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Washington Post:
The USAGM has severed contracts for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, in addition to the VOA cuts — Lake had big plans to transform the outlet into a powerful “weapon” to fight an “information war.” Instead, the president has essentially shut it down.
Discussion:
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The Wrap:
VOA director Michael Abramowitz condemns its shutdown, says Trump is “failing to protect US interests”; others say shutting VOA is a “national security issue” — The news organization's director Michael Abramowitz says the president is “failing to protect U.S. interests”
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The Moscow Times, CBS News, Adweek, The NewsGuild, TVNewsCheck, WCNC-TV and The National Pulse
David Enrich / New York Times:
After Trump dismantled the USAGM, VOA employees say some of its radio frequencies in Asia, the Middle East, and elsewhere went dark or began airing only music
Discussion:
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Filip Timotija / The Hill:
A source says “most” Voice of America journalists were put on administrative leave, a day after President Trump signed an EO aimed at eliminating the USAGM
A source says “most” Voice of America journalists were put on administrative leave, a day after President Trump signed an EO aimed at eliminating the USAGM
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Nicole Sperling / New York Times:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences says Conan O'Brien will reprise his Oscar hosting duties in 2026, one of the earliest renewals for an Oscar host — Mr. O'Brien received high marks for his work as the emcee of the 97th Oscar telecast this month. It was his first time hosting the show.
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Clayton Davis / Variety:
The Oscars and Golden Globes announcing their hosts and dates early helps awards season by letting studios plan their releases and may boost audience engagement — The Oscars announced their new date this morning, along with the news that that show is bringing back Conan O'Brien as host …
Kurt Schlosser / GeekWire:
Trump praises Jeff Bezos for changes at WaPo, says he doesn't think media's treatment of him has changed so far, but he sees a shift among tech giants — The recent changes Jeff Bezos has instituted at The Washington Post have captured the attention of President Donald Trump, who praised the newspaper owner's efforts.
Steven J. Horowitz / Variety:
UMG files a motion to dismiss Drake's lawsuit, says he's suing because he “lost a rap battle” with Kendrick Lamar and took legal action to “salve his wounds” — The motion, filed earlier today and reviewed by Variety, took a cutting approach to making the case for dismissal …
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Caitlin Huston / The Hollywood Reporter:
Audacy names Kelli Turner, who has been interim CEO since the end of January, as president and CEO, and overhauls its leadership team — Chris Oliviero has been named chief business officer and Bob Philips has been named chief revenue officer. … Additionally, Chris Oliviero …
Discussion:
Inside Radio, Radio Ink, Philadelphia Business Journal, The Desk, RADIO ONLINE, Billboard and Radio & Television …
Ben Smith / Semafor:
How Breitbart became “legacy” MAGA media, as Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow says the outlet is “trying to be the historical record of the Trump administration” — A sense of responsibility weighs heavily these days on Breitbart News. Washington Bureau Chief Matt Boyle …
Discussion:
@pinemikey.bsky.social
Alex Ritman / Variety:
Village Roadshow files for bankruptcy protection in the US, amid a long-drawn-out and expensive legal battle with WB over The Matrix Resurrections — Village Roadshow Entertainment Group, the film producer and financier that has backed “The Matrix,” “Ocean's Eleven,” “Joker” and “The Lego Movie” …
Discussion:
The Wrap, Deadline, @eriqgardner and Los Angeles Times
Scharon Harding / Ars Technica:
Some owners of devices running Roku OS report seeing autoplaying video ads before they can access the home screen; Roku says it is just a test — Now, Roku is testing what it might look like if it took things a step further and forced people to watch a video ad play before getting to the Roku OS home screen.
New York Times:
Sources: The New Yorker has cut ties with its art critic, Jackson Arn, who joined in 2023, after complaints about his behavior at its centennial celebration — The magazine received concerns about the writer's conduct at its centennial celebration at a star-studded party in Manhattan.
Naman Ramachandran / Variety:
OUTtv, which bills itself as the world's leading LGBTQ+ TV and streaming service, launches in Taiwan, a significant expansion of LGBTQ+ content in Asia — In a significant expansion of LGBTQ+ content in Asia, OUTtv is set to debut its first-ever channel in the region through a partnership …
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Advanced Television
