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    Sony: “The Interview” to screen in Canada

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments550 Views
    "The Interview" (image from Columbia Pictures-Sony)
    TORONTO (AP) --

    Canadians will be able to watch "The Interview" when the comedy that provoked an international incident with North Korea is released in theaters across the country later this week.

    Sony Pictures said Tuesday the film will open in 27 theaters Friday in various cities in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and New Brunswick.

    Sony initially canceled plans to show the Seth Rogen-James Franco film depicting the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un because many theaters decided not to show the film.

    Sony later reversed that decision and the film started playing in some independent theaters in the United States.

    The company had received a wave of criticism after it decided not to show the film, including from U.S. President Barack Obama.

    Sony also released the movie online.

    Tags:Sony Pictures EntertainmentThe Interview



    DirecTV calls off acquisition of rival Dish, possibly ending a yearslong pursuit

    Friday, November 22, 2024
    Dish Network satellite dishes are shown at an apartment complex in Palo Alto, Calif., Feb. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

    DirecTV is calling off its planned acquisition of rival Dish after the offer was rejected by bond holders at that company.

    The deal was reliant on Dish bond holders agreeing to trade in the debt they held for debt in the new company, a swap that would have cost them about $1.6 billion, collectively.

    The retreat by DirecTV this week may end a years-long effort by the company to acquire both Dish and Sling after it announced the bid in September.

    DirecTV was looking to acquire Dish TV and Sling TV from its owner EchoStar in a debt exchange transaction that included a payment of $1, plus the assumption of approximately $9.8 billion in debt. The deal was contingent on several factors, including regulatory approvals and bondholders writing off debt related to Dish.

    "While we believed a combination of DirecTV and Dish would have benefited all stakeholders, we have terminated the transaction because the proposed exchange terms were necessary to protect DirecTV's balance sheet and our operational flexibility," DirecTV CEO Bill Morrow said in a statement.

    The prospect of a DirecTV-Dish combo has long been rumored, and reported talks resurfaced over the years. And the two almost merged more than two decades ago — but the Federal Communications Commission blocked the deal valued at the time at $18.5 billion deal, citing antitrust concerns.

    The pay-for-TV market has shifted significantly since. As more and more consumers tune into online streaming platforms, demand for more traditional satellite entertainment continues to shrink.

    DirecTV says that it will continue to invest in next-generation streaming platforms and offer new packaging options while integrating content from live TV alongside direct-to-consumer... Read More

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