Top News:
Alex Fitzpatrick / Axios:
The New York Times says users played its puzzles and games more than 8B times in 2023, led by Wordle with 4.8B plays, and the NYT Games app had 10M downloads — The New York Times' puzzle and games were played more than 8 billion times last year, the company tells Axios exclusively …
Mark Stenberg / Adweek:
Sources detail how a $300M investment from Blackstone, structured as a line of credit, became an albatross for Recurrent Ventures due to rising interest rates — The Blackstone investment was supposed to be a war chest. It became an albatross. — In May 2022, media company Recurrent Ventures announced …
Discussion:
Media Voices, @rafat, @markstenberg3 and Jared Lake on LinkedIn
Kyle Orland / Ars Technica:
In response to the George Carlin estate's lawsuit, Dudesy says its YouTube video and podcast with an “AI” George Carlin were “created by two human beings” — Creators still face “name and likeness” complaints; lawyer says suit will continue.
Reuters:
German state broadcaster ARD says Israel was blocking two of its long-term Palestinian workers from leaving Gaza, citing security concerns that don't make sense — German state broadcaster ARD on Friday said Israel was blocking two of its long-term Palestinian workers from leaving Gaza …
Wall Street Journal:
How Penguin Random House started actively challenging the removal of books from US school libraries, including through an “Intellectual Freedom” task force — A fiery board meeting inspired Penguin Random House to actively challenge the removal of books from school libraries
Discussion:
NPR, Why Evolution Is True and @jbflint
Kurt Wagner / Bloomberg:
X plans to build a new “Trust and Safety center of excellence” in Austin, Texas, and hire 100 full-time moderators to fight child sexual exploitation material — - Employees will be full-time, primarily focused on CSE content — X CEO Yaccarino to testify before Senate committee next week
Discussion:
The Verge, Reuters, @kurtwagner8, @seesyous, The Information, @alexanotherone.bsky.social, The Messenger and Engadget, more at Techmeme »
The Intercept:
Sources: the NYT pulled a The Daily episode about sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, after an internal debate on the strength of its reporting — The New York Times pulled a high-profile episode of its podcast “The Daily” about sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7 amid …
Discussion:
@zei_squirrel, @evanhill, @maryamsaleh, @snarwani, @markamesexiled, @drboguslaw and @kenklippenstein
Cecilia Kang / New York Times:
A look at the US Copyright Office, which is in the spotlight as it plans to release three key reports in 2024 revealing its position on copyright law and AI — The office is reviewing how centuries-old laws should apply to artificial intelligence technology, with both content creators and tech giants arguing their cases.
Discussion:
@knibbs, @jeffplatsky, @dm_cooper, @toddbigphoto, @tvol, @stevelohr, Publishers Weekly and CMU
Jennifer Maas / Variety:
A look at Warner Bros. Discovery's push to expand its gaming division with live services and mobile games, by leveraging its franchises like Game of Thrones — David Zaslav's most critical mission is leading Warner Bros. Discovery through the streaming wars.
Discussion:
@benjisales, @captaingalxy, @variety, Screen Rant, @jmaasaronson and @aegies, more at Techmeme »
Pete Croatto / Poynter:
A look at the 2003 film Shattered Glass on serial fabulist Stephen Glass, the people involved in his rise and fall, and its enduring appeal in journalism school — 25 years ago, Stephen Glass was exposed as a fabulist. In 2003, a classic film chronicled his deceit. Not everyone involved walked away unscathed.
Discussion:
Nick Hirshon on LinkedIn, @sonnybunch, @jonathanchait, @petecroatto, @williams_paige, @billyray5229, @petecroatto, @benmullin, @om and On my Om
Reuters:
Report: Zee Media founder Subhash Chandra says his family plans to eventually raise its stake in Zee from 4% to 26% after a merger with Sony India collapsed — Zee Entertainment (ZEE.NS) founder Subhash Chandra's family will eventually lift their stake in the media house to 26% from 4% currently …
Discussion:
Livemint
Patrick Frater / Variety:
CNN Philippines plans to close on January 31, impacting up to 300 jobs; the outlet launched in 2015 under a brand licensing deal and, a source says, lost $89M+ — CNN Philippines is to close down on Wednesday, the company announced on Monday local time. The move means up to 300 jobs will be lost.
Discussion:
@cnnphilippines and Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter:
Sources: former MGM executive Jonathan Glickman is in talks to join Miramax as its CEO, following Bill Block's departure last year — The former MGM executive, known for his work on ‘No Time to Die’ and ‘Creed,’ would step into a role vacated by Bill Block. — Miramax may have found its new leader.
Discussion:
@borys_kit
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