Memo: Ben Sherwood says Daily Beast EIC Tracy Connor is leaving; Hugh Dougherty, most recently Deputy Editor of The New York Post, will be new executive editor (Max Tani/@maxwelltani)

Mediagazer: Memo: Ben Sherwood says Daily Beast EIC Tracy Connor is leaving; Hugh Dougherty, most recently Deputy Editor of The New York Post, will be new executive editor (Max Tani/@maxwelltani)

Top News:

CNBC:

Paramount leadership presents a plan that includes job cuts, a potential streaming JV, and divesting non-core assets if a sale of the company doesn't happen— The current leadership of Paramount Global presented a go-forward plan at the company's annual shareholder meeting Tuesday in the event a sale of the company doesn't happen.
Discussion: IndieWire, Reuters, The Information, Axios, The Hollywood Reporter, @allie_canal, @sherman4949

Discussion:

Dawn Chmielewski /
Reuters: Paramount Global's co-CEOs to lay out strategy for shareholders

Sahil Patel /
The Information: Paramount Leaders Outline Plan to Cut Costs, Explore Streaming Joint Ventures

Sara Fischer /
Axios: Paramount mulls streaming JV, job cuts as merger talks loom

Etan Vlessing /
The Hollywood Reporter: Paramount Leaders Unveil “Shared Vision” Amid Takeover Offer

Alexandra Canal /
@allie_canal: Shari Redstone says she recognizes the CEO office is not traditional but is “confident” that the structure will enable the execs “to move quickly to implement best practices throughout the company”

Alexandra Canal /
@allie_canal: The CEO office did not comment on deal speculation but did announce $500M in cost savings: - Prepared to move ‘quickly’ on cost reductions - Targeting real estate, marketing, technology & other corp. categories - ‘Just the beginning’ of cost reductions

Alex Sherman /
@sherman4949: Paramount Global's current leadership will unveil three strategic pillars: *Explore a JV with Paramount+ *Cut $500m in costs including job cuts *Divest non-core assets All done with attention on returning company to investment grade rating

RELATED:

CNBC:
Source: Paramount and Skydance agree to the terms of a merger, which will likely be announced in the coming days; Shari Redstone still needs to sign the deal

Discussion:
Variety, Deadline, CNBC, Front Office Sports, The Wrap, @tvgrimreaper, Fast Company, The Desk, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, World of Reel, The Information, Barrett Media, SlashFilm, The Streamable, New York Post, Media Play News, Business Insider, Mediaite, Advanced Television, New York Times and Wall Street Journal

Discussion:

Anthony D'Alessandro /
Deadline: Amid Skydance Offer, Paramount Global CEO Trio Trumpet 14 Billion Dollar Brands, Plans To Explore Streaming Joint Ventures

Lillian Rizzo /
CNBC: Paramount and Skydance agree to terms of a merger deal

Owen Poindexter /
Front Office Sports: What a Paramount-Skydance Merger Could Mean for Sports Media

Benjamin Lindsay /
The Wrap: Paramount Shareholder Aspen Sky Trust Decries Skydance Agreement as ‘Undervalued Bid’ That Only Benefits Shari Redstone

Chris Morris /
Fast Company: After months of talks, Paramount and Skydance have reportedly agreed to a merger

Matthew Keys /
The Desk: Paramount, Skydance reach agreement on merger framework

Todd Spangler /
Variety: Paramount, Skydance Agree on New M&A Deal Terms but Shari Redstone Hasn't Approved Pact Yet

Alex Weprin /
The Hollywood Reporter: Shari's Choice: Paramount's Future in the Balance as Redstone Weighs Skydance's Revised Deal

Jordan Ruimy /
World of Reel: Paramount and Skydance Agree to $8 Billion Merger

David Satin /
The Streamable: Skydance, Paramount Appear Ready to Announce Merger Deal After Ellison Improves Offer

Erik Gruenwedel /
Media Play News: Skydance Media Reportedly Nearing Deal to Acquire Paramount Global

Alex Griffing /
Mediaite: Paramount Reportedly Set to be Acquired By Skydance New York Times: Sources: Paramount and Skydance deal sticking points include legal expenses in case of shareholder lawsuits, potential “go-shop” period, and a shareholder vote

New York Magazine:

US prosecutors charge The Epoch Times' CFO Bill Guan with conspiracy to commit money laundering for allegedly moving at least $67M in illegally obtained funds— One of the strangest stories in media over the past decade is the Epoch Times, a formerly free newspaper distributed on the streets …

Discussion:
US Department of Justice, New York Post, The Guardian, @brandyzadrozny, @will_bunch, @brandyzadrozny, New York Times, @brandyzadrozny, @justinbaragona, @trueanonpod, @davidgerard, @daveweigel, @bryson_m, Al Jazeera, @jaredlholt, @emilybell, Associated Press, @scottnover, Rolling Stone, @semaforben, NPR, @annamerlan, Business Insider, Courthouse News Service, @howelloneill@infosec.exchange, @jbillinson@threads.net, The Daily Beast, @kurtsh@mastodon.social, Mediaite and @nickheer@c.im

Discussion:
US Department of Justice: Chief Financial Officer Of Multinational Media Company Charged With Participating In Scheme To Launder At Least $67 Million In Fraud Proceeds

Ariel Zilber /
New York Post: Epoch Times CFO charged over $67M money laundering scheme that boosted newspaper's revenue by 400% in a year

Richard Luscombe /
The Guardian: DoJ accuses far-right Epoch Times of being money-laundering operation

Brandy Zadrozny /
@brandyzadrozny: @semaforben Seems like the money laundering would be to support the Falun Gong media empire which Epoch Times was 1/3 of and historically made the least money. Stealing worldly bread to save the spiritually hungry?

Will Bunch /
@will_bunch: Why so much angst at the Washington Post when the Epoch Times just proved there are still ways that newspapers can make money?

Brandy Zadrozny /
@brandyzadrozny: @annamerlan A joke in our newsroom was that Epoch Times alone had figured out how to make money in journalism and boy was that right.

Brandy Zadrozny /
@brandyzadrozny: Cannot tell you how many times when reporting on the Epoch Times over the years I've asked “how the hell are they making all this money??” Looks like the answer may be a global money laundering scheme! https://www.nbcnews.com/... [image]

Justin Baragona /
@justinbaragona: An Epoch Times spokesperson just told me they “have a guiding principle that elevates integrity in its dealings” and will cooperate in the money laundering investigation involving their CFO, who is suspended “until this matter is resolved.” https://www.thedailybeast.com/ ... @trueanonpod: The DoJ is alleging that the vast majority of the Epoch Times revenue was obtained via blatantly criminal money laundering operations ran by its CFO. [image] @davidgerard: Bill Guan, the CFO of the Epoch Times, ran a crypto money laundering operation through the paper's companies https://www.justice.gov/... https://www.justice.gov/...

David Weigel /
@daveweigel: 5000 years of crimes in one indictment

Bryson /
@bryson_m: uhhh turns out the Epoch Times was a giant money laundering operation https://www.justice.gov/...

Emily Bell /
@emilybell: In my new role as CEO of the Epoch Times I will be introducing the ‘three newsroom’ model. There will be the newsy newsroom, the opiniony newsroom ....and the Making Money Online team .... https://www.justice.gov/... [image] Associated Press: Epoch Times CFO is arrested and accused of role in $67M multinational money laundering scheme

Charisma Madarang /
Rolling Stone: Epoch Times Executive Charged in Alleged $67 Million Money Laundering Scheme

Ben Smith /
@semaforben: Has anyone figured out whether the Epoch Times allegations suggest that the company is a front for money-laundering; or alternately that the money-laundering was intended to support the cause? Or both? https://www.justice.gov/...

Jude Joffe-Block /
NPR: An Epoch Times executive is facing money laundering charges

Anna Merlan /
@annamerlan: Ten other media executives furiously scribble down “making money online team” on an otherwise blank notepad on their vast empty desks

Jack Newsham /
Business Insider: Conspiracy theory-fueled newspaper Epoch Times grew revenue 4x thanks to CFO's crypto crime proceeds, feds say

Erik Uebelacker /
Courthouse News Service: Feds accuse Epoch Times of $67 million fraud scheme using prepaid debit cards, stolen data

Patrick Howell O'Neill /
@howelloneill@infosec.exchange: Filed under shocking stuff https://nymag.com/...

Josh Billinson /
@jbillinson@threads.net: oh so now it's a crime to find a profitable way to run a media organization

Justin Baragona /
The Daily Beast: Feds Accuse Far-Right Newspaper of Being a Money Laundering Operation @kurtsh@mastodon.social: This makes so much sense now. Paper media has struggled this past decade, yet the Epoch Times NEWSPAPER is drowning in cash? — They took out BILLBOARD & PRIME TIME TV ADS to advertise their propaganda rag. — They bought space in the Los Angeles Times paper delivery to be included in weekend subscriptions as an “advertising supplement”. …

New York Times:

A profile of Robert Winnett, the low-key, scoop-obsessed UK editor who will take charge of WaPo's newsroom this fall after 17 years at The Telegraph— Robert Winnett is virtually unknown in the U.S. and keeps a low profile in his native Britain, too. This fall, he will oversee the newsroom of Woodward and Bernstein.

Discussion:
Washington Post, The Media Leader, @grynbaum, @benmullin, The Desk, Press Gazette, The Guardian, Talking Biz News and Washington Post

Discussion:

Michael M. Grynbaum /
@grynbaum: Here's my profile of @washingtonpost's low-key new editor, Robert Winnett, a Brit who loves scoops, avoids dinner parties and is virtually unknown in the U.S. https://www.nytimes.com/...

Ben Mullin /
@benmullin: Rat Boy to The Post! Delightful man in the news profile by @grynbaum: https://www.nytimes.com/...

Charlotte Tobitt /
Press Gazette: Telegraph deputy of ten years Robert Winnett named Washington Post editor

Jane Croft /
The Guardian: Washington Post: Telegraph veteran to take over from Sally Buzbee as executive editor

Chris Roush /
Talking Biz News: Former WSJ editor Murray to run Washington Post Washington Post: WaPo says Matt Murray will be Executive Editor until the US presidential election, after which Robert Winnett will take on the new role of Editor

RELATED:

New York Times:
Source: Will Lewis told Sally Buzbee she could run one of the new WaPo divisions, in what would've been an effective demotion for her; Buzbee chafed at the idea

Discussion:

Ray Schultz /
MediaPost: ‘The Washington Post’ Shakeup: Exec Editor Buzbee Out

Ben Mullin /
@benmullin: Some backstory: Washington Post Chief Executive Will Lewis told Sally Buzbee she could run one of the new divisions being created at The Post, but she resigned instead — it would've been an effective demotion for her. https://www.nytimes.com/...

Ben Mullin /
@benmullin: New: Sally Buzbee was informed on Sunday that Matt Murray would be joining The Washington Post. Matt is now taking meetings in Sally's 7th floor office, and her nameplate has been removed w/@katie_robertson https://www.nytimes.com/...

Chris Boese /
@ChrisBoese@newsie.social: Backlash from Cronies? Sure looks like it. — Washington Post Newsroom Reels From Sudden Editor Exit — Sally Buzbee, who has been editor of The Washington Post since 2021, chafed at a major reorganization by the newspaper's chief executive. — https://www.nytimes.com/...

Tanzina /
@tanzinavega@threads.net: Apparently there are no qualified people who can run a newsroom in the United States. We must import talent from the UK to lead us.

Sabrina Quagliozzi /
The Media Leader: Washington Post shakes up leadership as Buzbee steps down

Mike Roe /
The Wrap: Washington Post Executive Editor Sally Buzbee Exits After 3 Years, New Leaders Named in Newsroom Restructure

Patrick Reilly /
New York Post: Sally Buzbee abruptly resigns as editor of The Washington Post after 3 years @cnn@threads.net: Sally Buzbee, the executive editor of The Washington Post, is stepping down from her role after leading the newspaper for three tumultuous years, the newspaper announced late Sunday. “Sally is an incredible leader and a supremely talented media executive who will be sorely missed. …

David Folkenflik /
@davidfolkenflik:

Washington Post:
A WaPo staff meeting to introduce new top editor Matt Murray turned contentious when staff questioned CEO William Lewis about Sally Buzbee's abrupt replacement

Discussion:
Nieman Lab, Associated Press, NPR, @brianstelter, Fox News, @genepark, @ericschultz, @angela_denker, @scotbertram, @vibinc, @jamesrbuk, @barbarahoff52, @maxwelltani, @nkulw, Mediaite, New York Post, @brianvastag@sciencemastodon …, The Wrap, @samlitzinger@journa.host, MediaPost, New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline

Discussion:

Hanaa' Tameez /
Nieman Lab: The Washington Post loses its executive editor and heads in a new direction (or three)

David Bauder /
Associated Press: With its top editor abruptly gone, The Washington Post grapples with a hastily announced restructure

David Folkenflik /
NPR: New CEO of ‘The Washington Post’ puts former colleagues in power

Brian Stelter /
@brianstelter: WaPo's story about tensions in the newsroom: Today's meeting “turned contentious when employees peppered publisher and CEO William Lewis with questions about a company reorganization and the abrupt replacement of executive editor Sally Buzbee.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/ ... Fox News: WaPo boss sounds alarm over dwindling audience in heated staff meeting: ‘People are not reading your stuff’

Gene Park /
@genepark: I want to express my eternal gratitude to the Washington Post's departing editor in chief, @SallyBuzbee. While I was sick, she made sure I was taken care of, that I stayed employed and paid, made accommodations while I recovered. She also read and enjoyed my work, went out of

Eric Schultz /
@ericschultz: my favorite version of this is @jmpalmieri's “time to get with what's happening”

Rev. Angela Denker /
@angela_denker: This makes me really sad, and also glad that I already canceled my subscription @washingtonpost - despite the many very talented journalists who continue to work there, clearly the ship is turning the other direction.

Scot Bertram /
@scotbertram: Lose $100M in a year and all of the sudden people want the activity causing that to stop. Go figure.

Steve Ross /
@vibinc: Exactly what “program” is that? Maybe @washingtonpost needs to disclose just what this “program” is to its readers.

James Ball /
@jamesrbuk: One notable thing given the number of senior Brits in different US newsrooms: UK newsroom leaders tolerate *markedly* less dissent than US ones. And have an especial distaste for disagreements escaping the newsroom and being reported elsewhere.

Barbara Hoffmann /
@barbarahoff52: Remember the @washingtonpost is now being run by a bunch of aholes from the UK who got their start in the UK tabloids, just like Murdoch and of course some of them worked for Rupert Murdoch in the US.

Max Tani /
@maxwelltani: During the meeting, Lewis was asked leadership diversity and the decision to get rid of Sally Buzbee, the paper's first female top editor. One staffer also said on the call that Buzbee deserved better treatment, prompting some cheering/applause from staff.

Noah Kulwin /
@nkulw: Will Lewis sounds like a proper cunt (britishism favored for low quality individuals)

Alex Griffing /
Mediaite: 'Can't Sugarcoat It': Washington Post CEO And Staff Reportedly Throw Down in Fiery Meeting After EIC's Abrupt Exit

Alexandra Steigrad /
New York Post: Washington Post staffers clash with CEO at all-hands meeting after top editor exits: ‘Get with the program’

Brian Vastag /
@brianvastag@sciencemastodon.com: Looks like my old workplace is turning into another media shitshow. Editor Sally Buzzbee was shit-canned on a Sunday night and a WSJ dude who's pals with the reich-wing publisher is now in charge. — A friend of mine who was a science editor at the Post recently left after just 18 months. …

Natalie Korach /
The Wrap: Washington Post Staffers Push Back on Sally Buzbee's Sudden Exit as Executive Editor

Sam Litzinger /
@samlitzinger@journa.host: New Washington Post editor Matt Murray meets staff after abrupt Buzbee exit — “In his brief remarks, Murray did not share his specific editorial priorities, though he mentioned a few specific stories that will be top priorities for The Post, including the presidential election, Donald Trump and the trial facing Hunter Biden.” …

Ray Schultz /
MediaPost: ‘Washington Post’ Shakeup: Exec Editor Buzbee Out

Carly Thomas /
The Hollywood Reporter: Sally Buzbee Steps Down as Executive Editor of The Washington Post NOTUS: WaPo staffers say they are concerned that Will Lewis is trying to impose a new editorial vision without giving them clarity ahead of the contentious US election

Discussion:

Dan Kennedy /
Media Nation: Post notes: Buzbee's departure, diversity concerns and a squishy-soft profile

Jon Allsop /
Columbia Journalism Review: The Brits are coming. Again.

Charlotte Klein /
@charlottetklein: “We are losing large amounts of money. Your audience has halved in recent years. People are not reading your stuff. I can't sugarcoat it anymore,” WaPo CEO and publisher Will Lewis told staff Monday, amid a major leadership shakeup at the paper: https://www.vanityfair.com/...

Hamza Shaban /
@hshaban: A really dark look at first reactions inside the Washington Post, and a taste of the new leadership style that is rejecting staff input and installing close allies and unknown outsiders in key positions. Implicit in all these big decisions is the approval of Jeff Bezos....

Hamza Shaban /
@hshaban: The Post's new leadership think they are telling naive staff the “hard truths” of revitalizing the news business. This posture is condescending and self-aggrandizing. In realty, new leaders are blaming journalists for the bad decisions of prior leaders, with no accountability

Brian Stelter /
@brianstelter: Will Lewis “was also asked whether he had interviewed any diverse candidates or women to be the new executive editor but did not give a definitive answer, per several sources.” https://www.notus.org/...

Mike Sims /
@peltast@mstdn.ca: @Mediagazer I'm afraid they're angry because they have clarity, not because they don't. New WaPo editorial vision will be hard right nuttery, that's clear to the staff and they're rightfully concerned.

Charlotte Klein /
Vanity Fair: “I Can't Sugarcoat It Anymore”: Will Lewis Bluntly Defends Washington Post Shake-Up

Karl Bode /
@karlbode.bsky.social: real journalism doesn't serve affluent brunchlords — they want cheaply produced distraction and engagement bait peppered with just enough real journalism to give their incompetence a veneer of seriousness [embedded post]

Gillian Branstetter /
@gbbranstetter.bsky.social: “I've got to do better” but not now I guess [embedded post]

Variety:

WBD increases the price for Max's ad-free version from $15.99 to $16.99 per month and the Ultimate ad-free tier from $19.99 to $20.99 per month— Warner Bros. Discovery has increased the price for its ad-free versions of streamer Max just ahead of HBO's “House of the Dragon” Season 2 premiere on June 16.

Discussion:
The Verge, IndieWire, The Streamable, The Wrap, TVLine, Deadline, Next TV, The Hollywood Reporter, BGR, Cord Cutters News, @tvgrimreaper, @variety, Digital Trends, ComingSoon.net and CNN

Discussion:

Emma Roth /
The Verge: Max raises prices across its ad-free plans

Samantha Bergeson /
IndieWire: The Max Price Increase Is Here, Just in Time for ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2

Matt Tamanini /
The Streamable: Warner Bros. Discovery Announces Max Price Increase, But It Won't Apply to All Subscribers

Lucas Manfredi /
The Wrap: Max Hikes Prices on Ad-Free Tiers

Ryan Schwartz /
TVLine: Max Is Raising Prices, Effective Immediately — How Much It'll Cost to Stream Without Ads

Denise Petski /
Deadline: Max Hikes Prices For Ad-Free Plans Effective Immediately

Etan Vlessing /
The Hollywood Reporter: Max Raises Price for Ad-Free Subscriber Tier @variety: Existing subscribers will be notified 30 days in advance of their plan renewing and see price increases starting from their next billing cycle on or after July 4. The ad-supported price remains the same at $9.99/month or $99.99/year. https://variety.com/...

Phil Nickinson /
Digital Trends: The ad-free options for Max are getting more expensive

Vrinda Mundara /
ComingSoon.net: Into the Blue 2: The Reef Streaming: Watch & Stream Online via HBO Max

Jordan Valinsky /
CNN: Spotify is hiking its prices again

Axios:

The WSJ introduced a multimillion-dollar brand advertising campaign on June 3, its first major brand campaign in years, focused on broadening subscriber appeal— - This is the Journal's first major brand campaign in years. … - The campaign tagline, “It's Your Business,” is meant to …

Discussion:
@jpodhoretz, @bobbybigwheel, @ericnewcomer, @jaycodon, @stevenjduffield, @mattrosoff, @pressgazette, @samueljscott, @sarafischer and @kantrowitz

Discussion:

John Podhoretz /
@jpodhoretz: Yeah. Terrible to try and get customers rather than continue to employ third-rate hacks. @bobbybigwheel: Ask a political operative what they would do if a candidate told them they wanted to lay off staff so they could pay for more billboards

Eric Newcomer /
@ericnewcomer: @Kantrowitz i presume billboards are to get new readers

Jacob Donnelly /
@jaycodon: This is the right approach for The Wall Street Journal. It needs to be synonymous with business, not just finance. Any other coverage is a distraction from that. @stevenjduffield: In other words, they're looking to dumb it down with trendy topics, not the subjects that cause people to subscribe to the WSJ. Less serious news; more opinion disguised as news. [image]

Matt Rosoff /
@mattrosoff: Huh. Hard to think of a business brand that has wider appeal and recognition. @pressgazette: The Wall Street Journal is launching a major multi-million brand advertising campaign amid changes and layoffs in the newsroom. It's focused on broadening subscriber appeal to a wider set of professionals with the tagline “It's Your Business” https://www.axios.com/...

Samuel Scott /
@samueljscott: @sarafischer ... It always seems that the solution is every business problem is “More growth!” — even if that means diluting a strong brand with high pricing power to appeal to more people.

Sara Fischer /
@sarafischer: NEW: @WSJ plans multi-million brand campaign amid newsroom changes — The campaign focuses on broadening the Journal's subscriber appeal to a wider set of business professionals, not just a small subset of finance investors or C-suite executives More on @axios

@maxwelltani:

Memo: Ben Sherwood says Daily Beast EIC Tracy Connor is leaving; Hugh Dougherty, most recently Deputy Editor of The New York Post, will be new executive editor— NEW: In a note to Daily Beast staff, Ben Sherwood announces that EIC Tracy Connor is leaving. Hugh Dougherty is the publication's new executive editor. [image]

Discussion:
@blackamazon, @ajbauer, @lachcartwright, @jakeswearingen, @lisatozzi, @sambrodey, @jaredlholt and @loudmouthjulia

Discussion:
@blackamazon: journalism's refusal to actually do the work it exposed itself as needing will be it's demise and they will blame the victims rather than the murders

A.J. Bauer /
@ajbauer: New right-wing outlet just dropped?

Lachlan Cartwright /
@lachcartwright: “Hugh's appointment signals the start of our transformation of the newsroom and underlying business as we confront the realities of the moment and seize the opportunities ahead,” Chief Content Officer Joanna Coles and CEO Ben Sherwood wrote to staff in a memo obtained by THR.

Jake Swearingen /
@jakeswearingen: We literally fought a war to stop British people from running everything and yet

Lisa Tozzi /
@lisatozzi: Another Fleet Street dude. How innovative.

Sam Brodey /
@sambrodey: Smart, tough, a relentless advocate for her people—Tracy has all the qualities you'd wish for in a top editor. Enormous loss for the Daily Beast.

Jared Holt /
@jaredlholt: Tracy is one of the best editors I've ever written for and Daily Beast's new leadership is absolutely moronic for what they're doing to the place. Classic dumb rich people thinking they can destroy a model that works and replace it with garbage and that readers will like that

The Information:

Sources: Apple was in talks last year to debut Apple TV+ in China via a deal with China Mobile, which would make it the only US video streaming service in China— Apple was in talks last year to launch its Apple TV+ video streaming service in China via a deal with China Mobile …

Discussion:
AppleInsider, @niubi, @waynema and 9to5Mac

Discussion:

William Gallagher /
AppleInsider: Apple TV+ tries to become the first US streamer in China

Bill Bishop /
@niubi: Would require lots of censorship, in China and globally

Wayne Ma /
@waynema: Apple held talks last year with China Mobile to launch Apple TV+ in the country. If successful, it would be the only U.S. streaming service in China, though unclear if it will ever come to Chinese iPhones. Check out my latest scoop for @theinformation https://www.theinformation.com/ ...

Financial Times:

South Africa's MultiChoice recommends that shareholders accept Canal+'s buyout offer that values the company at $2.9B and will remain open until April 2025— Takeover of Africa's largest pay-TV operator must overcome regulatory hurdles — Africa's largest pay-TV operator, MultiChoice …

Discussion:
Reuters, WORLD SCREEN, Advanced Television, Business Insider and Bloomberg

Discussion:

Kristin Brzoznowski /
WORLD SCREEN: MultiChoice Independent Board Supports Canal+ Offer

Loni Prinsloo /
Bloomberg: Vivendi's Offer to Buy MultiChoice Valued at $3 Billion Open

Bloomberg:

Shutterstock CEO Paul Hennessy says the company's licensing business with AI companies made $104M in revenue in 2023— - Reka AI is latest customer to announced deal with Shutterstock — OpenAI, Meta, among others using Shutterstock images for AI

Discussion:
@webjournalist.bsky.social and Brody Ford on LinkedIn

Discussion:

Robert Hernandez /
@webjournalist.bsky.social: How many years is it until Shutterstock shuts down because it gets replaced by AI-generated images? Enjoy that $104M. [embedded post]

Washington Post:

Dinesh D'Souza's 2000 Mules, which Salem Media pulled from distribution only last week, is a case study in how appealing, lucrative falsehoods endure— “2000 Mules” is a case study in how appealing, lucrative falsehoods endure. — I was sitting at dinner with my editor in early 2022 …

Discussion:
@w7voa@journa.host, @pbump and Inside Radio

Discussion:

Steve Herman /
@w7voa@journa.host: Two years later, obvious misinformation is finally taken down. “2000 Mules” is a case study in how appealing, lucrative falsehoods endure, writes Phillip Bump. https://wapo.st/3yLui3I

Philip Bump /
@pbump: Wasn't originally going to write about “2000 Mules,” but decided it was worth highlighting how obvious nonsense could be out there for years — misleading people and making money — without any recourse. https://www.washingtonpost.com/ ...

The Guardian:

UK broadcasters like Channel 4 and ITV are taking stakes in early-stage digital companies, often by providing advertising airtime in return for equity— With advertisers slashing their spend, channels have found a new way to fill unsold ad space — When Kubos, a semiconductor company …

Discussion:
Diana Florescu on LinkedIn

Deadline:

Disney EMEA President Jan Koeppen says Disney spent £3.5B on production in the UK since 2019, including on 29 films; Netflix spent $6B in the UK in 2019 to 2023— Disney has spent £3.5B ($4.5B) on production in the UK since 2019, EMEA boss Jan Koeppen has revealed.

Discussion:
Variety and The Hollywood Reporter

Discussion:

K.J. Yossman /
Variety: Disney EMEA Boss Jan Koeppen Restates Commitment to Theatrical Distribution, Cites ‘Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story’ as Top Unscripted U.K. Series

Bloomberg:

Antenna: Spotify users are the least likely to cancel among major video or audio streaming services in the US, with a ~2% monthly churn rate, similar to Netflix— Its customers are the least likely to cancel among major video or audio streaming services. — Good afternoon from Chicago …

Discussion:
Music Ally, @lucas_shaw, The Information and Deadline, more at Techmeme »

Discussion:

Lucas Shaw /
@lucas_shaw: Spotify announced it is raising prices, as we first reported it would a couple months ago. Get ready for Spotify to raise prices regularly in the coming years. (As Netflix has in video.)

Lucas Shaw /
@lucas_shaw: People don't switch from one audio service to another. That happens ALL THE TIME in video, where people cancel and resubscribe depending on new shows. But that doesn't exist with audio, where every service offers a similar product. [image]

Martin Peers /
The Information: Spotify's Price Rise Makes Apple Music More Appealing

RELATED:

The Verge:
Spotify plans to raise US prices: Premium from $10.99 to $11.99 per month, Duo from $14.99 to $16.99, and Family from $16.99 to $19.99, after a July 2023 hike

Discussion:
Spotify, The Hill, 9to5Google, @ccm_brett, @radnorcapital, @film_girl, The Hollywood Reporter, @alexweprin, @tomwarren, The Desk, Engadget, BGR, CBS News, Gizmodo, Bloomberg, The Media Leader, Micah Willbrand on LinkedIn, CNBC, Digital Trends, Variety, Music Ally, 9to5Mac, The Wrap, TechCrunch and KTVX-TV

Discussion:

Ben Schoon /
9to5Google: Spotify is raising prices in the US; $12 for single accounts, $20 for Family

Brett /
@ccm_brett: Spotify continues to gain market share on Apple Music and Amazon Music How important will YouTube Music be over the next five years? $SPOT [image] @radnorcapital: Spotify $SPOT is raising prices again in the US and the stock is up ~5%. Individual +$1 or +9% to $11.99, Duo +$2 or +13% to $16.99 and Family Plan +$3 or +18% $19.99. Given the stock reaction, this move was likely sooner and/or larger vs. expectations. At the risk of stating

Christina Warren /
@film_girl: Honestly, I'm going to have to consider charging the people who squat on my Spotify Family plan rent b/c this is like a $50 a year increase. Which is small but also WTAF. https://www.theverge.com/...

Alex Weprin /
The Hollywood Reporter: Spotify Hikes Prices of Premium Plans Again as Streaming Inflation Continues

Alex Weprin /
@alexweprin: The price of individual plans is going up by $1 a month. Family plans? $3 a month.

Tom Warren /
@tomwarren: Spotify is increasing its US prices again. Premium, Duo, and Family plans are all getting price hikes — the second in one year https://www.theverge.com/...

Matthew Keys /
The Desk: Spotify to raise prices on Premium, Duo and Family plans

Sarah Fielding /
Engadget: Spotify is raising the cost of Premium subscriptions, again

Khristopher J. Brooks /
CBS News: Spotify hikes price of memberships as it seeks to drive profits

Dua Rashid /
Gizmodo: Spotify Is Raising Prices Yet Again

Ashley Carman /
Bloomberg: Spotify Shares Jump on US Price Increase

Sabrina Quagliozzi /
The Media Leader: Spotify hits users with another price hike in less than a year

Micah Willbrand /
Micah Willbrand on LinkedIn: Have talked a bit on food costs but not it's time for streaming chats. — Fascinating that a company which eliminated 20% of it's work force …

Ashley Capoot /
CNBC: Spotify raises prices of premium subscription plans

Phil Nickinson /
Digital Trends: Spotify is getting more expensive, again

Todd Spangler /
Variety: Spotify Raises U.S. Prices of Premium Streaming Plans for Second Time in One Year

Stuart Dredge /
Music Ally: Spotify raises its subscription prices in the US again

Benjamin Mayo /
9to5Mac: Spotify raising prices again, Family plan now $3/mo more expensive than Apple Music

Natalie Korach /
The Wrap: Spotify Raises Premium Plan Price for US Subscribers by 20%

New York Times:

The Monday night shows of Rachel Maddow and Jon Stewart are luring viewers back to basic cable, a sign of the staying power of established TV personalities— Once a week, Rachel Maddow and Jon Stewart are luring viewers back to basic cable. — Liberal TV viewers have a new mantra: T.G.I.M.!

Discussion:
@johnnydollar01, HuffPost, Liza Burnett Fefferman on LinkedIn, Rolling Stone and LateNighter

Discussion:

Johnny Dollar /
@johnnydollar01: Another data point: .@Gutfeldfox continues to crush The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, topping Stewart in May in viewers, 25-54 and 18-49 demos. This month, Gutfeld! notched its most watched weekday telecast ever with 2.9M viewers... https://press.foxnews.com/...

Johnny Dollar /
@johnnydollar01: Once a week, Rachel Maddow and Jon Stewart are luring viewers back to basic cable. So sez @nytimes https://www.nytimes.com/... Actually, five days a week @TheFive lures a bigger audience to basic cable...and does it at 5 in the afternoon. Sometimes topping Maddow+Stewart combined!

Ed Mazza /
HuffPost: ‘What The F**k?’: Brazen New Trump Lie Stuns Jon Stewart Into 15 Seconds Of Silence

Liza Burnett Fefferman /
Liza Burnett Fefferman on LinkedIn: The G.O.A.T. #jonstewart #thedailyshow — #mtventertainmentstudios Comedy Central Paramount — “A sign of the staying power of television personalities …

Charisma Madarang /
Rolling Stone: Jon Stewart Roasts Media Coverage in Aftermath of Trump Conviction

Nick Riccardo /