Top News:
Alex Sherman / CNBC:
Interview with Kevin Mayer, passed over for a job as Disney CEO, then sidelined as TikTok CEO after Trump said he'd ban the app, on SPACs and pay TV's decline — - Kevin Mayer speaks about how he was disappointed when he didn't get the Disney CEO job and how he got railroaded by the Trump administration when at TikTok.
Discussion:
The Wrap, @dylanbyers, @sherman4949, @blowryontv, @dylanbyers, @scottgustin, @sfiegerman, @pkafka, @ballmatthew, @sarafischer and @loudmouthjulia
Sara Guaglione / Digiday:
Vox says podcast revenue doubled across its network, which has 200+ podcasts, in 2020, as it tests spinning off podcast episodes into standalone shows — Vox Media is testing out how one popular podcast can be an incubator for more audio shows not tied to the news.
Discussion:
@jason_kint
Sam Schechner / Wall Street Journal:
France says Apple's upcoming IDFA ad privacy changes are not abusive but will investigate if Apple has stricter rules for third-party apps than for its own apps — French competition authority says Apple's changes 'don't appear to be abusive' — France's competition regulator rejected …
Discussion:
Reuters, TechCrunch, CNET, MediaPost, @samschech, 9to5Mac and Bloomberg, more at Techmeme »
Shirley Zhao / Bloomberg:
Sources: China told media to stagger Oscars telecast, after nomination of a HK protests documentary and concern over views of Best Director contender Chloe Zhao — - The awards ceremony shouldn't be broadcast in real time — Outlets should only report on awards not deemed sensitive
Discussion:
Variety, Mediaite, Hollywood Reporter, New York Post, @micahflee, @lucas_shaw, IndieWire and Fast Company
Arol Wright / XDA Developers:
YouTube is testing a tool that checks for copyright violations during the upload process — If you want to be able to upload your own content to YouTube and maybe even making money off that content, you need to abide by copyright laws. And that's enforced.
Discussion:
Plagiarism Today, Engadget, 9to5Google and @mattnavarra
Substack Blog:
Substack shares details on its Pro program after criticism, saying 30+ writers with a “diverse set of viewpoints” have signed up, none of whom are anti-trans — In recent days, we've heard from some people who are concerned that we might have been using Substack Pro …
Julia Ainsley / NBC News:
Sources: Biden administration is restricting the information Border Patrol can share with media about migrant surge at the southern border — WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is restricting the information Border Patrol agents and sector chiefs can share with the media as a surge …
Discussion:
The Hill, @gopleader, @juliaeainsley, @mikedelmoro, @dlind, @mikebalsamo1, @lews___therin, @yamiche and @zekejmiller
Thomas Seal / Bloomberg:
GroupM says global smart TV advertising grew 7.4% to $12B in 2020; DoubleVerify estimates the number of smart TV fraud impressions tripled in 2020 — - Ad industry plays whac-a-mole to tackle fake ad views — The $12 billion smart-TV ad market is biggest area of fraud
Brad Esposito / Very Fine Day:
Interview with Brandy Zadrozny of NBC News, on working as a researcher at Fox News, the odd politics of 2016, QAnon, and the sadness of dark stories — Well, it's March again. Get 50% off a paid subscription to VFD - forever. Check it out HERE. — Don't know what Very Fine Day is?
Discussion:
@tomnamako, @taylorlorenz, @vestaljen, @walldo and @brandyzadrozny
Sara Morrison / Vox:
TikTok says most users will be unable to opt out of personalized ads starting April 15; users in the European Union will be exempted due to GDPR — On April 15, TikTok's ad targeting will get more aggressive. — SHARE All sharing options — If you have a TikTok account …
Discussion:
MediaPost, @samuelstolton and The Verge
TJCX:
Analysis of New York Times' A/B tests of its headlines, which often use dramatic, emotionally-charged language to boost engagement — The New York Times is a big deal. As they tell their advertisers, the NYT is the #1 news source for young, rich thought leaders:
Discussion:
@jackisnotabird, @joshsternberg, @wolfiechristl, @dvg, @peterkoechley, @chrismoranuk, @craigsilverman and @brianfishman
Seth Berkman / New York Times:
A look at South Korean TV shows' extensive use of product placement to get around restrictions on commercial breaks, resulting in many shows featuring Subway — The sandwich chain's aggressive use of product placement has made it a ubiquitous presence on the country's television shows.
Discussion:
@goawaywithjae, @theericgoldman and @shiraovide
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