Television
Lion Television's Richard Bradley: Factual & Archaeological Works
2024-12-04
Lion Television stands out in the media landscape, producing a wide array of programming that encompasses factual, entertainment, children's, and scripted genres. This diverse portfolio has earned the company numerous awards, showcasing its exceptional creative prowess. One of its notable factual offerings is the series "Pompeii: The New Dig," which follows the largest archaeological excavation in a generation. Richard Bradley, the co-founder and chief creative officer, shares insights into this remarkable project and its significance.

Unveiling the Secrets of Television and Archaeology

Exploring Factual Programming at Lion Television

Lion Television's factual programming takes viewers on captivating journeys. From series like "Pompeii: The New Dig" that delve into ancient civilizations to films like "Irresistible: Why We Can't Stop Eating" that address current issues, the company offers a diverse range of content. As Richard Bradley explains, these programs not only inform but also spark important conversations.The film "Irresistible: Why We Can't Stop Eating" examines the origins of the obesity crisis. It traces the development of the food industry and the role of ultra-processing in our eating habits. Dr. Chris van Tulleken's research highlights how the food we consume has changed over time and the impact it has on our health.In a fascinating test, the film shows the difference between a homemade lemon cake and a shop-bought one. The shop-bought cake, with its numerous ingredients and added flavorings, represents the out-of-control system of ultra-processed food. Sonic branding is another aspect explored, such as the trademarked sound of Snapple or the rustling of chip packets.One of the scariest revelations is the use of brain scanners in food companies to understand the impact of food on our brains. This highlights the extent to which the food industry is willing to go to create products that are irresistible.Another interesting part is Carlos Monteiro's framing of the idea of processed food. His research shows how the decline in home cooking and the increase in processed food have contributed to the obesity epidemic.

The Exciting World of Pompeii: The New Dig

Lion Television has a long history of producing programs in Pompeii. The site is a time capsule of Roman life and offers a unique opportunity to explore the past. In "Pompeii: The New Dig," a significant excavation is underway, uncovering new aspects of this ancient city.The team behind the camera is a blend of British and Italian talent. Elena Mortelliti, the series' director, brings her Anglo-Italian perspective. The director of photography and producer are also Italian, ensuring a deep understanding of the nuances of the excavation.During the excavation, they have made remarkable discoveries. A bakery, a laundry, and the first-ever fresco of the pizza (or more accurately, a focaccia) have been found. They have also discovered the skeletons of two women and a little child, adding a poignant touch to the story.The team's approach is to be on board with the archaeological team and capture the authentic process. They plan their filming around key moments to ensure that viewers get a ringside seat to the discoveries.Each episode of "Pompeii: The New Dig" has performed well, with high viewing figures on various channels. This shows the global appeal of these archaeological programs.

The Relevance of Past Civilizations

These shows not only offer entertainment but also provide thought-provoking insights. As Richard Bradley mentions, past civilizations faced similar challenges to ours and found solutions. It gives us a sense of reassurance and understanding that we are not alone in dealing with these issues.For example, when uncovering a set of workmen's tools in a ruin, the connection between the past and the present is palpable. It shows that despite the chaos and challenges of running a society, there are also moments of beauty and human ingenuity.In conclusion, Lion Television's programming is a testament to its creativity and commitment. Whether it's exploring the mysteries of Pompeii or shedding light on current issues, these shows offer a unique and valuable experience.
Entravision Appoints Jamil Downey as VP/GM for Smadex in Americas
2024-12-04
In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, a Hispanic-focused broadcast media company with a global ad tech arm has made a significant leadership appointment. Jamil Downey has been named as the VP/GM for its mobile advertising and connected TV technology platform, Smadex. This move is set to drive the company's growth and strengthen its position in the industry.

Unlock the Potential of Hispanic Advertising with Smadex's New Leadership

Appointment Details

Taking on this crucial role at Entravision, Jamil Downey brings with him a wealth of experience. His previous tenure at Apple, where he spearheaded high-impact initiatives within the Apple Search Ads division, has equipped him with the skills and knowledge needed to lead Smadex's U.S. expansion. Reporting directly to Chief Revenue Officer Phil Gontier, Downey will be responsible for shaping the division's growth trajectory and leveraging Entravision's extensive market presence and industry relationships.

Entravision emphasizes Downey's exceptional leadership and strategic insight, stating that they are confident his contributions will strengthen Smadex's reputation as a leader in programmatic advertising. With a primary focus on the U.S. market, Downey is tasked with spearheading strategic growth initiatives across the Americas, aiming to take the company to new heights.

Thoughts from Key Figures

Chief Revenue Officer Phil Gontier expressed his excitement about Downey's appointment, stating, "As Smadex continues to execute on its ambitious growth plan, we are thrilled to welcome Jamil as the leader of our Americas team. Jamil's experience, strategic mindset, and deep industry knowledge make him the perfect choice to lead and accelerate our expansion. We are looking forward to the value he will bring to our team, clients and partners."

Jordi de los Pinos, Founder and CEO of Smadex, added, "Bringing Jamil on board is a significant step forward for Smadex as we expand our U.S. presence. Jamil's proven track record and expertise in driving high-growth initiatives will be instrumental to take Smadex to the next level. We are confident his leadership will make a lasting impact on our business."

Downey himself commented, "Smadex's commitment to delivering impactful advertising solutions perfectly aligns with my vision for growth and innovation. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team to help accelerate success in the U.S. market and beyond."

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Walmart Finishes Buying TV Maker VIZIO: A Retail Milestone
2024-12-04
VIZIO, a prominent name in the electronics industry, has recently undergone a significant change. The SmartCast Operating System, which has been a key part of VIZIO's offerings, is now under the ownership of one of North America's largest retail giants. This transaction marks a new era for both VIZIO and Walmart.

Walmart's Acquisition Unlocks New Possibilities

VIZIO's Past and Present

VIZIO was founded in 2002 and has been a leader in the smart TV market. Its SmartCast Operating System has been widely praised for its user-friendly interface and extensive feature set. Over the years, VIZIO has continuously evolved and adapted to the changing market trends.Now, with Walmart's acquisition, VIZIO is set to enter a new phase. Walmart's vast resources and retail network will provide VIZIO with new opportunities to reach a wider customer base.

Walmart's Vision and Benefits

Walmart's acquisition of VIZIO and its SmartCast Operating System is seen as a strategic move by the retail giant. It allows Walmart to serve its customers in new ways and offer them a more comprehensive shopping experience.By integrating VIZIO's technology with Walmart Connect, the retailer's retail media business in the US, advertisers will have new and differentiated ways to connect with customers at scale. This will help brands achieve greater impact from their advertising investments and boost product discovery.Seth Dallaire, Walmart U.S. EVP/Chief Growth Officer, emphasizes the importance of this acquisition. He states that VIZIO's ability to build and scale a profitable advertising business is a valuable asset. Pairing it with Walmart Connect will enable the company to invest further in its business on behalf of customers.

The Transaction Details

Walmart agreed to purchase VIZIO and its SmartCast OS for $11.50 per share in cash, with a total value of $2.3 billion. The announcement was made on February 20, marking the beginning of this significant transaction.As a result of the completion of the transaction, VIZIO's Class A common stock is no longer listed for trading on the NYSE. VIZIO's business will now be reported as part of the Walmart U.S. segment, further integrating the two entities.In the foreseeable future, VIZIO and Walmart will continue to operate separately. However, the synergy between the two companies is expected to bring significant benefits to both in the long run.
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