Register

    TV critics event that showcases new series is canceled

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1742 Views
    In this Aug. 5, 2019 file photo, actress Cobie Smulders poses at the ABC Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour All-Star Party in West Hollywood, Calif. The coronavirus has led to the cancellation of the industry staple, a summer gathering that brings together TV critics and the makers of upcoming programs. The TCA said Friday that the event won't be held this year, citing the "current state" of TV production. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

    By Lynn Elber, Television Writer

    LOS ANGELES (AP) --

    The coronavirus has led to the cancellation of yet another industry staple this year: a summer gathering that brings together TV critics and the makers of upcoming programs.

    The Television Critics Association said Friday that the event won't be held, citing the "current state" of TV production. Widespread measures aimed at limiting the virus's spread have shut down tapings and brought much of Hollywood to a standstill.

    The organization's board and TV networks that planned to take part in the critics' event are exploring "virtual alternatives" to the Q&A panels that make up the summer and winter meetings held annually in Southern California.

    Actors, producers and network executives participate in the panels and other events to promote their new and returning programs. The association represents more than 200 critics and reporters who write about TV for U.S. and Canadian print and online outlets.

    The winter meeting, which produced news and features on dozens of shows including the "Modern Family" and "Schitt's Creek" finales, took place in January in Pasadena, California.

    Information about the TCA Awards, which are presented at the summer meeting, will be forthcoming, the group said. 

    Tags:coronavirusTelevision Critics Association



    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

    MySHOOT Profiles


    Add A Comment