Top News:
Nicola Agius / Search Engine Land:
Google says IAB Tech Lab's report claiming Privacy Sandbox could disadvantage smaller brands and media companies contains “misunderstandings and inaccuracies” — The IAB Tech Lab report claims that Privacy Sandbox could make it harder for brands to serve effective ads - particularly smaller businesses.
Todd Spangler / Variety:
Roku reports Q4 revenue up 14% YoY to $984.4M, vs. $968.2M est., and warns of a “challenging” environment for media and entertainment in 2024; ROKU drops 14%+ — Roku revenue came in above Wall Street forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2023 — and it touted new milestones …
Discussion:
The Desk, The Information, Media Play News, Roku, Deadline, The Wrap and The Hollywood Reporter, more at Techmeme »
Drew Harwell / Washington Post:
The SEC approves Truth Social's SPAC merger with DWAC; Trump's stake in the post-merger company would be valued at more than $4B at today's price — The former president's stake in the post-merger company would be valued, at today's share price, at nearly $4 billion.
Daniel Thomas / Financial Times:
Sources: The Independent is in talks to assume control of BuzzFeed in the UK and Ireland under a licensing deal for its brands, including HuffPost — British media group to take charge of local operations of start-up once seen as future of the industry — The Independent, the British media group …
Discussion:
@janinegibson.bsky.social, Mediaite, The Information, The Guardian and Reuters
Tyler Falk / Current:
Q&A with NPR Podcasting Strategy SVP Collin Campbell on the differences between broadcast and podcast audiences, the continuing need for donations, and more — Collin Campbell is the self-proclaimed optimistic new guy at NPR. — “Everywhere I look, I see opportunity,” …
Discussion:
Isabel Lara on LinkedIn
Matthew Keys / The Desk:
TVNewsCheck Editor Michael Depp says the outlet needs 1,500 subscribers at $199/year to restart its news operations, which were suspended on February 12 — The lead content editor of the popular broadcast publication TV NewsCheck says the company needs to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars …
Discussion:
Michael Depp on LinkedIn and TVNewsCheck
Committee to Protect Journalists:
A Turkish court finds three journalists guilty of assisting a terrorist organization; the three have faced multiple trials since their initial arrests in 2016 — The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Turkish authorities not to fight the appeals of journalists Ahmet Altan, Nazlı …
Discussion:
Voice of America and Committee to Protect …
Bloomberg:
Sources: the US DOJ plans to scrutinize the streaming service proposal by Disney, Fox, and WBD over concerns it could harm consumers, rivals, and sports leagues — - Concerns likely focused on pricing, sports league negotiations — Antitrust enforcers have blocked cable bundles in past cases
Discussion:
The Streamable, Reuters and @tomselliott
Anne Steele / Wall Street Journal:
Sources: Rod Stewart sold his music and publishing catalog for ~$100M to Iconic Artists Group, which says it has raised $1B+ for future catalog investments — Investors pour billions of dollars into companies pursuing music-rights deals — Rod Stewart, the star behind such hits as …
Discussion:
Music Business Worldwide, Axios, Billboard, New York Post, Music Week, Forbes, Deadline, Music Business Worldwide and Variety
Amy Hawkins / The Guardian:
Leaked emails appear to confirm that some authors were excluded from the 2023 Hugo Awards over fear their work would offend China, host of the awards convention — Leaked emails reveal organisers of leading science fiction and fantasy awards flagged works of a ‘sensitive political nature’
Discussion:
404 Media, File 770, @jasonkoebler@mastodon.social and @tess@mastodon.social
Alexandra Alter / New York Times:
The National Book Awards expand eligibility to noncitizens in the US, including immigrants and longtime residents who have made their home in the country — The awards, which celebrate the best of American literature, are expanding the definition of who qualifies.
Discussion:
Publishing Perspectives, @mtaeckens and Mother Jones
Ashley Belanger / Ars Technica:
AMC Networks tells streaming customers they might be eligible for part of an $8.3M settlement over claims that AMC shared viewing histories with tech companies — Proposed settlement impacts millions using AMC apps like Shudder and AMC+. — On Thursday, AMC notified subscribers …
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