All the latest news from the global content industry on Friday, 9 May

 

BBC chief warns of “crisis” in UK

BBC director general Tim Davie has warned there is a “borderline crisis” in the funding of public service broadcasting in the UK.

Speaking at the Creative Cities Convention in Bradford, UK on Thursday, Davie said lack of investment in the BBC by government had reduced the BBC’s spending power and ability to contribute to the UK economy.

He also suggested that changes to the corporation’s Charter could allow it to move more of its activities away from London, and defended the current iteration of the licence fee. Read more

 

Australia’s Nine set for property windfall

Australia’s Nine Entertainment is set for a A$900m (£433m) windfall after striking a deal to sell its 60% stake in property portal Domain.

US-based real estate frim CoStar has agreed to buy the portal for A$3bn including debt, valuing the Aussie broadcaster’s stake at A$1.4bn.

Nine Entertainment in Australia has restructured its operations and hired the former boss of Foxtel streamer Binge to oversee its streaming and broadcast operations.

Amanda Laing, who left Foxtel last year, will become managing director of the newly created broadcast and streaming unit at Nine, with a remit across streamers Stan and 9Now, as well as broadcast operations and its radio output.

 

Brazil’s Globo rebrands Viva

Globo in Brazil is to rename channel brand Viva as Globoplay Novelas from 9 June.

The move will see the channel offering a schedule that is fully focused on telenovela titles, offering the “great classics” of Brazilian drama, as well as international hits and originals for streamer Globoplay.

The channel brand will provide access to more than 200 series, with Tatiana Costa, director of content and Globo channels, adding that the move is a strategic shift to engage bigger audiences.

“Soap operas are strategic for Globo, because they are content that is highly valued by the public. They have the power to generate engagement, to guide the debate on social issues, to turn conversations into conversations,” she said.