MEDIA MAVEN
Japanese broadcasting powerhouse Nippon TV has elevated longtime exec Hiroyuki Fukuda to the top spot, naming him representative director, president and COO. The former rugby player, who joined the network in 1985, steps into the role as the broadcaster faces stiff competition in ratings despite maintaining its golden-time viewership crown in 2024, though tied with competitors.
Citing the Japanese character for “movement” as his 2025 principle, he plans to shift from traditional broadcasting revenue. The exec, who worked in programming and sales divisions, points to AI tech and the network’s Ad Reach Max platform for content creation and ad sales development.
The move comes as former president Akira Ishizawa transitions to lead the new Yomiuri Chukyo FS Broadcasting Holdings Corporation. Fukuda will oversee Nippon TV’s “New Medium-Term Management Plan 2025-2027,” aiming to expand global market presence through IP assets while addressing TV viewership trends.
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POLICY PIONEER
Screen Producers Australia has named Kate Carnell as the inaugural chair of the SPA Council, marking a significant move for the org’s advocacy efforts. Carnell, who previously served as Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman and has been involved with SPA’s Screen Export Council, brings extensive experience championing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the role.
Matthew Deaner, SPA CEO, highlighted Carnell’s track record as former Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, ex-CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Food and Grocery Council, and current chair of the Australian Made Campaign.
DAVOS DYNAMO
Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar is heading to the Swiss Alps, tapped as India’s Young Global Leader (YGL) representative at the World Economic Forum‘s 2025 annual meeting in Davos. Her discussions will zero in on climate action and gender equality initiatives.
“As an actor and advocate, I feel a profound sense of responsibility to use my platform to bring about change,” Pednekar said. “Davos provides an unparalleled opportunity to amplify conversations around climate action and gender equality, which are critical to building a sustainable and inclusive future.”
The actor, who serves as a United Nations Development Program advocate, has made environmental activism a cornerstone of her work through her Climate Warrior initiative, pushing for policy changes while using her platform to raise awareness about sustainability across industries. She’s also been a vocal champion for women’s empowerment and representation, particularly in traditionally male-dominated spaces.
PITCH PICKS
The U.K.’s Pitch Film Fund has selected Lizzie Hart’s neurodiverse rom-com “Kitty” and Grace Okyere-Fosu’s grief-focused drama “The Acres” as winners of its 2025 Production Awards, splitting a £70,000 ($86,000) production pot between the two projects.
Hart’s comedy follows a neurodivergent shop assistant’s first crush and treasure hunt, while Okyere-Fosu’s drama centers on a mother processing loss through gardening. Alice Johannessen nabbed the Lucy Scher Award for female filmmakers with her domestic thriller “Flesh & Blood.”
The fund, now in its sixteenth year backing Bible-inspired short films, will begin production on the winning projects in February. Previous alumni include BAFTA winner Gbemisola Ikumelo (“Black Ops”), who served on this year’s judging panel alongside BFI Network head Alice Cabañas.