Top News:
David Folkenflik / NPR:
Boards of RFE/RL and Radio Free Asia and their chairman Michael Pack have added binding contractual agreements that they can't be removed for the next two years — Michael Pack's stormy tenure over the federal agency that oversees government-funded broadcasters abroad — including Voice of America — appears to be coming to a close.
Discussion:
@paulwaldman1, @melissajpeltier, @digiphile, @npr, @urielepshtein, @mollymckew, @mandacollins, @davidfolkenflik, @petersoa840 and @anneapplebaum
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Brian Schwartz / CNBC:
Letter signed by leaders of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's news division and editorial board says Michael Pack appointed a board of “inexperienced” partisans — - Leaders of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty blasted the Trump-appointed CEO of the U.S. federal media agency.
Michael J. de la Merced / New York Times:
Alden says it is bidding for full control of Tribune Publishing, in which it has a ~32% stake, with an offer that values the newspaper chain at about $520.6M — Alden Global Capital, which is already Tribune's biggest shareholder, valued the company at about $520.6 million.
Discussion:
Axios, @raju, @samjmintz, @hocorising, @justin_fenton, @stevelackmeyer, MediaPost, @seanrobinson1e4, @megreenwell, @ctguild, @fenitn, @laurakeeney, @kdoctor, @courantguild, @kbui1, @royalpratt, @garyaharki, @scottshanenyt, @dicktofel, @w_katz1, @pwoodreporter, @marcatracy, @robillard and @marcatracy
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Wall Street Journal:
Sources: Alden Global is seeking to buy Tribune Publishing, in which it already owns a 32% stake — Hedge fund already owns 32% of the Chicago Tribune publisher — A hedge fund that owns a big stake in Tribune Publishing Co. is seeking to buy the newspaper chain behind titles including …
Wall Street Journal:
Top nine streaming services to end 2020 with combined US subscribers up 50%+ YoY; US households now subscribe to 3.1 services on average, up from 2.7 in 2019 — From Hulu to Disney+, largest streaming services are expected to end the year with 50% more U.S. subscribers
Discussion:
Business Insider, @raju, @wsj, @jbflint, @drewfitzgerald, Fast Company, New York Post, Context is King, ScreenRant and The Guardian, more at Techmeme »
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MediaPost:
Parks Associates: 20% of US broadband households currently use ad-supported streaming services and 15% us a freemium service, like Peacock — - by Karlene Lukovitz @KLmarketdaily, Yesterday — Twenty percent of U.S. broadband households currently use an ad-supported OTT service …
About Amazon:
Amazon plans to acquire podcast network Wondery, which will join Amazon Music — We've signed an agreement to acquire Wondery, a top-rated podcast creator and producer that entertains and educates listeners. — We're pleased to announce that Wondery—an innovative podcast publisher …
Discussion:
@benmullin, The Wrap, Amazon Chronicles, @stevekovach, Variety, The Podcast Hub, @smartfootball, Axios, The Verge, @wonderymedia, @simonowens, @beirutspring, RAIN News, MacRumors, @karaswisher, @rebeccajarvis, @joshsternberg, Engadget, @chrismessina, @mattdsandler, @glenngabe, IndieWire, @besvinick, @evoterra, @baxiabhishek, @tzm_tmt, @kintan, TechCrunch, The Wrap, Gizmodo, Los Angeles Times, Music Business Worldwide, CNBC, Business Insider, Radio & Television … and MediaPost, more at Techmeme »
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Lauren Hirsch / New York Times:
Source: Amazon's acquisition of Wondery values the podcasting company, which began in 2016, at roughly $300M — The deal, valued at $300 million, is the latest in a string of acquisitions as streaming platforms expand beyond music and video. — Amazon is acquiring Wondery …
Discussion:
Wall Street Journal, @dabeard, Daily Herald, CNN and TechCrunch
Steve Inskeep / NPR:
Biden's press secretary Jen Psaki on not letting the briefing room become a “platform for propaganda”, engaging with right-wing media, dealing with leaks, more — Toggle more options — President-elect Joe Biden's choice for White House press secretary says she will restore a tradition.
Rachel Olding / The Daily Beast:
The 5 female anchors at NY1 who sued for age and gender discrimination say they have mutually agreed to leave the local news station after settling their suit — STARS DEPART — Five female anchors at NY1 said Thursday they have “mutually agreed” to leave the local news station after settling …
Discussion:
TVNewser, New York Times, @erinmdurkin, The Wrap, @nygovcuomo, @wigdorlaw, @yashar, @aoc, @dianafalzone, @galeabrewer, @katie_honan, @s_evangelina, @nycspeakercojo, @jimmyvanbramer, @liamstack, @mcbc, @vanya42nd and @specificny
Todd Spangler / Variety:
ESPN Plus is raising the annual subscription for new subscribers by 20%, from $49.99 to $59.99, and increasing the price of UFC pay-per-view events to $69.99 — UFC fans are going to pay more to catch the promoter's premiere fights on Disney's ESPN Plus streaming sports package next year.
Cliff Levy / @cliffordlevy:
Memo to NYT staff from Arthur Sulzberger Jr., retiring after 42 years: “A 170-year old institution doesn't survive by standing still” — “It has been the privilege of my life to support your important work.” — After 42 years, Arthur Sulzberger Jr., one of the most influential figures in journalism in recent decades, retires and says goodbye to @nytimes. https://twitter.com/...
Discussion:
@nickkristof and @marclacey
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