Top News:

Following a BBC investigation, Twitter apologizes for letting ads be micro-targeted using keywords like “transphobic”, “white supremacists”, and “anti-gay” — Twitter has apologised for allowing adverts to be micro-targeted at certain users such as neo-Nazis, homophobes and other hate groups.
Discussion:
Adweek, @joetidy, Telegraph, @joetidy, Engadget, @kreissdaniel, CNET, @sundersays, @zoejardiniere and @rasmus_kleis, more at Techmeme »

Ronan Farrow's first investigative documentary for HBO, part of a three-year-deal, will focus on threats and violence faced by journalism covering corruption — HBO has begun production on the first project in its multi-film deal with best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ronan Farrow.
Discussion:
Vanity Fair, The Wrap, @ronanfarrow, Hollywood Reporter, Multichannel News and TVNewser

Forecast: Netflix will spend ~$17.3B on content in 2020, up from ~$15.3B in 2019, mostly on originals; Disney has said it will spend ~$1B on Disney+ originals — Netflix is keeping its foot pressed firmly on the gas pedal in the streaming-video road race. — The streamer will invest …
Discussion:
The Wrap, Multichannel News, Observer, The Streamable, The Wrap, @steph_i_will, @paul_sacca, The Playlist, Fortune and Variety

Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey to step down on March 1 after 19 years; she act as a global consultant for its 29 editions — She is to become a global consultant for the fashion title's 29 global editions, and assist in finding her successor.
Discussion:
New York Times, CNN, @katierosman, The Business of Fashion, Page Six and bookforum.com

Turkey lifted a two-and-a-half year ban on Wikipedia on Wednesday, restoring access after the country's top court ruled that blocking it was unconstitutional — The country's top court had ruled that the move was unconstitutional. — The Turkish government lifted a two-and-a-half-year ban …
Discussion:
@wikipedia, The Verge, @ceylanwrites and @netblocks, more at Techmeme »

Layoffs at iHeartMedia, which controls 800+ radio stations, reflect long-term consolidation trends that silence local voices and homogenize viewpoints and music — The largest radio company in America cut a number of employees this week, dealing a blow to local radio across the country
Discussion:
Denver Westword, Plain Dealer, RadioInsight and Fox Business

Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch urges the UK government to speed up plans for an online regulator as a bill to grant interim powers to Ofcom is introduced — Sky's chief executive has urged the Government to speed up its plans for an online regulator as a bill to grant interim powers to Ofcom was introduced in the House of Lords.

Hulu to debut one ad format letting viewers choose the ad from the brand and another allowing viewers to engage with the brand with info sent to their phones — Hulu is preparing to roll out new forms of advertising this year — one which will allow viewers to have more say in the ads that plays …
Discussion:
The Streamable and MediaPost

Sources: Alden Global Capital, which now owns 32% of Tribune Publishing, is exerting its power, with Alden execs advising on cost cutting, including headcount — Missiles and drone strikes may have temporarily driven everyone's eyes elsewhere — including those in the news industry …
Billboard:
Billboard parent company Valence Media sells Spin to Next Management Partners and reaches an agreement with Stereogum leadership to buy the brand back — Music publications Spin and Stereogum will no longer be a part of Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Media Group, parent company Valence Media announced today (Jan. 16).
Discussion:
The Wrap, @pennyfractions, @scottgum and Pitchfork

Documents from the Mueller probe show Fox News' Sean Hannity served as a central point of contact and adviser for Trump and allies who were under investigation — WASHINGTON — Sean Hannity has never been shy about using his highly rated Fox News show to express his disdain …
Discussion:
@katenocera, @reflectingman, @jasonleopold, @loopemma, @brianstelter, @jbenton, @mattgertz and CNN

A Michigan reporter wrote that a state senator objectified and humiliated her; the senator has now apologized, and senate leaders called for an investigation — “It's so normalized. You hear something and you don't take the time to say something," Allison Donahue said.
Discussion:
Michigan Advance, Michigan Advance, @sjdemas, @repdebdingell, @donahual, @katelouisewells, @katiegilhooly, @michiganadvance, @klandergan, @bri_sacks, @stephanielily, @vvonfrank, @danadifilippo, @brettkelman, @nprmelissablock, @donahual, @thedailydetroit, @apstamm, @donahual, @rosemarybayer, @donahual, @ron_fournier, @historylivesdet, Poynter, @bri_sacks, @tracym, @chadlivengood, @annaesanders, @royalpratt, @donahual, USA Today, Newser and Sarah Schulz