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    Amy Poehler and brother Greg team on new comedy

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1252 Views
    This photo released by NBC shows Amy Poehler, left, and Greg Poehler, from the new TV series, "Welcome to Sweden" during NBCUniversal Summer Press Day on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/NBC, Paul Drinkwater)
    PASADENA, Calif. (AP) --

    Another Poehler sibling is bringing his comedy to television.

    Greg Poehler, whose sister Amy stars on NBC's "Parks and Recreation," stars in "Welcome to Sweden," debuting July 10 on the same network.

    He plays an accountant who follows his girlfriend back to her native Sweden despite having no job, friends or any idea what he's getting into.

    Poehler also created, wrote and serves as executive producer of the show based on his own life and shot mainly in Sweden. Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Aubrey Plaza and Gene Simmons make guest appearances as themselves.

    The show debuted in Sweden three weeks ago, drawing more than 2 million viewers. Greg Poehler says it's already been picked up for a second season and he hopes it does just as well in the U.S.

    Amy Poehler is an executive producer on the show. She says she always knew her brother was a funny writer.




    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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