Top News:
Denise Petski / Deadline:
Ronan Farrow's first investigative documentary for HBO, part of a three-year-deal, will focus on threats and violence faced by journalism covering corruption — HBO has begun production on the first project in its multi-film deal with best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow.
Discussion:
Vanity Fair, The Wrap, @ronanfarrow, Hollywood Reporter, Multichannel News and TVNewser
Todd Spangler / Variety:
Forecast: Netflix will spend ~$17.3B on content in 2020, up from ~$15.3B in 2019, mostly on originals; Disney has said it will spend ~$1B on Disney+ originals — Netflix is keeping its foot pressed firmly on the gas pedal in the streaming-video road race. — The streamer will invest …
Discussion:
The Wrap, Multichannel News, Observer, The Wrap, The Streamable, Fortune, The Playlist, @steph_i_will, @paul_sacca and Variety
Joe Tidy / BBC:
Following a BBC investigation, Twitter apologizes for letting ads be micro-targeted using keywords like “transphobic”, “white supremacists”, and “anti-gay” — Twitter has apologised for allowing adverts to be micro-targeted at certain users such as neo-Nazis, homophobes and other hate groups.
Discussion:
Adweek, @joetidy, Telegraph, @joetidy, Engadget, @kreissdaniel, CNET, @sundersays, @zoejardiniere and @rasmus_kleis
Miles Socha / WWD:
Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey to step down on March 1 after 19 years; she act as a global consultant for its 29 editions — She is to become a global consultant for the fashion title's 29 global editions, and assist in finding her successor.
Discussion:
New York Times, CNN, @katierosman, The Business of Fashion, Page Six and bookforum.com
Elias Leight / Rolling Stone:
Layoffs at iHeartMedia, which controls 800+ radio stations, reflect long-term consolidation trends that silence local voices and homogenize viewpoints and music — The largest radio company in America cut a number of employees this week, dealing a blow to local radio across the country
Discussion:
Denver Westword, Plain Dealer, RadioInsight, Fox Business and AllAccess.com
Charlotte Tobitt / Press Gazette:
Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch urges the UK government to speed up plans for an online regulator as a bill to grant interim powers to Ofcom is introduced — Sky's chief executive has urged the Government to speed up its plans for an online regulator as a bill to grant interim powers to Ofcom was introduced in the House of Lords.
New York Times:
Turkey lifted a two-and-a-half year ban on Wikipedia on Wednesday, restoring access after the country's top court ruled that blocking it was unconstitutional — The country's top court had ruled that the move was unconstitutional. — The Turkish government lifted a two-and-a-half-year ban …
Discussion:
The Verge, @wikipedia, @ceylanwrites and @netblocks, more at Techmeme »
Sarah Perez / TechCrunch:
Hulu to debut one ad format letting viewers choose the ad from the brand and another allowing viewers to engage with the brand with info sent to their phones — Hulu is preparing to roll out new forms of advertising this year — one which will allow viewers to have more say in the ads that plays …
Discussion:
The Streamable and MediaPost
Ken Doctor / Nieman Lab:
Sources: Alden Global Capital, which now owns 32% of Tribune Publishing, is exerting its power, with Alden execs advising on cost cutting, including headcount — Missiles and drone strikes may have temporarily driven everyone's eyes elsewhere — including those in the news industry …
BuzzFeed News:
Documents from the Mueller probe show Fox News' Sean Hannity served as a central point of contact and adviser for Trump and allies who were under investigation — WASHINGTON — Sean Hannity has never been shy about using his highly rated Fox News show to express his disdain …
Discussion:
@katenocera, @reflectingman, @jasonleopold, @loopemma, @brianstelter, @jbenton, CNN and @mattgertz
Brianna Sacks / BuzzFeed News:
A Michigan reporter wrote that a state senator objectified and humiliated her; the senator has now apologized, and senate leaders called for an investigation — “It's so normalized. You hear something and you don't take the time to say something," Allison Donahue said.
Discussion:
Michigan Advance, Michigan Advance, @sjdemas, @repdebdingell, @donahual, @katelouisewells, @katiegilhooly, @michiganadvance, @klandergan, @bri_sacks, @stephanielily, @vvonfrank, @danadifilippo, @brettkelman, @nprmelissablock, @donahual, @thedailydetroit, @apstamm, @donahual, @rosemarybayer, @donahual, @ron_fournier, @historylivesdet, Poynter, @bri_sacks, @tracym, @chadlivengood, @annaesanders, @royalpratt, @donahual, USA Today, Newser and Sarah Schulz
Lesley Goldberg / Hollywood Reporter:
Peacock announces six series in its development slate, produced via Universal as well as from outside studios; Hatching Twitter will be the basis for one series — Projects from the likes of Norman Lear, Mindy Kaling, Amy Poehler and Will Forte are in the works as the NBCUniversal-backed streamer ramps …
Discussion:
Deadline, ComingSoon.net and @thr