The Louisiana House of Representatives voted to end the state's $150M film and TV production tax incentive; the bill still needs the Senate and governor's OK (Gene Maddaus/Variety)

Mediagazer: The Louisiana House of Representatives voted to end the state's $150M film and TV production tax incentive; the bill still needs the Senate and governor's OK (Gene Maddaus/Variety)

Top News:

The Guardian:

The Guardian says it will no longer post on “any official Guardian editorial accounts” on “toxic media platform” X; reporters will still use X to gather news— Platform's coverage of US election crystallised longstanding concerns about its content, says Guardian
Discussion: The Guardian, Nieman Lab, Engadget, CBS News, The Hill, Donald Kau on LinkedIn, Wainer Lusoli on LinkedIn, Dan Papworth-Smyth on LinkedIn, GB News, @cdarwin@c.im, James Harvey on LinkedIn, HotAir, George Niles Mekeel RN on LinkedIn, Breitbart, Press Gazette, London Evening Standard, Carlos Diaz Ruiz on LinkedIn, @lindayax, @maxwelltani, Shannon Dunn on LinkedIn, Alix Bryan-Campos on LinkedIn, Al Jazeera, The Wrap, David Ward on LinkedIn, @jeffjarvis@mastodon.social, @rafat, @nitashakaul, @sarafischer, Rob O'Hanrahan on LinkedIn, @eurabist, @iandunt, @rmcgreevy1301, @dvsk@mastodon.nz, The Hollywood Reporter, @jimwaterson.bsky.social, @brett@bne.social, @worldguru.bsky.social, @viridis@achrilock.social, Telegraph, @ronaldtootall@tech.lgbt, @earleyedition@aus.social, BBC, @willguyatt, @scottaawilson, Twitchy, Variety, @nocontextbrits, ZeroHedge News, Mediaite, Thomas Johnson on LinkedIn, Lucas Amaral Lauriano on LinkedIn, @elonmusk, Gordon MacMillan on LinkedIn, Reuters, The Daily Caller, @renatolond@masto.donte.com.br, The National Pulse, Deadline, Just Jared, Politico, Daily Sabah, Balloon Juice and Semafor

Discussion:

Adam Gabbatt /
The Guardian: ‘Go to hell’: how Project 2025 chief kicked the Guardian out of book event

Laura Hazard Owen /
Nieman Lab: The Guardian won't post on X anymore — but isn't deleting its accounts there, at least for now

Jeremy Gan /
Engadget: The Guardian is leaving X — Guardian reporters may use X to gather information, but the official account will go dark.

Lauren Irwin /
The Hill: Guardian quitting X, citing ‘disturbing content’

Donald Kau /
Donald Kau on LinkedIn: Interesting development this. The Guardian has almost 11 million followers on X, and so do its journalists. That's a lot of reach to give up. …

Wainer Lusoli /
Wainer Lusoli on LinkedIn: On the day the plutocrat Musk bought over Twitter, I packed my data, asked the platform to remove my contents and walked out. …

Dan Papworth-Smyth /
Dan Papworth-Smyth on LinkedIn: “Social media can be an important tool for news organisations and help us to reach new audiences but, at this point, X now plays a diminished role in promoting our work... …

Adam Chapman /
GB News: 'I come from Left - the real reason the Guardian is no longer posting on Elon's X is more sinister than you realise'

Chuck Darwin /
@cdarwin@c.im: ‘Go to hell’: — How Project 2025 chief kicked the Guardian out of book event — Kevin Roberts, the head of the influential rightwing thinktank the Heritage Foundation, told a Guardian reporter to “go to hell” at the launch of Roberts's new book on Tuesday night, …

James Harvey /
James Harvey on LinkedIn: 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 …

John Sexton /
HotAir: Some on the Left Abandon X for an Ideological Bubble

George Niles Mekeel RN /
George Niles Mekeel RN on LinkedIn: The Guardian said content on the platform about which it had longstanding concerns included far-right conspiracy theories and racism. …

Maryam Kara /
London Evening Standard: The Guardian says it will no longer post on Elon Musk's X following Trump's win

Carlos Diaz Ruiz /
Carlos Diaz Ruiz on LinkedIn: The business models of the news media organizations and social media tech firms may overlap sometimes, but they are not identical. …

Linda Yaccarino /
@lindayax: X usage is at an all-time high and continues to surge. To all of our users — of every interest, political party, and point of view — You will always have a place to engage and join the global conversation freely and safely. Legacy gatekeepers are yesterday's “news.” 🚀

Max Tani /
@maxwelltani: Guardian EIC Kath Viner's note to staff on the publication's decision to stop posting on Twitter, and guidance on how it should be used by the Guardian's journalists moving forward [image]

Shannon Dunn /
Shannon Dunn on LinkedIn: Like many folks, I stopped using X several years ago, but I never closed my account. That changed this week - I've deactivated that account …

Alix Bryan-Campos /
Alix Bryan-Campos on LinkedIn: I don't believe any journalist or news organization should signal support for a social media network so full of misinformation and propaganda. …

Andi Ortiz /
The Wrap: The Guardian Joins the X-odus, Says Elon Musk Has Made It a ‘Toxic Media Platform’

David Ward /
David Ward on LinkedIn: Another organisation leaves a previously vital platform. — Twitter / X use has decreased significantly since Musk took over, particularly …

Jeff Jarvis /
@jeffjarvis@mastodon.social: I disagree with this decision: People on Twitter need the Guardian's journalism more than anyone. — Guardian will no longer post on Elon Musk's X from its official accounts — https://www.theguardian.com/ ...

Professor Nitasha Kaul, PhD /
@nitashakaul: Virtue signalling & ceding of space for voice in public. Things only ever change by counter-narratives, education & persuasion. Such withdrawal throws other transnationally relevant voices under the bus too. My view is: amplify the good instead of retreating to moral high ground

Sara Fischer /
@sarafischer: Wow: @guardian says it's no longer posting on @X “We think that the benefits of being on X are now outweighed by the negatives and that resources could be better used promoting our journalism elsewhere” https://www.theguardian.com/ ...

Rob O'Hanrahan /
Rob O'Hanrahan on LinkedIn: The Guardian will no longer post on Twitter/X. — They say that “the benefits of being on X are now outweighed by the negatives and that resources …

Anno /
@eurabist: We are witnessing a mass exodus of academics, journalists and politicians of Twitter. All the good people are leaving. I am torn, should I stay to continue the fight for freedom, knowledge and humanity — or find better pastures where a civilized debate is actually encouraged?

Ian Dunt /
@iandunt: An extraordinary moment. Guardian to stop publishing on Twitter https://www.theguardian.com/ ...

Ronan McGreevy /
@rmcgreevy1301: This is a very bad decision. X is the best social media forum for the dissemination of ideas even if it is owned by Elon Musk. No other platform comes close. Throwing your toys out of the pram because you don't like the results of the US election is not the way to do it.

Rhys Jones /
@dvsk@mastodon.nz: Expect much more of this. Support independent journalism. #politics #journalism — ‘Go to hell’: Project 2025 chief kicks Guardian reporter out of event https://www.theguardian.com/ ...

Jim Waterson /
@jimwaterson.bsky.social: Must.... resist.... urge.... to break news about the media industry and remember I report on municipal bin collections these days. But it does sound as though dams are breaking today regarding official use of Twitter.

Brett Mason /
@brett@bne.social: About time! Let's hope lots of others follow their example. — https://www.theguardian.com/ ... @worldguru.bsky.social: Dump decision. — You don't want to scream into the void. — You want the other side to read what you're saying about them. — What's the point of posting only into your echo chamber (of Bsky)? @viridis@achrilock.social: https://www.theguardian.com/ ... | Guardian will no longer post on Elon Musk's X from its official accounts | — [...] “The Guardian has more than 80 accounts on X with approximately 27 million followers. — The Guardian said content on the platform about which it had longstanding concerns included far-right conspiracy theories and racism. … @ronaldtootall@tech.lgbt: How petty and egotistical for the snowflake bully crowd. — ‘Go to hell’: how Project 2025 chief kicked the Guardian out of book event — https://www.theguardian.com/ ... #Project2025 #HeritageFoundation #KevinRoberts #Snowflakes #Bullies #Asshats #TheGuardian #Resistance

Dave Earley /
@earleyedition@aus.social: Kind of breaking news... The Guardian will no longer post from any editorial Tw+r account, including Guardian Australia. All accounts are dormant as of now. https://www.theguardian.com/ ...

Tom Gerken /
BBC: The Guardian stops posting on Elon Musk's ‘toxic’ X

Will Guyatt /
@willguyatt: Huge news, and won't be the last big name departure. Others across print, online and broadcast have backed away in a similar fashion.

Scott Aa Wilson /
@scottaawilson: I think this is the solution. Leave the lunatics to talk among themselves. Everyone else can go elsewhere and be normal. If you're over there, follow me on B*ueSky.

Amy Curtis /
Twitchy: So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye! The Guardian Will No Longer Post on ‘Toxic’ X

Ellise Shafer /
Variety: The Guardian No Longer Posting on X: It's a ‘Toxic Media Platform’ That Elon Musk Has Used to ‘Shape Political Discourse’

Tyler Durden /
ZeroHedge News: The Guardian Throws Tantrum Over Trump Victory, Says “No Longer Posting On X”

David Gilmour /
Mediaite: The Guardian Slams ‘Toxic’ X and Pro-Trump Owner Elon Musk in Decision to Stop Using Platform

Thomas Johnson /
Thomas Johnson on LinkedIn: “This is something we have been considering for a while given the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism. …

Lucas Amaral Lauriano /
Lucas Amaral Lauriano on LinkedIn: The Guardian has officially stepped back from posting on X. This bold move speaks volumes about the evolving dynamics of media, trust, and digital engagement in the current landscape. …

Gordon MacMillan /
Gordon MacMillan on LinkedIn: Given the X-odus, this feels like the beginning of the end for X/Twitter as the go-to place for news. …

Nicole Silverio /
The Daily Caller: ‘Toxic Media Platform’: The Guardian Explains Decision To Halt Posts On X

Renato Lond Cerqueira /
@renatolond@masto.donte.com.br: Oh, nice move from The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/ ... Deadline: Jamie Lee Curtis Quits X:"God, Grant Me The Serenity To Accept The Things I Cannot Change" Balloon Juice: Department of Wank — I have no doubt that the dynamic duo of Musk and Ramaswamy will do a bunch of bad things, but this is wank:

Mizy Clifton /
Semafor: The Guardian to stop posting content on X

Axios:

Sources: Trump's confidants are considering changes to daily press briefings in the White House that would give access to newer, MAGA-aligned voices— - Trump's first administration tried to ban outlets it saw as unfavorable from off-camera press briefings.

Discussion:
New Jersey Online, The Hill, @kimdedam.bsky.social and @sophiacai99

Discussion:

Jimmy Hascup /
New Jersey Online: Controversial ex-ESPN host is angling for role in Donald Trump's White House

Kim J /
@kimdedam.bsky.social: There has to be a volunteer list of a few “watchers” who are capable of attending, then reporting truthfully.

Sophia Cai /
@sophiacai99: One of the most hotly contested WH positions is press secretary and at least half a dozen people are on the shortlist: Alina Hanna Karoline Leavitt Scott Jennings Sage Steele Monica Crowley Elizabeth Pipko https://www.axios.com/...

RELATED:

Mediaite:

Sources: Alina Habba, the lawyer who represented Trump in high-profile cases, is the front-runner to serve as press secretary in the incoming White House— Alina Habba, a lawyer who represented Donald Trump in a series of high-profile cases, has emerged as a front-runner to serve …

Discussion:
WPMT, Washington Examiner, Daily Mail, CNN, Politico, New Republic, @atrupar, Mediaite, Raw Story, @aidnmclaughlin, So What, New York Post, @GottaLaff@mastodon.social, The Hill, The Independent and IJR

Discussion:

Marshall Keely /
WPMT: Trump lawyer with Harrisburg connection could be next White House press secretary

Rob Crilly /
Daily Mail: Meet Karoline Leavitt, the CNN-baiting 27-year-old frontrunner to be Donald Trump's press secretary

Katelyn Polantz /
CNN: Trump picks Bill McGinley to serve as his White House counsel

Meridith McGraw /
Politico: Frontrunners emerge for Trump White House press secretary

Aaron Rupar /
@atrupar: lol sure why not

David Edwards /
Raw Story: Trump attorney Alina Habba attacks Judge Merchan's ‘family members’ despite gag order

Aidan McLaughlin /
@aidnmclaughlin: Alina Habba has emerged as a front-runner to serve as press secretary in the incoming Trump White House, four sources tell @dianafalzone https://www.mediaite.com/...

Chris Cillizza /
So What: The Morning: “Central Casting”

Victor Nava /
New York Post: Trump ally Alina Habba says she would ‘very seriously’ consider serving as his press secretary

Laffy /
@GottaLaff@mastodon.social: Oh good grief. — Via Katie Phang: — Because apparently being a lawyer wasn't in the cards for Habba... Alina Habba Emerges as Front-Runner for #Trump Press Secretary — https://www.mediaite.com/...

Dominick Mastrangelo /
The Hill: Habba: I would ‘very seriously’ consider WH Press Secretary job

Mike Bedigan /
The Independent: Trump lawyer Alina Habba emerges as frontrunner for White House press secretary: report

Madison Summers /
IJR: Front-Runner for Trump's White House Press Secretary Emerges: Report

The Verge:

Google says it will test removing news articles from EU-based publishers from Search for 1% of users in France, Poland, Italy, Spain, and other EU countries— As Google continues to navigate its relationship with publishers, regulators, and news readers, the company is starting a pretty drastic test …

Discussion:
The Keyword, Engadget, @samfromtheus@tech.lgbt and 9to5Google, more at Techmeme »

Discussion:

Sulina Connal /
The Keyword: Providing more data about news results in the EU

Will Shanklin /
Engadget: A Google ‘test’ will omit EU publishers from news links @samfromtheus@tech.lgbt: Nothing more dangerous that letting Americans access information. — They could learn that it IS possible to be a competitive economy and have universal healthcare, access to education, efficient public transport but also force big corpo to pay taxes and respect people's rights*. …

Financial Times:

Media executives say that some brands are preparing to advertise on X once again, as Elon Musk is likely to gain an influential Trump administration role— Some brands had abandoned the site over moderation concerns — Elon Musk's support for Donald Trump is set to boost X's flagging business …

Discussion:
ZeroHedge News, New York Times, Politico, @carnage4life@mas.to, @annmlipton@esq.social, Deadline and RedState, more at Techmeme »

Discussion:

Derek Robertson /
Politico: Elon brings back ‘government by tweet’

Dare Obasanjo /
@carnage4life@mas.to: First it was the supersonic growth in Tesla's stock price over the past week and now big brands planning to return to X. — It's kind of nuts that everyone is openly betting on corruption now that Elon helped Trump get elected. — https://www.ft.com/...

Sister Toldjah /
RedState: More on the Ad That Changed Everything and Trump's Extremely Timely Reminder That Twitter Isn't Real Life

CNN:

Patrick Soon-Shiong says Harris' Gaza stance contributed to non-endorsement, and plans to “balance” LA Times' opinion page with conservative and centrist voices— New York CNN — — In the month since Los Angeles Times owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong announced the newspaper …

Discussion:
The Wrap, @yonetteajoseph@threads.net, @jstatepost@mstdn.social, @hadas_gold, @hollywoodspin, Matt Pearce and Fox News

Discussion:

Sean Burch /
The Wrap: LA Times Owner Says Gaza War Was ‘One of the Reasons’ for Not Endorsing Kamala Harris

Yonette Joseph /
@yonetteajoseph@threads.net: Sooo. The daughter was right. Soon-Shiong stated publicly for the first time that Harris' support for Israel on the Gaza war played a role in his decision to block the endorsement and said he plans to “balance” the paper's opinion page with more conservative and centrist voices. https://cnn.com/... @jstatepost@mstdn.social: @Mediagazer — 🥥 So, the owner of the LA Times thinks that posting lies alongside truth is “Balance.” — Got it. 🥥

Hadas Gold /
@hadas_gold: We talked to @latimes owner Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong. He told us Gaza WAS an element of the non-endorsement and he plans to balance the paper's opinion page with more conservative and centrist voices. https://www.cnn.com/...

Richard Horgan /
@hollywoodspin: What a wild public flip flop on this. Daughter saying Gaza was a factor, dad denying it initially, but now... https://x.com/...

Variety:

The Louisiana House of Representatives voted to end the state's $150M film and TV production tax incentive; the bill still needs the Senate and governor's OK— The Louisiana House of Representatives voted Tuesday to eliminate the state's $150 million tax incentive for film and TV production …

Discussion:
@iwtv_updates, IndieWire, The Wrap, Louisiana Illuminator, Associated Press and Deadline

Discussion:
@iwtv_updates: #InterviewWithTheVampire Louisiana moves to strike $150 million film tax credit thus eliminating incentive for studios to film there so it's possible that AMC's #IWTV production will move even more from Louisiana towards Czechia where incentives are expected to increase in 2025. [image]

Brian Welk /
IndieWire: The First State to Ever Offer a Filming Tax Credit Is Voting to Eliminate It

Columbia Journalism Review:

The WSJ's Washington bureau chief during Evan Gershkovich's arrest in Russia discusses the newspaper's “be loud” strategy that helped free the reporter— What newsrooms need to know, from an insider who helped lead the effort. — Midway through dinner on March 29, 2023 …

Discussion:
Jason Rezaian on LinkedIn, @bryfitz, @thrasherxy, @mccarrennews, @paulwsj and Talking Biz News

Discussion:

Jason Rezaian /
Jason Rezaian on LinkedIn: Important insights and learnings from Paul Beckett who led The Wall Street Journal 's efforts to free reporter Evan Gershkovich. — https://lnkd.in/epYhxKFG

Brian Fitzgerald /
@bryfitz: There can never, ever be enough words said about the amazing work Paul did. https://www.cjr.org/... @thrasherxy: Really fascinating CJR story about what the WSJ did to free reporter Evan Gershkovich. Raises lots of important questions about “objectivity” in journalism, the relationship between journalists & the (US) govt & the privileging of western journalists https://www.cjr.org/... [image]

Bill McCarren /
@mccarrennews: This big, sweeping story by ⁦@paulwsj⁩ is a must read for all interested in press freedom — and a valuable resource for those next in crisis. Thank you, Mr. Beckett and ⁦@CJR⁩ https://www.cjr.org/...

Paul Beckett /
@paulwsj: Thanks to ⁦@CJR⁩ & ⁦@sewellchan⁩ for giving me the space to write in depth about our experience advocating for the release of ⁦@evangershkovich⁩ and broader issues of taking reporters hostage. I hope it is worth your time. https://search.app/...

Chris Roush /
Talking Biz News: WSJ's “Be loud” strategy on Gershkovich

The Verge:

Patreon says creators and their fans can now give away gift memberships and creators will be able to send discounts and sales to fans— Subscriptions are the main way creators on Patreon make money, as they must build an audience willing to shell out a few dollars a month to access their writing, podcasts, or videos.

Discussion:
TechCrunch

Discussion:

Amanda Silberling /
TechCrunch: Patreon gets gift subscriptions in time for the holidays

Axios:

Spotify projects its first full year of profitability ever in 2024; CEO Daniel Ek says profitability is the new normal for Spotify— - “We believe we are in a new reality where we are a profitable company. … - CFO Christian Luiga said, “We see positive cash flow going forward and growing.”

Discussion:
The Hollywood Reporter, @sarafischer, Digital Music News, Fortune and Music Ally

Discussion:

Caitlin Huston /
The Hollywood Reporter: Spotify Hits 252M Premium Subscribers, On Track For First Full Year of Profitability

Sara Fischer /
@sarafischer: NEW: @Spotify projects first full year of profitability ever — CEO @eldsjal told me consistent profitability is new normal — Ek plans to reinvest record free cash flow in AI but says $SPOT won't spend as liberally as it used to — “You should not expect that we're going to go back

Dylan Smith /
Digital Music News: Why Stop At $400? Spotify Stock Tops $465 Per Share Following Q3 Earnings Release — Execs Target ‘First Full Year of Profitability’

Ryan Hogg /
Fortune: Daniel Ek says Spotify has ‘never been in a stronger position’ as music streamer caps remarkable 2024 turnaround

New York Times:

Bluesky says it gained 1M+ users in the week since the US election, mostly in the US, the UK, and Canada, and crossed 15M users; Bluesky had 6M users in August— With one million new accounts added since the U.S. elections, Bluesky has solidified itself as an option for people looking to change their social media service.

Discussion:
CNN, The Verge, PCMag, Associated Press, Telegraph, Gizmodo, Reason, Metro.co.uk, @carnage4life@mas.to, @bluesky, PR Daily, @emilyliu.me, @jaz.bsky.social, @mmasnick.bsky.social, @bsky.app, Mashable, @nihilscio.bsky.social, @katie-drummond.bsky.social, Fox News, Rolling Stone, New York Daily News, Slate, Quartz, New York Post and TechCrunch, more at Techmeme »

Discussion:

Clare Duffy /
CNN: Don Lemon and the Guardian left Elon Musk's X after the election. But is it a mass exodus? Don't be so sure

Wes Davis /
The Verge: Bluesky crosses the 15 million user mark

Lance Whitney /
PCMag: Done With Elon? How to Get Started on Bluesky Social

Sarah Parvini /
Associated Press: Bluesky has added 1 million users since the US election as people seek alternatives to X

Matthew Field /
Telegraph: What is Bluesky Social and why are people flocking to it after Trump victory?

Matthew Gault /
Gizmodo: The Joys and Perils of Leaving Elon Musk's X for Bluesky

Elizabeth Nolan Brown /
Reason: Texas Cops Fired for ‘Inappropriate’ Sexual Contact With Massage Workers

Danny Rigg /
Metro.co.uk: Bluesky user count booming after Elon Musk teams up with Trump - but what is it?

Dare Obasanjo /
@carnage4life@mas.to: I was just thinking to myself that it must be really obnoxious on X right now with Musk and other right wingers gloating about the election results. It seems that's the case since one million people have joined Bluesky since the election. — I've also seen a bunch of Twitter old timers on Threads also advocating switching to Bluesky. … @bluesky: 15M people on Bluesky!!! 💫 The Verge beat us to our own announcement — that's the beauty of an open network with public stats! https://bsky.app/...

Emily /
@emilyliu.me: we trust people, not platforms. for all the posting and marketing that @bsky.app does, truly nothing compares to a starter pack that you share with your own community, a personal blog post, or a text to three friends — thanks for being here and helping Bluesky grow!! 🦋 💙

Jaz /
@jaz.bsky.social: 90 days ago Bluesky had 6.18M users — 30 days ago Bluesky had 10.85M users — Tomorrow Bluesky will have 15M users — This is absolutely wild, thanks for believing in us y'all

Mike Masnick /
@mmasnick.bsky.social: Let's GOOOOOOOOOOO [embedded post]

Katie Drummond /
@katie-drummond.bsky.social: I am very excited that @wireddotcom.bsky.social is HIRING. We'll be listing 3 roles this month, and more in January. — We're hiring a CULTURE EDITOR, which is an incredible opportunity for someone who wants to get really weird on the internet: — condenast.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ CondeC... Fox News: Mark Cuban runs to ‘less hateful’ social media platform after scrubbing X account of Harris support

Miles Klee /
Rolling Stone: Bluesky Pulled a Million New Users After Election as More Abandoned Musk's X

Brian Niemietz /
New York Daily News: X competitor Bluesky claims 1M new users in week post-election

Alex Kirshner /
Slate: Bluesky Might End Up Defeating Twitter Once and for All

Britney Nguyen /
Quartz: Elon Musk's X is bleeding users after Trump's election win. Here's where they're going

Ariel Zilber /
New York Post: X rivals Bluesky, Threads see influx of users after Trump election victory

TechCrunch:

Perplexity says it will begin experimenting with ads on its platform in the US starting this week; ads will be formatted as “sponsored follow-up questions”— AI-powered search engine Perplexity says it'll begin experimenting with ads on its platform starting this week.

Discussion:
Adweek, Perplexity Blog, Digital Trends, Shelly Palmer and Ad Age, more at Techmeme »

Discussion:

David Cohen /
Adweek: Perplexity AI Is Testing Ads In Search With Brands Indeed and Whole Foods Market Perplexity Blog: Why we're experimenting with advertising — To fully deliver on our mission to spark …

Andrew Tarantola /
Digital Trends: Perplexity to introduce sneaky ads alongside its AI answers

Asa Hiken /