Warner Bros. Discovery Is Moving Away From Traditional Cable TV Channels As It Changes Strategy Internationally

Warner Bros. Discovery announced its President of International TV Distribution, Robert Blair, would be leaving the company after 25 years. This alone is not surprising, but in the memo from WBD President of International Gerhard Zeiler, it was announced that his role would not be replaced according to a memo obtained by the media.

Here is part of that memo:

Last year, we unveiled a new org structure for International, which we believed best positioned us for success at that time. But we also acknowledged that in an ever-changing industry and market, we would need to continue to evolve in a thoughtful and strategic way, along with the climate around us.

Seven months into 2023, although we remain confident about our trajectory as a business, we are at another inflection point, and one where the global economy has not rebounded as quickly as we had hoped.

As such, today I’m announcing that Robert Blair, President, WBD International TV Distribution, will be departing WBD.

The memo went on to say that Blair’s leaving was in no way a reflection on his performance but was instead “a shift we need to make to continue to refine our efficiency and cost structure.”

This move strongly suggests that Warner Bros. Discovery will keep more content in-house and likely streaming on Max instead of selling it to 3rd part cable TV networks around the world.

In the past, media companies have resold their content internationally to other cable networks to air in Europe and around the world. Now it seems that Warner Bros. Discovery is moving in a new direction, much like other media companies have.

Disney has even gone so far as to shut down many of its cable networks, including the Disney Channel in Europe, as it pushes fans to subscribe to Disney+. It is possible we will see something similar here with Max as Warner Bros. Discovery tries to cut out the middleman.

Source: Cord Cutter News

Foxtel To Close Down MTV In Australia Amidst Streaming Shift

This development follows the recent news that viewers will also miss out on children’s favourites, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr.

MTV has been a beloved destination for fans of reality TV series such as Geordie Shore, Teen Mom, and The Hills New Beginnings. The distribution of all three channels to Foxtel was overseen by Paramount ANZ.

A Foxtel spokesperson explained the decision, noting the drastic shifts in viewing patterns over recent years.

“With audiences flocking to on-demand and streaming options, and an increasing array of third-party apps now a part of Foxtel, our channel offerings have been adapting to reflect these new habits,”

While MTV’s reality content may be departing, music enthusiasts can take solace. MTV’s musical channels will continue to be accessible to Foxtel subscribers, with MTV Classic set to undergo a rebranding as ‘MTV 80’s’ from the start of August.

The departure of MTV reality programming from Foxtel comes at the same time industry speculation is indicating Channel 10 is preparing to add a dedicated MTV to its 10play streaming platform.

A spokesperson told sources,

“All the MTV content that audiences know and love will now have a home across all Paramount’s owned and operating platforms.

Further details will be made available soon.”

The reduction in channels at Foxtel comes as the pay-tv platform looks to offset its significant programming costs by moving toward an aggregation model.

Such moves underscore Foxtel’s approach of embracing third-party services, allowing them to forego the need for exclusive content investments. In a telling statistic, over two-thirds of Foxtel subscribers also use at least one other streaming service.

The company’s data highlights a shift from traditional channels to an increasing preference for On Demand.

“A diverse pipeline of content is slated for on-demand, from our international studio partners, as well as a burgeoning array of Australian originals.

Foxtel’s IQ set-top boxes now offer 14 integrated apps, reflecting this trend, with more additions anticipated soon. The seamless incorporation of services like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and ABC Kids, among others, demonstrates Foxtel’s commitment to keeping pace with the ever-evolving entertainment sector.

Warner Bros Discovery President Of International TV Distribution Robert Blair Is Leaving After 25 years With The Company

In an internal memo seen by Deadline, WBD President of International Gerhard Zeiler announced Blair’s departure and revealed his post would not be replaced after “much deliberation.”

Blair will “will transition over the summer and partner closely” with Zeiler “to further empower” WBD’s content licensing team, according to Zeiler. The move is being described as “a necessary structural change to our team design that both flattens and streamlines the Content Licensing organization.”

“Last year, we unveiled a new org structure for International, which we believed best positioned us for success at that time,” said Zeiler. “But we also acknowledged that in an ever-changing industry and market, we would need to continue to evolve in a thoughtful and strategic way, along with the climate around us.

“Seven months into 2023, although we remain confident about our trajectory as a business, we are at another inflection point, and one where the global economy has not rebounded as quickly as we had hoped.

“As such, today I’m announcing that Robert Blair, President, WBD International TV Distribution, will be departing WBD.”

Blair has been with WBD and its Warner Bros predecessor companies for a quarter of a century, overseeing the International sales strategy for major titles such as Game of Thrones, The Flash and House of the Dragon.

He joined Warner Bros International Television Distribution in 1998 as General Manager, Canadian Operations. He had previously served as Director of Television, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.

Blair was promoted to lead WarnerMedia’s international sales division in 2019 under worldwide distribution boss Jeffrey Schlesinger and kept his role in last year’s restructure, which followed the Discovery merger and creation of WBD. Schlesinger departed in 2020.

Zeiler’s note today said his departure was “no reflection of his performance” and was instead “a shift we need to make to continue to refine our efficiency and cost structure.”

“My humble thanks to Robert for his outstanding leadership, talent, and effort to help us get where we are today,” wrote Zeiler. “Robert’s contribution to the company in his 25 years has been outstanding and can be measured in several billions of dollars of sales-contracts he made possible every single year. Despite being known as tough negotiator, he is respected by all of his clients he dealt with. He is also an exceptional leader, who mentored many talents within the company and is admired and valued by his team.”

Zeiler is writing from experience — he will have sat at opposite sides of the table to Blair during his time at the helm of RTL, which was a major buyer of Warner content during his time running the European networks group.

Source: Deadline

24Kitchen To Cease Transmission In Turkey By The End Of July, More Countries Likely To Follow

24Kitchen is a lifestyle channel operated by The Walt Disney Company (Benelux) that broadcasts mainly food and cooking programs. Similar to the FOX channel in the affected region, 24Kitchen is known for a number of original productions alongside international content.

Some of the content seen on 24Kitchen include Amazing Weddingcakes, Jamie’s Family Christmas, The Taste of Life Basics and Rudolph's Bakery.

During the month, it was learnt by Bob Iger who serves as the current CEO of the blue brand that he's looking to sell several linear channels. Internationally, The Walt Disney Company is consolidating further programming from these brands to streaming services.

It's likely that the demise of 24Kitchen has to do with the company's pursuit to a streaming only module. The company had closed a further 18 channels last year in Asia and plan to close the remaining feeds by the end of the year.

Although consumers in South Africa and most parts of Africa aren't familiar with 24Kitchen, MultiChoice however distribute a Portuguese feed of the lifestyle channel in Angola and Mozambique while Turkey and some parts of the world had been receiving the Dutch feed.

What To Expect On The Home Channel In August 2023?

* primetime marked as bold 

Farmhouse Facelift S2

Ron and Jason’s 150-year-old farmhouse is in desperate need of repairs on Farmhouse Facelift. They purchased the property from Ron’s 84-year-old grandmother, who still lives in the cherished family homestead with them.
To bring the neglected farmhouse into the 21st century, Billy and Carolyn need to make some big changes. Their radical redesign must please two generations of family and include all the modern conveniences -- without losing any of the charm.

07 August
15 October

Mon    20:00
Tue     08:00 
Wed   12:00
Thu     16:00
Sat      08:30
Sun     07:00

Location Location Location S25

No floorboard is left unturned as dynamic property experts Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer help house hunters find the perfect home in the perfect location in a new season of Location, Location, Location.

This time the challenge ahead of Kirstie and Phil is tougher than ever.  Britain’s choosiest home hunters are looking for just the right spot and our expert realtors are, as always, up to the task.  They will help these house hunters secure the right home in the right spot for these families to live their happy-ever-after.
14 August
10 November

Mon    09:00
Tue     13:00
Wed    17:00
Fri        21:00

A Long Weekend in ... with Rory O'Connell S1

A Long Weekend with Rory O’Connell follows popular chef and food writer, Rory O’Connell, on his culinary journey across Europe. He visits a different city in each episode – Palma de Mallorca, Vienna, Lisbon, Madrid, Bath, Nantes, Copenhagen and Edinburgh – to learn more about the culture and the cuisine.

While the primary focus is on food, Rory is a knowledgeable guide to so much more, with art and design being particular interests of his. Discover what makes each of these cities so unique and rich, and learn some recipes that are sure help you bring the taste of Europe into your kitchen.
15 August
01 October

Tue     18:00
Wed    23:00
Thu      10:00
Fri        14:00
Sat      07:30
Sun     14:00

Home of the year Scotland S3

Three property experts travel far and wide, exploring and judging homes in a bid to find Scotland’s Home of The Year. Follow architect and university teacher, Michael Angus, renowned interior designer, Anna Campbell-Jones, and lifestyle blogger, Kate Spiers. 

In each episode, three stunning homes are put under the spotlight.  We see what makes them extraordinary, and get the chance to pick up a tip or two about self-building and styling.  Each of the homes is scored out of the ten, and the one with the highest score goes through to the finale, where Scotland’s Home of the Year will be crowned.
22 August
22 October

Tue     19:30
Wed    22:00
Thu     11:30
Fri       15:30
Sat      13:30 & 20:30
Sun     17:30 & 00:30

Backyard Builds S3

When living space becomes unliveable, the answer to your pleas for help may come from the unlikely source of your overgrown and underused backyard. Looking to provide salvation from cramped households are contractor Brian McCourt and design expert, Sarah Keenleyside on Backyard Builds.

Armed with the homeowner’s needs and budget, families are left speechless as they see their backyard wasteland turn into dreamland, with the all-important inclusion of breath-taking custom builds. Whether it’s a life-sized playhouse set back in the trees, a stained-glass studio, or a wellness wonderland, extending your living space has never looked so good.

28 August
10 November

Mon    14:30
Wed    18:30
Thu      23:30
Fri        10:30

Love it or List it UK S6

British property experts Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer are back in Love it or List it UK. They’re helping families who’ve fallen out of love…with their home but can’t agree how to remedy it. One wants to give up and list it, but the other wants to renovate so everyone can love it. This is where Kirstie and Phil come in.

Kirstie will use all her skills to completely transform the house with hopes of convincing the owner to stay put. Meanwhile Phil will prove that there are amazing homes out there and selling up and listing is the best option. Once they’ve done all they can to help these battling families, they will ask one emotionally driven question: Are you going to Love it or List it?
28 August
03 November

Mon    22:00
Tue      11:00
Wed    15:00
Fri        19:00

Island of Bryan S4

The Baeumlers' family adventure continues in Island of Bryan new season as they take on new projects and build a home-base in Florida. After three years of transforming a run-down hotel into the upscale Caerula Mar Club, Bryan and Sarah chose a house in Florida to become their new home base.

The house has an attached airplane hangar and a community runway, allowing the Baeumlers quick access to the island and other projects. Bryan finally achieves his lifelong dream of getting his pilot's license, and Sarah opens a new office and pursues ambitious solo business ventures. They struggle to define wants vs. needs, their long-term plans in Florida, and what's next.
29 August
15 December

Tue     20:00
Wed    08:00
Thu     12:00
Fri        16:00