Top News:
Mark Stenberg / Adweek:
Sources detail how a $300M investment from Blackstone, structured as a line of credit, became an albatross for Recurrent Ventures due to rising interest rates — The Blackstone investment was supposed to be a war chest. It became an albatross. — In May 2022, media company Recurrent Ventures announced …
Discussion:
Media Voices, @rafat, @markstenberg3 and Jared Lake on LinkedIn
Kyle Orland / Ars Technica:
In response to the George Carlin estate's lawsuit, Dudesy says its YouTube video and podcast with an “AI” George Carlin were “created by two human beings” — Creators still face “name and likeness” complaints; lawyer says suit will continue.
Reuters:
German state broadcaster ARD says Israel was blocking two of its long-term Palestinian workers from leaving Gaza, citing security concerns that don't make sense — German state broadcaster ARD on Friday said Israel was blocking two of its long-term Palestinian workers from leaving Gaza …
Wall Street Journal:
How Penguin Random House started actively challenging the removal of books from US school libraries, including through an “Intellectual Freedom” task force — A fiery board meeting inspired Penguin Random House to actively challenge the removal of books from school libraries
Discussion:
Why Evolution Is True and @jbflint
Kurt Wagner / Bloomberg:
X plans to build a new “Trust and Safety center of excellence” in Austin, Texas, and hire 100 full-time moderators to fight child sexual exploitation material — - Employees will be full-time, primarily focused on CSE content — X CEO Yaccarino to testify before Senate committee next week
Discussion:
The Verge, The Information, Reuters, @kurtwagner8, @seesyous, @alexanotherone.bsky.social, The Messenger and Engadget, more at Techmeme »
The Intercept:
Sources: the NYT pulled a The Daily episode about sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, after an internal debate on the strength of its reporting — The New York Times pulled a high-profile episode of its podcast “The Daily” about sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7 amid …
Discussion:
@zei_squirrel, @evanhill, @maryamsaleh, @snarwani, @markamesexiled, @drboguslaw and @kenklippenstein
Cecilia Kang / New York Times:
A look at the US Copyright Office, which is in the spotlight as it plans to release three key reports in 2024 revealing its position on copyright law and AI — The office is reviewing how centuries-old laws should apply to artificial intelligence technology, with both content creators and tech giants arguing their cases.
Discussion:
@knibbs, @jeffplatsky, @dm_cooper, @toddbigphoto, @tvol, @stevelohr, Publishers Weekly and CMU
Jennifer Maas / Variety:
A look at Warner Bros. Discovery's push to expand its gaming division with live services and mobile games, by leveraging its franchises like Game of Thrones — David Zaslav's most critical mission is leading Warner Bros. Discovery through the streaming wars.
Discussion:
@benjisales, @captaingalxy, @variety, Screen Rant, @jmaasaronson and @aegies, more at Techmeme »
Pete Croatto / Poynter:
A look at the 2003 film Shattered Glass on serial fabulist Stephen Glass, the people involved in his rise and fall, and its enduring appeal in journalism school — 25 years ago, Stephen Glass was exposed as a fabulist. In 2003, a classic film chronicled his deceit. Not everyone involved walked away unscathed.
Discussion:
Nick Hirshon on LinkedIn, @sonnybunch, @jonathanchait, @petecroatto, @williams_paige, @billyray5229, @petecroatto, @benmullin, @om and On my Om
Reuters:
Report: Zee Media founder Subhash Chandra says his family plans to eventually raise its stake in Zee from 4% to 26% after a merger with Sony India collapsed — Zee Entertainment (ZEE.NS) founder Subhash Chandra's family will eventually lift their stake in the media house to 26% from 4% currently …
Discussion:
Livemint
Patrick Frater / Variety:
CNN Philippines plans to close on January 31, impacting up to 300 jobs; the outlet launched in 2015 under a brand licensing deal and, a source says, lost $89M+ — CNN Philippines is to close down on Wednesday, the company announced on Monday local time. The move means up to 300 jobs will be lost.
Discussion:
@cnnphilippines and Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter:
Sources: former MGM executive Jonathan Glickman is in talks to join Miramax as its CEO, following Bill Block's departure last year — The former MGM executive, known for his work on ‘No Time to Die’ and ‘Creed,’ would step into a role vacated by Bill Block. — Miramax may have found its new leader.
Discussion:
@borys_kit
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