Global Showbiz Briefs: James Murdoch Reboots, ‘Doctor Who’ Ready To Celebrate
News Corp. has been raising the profile of deputy COO James Murdoch of late with the exec making two appearances before investors last month. Is News Corp. also looking to rebuild his coterie of board seats? Germany’s Sky Deutschland plans to appoint Murdoch as a member of its supervisory board, according to Reuters. The pay-TV group, a source told the news agency, expects to benefit from Murdoch’s international market and new technology savvy. Amid the phone-hakcing and bribery scandals at News Corp.’s UK press division last year, Murdoch left chairmanships at News International and at pay-TV group BSkyB, which News Corp. controls via its 39% stake. He also ankled the boards of Sotheby’s, GlaxoSmithKline and News Corp.’s UK print operations. But, he retained his board seat at BSkyB. News Corp. owns 54.8% of Sky Deutschland and if Murdoch does join the company board, he would be surrounded by News Corp. execs. COO Chase Carey, 20th Century Fox Television Distribution president Mark Kaner, News International CEO Thomas Mockridge and Europe & Asia COO Jan Koeppen are all members.
A Festive 50th Anniversary For ‘Doctor Who’
The BBC has big plans for The Doctor Who 50th Celebration Weekend that kicks off November 22nd at Excel in London as the iconic British creation observes its golden anniversary. The show debuted on November 23, 1963. The year’s events leading up to that weekend represent an “opportunity for fans around the world to come together and celebrate the glorious past, present and future of Doctor Who“, said Amanda Hill, chief brands officer at BBC Worldwide. Eight new episodes of Doctor Who will air Saturday nights from March 30 in the UK, with a number of additional projects also planned. Already confirmed are a 3D special directed by Nick Hurran (‘Asylum of the Daleks’, ‘The Girl Who Waited’) and a drama biopic exploring the early days of Doctor Who written by Mark Gatiss. Tickets for the November event will be available with prices, booking information and guest info to be revealed in the near future via doctorwho.tv.
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