Latest news with #MichaelAnderson
Newsroom
23-07-2025
- Business
- Newsroom
Sky taking the reins at Three makes sense for everyone
Comment: TV3 was New Zealand's first privately owned television station but in 35 years of operation it has lost well north of $1 billion in total for a string of local and overseas owners. While it produced some great TV it was also a great destroyer of shareholder value. The latest owner, US giant Warner Bros. Discovery finally cried enough and gave it away to Sky for less than you'd tip a waiter. Warners must have been close to shutting the doors on what was left of the local TV network after previously gutting the operation and contracting out its 6pm news production to Stuff. It may have stemmed the bleeding, but it clearly had no appetite for the investment required to keep the channel competitive. After buying the TV operation in 2020 (minus its only real asset – a large building and adjacent properties on Auckland's city fringe) for $20 million Warners lost hundreds of millions trying to keep a channel that produced some local shows, including news and (light) current affairs, afloat. In the end, it left a shell of a station (programmes are put to air from a control room in Sterling, Virginia) playing mainly reality shows. Sky has always been the logical owner of Three, but it has been smart enough not be sucked into paying over the odds for a free-to-air broadcaster in a small and declining market dominated by a state-owned network. There have been plenty of discussions between Sky and TV3's owners over the years, and at least one formal offer, which was turned down by the private equity funds that controlled MediaWorks (TV3's parent company at the time). Then CEO of Sky, John Fellet, dryly and correctly remarked at the time 'I think I've dodged a bullet.' One Australian private equity fund paid about $800 million for the business but lumbered the company with $700 million in debt. The banks moved in (not for the first time) and tipped MediaWorks into the hands of the receivers in 2013. A new set of private equity owners struggled along and lost hundreds of millions before selling up in 2020. No doubt Sky would have, once more, run the ruler over the TV operation at this point. It would have come up with a price tag of $1 but Michael Anderson (former MediaWorks CEO) pulled off a genius move and convinced US-based Discovery to pay $20 million for the TV assets. Discovery later merged with Warners – both companies enjoyed long-term relationships with Sky. From the beginning, Discovery seemed devoid of a strategy. The writing was on the screen when Warners left its major hits like Game of Thrones, White Lotus and other popular programmes on Sky channels. These shows could've transformed Three and seriously hurt TVNZ but clearly Warner Bros. felt it could make more money leaving them at Sky. The enduring relationship with Sky has clearly played a role in Warners giving Three to its local ally. Sky CEO Sophie Maloney told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking that she and her Warners counterpart (based in Singapore) had been discussing various options for Three off and on for about two years. Maloney also indicated that despite all of Warners' restructuring of the business and the deal with Stuff to supply it with a cut-price news service, Three was still unprofitable. Maloney's rock-steady confidence around the deal has been reassuring for Sky shareholders and, under questioning from a skeptical Hosking, she was unequivocal that TV3 would return to profit under Sky's management. Her optimism has been shared by share broking analysts with one predicting the deal might be worth $48 million to Sky. Sky says it has locked in a supply of Warner programmes for Three and judging by Maloney's confidence around profitability it is likely to be at a very good price. The synergies and value that Sky can bring to Three have always been obvious. Its sales and marketing team will take over the free-to-air inventory and add it to the advertising spots it's selling on the pay TV channels. Having more eyeballs available to advertisers will help it compete, and possibly give it an edge over TVNZ and other media companies. Three will also be a handy vehicle to promote Sky's own channels and subscription products. More rugby and cricket on Three will boost its ratings and Sky might also decide to migrate the best programmes from Sky Open (formerly Prime) to its new free-to-air platform. This would allow it to shut Sky Open, which is likely to have been losing millions annually. Sky has had to persist with its loss-making channel, so it could guarantee a free-to-air outlet for sport. That problem is now solved. Hosking put it to Maloney that TVNZ was now 'dead in the water' in terms of sport but the Sky CEO diplomatically suggested that certain segments of TVNZ's audience might be attractive enough to keep it in the hunt. NZ on Air will also find Sky a more attractive owner of Three than Warner Bros. While the reach of a platform rather than its owner should be the major factor in funding local shows for a network, there had to be some unease about giving millions in public money to an American corporate giant that has been rapidly reducing its staff and financial commitment to local programming. Will Sky look to up the level of quality programming (local and international) on Three? It's hard to know. Any significant cash investment in shows, unless they are a spectacular ratings success, is hard to recoup in this market. Warners and previous owners of Three have found out the hard way. Sky might be interested in a modest investment given its zero-capital outlay. It will want to stall the decline of the linear audience as much as it can while it builds up the on-demand platform, ThreeNow. Maloney described ThreeNow, which has been growing audiences, as a jewel in the crown. She will have a decision to make when Three's contract with Stuff to produce a 6pm news bulletin ends. The contract may have one, but most likely two, years to go. Sky will probably want a better product while Stuff will want more money. It might be an opportunity to move to a 30-minute, higher-quality bulletin. Before Warner Bros. shut its own news division (Newshub), it had, for many years, produced a nightly 30-minute news bulletin for Prime (Sky Open). It was a point of difference in the market and one of Prime's strongest performing shows.
NZ Herald
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Relax, Dine And Dream At The Ultimate Winter Escape
SkyCity's two-night winter package deal will entice you to experience Auckland as you never have before. It's about this time of year we start hankering for respite from winter hibernation – a luxurious urban excursion that combines relaxation, delicious food and pampering. All of which makes the Winter Escapes package at The Grand by SkyCity or its contemporary sister hotel Horizon by SkyCity sound so appealing. From now until the end of September, guests can enjoy two nights at one of SkyCity's five-star hotels for $599, including $150 credit to use at any of SkyCity's restaurants, admission to the Sky Tower (including a welcome drink at The Lookout on level 53), and even valet parking. Two adults can stay in a Grand King room at The Grand by SkyCity or a Superior Room at Horizon by SkyCity, a complimentary room upgrade to the next available room type and Fed Deli popcorn as a welcome amenity in your room. SkyCity is an iconic central perch from which to enjoy all that our vibrant biggest city has to offer, whether that's shopping, dining or activity-based. But even for locals used to commuting into the city, the iconic destination offers a chance to experience the dynamic urban environment at a leisurely pace, says SkyCity Director of Hotels Michael Anderson. 'It's an opportunity to be a tourist in your own city. You really get to make the most of some of the amazing restaurants, bars, hotels and experiences that we offer that you might not traditionally think about because you live and work here.' The Grand, which has just celebrated its 20-year anniversary, is a fitting place to celebrate a special occasion or romantic weekend, as guests are treated to understated luxury and elegance. With the renowned East Day Spa on site and five-star service from the moment you walk in, the hotel's guest relations team are adept at making a stay extra special. Those seeking a contemporary five-star vibe will find it at the ultra-modern Horizon by SkyCity, across the road from the Sky Tower on Hobson Street. The hotel, now a year old, is not only architecturally striking, but has thoughtfully and intuitively designed spaces. As a hub of entertainment, SkyCity has more than 15 restaurants and bars at which to spend your package voucher, exploring top modern cuisine from around the globe, whether it's Indian at Cassia, Japanese at MASU by Nic Watt or Chinese at Huami. Given the under-cover connectivity between hotels and the majority of the restaurants located inside the SkyCity building, winter weather is unlikely to rain on a potential progressive drinks experience. Nor a culinary one, sampling appetisers on your way to dinner, and later, heading somewhere new for dessert. Whet your appetite with the infamous sliders at Al Brown's iconic Depot; enjoy a hearty beef scotch with palusami at Michael Meredith's award-winning Metita before moving onto Orbit for spiced apple and date pudding, while overlooking the cityscape at night from 52 levels up. 'There's a fantastic light display on at the precinct at the moment,' says Michael, 'but one thing I think is really nice to do on a crisp winter day is to walk around the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter and take in those lovely views over the harbour.' Immersive daytime activities are also part of the SkyCity hub, with the All Blacks Experience and Weta Workshop Unleashed within the precinct. And Auckland has plenty going on this winter, including the Auckland Art Gallery's major contemporary exhibition A Century of Modern Art featuring works by Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh, until the end of September. 'The package enables you to come and experience the best of what SkyCity has to offer,' says Michael, 'and to enjoy a little bit of your own backyard through a different lens'. Book a Winter Escapes package at Package valid for up to two adults for a two-night stay in a Grand King room at The Grand by SkyCity or a Superior King room at Horizon by SkyCity for stays from 1 July – 30 September. Bookings are subject to availability; blackout dates will apply. All package elements must be redeemed during the stay and cannot be transferred or exchanged for cash. You will be responsible for all incidental charges and costs (excluding any package inclusions), including travel to and from SkyCity Auckland and all in-room hotel services provided throughout your stay. The complimentary room upgrade to the next room type will be strictly subject to availability on check-in. If upgrade is not available upon check-in, no substitute benefits will be provided. $150 dining credit can be used at any SkyCity Auckland restaurants (including available breakfast offerings). Where applicable, bookings are recommended. Valet parking is for one car per room per day (multiple entry and exits allowed). Sky Tower admission and two drinks at Level 53 The Lookout to the value of $24 must be redeemed in the same visit. R18 for the service of alcohol. No alcohol and low alcohol options available. The Sky Tower may be closed from time to time due to adverse weather conditions. A credit card and contactless payment surcharge of 1.8% will apply for any incidental expenses
CTV News
04-07-2025
- CTV News
Fake paper license plate seized in ‘Souped Up' vehicle blitz
London Police are promoting a crackdown on modified vehicles. In a one-day blitz on July 2nd, 84 provincial offence notices were issued, along with 44 warnings. Using the help of a mechanic, officers cited vehicles with unsafe brake lines, damaged suspensions and worn tires. They also found multiple vehicles with improper mufflers and window tints. However, that was not the most alarming case, according to Acting Sergeant Michael Anderson of the London Police Road Safety Division. 'One of the ones we did notice was that somebody had obstructed their license plate with tinted covers. And underneath those covers, it was not a real license plate; it was actually a paper printout of a license plate.' The blitz comes amid heightened public concern and complaints about the dangers of street racing and noisy modified vehicles. 'The road safety section has made a July initiative to focus on racing, stunt driving, as well as modified vehicles. We're not out there to try to say every modified vehicle is out there doing street racing or anything illegal. However, we're trying to make sure that we locate the ones that are making offences and maybe making a bad name for the ones who are doing everything legally.'
CNBC
03-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
XRP rises after Ripple applies for U.S. banking license: CNBC Crypto World
In today's episode, XRP climbs after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse confirmed that the firm is applying for a banking license in the United States. Plus, CNBC Crypto World provides an inside look at the Ethereum Community Conference taking place in Cannes. And, Michael Anderson, co-founder of Framework Ventures, breaks down how the venture capital industry is thinking about the stablecoin space.
Geek Vibes Nation
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Vibes Nation
'Operation Crossbow' Blu-Ray Review - A Thrilling Wartime Espionage Tale
A fearsome rumor reaches Britain's World War II command. The Nazis are developing rocket technology that could rain death on London and then New York. Quickly, England develops a plan to send saboteurs into the sites manufacturing the rockets. Just moments after the carefully chosen commandos parachute into the drop zone, their pilot receives an urgent message: The mission may be compromised. Abort. Operation Crossbow is the partly fact-based tale of how that team succeeded against daunting odds. Michael Anderson (The Dam Busters, Logan's Run) directs, guiding a huge cast in a film that builds to a spectacular finale, yet never neglects war's unsparing personal costs. As a record of a wartime espionage incursion and as an intrigue-filled thriller, Operation Crossbow is on both counts Operation Accomplished. For thoughts on Operation Crossbow, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: Video Quality Warner Archive presents Operation Crossbow with a sterling 1080p master transfer released in 2019 in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio sourced from a 2K scan of the Interpositive that looks like a dream. Viewers are unlikely to spot the difference between this and a scan from the Original Camera Negative, given the amazing effort from the label. The film exhibits no serious signs of wear and tear or debris. Even momentary softness during optical transitions that cannot be avoided is handled with care. The colors of the environments are striking with memorable touches in the clothing and production design. Each hue is ideally saturated for first-rate accuracy. Black levels are deep with impeccable stability throughout, and highlights similarly hold firm. Detail and clarity are of the highest order with the sumptuous natural film grain intact and resolved consistently. There are no unwanted digital fumbles such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such issues. Warner Archive showed off with this one. Audio Quality The Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track that comes to life quite memorably. There is quite a bit of chatter at the base in German with English subtitles, and the overwhelmingly English dialogue sounds great, as well. Things kick into gear in your speakers as you fully engage with the thrilling finale. The score from Ron Goodwin is used perfectly to transport you into this spy thriller filled with simmering emotions. Even when it is particularly active, it does not step on any important exchanges or background noises. There is no obvious age-related wear and tear to the track such as drop-outs, hissing, or popping. Warner Archive has put forth good work with this audio presentation. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are included for the feature film. Special Features A Look Back At Crossbow: A ten-minute archival featurette that takes a look at the real-life rocket program fictionalized in the feature film. Theatrical Trailer (2:36) Final Thoughts Operation Crossbow is a thrilling espionage movie that brings a personal touch to a very important wartime story. The movie takes some measures to feel authentic with Germans actually speaking in German with subtitles, and the movie establishes some heavy consequences to these heroic efforts. The performances are quite good all around, even if some of the tertiary characters could have been a bit more fully developed. This is definitely worth a watch for fans of wartime dramas. Warner Archive has released Blu-Ray featuring a stellar A/V presentation and a couple of special features. Recommended Operation Crossbow can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers. Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray. Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
