainable media and entertainment company in Europe."
Said Sky group CEO Jeremy Darroch: "We are entering a critical decade on the long road to climate recovery, and all businesses have the opportunity ...
- 6/15/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Sky Plans To Publish Bame Representation Targets As Part Of $38M Pledge To Fighting Racial Injustice
After parent company Comcast committed $100M to the fight against social injustice and inequality, Sky has said it will use £30M ($38M) of this cash to support similar causes in Europe.
The European pay-tv giant said it would spend £10M a year over the next three years on three strategic aims: Boosting diversity among its staff; supporting diversity action groups and anti-racism charities; and commissioning content that highlights racial injustice, as well as improving on-screen representation.
Sky said it would “deliver real and lasting change by improving its black and minority ethnic representation at all levels, especially senior leadership.” It added that this would include putting in place targets to “measure progression of under-represented groups throughout the organisation.”
The targets are currently being drawn up and it is understood that Sky will publish them once they have been agreed. It could lead to greater diversity on the company’s 14-member board,...
The European pay-tv giant said it would spend £10M a year over the next three years on three strategic aims: Boosting diversity among its staff; supporting diversity action groups and anti-racism charities; and commissioning content that highlights racial injustice, as well as improving on-screen representation.
Sky said it would “deliver real and lasting change by improving its black and minority ethnic representation at all levels, especially senior leadership.” It added that this would include putting in place targets to “measure progression of under-represented groups throughout the organisation.”
The targets are currently being drawn up and it is understood that Sky will publish them once they have been agreed. It could lead to greater diversity on the company’s 14-member board,...
- 6/8/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
The Wildscreen Festival, the world’s leading natural history TV and film event, is to take place online for its 20th anniversary edition this October.
The biennial festival has become the latest in a long line of events to go virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Wildscreen is based in Bristol, a city in England’s southwest nicknamed ‘Green Hollywood’ because it produces more natural history film and TV than any other city in the world.
The online edition of the festival, already slated for Oct. 19-23, will include keynotes, masterclasses, sessions, commissioner meetings, film premieres and screenings with director interviews, and a new program of one-to-one meetings.
Over 300 films will also be available over a three-month period between September to December, which will then be accompanied by industry content released during the festival week.
The week will also feature a virtual version of the global wildlife film and TV industry’s Wildscreen Panda Awards,...
The biennial festival has become the latest in a long line of events to go virtual due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Wildscreen is based in Bristol, a city in England’s southwest nicknamed ‘Green Hollywood’ because it produces more natural history film and TV than any other city in the world.
The online edition of the festival, already slated for Oct. 19-23, will include keynotes, masterclasses, sessions, commissioner meetings, film premieres and screenings with director interviews, and a new program of one-to-one meetings.
Over 300 films will also be available over a three-month period between September to December, which will then be accompanied by industry content released during the festival week.
The week will also feature a virtual version of the global wildlife film and TV industry’s Wildscreen Panda Awards,...
- 5/28/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Comcast-owned pay-tv broadcaster Sky is to donate £500,000 to the emergency relief fund recently established to support the U.K.’s creative community in the wake of Covid-19.
The donation to the new Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund, set up by the Film and TV Charity in partnership with the BFI, adds to initial donations of £2.5 million ($3.1 million) from Netflix, the BFI, BBC Studios, BBC Content, WarnerMedia and several private donors.
The fund is providing grants to the many thousands of workers and freelancers who have been affected by the suspension of productions across the U.K.
It opened for applications last week, amid research that showed that 93% of industry freelancers are no longer working due to the coronavirus crisis.
The fund is making one-off grants of between £500 ($624) and £2,500 based on need.
Sky has made a number of commitments to help during the coronavirus crisis including supporting NHS...
The donation to the new Covid-19 Film and TV Emergency Relief Fund, set up by the Film and TV Charity in partnership with the BFI, adds to initial donations of £2.5 million ($3.1 million) from Netflix, the BFI, BBC Studios, BBC Content, WarnerMedia and several private donors.
The fund is providing grants to the many thousands of workers and freelancers who have been affected by the suspension of productions across the U.K.
It opened for applications last week, amid research that showed that 93% of industry freelancers are no longer working due to the coronavirus crisis.
The fund is making one-off grants of between £500 ($624) and £2,500 based on need.
Sky has made a number of commitments to help during the coronavirus crisis including supporting NHS...
- 4/16/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Channel 4’s top executives, including CEO Alex Mahon, are set to join other entertainment industry chiefs in taking a coronavirus pay cut as the advertising downturn begins to bite.
The Gogglebox and Great British Bake Off broadcaster, which is almost entirely funded by the ad market, is preparing to announce a range of cost-cutting measures this week, which will include salary reductions for senior managers and the company’s board.
It follows ITV slashing executive pay last week and Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch donating nine months of his 2020 salary to coronavirus relief charities — although Channel 4 is said to have agreed salary cuts prior...
The Gogglebox and Great British Bake Off broadcaster, which is almost entirely funded by the ad market, is preparing to announce a range of cost-cutting measures this week, which will include salary reductions for senior managers and the company’s board.
It follows ITV slashing executive pay last week and Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch donating nine months of his 2020 salary to coronavirus relief charities — although Channel 4 is said to have agreed salary cuts prior...
- 4/6/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
ITV’s board and senior management have announced that they intend to take a 20% pay cut and forgo their 2020 bonuses as the coronavirus crisis rocks the global entertainment industry.
In a statement to investors, ITV said top executives including CEO Carolyn McCall, chairman Peter Bazalgette and CFO Chris Kennedy asked to have their salary reduced for the duration of the government-imposed lockdown. Non-executive directors will also take a 20% pay cut.
ITV added that if the lockdown continues beyond June 30, the remuneration committee will review the matter again. “ITV’s priority is to protect its people, while striving to ensure that it continues to keep viewers informed and entertained through delivering the...
In a statement to investors, ITV said top executives including CEO Carolyn McCall, chairman Peter Bazalgette and CFO Chris Kennedy asked to have their salary reduced for the duration of the government-imposed lockdown. Non-executive directors will also take a 20% pay cut.
ITV added that if the lockdown continues beyond June 30, the remuneration committee will review the matter again. “ITV’s priority is to protect its people, while striving to ensure that it continues to keep viewers informed and entertained through delivering the...
- 4/3/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
U.K. broadcaster ITV has cut the pay of its executive directors and management board by 20% and scrapped their annual bonuses in light of the coronavirus crisis.
In a statement, ITV said the cuts had been approved by its renumeration committee and were made at the request of its executive directors. These include chief executive Carolyn McCall and group CFO Chris Kennedy.
The cost saving move comes after ITV announced on 23 March a number of measures to reduce its costs and manage its cashflow in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including shelving dividend payouts to shareholders.
Today, ITV said the annual bonus for the executive directors and management board has been canceled and there will be no cash bonus payable to relating to the company’s performance in 2020.
The voluntary 20% reduction in base salary will last for the duration of the current government-imposed lockdown. In the event that the lockdown...
In a statement, ITV said the cuts had been approved by its renumeration committee and were made at the request of its executive directors. These include chief executive Carolyn McCall and group CFO Chris Kennedy.
The cost saving move comes after ITV announced on 23 March a number of measures to reduce its costs and manage its cashflow in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including shelving dividend payouts to shareholders.
Today, ITV said the annual bonus for the executive directors and management board has been canceled and there will be no cash bonus payable to relating to the company’s performance in 2020.
The voluntary 20% reduction in base salary will last for the duration of the current government-imposed lockdown. In the event that the lockdown...
- 4/3/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
Chairman-ceo Brian Roberts and other top executives at Comcast will donate 100% of their salaries to charities supporting Covid-19 relief efforts as the media giant commits $500 million to support employees with continued pay and benefits, according to a memo Roberts sent to staff on Wednesday.
“Across our businesses, we have committed $500 million to support our employees through continued pay and benefits where operations have been paused or impacted, and we have committed significant resources to support our customers. Additionally, effective today, and for the duration of this situation, our senior leaders, Mike Cavanagh, Dave Watson, Jeff Shell, Jeremy Darroch and I have chosen to donate 100% of our salaries to charities that support Covid-19 relief efforts,” the memo said,
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“Across our businesses, we have committed $500 million to support our employees through continued pay and benefits where operations have been paused or impacted, and we have committed significant resources to support our customers. Additionally, effective today, and for the duration of this situation, our senior leaders, Mike Cavanagh, Dave Watson, Jeff Shell, Jeremy Darroch and I have chosen to donate 100% of our salaries to charities that support Covid-19 relief efforts,” the memo said,
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- 4/1/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Brian L. Roberts and other top Comcast-NBCUniversal-Sky executives are donating 100% of their salaries to coronavirus relief charities.
Joining Roberts in the effort are Jeff Shell, Mike Cavanagh, Dave Watson and Jeremy Darroch. Shell has tested positive for coronavirus.
“We hope in some small way we can make this time easier on our employees, our local communities and our customers,” Roberts said in an email sent to staff.
Comcast has also committed $500 million to continuing paying and providing benefits for its employees where operations have been impacted by Covid-19 shutdowns.
Also Read: NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell Says He Has Coronavirus
“I don’t know when the worst will be behind us. But I do know that the best way forward will continue to be together,” Roberts continued in the memo, which was obtained by TheWrap. “As we navigate the challenges ahead, please take care of yourselves and each other.
Joining Roberts in the effort are Jeff Shell, Mike Cavanagh, Dave Watson and Jeremy Darroch. Shell has tested positive for coronavirus.
“We hope in some small way we can make this time easier on our employees, our local communities and our customers,” Roberts said in an email sent to staff.
Comcast has also committed $500 million to continuing paying and providing benefits for its employees where operations have been impacted by Covid-19 shutdowns.
Also Read: NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell Says He Has Coronavirus
“I don’t know when the worst will be behind us. But I do know that the best way forward will continue to be together,” Roberts continued in the memo, which was obtained by TheWrap. “As we navigate the challenges ahead, please take care of yourselves and each other.
- 4/1/2020
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Comcast chief Brian Roberts, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and other division leaders at Comcast will donate their salaries to coronavirus-related relief efforts as the world grapples with the devastating pandemic.
In a memo sent to Comcast’s 190,000 employees worldwide on Wednesday. Roberts said the salary donations would also be made by Comcast CFO Mike Cavanagh, Comcast Cable chief Dave Watson and Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch. He noted that Comcast has committed $500 million to continue pay and benefits for employees that have been affected shutdowns.
“For the duration of this situation, our senior leaders, Mike Cavanagh, Dave Watson, Jeff Shell, Jeremy Darroch and I have chosen to donate 100% of our salaries to charities that support Covid-19 relief efforts. We hope in some small way we can make this time easier on our employees, our local communities and our customers,” Roberts wrote.
High rates of executive compensation have become a source of criticism for many corporate giants,...
In a memo sent to Comcast’s 190,000 employees worldwide on Wednesday. Roberts said the salary donations would also be made by Comcast CFO Mike Cavanagh, Comcast Cable chief Dave Watson and Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch. He noted that Comcast has committed $500 million to continue pay and benefits for employees that have been affected shutdowns.
“For the duration of this situation, our senior leaders, Mike Cavanagh, Dave Watson, Jeff Shell, Jeremy Darroch and I have chosen to donate 100% of our salaries to charities that support Covid-19 relief efforts. We hope in some small way we can make this time easier on our employees, our local communities and our customers,” Roberts wrote.
High rates of executive compensation have become a source of criticism for many corporate giants,...
- 4/1/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal and other parts of the Comcast family on Wednesday internally unveiled measures to support employees and others impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Top executives, including Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts, CFO Mike Cavanagh, Comcast Cable CEO Dave Watson, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch, are donating their salaries to charities engaged in coronavirus relief until the virus crisis passes.
Roberts, in a memo obtained by THR, also said that Comcast was committing $500 million to help staff with pay and benefits if their business units have been shut down due to the pandemic.
"Across ...
Top executives, including Comcast chairman and CEO Brian Roberts, CFO Mike Cavanagh, Comcast Cable CEO Dave Watson, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell and Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch, are donating their salaries to charities engaged in coronavirus relief until the virus crisis passes.
Roberts, in a memo obtained by THR, also said that Comcast was committing $500 million to help staff with pay and benefits if their business units have been shut down due to the pandemic.
"Across ...
After days of uncertainty, French conference organizer Reed Midem has officially canceled MipTV, its TV market in Cannes, and postponed third annual drama sidebar Canneseries, as France steps up efforts to contain the country’s coronavirus outbreak.
Reed Midem informed both attendees and clients, including exhibitors, in one fell swoop on Wednesday afternoon.
The cancellation — which also covers offshoot events MipDoc and MipFormats, which take place the weekend before the market — marks another big blow for both Cannes and Reed Midem, which had to move Mipim, its real estate showcase initially scheduled to take place March 10-13 in Cannes, to June 2-5, where it will coincide with music industry conference Midem.
However, unlike with Mipim, it wasn’t as feasible for MipTV to be postponed due to its proximity to October’s Mipcom market, as well as its festival component, Canneseries, and the difficulty in getting high-profile guests to reschedule their trips.
Reed Midem informed both attendees and clients, including exhibitors, in one fell swoop on Wednesday afternoon.
The cancellation — which also covers offshoot events MipDoc and MipFormats, which take place the weekend before the market — marks another big blow for both Cannes and Reed Midem, which had to move Mipim, its real estate showcase initially scheduled to take place March 10-13 in Cannes, to June 2-5, where it will coincide with music industry conference Midem.
However, unlike with Mipim, it wasn’t as feasible for MipTV to be postponed due to its proximity to October’s Mipcom market, as well as its festival component, Canneseries, and the difficulty in getting high-profile guests to reschedule their trips.
- 3/4/2020
- by Elsa Keslassy, Leo Barraclough and Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Following a very public deal with Sky that will see its customers able to access the streaming service on Sky Q and Now TV, Disney+ has finally confirmed that over 600 episodes of The Simpsons will be available to stream in the UK.
The news was received well by potential Disney+ UK subscribers, and those who had already been tempted by the reduced annual subscription offer advertised by the streamer here back in late February.
Over 600 episodes of The Simpsons + Disney + Pixar + Marvel + Star Wars + Nat Geo =...
The news was received well by potential Disney+ UK subscribers, and those who had already been tempted by the reduced annual subscription offer advertised by the streamer here back in late February.
Over 600 episodes of The Simpsons + Disney + Pixar + Marvel + Star Wars + Nat Geo =...
- 3/4/2020
- by Mike Cecchini
- Den of Geek
It will be available to Sky Q customers at the same time as the UK launch of Disney+ on 24 March.
Sky and Disney have finalised a non-exclusive multi-year deal for SVoD service Disney+ in the UK and Ireland.
Sky Q subscribers will now be able to purchase Disney+ via the pay-tv operator as a standalone app, placing the streamer in front of 10m-plus customers.
Broadcast understands it will be available to Sky Q customers at the same time as the UK launch of Disney+ on March 24.
Disney is currently offering the SVoD at an introductory rate of £49.99 for a 12-month subscription,...
Sky and Disney have finalised a non-exclusive multi-year deal for SVoD service Disney+ in the UK and Ireland.
Sky Q subscribers will now be able to purchase Disney+ via the pay-tv operator as a standalone app, placing the streamer in front of 10m-plus customers.
Broadcast understands it will be available to Sky Q customers at the same time as the UK launch of Disney+ on March 24.
Disney is currently offering the SVoD at an introductory rate of £49.99 for a 12-month subscription,...
- 3/3/2020
- by 1101403¦John Elmes Broadcast¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
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