Top News:


France fines Google $593M for failing to comply with a 2020 order to negotiate in good faith with publishers for displaying article snippets in Google News — - Tech giant penalized for not agreeing deal with publishers — Fine is the second biggest French antitrust penalty so far


Mediaocean, known for its ad-agency billing technology, buys adtech company Flashtalking for $500M as, sources say, it prepares for an IPO next year — Flashtalking, known for its ad server, is the latest in a string of Mediaocean acquisitions aimed at enhancing its digital ad technology
Discussion:
AdExchanger, Adweek, MediaPost, Mediaocean, @flashtalking, @billwise, Beet.TV and @joshsternberg


A look at the different approaches that NYT, FT, WSJ, Bloomberg, USA Today, and Vox Media are taking to decide how employees will come back to the office — - News organizations have generally navigated pandemic life successfully as employees have figured out how to do their jobs remotely.
Discussion:
@guildatbig and bookforum.com


Sources: Netflix is turning to live events, like the Bridgerton Ball in London, video games, and merchandising to complement subscriber revenue and engage fans — Sources say the streaming giant wants to work directly with creators on live events that will, in success, provide new revenue streams as subscriber growth slows.


Editor of Cleveland's The Plain Dealer says its decision to ignore false statements and stunts by politicians is working well, with readers responding favorably — I wrote four months ago about our approach to covering political candidates who make false, irresponsible and potentially dangerous statements …
Discussion:
@jayrosen_nyu, @nikkiusher, @asunderland, @timdunlop, @shirishmm, @jackshafer, @kimzetter and @rafat


How Tucker Carlson is using Tucker Carlson Today, his new daytime show on Fox News' streaming service Fox Nation, to poison the meaning of patriotism — First comes the piece of timber. Then the strip of leather. Then the fence, the mountain, the trees, the river.
Discussion:
Poynter, @mattpolprof, @theatlantic, New York Times and CNN


Insider names Barbara Peng as president; since 2017, Peng has been president of its research arm Insider Intelligence, which the CEO says is a $60M+ business — The company today has more than 500 journalists globally.


Pros and cons of streaming vs. theatrical releases: hit movies in theaters have more per-picture profitability, but streaming has recurring revenue and reach — In Greek mythology, Hecate was the goddess of intuition who possessed three-way perspective that allowed her to bridge the gaps between past, present and future.
Discussion:
@great_katzby, @ants000 and @jimvejvoda
RELATED:


Disney says Marvel's Black Widow has earned $60M+ on opening weekend via its Premier Access program, which lets Disney+ subscribers rent the movie for $30
Discussion:
Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter, Observer, Garbage Day, New York Daily News, New York Times, Variety, @cwarzel, MediaPost, @loudmouthjulia, Variety, Fast Company, @tomperriello, Adweek, @williammatt22, @littlelostsunny, @variety, @cctakato, @pandemona, @morganicink, @patrick_spence, @wfederman, @stevendeknight, @shannontindle_1, @awallenstein, @wallstcynic, @ballmatthew, @richlightshed, @pkafka, @mikedeestro, @variety and @filq2001


AP photojournalist Ramon Espinosa was assaulted by police while covering protests in Havana — - AP photographer Ramon Espinosa was left bloodied after an altercation with police during protests in Cuba. — Photos show him surrounded by a group of people, and later with blood dripping down his face.
Discussion:
Associated Press, Babalú Blog and The Hill


A look at Facebook's long-term struggles with courting creators, as it falls behind YouTube, TikTok, and other rivals — The social network is aiming to be a destination for creators and their viral memes. But TikTok and YouTube got there first. — SAN FRANCISCO — Over the past 18 months …
Discussion:
@yalestewart, @robpegoraro, @brandon_bird, @qianna_smith, @genepark, @nishachittal, @andykluthe, @dherman76, @notlaneydelaney, @maddoxrules, @mikeisaac, Fortt Knox and Ad Age

Impact Tech, which connects brands with publishers and influencers, raises $150M at a $1.5B valuation, after a boost from Apple's ad tracking restrictions — - New $150 million fundraising led by Qatar Investment Authority — Marketing company aims to list shares next year: CEO
Discussion:
Impact, more at Techmeme »


British streaming service BritBox names Diederick Santer as its new international chief creative officer, overseeing non-UK programming — Streaming platform BritBox International has hired former Kudos chief Diederick Santer as its new international chief creative officer.


Disney to raise the subscription fees for ESPN+ in the US to $7/mo. and $70/year, from $6/mo. and $60/year; price for a Disney bundle is unchanged at $14/mo. — Disney will raise the monthly and annual fees for ESPN Plus, one of three different subscription-based streaming services it operates in the U.S. …