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Even as the pandemic spurs newfound value in local news, boosting digital subscriptions, publishers are uncertain they can overcome the collapse in ad revenue — The coronavirus pandemic is proving the value of local news to millions of readers, driving up subscriptions. But the advertising collapse is knee-buckling.
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CEOs of News Media Alliance and the Local Media Association say they expect devastating revenue loss for members but say small publishers can still survive — ‘Our members have gone from a weak financial position to a horrible financial condition’ — Leaders of associations that represent …
Discussion:
@itsren, @altweeklies and @hollyanndoan


Fox Business “parted ways” with Trish Regan; the move comes after Regan's on-air dismissal in early March of COVID-19 concerns as an attempt to impeach Trump — The Fox Business host was officially let go on Friday more than two weeks after she ranted against the “coronavirus impeachment scam.”
Discussion:
New York Times, @jeremymbarr, The Wrap, @aravosis, @davidfolkenflik, @gadyepstein, @dandrezner, @jayrosen_nyu, @dylanbyers, @davidfrum, CNN, @mikegrunwald, @marlownyc, Newser, @dellcam, @brianstelter, @mmasnick, @brianstelter, @walshfreedom, @amandacarpenter, @swin24, @dylanbyers, Breitbart, Broadcasting & Cable, Talking Biz News, TVNewser and Variety


Under the CARES Act, outlets with under 1,000 staff can apply to a $300B fund, while bigger chains compete with retailers and others for money from a $454B fund — The multi-trillion-dollar CARES Act should extend a lifeline to many small local publishers.
Discussion:
Washington Post, @kdoctor, @jaredrutecki, @lucasgrindley, @niemanlab and @jbenton


Google removes Infowars app from Play Store, citing misinformation, after a video posted in the app disputed the need for measures to contain the coronavirus — Apple kicked Alex Jones out of the App Store in 2018. The Google Play Store has finally followed suit.
Discussion:
Daily Mail, Variety, @reflectingman, @lilyhnewman, @zackwhittaker, @oliverdarcy, Newsweek, Gizmodo, The Verge, 9to5Google and Matt's Newsletter


Q&A with the CEO of Bloomberg Media, which saw new subs in March grow by 86% month-over-month and the week ending March 20 as its highest since paywall's debut — During these nerve-wracking times, for public health as well as economic health, people's appetite for trusted news has sky rocketed.
Discussion:
@bmorrissey, @raju and Editor & Publisher Magazine


NBC cedes primetime slot usually reserved for dramas to air hourlong coronavirus special reports on Tuesdays for at least three weeks, as viewership surges — NBC News will kick off a new show next week that's scheduled to appear for the next three Tuesdays.
Discussion:
TVNewser, @tvgrimreaper, @bristei, Deadline and Broadcasting & Cable


Podtrac: podcast downloads in the US have fallen ~10% and total unique listeners are down ~20% since the start of March, with true crime podcasts down the most — It seems everyone just wants the news, on TV and online, not a true crime podcast. — Since early March, when concerns around …
Discussion:
Podtrac Measurement Blog, @whatthebit, @fortelabs, @genepark, @carnage4life, @aleyda and @eshap, more at Techmeme »


National Geographic Society launches a global fund for journalists covering COVID-19, with an emphasis on underserved groups and funding from $1,000-$8,000 — Please note: This call for proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications may be submitted until further notice.
Discussion:
@indira_l, @bradfordpearson, @bradfordpearson, @opennews and @penguinsix


Digital media like BuzzFeed, Group Nine, and Vice were all expected to earn profits in 2020, but now executives warn staff of layoffs while publicly keeping mum — New York (CNN Business)2020 was supposed to be a banner year for digital media. BuzzFeed, Group Nine, and Vice each indicated …
Discussion:
@aggancarski, @nandoodles, @kerrymflynn, @kerrymflynn, @kerrymflynn and @kerrymflynn


Disney closes California's Disneyland and Florida's Disney World indefinitely, after initially planning to close through March, will pay staff through April 18 — Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort will remain closed until further notice, a spokesperson for The Walt Disney Company announced on Friday.
Discussion:
/Film, Orlando Sentinel, @lukemmoney, Newsweek, Forbes, Reuters, Los Angeles Times, Fox News, CNET, Variety and Deadline


China shuts down all cinemas again, after reopening 600 of them over the past week, without providing an official explanation for the shut down — Over the past two weeks, movie theaters had begun to gradually reopen in the country. No reason was given for the abrupt reversal …
Discussion:
Deadline, Variety, @thr, @brianpshea, @irinatsukerman, @variety, @jeffdlowe, @alanmcole, @zeitchikwapo, @frankpallotta, Forbes, Business Insider, Vanity Fair, IndieWire and The Week