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The Intercept says reporter Juan Thomas fabricated quotes, used fake email accounts to impersonate people, including an alleged source, was on staff until Jan. — A Note to Readers — The Intercept recently discovered a pattern of deception in the actions of a staff member.
Discussion:
@moneyries, Mediaite, Gawker, @monkeycycle_org, @timothys, @cashut, @scottleadingham, @kelkord, Mashable, The Huffington Post, @palafo, @lachlan, @underoak, @amandahess, @laurenpelley, @jessebrown, @barryap1, @janelytv, @hadas_gold, @raju, @mlcalderone, @nycsouthpaw, @craigsilverman, Poynter, @laura_nelson, @onthemedia and Talking New Media


Fine Brothers controversy explained: how an ill-advised trademark activated a hateful internet mob, leading to 250K lost followers and capitulation — The Fine Brothers Controversy Explained — One of the largest YouTube channels in the world just lost over 250,000 subscribers. Why?
Discussion:
Ryan Morrison Law, VideoInk, @mathewi, @caseynewton, New York Magazine, Techly, BBC, Geek.com, Kotaku and Gizmodo
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YouTube stars Fine Brothers rescind plans to trademark terms and license assets related to their “react” videos after backlash — Fine Bros back down, rescind trademark claim on the word “react” — Claim was for “programs... in the field of observing, interviewing groups of people.”
Discussion:
Fine Brothers Ent., Techdirt, @thebrandonmorse, Mashable, Variety, Tech Insider, CraveOnline, Business Insider, @lafond66, Tech Times, Gizmodo, Techly, @eevblog, @manyatruenerd, @masterpj55, The Verge, The Next Web, Tech Times, The Drum and Polygon


Sources: Yahoo plans to say it is exploring “strategic alternatives” after markets close — Yahoo Plans to Say It Is Exploring Strategic Options — Such comments would be strongest indication yet that Yahoo is considering a sale — Yahoo Inc. on Tuesday plans to announce it is exploring …
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Studios reexamine strategy as Netflix and Amazon shift Sundance focus to streaming rights instead of theatrical release, buy 6 high-profile films each — Sundance Wrap: Why Netflix and Amazon Dominance Matters — The streaming giants scored a combined 12 high-profile acquisitions.


Fox to cut spending on film, TV staff by $250M through voluntary buyouts — Fox Pursues $250 Million in TV, Film Staff Buyouts — Media giant 21st Century Fox is looking to cut spending on film and television staff by $250 million this year through buyouts.
Discussion:
Variety, Media & Entertainment and Hollywood Reporter


Instagram launches 28-part thriller series, Shield 5, posting 15-second clips daily — Instagram kicks off its very own 28-part thriller series — Instagram has made its first foray into the world of filmmaking, launching its very own 28-part thriller series.
Discussion:
@petenonsense, @loritodd, @richnewton, @mathewi, @dangillmor, CNET, CraveOnline, Look, Collider, EW.com, BelfastTelegraph.co.uk, The Express TribuneThe …, Digital Spy and Digital TV Europe

American Press Institute paper on news as a product outlines best practices for the emerging role of product manager in news organizations — Best practices for product management in news organizations — News is a product. — Conceptually, that is a leap for people from traditional reporting and editing roles.
Discussion:
Nieman Lab, @david_arkin, @wloosen, @voxproduct, @sgraslie and @raju


Industry executives complain that Nielsen data does not reflect consumers' evolving viewing habits — Nielsen Playing Catch-Up as TV Viewing Habits Change and Digital Rivals Spring Up — Dennis Cheatham said he felt as if he were receiving a message from the past last May when a package arrived …
Discussion:
@rafat, @timherrera and @miriamgottfried


Recording Industry Association of America starts counting on-demand streaming audio and video toward certifying albums as gold or platinum sellers — The RIAA Finally Bows to Streaming, Making 17 Artists' Albums Go Gold and Platinum — This is huge. — Call it the Anti effect, or just call it getting hip to the times.
Discussion:
The Atlantic, RAIN News, RIAA, Guardian, Music Business Worldwide, CraveOnline, Business Insider, International Business Times, Complex, NPR, Complex, Billboard and The Verge


Most online publishers hesitate to take action against ad-blockers for fear of upsetting readers — Why Most Websites Look the Other Way on Ad Blockers — Online publishers rage against ad blockers, but they're not doing much about them yet. — Randall Rothenberg doesn't want anyone …
Discussion:
Broadcasting & Cable


Fox Innovation Lab hosts two day summit for virtual and augmented reality experts — Fox Innovation Lab Explores Virtual and Augmented Reality with Two-Day Summit (Exclusive) — Around 80 virtual and augmented reality experts are congregating in Los Angeles Tuesday and Wednesday this week …