Top News:
Steven Perlberg / BuzzFeed:
CNN is closing down Beme and Casey Neistat is leaving the company following 2016 acquisition, sources say for $20M+; CNN to continue developing Beme products — CNN acquired Beme in late 2016 with hopes that it would become a major piece of its digital business. Now Neistat's leaving the company.
Discussion:
Business Insider, Hollywood Reporter and @niemanlab, more at Techmeme »
Selina Wang / Bloomberg:
Sources: Twitter is working on a Snapchat-style tool to more easily share videos and photos on the network, but its design and launch aren't yet finalized — Social network is experimenting with new products to woo users — Company seeks to streamline process of posting photos, videos
Discussion:
Engadget, The Verge, MacRumors, Fast Company and 9to5Mac, more at Techmeme »
Jason Horowitz / New York Times:
Pope Francis condemns “fake news”, praises journalists as “protectors of news”, and lauds educational efforts aimed at helping people recognize misinformation — ROME — The serpent in the Garden of Eden hissed the first fake news to Eve and it all went downhill from there …
Discussion:
The Guardian, Politico, vatican.va, The Hill, @sulliview, @jasondhorowitz, The Daily Caller, AOL, @kevinloker, @jcstearns, @report4america, @samanthacortese, @mlcalderone, @tcarmody, Variety and CNN
Associated Press:
Prosecutor credits Indianapolis Star probe for prompting victims of Larry Nassar to speak up: “We as a society need investigative journalists more than ever” — https://www.apnews.com/a14ec4963945411a bb6d10b54a75ac1d — INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Former sports doctor Larry Nassar likely still …
Discussion:
@freep, @farhip, Poynter, Indianapolis Star, USA Today, @charlesminshew, @greggdoyelstar, @apcentralregion, @tonyleys, @lacolacioppo, @geostanley, @billshaikin, Deadspin and @sandrawthr
Dan Monk / WCPO:
E.W. Scripps continues restructuring initiative as it looks to sell its 34 radio stations and reduce annual operating expenses by $30M — Cincinnati-based media chain trims $30M in costs — CINCINNATI — The E.W. Scripps Co. is looking to sell its 34 radio stations while tripling the size …
Discussion:
@erikbilstadwtmj and @talkingnewmedia
John Biggs / TechCrunch:
NPD analysis: US print book sales rose by 1.9% in 2017, less than the 3% growth in 2013-2016, with few blockbusters to drive interest — In what amounts to faint praise for the strength of the physical book NPD reported that print book sales rose 1.9 percent in 2017, less than the 3 percent growth posted in 2013-2016.
Discussion:
NPD Group and Publishers Weekly
Washington Post:
How Madison Marriage, a journalist for the Financial Times, went undercover to report on harassment of hostesses at an exclusive London charity event for men — LONDON — Wanted: attractive young women wearing sexy underpants to serve as hostesses for British business bigwigs at a drunken old-boys-only charity affair.
Ei Ei Toe Lwin / The Myanmar Times:
Interview with Ma Pan Ei, wife of reporter Wa Lone, one of two Reuters journalists still being held after more than a month on charges of taking state secrets — “I knew he was missing but I had no idea why, and that made me insane. I wondered ...was he dead or abandoned on the street after being beaten?
Discussion:
@journotopia and @clarebaldwin
Bloomberg:
Sources: comScore is working with Goldman Sachs to explore strategic options, including a potential sale — Media analytics company working with Goldman Sachs on review — Company settled with activist investor Starboard in September — ComScore Inc. is working with financial advisers …
Josh Constine / TechCrunch:
Snap's VP of Product Tom Conrad leaving in March after 2 years; director of growth Jacob Andreou steps in at executive level, but no new title assigned to him — One of Snap CEO Evan Spiegel's top lieutenants Tom Conrad will leave Snapchat, and the whole tech industry, in March.
Discussion:
@joshconstine, The Verge, Variety, Recode, @chrismessina, @bizcarson, Business Insider, @taylorlorenz and Seeking Alpha, more at Techmeme »
Andrew Wallenstein / Variety:
Meg Whitman takes CEO role at Jeffrey Katzenberg's new startup that produces short-form content aimed at mobile consumption — Meg Whitman has been appointed CEO of a new venture backed by Jeffrey Katzenberg that aims to revolutionize entertainment with short-form premium content customized for mobile consumption.
Discussion:
GeekWire, Los Angeles Times, ZDNet, Business Wire, Fortune, Ad Age, Recode, The Wrap, @lucas_shaw, @awallenstein, @businessinsider and @latseema, more at Techmeme »
Lyz Lenz / Columbia Journalism Review:
Profile of Lewis D'Vorkin, the recently installed editor-in-chief of the LA Times who has ruffled feathers in the newsroom — Lewis D'Vorkin speaks at the Forbes Centennial Celebration in September 2017. Photo: Stephen Smith/SIPA USA via AP. — Lewis D'Vorkin's voice is tranquil as he threatens his staff.
Discussion:
LA Observed, @paulgoldberger, @mccullarmebad, @tedrall, @mccarthyryanj, @laobserved, @cmonstah, @kellymcb, @niemanlab, @elongreen, @cjr, @mattdpearce, @awinston, @weareyourfek, @daviduberti, @ckrewson, @mathewi, @pkafka and @jeremymbarr