UKTV Set To Go Dark On Virgin Media Due To Carriage Dispute
Messy negotiations over a new carriage deal between UKTV and Virgin Media have spilled out into the open as the dispute nears a rapidly approaching deadline and may result in UKTV's 10 channels going dark on the platform.
The nature of the dispute is not exactly clear, with both sides citing different reasons for a breakdown in talks. Virgin Media has made the case that a key sticking point for them is VOD rights to BBC shows that air on a repeat window on UKTV's channels. UKTV, however, says that they are unable to come to terms as Virgin Media is demanding a "significant cut" in fees, despite the fact that they account for more than 25% of viewing to pay entertainment channels in Virgin’s basic pay pack. 
BBC One's new Manchester-set drama series Age Before Beauty will premiere on Tuesday July 31st at 9pm, it has been announced. 
Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders will premiere on 5USA on Friday August 3rd at 9pm with a double-bill, it has been announced. 
Following on from the success of In Solitary, Channel 5 has given the green-light to a celebrity edition of the series which followed four members of the public as they attempted to live in solitary confinement. Celebs In Solitary will largely retain the same format, with the members of the public being replaced by four famous faces. They will sacrifice their phones and contact with the outside world and only be allowed three ‘luxury’ items to help them pass the time and psychological tests of isolation. 
In an interesting move, DRG has commissioned Manson's Bloodline, a four-episode Charles Manson series from US production company MY Entertainment. Manson's Bloodline tells the story of Charles Manson’s grandson, Jason Freeman, and his coming to terms with his notorious grandfather. MY Entertainment obtained extraordinary access and the series features previously unheard telephone calls that Manson had with Jason from prison; Jason’s battle for his grandfather’s body following his death in November 2017; and exclusive footage of Manson’s funeral from earlier this year. 
Ransom - the international drama series from Frank Spotnitz's Big Light Productions - has been renewed for a third season by commissioning partners Global and CBS. The series is distributed internationally by Entertainment One (eOne) and airs on this side of the pond on Universal TV.