Top News:
David Folkenflik / NPR:
VOA journalists, their unions, and Reporters Without Borders sue USAGM, acting CEO Victor Morales, and Kari Lake, alleging their moves to close VOA are unlawful — Six Voice of America journalists sued Kari Lake and the Trump administration on Friday, alleging their moves to shut …
Sara Fischer / Axios:
Yahoo strikes a deal to sell TechCrunch to media investment firm Regent, which acquired PCWorld publisher Foundry earlier this week — Yahoo on Friday said it has struck a deal to sell TechCrunch, the 20-year-old tech journalism site, to Regent, a media investment firm.
Discussion:
Variety, @markstenberg3, @jacqmelinek, @grg, @pitdesi, @speirin, @richardlai, @jessetinsley, @richardlaihk@threads.net, @karlbode.com, The Information, The Verge, @sarafischer, @metacurity.com, @iainthomson.bsky.social, Frederic Lardinois on LinkedIn, @arrington, @caseynewton.bsky.social, @patrick_orourke, @lucasmtny, @crumbler@threads.net, @thekenyeung@threads.net, @haje, @technologizer@threads.net, @jacqmelinek, Kwaku Otchere on LinkedIn, @lisatozzi.bsky.social, @ricmac@mastodon.social, @joshkolm.bsky.social, @danjensenpr.bsky.social, @alex, @arrington, The Wrap, Reuters, Brian Heater on LinkedIn, Regent, @danprimack, Adweek, Talking Biz News, @simonkhalaf, @prcarly, @rakeshsfnyc, @niedermeyer.online and MediaPost, more at Techmeme »
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Connie Loizos / TechCrunch:
TechCrunch says the Regent deal is structured to ensure minimal disruption to its operations and Yahoo is keeping a small interest in the company — If you haven't heard the news, TechCrunch has a shiny new home. After years under Yahoo's ownership — which, in turn, is backed by Apollo Group — the brand is now in fresh hands.
Discussion:
AIN and Daring Fireball
Bloomberg Law:
Brendan Carr says the FCC is prepared to block M&A proposals, including the Paramount-Skydance deal, from companies with “invidious forms of DEI discrimination” — The US Federal Communications Commission is prepared to block mergers and acquisition proposals from companies that promote …
Steven Levy / Wired:
An interview with Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone on the company's 30th anniversary, being in “building mode”, AI, acquiring AI-powered news aggregator Artifact, and more — Even as Yahoo turns 30, CEO Jim Lanzone says the company is still in “building mode.”
Brent Lang / Variety:
Reed Hastings, Ted Sarandos, and others discuss Netflix's origin story, killing Blockbuster Video, snagging House of Cards from HBO, and more — “No late fees.” — When Netflix launched as a DVD rental service in 1998, that was its most effective pitch to potential customers …
Discussion:
Julie DeTraglia on LinkedIn and IndieWire
Oliver Darcy / Status:
Memo: CNN's Virginia Moseley revamps the DC bureau, with SVP Philip Rucker overseeing all Washington editorial, SVP Adam Levine's duties reduced, and more — Inside CNN's D.C. Shake-Up CNN's Washington bureau is undergoing a dramatic shake-up, as star editor Philip Rucker ascends …
Discussion:
The Wrap, @oliverdarcy.bsky.social, @passantino.bsky.social and @status.news
Paris Martineau / The Information:
Source: US Senators Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham plan to introduce a bipartisan bill with wide support that would make Section 230 expire on January 1, 2027 — In June 1995, two young congressmen reached across the aisle to introduce legislation that would become the defining legal protection …
Discussion:
Techdirt, The Verge, Gizmodo, @viacristiano, @mmasnick.bsky.social, @mjnblack, Inc.com, @pat_hedger, @wexler, Investor's Business Daily, @aricohn.com, @robertfreundlaw, @mmasnick.bsky.social, User Mag, @zack415, AppleInsider, @abebrown716, @parismartineau, @jessmaddox.bsky.social, @parkert@threads.net, @wyden.senate.gov, @tpapres, @paris.nyc and @paris.nyc, more at Techmeme »
Jared Newman / Cord Cutter Weekly:
Fubo discontinues Essential, its $85 per month plan with no regional sports, for new customers, after launching it in December 2024 — Hey there! I'm Jared Newman, and this is Cord Cutter Weekly, my newsletter on how to save money on TV and make the most of streaming.
Discussion:
@rodoinvesting, PCWorld, Billboard and The Desk
Luc Cohen / Reuters:
A jury convicts two men, whom US prosecutors say are Russian mobsters, of involvement in an Iran-backed plot to kill US-based journalist Masih Alinejad — Two men who U.S. prosecutors say belong to a Russian organized crime group were convicted of involvement in an unsuccessful Iran-backed plot …
Katherine Hamilton / Wall Street Journal:
Activist investor David Hoffmann, who owns ~10% of Lee Enterprises after investing in October, proposes acquiring the company; $LEE rose ~18% on March 20 — Hoffmann says conversations between the companies have been ongoing since October; he declined to comment on an offer price
Discussion:
@benmullin, Arizona Daily Star, Tulsa World, InsideArbitrage, TVNewsCheck and St. Louis Business Journal
Mark K. Miller / TVNewsCheck:
Sinclair names Valeria Riccioli, ex-VP of Talent at Newsmax, as the director of content for The National News Desk, which airs on 80+ US stations and YouTube — She will oversee content strategy and audience engagement for Sinclair's newscast that airs on more than 80 stations plus websites and on YouTube.
Discussion:
The Desk
