News on News - ITV

ITV Studios Acquires So Television

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:34:40 +0000

ITV plc has announced that it has acquired So Television, the independent production company behind hit entertainment and comedy programmes, including The Graham Norton Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme.

ITV, via its wholly owned subsidiary ITV Studios Ltd, will pay an upfront cash consideration of £10m with a further cash payment contingent on So Television’s profit performance to 31 July 2016. The maximum total consideration payable is £17m.

So Television, set up by Graham Norton and Graham Stuart 12 years ago, focuses on comedy and entertainment shows, factual entertainment and drama. Earlier this year the BBC recommissioned one of the company’s main productions – The Graham Norton Show - through to 2014. The series is also distributed internationally and is broadcast in 100 other countries, including in peaktime on Channel Ten in Australia.

The acquisition fits with a key objective of ITV’s five year Transformation Plan - to create world class content for multiple platforms, free and pay, both in the UK and internationally. 　

Denise O'Donoghue, Managing Director, ITV Studios UK, said:

"So Television is known for its creative rigour and intense quality-control across its programming, whether that is its crown jewel, The Graham Norton Show, or its newer but no less brilliant The Sarah Millican Television Programme. "Its programming presence on other channels is strategically terrific for ITV Studios, which has increased its output this year with new shows across the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky. I am really looking forward to having So as part of ITV Studios, working with Graham Stuart and his team to add even more value to this dynamic and successful production company."

Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV Studios, said:

"So Television and Graham Norton have been making high quality programmes for many years now. I believe that ITV Studios can bring scale to their ambitions and together we can continue to keep The Graham Norton Show at the top of its game and increase the amount of new programming in their production slate. "This is an important acquisition for ITV Studios and demonstrates our strategy to increase our capability in the production of high quality television entertainment programming."

Graham Norton said:

"So TV has been our baby for 12 years, so I’m thrilled that the ITV family has decided to take it under their wing and help it blossom."

Graham Stuart said:

"We are incredibly excited to be starting a new chapter in the So story with ITV Studios. Now we have the chance to achieve what we've always wanted to in this industry but with real strength and inspiration behind us."

Following the success of the first BBC2 series in the Spring, The Sarah Millican Television Programme has been recommissioned for a second run, which kicks off with a Christmas special. So Television also produces panel show Alexander Armstrong’s Big Ask for Dave, which was recommissioned earlier this year.

Indian Premier League Cricket Returns to ITV4

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 21:27:01 +0000

The glitziest cricket tournament in the world – the Indian Premier League – is back, and ITV4 is covering every game.

The channel will be showing 72 of 76 games live and highlights of the other matches from the start of the competition on April 4.

The IPL, known for its glamour and razzmatazz, is in its fifth year and the first game this time will feature 2011 champions Chennai Super Kings starting the defence of their title against 2010 runners-up Mumbai Indians.

Major stars of the game including Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Lasith Malinga and Kumar Sangakkara will all be involved in the Twenty20 tournament as nine sides battle it out for the title.

Competing in the IPL this year alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Pune Warriors India, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

It is ITV’s third year covering the competition and Matt Smith and Shonali Nagrani return as main anchors. The team of presenters will also include former England cricketer Isa Guha as well as Angus Scott and Mark Pougatch.

Presenter Matt Smith said: "I can’t wait for the big hitting madness to start again. The Indian Premier League really is compulsive viewing."

Niall Sloane, ITV's Director of Sport, said: "The Indian Premier League never fails to enthral. It is a wonderful competition and celebration of cricket at its most vibrant."

Regular pundits include former England captain Alec Stewart and West Indian great Clive Lloyd, alongside ex-professional Simon Hughes and a host of former England players including Mark Butcher, Dominic Cork, Vikram Solanki, John Emburey and Mark Ramprakash, casting their expert eyes over proceedings.

ITV Launches Replacement of News Channel and Local

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:25:47 +0000

ITV has unveiled its brand new digital news offering which is being rolled out in beta this week ahead of Wednesday’s Budget 2012 announcement.

The new 24 hour news site, which is optimised for use on mobiles and tablets, is packed with broadcast quality video and aims to bring real-time rolling news to the public in a brand new slick and efficient digital product.

Putting digital at the heart of ITV's news operation, the site will draw on ITV’s award-winning national and regional news gathering operation, offering journalists from across ITV’s extensive network of UK newsrooms, the tools they need to quickly and efficiently break news and update stories online from wherever they are based.

As part of the wider transformation of ITV News, the new site has been created in partnership with digital innovation and service design experts Made by Many and incorporates a rolling news timeline. The site draws not only from content created by ITV News journalists, but also reflects the conversations that happen around breaking news on other sites and platforms such as Twitter.

Michael Jermey, Director of News and Current Affairs said: “Our digital news service will give people a great new way to follow breaking news wherever they are. It will offer fantastic broadcast quality video and will cover not only the top national and international news of the day but will also provide a strong regional service.”

Julian March, Head of Digital Media, ITV News & Sport, said: “ITV News is a vast 24 hour news gathering machine packed with breaking news content and exclusives from award winning journalists. We are therefore incredibly excited about creating a platform which allows us to begin to unleash the full power of that machine in the digital space. The new site is all about providing real-time news for the digital age and enabling our quality journalism to reach an even wider audience online and on demand.”

Revenues and Profits Increase at ITV

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 22:05:17 +0000

ITV sees revenue and profit growth based on its continued growth online and an improvement in broadcast advertising sales.

External revenues up 4% at £2,140m (2010: £2,064m) driven by non-advertising revenues

Total non-NAR revenues up £93m or 11% to £922m (2010: £829m), mainly due to revenue growth from UK and international studios businesses

ITV Family NAR up 1% - outperforming the TV advertising market

ITV Family SOV up 1% with strong performance by digital channels up 10%

EBITA before exceptional items up 13% to £462m (2010: £408m)

Adjusted PBT up 24% to £398m (2010: £321m)

Adjusted EPS up 23% at 7.9p (2010: 6.4p)

Cost savings of £20m delivered – funding investments aligned to the Transformation Plan – with a further £20m identified for 2012

Positive net cash position of £45m (2010: net debt of £188m), with profit to cash conversion again over 100%

Continued improvement in the efficiency of the balance sheet with £339m of bonds bought back in 2011

The Board has proposed a final dividend of 1.2p to give a total dividend for 2011 of 1.6p

We expect ITV Family NAR to be down 2% in Q1 and April broadly flat. While we remain cautious on the outlook for advertising, we expect to outperform the market over the full year.

Adam Crozier, CEO of ITV, said:

“We’re now almost two years into our five-year Transformation Plan and our continued growth in revenue and profit - at a time when the advertising market is broadly flat - demonstrates that we’re performing in line with our strategic priorities. The increase in non-advertising revenues of £93m, driven by our studios and online businesses, is clear evidence of progress in rebalancing the Company and our ability to grow new revenue streams.

‘Our financial position was further strengthened during the year through our ongoing focus on cash generation and cost reduction. We have our first positive net cash position since ITV was created in 2004 and more than delivered our targeted cost savings.

‘ITV Studios, under the new management team, has made real progress creatively and operationally both in the UK and internationally. We have delivered double digit revenue growth and a 28% increase in new commissions to 111, of which 45 are international.

On screen we have grown family SOV and we continue to outperform the advertising market. We have seen strong growth in online video views as ITV Player was rolled out across more platforms.

The VOD and pay deals we recently signed with Sky, Netflix and Lovefilm open up new pay revenue streams, which we will continue to build as part of our pay strategy.

‘Although ITV Family NAR has started the year better than we anticipated, it is expected to be down 2% in Q1 against tough comparatives. We remain cautious on the market outlook for 2012 but we expect to outperform the market for the full year.

‘We’ve made good progress and we remain focused on rebalancing the business and delivering the Transformation Plan. We will increasingly look to content, pay and online as the engines of growth in the UK and internationally as we invest further in our key strategic priorities.

ITV4 Extends Tour de France Deal until 2015

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:41:47 +0000

ITV has extended its broadcast rights deal for live coverage and highlights of cycling’s premier event, the Tour de France, in a new deal finalised today.

Under the new agreement with the ASO, ITV4 will continue to broadcast live daily coverage throughout the Tour and will continue to broadcast daily evening highlights on the channel. ITV will also extend its digital and online coverage around the Tour de France from this year.

Niall Sloane, ITV’s Controller of Sport said: “ITV’s coverage of the Tour de France has a terrific reputation with viewers and sports fans and I’m delighted that, in one of the most exciting periods for British cycling, we have secured coverage on ITV4 until 2015.”

Viewing to ITV4’s highlights of the 2011 Tour de France, in which Mark Cavendish won the green jersey, was up by 33 percent year-on-year.

Amazon’s LOVEFiLM Partners with ITV in Major TV Streaming Deal

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:06:18 +0000

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LOVEFiLM, an Amazon (Nasdaq:AMZN) company, has partnered with ITV to enable its members to instantly watch TV titles from the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster.

The subscription video on-demand (SVOD) agreement will give LOVEFiLM members access to ITV’s vast archive of shows, including a selection of recent popular content such as Marchlands and Above Suspicion, as well as classic crime series Prime Suspect and Inspector Morse and much loved British dramas such as Cold Feet and Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

The renewed deal with ITV will add further premium TV content to the LOVEFiLM Instant service – Europe’s leading TV and movie subscription streaming service available on a range of internet-connected devices including the PC, Sony PlayStation®3, Apple iPad, web-enabled TV sets and Blu-ray players and Microsoft Xbox 360 – and strengthen its existing offering of ITV programmes.

LOVEFiLM Instant gives members immediate access to TV and movie content from major broadcasters and studios including Entertainment One, Disney, Lionsgate, Momentum, STUDIOCANAL, Warner Bros. and BBC Worldwide direct to their living rooms.

Simon Calver, CEO of Amazon’s LOVEFiLM, comments:

“LOVEFiLM’s partnership with ITV is the icing on the cake of our LOVEFiLM Instant service as it brings more top TV content together with world class movies, delivered across multiple platforms, all for one low monthly price.”

Martin Goswami, Director of Pay and Distribution added: “We are delighted to be working with LOVEFiLM to bring a wide range of ITV’s best loved programmes to their subscribers. Partnering with LOVEFiLM’s Instant service is a great example of how ITV is starting to drive new revenue streams by distributing its content across multiple platforms.”

For further information please contact the LOVEFiLM.com press office at Mischief on 0203 128 6600 or lovefilm@mischiefpr.com

Links to editors

Amazon’s LOVEFiLM partners with ITV in major TV streaming deal
http://corporate.blog.lovefilm.com/

LOVEFiLM Instant:
http://www.lovefilm.com/browse/film/watch-online/

LOVEFiLM:
http://www.lovefilm.com
http://www.facebook.com/LOVEFILM
http://twitter.com/LOVEFiLM

Notes to editors

About LOVEFiLM

LOVEFiLM is an Amazon company and is the leading European film subscription service with over 1.9 million members in the UK, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway
In February 2011 LOVEFiLM was acquired by Amazon EU SARL
LOVEFiLM members can enjoy the benefits of DVDs delivered straight to their door with LOVEFiLM By Post and streaming films online via LOVEFiLM Instant
LOVEFiLM Instant is available on over 175 Internet-enabled devices including PCs, PlayStation®3, iPad®, Xbox 360, plus a growing number of Blu-Ray players and Internet-connected TVs including Sony, Samsung and Cello
LOVEFiLM is available for one low monthly price – with no late fees
Titles are also available to everyone on a pay-per-view basis via LOVEFiLM Box Office
Members can choose from a selection of over 70,000 titles available across Blu-ray, DVDs, video games and instant streaming
LOVEFiLM offers a range of video games rental options in the UK market to support gaming across Xbox 360, Xbox, PlayStation®3, PlayStation®2, Wii and DS
LOVEFiLM members have generated over 80 million film ratings and written more than 843,000 reviews
For additional information including a breakdown of packages visit www.lovefilm.com

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth’s Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavours to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewellery; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon’s developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon’s own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. The new latest generation Kindle is the lightest, most compact Kindle ever and features the same 6-inch, most advanced electronic ink display that reads like real paper even in bright sunlight. Kindle Touch is a new addition to the Kindle family with an easy-to-use touch screen that makes it easier than ever to turn pages, search, shop, and take notes – still with all the benefits of the most advanced electronic ink display. Kindle Touch 3G is the top of the line e-reader and offers the same new design and features of Kindle Touch, with the unparalleled added convenience of free 3G. Kindle Fire is the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, books, magazines, apps, games and web browsing with all the content, free storage in the Amazon Cloud, Whispersync, Amazon Silk (Amazon’s new revolutionary cloud-accelerated web browser), vibrant colour touch screen, and powerful dual-core processor.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, www.amazon.it, and www.amazon.es. As used herein, “Amazon.com,” “we,” “our” and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management's expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfilment centre optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com's financial results is included in Amazon.com's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

Contacts

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline, 206-266-7180
www.amazon.com/pr

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20120106005208/en

Coronation Street Stage Show to Premiere March 2012 Hosted by Paul O'Grady

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 09:54:25 +0000

Reckless Entertainment, in association with ITV Studios and SMG Europe, has announced “Street of Dreams”, a major live musical event in celebration of Coronation Street which will debut in Manchester for a spectacular world premiere next March starring faces from the street - past and present and hosted by Paul O’Grady.

After more than fifty years on air, Britain’s best-loved soap has a glorious heritage of unforgettable stories and iconic characters which have been handpicked and now carefully crafted into this brilliant musical event by award-winning musical writer, composer and lyricist, Trisha Ward.

BAFTA winning film and stage Director, John Stephenson OBE (“5 Children & IT” and “Animal Farm”), will direct the live musical tribute, which is to be staged on an ambitious scale with a spectacular set and special visual effects at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena. A 25 piece orchestra, a West End cast and choreography from Olivier award winning Stephen Mear will complete the dazzling production which has been co-scripted by Damon Rochefort (“Coronation Street” & “Birds of a Feather”). The show will be executive produced by Kieran Roberts for ITV Studios and John Ward for Reckless Entertainment.

Paul O’Grady will feature as the star host, guiding us through momentous events in Corrie’s history in his own inimitable style. He will bump into well-loved characters, old and new, with guest stars paying homage to famous roles, as he leads the show to a dramatic finale.

Julie Goodyear MBE will be making a highly anticipated return to play the one and only Bet Lynch, complete with her trademark beehive, big earrings and penchant for leopard-skin. Corrie favourite Kevin Kennedy, a singing star who has made a critically lauded name for himself on the West End stage since his departure from the cobbles, will return to his role as loveable intellectual stargazer, Curly Watts and the effortlessly brilliant Brian Capron will resurrect renowned serial killer, Richard Hillman from the dead.

Stars from the current cast; William Roache MBE (Ken Barlow) and Katy Cavanagh (Julie Carp) to name but a few, will appear alongside their former neighbours as they take a trip down memory lane, encapsulating unforgettable Weatherfield moments through 90 minutes of spectacular song and dance routines, supported by a West End cast.

The show is based upon the critically acclaimed album: Coronation Street - Rogues, Angels Heroes & Fools which was released last Christmas for Coronation Street’s 50th Anniversary featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and crafted by “Street of Dreams” writer, Trisha Ward.

Songs included in the show are: Tony Warren’s iconic ‘Opening Episode” featuring Ena Sharples, Elsie Tanner, & Annie Walker, “Woman Stanley Woman” - Hilda & Stan’s posh second honeymoon at the Savoy Hotel, ‘He’s My Man” - a catfight on the cobbles between love rivals Elsie Tanner & Bet Lynch, “Norman Bates With A Briefcase” - featuring serial killer Richard Hillman, ‘Cunning Clever Crafty’ - Jack & Vera’s “blind date” with Jack as the suave ‘Vince Fontaine’ and spectacular “Moulin Rouge” homage -“Sweet Butterfly” featuring love-lorn knicker factory worker, Sean Tully.

Composer, Trisha Ward said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Kieran Roberts on this amazing project which has been in development for over 3 years. It’s a musical homage to an incredible programme, which has been both a joy and exciting challenge to compose. Coronation Street lends itself so well to musicalisation because it has all the ingredients a great musical requires; humour, pathos but most importantly of all - heart. I’m so incredibly proud and excited to be bringing this production to Corrie’s home city of Manchester for the world premiere.”

Executive Producer, Kieran Roberts of ITV Studios said: “I’m thrilled to be involved with Street of Dreams. Trisha Ward’s wonderful music and lyrics are a very fitting celebration of Coronation Street’s history, its great storylines and its unforgettable characters. Paul O’ Grady is one of Britain’s most prolific, talented and best-loved entertainers and he’s a genuine, life-long Corrie fan so I’m equally delighted he will guide the audience through this entertaining and spectacular musical celebration of Britain’s best-loved drama.”

Paul O’Grady said: “I’m a great fan of the street!! I’ve watched it for most of my life! Chunks of script from 30 years ago are engraved in my memory so to relive it all alongside unforgettable characters and talent on the stage, revisiting such iconic scenes from across the years, is just brilliant. I can’t wait to watch it all come together and the reaction it receives.”

"Street of Dreams" will debut at Manchester's M.E.N Arena on Wednesday 21st March, with the world premiere VIP event on Thursday 22nd March. Tickets go on sale at www.men-arena.com / 0844 847 8000 from 9am on Friday 9th December.

ITV Confirms Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley to Leave Daybreak

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:54:57 +0000

ITV has mutually agreed with Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley that they will step down from their regular presenting roles on Daybreak later this year to focus on their peak time commitments with ITV1.

Adrian Chiles will prioritise his role as the anchor of ITV’s extensive live football coverage, which includes the FA Cup, England’s internationals as well as the UEFA Champions League. It can also be confirmed that Adrian’s successful topical discussion show, That Sunday Night Show, will return to ITV1 for a third series in 2012.

Christine Bleakley will focus on a range of peak time shows for ITV1, including a new role as the co-presenter of Dancing on Ice alongside Phillip Schofield. This December Christine will also host Westlife: For The Last Time and co-present ITV’s major new charity and entertainment initiative for Christmas, Text Santa. ITV1 is also developing a new peak time factual entertainment challenge show with Christine as well as a new peak time home renovation programme.

Peter Fincham, ITV Director of Television, said: “Adrian and Christine are both superb presenters. They have worked tirelessly to help establish Daybreak on ITV1 and they leave the show at a point when ratings have recently seen their biggest year on year increase.

“Adrian has had a hugely positive reception as the host of ITV’s live football coverage since he joined us for the 2010 World Cup and I’m pleased that he will be at the helm of the UK’s biggest free-to-air football offering, and will continue to present his successful That Sunday Night Show.

“I’m delighted that Christine will join Phillip Schofield as the host of one of our biggest entertainment hits, Dancing on Ice, as well as our Christmas event, Text Santa – and as we look ahead to next year we will be working with her on two exciting new peak time projects.”

The new presenters of Daybreak, which over the last three weeks has seen average audiences of more than 800,000 viewers and a peak of 1.4million, will be announced in due course.

ITV Win Rights to French Open Grand Slam Tennis

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:02:32 +0000

ITV has secured a major new television sports contract with the acquisition of the live broadcast rights to the Roland Garros tennis Grand Slam.

As part of a new landmark three-year deal with the Fédération Française de Tennis (FFT), brokered by MP & Silva, ITV will broadcast extensive live coverage from the Roland Garros tennis Grand Slam throughout the 15-day tournament.

ITV4 and ITV.com will broadcast around six hours of live coverage from each day’s play as well as highlights, with four matches, including both the men’s and ladies’ singles finals, also shown live on ITV1.

Niall Sloane, ITV Controller of Sport said: “I’m hugely excited that we have agreed a major new deal to bring the Roland Garros French Open to ITV. It’s the first time that a grand slam has been shown live on ITV and with around six hours of coverage over each day of the tournament we’ll be offering viewers more free-to-air coverage of the tournament than ever before.”

Michel Grach, FFT Media & Sponsorship Director, added: “We are delighted that ITV will bring the clay of Roland Garros to British tennis fans. This new partnership will not only enhance the exposure and appeal of the tournament in the United Kingdom but is also an important first step in our new distribution strategy throughout Europe, working alongside MP & Silva to increase the free-to-air coverage of Roland Garros.”

Angela Jain, ITV Director of Digital Channels and Acquisitions said: “ITV4 now holds a terrific portfolio of sports rights and, alongside our new agreement for Europa League football, this major new deal to bring the Roland Garros tournament to the channel is great news for our viewers and advertisers. Live sports coverage now sits at the heart of ITV4’s schedules alongside a range of other entertainment content.”

The Roland Garros French Open 2012 takes place at Stade Roland Garros in Paris from May 27th to June 10th. Rafael Nadal and Li Na are the current men’s and ladies’ champions.

ITV to Air Westlife Farewell Special - 'For the Last Time'

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:09:13 +0000

ITV1 will be welcoming, Westlife: For The Last Time, in a farewell special featuring one of the biggest-selling boy bands in music over the last decade.

This unique one-off music spectacular will mark Westlife’s final TV appearance as the pop giants take to the stage to sing some of their greatest hits.

Over the past 14 years Westlife have had a staggering 26 top ten hits including 14 number one singles and 11 top five albums. They have had countless awards and sold over 44 million records worldwide.

Westlife: For The Last Time will feature exclusive interviews with key figures in their story as well as archive footage which will provide a unique insight into the life of this world renowned band.

Guaranteed to be the hottest ticket in town, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Westlife for the final time, as the global superstars perform their biggest hits live in front of a studio audience.

Westlife: For The Last Time was commissioned by ITV's Controller of Entertainment John Kaye Cooper and will be screened later in the year.

The hour long special will be made by ITV studios in association with Sony Music. The executive producers are Lee Connolly and Steve Lappin (Sony Music).

ITV Grabs UEFA Europa League Rights from Channel 5

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:19:49 +0000

ITV has secured the broadcast rights to the first and second pick matches from the UEFA Europa League competition in a new deal announced today.

As part of a new three-year deal with UEFA running from the 2012-13 to 2014-15 seasons inclusive, ITV will broadcast the first and second pick Europa League matches throughout each competition match week as well as a highlights programme. All matches will be broadcast free-to-air, with the majority on ITV4 and ITV.com, and some matches featuring domestic teams from the quarter finals onwards shown on ITV1.

The new agreement cements ITV’s long running and successful partnership with UEFA, with ITV1 securing live UEFA Champions League football until 2015 earlier this year. Europa League football has consistently attracted strong audiences to ITV4 with August’s Hearts v Tottenham Hotspur tie peaking with 1.9 million viewers.

Niall Sloane, ITV Controller of Sport said: “There is great demand from UK viewers to watch domestic teams performing on the European stage and I’m delighted that ITV is extending its long and successful relationship with UEFA to broadcast the top pick games from throughout the competition.”

Michael Bublé Joins ITV's Christmas Line-up

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:30:45 +0000

Global superstar Michael Bublé will be joining ITV’s Christmas celebrations with his own TV special, Michael Bublé: Home for Christmas.

The Grammy award winning singer songwriter will be sprinkling his unique blend of extraordinary talent and infectious humour in this one off Christmas Special.

Headlining this exciting new show, Michael will be unwrapping a host of celebrity guests including X Factor judge Gary Barlow and comedienne Dawn French who will be joining the show’s festivities, which will see some unmissable duets, including an exclusive performance with The X Factor’s Kelly Rowland. Michael and Kelly will join forces for the first time to sing one of the country’s best loved Christmas hits.

Following the success of his previous ITV shows, An Audience With and This Is Michael Bublé, the critically acclaimed performer will be recreating his own Canadian luxurious winter retreat here in the UK. Having sold an estimated 30 million albums, the singer will be performing classic seasonal hits from his new album ‘Christmas’ as well other favourites.

Michael Bublé said: “I'm thrilled to do this show, Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I'm looking forward to being in all your living rooms celebrating the holidays."

In the UK, Michael’s 2009 ‘Crazy Love’ which featured hit single ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’ reaffirmed his status as one of the most popular artists around with over 2.5 million sales to date. The album hit the Christmas number 1 spot and recently returned to the Top 40 two years after its initial release. After selling out eighteen UK arena dates in 2010 alone, Michael has now sold over 30 million albums to date worldwide.

The programme was commissioned by ITV's Controller of Entertainment John Kaye Cooper who said, "We are thrilled that Michael Bublé continues to bring his extraordinary talents to the ITV audience. This major special will evoke nostalgic memories of those wonderful Christmas shows of yesteryear - but with a modern twist.... A must- see special event for all the family"

Michael Bublé: Home for Christmas is an ITV Studios Production. Lee Connolly and Fiona Clark, executive producers, Christian Fletcher, producer, ITV Studios.

ITV Political Editor Tom Bradby to Host Own Discussion Show

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:02:47 +0000

ITV has commissioned a new discussion show for 2012, to be fronted by ITV News' political editor, Tom Bradby.

ITN Productions will produce the eight-part series, which will tackle the hot topical issues of the week. In each programme Tom will be joined by four studio guests to talk through the controversies and talking points of the past seven days. Drawn from across a range of backgrounds, the panellists will contribute diverse perspectives to half an hour of compelling discussion on the stories that people really care about, from politics to popular culture.

Filmed at The Hospital, the series will be broadcast on ITV1 in the spring in a weeknight slot. It is commissioned by Ian Squires, Controller of Current Affairs & News Operations at ITV. Executive Producer is Chris Shaw, Editorial Director at ITN Productions.

Ian Squires said: “By offering a forum for intelligent discussion, this new series brings to ITV1’s schedule a fresh opportunity for our channel to engage with viewers on the issues and stories they’re talking about and that matter to them, while they’re at their most current.”

Tom Bradby said: “If the issue - be it political, societal, cultural or historical - is in the news and on the agenda, you would expect to see it debated here. We will aim to provide more light than heat, but we won't duck controversy, nor take ourselves too seriously.”

“This series will be for viewers who want insightful debate about the week’s news agenda,” said Chris Shaw, Editorial Director at ITN Productions. “Tom’s long career covering UK, international and political stories combined with his experience as a novelist and screenwriter makes him a well-informed and engaging host to cover a wide range of topics with his guests.”

Construction Begins on New Coronation Street Set

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:45:14 +0000

A new era of television history began this week as Coronation Street stars William Roache and Michelle Keegan donned hard hats and picked up spades to 'break the ground' at their future new home.

The Corrie duo were marking the imminent start of building work on the 7.7 acre site where ITV is creating a bespoke stand alone production and studio centre for the world's longest running drama.

Joined by representatives from the Coronation Street production team, ITV senior management, project partners and local councillors, William Roache said "It’s over fifty years since I first walked on to a Coronation Street set, and now I’m here with Michelle, starting the build of our new home – the one that will take us well in to this century, and it feels fantastic”.

Kevin Lygo, Managing Director, ITV Studios said: “Our move to MediaCityUK is an historic one that will continue our commitment to the North, ensuring our longevity as the major programme maker in the region and make us a crucial part of Europe’s biggest media population. It is a very exciting time."

Building on the new site is expected to continue until spring 2013. The production will then relocate from central Manchester to the new centre, just across the water from the heart of MediaCityUK which is to be home to ITV Studios’ production and management teams, regional news and support staff.

ITV Appoints Sky News' David Kermode as Editor of Daybreak

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:11:14 +0000

ITV Studios has appointed David Kermode, currently editor of 5 News for Sky News, editor of Daybreak.

Kermode was appointed by Fiona Keenaghan, Controller of ITV Studios Daytime.

Kermode is currently responsible for the 5 News contract at Sky News, with editorial responsibility across two daily news programmes, short updates as well as a daily entertainment magazine programme and documentaries for the channel. Since taking up the role in 2007 he re-launched the 5 News programme; boosting audience share and increasing share of both the ABC1 and 16-34 audience, with the programme shortlisted three times for RTS News Programme of the Year.

Prior to joining Sky News, Kermode was editor of BBC Breakfast for BBC News from 2004 to 2007 and was responsible for re-positioning the show which saw it become the UK’s most popular breakfast programme. Prior to BBC Breakfast, Kermode was an editor for BBC Weekend News and BBC News 24.

David Kermode said: "I'm massively excited about taking the helm at Daybreak. I know it's a fantastic team, there’s lots to do and I can't wait to get started.”

Fiona Keenaghan, Controller of ITV Studios Daytime said: “With his superb journalistic record and indisputable populist touch, David is the perfect person to lead Daybreak onwards and upwards. He has impeccable editorial judgement and the ability to build strong and trusting relationships with talent. I look forward to welcoming him to ITV and working closely with him in the months ahead.”

Kermode will work with Karl Newton, who becomes Executive Producer of Daybreak. It was announced earlier this summer that production staff for Daybreak and Lorraine would become part of the ITV Studios production team, which produces all of ITV’s morning output, from Jeremy Kyle to Loose Women.

Ian Rumsey, currently editor of Daybreak, announced in July that he had decided to step down after a year at the helm of ITV’s breakfast show.

ITV4 to Broadcast Live Coverage of La Vuelta Tour of Spain

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:31:43 +0000

ITV4 will broadcast live coverage and highlights throughout the 2011 Vuelta a España as part of a new agreement with the ASO and Unipublic.

Beginning this Saturday, August 20th, La Vuelta takes place over three weeks to Sunday September 11th; and is made up of 21 stages covering a total distance of 3300 kilometres. British interest in the race should include this year’s Tour de France green jersey and also victor in last weekend’s London-Surrey Classic, Mark Cavendish; as well as Bradley Wiggins, the winner of this year’s Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré.

ITV4 will broadcast around two hours of live coverage from each race day* as well as 30 minute highlights programmes each evening. ITV Sport’s Ned Boulting presents coverage alongside Matt Rendell. ITV.com will also simulcast live coverage and highlights programmes as well as offering shorter highlights clips.

ITV’s Controller of Sport, Niall Sloane said: “It’s been a terrific year for British cycling with more viewers than ever before watching ITV4’s coverage of the Tour de France earlier this summer. I’m delighted that we’re able to offer viewers free to air coverage of the Vuelta a España.”

Viewing to ITV4’s highlights of the 2011 Tour de France was up 33 percent year-on-year.

ITV4 coverage begins on Saturday 20th August from 4.00pm to 6.00pm.

ITV News Appoints Richard Edgar as Economics Editor

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:41:06 +0000

ITV News has appointed Richard Edgar as its Economics Editor to complete the line up of its new-look business unit.

Richard joins from the Financial Times where he has led multi-platform innovation as global editor of the newspaper’s award-winning video service. He will lead all economics coverage for ITV News, reporting and analysing the challenges and recovery of the UK economy and developments in international markets and territories. Alongside the newly-appointed ITV News Business Editor Laura Kuenssberg, Richard will regularly contribute news and analysis to ITV.com/news, Facebook and Twitter.

Joining ITV News in October, Richard has vast experience in covering national and international economic issues for broadcast and online outlets having previously been Editor in Charge, EMEA, for Reuters Television, Presenter at BBC World Service and Business Editor of the Today programme, among other roles. Under his tenure, FT.com has won awards from the Association of Online Publishers and Amnesty International.

Richard replaces Daisy McAndrew, who has led ITV News coverage of the recession and debt crisis and now moves to become a special correspondent for ITV News at Ten.

Richard Edgar said: "Having worked for many years for the FT, Reuters and the BBC, I’m delighted to now have the opportunity to join the country’s most popular commercial TV news outlet. This is an exciting time to be on the economics brief as it dominates the agenda and impacts on viewers’ lives like never before.”

Michael Jermey, ITV's Director of News, Current Affairs and Sport, said: "I'm delighted that Richard is joining ITV News. We look forward to him making a major contribution to our journalism."

Jonathan Munro, Deputy Editor of ITV News, said: "Richard has a deep knowledge of economics and his informed journalism will guide our viewers through the economic straits ahead. His appointment alongside Laura Kuenssberg completes an impressive line up in the ITV News business unit.”

ITV Launches ITV Local Hero Award

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 12:03:38 +0000

ITV has launched a nationwide search to find role models who make a positive difference to their neighbourhoods or communities as part of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards.

Regional news programmes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have joined forces to invite viewers to nominate outstanding individuals for the ITV Local Hero Award.

The title will go to an exceptional individual who works tirelessly to improve the lives of those around them, from creating or running charities to campaigning or fundraising. ITV viewers will be asked to nominate role models who have voluntarily led, supported or saved community projects; tackled anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods, played a major part in improving local amenities or have been a driving force in bringing their community together.

Nominations can be made via www.itv.com/prideofbritain

The deadline for nominations is Friday August 12th

Each of the regional finalists and a guest will be invited to attend the star-studded Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, sponsored by Littlewoods.com, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane in October.

The two-hour Pride of Britain Awards show hosted by Carol Vorderman will be screened on ITV1 in the autumn.

ITV to Air Tonight Special on Rupert Murdoch - The Power and the Story

newsdesk@newsonnews.net (Newsdesk) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:29:57 +0000

Ulrika Jonsson has spoken exclusively to ITV1’s Tonight programme about how an editorial executive at The News of the World warned her about phone hacking practice and her experience of being contacted by the Met Police about it.

In an interview with Alastair Stewart for the special programme in light of recent events, Ulrika Jonsson tells ITV1’s Tonight:

Ulrika Jonsson on the price of fame:

UJ: “Over the years I've been made to believe that there will be a price to pay for being in the public eye, and that price will be some kind of punishment metered out by people who believe that you have no right to any kind of private life.”

On discovering that she had been hacked:

UJ: “I was contacted by the Met Police on my mobile phone and they left me a number and said please call me back we have some very important evidence we want to show you. There were pin codes, numbers for my automatic front gate where I lived and the feeling that, according to these notes, that I was definitely being watched. Immediately my head started pounding. I felt… I really felt very sick. I felt immediately like my stomach was turning. I felt really scared - somebody’s been watching or certainly somebody’s been listening to my life.”

On an editorial executive at The News of the World warning Ulrika about hacking practice:

Alastair Stewart: “Someone high up at The News of the World warned you to be careful?”

UJ: ”Yes, someone warned me not to leave voicemails.”

AS: “An executive?”

UJ: “Because they can get those. They couldn’t intercept text messages but they can get voicemails.”

AS: “An editorial executive at The News of the World warned you to be cautious?”
UJ: “Indeed.”

Ulrika on the ‘dark side’ of The News of the World and competition among papers:

UK: “For me it’s always been a question of who can get the story first and who can put the most meat on the bones of any story – definitely without a doubt it’s a competition between newspapers.”

AS: “Because it’s a competition for sales and revenue?

UJ: “It absolutely is.”

AS: “Do you think the world’s a better place without The News of the World?”

UJ: “Actually, I would say that The News of the World did an awful lot of good. Unfortunately, underneath all that was a very, very dark side – but I think it’s very clear it was not just The News of the World where this took place.”

Rupert Murdoch, the Power and the Story: Tonight airs on ITV1 on Thursday 14 July at 7.30pm

ITV's This Morning to Air Through Summer 2011

kevin.coy@newsonnews.net (Kevin Coy) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:07:40 +0000

ITV1’s award-winning and flagship daytime show This Morning will remain in its key two hour slot during summer with live shows guaranteed to bring a sunny front to all living rooms!

From Monday 18th July EAMONN HOLMES and wife RUTH LANGSFORD will host the show Monday to Thursday, while guest hosts PADDY McGUINESS will take the reins each Friday with a mix of co-hosts including JENNI FALCONER and COLEEN NOLAN.

During the seven weeks viewers will be treated to a different view each Thursday when STACEY SOLOMON, BRIAN DOWLING, IMOGEN THOMAS and SUE POLLARD host outside broadcasts from various beach and campsite locations around the UK and Europe as they pay a visit to some viewers during their holidays providing key entertainment with the help of the platinum-selling band THE OVERTONES. Locations will include Brighton, Great Yarmouth, Bognor, Weston Supermare, Blackpool, Bournemouth and Benidorm.

TOWIE star AMY CHILDS will join the summer team to reveal all her top style and beauty tips in a new viewer guide The Only Way is Amy’s. While previous contributors KEITH LEMON and LOUIE SPENCE return to offer their alternative advice on relationships in Keith’s Summer Lovin and a consumer guide The Louie Spence Way.

New mum ABBEY CLANCY returns fresh from her honeymoon to provide the latest trends, catwalk looks and hot summer must-haves in the fashion world.

This Morning’s BAFTA nominated Hub – the home of all viewers’ interactivity during the show – will have a mix of new faces helping MATT JOHNSON during the summer including STEPHEN MULHERN and TERRI DWYER.

The studio will also play host to a special Musical Week that will showcase spectacular live performances each day from all new West End shows currently available during the first week of August.

Food and cooking remain a key feature across the summer with special barbeque and global food weeks hosted by a mix of top chef experts including PHIL VICKERY, RUSTY LEE, SILVENA ROWE, NANCY LAM, REZA MOHAMMAD and LISA FAULKNER and Cook Offs between viewers where they will pit their culinary skills against one another will also feature.

Karl Newton, Executive Producer of This Morning said, "As Sir Cliff would say ‘we’re all going on a summer holiday’ and we have an action packed seven weeks planned including a tour of Britain’s seaside towns where our viewers can pop along and meet the stars of This Morning. If the sun doesn’t shine, fear not, This Morning will be a scorcher!”

This Morning will also have a variety of new features and miniseries including This Morning Garden Party where three viewers are invited to host a garden party and get to secretly award marks to one another before the winner is revealed at the end of the 3-part feature. Returning series Dreams Come True will also be back at its emotional best this summer as it surprises many unsuspecting viewers that have been nominated by friends and family who feel that they deserve a special treat.

This Morning is live each weekday at 10.30am, Saturdays 11.45, Sundays 11.30 on ITV1.