BBC Studios has announced the creation of a new scripted production label called River Pictures.

Led by Andrew Morrissey and Michael Parke, the new BBC Studios label will have offices in both Liverpool and London.
The label will be part of BBC Studios scripted production division and both Morrissey and Parke will report into BBC Studios President of Scripted Productions, Mark Linsey.
At BBC Studios, Morrissey and Parke executive produced Jimmy McGovern’s BAFTA winning series Time and RTE hit Smother. In 2024 they have two big commissions coming to screen: Irish crime series Blackshore for RTE alongside the factual drama Kidnapped for BBC Three which tells the story of Chloe Ayling, a British model who was abducted in Italy in 2017, and faced disbelief and cynicism from media and public alike before her captors were finally jailed.
Mark Linsey, President Scripted Productions said: “Andrew and Michael are two incredibly talented storytellers who can deliver authentic, complicated stories that have impact in a way that is thought provoking and always accessible to a wide audience. Aside from their current productions they have an exciting slate of titles and I can’t wait to see it coming to fruition under their new label.”

Andrew Morrissey and Michael Parke said: “We’re very proud of the shows we have made with the team at BBC Studios and hugely excited for this new chapter and the commitment to making bold, ambitious, and characterful drama in an environment that is creatively supportive. Having a base in Liverpool, as well as London, will allow us to build on the strong creative relationships we have established in the Northwest when making Time and Kidnapped. We can’t wait to get going.”

Channel 5 rebrands linear and streaming platforms
The UK’s Channel 5 and My5 have relaunched as 5, uniting the broadcaster’s linear and streaming platforms under one brand.

Comcast agrees $3bn Olympics rights and technology deal
Comcast NBC Universal has agreed a $3bn deal that will keep its NBC network and streaming platform Peacock as the US homes of the Olympic Games through 2036.

BBC leads nominations for RTS Programme Awards 2025
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has revealed the nominations for its Programme Awards 2025, which take place on March 25 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

BBC secures TV rights for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland international football
The BBC has agreed an exclusive deal to broadcast Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s international football matches in the run-up to the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.

Shadowbox Studios hires Mike Mosallam as Chief Operating Officer
Global studio operator Shadowbox Studios, the owner of Atlanta’s Shadowbox Studios in the US and Shinfield Studios in the UK, has appointed Mike Mosallam as its first Chief Operating Officer.