The future of the MediaWorks network Four is at stake as the cash-strapped company tries to renegotiate programming deals with Hollywood studios.

The third series of Almighty Johnsons - which was revived at late notice - will be launching during a pivotal time for TV3 owner MediaWorks.

Telecom is hoping to drive customers on to faster broadband services with a deal to offer discounted online access to the English Premier League football.

The National Party's relationship with big entertainment firms is back in the limelight, with John Key talking down the prospects of recovering MediaWorks' $22 million tax debt.

The developer behind the makeover of Auckland's Britomart has thrown his financial weight behind Coliseum, the new media group that last week grabbed the rights to English Premier League soccer coverage.

MediaWorks NZ, the broadcaster whose lenders look likely to seize control, narrowed its annual loss in 2012 after massive writedowns a year earlier.

Sky Sport has apologised for an ad which played midway through the first half of last night's rugby test between the All Blacks and France.

The loss of English Premier League soccer to online broadcaster Coliseum Sports Media may signal the end of Sky's virtual monopoly of quality sports content.

Coliseum Sports Media is set to deliver to New Zealanders all 380 games of the English football premier league via a pay-per-view online platform.

Labour will be watching the government "like a hawk" over MediaWorks tax dispute because of past treatment for the media company which owns TV3 and RadioLive.

Shareholders' Association founder Bruce Sheppard plans to call 25 witnesses defending the defamation case brought against him by Hanover Finance's Mark Hotchin and Eric Watson.

KordaMentha, the receivers for MediaWorks, could hand over control to a new firm by the end of next month, according to insiders.

Fran O'Sullivan asks: "Is the MediaWorks receivership simply the first move in a long-running play that will ultimately return more media assets into NZ ownership?"

Sky TV has lost the rights to broadcast English Premier League football in New Zealand next season.

New owners for MediaWorks have been trying to renegotiate a Fox TV deal that provides top shows like Homeland, Family Guy and Bones.

Taxpayers may wind up covering for MediaWorks again with a restructuring deal that could free them from a potential $22 million obligation to the IRD.

New Zealand television audiences should not be worried about losing popular shows like X Factor and The GC, say the receivers of MediaWorks.

The divorce of Rupert Murdoch from his third wife Wendi Deng Murdoch has prompted speculation of the world's largest media empire becoming engulfed in a bitter inheritance battle, and of the reason for the marriage breakdown.

Jobs will be lost in New Zealand at book publishers HarperCollins and Pearson after the companies yesterday announced intentions to close some operations.

Fairfax Media is set to scrap Computerworld, NZ PC World and Reseller News magazines next week, writes John Drinnan. "They have been marginal for some time," said Fairfax Magazines general manager Lynley Belton.

Oscar Pistorius' court hearing was adjourned until August 19 after a brief appearance last night in which the magistrate railed against media coverage of his case.

Bob Jones asks: "How have we descended to this situation where so many citizens feel no moral qualms in living off their fellow citizens' toil?"

The former director and owner of an Auckland media agency is facing 23 deception and dishonesty charges laid by the Serious Fraud Office.