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Sources: CNN will begin experimenting in early October with a metered paywall, charging some readers for digital access after they read a set number of articles — CNN will begin experimenting in October with a subscription model, in a major initiative from its chief executive, Mark Thompson.
Discussion:
The Wrap, @sherman4949, @dylanbyers, @benmullin, @paulwiggins, @2xaught7.bsky.social and @benmullin


Matt Mullenweg says WP Engine no longer has free WordPress.org access and directs WP Engine customers having trouble with their websites to WP Engine support — WordPress on Wednesday escalated its conflict with WP Engine, a hosting provider, by blocking the latter's servers …
Discussion:
WordPress News, MarTech, @viewfromthebox, WP Engine's Status Page, @jbenton, @bgardner, @bgardner, @photomatt, @automattic, @carlhancock, @dvk@toot.re, @runakog@threads.net, @bowefrankema, @ozskier, @photomatt, @davidtaggart, @photomatt, @vinnysgreen, @benjmay, @patchstackapp, @mgeheren, @stshank, @rmccue, @fjzeit, @bgardner, @shendison, @joshmanders, @keithdevon, @itsdavemartin, Dave Martin, @thespacedmonkey, @thedannorris, @dcurtis, @wpdavidv, @taraclaeys, @mrlanphear, TechCrunch, @danielcid, @tomfrankly, Search Engine Journal, @seldo, @pressable, @t3dotgg, @williamsba, @raymmar_, @slexaxton, @photomatt, @photomatt, @deviorobert, @tealou, @wordpress, @photomatt, @timbouchard, @tmeister, TechRadar, @Kye@tech.lgbt, @Jayhoffmann@mastodon.social, @bretcarmichael@mastodon …, @jalefkowit@vmst.io, @chris@mastodon …, One Man & His Blog and TechCrunch, more at Techmeme »
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Matt Mullenweg says Automattic has “been attempting to make a licensing deal” with WP Engine “for a very long time, and all they have done is string us along” — In short, WP Engine is violating WordPress' trademarks. Moreover, they have been doing so for years.
Discussion:
TechCrunch and @photomatt@mastodon.social, more at Techmeme »


Hoda Kotb plans to leave NBC's Today early next year but will remain an occasional contributor to NBC; her exit will create two vacancies in the Today franchise — Her exit, planned for early next year, is a seismic shift for NBC and opens up a pair of morning TV's most coveted anchor chairs.
Discussion:
TODAY.com, Adweek, The Wrap, CNBC, Fox News, CNN, TVLine, HuffPost, Mediaite, Variety, Page Six, Vanity Fair, DNyuz, @todayshow, Black America Web, Next TV, TMZ.com, Hollywood Life, Media Play News, E! Online, WRBL-TV, WWL-TV, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Times, CBS News, Us Weekly, The Hill, Deadline, New York Daily News, @bristei, TODAY.com, @brianstelter, @grynbaum, @drewkerr, @davidaxelrod, Forbes, USA Today, The Daily Beast and Extra


Flipboard says it is federating 250 publisher profiles and 4,000 of their curated Magazines, including ABC News, the AP, The Atlantic, PBS, and USA Today — BYMARCI MCCUE — Today Flipboard is federating 250 publisher profiles and 4,000 of their curated Magazines, making it possible …
Discussion:
@mike@flipboard.social, @Flipboard@flipboard.social and @tchambers@indieweb.social


Sources: ESPN lays off NBA senior writer Zach Lowe as part of continuing cost cutting; his salary, in excess of seven figures annually, was the biggest factor — ESPN has parted ways with NBA senior writer Zach Lowe as part of the network's continuing layoffs, sources briefed on the decision told The Athletic on Thursday.


The Economist's events division, Economist Impact, faces backlash after an investigation found it has large sponsorship contracts with three tobacco companies — Exclusive: Experts pull out of health conferences run by Economist Impact after revelations of commercial links
Discussion:
@qubcancerprof and @mattjhodgkinson@scicomm.xyz


Business Insider Chief Subscriptions Officer Katie Friedman says a test of an AI smart paywall from December 2023 to April 2024 increased conversions by 75% — This article was provided as an exclusive preview for Digiday+ members, who were able to access it early.


Palestinian journalist Bisan Atef Owda wins the Emmy for Outstanding Hard News Feature: Short Form, after the Academy rejected a push to rescind her nomination — Other winners from the News & Documentary ceremony include ABC and CNN with multiple wins each
Discussion:
Variety


California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2426, which forces digital stores to tell customers they are getting a revocable license when “buying” digital media — California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a law (AB 2426) to combat “disappearing” purchases of digital games, movies, music, and ebooks.
Discussion:
Governor of California and 9to5Mac, more at Techmeme »


A Muck Rack survey of 402 US journalists found that their primary sources of stress include workload, salary, and the expectation that they always be “on” — A Muck Rack survey found high levels of burnout and exhaustion among journalists. One potential reason? The upcoming election.
Discussion:
Media Nation, @risj_oxford, @jackcarterbenjamin …, Muck Rack and r/Journalism


LG rolls out full-screen screensaver ads from LG and its partners to its smart TVs, including its expensive OLED models; the ads, on by default, can be disabled — Even if you buy one of the most expensive TV models today, you cannot escape ads. LG is rolling out screensaver ads …
Discussion:
Mashable, The Verge, Engadget, TechRadar, Advanced Television, Ars Technica, Digital Trends and Streaming Better, more at Techmeme »