Independent music company Bella Figura Music has acquired the publishing catalogue of Jonny Pierce, the songwriter, vocalist and creative force behind US rock band The Drums. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. The acquisition covers Pierce’s publishing interests in songs written for The Drums covering releases up to and including 'Encyclopedia', released in 2014. The deal includes material from breakthrough EP 'Summertime!' and the albums 'The Drums' and 'Portamento'. ...

The commissioning of scripted TV in North America in 2025 was up 3% over the previous year, marking the second consecutive year of growth, following an 8% growth in 2024 according to new research from British intelligence company Ampere Analysis. First-run scripted commissions grew by 7% year-on-year, underlining "renewed momentum in the region as international commissioning volumes declined sharply," said the research company. Despite these two years of growth, commissioning levels remain belo...

Kirby Mathews has been appointed VP of Publishing at Back Blocks Music, the Nashville-based artist development, management and publishing company launched in 2020. "Mathews brings 10 years of Nashville experience to her new role, where she will oversee the publishing arm for the multi-faceted Back Blocks," said the company. Mathews joins from Riser House Entertainment where she worked with a diverse roster of writers including Dallas Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Michael Whitworth and Jake Mitchel...