Skip a newsletter last week? “In Case You Missed It” rounds up the top stories in our daily editions, so you can be up on the latest news, Cynopsis-style, in the worlds of linear, digital and sports television. Enjoy!
Fuse has its sights set on culturally diverse influencers with a September 30 relaunch. On the way: a new logo and programming that’s “edgy and relevant.” That includes the made-over net’s first original series, Transcendent, a docu-series about trans women performers at a cabaret, bowing Wednesday, September 30 at 11:30p; Fluffy Breaks Even, an unscripted series that’s part of a multi-year partnership with comedian Gabriel Iglesias launching Thursday, October 1 at 10p, and Revealed, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of artists including Ed Sheeran and Jason Derulo, bowing Saturday October 24 at 7p. “In order to reach the multicultural, Millennial audience of trendsetters and influencers that we are calling ‘New Young Americans,’ we need to deliver programming that is diverse, sexy, honest and edgy,” said Fuse Media president Bill Hillary.
FOX is expanding its Empire. The network announced new drama pilot Star, from executive producer Lee Daniels, a possible companion series to the network’s breakout hit. “Like Empire, it’s set against the backdrop of the music business, but from a very different perspective,” said FOX chairman and CEO Gary Newman, noting that Star is set in Atlanta. “There is a lot from Lee’s own life that’s baked into the DNA of this project.”
The personal streaming world just got a little more crowded: Facebook unveiled “Live,” a feature that allows celebs to broadcast live videos to their fans. FB says verified users including Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, Serena Williams, Luke Bryan, Ricardo Kaka, Ashley Tisdale, Lester Holt, Martha Stewart, Michael Buble and WWE’s Paul “Triple H” Levesque plan to live stream on the network’s new platform. “Our goal with Facebook Mentions is to give public figures tools to connect with their fans authentically,” said Vadim Lavrusik, the product’s manager. Unlike Periscope or Meerkat, the videos don’t disappear unless deleted by the broadcaster.
Vice Media launched its first women’s interest site, Broadly, yesterday. Content on the company’s 11th channel features original reporting on culture, fashion, sex and politics, in video series, docs, profiles and daily features. Sample programming: Style and Error, Ovary Actionand a marijuana column. Said publisher Shanon Kelley, “We’re telling original stories you can’t find anywhere else, in the same voice and tone as that of our audience.” Which, hopefully, will respond positively. “If you want to say something nice you can email us,” editor-in-chief and Jezebel alum Tracie Egan Morrissey, determined to avoid online hating, told Adweek. “If you want to say something mean, you can go to hell. My writers deserve to be protected.”
The National Hockey League and Major League Baseball Advanced Media are now teammates, announcing a “groundbreaking” digital media rights partnership between the two organizations. The six-year deal will look to launch a fully integrated global hub of digital content that includes video, live game streaming, social media, fantasy, apps, along with statistical and analytical content. In addition it hands MLBAM the rights to distribute live out-of-market games, including through the NHL GameCenter LIVE and NHL Center Ice subscription services. Through the agreement, MLBAM will now take over NHL.com, including the League’s seven native language sites, Club websites and operate NHL apps. On the TV front, MLB Network will now offer studio space and production resources for the NHL Network for distribution in the United States and certain international markets. MLBAM expects to fully launch its NHL presence in January 2016. “As the market leader, MLBAM is uniquely qualified to assist us in giving hockey fans a richer, more immersive experience with the game,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “MLBAM is also the right partner because they have the expertise to help us deliver new and exciting products to our fans, who crave compelling digital content. We couldn’t have North America better covered than with the power of NBC, Rogers, TVA and MLBAM – an incredible convergence of technical, creative and production talent that is great news for our fans.”
USA Network continues to muscle up its sports programming, with NBC Sports announcing that the cable channel will carry a weekly Premier League match through the upcoming season. Games begin on Saturday and the schedule will see USA Network step into the action with Watford/Everton at 10a. Overall, the channel will carry 40+ weekend Premier League games throughout the season with most running during the multi-match Saturday 10a window. “Bringing Premier League soccer to USA is a key part of our overall strategy to add more live programming to the network,” said Chris McCumber, President of USA Network. “This is a great opportunity to help expand the platform for the top league in the world’s most popular sport.”
