Top News:
Robert Channick / Chicago Tribune:
Tribune Publishing has agreed to be acquired by Alden Global Capital in a $630M deal; Tribune will become a privately held company; Alden to sell Baltimore Sun — Tribune Publishing, publisher of the Chicago Tribune and other major newspapers, has agreed to be acquired by Alden Global Capital in a deal valued at $630 million.
Discussion:
New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Talking Biz News, CNN, Tribune Publishing Company, Axios, @amlwhere, @jasonleopold, @mlcalderone, @crepeau, The Week, Los Angeles Times, @froomkin, @jimlaporta, @eliseschmelzer, @andrewyang, @kcjhoop, @willoremus, @ssdance, @cflav, @jmartnyt, @warondumb, @hshaban, @noahshachtman, @scott_maxwell, @asteadwesley, @willoremus, @jaden_reports, @mattdpearce, @tonypuricelli, @grace_2e, @clarajeffery, @craigtimes, @rexhuppke, @reidepstein, @mattgertz, @mmcintire, @bauerjournalism, @chicagotribune, @robillard, @charlottealter, @alex_roarty, @bykowicz, @richarddeitsch, @froomkin, @sarcasmstardust, @jeffjarvis, @jbenton, @annie_banany_, Newser, New York Post, Chicago, IL Patch, Robert Feder, Chicago Sun-Times, Reuters, Poynter, Orange County Register, The Hill and Daily Herald
Discussion:
Lukas I. Alpert / Wall Street Journal: Alden Global Capital Agrees to Buy Rest of Tribune Publishing
Washington Post: Tribune Publishing, owner of major U.S. newspapers, to be acquired by hedge fund known for slashing newsroom jobs
Ann Marie Lipinski / @amlwhere: Many are mourning the inevitable losses for journalists, and I do too. But the greatest price will be paid by the communities that are home to these Tribune Publishing newspapers. That cost is incalculable. https://www.washingtonpost.com/ ...
Jason Leopold / @jasonleopold: “The deal's success hinges on securing the votes of California biotech billionaire and Los Angeles Times owner Patrick Soon-Shiong, who owns about 24% of Tribune Publishing, and shareholder Mason Slaine, a former media executive who owns roughly 8%.” https://twitter.com/...
Michael Calderone / @mlcalderone: “Alden is the worst in the news business,” says Chicago city hall reporter @royalpratt after Tribune deal, adding: “But we are going to continue to fight for our newsroom and our journalism.” https://www.nytimes.com/...
Megan Crepeau / @crepeau: This is, without question, bad for Chicago. https://www.chicagotribune.com/ ...
Harold Maass / The Week: The daily business briefing: February 17, 2021
Meg James / Los Angeles Times: Tribune Publishing proposes $630-million sale to hedge fund Alden Global Capital
Dan Froomkin / @froomkin: Tragic. My heart goes out to the staff at the Chicago Tribune; Baltimore Sun; Hartford Courant; Orlando Sentinel; South Florida Sun Sentinel; New York Daily News; Capital Gazette; The Morning Call; the Daily Press; and The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk, Virginia. https://twitter.com/...
James LaPorta / @jimlaporta: Another blow to a profession that is critical in combatting the daily onslaught of misinformation. https://www.wsj.com/...
Elise Schmelzer / @eliseschmelzer: How does Alden have $431 million to buy up Tribune shares but not enough money to avoid furloughing/laying off its employees? https://twitter.com/...
Andrew Yang / @andrewyang: This includes the New York Daily News - new ownership should commit to preserve and expand newsroom jobs as part of the acquisition. We need more local reporters not fewer. https://twitter.com/...
K.C. Johnson / @kcjhoop: Beyond my personal feelings for what this place meant to me while growing up, while I proudly worked there for 29 years and while still subscribing now to the print product, this newspaper is essential to our city. It's filled with hard-working people who deserve local ownership. https://twitter.com/...
Will Oremus / @willoremus: A hedge fund best known for buying newspapers, laying off most of the journalists, and profiting off of their once-proud names while it runs them into the ground has just bought the Chicago Tribune, NY Daily News, and 6 other papers. https://www.wsj.com/...
@ssdance: “We've campaigned for this for the past year,” said @lizbowie. “I think the paper will be able to continue to hold the powerful accountable and tell the important stories of our community for another two centuries.” https://www.nytimes.com/...
Christopher Flavelle / @cflav: The trends described in this story make it one of the most dispiriting things I've read in a long time. And I cover climate change. https://www.nytimes.com/...
Jonathan Martin / @jmartnyt: No big, just a hedge fund taking over the storied daily in one of America's biggest cities. But it's not like politicians in Chicago and Illinois demand much accountability https://twitter.com/...
Kyle Whitmire / @warondumb: Who didn't see this coming? Once the vampires were in the house, it was only a matter of time. https://www.chicagotribune.com/ ...
Hamza Shaban / @hshaban: “The combination of Tribune and MediaNews Group, an Alden-controlled chain of roughly 100 newspapers...would put another significant chunk of newspaper publishing under the strong influence or outright control of the financial industry.” https://www.nytimes.com/...
Noah Shachtman / @noahshachtman: This fucking sucks. The Trib and the Daily News were great papers, not that long ago. Their journalists deserve better. https://www.wsj.com/...
Scott Maxwell / @scott_maxwell: Here's to community leaders and philanthropists in Baltimore who know the value of local journalism for their community. https://twitter.com/...
Will Oremus / @willoremus: Alden Global Capital's commitment to ensuring the sustainability of robust local journalism is about as well-established as the Cookie Monster's commitment to ensuring the sustainability of local cookie inventories. https://www.nytimes.com/... https://twitter.com/...
Jaden Jefferson / @jaden_reports: The horrid decision-making by Alden Global Capital has made the newspapers they own weaker, which has hurt the communities they serve, and further led to the demise of incredible journalism. When given the opportunity, support local journalism: print, TV and radio. https://twitter.com/...
Matt Pearce / @mattdpearce: Horrible for Tribune Publishing, but sounds like a victory for @baltsunguild: “As part of the deal, Alden signed a non-binding term sheet to sell the Baltimore Sun to Sunlight for All Institute, a public charity formed by Stewart Bainum Jr.” https://www.chicagotribune.com/ ...
Tony Puricelli / @tonypuricelli: Scary day for Chicago media. Happy that at least Baltimore residents will have civic-minded owners at the helm of their largest news publication. https://twitter.com/...
Grace Toohey / @grace_2e: Horrible news for local news across the U.S., including in Orlando, with this takeover by Alden. However, if the sale of The Sun goes through, Baltimore would be spared. I am so dang hopeful it does for Maryland, my home state, and our friends at @baltsunguild https://twitter.com/...
Craig Pittman / @craigtimes: Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh. Hedge fund with a history of deep cost-cutting at its other newspaper properties buys Tribune Co., parent of #Florida newspapers @orlandosentinel & @SunSentinel https://www.orlandosentinel.com/ ...
Rex Huppke / @rexhuppke: You can read all about it in my new book, “Alden Global Capital: The Greatest Company In America (You Look Very Nice Today, Have You Been Working Out?)” https://www.chicagotribune.com/ ...
Reid J. Epstein / @reidepstein: When I worked at Tribune-owned Newsday, Sam Zell visited Melville and told us: “There's no question Newsday owns Long Island. The question is: Is Long Island worth owning?” Even that was better than what Tribune communities face with the Alden takeover. https://www.nytimes.com/...
Matthew Gertz / @mattgertz: So completely screwed. https://twitter.com/...
Kelly Bauer / @bauerjournalism: This is heartbreaking. We need to support the Trib's journalists, now more than ever. Chicago needs their work. https://twitter.com/...
@chicagotribune: Our timeline traces how ownership of Tribune Publishing has changed since 2006 https://www.chicagotribune.com/ ...
Kevin Robillard / @robillard: yes but tell me more about how the real crisis in journalism is about the NYT's personnel choices https://twitter.com/...
Charlotte Alter / @charlottealter: If you're wondering why we have an information crisis in this country... this is a big part of the reason https://www.washingtonpost.com/ ...
Julie Bykowicz / @bykowicz: I'm still not willing to give up my happiness for The Sun, but below are two very sobering paragraphs (1/2) https://www.nytimes.com/...
Richard Deitsch / @richarddeitsch: Depressing as hell. https://twitter.com/...
Dan Froomkin / @froomkin: Helluva lede: “Alden Global Capital, an investment fund known for acquiring and slashing the operations of newspapers, said it would take over Tribune Publishing Co. of Chicago, the owner of the Chicago Tribune, Orlando Sentinel and New York Daily News.” https://twitter.com/...
@sarcasmstardust: This is awful. Hedge funds are buying newspapers. Corporations own network news. Journalism is dying. https://twitter.com/...
Jeff Jarvis / @jeffjarvis: Bad news Alden Global Capital Agrees to Buy Rest of Tribune Publishing https://www.wsj.com/...
Joshua Benton / @jbenton: The lamps are going out all over America, we shall not see them lit again in our life-time https://www.chicagotribune.com/ ...
Annie / @annie_banany_: If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with hating Alden capital and what it does to local news https://twitter.com/...
Evann Gastaldo / Newser: Tribune Deal Alarms Journalists
Keith J. Kelly / New York Post: Tribune Publishing, owner of New York Daily News, sold to hedge fund
David Roeder / Chicago Sun-Times: Tribune Publishing sells to Alden Global Capital
Tom Jones / Poynter: Hedge fund Alden agrees to buy Tribune Publishing
Gerry Smith / Orange County Register: Tribune Publishing agrees to $430 million takeover by Alden Global Capital
Jordan Williams / The Hill: Hedge fund to acquire Tribune Publishing in $630M deal
RELATED:
Christopher Dinsmore / Baltimore Sun:
A nonprofit formed by Stewart Bainum Jr., Sunlight for All Institute, is set to acquire The Baltimore Sun, The Capital Gazette, and several other area outlets — Returning The Baltimore Sun to Maryland hands, the state's largest newspaper and its affiliates will be acquired by a nonprofit formed …
Discussion:
@chicagotribune, Axios, Columbia Journalism Review, Poynter, @jbenton, @gadyepstein, @katfominykh, @theartist_mbs, @moonalice, @ssdance, @connorasheets, @childswalker, @jasonlacanfora, @andrewfeinberg, @seanjwelsh, @teddyamen, @jcstearns, @bykowicz, @brianstelter, @bykowicz, @harrymccracken, @rhodes_dawn, @markwjz, @ericalg, @dabeard, @ckefalas, @adwolfson, @pwoodreporter, @pwoodreporter, @baltbizholden, @laurenmlumpkin, @mikememoli, @lizbowie, @sulliview, @ellierushing, @palewire, @ssdance, @ssdance, @missryley, @mayorbmscott, @brettzongker, @lindaperlstein, @brfreed, @alecmacgillis, @evanmglass, @baltcoexec, @mjenkins, @pwoodreporter, @colindabkowski, Baltimore, MD Patch, Associated Press, Associated Press, Forbes, Media Nation and The Wrap
Discussion:
@chicagotribune: As part of the deal, Alden signed a non-binding term sheet to sell the Baltimore Sun to Sunlight for All Institute, a public charity formed by Stewart Bainum Jr. https://www.chicagotribune.com/ ...
Sara Fischer / Axios: Hedge funds gobble local news
Jon Allsop / Columbia Journalism Review: The vultures come for Tribune, as the Baltimore Sun looks to escape
Joshua Benton / @jbenton: This is true, but allow me to be gloomy that only Baltimore pulled this off, not Chicago, Orlando, Hartford, etc. https://twitter.com/...
Gady Epstein / @gadyepstein: Amid very bad news for the rest of the Tribune newspapers, the Baltimore Sun miraculously gets sold to a nonprofit https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Katherine Fominykh / @katfominykh: I am going to fucking cry. I AM THRILLED!! WOOOOOO https://twitter.com/...
Michael Brice-Saddler / @theartist_mbs: the photo choice *chef's kiss* https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Roger McNamee / @moonalice: This is awesome news. The @baltimoresun has a long and noble history and the city it serves deserves to have it return to local ownership. Not-for-profit model is a huge plus. https://twitter.com/...
@ssdance: If this deal comes to pass, it's literally a dream come true for us, and for so many others who have put so much work into the Sun, or have loyally read and subscribed.
Connor Sheets / @connorasheets: This is such hopeful news for Maryland & the dedicated staff of the paper where I had my first paid bylines. I'm very concerned about the likely disastrous impacts of this deal on other Trib papers & their employees. But wow is this huge for my home state. https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Childs Walker / @childswalker: Inner Eeyore urging caution but as I watch my colleagues react, can't help but melt a little. https://twitter.com/...
Jason La Canfora / @jasonlacanfora: This would be awesome https://twitter.com/...
Andrew Feinberg / @andrewfeinberg: This is really good news! https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Sean Welsh / @seanjwelsh: I'm full of hope for local journalism and my former colleagues at @baltimoresun. https://twitter.com/...
Teddy Amenabar / @teddyamen: Holy wow this is the best news I've seen in a while. https://twitter.com/...
Josh Stearns / @jcstearns: For a bit of history: Maryland Senator Ben Cardin first introduced legislation in 2009 that would have allowed newspapers to become non-profit organizations. https://www.cardin.senate.gov/ ...
Julie Bykowicz / @bykowicz: It was a dream to work there for 10 years. So many fantastic people remain on its pages, and too many amazing alumni to even begin to name. I'm so happy for Baltimore. https://twitter.com/...
Brian Stelter / @brianstelter: This story is illustrated by a rainbow in the sky, and that's not a coincidence... this news is a huge relief to Sun staffers and many Baltimore civic leaders https://twitter.com/...
Julie Bykowicz / @bykowicz: This seems good. https://twitter.com/...
Harry McCracken / @harrymccracken: Sounds like Baltimore lucked out here. https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Dawn Rhodes / @rhodes_dawn: On the flip side, this is terrific news and all the congrats to @ChesapeakeGuild and the @baltimoresun newsroom. We're all pulling for you and wishing you well in the journey forward. https://twitter.com/...
Mark Viviano / @markwjz: This appears at least initially to be a welcomed development (based on the reactions of many who work at The Sun). Here's hoping this brings stability & security to many hard-working folks who've long labored in uncertainty. @WJZ https://twitter.com/...
Erica L. Green / @ericalg: Scene from one of me and Liz's convos a few years ago: Me: Ugh, I'm trying to write this story Liz: I'm trying to save the paper. Me: https://twitter.com/... https://twitter.com/...
David Beard / @dabeard: This isn't sealed, but the @baltimoresun and several Maryland papers may be spared the ruinous hedge-fund ownership facing the other Tribune papers. https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Chrys Kefalas / @ckefalas: Big news from my hometown newspaper. Maybe a replicable formula for others to bolster and expand state and local news? https://twitter.com/...
Andrew Wolfson / @adwolfson: Anyone want to buy The Courier Journal? https://twitter.com/...
@pwoodreporter: The @baltsunguild, @ChesapeakeGuild and @SaveOurSun has been working so hard to rescue our papers from Alden's clutches. So much is unknown about this deal but I have hope this is potentially good for local news. https://twitter.com/...
@pwoodreporter: “The Sun is a Md institution w/a proud history, and an employer of hundreds of Marylanders. We wish the paper great success as it returns to being locally-owned, and continues to carry out the work of the free press,” says @riccimike for @GovLarryHogan. https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Holden Wilen / @baltbizholden: This is good news for local journalism. But let's not forget the other papers that have died. I wish the same care had been made to save the Montgomery County Sentinel and the Gazette. Instead Maryland's biggest and most powerful jurisdiction remains a news desert. https://twitter.com/...
Lauren Lumpkin / @laurenmlumpkin: wowowow this is great news for Maryland. Organizing works 🙌🏾☀️ #SaveOurSun https://twitter.com/...
@lizbowie: YAAAAY. That's all I can say right now. The Baltimore Sun to be acquired by nonprofit from Tribune Publishing https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Ellie Rushing / @ellierushing: This is such great news!! Any other nonprofits out there??? We still need to save all the other great papers like @SunSentinel @orlandosentinel @chicagotribune @mcall from Alden's death grip. https://twitter.com/...
Ben Welsh / @palewire: Baltimore joins Boston, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, L.A. and others in the class of chain newspapers spun off by a local benefactor. There are enough of us now we ought to be thought of as group, in separate ships, but blown by the same winds, charting a similar course. https://twitter.com/...
@ssdance: At the same time, it's heartbreaking what Alden is doing to journalism at large. We won't stop fighting for journalism everywhere to be treated and valued as the public good that it is.
@ssdance: It's going to be a while before the full story comes out, but I just have to assume that everyone in Baltimore owes @lizbowie ten beers.
Sarah Ryley / @missryley: This is great news. I wish a philanthropist or nonprofit would buy the New York Daily News. https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Brandon M. Scott / @mayorbmscott: In these times, local journalism is more important than ever. This news is a win for @baltimoresun employees and a more transparent, accountable Baltimore. https://twitter.com/...
Brett Zongker / @brettzongker: Good news for Baltimore! “Shifting from publishing for profit to publishing for community is something we can all celebrate.” The Baltimore Sun to be acquired by nonprofit from Tribune Publishing - Baltimore Sun https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Linda Perlstein / @lindaperlstein: @lizbowie Liz, thanks for leading. This is a big deal.
Benjamin Freed / @brfreed: Good update: The Sun, Capital Gazette and other local papers are being sold to a local nonprofit. Tremendous victory for @baltsunguild and the people of Maryland. The other Tribune papers, alas, are on their way to the Alden wood chipper, where they'll be pulped for cash. https://twitter.com/...
Alec MacGillis / @alecmacgillis: Very hopeful tonight for all the hardworking journalists at the Baltimore Sun, on whom the city relies so much, who have been doing so much with so little. https://twitter.com/...
Evan Glass / @evanmglass: Local journalism is the lifeblood of a thriving democracy. So glad to see this. https://twitter.com/...
@baltcoexec: A free and independent press is a critical pillar of our democracy. This announcement is wonderful news for the future of journalism across our region and throughout our state. The Baltimore Sun can now continue to brightly shine for years to come: https://www.baltimoresun.com/ ...
Mandy Jenkins / @mjenkins: Thank God the Sun is getting a new, local owner. But as for the rest of Tribune Publishing, it is a dark day. https://twitter.com/...
@pwoodreporter: Three cheers for @lizbowie, who has been the indefatigable champion of getting @baltimoresun sold. I am cautiously optimistic about the new future for The Sun, thanks in large part to Liz's efforts. https://twitter.com/...
Colin Dabkowski / @colindabkowski: All newspapers should be nonprofit. Happy to see this move. https://twitter.com/...
Elizabeth Janney / Baltimore, MD Patch: Baltimore Sun To Be Sold To Nonprofit, Tribune Publishing Reports
Joe Walsh / Forbes: Alden Global Capital Will Buy Tribune Publishing In $630 Million Sale, Forming Massive Newspaper Chain
News Corp:
News Corp announces a multi-year, global partnership with Google to provide content from its news sites “in return for significant payments by Google” — Long-term Deal Involves Payment For Premium Content For Google News Showcase; — Will Yield Substantial Benefits For Journalism And Society
Discussion:
Damien Cave / New York Times: Google Is Suddenly Paying for News in Australia. What About Everywhere Else?
Dominic Ponsford / Press Gazette: Australia pushes on with News Media Bargaining Code as Google strikes side deals with publishers
Financial Times: Sources: News Corp and Google are in talks for a potential global content deal, as Google and Facebook rush to agree deals with Australian publishers
Brian Fung / @b_fung: Bet Google will hold this up as evidence Australia doesn't need a new law forcing it to share revenues with publishers. https://newscorp.com/...
@kerrymflynn: INBOX: News Corp announced today that it has agreed to an historic multi-year partnership with Google to provide trusted journalism from its news sites around the world in return for significant payments by Google. https://newscorp.com/...
Martin Coulter / @martinjbcoulter: 🚨 Breaking: Google just signed a massive deal with Rupert Murdoch's News Corp amid pressure from lawmakers in Australia. Paywalled content from @WSJ, @nypost, @thetimes and others will soon be available freely via Google News. Story here: https://www.businessinsider.com/ ...
@anthony: News Corp and Google agree to global partnership on news The landmark agreement includes development of a subscription platform, sharing of ad revenue, cultivation of audio journalism and meaningful investments in innovative video journalism by YouTube https://newscorp.com/...
Jeff Jarvis / @jeffjarvis: I will bet you that Google News Showcase traffic will be minimal. That's not the point. It's just an envelope stuffed with cash. Politicians were the bagmen.
Jeff Jarvis / @jeffjarvis: Google just announced a deal with News Corp. I hate this. It means that media blackmail works. It sets a terrible precedent for the net. It gives Google yet more power over news. It is a win for the devil, Murdoch. I really hate that.
Brian Stelter / @brianstelter: Google paying $$$ >>> https://twitter.com/...
Jakub Krupa / @jakubkrupa: News Corp has agreed a multi-year partnership with Google to “provide trusted journalism from its news sites around the world in return for significant payments by Google”. The deal includes The Times, The Sunday Times in the UK. https://newscorp.com/...
Jason Kint / @jason_kint: and there it is - the global News Corp - Google deal as expected. Now...the AU law that drove this needs to pass next week and every nation (ahem EU, United States) where Google has abused competition needs to recognize what finally brought them to table. https://newscorp.com/...
@kerrymflynn: News Corp publications participating in Google's News Showcase product: - WSJ, Barron's, MarketWatch, New York Post - UK: The Times and The Sunday Times, The Sun - Australia: The Australian, https://t.co/..., Sky News and more
RELATED:
Zoe Samios / Sydney Morning Herald:
Sources: Google has agreed to pay Nine Entertainment, owner of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, more than $30M/year for news content in a 5-year deal — Google has agreed to pay Nine Entertainment Co more than $30 million in cash annually for the use of its news content …
Discussion:
Insider, @clairlemon, @rasmus_kleis, The Indian Express, @phillutton78, @manjusrii, @melissasweetdr, @oz_f, @shiannonc, @karenlsweeney, @mediaunifor, @paulmaric, @johnobrennan2, @samishah, @peter_fitz, @jason_kint, @mrdenmore, @dannolan, The Guardian, Reuters, @sendinthewolf, @911corlebra777 and @latikambourke
Discussion:
Martin Coulter / Insider: Google is reportedly close to a $30 million annual deal with Australian media titan Nine Entertainment
Claire Lehmann / @clairlemon: This simply benefits media incumbents (Nine, NewsCorp, Seven) when Australia is already an extremely limited market ...🤦♀️ https://www.theaustralian.com.au/ ...
Rasmus Kleis Nielsen / @rasmus_kleis: As 🇦🇺 news code about to reach parliament, “Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said she would push for amendments to ensure that money earned by media companies through the code was invested in journalism, and not handed out as profits to shareholders” https://www.theguardian.com/ ...
Phil Lutton / @phillutton78: This should just cover the wage bill for @ChrisBarrett_ and his new luxury penthouse in Singapore https://twitter.com/...
Belinda Barnet / @manjusrii: This is great for Nine, but even better for Google: they want to show our government that media companies can earn money outside of Google Search. They're willing to pay a premium for that. https://twitter.com/...
Melissa Sweet / @melissasweetdr: What are the public interest issues at stake here? Scrutinising the powerful digital giants is a key accountability role for media organisations. What are the implications of these private agreements for wider regulatory approaches and for independent journalism? #PIJmatters https://twitter.com/...
Osman Faruqi / @oz_f: It's nice the government exists merely as vessel to facilitate the transfer of money from one huge corporation to another. Must be a bit awkward to be one of those who thought this media code was going to “disrupt the monopoly power of Google”. https://www.smh.com.au/...
ShiannonCorcoran / @shiannonc: This is bad news. This is not legislation made specifically for Google to ‘toe the line’ This is a code that will essentially make Google pay 4 content that they r merely supplying links to It's a profit-making mechanism 4 Murdoch 2 control more media https://www.theguardian.com/ ...
Karen Sweeney / @karenlsweeney: By a very rough estimate, that's about 300 journalists. Can't wait to see all the job ads. https://twitter.com/...
@mediaunifor: With deals between Google and Australian media being struck almost daily, Google may be more focussed on excluding Search from agreements than the bottom line payment. https://www.smh.com.au/...
Paul Maric / @paulmaric: Can you imagine if your business model relied on bullying other companies to pay you to survive? Nine has just struck a $30m a year deal with Google for use of its content, which is said to now cover the cost of its newsroom. More: https://www.smh.com.au/... @googledownunder https://twitter.com/...
@johnobrennan2: V interesting news from Australia. Slowly, the world is beginning to put manners on the tech behemoths and media organisations are fighting back to protect the content they generate. https://twitter.com/...
Sami Shah / @samishah: Looking forward to lots of journalists being hired back and investment in newsrooms https://twitter.com/...
Peter FitzSimons / @peter_fitz: Very good news. More money for great journalism makes the country stronger. Google, Nine agree commercial terms for news content https://www.smh.com.au/...
Jason Kint / @jason_kint: and here comes Nine. It reports to be $30mm/yr LOI was enough for a press report. Google's optimistic outcome is 1) @JoshFrydenberg doesn't designate search, 2) medium-case they set market price ahead of arbitration 3) worst-case they slow rest-of-world. https://www.smh.com.au/...
Mr Denmore / @mrdenmore: To put this into context, this represents about 1.3% of Nine's annual revenues. And you have to ask how much of that will be spent on actual journalism and how much buttressing its balance sheet which is carrying $400m of debt. https://twitter.com/...
Dan Nolan / @dannolan: 12 months from now: google is winding down this program https://twitter.com/...
Amanda Meade / The Guardian: Nine agrees to join Google News Showcase in Australia for reported $30m a year
Byron Kaye / Reuters: Australia's Nine strikes a Google media deal as licencing laws approach - media
Daniel Bernhard / @sendinthewolf: This is a huge deal. Google alone will pay one Aus broadcaster $30 million for content. Facebook will pay in addition. And Google's threat to leave Aus? Empty, as predicted. I'm glad @s_guilbeault is pursuing this path. Let's do it. #cdnpoli https://amp.smh.com.au/...
Pete Evans / @911corlebra777: Google has backed down massively. It is now signing deals with Australian news media to pay for their content. The Australian Govt, by refusing to give in to threats by Google, has created a worldwide precedent cc @thespybrief @JamesFourM @lauferlaw https://www.smh.com.au/...
Latika M Bourke / @latikambourke: Google chokes. https://www.smh.com.au/...
Anne Steele / Wall Street Journal:
iHeartMedia to acquire Triton Digital, which provides audio advertising analytics and measurement services, from Scripps for $230M — Deal for audio advertising analytics and measurement services bolsters radio giant's bet on podcasting — iHeartMedia Inc. has agreed …
Discussion:
Radio & Television …, MediaPost, Music Business Worldwide, @wsj, Reuters, @kerrymflynn and Hollywood Reporter, more at Techmeme »
Discussion:
Rbr-Tvbr / Radio & Television Business Report: Triton Acquired By iHeart In Multimillion-Dollar Deal
Joe Mandese / MediaPost: iHeart Acquires Triton Digital For $230 Million
Murray Stassen / Music Business Worldwide: Another giant podcast buy: iHeartMedia acquires Triton Digital for $230m
@wsj: iHeartMedia has agreed to acquire Triton Digital from E.W. Scripps for $230 million, giving the largest U.S. radio broadcaster a full slate of audio advertising technology and measurement capabilities as it builds out its podcast business https://www.wsj.com/...
Akanksha Rana / Reuters: IHeartMedia to buy Triton Digital from E.W. Scripps: WSJ
Darrell Etherington / TechCrunch:
YouTube says it will expand Shorts, its TikTok rival in beta in India, to the US in coming weeks, announces plans for 2021 including expanding in-video shopping — YouTube has a host of big product updates coming this year, and it just detailed a lot of them in a blog post from Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan.
Discussion:
MediaPost, The Streamable, Variety, Fast Company, Insider, YouTube Official Blog, Engadget and The Verge, more at Techmeme »
Discussion:
Laurie Sullivan / MediaPost: YouTube Reveals Product Roadmap For 2021, From Commerce To TV
Jason Gurwin / The Streamable: YouTube TV to Add 4K Streaming, Offline Downloads, and Unlimited Streams in New Add-on
Todd Spangler / Variety: YouTube TV to Launch Option for 4K and Unlimited Streams, TikTok-Like YouTube Shorts Coming to U.S. in March
Harry McCracken / Fast Company: After a year like no other, YouTube is previewing what's next
Hugh Langley / Insider: YouTube will begin testing its answer to TikTok in the US starting next month
Mariella Moon / Engadget: YouTube's 2021 updates focus on Shorts, streamer donations and online shopping
Julia Alexander / The Verge: YouTube Shorts beta will launch in the United States in March
Cathy Applefeld Olson / Forbes:
20 music streaming services have paid $424M+ in historical unmatched royalties to Mechanical Licensing Collective; Apple paid $163M, Spotify $153M, Amazon $42M — The Mechanical Licensing Collective has received a total of $424.38 million in accrued historical unmatched royalties …
Discussion:
themlc.com: The Mechanical Licensing Collective Receives $424 Million in Historical Unmatched Royalties from Digital Service Providers
Murray Stassen / Music Business Worldwide: MLC receives $424.38m in historical unmatched Royalties from Spotify, Apple Music and other DSPs
Jem Aswad / Variety: $424 Million Up for Grabs as Music Streaming Services Fill MLC's Black Box With Unmatched Royalty Payments
Emmanuel Legrand / @legrandnetwork: When I received the press release today from @MLC_US I thought there was a mistake with the figure... $424,384,787 is a lot of money in unmatched royalties for songwriters and publishers. https://www.themlc.com/...
Crispin Hunt / @crispinhunt: Shocking! Song Black-Box Heist of $424,384.787 to be distributed by @MLC_US according to Market Share; rewarding the most administratively efficient when it is perfectly clear that this income belongs to those who were not properly registered for whatever reason. #BrokenRecord https://twitter.com/...
David C Lowery / @davidclowery: Let me translate this for you.: Songwriters have been shorted nearly 1/2 billion dollars by streaming services in last decade. https://themlc.com/...
Nadine Shah / @nadineshah: Distribute this to artists that actually need it, put it to good use. Don't incentivise inaccuracy. Black box money should be put back into the industry where it's needed most to help it thrive and keep it alive. https://twitter.com/...
Filipe Espósito / 9to5Mac: Music streaming services pay $424 million in licensing fees, $163 million coming from Apple
Mikey Campbell / AppleInsider: Apple pays $163.3M for historical unmatched song royalties
Hollywood Reporter:
Sources: former Disney and TikTok exec Kevin Mayer is exploring a deal to roll up several independent media companies, with Blackstone financing the effort — The ambitious venture, on which Mayer is teaming with former Disney chief operating officer Tom Staggs, is expected to focus …
Discussion:
Kim Masters / @kimmasters: Scoop about a bunch of big personalities: Kevin Mayer Exploring Roll Up of Scooter Braun's Ithaca Holdings, Ben Silverman's Propagate (Exclusive) https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/ ... via @thr
Nieman Lab:
Ideologically extreme members of the US House get more national cable and broadcast TV time than moderates do, helping stoke TV ratings and conflict — Committee assignments are normally a blessing for new House members. But some of today's newer members, like freshmen Republican …
Discussion:
Joshua P. Darr / @joshuadarr: Punditry over policy. Comms over committees. Media coverage is the currency of today's Congress, and the most divisive voices reap the rewards. We analyzed 46,218 TV news transcripts & found that extreme ideologues get more airtime: https://theconversation.com/ ... (@ConversationUS)
@niemanlab: “We found that the House that's shown on the news is much more ideologically extreme than the actual House.” https://www.niemanlab.org/... https://twitter.com/...
Lulu / @lourdesgnavarro: As the article suggests much has to do with the demise of local news, and much with the business model of news. I hope this causes some self reflection. https://www.niemanlab.org/...
Hannah Allam / @hannahallam: “We found that the House that's shown on the news is much more ideologically extreme than the actual House. When we divided representatives into 5 equal groups by ideology, we found that the most extreme groups on each end of the political spectrum were most often given airtime.” https://twitter.com/...
Karen Francisco / @kfrancisco: “Instead of shaping policy that would help them locally, politicians focus on burnishing their national profiles, either through winning coverage on national cable and broadcast news or by boosting their social media followings.”
Logan Molyneux / @loganex: Because traditionally, deviance and extremism are the very definition of news. Is it even possible to change that? It's meant to be one of society's ways of reinforcing norms (the bad guys get punished). But maybe that doesn't work anymore? https://www.niemanlab.org/...
Wayne Garcia / @profwaynegarcia: “...as local news has declined, voters are turning to national media outlets for their political news. There, ideological outliers now set the tone of the debate, distorting perceptions of the important issues... .” https://www.niemanlab.org/... via @NiemanLab
Elyse Eidman-Aadahl / @elyseea: Important study to consider, and in relation to the loss of local news. Implications for civics education too. https://theconversation.com/ ...
Tiago Dias / @tiagodf: Being a radical buys you free airtime part 3,259: “Our research shows that ideologically extreme members of Congress get to speak more often than moderates on both cable and broadcast networks.” https://www.niemanlab.org/...
Debasish Roy Chowdhury / @planet_deb: Interesting research from the US on how media attention incentivises extreme positions on part of public officials. If political parties equate media buzz with success, as parties often do, rogue politicians are much better placed to succeed https://www.niemanlab.org/...
@eric_a_anderson: No s*** story of the day: 46,218 news transcripts show ideologically extreme politicians get more airtime https://www.niemanlab.org/... @laurenboebert didn't need a study to figure this out.
Mary Ellen Klas / @maryellenklas: Media exposure is currency. Now, researchers have proof that when a politician - state and national - is more ideologically extreme, he/she gets more coverage, especially on television. Brace yourselves for 2022. It also explains FL now. Good read: /thread https://theconversation.com/ ...
Karen Francisco / @kfrancisco: “Then there's social media, which allows politicians to bypass reporters and editors. Rather than merely hoping reporters publish their quotes, representatives can tweet and post whatever they like, reaching large audiences of supporters and donors.” https://www.niemanlab.org/...
@dc43: “Extremely conservative and extremely liberal legislators receive far more airtime than their moderate counterparts. ... Sticking out from the crowd can elicit attention from media outlets seeking to highlight controversy in order to attract viewers.” https://www.niemanlab.org/...
Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt / @avitalrachel: Sounds just like this website. https://www.niemanlab.org/... https://twitter.com/...
Michael Calderone / @mlcalderone: Speaking of, new research shows “today's new House members understand that media coverage will help them achieve their goals, and that expressing extreme ideas is one way to earn it.” https://www.niemanlab.org/...
Anne Godlasky / @annieisi: “Instead of shaping policy that would help them locally, politicians focus on burnishing their national profiles, either through winning coverage on national cable and broadcast news or by boosting their social media followings.” https://www.niemanlab.org/... via @NiemanLab
Kevin Loker / @kevinloker: If you don't know it, follow this work on the amplification of extreme voices (a challenge for so many spaces today). https://twitter.com/...
Vox Media:
Swati Sharma is named editor-in-chief of Vox, starting next month, taking over from Lauren Williams; Sharma is currently managing editor at The Atlantic — Melissa Bell, Co-Founder of Vox and Publisher of Vox Media, announced today Swati Sharma, Managing Editor at The Atlantic …
Discussion:
New York Times, @swatigauri, The Wrap, @dabeard, @wadhwa, @jeffcanoy, @womensmediacntr, @sree, @sorayamcdonald, @fatimabsyed, @taylorlorenz, @jabogen, @akbarsahmed, @wajahatali, @emilyvdw, @aaja, @adamhsays, @ezraklein, @rachgutman, @john_hudson, @ghoshworld, @niemanlab, @ichotiner, @indira_l, @juliaoftoronto, @anrao, @jason_kint, @bankoff, @alexismadrigal, @wpjenna, @manisha_bot, @jhasanjay, @bhumikatharoor, @piyasroy, @lalamasala, @zackbeauchamp, @nycjim, @mitrakalita, @melissabell, @melissabell, @melissabell, @amyfiscus, @swatigauri, @asteadwesley, @voxmedia, @allisonrockey, @sulliview, @melissabell, Mediaite, Variety, WWD, MediaPost, The Hill and Talking Biz News
Discussion:
Marc Tracy / New York Times: Vox Finds Its Next Top Editor at The Atlantic
Swati G. Sharma / @swatigauri: Some news: After three amazing years at @TheAtlantic, I am thrilled to take on the role of Editor-in-Chief at @voxdotcom, a publication I have long admired. https://www.nytimes.com/...
Lindsey Ellefson / The Wrap: Vox Names Swati Sharma Editor in Chief
David Beard / @dabeard: Belated congrats to @SwatiGauri, rising from the @BostonGlobe to the @washingtonpost to @TheAtlantic and now to @voxdotcom as EIC! We knew you when! https://www.nytimes.com/...
Vivek Wadhwa / @wadhwa: It is amazing to see Indian women rising to the top of their fields. Not only do they have to overcome gender barriers but also racial ones. One may actually become President of the United States in a few years! https://twitter.com/...
Jeff Canoy / @jeffcanoy: She's basically my age and she's about to lead a newsroom. And that's awesome. https://www.nytimes.com/...
@womensmediacntr: Well-deserved congratulations to @SwatiGauri! We're excited to see what's in store for @voxdotcom with you at the helm! https://twitter.com/...
Sree Sreenivasan / @sree: Congrats to @swatigauri! After her fab run at @TheAtlantic, can't wait to see what she'll do at @voxdotcom. In addition to all her other qualities, she's also the only EIC in US media to have a Twitter profile featuring the legendary Bollywood film “Umrao Jaan”😀🍿🎥 https://twitter.com/... https://twitter.com/...
Fatima Syed / @fatimabsyed: I found who I want to be in 5-10 years. If you put an extremely impossible dream/goal out in a tweet, it comes true right? https://www.nytimes.com/...
Taylor Lorenz / @taylorlorenz: Huge congrats @SwatiGauri!! This is amazing and Vox is so lucky https://www.nytimes.com/...
Julie Bogen / @jabogen: Having worked first at @voxdotcom and then with @SwatiGauri at @TheAtlantic, I can say with complete confidence that they are lucky to have each other! Congratulations!! https://twitter.com/...
Akbar Shahid Ahmed / @akbarsahmed: My apa, just casually the editor-in-chief of a major national publication at 34 years old :) :) :) (Vox team: you have no idea how lucky you are & how much Bollywood is about to enter your lives.) https://twitter.com/...
Wajahat Ali / @wajahatali: Woohoo!!!! Go Swati! Fremont represent. (I knew her when...tear of pride.) https://twitter.com/...
@emilyvdw: Hooray! This is amazing news! (I hope you enjoy hearing about Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.) https://twitter.com/...
Adam Harris / @adamhsays: Swati is literally the best, and though I'm incredibly sad for us, I'm so damn proud of her and excited to see what she does at Vox. https://twitter.com/...
Ezra Klein / @ezraklein: This is such incredible news. @SwatiGauri and @voxdotcom are an incredible match, and great things are coming. https://twitter.com/...
Rachel Gutman / @rachgutman: Swati is an incredible boss and whip-smart leader who has always pushed The Atlantic to be its best. I am so utterly jealous of her soon-to-be colleagues at Vox! https://twitter.com/...
John Hudson / @john_hudson: ** @SwatiGauri ** is the gold standard in emotional and editorial intelligence (and happens to be a pretty great friend ;). Congrats to the new editor-in-chief! 🥳 https://twitter.com/...
Bobby Ghosh / @ghoshworld: Congratulations, Swati... they're incredibly lucky to have you. https://twitter.com/...
@niemanlab: Swati Sharma, currently a managing editor at The Atlantic, will be the next editor-in-chief of Vox. “Vox provides clarity,” she said. “That's the most important thing we need in our industry and that we can provide readers.” https://www.nytimes.com/... https://twitter.com/...
Isaac Chotiner / @ichotiner: Great news, and part of an important trend: Fans of ‘A Suitable Boy’ rising in journalism. https://twitter.com/...
Indira Lakshmanan / @indira_l: Amazing news! Huge congrats to @SwatiGauri and @voxdotcom! https://twitter.com/...
Julia Belluz / @juliaoftoronto: An exciting new era @voxdotcom with @SwatiGauri at the helm! Great news and welcome! https://www.nytimes.com/...
Jason Kint / @jason_kint: amazing. congratulations - moving from one amazing brand to another. and great people/teams, too :) https://twitter.com/...
Jim Bankoff / @bankoff: Welcome Swati! So excited for @voxdotcom to continue to evolve, grow and serve our audience under your editorial leadership. https://twitter.com/...
Alexis C. Madrigal / @alexismadrigal: I am gutted by this, but so happy for @SwatiGauri, who will be amazing as an EIC. https://www.nytimes.com/...
Manisha Ganguly / @manisha_bot: Actually amazing that @voxdotcom has now had two woman of colour editor-in-chiefs in a row, with @laurenwilliams followed by @SwatiGauri. When will British media start making changes like this instead of just talking about diversity? https://twitter.com/...
Bhumi Tharoor / @bhumikatharoor: So very excited for @SwatiGauri, who's always been so generous with her wisdom and namkeen. Will sorely miss working with my friend. Huge congrats to @voxdotcom https://twitter.com/...
Piya Sinha-Roy / @piyasroy: Hell yes, @SwatiGauri! Nothing makes me happier than Brown women leading newsrooms 👏🏽👏🏽 👏🏽 https://twitter.com/...
Lavanya Ramanathan / @lalamasala: Congrats to Vox and @SwatiGauri! What a great match! https://www.nytimes.com/...
Zack Beauchamp / @zackbeauchamp: Welcome to our new EIC @SwatiGauri! So excited to have her on board leading Vox's coverage of the Biden era https://www.nytimes.com/...
Jim Roberts / @nycjim: Big. https://twitter.com/...
S. Mitra Kalita / @mitrakalita: All hail, @SwatiGauri, an exceptional talent just tapped to run Vox's newsroom. The perfect combo of journalistic excellence and prowess, compassion and approachability, digital savvy and management chops. Go forth. https://www.nytimes.com/...
Melissa Bell / @melissabell: Swati has combined a deep respect and knowledge of great journalism with a profound understanding of audience needs. She brings an understanding of and passion for all that Vox can do and has the necessary skills to develop a roadmap for our newsroom to help get us there.
Melissa Bell / @melissabell: We're poised for meaningful growth, both in our impact and our reach. With Swati overseeing the journalism across our website, and partnering with our amazing video, audio, and creative and business development teams, we've got pretty close to a dream team in place for Vox.
Melissa Bell / @melissabell: We're facing one of the most instrumental and important years in Vox's history, and, frankly, in our world. Vox's mission is more necessary than ever before and our journalism continues to be some of the most significant reporting across the industry.
Amy Fiscus / @amyfiscus: 🚨🚨 I am thrilled for @SwatiGauri and for Vox readers, who will gain so much from her thoughtfulness and clear-eyed editing https://www.nytimes.com/...
Swati G. Sharma / @swatigauri: I am honored to work with @melissabell and build on the important legacy left by @laurenwilliams and @ezraklein. From its inception, @voxdotcom has worked to provide a deep understanding of an ever complex and often confusing world — and that work is more vital than ever.
Steadman&trade / @asteadwesley: we always knew she'd be running something eventually. congrats to queen @SwatiGauri. congrats to vox https://www.nytimes.com/...
@voxmedia: We're thrilled to announce Swati Sharma as the next Editor-in-Chief of @voxdotcom https://www.voxmedia.com/...
Allison Rockey / @allisonrockey: This is a great day for @voxdotcom! I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome @SwatiGauri as our new EIC. https://www.voxmedia.com/...
@sulliview: Congrats to @SwatiGauri and to @voxdotcom — new generation of newsroom leaders in motion as she becomes top editor there https://twitter.com/...
Melissa Bell / @melissabell: I couldn't be more excited to share some big news: Swati Sharma will be Vox's next Editor-in-Chief, starting next month! https://www.voxmedia.com/...
Marisa Sarnoff / Mediaite: Atlantic Managing Editor Joins Vox as Editor-in-Chief
Todd Spangler / Variety: Vox Recruits New Top Editor Swati Sharma From The Atlantic
Kali Hays / WWD: Vox Pulls New Editor in Chief From the Atlantic
Ray Schultz / MediaPost: Vox Taps Swati Sharma As Editor-In-Chief
Thomas Moore / The Hill: Vox hires Atlantic's Swati Sharma to be editor
Chris Roush / Talking Biz News: Sharma hired as editor in chief of Vox
Janko Roettgers / Protocol:
Roku is planning to build out “an expanding slate of original content”, according to a job listing for a lead production attorney — The streaming device maker is hiring to build its own slate of original content. — Not content anymore with just streaming Hollywood's old shows and movies …
Discussion:
Karlene Lukovitz / MediaPost: Roku To Produce Original Shows, Films
Daniel / @dpogrebinsky: Sold all my $roku shares based on the below. Dont want them raising money and getting into content wars. Stock up big lately likely pricing in huge beat but with reopening user gains could slow https://twitter.com/...
Matthew Keys / @matthewkeyslive: This has been rumored for a while. It further explains their Quibi acquisition. https://twitter.com/...
Daniel / @dpogrebinsky: This is the headline i sold on. Roku original content push: plans to produce movies, shows - Protocol — The people, power and politics of tech https://www.protocol.com/...
Andrew Wallenstein / @awallenstein: The next logical step, should come as no surprise after the Quibi deal... https://twitter.com/...
Tim Peterson / Digiday: Future of TV Briefing: TV's upfront advertisers hold tight
Andrew Freedman / @hedgeyecomm: I am open-minded... Not a huge fan of the idea $ROKU - the attractiveness of Roku was an independent / content-agnostic platform. Original programming is not in management's DNA. They would have to make big, expensive hires. It could work - but definitely changes the model. https://twitter.com/...
Jared Newman / @onejarednewman: In case it wasn't clear that Roku is not a “neutral” platform anymore. https://twitter.com/...
Karyne Levy / @karynelevy: I have no more room for original content because I'm slogging through 16549 seasons of “Grey's Anatomy.” :( https://twitter.com/...
Ben LaBolt / @benlabolt: Is it possible to have too much content? (I think I know the answer to this ...) https://twitter.com/...
@gk_ventures: Great move. Congrats @scottrinnyc Roku plans to produce original shows and feature films - Protocol https://www.protocol.com/...
Janko Roettgers / @jank0: Roku is hiring an attorney to negotiate deals for an “expanding slate of original content” made up of “episodic and feature length productions.” https://www.protocol.com/... tip @Techmeme
Lucas Shaw / @lucas_shaw: Good 👀 by @jank0 on Roku's growing ambitions in making original programs. https://twitter.com/...
Jess Barnes / Cord Cutters News: Roku is Making Moves to Offer Original Content
Jeff Baumgartner / Light Reading: Roku sizing up plan to develop original content
Daniel Frankel / nexttv.com: Roku Staffs Up to Produce Original Shows
Declan Walsh / New York Times:
Freelance journalist Theo Padnos publishes Blindfold, an account of the almost two years he spent captured by jihadi kidnappers in Syria — A Memoir of Capture, Torture, and Enlightenment — In the fall of 2012, Theo Padnos was down and out in Antakya. An American freelance reporter …
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