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| (Image Source: CJ ENM) |
CJ ENM has successfully hosted a Semi-Final Round of Judging for the 2026 International Emmy® Awards for the second consecutive year, further reinforcing its position as a global IP powerhouse. Hosting a Semi-Final Round of Judging in Seoul for two straight years aligns with CJ ENM’s broader mission to expand the global reach of K-content while furthering its role in bringing Korean culture to the world stage. A leading force in global entertainment, CJ ENM continues to bridge cultures across the media industry.
The Judging took place last July 23, 2026 at CGV CINĒ de CHEF in Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea. The jury featured key executives from leading global entertainment companies including CJ ENM, Warner Bros. Discovery, The Walt Disney Company Japan, Rakuten Viki, U-Next, Nippon TV, Viu TV, Far EasTone, KNOCKONWOOD Inc., and Media Prima. The panel evaluated entries in the Drama Series category, conducting a comprehensive assessment of submissions from across the globe. Nominations will be announced in September while the Awards ceremony will be held in New York on November 23, 2026. “For over three decades, CJ ENM has driven the global expansion of K-content with pride and a vision for Korean culture, building K-culture into a sustainable global industry. It is deeply meaningful to fulfill our role as a global cultural bridge by hosting an International Emmy® Awards Semi-Final Round of Judging once again. Moving forward, we remain dedicated to ensuring K-content continues to resonate globally through an integrated value chain spanning planning, production, distribution, and platforms,” said CJ ENM Executive Vice President of Platform Business Division Jangho Seo. Ahead of the Judging, CJ ENM hosted ‘CJ ENM Partners Day’ last July 22 to foster content and cultural exchange while strengthening collaborative ties with its global partners. Attended by CJ ENM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sang-hyun Yoon, members of the jury, and over 130 prominent global entertainment executives, the event featured five dynamic sessions spanning media market outlooks and the entire IP value chain.
The Keynote session kicked off with market forecasts shared by Omdia Principal Analyst Paul Erickson. Next, the Creator Talk session featured prominent CJ ENM directors who shared behind-the-scenes insights into their global hits. The lineup included Tae-you Chang of “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty”, a highly anticipated 2025 release blending Korean cuisine and history; Shin-woo Park of “Our Unwritten Seoul”, named one of TIME’s Top 10 K-Dramas of 2025; and Jang-hun Lee, who is currently producing Season 2 of the globally acclaimed K-high school series “Study Group”. The Panel Discussion introduced upcoming line-ups and transmedia strategy through cases such as “Spooky In Love”, and spotlighted “Merry Berry Love”, highlighting the dynamic global co-production and distribution strategy forged jointly with Nippon TV and The Walt Disney Company Japan for the landmark Korea-Japan series. The discussion also featured CJ ENM Content Business Unit Head Sebestian Kim and Deutsche Telekom Country Manager Dillon Seo presenting strategies for establishing partnerships in emerging markets and driving the global expansion of K-content.
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ITV Studios’ Creative Network Unveils New Digital-First Comedy, Steve Penk’s Animal Radio FM
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| (Image Source: Television Asia Plus/ITV Studios) |
Bringing legendary radio prankster Steve Penk to a brand-new audience in a whole new way, ITV Studios’ Creative Network has partnered with the celebrated host for a digital-first comedy: Steve Penk’s Animal Radio FM. Known as the pioneer of the prank-call, the format reimagines Penk’s classic comedy for today’s digital viewers.
Set in a surreal and hilarious animated world, Steve Penk’s Animal Radio FM is set in a pirate radio station run by animals. Perched on the top floor of a crumbling tower block and overlooking a sprawling cityscape, cats, rats, chickens and an ever-growing cast of eccentric creatures operate the pirate station, broadcasting chaos to unsuspecting human callers below. Combining nostalgia, cutting-edge technology and absurdist humour, the series creates a distinctive new visual universe where human-like radio hosts relive some of Steve Penk’s most outrageous prank calls ever broadcast. The show’s production design, AI image and video generation, music composition, sound design and final editing were all created by James Abadi of Abadi Films who developed the format’s distinctive aesthetic using Almation’s Omnigen. The series is now available via dedicated Youtube and TikTok channels and digital experts Zoo 55 will distribute the series across its wider digital ecosystem and social platforms. Penk commented, “These calls have entertained audiences for years, but seeing them brought to life in this completely unexpected way is something else entirely. The Animal Radio world is weird, funny, slightly unhinged and unlike anything I’ve seen before. I think fans of the original calls are going to love it.”
Abadi Films Creative Director James Abadi said, “We wanted to build a world that felt simultaneously believable and completely ridiculous. The idea that a secret pirate radio station run entirely by animals is responsible for some of Britain’s most famous prank calls immediately felt funny. AI has allowed us to create a rich cinematic universe around Steve’s archive and tell these stories in a way that simply wouldn’t have been possible before.” ITV Studios Managing Director of Creative Network Mike Beale said, “Our original principle was to explore our new AI tool, Omnigen from AImation which we licensed to enhance our pitch materials and produce proof of concepts, but then this amazing format idea presented itself and it seems like the perfect concept to new push into original digital content with Zoo 55.”
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SB19 Conquers The Global Wild With Defiant New Anthem ‘LAWLESS’
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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines) |
Fresh from making history with their critically acclaimed debut performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., SB19 has released their latest single “LAWLESS” which they premiered live for the very first time on one of the world’s most prestigious music festival stages.
Now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms under Sony Music Entertainment, “LAWLESS” marks a new direction for the award-winning quintet, transitioning from a locally established act to a global supergroup brand. In “LAWLESS”, SB19 declares that they’re an outlaw on the run: gutsy, more determined to take chances, and not the type to seek approval. No longer constrained by conventional industry expectations, SB19’s latest bop sets their sights on disrupting the norm, reflecting a state of creative and career liberation. As the lyrics best describe it, “I’m lawless,better be cautious.” Buoyed by maximalist production and cinematic soundscapes, “LAWLESS” takes P-Pop to a more sonically riveting ground, fusing hip-hop swagger with contemporary pop, Western, and surf rock influences.
Accompanying the release is an equally audacious but strikingly entertaining music video that subverts classic outlaw tropes through tongue-in-cheek homage to Western films. The visuals show SB19’s signature blend of wit, charisma, and boundary-pushing creativity.
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Filipino Band fitterkarma To Stage Album Concert In Prestigious Metropolitan Theater Manila
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/GNN Entertainment Productions) |
After taking over pop culture conversations with their meteoric debut, Filipino alternative band fitterkarma will be headlining their first major solo show titled “kung tayo’y nasa isang horror na pelikula, tiyak ako ang una mong papatayin: The Album Concert”, happening on September 19, 2026 at the historic Metropolitan Theater (MET) Manila. Produced and organized by fitterkarma and GNN, the concert will serve as a launchpad for the band’s long-awaited debut full-length album, scheduled for release two weeks before the show. For the first time, audiences will experience the record live exactly as it was envisioned: from its opening track to its emotional finale, performed in its entirety with elaborate production.
“Witnessing the record live will be a more fulfilling experience. For me, watching the songs performed live is the best way to experience it, because music being played live has no limits, reaching and releasing your emotions, and the record is meant to be felt above all,” says vocalist and guitarist Joao de Leon. The concert also marks fitterkarma’s most ambitious live production to date, featuring an expanded stage design, exclusive concert-only arrangements, and a special collaboration with The Manila String Machine whose orchestral backing promises to add new dimension to the band’s already cinematic sound. “I think hearing any album in the order intended by the artist is an experience in itself. So aside from the studio album itself, we hope to be able to elevate that experience by bringing it into a live setting and bring justice to the recorded versions of our tracks,” shares guitarist Mikee “Lory” Mendoza. Lory also explained how the collaboration with The Manila String Machine helped transform the songs into something bigger than what they initially imagined. “Since we’ve already worked with them on several recordings, it only felt natural to have them join us onstage for the album launch.” Formed in 2023, fitterkarma is composed of Joao de Leon (vocals/guitar), Sophia Miranda (bass), Sanders Bayas (drums), and LORY (guitar). Known for combining Philippine folklore with macabre aesthetic and theatrical elements, the band has produced two of the biggest hits of the last two years: “Kalapastangan” and “Pag-ibig Ay Kanibalismo II”, both peaking at No.1 on Spotify Philippines Top 50 and Billboard Philippines Hot 100 charts for multiple weeks.
The critically acclaimed band has also released their new single “Purgatoryo,” which will be part of their upcoming debut album “kung tayo’y nasa isang horror na pelikula, tiyak ako ang una mong papatayin”. Cloaked in layers of haze and tension, the brooding track finds the band pushing towards a noise-driven, shoegaze-influenced direction while retaining the melodic pop sensibilities that have become their signature appeal. Tickets to fitterkarma's Album Concert are now available via Ticketmelon with the following tiers.
• Orchestra: ₱2,999.00 (Soundcheck Access, Meet & Greet 8pax/Batch, Signed Poster)
• Orchestra Side: ₱2,199.00 (Soundcheck Access, Signed Poster)
• Loge: ₱2,199.00 (Soundcheck Access, Signed Poster)
• Orchestra Back: ₱1,666.00(Poster)
• Balcony: ₱999.00 (General Admission only)
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DAZN And FightStar Championship Announce Global Broadcast Partnership
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| (Image Source: DAZN Group) |
DAZN, the world's leading sports entertainment platform, has officially announced a new global broadcast partnership with FightStar Championship (FSC), further strengthening its global combat sports offering with one of the United Kingdom’s leading mixed martial arts promotions. Under the agreement, FSC events will be available free to view worldwide on DAZN, giving fans access to some of the most exciting mixed martial arts action in the United Kingdom.
The partnership begins with FSC 37 at Indigo at The O2 in London on August 23, 2026 which will be streamed live and free to view on DAZN from 7:00 pm BST (August 24, 2:00 am PHT/HKT/SGT). FSC 37 features three title fights and the semi-finals of the promotion’s £25,000 featherweight tournament. The main event is a welterweight championship bout between Nathan ‘Mr. Bag & Tag’ Jones (17-12) and Tom Mullen (11-2). Jones is one of the most experienced names on the British circuit, while Mullen enters on a seven-fight winning streak. In the co-main event, former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight Ihor ‘The Duelist’ Potieria (20-8) faces Cally Gibrainn de Oliveira ‘Juggernaut’ (6-2) for the light heavyweight title. Potieria brings significant international experience and notable victories to the contest. The third championship bout sees the United Kingdom’s top-ranked flyweight, Muhidin ‘The Captain’ Abubakar (12-1), face Brazil’s Ronaldo ‘Carrasco’ Oliveira (11-5-1). The matchup pits one of Britain’s leading talents against a dangerous submission specialist. FSC 37 will also feature the semi-finals of the promotion’s featherweight tournament, with four elite athletes competing for a place in the final and the chance to claim the £25,000 prize. Coverage will be hosted by mixed martial arts legend Paul ‘Semtex’ Daley alongside presenter Snoochie Shy.
DAZN Chief Executive Officer Shay Segev said, “DAZN continues to invest in the best combat sports content from around the world and FightStar Championship is a strong addition to our growing portfolio. FSC has established itself as a leading force in British mixed martial arts, showcasing elite athletes and compelling matchups. Making these events available free to view globally enables FSC to reach new audiences while giving fight fans even more premium live sport on DAZN.” FSC Managing Director Kay Khan said, “This partnership with DAZN marks a significant milestone for FightStar Championship and our athletes. DAZN’s global reach will help us bring our events to more fans than ever before, while showcasing the exceptional talent competing across our roster. We are excited to begin this new chapter with FSC 37 and look forward to continuing our growth supported by the world’s leading sports entertainment platform.” DAZN subscribers can also look forward to additional FSC events throughout 2026 including FSC 38 on October 17, 2026 at the BEC Arena in Manchester and FSC 39 on December 19, 2026 at the Indigo at The O2 in London.
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Alexa And Gelo's “The Chambermaid’s Daughter” Season 2 Tops iWant's Most-Watched Charts In PH, Second Globally
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The breakout pairing of Alexa Ilacad and Gelo Rivera captured viewers’ hearts anew as the second season of their hit vertical romance series “The Chambermaid’s Daughter” debuted strongly on iWant since its premiere last July 30 — ranking first on its most-watched charts in the Philippines and second globally.
Alongside its most-watched feat on iWant, the series also received a warm reception from netizens, with topics “IWANT GELEX TCD 2” and “GELEX TCD2iWant TopONE” notching the top-trending spots on X (formerly Twitter). Directed by Theodore Boborol, the second season raises the stakes as Hannah (Alexa) rises from a humble room attendant to VP of operations at the very hotel where she once worked, and a loving relationship with hotel COO Daniel (Gelo). Hannah appears to have the life she’s always dreamed of until a new obstacle arises as she strives to earn the approval of her future mother-in-law while fending off the schemes of her ambitious half-sister to prove her place in the business and Daniel’s heart.
Catch the newest season of “The Chambermaid’s Daughter” only on iWant with its Part 1 episodes streaming now and Part 2 premiering on August 14. Stream its first five episodes for free on iWant and ABS-CBN Entertainment’s Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube pages. Episodes 6 to 30 are available to stream through iWant’s subscription plans starting at P35 per month in the Philippines and US$4.99 per month in the United States (until October 31, 2026) and for the rest of the world.
