Top News:


Sources: WH aides are sharing a mix of fake and real news stories with Trump in an attempt to influence policy and bolster their standing within the Oval Office — The president rarely surfs the web on his own, but his staff have made a habit of slipping news stories on to his desk—including the occasional internet hoax.
Discussion:
The Wrap, Newser, Washington Post, The Daily Caller, @maggienyt, Media Matters for America, @mattyglesias, Vanity Fair, mikeallen, Business Insider, Mother Jones, Rare, @maggiejordanacn, Fast Company, New York Magazine, IJR, @andrewwrites, @liberaljaxx, @politico, Real Stories, Mashable, @braddjaffy, @gabrielsherman, @shanegoldmacher, @carlzimmer, Mediaite, @bradmossesq, @brendannyhan, @mattnegrin, @kevinmkruse, @maggienyt, bookforum.com, The Week and AOL

DOJ's Antitrust Division opens investigation into possible acquisition of Chicago Sun-Times by tronc, Inc., the owner of the Chicago Tribune — DOJ's Antitrust Division opens investigation into possible acquisition of Chicago Sun-Times by tronc, Inc., the owner of the Chicago Tribunepic.twitter.com/tpz3Qg6sU7
Discussion:
@walldo, @andrewhayespr, @annecw, GlobeNewswire News Room, @walldo, @mdoukmas, @ourmaninchicago, @jeffcercone and @felixsalmon
RELATED:


Chicago Tribune parent tronc is seeking to purchase its rival paper, the Chicago Sun-Times; tronc CEO Justin Dearborn says Sun-Times will remain independent — Tronc, owner of the Chicago Tribune, has entered into a nonbinding letter of intent to buy the Chicago Sun-Times.
Discussion:
@michaelroston


During the 2016-17 season, 27 returning TV shows suffered a 25% or larger decline in ratings, as viewers switch to streaming services — Almost every year since 2013, Vulture has published a chart illustrating the performance of veteran TV shows during the most recent season.
Discussion:
@alexsburton, @dkthomp and @vulture
RELATED:


Brad Grey, the former CEO and Chairman of Paramount Pictures, has died of cancer at age 59 — In a shocking development, it saddens me to report that Brad Grey has died at age 59. His death, from cancer, comes months after his exit as chairman/CEO of Paramount Pictures, a job he held for 12 years.
Discussion:
Variety, Variety, The Wrap, The Wrap, EW.com, Vanity Fair, HuffPost, IndieWire, TVWeek.com and Rare


Sources: Rupert Murdoch is interested in hiring WSJ editor Baker or Rebekah Brooks to run Fox News; key executives from the Ailes era are still at the network — When Rupert Murdoch left his office on a recent Monday afternoon, the 86-year-old mogul was ambushed by a BBC reporter seeking comment on the ongoing scandals at Fox News.
Discussion:
@ericgeller, The Week, @sarahlerner and @gabrielsherman
RELATED:

A look at the fallout from Fox News scandals that are already affecting politicians in NY and Va., and, sources say, may spill over to Bannon and Roger Stone
Discussion:
Mediaite, Fortune, @timobrien, @politicomag, @slpng_giants, @maggienyt, @joepompeo, Media Matters for America, @billkristol, @lrozen, @lhfang, @kenvogel, @schreckreports, @schreckreports, @kenvogel, @oliverdarcy, @jaketapper, @schreckreports, @schreckreports, @gabrielsherman, @schreckreports and @nycsouthpaw


After publishing a database of unofficial White House visitor logs based on public data, Politico debuts database API to expand cooperation with other news orgs — Andrew Restuccia wanted the answer to a simple question: Who was visiting the White House? — After doing some digging …


Sources: Disney CEO Bob Iger says hackers claiming to have access to an upcoming movie have demanded a ransom; the company is refusing to pay it — He says the hackers are demanding a ransom, which the company won't pay. — Have real-life pirates taken aim at Disney?
Discussion:
@kfile


As Snap user growth slows, it debuts regional ad campaigns, which sources say cost advertisers $300K-$700K, and pushes ads in its promotional AR Lenses — Snapchat's user growth is slowing. Prepare for the deluxe ads. — Subscribe Reprints — On Cinco de Mayo, millions …
Discussion:
@caseynewton, Digiday, Business Insider, Recode, TechCrunch, @alexeheath, Adweek, @sarahfrier and @larakiara, more at Techmeme »


The Guardian now has 230K members paying a minimum of £5/month, 185K print and digital subs, and 190K one-off contributors, yet still faces an uncertain future — Editor says signs are good that donations will help fend off digital revenue woes — Read next
Discussion:
@sarahmarshall, @ft and Poynter


The New York Times says A.G. Sulzberger will take over paper's opinion section from his father, expanding his role beyond deputy publisher — Arthur Gregg Sulzberger, the 36-year-old deputy publisher of The New York Times, is one step closer to taking over the paper his family has owned since the late 19th century.


News UK says columnist Kelvin MacKenzie's contract with The Sun newspaper has been terminated “by mutual consent” — Columnist Kelvin MacKenzie's contract with The Sun newspaper has been “terminated by mutual consent”, the paper's parent company has said.
Discussion:
@bbcbreaking, @davidfolkenflik and Press Gazette