Warner Bros. Discovery To Separate Linear From Streaming And Studios

Also Read

Warner Bros Discovery is to bring in a new corporate structure that will see the creation of two separate divisions, Global Linear Networks and Streaming & Studios.

The never-ending cycle of merger and demerger is described as being “designed to enhance its strategic flexibility and create potential opportunities to unlock additional shareholder value.”

The two divisions will both come under the corporate wing of Warner Bros Discovery, but ultimately this could lead to a spin off of the channel assets. A sale of linear channels in the Nordics and Poland is already under consideration and is a reflection of similar moves within the big US networks. The future is clearly in streaming service Max and the production that feeds it.

“Since the combination that created Warner Bros. Discovery, we have transformed our business and improved our financial position while providing world class entertainment to global audiences,” said Warner Bros. Discovery President and CEO, David Zaslav. 

“We continue to prioritise ensuring our Global Linear Networks business is well positioned to continue to drive free cash flow, while our Streaming & Studios business focuses on driving growth by telling the world’s most compelling stories. Our new corporate structure better aligns our organization and enhances our flexibility with potential future strategic opportunities across an evolving media landscape, help us build on our momentum and create opportunities as we evaluate all avenues to deliver significant shareholder value.”

Its expected the new structure will be in place by mid-2025.

Last month, Comcast confirmed the separation of NBCUniversal’s cable television networks including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel. It might be expected for a similar move to take place at Paramount Global once its new owners are in place.

BBC Studios’ Achieves Record Performance Across Africa And The Greater EMEA Regions

Also Read

BBC Studios has unveiled record-breaking performance for its linear channel business today, with standout growth in Africa alongside remarkable results across EMEA.

 

In Africa, BBC Studios' linear portfolio on DStv, including BBC Lifestyle, BBC Brit, BBC UKTV, BBC Earth, and BBC News, has expanded its reach by +14% in 2024. This growth marks the highest-ever performance for CBeebies and BBC UKTV, while BBC Lifestyle achieved its best results since 2017. Additionally, BBC Primetime, a bespoke two-hour content block on SABC3, has increased its reach by an impressive 24% compared to the same period last year.

 

The success in Africa complements achievements across other regions:

 

• Netherlands: BBC First, BBC Studios’ premium drama channel in the Netherlands, has gone from strength to strength, with 2024 topping 2023 as its biggest year since launching in 2015. The channel has delivered a 2.3% 4+ market share to date in 2024, up +16% from last year.

• Poland: BBC Studios channel portfolio (BBC Earth, BBC Brit, BBC First, BBC Lifestyle and CBeebies) is also on track to deliver its highest share in 2024 (0.82%, 4+) since the portfolio launched in 2015, with BBC Earth and BBC First delivering the highest annual share ever in 2024.

• Nordics: BBC Nordic, BBC Studios multi-genre linear channel available in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, has ranked as the biggest international channel in its competitive set in Norway in October and November. In November, the channel delivered the highest share since launch (1.2%, 4+), and the channel has seen a +53% increase in Share in 2024 compared to 2023, when it launched.

 

Arran Tindall, Chief Commercial Officer, EVP, EMEA Key Markets, commented, “2024 has been a record year for our channels business in EMEA. We have seen incredible numbers across our whole channel portfolio in the Netherlands, Poland, Africa and the Nordics, and I am extremely proud of the growth we have seen this year. This success is a testament to BBC Studios’ extensive breadth of high-quality content and the careful curation by our teams to deliver engaging schedules that resonate with local tastes and audiences in each of our markets.”

Canal+ Is Set To Become A Standalone Company After Shareholders Of Its Parent, Vivendi, Overwhelmingly Approved A Spinoff Plan

Also Read

More than 97.5% voted to separate Canal+, ad business Havas and publisher Louis Hachette Group. They will begin trading on the London Stock Exchange, Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Growth Paris, respectively, on December 16. About 72% of Vivendi shareholders were present at the vote.

Canal+ is known for its European pay-TV operations and is also the owner of Paddington in Peru‘s Studiocanal. It has been aggressively investing in international streamer Viu and Africa’s MultiChoice, and can now look forward to a more independent future, albeit still within the Vivendi group.

“We are delighted with the very high adoption rate of our spinoff project,” said Vivendi chairman Yannick Bolloré, whose family has led the demerger plan. “This indisputable result confirms this strong support of our shareholders for this transformative transaction.

“The Supervisory Board would like to warmly thank Arnaud de Puyfontaine and the whole Management Board, all the teams involved in this project, our different advisors and our shareholders for their trust. We are convinced that this new chapter for Canal+, Havas and Louis Hachette Group will be very promising and create value for all stakeholders.” 

Vivendi’s board gave the split the go-ahead a month ago, as part of a move to tighten finances and give its verticals more flexibility. Despite floating on the London Stock Exchange, Canal+ will remain incorporated and taxed in France, and will not be required to follow mandatory stock market regulations on public offers in either its home country or the UK.

The initial spinoff plan was to leave Canal+ with virtually no debt, but it is set to begin trading with debt of €400 million ($433 million), of which about €225M will be related to the company’s investment in African content giant MultiChoice, as revealed last month. Former Paramount Global CEO Bob Bakish will take a spot on the Canal+ board next week once trading begins.

Canal+ launched in 1984 and was acquired by Vivendi 16 years later as part of a transaction that saw it grouped with Universal. Vivendi sold its Universal assets to General Electric, which formed NBCUniversal by merging the production biz with broadcaster NBC.

JP Morgan estimates Canal+ to be worth €6 billion ($6.3 billion).

Disney Is Planning To Close Disney Channel, Star Channel, FX, Cinecanal, National Geographic And BabyTV In Brazil By February 2025

Also Read

The renowned Brazilian journalist Ricardo Feltrín announced for the first time that Disney Channel, Star Channel, FX and National Geographic would be discontinued in Brazil in February 2025. This information was verified and complemented by journalist Pablo Simoes from the PortalTVeStreaming site, to whom it was also confirmed the end of Cinecanal and BabyTV, along with the official closing date of all these channels in the country: February 28, 2025.

Although it has not been confirmed whether these broadcast cessations will apply to the rest of Latin America, Pablo stated that Disney assured him that these changes will apply only to Brazil, although certainly the outlook is not entirely encouraging for those who still tune in to these channels in our region. . TVLaint attempted to get a direct response from Disney on the issue, but at the time of publishing this entry it has not received an official communication.

So far, the only thing that is known is that the decision will not impact the six ESPN channels present in Brazil. Sports signals will, for now, be Disney's only presence on Brazilian pay TV.

Although the measure is not surprising since Disney has been getting rid of its television signals around the world for more than four years in search of boosting its Disney+ streaming platform, it occurs in an ironic context considering that Disney Channel is usually the second children's channel most tuned in in Brazil, and Star Channel is the channel with the largest general audience only behind ESPN itself, according to Pablo's statements on his Twitter/X account.

It is a sad week for Disney Channel fans, since a few days ago it was announced that it would cease broadcasting in Spain after 27 years on the air, leaving fewer and fewer signs of the channel that gave so much joy around the world.

This massive closure of signals in Brazil is the most significant in Latin America since the beginning of 2022, when Disney discontinued the operations of the Star Premium suite and the basic TV channels Disney XD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Kids, FX Movies and Star Life, all in a period of less than three months. Curiously, on that occasion Disney stopped broadcasting Disney Junior in Brazil, but the channel continues to broadcast in the rest of Latin America to this day, with no plans to end. The contents of the preschool channel have since remained in a block on Disney Channel, which is not present in other countries.

A peculiar case is that of Cinecanal, which, although it already existed in Latin America, debuted in Brazil as a replacement for Star Life during the "massacre" of channels in 2022. Now, it will be one of the channels that will cease operations after almost three years in the air.

All content present on Disney Channel, Star Channel, FX, Cinecanal and National Geographic will remain exclusive to Disney+ in Brazil. BabyTV's content is the exception to the rule, which has an official and active channel on YouTube.

What Happened To Former Barbie's Former Rival Bratz?

Also Read

With the resurgence of Barbie dolls through Greta Gerwig's Barbie, the natural next pick would be a look into the world of the Bratz doll. After all, in many ways, Barbie and Bratz became opposing rivals in the toy world for years.

Girls on the playground would often debate the merits of their favorite dolls. Sometimes, though, they would mix the two together and use their imagination to bridge the gap. With a recent look into Barbie, it begs the question: What happened to Bratz?

What happened to Bratz dolls?

Bratz dolls were released long after Barbie, debuting in 2001. But, they were created by a former employee of Mattel, the company that owns Barbie, so the competition between the two was immediate. Over the years, they've faced public backlash and ridicule.

Bratz dolls are still somewhat available, although they've been discontinued a few times. Not shockingly, Mattel slammed them with a lawsuit due to some similarities and copyright issues. After Bratz's parent company, MGA Entertainment, won the case, they lifted a pause that had been put on the brand.

They even launched a 10 year anniversary line with some modifications. In 2014, the line of the time wasn't available in North America and, when the company came back in 2015, they only lasted for a year before being discontinued again.

Why do people hate Bratz dolls?

The issues in regards to Bratz dolls vary depending on the person. Staunch Barbie lovers weren't happy with the seemingly copy cat creation, but their anger was put to rest when the litigation settled.

A major issue that the Bratz dolls faced was red flags about unrealistic beauty standards. Bratz dolls were very glam in nature, often wearing full faces of makeup. Plus, many argued that the body proportions and facial features were pushing a certain type of standard on young girls.

In fact, the last line of Bratz dolls' main criticisms was that the dolls were marketed towards young girls rather than tween and teen markets which were believed to be better suited to the more 'sexy' look. The adult-like portrayal left parents uncertain about handing over the toy to their kids.

Of course, the body standard argument didn't only apply to Bratz dolls as Barbie has often received the same sort of feedback. However, Barbie supporters often argue that her design is typically more reserved in fashion and that her storyline includes aspirational jobs meant to inspire young women.

Issues with Bratz dolls stemmed beyond just the design. The manufacturer was slammed with allegations of paying its factory workers a very low rate, around $0.515 an hour, according to a report from China Labor Watch.

MGA denied the allegations. After that, the company became ensnared in a variety of legal issues. Lady Gaga even took the company to court at one point, alleging that the company purposefully delayed the release of a doll that was supposed to look like her.

Over all, Bratz dolls certainly had their moment in early 2000s culture, but they haven't stood the test of time as well as brands like Barbie. They're still an option for kids today, but not as widespread.

This was originally published by Distractify

Video: Afrikaans Voice Actors For Ramo

Also Read

Cartoon Network Celebrates The Winners Of The CN Climate Champions Schools Initiative

Also Read

Cartoon Network has announced the winners of its CN Climate Champions Schools Initiative, a campaign that empowered children aged 6 to 12 across South Africa to combat climate change. The initiative saw enthusiastic participation from 250 schools spanning all nine provinces.

The campaign was inspired by a recent Cartoon Network survey revealing that:

• 94% of South African children are concerned about climate change

• 95% want to take action to address it

• 90% are eager to learn more about the issue

 

“At Cartoon Network, we are passionate about the power of small, everyday actions to create significant global impact,” said Monika Oomen, VP of Brand, Communications, and Digital Content Strategy for Kids EMEA at Warner Bros. Discovery. “The CN Climate Champions Schools Initiative has been instrumental in inspiring teachers and students to delve into, debate, and actively address climate change.”

 

The initiative provided schools with weekly themes on crucial environmental issues such as recycling, energy conservation, plant life, plastic pollution, and e-waste. Engaging content, including facts, videos, quizzes, and challenges, helped teachers integrate climate change topics into their classrooms.

 

Students actively participated in activities like rainwater harvesting, clothing recycling, and climate-focused presentations. Schools also submitted photos and videos of these activities for a chance to win weekly eco-friendly prizes.

 

A highlight of the initiative was the "creative upcycling" competition, challenging schools to create models or sculptures using recycled materials. The top ten schools received prizes, with the top three demonstrating exceptional innovation:

 

• Atholl Heights Primary School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, took home first place with their charismatic recycling mascot, Penelope the Penguin. This student-built creation, crafted from recycled materials, embodies the school's dedication to recycling and climate change education. Penelope serves as a powerful visual reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and the impact of climate change on vulnerable species like penguins. The project showcased the students' creativity, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact on their school community.

• Rosehill Primary School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, clinched second place with their multifaceted approach to sustainability. Already known for their environmental stewardship, the school created a vibrant garden oasis built entirely from recycled materials. Students crafted functional items like a water-saving irrigation system from recycled bottles and earbuds, demonstrating resourcefulness and ingenuity. The project extended beyond the garden, inspiring students to create practical items like pencil holders from recycled materials and fostering a school-wide culture of reducing, reusing, and recycling.

 

• Alipore Primary School in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, earned third place by tackling both food insecurity and sustainability with their innovative "Alipore Primary Big Build" project. Inspired by the Climate Champions Challenge, students constructed a vertical vegetable garden using recycled 5-litre bottles. This initiative not only provided a sustainable source of fresh produce for the school and community but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility and community spirit among the students.

 

"We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and creativity displayed by students across South Africa," said Oomen. "The CN Climate Champions Schools Initiative proves the power of education and engagement in fostering environmental stewardship from a young age. Congratulations to all the winners and participants—your dedication to sustainability inspires us all."

 

The competition showcased the remarkable creativity and passion of young minds dedicated to eco-friendly innovations. Cartoon Network congratulates all participants for their commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.

The Story Of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)

Also Read

Kentucky Fried Chicken, the national fried chicken chain known as KFC, is synonymous with Colonel Sanders, its mascot that appears in the logo and advertisements. In fact, Colonel Sanders is more than a mascot because he's actually based on the fast food chain's founder, Harland Sanders, who started the company and later opened the first KFC franchise restaurant near Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1952.

So, it might come as a surprise that Sanders had a falling out with the chain after he sold its 600-plus locations to former Kentucky governor John Y. Brown Jr. and another investor in 1964 for $2 million and an annual salary of $40,000. He seemingly had a good relationship with the company for a while because he continued to appear in ads and visit KFC locations as the chain grew in the U.S. and Canada. Despite that relationship, Sanders was unhappy with changes in the recipes and opened a new restaurant called Claudia Sanders, The Colonel's Lady Dinner House with his wife Claudia Sanders in 1968.

In 1971, KFC was absorbed by Heublein, and the company wasn't happy about the Colonel using his image with his new restaurant venture. Heublein took Sanders to court, but he ended up countersuing the conglomerate for more than $122 million in 1974. The lawsuit claimed that Heublein prevented Sanders from franchising his new restaurant and that it was unlawfully using his image for products he didn't develop. The lawsuit was eventually settled for $1 million and the couple was allowed to keep their eatery. 

KFC and Colonel Sanders' troubled history

However, that wasn't the only lawsuit between the two parties. During many of his appearances at KFC restaurants, Colonel Harland Sanders made it clear that he wasn't happy with how the chain had changed up its recipes for gravy and fried chicken. According to The New York Times, he allegedly referred to the gravy as "sludge." He even went on record in an interview with The Courier-Journal newspaper (via The Day) describing the chain's chicken breading as "a damn fried dough ball stuck on some chicken" among other insults. He further criticized how KFC made its gravy, referring to it as "wallpaper paste." 

The remarks led the company to sue Sanders in 1975 for libel and defamation. However, the lawsuit was unsuccessful because a judge ruled that his criticism came via newspapers and could not be regarded as direct libel. By then, Sanders and his wife had opened their own eatery under a new name called Claudia Sanders Dinner House, in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

The pair eventually sold the restaurant, though it still operates in its new location where you can enjoy dishes like fried chicken, catfish, and fried green tomatoes. Sanders died in 1980, but if you want to take a bite of his historic fried chicken made with KFC's secret blend of 11 herbs and spices still used today, there are over 25,000 KFC restaurants operating in more than 145 countries as of 2023.

The Origin Story Of DreamWorks' Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron

Also Read

An inspiring story of survival, strength, friendship, and freedom, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is an all-time favorite movie for horse lovers of all ages. It follows a wild mustang as he fights for his freedom and that of his herd. The artistry, story line, and killer soundtrack work together to make a horse movie worth watching over and over.

It’s been 18 years since the original animated movie made its debut. You might have every line memorized, but did you know there is a real-life Spirit that inspired the fictional character?

Unlike other animated movies, Spirit is based on reality as much as possible. The horses don’t talk, and generalized events including the expansion of the railroad are based on fact, not fiction. Producers thought it was important to deliver a film that inspired viewers while melding the worlds of animation and real life. Achieving that goal would take more than clever animation. They needed artistry that could tell a story without dialogue and evoke emotions with each movement.

To do that, artists needed a model. They needed a real-life horse that would serve as inspiration and example. After a search, they found a Kiger mustang with beautiful conformation, coloring, and strength. His name was Donner, but these days, that real-life mustang goes by a different name: Spirit.

DreamWorks selected the now-named Spirit when he was a colt. Born to a stallion and mare that had been captured by the BLM in Oregon, Spirit was (and still is) a beautiful example of the Kiger mustang breed. His wide-set eyes and thick, wavy, multi-colored tail and mane became the inspiration for the animated horse that is still stealing hearts all these years later.

Before the 2002 movie made it to the big screen, animators spent countless hours observing Spirit. They watched how his muscles moved when he ran and how his face changed with his mood. With Spirit’s help, animators created an accurate equine character that looks and moves just like their live model.

When the movie was finished, DreamWorks chose Return to Freedom’s American Wild Horse Sanctuary to be Spirit’s permanent home. It’s been almost two decades since Spirit posed for animators, but the beautiful mustang we all love still serves as an advocate for Kiger mustangs and all of America’s wild horses. In fact, he recently celebrated his 25th birthday!

Like his animated character, the real-life Spirit is part of the fight to help wild horses maintain their natural habitats and freedom. While he lives at the sanctuary and loves interacting with people, Spirit is a prominent ambassador for wild horses. He engages youth around the world to learn more about America’s mustangs and every horse’s need for freedom and protection.

He lives on Return to Freedom’s headquarter facility in Santa Barbara County on 300 acres of pristine California pasture. From a young age he learned to be comfortable around people, but those who know him best say he has spunk and spirit similar to that of his fictional character. He’s grown to be an important part of the wild horse sanctuary, and he’s helping educate the public about his breed and ways humans can protect all of America’s wild horses.

With Spirit’s claim to fame, he attracts crowds of fans to his sanctuary home. During these visits, the real-life Spirit helps the sanctuary spread an important message about what’s currently happening to the country’s wild horses and what the public can do to help.

Spirit’s work in inspiring others has been recognized not only by the countless people he has met, but also by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Foundation. The organizations inducted Spirit into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame in 2018, and he continues to influence the sanctuary’s mission even decades after Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron was released.

Now 25 years old, the real-life Spirit is busy enjoying life at the sanctuary. He spends his days interacting with a few of his equine friends and enjoying attention and care from his favorite humans. He was born in captivity, but the spirit of independence and the wild west lives in his veins. And thanks to Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, his image will continue to show others that freedom is always worth fighting for.