18-22 May: Your guide to what’s happened this week in the media, entertainment and technology industry.

Global distribution chief Nuñez to depart ViacomCBS

ViacomCBS has announced global distribution and licensing boss Armando Nuñez is to step down next month.

Nuñez’s departure is the latest management change at the US broadcaster as it adapts to becoming a merged company, following the remerger of CBS and Viacom last year.

He will not be directly replaced, according to Deadline, with president of global content licensing Dan Cohen set to assume his responsibilities. 

ViacomCBS president & CEO Bob Bakish said: “Thanks to Armando’s exceptional leadership, the critical work to unify our global licensing and distribution operations is complete, and the team is moving forward with a comprehensive strategy for the future.”

BAFTAs rearranged for June after pandemic postponement 

The BAFTA Awards have been rearranged for June 4 after being postponed earlier this year due to the coronavirus.

The British Academy’s TV and TV Craft awards will be presented under a new format - to be revealed shortly - due to Covid-19 restrictions, writes the Hollywood Reporter.

“We are thrilled to confirm the new date for our nominations announcement, for both the Virgin Media BAFTAs and the Television Craft Awards,” said BAFA CEO Amanda Berry.

“During this difficult time, we want to applaud the fantastic efforts of the many talented individuals, both behind and in-front of the camera, many of whom have continued to inform and entertain the nation in recent weeks. We look forward to announcing more details about the ceremonies soon.”

Apple TV Plus subscribers top 10 million

Apple’s SVoD service has seen its subscriber base surpass 10 million since it was launched last year.

Bloomberg reports that Apple TV Plus had reached 10 million subscribers by February. This figure includes people who signed up for free when they bought a new Apple device.

According to the report, around half of that figure have actively used the service - significantly behind rival SVoD platforms such as Netflix or Disney+, which launched later than the iPhone-maker’s platform.

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