ITV beats expectations despite profits dip, as streaming and Studios deliver July 24, 2025 ITV has delivered half year results ahead of expectations, bolstering confidence in its turnaround strategy despite a sharp fall in profits. Growth in digital advertising and continued momentum at ITV Studios offset tough comparisons with last year’s advertising period during the men’s Euros. The FTSE 250 broadcaster reported a 31 per cent drop in group [...]
What does Netflix’s use of AI mean for TV’s future? July 18, 2025 Netflix has used generative artificial intelligence (AI) to produce visual effects in one of its original series for the first time, marking a significant moment for the streaming giant and the wider entertainment industry. The scene in question – a collapsing building featured in the upcoming Argentine science fiction drama El Eternauta – was created [...]
Apple eye Formula 1 rights as streaming rights battle looms July 9, 2025 Tech giant Apple is in talks to show Formula 1 as the fight for racing rights across the world steps up. The US firm, which is an established streamer of sport, is looking to gain access to the rights for North America with ESPN’s deal coming to a close at the end of this season. [...]
Pinewood gets Netflix, Disney and Amazon boost amid Trump’s tariffs threat June 12, 2025 Deals with Netflix, Disney and Amazon have given iconic film studio group Pinewood a significant financial boost ahead of US President Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs. For the 12 months to 31 March, 2025, Pinewood Group has reported a turnover of £213.1m, up from the £146.4m it achieved in the prior year. Pinewood pointed to long [...]
Channel 4 bets on U21 Euros to drag younger viewers back to TV June 11, 2025 Channel 4 head of sport Pete Andrews on the broadcaster’s rights strategy, punching above their weight and why they’re showing England at the U21 Euros. If you’ve watched an England team win a men’s international football tournament then it was probably on Channel 4. When Lee Carsley’s Under-21 side reached the final of the age-group [...]
Brighton owner Bloom looks to add French Ligue 1 club to portfolio May 28, 2025 In this week’s Ahead of the Game: Brighton owner Tony Bloom, football films, The Hundred sale, rugby rights and the National League. Brighton owner Tony Bloom is exploring a potential investment in a French club after completing his purchase of a 29 per cent stake in Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian this week. [...]
Brits spend £5bn to avoid ads on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Spotify May 19, 2025 Brits are spending a staggering £5bn a year just to avoid ads on leading streaming services, according to a new report. In a bid to keep binge-watching and playlist-streaming interruption-free, a new Finder report found that over 31m UK adults now pay for premium, ad free subscriptions across Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney +, and Spotify. [...]
Simone Ashley: Bridgerton and Sex Education star’s side hustle almost doubles in value April 30, 2025 A production company founded by Bridgerton and Sex Education star Simone Ashley has almost doubled in value during its latest financial year. Good Catch Entertainment, which is based in Worcestershire, has posted shareholder funds of £1.77m for the 12 months to the end of July 2024, new accounts filed with Companies House show. The latest [...]
Barclays: Consumers plan to ‘buy British’ amid escalating trade war April 15, 2025 British consumers are planning to buy more UK-made products as two thirds of adults fear tumbling markets could lead to a deterioration in household finances, new research by Barclays has shown. President Donald Trump’s tariffs have dampened the UK’s economic outlook and put household finances under pressure. Consumers are now rapidly responding to the changes, [...]
How will Trump’s tariffs affect US earnings season? April 15, 2025 Trump's tariffs have thrown markets into chaos, but how will US earnings season be affected? Ian Whittaker lays it out in today's Notebook.