Top News:
Arlene Getz / Committee to Protect Journalists:
The global number of jailed journalists reached a record of 293 in 2021 so far, up from 280 in 2020; at least 24 journalists were killed over their coverage — The number of journalists jailed around the world set another record in 2021. Invoking new tech and security laws …
Discussion:
@pressfreedom, @pressfreedom, @zainaerhaim, @pressfreedom, @smith_jeffreyt, @poojadesaid, @shoon_naing, @pressfreedom, @pressfreedom, The Journalist's Resource, @margotroosevelt, Common Dreams, @daddyhope, @pressfreedom, @cpjafrica, American Press Institute, @nehadixit123, @pressfreedom, Euractiv, New York Times, Al Jazeera, Axios and Features & Analysis
Michael Conte / CNN:
US Secretary of State Blinken announces a “liability fund” for news outlets sued over their work and financial support for independent international journalism — (CNN)The US will provide new funding to protect reporters targeted because of their work and support independent …
The Quad City Times:
Lee Enterprises' board of directors unanimously rejects Alden's unsolicited, nonbinding takeover offer for $24 per share as it “grossly undervalues Lee” — Lee Enterprises, the owner of The World-Herald and numerous other Nebraska newspapers, on Thursday announced that its board …
Jim Milliot / Publishers Weekly:
The Association of American Publishers sues Maryland, saying a new e-book law requiring publishers to offer reasonable terms to libraries violates copyright law — The Association of American Publishers filed suit December 9 to stop a new library e-book law in Maryland from taking effect on January 1 …
Discussion:
AAP, Library Futures, @josephjesposito, @devlinhartline, @bc_butler and @noethematt
Mia Galuppo / Hollywood Reporter:
Netflix announces Tudum, a website for consumer news about renewals and release dates, adding to social channels like Strong Black Lead and its magazine Queue — A new website, Tudum, will host news like renewals and consumer content about series and films, marking the latest editorial effort by the streaming giant.
Discussion:
TechCrunch, @netflix, Gawker, @andrewcurryla, @mcwm, @freeblackgirl, @bradybrendan1 and @miagaluppo
Todd Spangler / Variety:
Comcast adds YouTube TV to Xfinity Flex, the cable giant's video platform for broadband-only customers, offering 85+ channels for $65/month — It's another case of the streaming wars making strange bedfellows: Comcast announced that starting today, Google's YouTube TV is now available on Xfinity Flex …
Discussion:
thestreamable.com, The Verge, The Streamable, @richlightshed, Engadget and TV Technology
Ryan Faughnder / Los Angeles Times:
Universal Pictures plans to stream most of its 2022 films on Peacock 45 days after debuting in theaters; existing deals with theater chains remain unchanged — Streaming service Peacock is hoping to get a boost from movies made by its corporate sibling, movie studio Universal Pictures.
Discussion:
The Wrap, ScreenRant, Media Play News, Variety and Decider
Sam Kille / Report for America:
Report for America adds nearly 70 new host newsroom partners, expanding into more rural communities and continuing its focus on education beats — Nonprofit service program looks to grow reporting corps to 325 in 2022 — (See the newly-selected newsrooms and beats here)
Discussion:
@dsmith_tucson, @joshbarousse, @report4america, @stevenwaldman, @haley_samsel, @sjspotlight, @alexanderrusso, @nicdawes, @kevinloker and The Rural Blog
Todd Spangler / Variety:
Paramount+ launches 18 themed channels streaming 24 hours per day, akin to Pluto TV, initially without ads, even for its ad-supported Essential tier — Paramount Plus is taking a page from ViacomCBS's Pluto TV streaming service with the launch of 18 linear channels that let subscribers surf through always …
Discussion:
The FASTMaster and The Streamable
Digiday:
Study: 92.6% of websites with tier-one ad spend place at least one tracker on users' devices before gaining their consent, suggesting they may be violating GDPR — European Union law on cookie consent is clear: a person should be given a simple choice to accept or reject being tracked by advertisers on publisher sites.
Discussion:
@opeyemioab, @chronotope and What's New in Publishing
Bailey Lipschultz / Bloomberg:
BuzzFeed stock plunges another 24% on Thursday, its fourth consecutive day closing at a record low; it has lost about 40% in market cap since its SPAC merger — BuzzFeed Inc.'s plunge after leaping into the public market earlier this week is accelerating. — Shares of the digital media …
Discussion:
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter, The Rebooting, @ashkan, @btlipschultz and @kfile
@wirecutterunion:
The Wirecutter Union files an unfair labor charge with the NLRB after learning that the NYT withheld holiday pay from striking workers — 🚨UNION BUSTING ALERT🚨: We learned this morning that @wirecutter/@nytimes illegally withheld holiday pay in retaliation for striking. We're filing an unfair labor practice charge with the NLRB to right this wrong immediately.
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