A BBC Studios insider denied that the video of Kate Middleton announcing her cancer diagnosis was edited, following controversy over a doctored Mother’s Day photo. The studio clarified that they had no editorial input into her remarks and did not distribute the message. Middleton's decision to reveal her diagnosis via video was seen as a personal choice, with the royal editor at ITV News noting that it was a moving and personal statement.
ITV has sold its 49% stake in BritBox International to BBC Studios for £255 million, as part of its strategy to focus on its core business. BritBox International is a streaming service that offers British television content to international audiences. The sale reflects the ongoing consolidation in the media industry and BBC Studios' commitment to expanding its presence in the global streaming market.
BBC Studios has acquired ITV's 50% share in BritBox International for $322M, making it the biggest single transaction for the BBC's commercial wing. The deal values BritBox International at over £500M and will see the streamer join BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division. BritBox UK, in which ITV owns 100% of the shares, is unaffected. The acquisition aims to double the size of BBC Studios' business and will not impact commissioning plans for BritBox International.
The new Volvo P1800 Cyan ‘GT’ is a stunning restomod of the classic car, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, modern suspension, and a lightweight carbon fiber body. Developed by Cyan Racing, this reimagined version of the iconic Volvo P1800 combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary performance, making it a dream car for enthusiasts.
BBC Studios, the production and sales wing of the BBC, has reported record profits of $310 million for the 2022/23 financial year, a 6% increase, with revenues reaching $2.7 billion, up almost 28%. The division aims to double its business size between 2021/22 and 2028 and has attributed its growth to content production, securing orders from major streaming platforms. However, the ad market downturns have impacted its streaming and channels business. BBC Studios is focusing on local and international production to generate more revenue and return cash to the BBC.
Prime Video released the official trailer for the final season of "Jack Ryan," set to premiere on June 30. Netflix released the trailer for "Our Planet II," a four-part nature documentary set to premiere on June 14. Genvid Entertainment and Konami Digital Entertainment released the first official trailer for their new Genvid interactive streaming service series "Silent Hill: Ascension." BBC Studios appointed Melissa Rubinson as its new senior vice president. Paul Getto joined the executive team at Universal Studio Group as EVP of strategy and business development.
The ABC and BBC Studios have edited an episode of the Emmy-winning kids' show Bluey after concerns were raised about fat shaming. The Season 3 episode, titled Exercise, featured Bluey's father Bandit embarking on a fitness regime after he stands on the bathroom scales and grabs his paunch. Viewers said it promoted toxic messaging about weight. The episode aired in Australia on April 16, but is yet to land on Disney+. When Exercise does stream, it will be an edited version of the original episode.