Television
Brightcove's Acquisition by Bending Spoons: A $233 Million Deal
2024-11-26
Brightcove, a prominent streaming technology company, has recently made significant headlines with its definitive agreement to be acquired by Bending Spoons. This all-cash transaction, valued at approximately $233 million (€222m), is set to reshape the landscape of the digital technology industry. Under the terms of the agreement, Brightcove shareholders will receive $4.45 per share for each share of Brightcove common stock they own. This per share purchase price represents a remarkable 90 per cent premium over the 60-day volume weighted average share price as of November 22nd.

Board's Perspective

Diane Hessan, Chairman of Brightcove's Board of Directors, expressed her satisfaction with the deal. She stated, "We are pleased to have entered into this definitive agreement with Bending Spoons. This represents the culmination of a comprehensive strategic review process led by our Board and with the support of our management team and advisors. As we considered the long-term path for Brightcove, we unanimously determined that this transaction offers the best opportunity to maximize the value of the business and deliver immediate cash value to our stockholders."The Board's decision was based on a careful evaluation of various factors, including the potential for growth and the stability that the acquisition would bring. This move is seen as a strategic step towards ensuring the continued success of Brightcove in the highly competitive streaming market.

CEO's Vision

Marc DeBevoise, Brightcove's Chief Executive Officer and Board Director, shared his perspective on the acquisition. He said, "Brightcove is a storied and successful enterprise SaaS leader with 20 years of history, 12 of them as a public company. We have been at the forefront of the streaming market, from pioneering video player technologies to becoming the leading video-powered engagement platform. This acquisition will enable us to leverage the technology and market expertise of Bending Spoons. It will best position Brightcove to continue to thrive in the streaming and engagement technology market. We are excited about the future and look forward to working with the Bending Spoons team."DeBevoise emphasized Brightcove's innovative spirit and its ability to adapt to changing market trends. The acquisition is expected to open up new avenues for growth and collaboration, further strengthening Brightcove's position in the industry.

Bending Spoons' Enthusiasm

Luca Ferrari, Bending Spoons CEO and co-founder, expressed his delight at welcoming Brightcove into the Bending Spoons portfolio. He said, "Brightcove is a trusted and respected name in the streaming technology space. We look forward to serving its large global customer base. When we acquire a business, our intention is to own and operate it indefinitely. With this in mind, we are excited about building on the strong work of the current team and ensuring Brightcove thrives for many years to come. We believe that together, we can achieve great things and drive further innovation in the streaming technology sector."Ferrari's words highlight Bending Spoons' commitment to long-term growth and their belief in the potential of the combined entity. The acquisition is seen as a strategic move that will bring together the strengths of both companies and create a more powerful force in the market.The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. Upon completion, Brightcove will become a privately held company, and its common stock will no longer be listed on any public stock exchange. This transition marks a new chapter in the history of Brightcove and sets the stage for exciting developments in the future.
Holiday Television Specials Galore for 2024
2024-11-26
Get ready to cozy up with a hot chocolate and a blanket as we dive into the world of 2024 holiday television specials. Many network channels are airing an array of holiday-themed shows, from parades and musical performances to classic movies. ABC, NBC, CBS, and CW have all released their 2024 schedules, promising to bring the holiday spirit right to our screens. Your favorite shows are also getting in on the action with holiday episodes. Let's take a look at all the wonderful holiday shows and specials airing this year.

Uncover the Magic of 2024 Holiday TV Specials

ABC's Holiday Lineup

ABC is bringing a plethora of holiday cheer with shows like "The Wonderful World of Disney Presents Mary Poppins" at 8 p.m. on Nov. 28. There's also "7 p.m. Dec. 1; ABC" with "AFV’s Wreck the Halls: 35 Years of Holiday Hijinks" and "The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular" at 8:01 p.m. on Dec. 1. On Dec. 8, at 8:31 a.m., we have "Illumination Presents: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch". And on Dec. 10, it's a treat with "Olaf’s Frozen Adventure" at 8 p.m., followed by "Disney Prep & Landing" at 9 p.m. and "Disney Prep & Landing 2: Naughty vs. Nice" at 9:30 p.m.

ABC continues to spread the holiday joy with "CMA Country Christmas" at 8 p.m. on Dec. 3, "The Great Christmas Light Fight: 1203" at 8 p.m. on Dec. 5, "The Great Christmas Light Fight: 1202" at 9 a.m. on Dec. 5, "The Great Christmas Light Fight: 1204" at 8 p.m. on Dec. 12, and "The Great Christmas Light Fight: 1205" at 8 p.m. on Dec. 19. Additionally, "The Great Christmas Light Fight: 1206" airs at 9 p.m. on Dec. 19.

NBC's Holiday Extravaganza

Starting on Nov. 28 at 8:30 a.m. (encore at 2 p.m.), NBC kicks off the holiday fun. There's "The Great Christmas Light Fight: 1203" again at 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 (encore on Dec. 25). On Dec. 6, it's 8 p.m., and on Dec. 12, we have 8 p.m. again. At 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 11, there are more holiday shows. And don't miss "NBA on Christmas Day" with various games throughout the day, starting at noon with the San Antonio Spurs at the New York Knicks on ABC.

Also, on Dec. 24, we have "The Price Is Right at Night" at 8 p.m. and "Christmas Eve Mass" at 11:30 p.m. And on Dec. 26, "Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas" airs at 9 p.m.

CW's Holiday Delights

Noon on Nov. 28, CW presents "National Dog Show Presented by Purina". On Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 8 p.m., there are shows. At 9 p.m. on Dec. 1, we have "Penn & Teller: Merry Fool Us", and at 8 p.m. on Dec. 14, there's another special. "Best Christmas Movies Ever!" airs at 8 p.m. on Dec. 9.

Other Holiday Highlights

On Dec. 15 at 8:30 p.m., CBS brings "An Evening With Dua Lipa". And on Dec. 20 at 8 p.m., we have the "National Christmas Tree Lighting". There are also various other shows and specials throughout the month on different networks, making the 2024 holiday season a truly magical time on television.

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The Bravo Reality Show's 12th Season: A New Cast and Legacy
2024-11-26
The Bravo reality show is gearing up for its 12th season with an entirely fresh cast. Lisa Vanderpump, the show's namesake, will remain at the helm, continuing to shape its narrative. For over a decade, the staff at the West Hollywood restaurant SUR have been a cornerstone of the Bravo reality show universe in "Vanderpump Rules." Their cheating scandals, workplace dramas, and, yes, more cheating scandals have kept viewers hooked. But as Lisa Vanderpump herself said, "in the restaurant business, one shift always gives way to another." This season, a new group of employees will join Vanderpump, marking a final goodbye to the original stars who have grown from birthday party dramas in their early 20s to facing marriages, children, and divorces. If past seasons are any indication, these new waiters and bartenders will be embroiled in gossip and fights in the SUR parking lot while on the clock, with restaurant work taking a backseat.

An Extraordinary Run and Gratitude

The last 12 years of filming this show have been an extraordinary journey filled with a plethora of emotions. From laughter to tears and everything in between, it has been a rollercoaster ride. Vanderpump expressed her deep gratitude, stating that she couldn't thank enough those who have shared their lives with her. She loves them all and looks forward to the next generation of "Vanderpump Rules." The SURvers, who started as waiters and bartenders, have gone on to have diverse careers. Some moved on to other parts of Vanderpump's operations, while others faced the ups and downs of being fired and rehired. A few even ventured into their own restaurants and spin-off shows.

The Franchise's Beginnings

The "Vanderpump" franchise traces its roots back to 2010 when Vanderpump made her Bravo debut as an original cast member of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." Her own spin-off, "Vanderpump Rules," followed in 2013, introducing a cast of characters that have remained a significant part of the show. This cast includes Jax Taylor, Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Tom Schwartz, Lala Kent, Ariana Madix, and Tom Sandoval. One of the many cheating scandals involving these individuals made Sandoval a household name last year. "Scandoval" became a phenomenon, echoing through the reality television universe.

The Next Wave of Reality Television

Bravo's announcement on Tuesday officially heralded the arrival of a new wave of reality television hopefuls. It remains unclear when filming will commence, but the excitement is palpable. Alex Baskin, the show's executive producer, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that it is a thrill to build on the series' legacy by starting anew. With profound appreciation for the original group and their iconic run, they are eager for the audience to witness a dynamic new group of co-workers and friends navigate life together.
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