Todd Spangler

Todd Spangler

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Business editor at Variety; covers media, streaming platforms, and entertainment business models.

Google Claims YouTube TOS Permits AI Model Training
SocialJun 10, 2026

Google Claims YouTube TOS Permits AI Model Training

Google Asserts That YouTube’s Terms of Service Allow It to Train AI Models https://t.co/t9cCoFSBXN via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Warner Music Buys Sureel AI to Safeguard Assets
SocialJun 10, 2026

Warner Music Buys Sureel AI to Safeguard Assets

Warner Music Acquires Sureel AI, a Platform That Aims to Protect Music and Other Assets From Unauthorized Use and Monetization https://t.co/bWuQ1iyfz0 via @variety

By Todd Spangler
EU Probes Paramount's $24B Middle East Warner Deal
SocialJun 10, 2026

EU Probes Paramount's $24B Middle East Warner Deal

EU Kicks Off Probe of Paramount’s $24 Billion in Middle Eastern Funding for Warner Bros. Deal https://t.co/Gu19H74PvQ via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Apple Launches Siri AI with Natural, Customizable Voices
SocialJun 8, 2026

Apple Launches Siri AI with Natural, Customizable Voices

Apple Unveils Siri AI, a Smarter Assistant With More Customizable Voices That Tech Company Claims Sounds More Natural https://t.co/czcyQ5LkTh via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Paramount Skydance Adds Game Studio as Core Pillar
SocialJun 5, 2026

Paramount Skydance Adds Game Studio as Core Pillar

Paramount Skydance Launches New Video Game Studio as ‘Core Pillar’ of Content Strategy Alongside TV, Films and Streaming (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/szPiPqkwYA via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Court Dismisses Paramount's Attempt to Block Warner Deal
SocialJun 4, 2026

Court Dismisses Paramount's Attempt to Block Warner Deal

Paramount Wants Lawsuit Seeking to Block Warner Bros. Deal Tossed: ‘Clumsy Attempt to Politicize Antitrust Litigation’ https://t.co/vHc3Cvkc9T via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Universal UK's Park Named, Backed by $8B Comcast Deal
SocialJun 3, 2026

Universal UK's Park Named, Backed by $8B Comcast Deal

Universal’s U.K. Theme Park Reveals Name, Gets $8 Billion-Plus Commitment From Comcast as British Government Pledges Major Infrastructure Support https://t.co/GRqH2KfEmV via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Tribeca Chief Backs AI‑crafted Iran Protest Film
SocialJun 2, 2026

Tribeca Chief Backs AI‑crafted Iran Protest Film

Tribeca Boss Jane Rosenthal Defends Premiering AI-Made Film About Iran Protests: ‘It Should Be Seen Right Now at This Time’ https://t.co/N3VgAbQnQB via @variety

By Todd Spangler
AI Blurs Reality TV Truth, Netflix UK Chief Warns
SocialJun 2, 2026

AI Blurs Reality TV Truth, Netflix UK Chief Warns

Netflix’s U.K. Unscripted Chief Warns of Dangers of Using AI in Reality Shows: ‘It’s Hard Now to Tell What Is Fake and What Is Real’ https://t.co/iNPqUqYKLS via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Stranger Things Tops 2025‑26 Most‑Watched TV Rankings
SocialMay 28, 2026

Stranger Things Tops 2025‑26 Most‑Watched TV Rankings

Most-Watched TV Series of 2025-26 Across Streaming, Broadcast and Cable: ‘Stranger Things’ Leads This Season’s Rankers https://t.co/zZrt2sRO1C via @variety

By Todd Spangler
CNN Sues Perplexity for Massive Copyright Infringement
SocialMay 28, 2026

CNN Sues Perplexity for Massive Copyright Infringement

CNN Sues AI Firm Perplexity, Alleging It Engaged in ‘Massive Copyright Infringement’ https://t.co/9QJR6oYjP4 via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Tegna Appoints Fox Ad-Sales Chief as CEO Amid Merger Uncertainty
SocialMay 26, 2026

Tegna Appoints Fox Ad-Sales Chief as CEO Amid Merger Uncertainty

Tegna Names Fox TV Stations Ad Sales Boss Patrick Paolini CEO With Nexstar Merger in Legal Limbo https://t.co/O9lf6nz9Xr via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Spotify Reserves Concert Tickets for Its Most Dedicated Fans
SocialMay 21, 2026

Spotify Reserves Concert Tickets for Its Most Dedicated Fans

Spotify will reserve concert tix for music superfans: It will use streams, shares and other activity to “identify an artist’s most dedicated fans and hold two tour tickets for them" in a partnership with Live Nation https://t.co/Vvtx4leFqd via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Spotify, Universal License Fan Covers with Responsible AI
SocialMay 21, 2026

Spotify, Universal License Fan Covers with Responsible AI

Spotify and Universal Music Announce Licensing Agreements for Fan-Made Covers and Remixes, Using ‘Responsible’ Generative AI Technology https://t.co/COc4aR3qLn via @variety

By Todd Spangler
S&P to Further Downgrade Paramount's Junk Rating After Warner Merger
SocialMay 20, 2026

S&P to Further Downgrade Paramount's Junk Rating After Warner Merger

Paramount’s Junk-Status Credit Rating to Be Downgraded Further Following Warner Bros. Merger to Reflect ‘Major Ongoing Uncertainties,’ S&P Global Says https://t.co/AgyXCgh4MD via @variety

By Todd Spangler
W. Kamau Bell
SocialMay 20, 2026

W. Kamau Bell

W. Kamau Bell to Launch Video Podcast ‘Who’s With Me?’ With Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries https://t.co/nm58uJi9Bp

By Todd Spangler
Disney Deepens Hulu‑Disney+ Integration, Denies App Shutdown
SocialMay 19, 2026

Disney Deepens Hulu‑Disney+ Integration, Denies App Shutdown

Disney Pulls Hulu Even Tighter Into Disney+ but Company Says ‘No Current Plans’ to Phase Out Hulu App https://t.co/dxJsEKNJcT via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Spotify Bans AI Impersonation Podcasts, Introduces Verification Badges
SocialMay 19, 2026

Spotify Bans AI Impersonation Podcasts, Introduces Verification Badges

Spotify Officially Bans AI-Generated Podcasts That Impersonate Someone Else, Adds Verification Badges for Podcasts https://t.co/TjhW7eIkqH

By Todd Spangler
Saudi Film Ambitions Falter; Warner‑
SocialMay 15, 2026

Saudi Film Ambitions Falter; Warner‑

Saudi Arabia’s Shattered Hollywood Dreams: Will the Warner Bros. and Paramount Merger and a Shift in Strategy Help the Kingdom Rebound? https://t.co/1qF9YQ1GME

By Todd Spangler
YouTube Announces New Exclusive Shows at Brandcast Upfront
SocialMay 13, 2026

YouTube Announces New Exclusive Shows at Brandcast Upfront

.@YouTube Unveils Exclusive Shows From Alex Cooper, Trevor Noah, Kareem Rahma and More at Brandcast Upfront https://t.co/Vn78Oyb0hE via @Variety

By Todd Spangler
Netflix Ad Tier Hits 250 Million Viewers Globally
SocialMay 13, 2026

Netflix Ad Tier Hits 250 Million Viewers Globally

Netflix Claims Ad Tier Now Reaches 250 Million Viewers Worldwide, Up From 190 Million https://t.co/XJlY6rlKGz

By Todd Spangler
Paramount‑Skydance Says Merger Essential to Rival Netflix, Disney, Amazon
SocialMay 12, 2026

Paramount‑Skydance Says Merger Essential to Rival Netflix, Disney, Amazon

Paramount Skydance Defends WBD Merger by Arguing That Neither Paramount+ nor HBO Max Could 'Catch Up' to Netflix, Disney or Amazon on Their Own https://t.co/7OEKLSrxxe via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Netflix Vows to Defend, Touts Kid‑friendly Controls
SocialMay 11, 2026

Netflix Vows to Defend, Touts Kid‑friendly Controls

Netflix statement continued: "We look forward to addressing the Texas Attorney General’s allegations in court and further explaining our industry-leading, kid‑friendly parental controls and transparent privacy practices.” https://t.co/bLMByUdWzp via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Netflix Calls Texas Lawsuit Meritless, Based on Misinformation
SocialMay 11, 2026

Netflix Calls Texas Lawsuit Meritless, Based on Misinformation

Netflix statement: “Respectfully to the great state of Texas and Attorney General Paxton, this lawsuit lacks merit and is based on inaccurate and distorted information." https://t.co/bLMByUdWzp via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Texas AG Sues Netflix over Alleged Addiction and Spying
SocialMay 11, 2026

Texas AG Sues Netflix over Alleged Addiction and Spying

Netflix Sued by Republican Texas Attorney General, Who Alleges Service Is Designed to Be ‘Addictive’ and Is ‘Spying’ on Users https://t.co/bLMByUdWzp via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Paramount+ to Merge with HBO Max, Creating Unified Platform
SocialMay 11, 2026

Paramount+ to Merge with HBO Max, Creating Unified Platform

Seth Meyers at NBCU upfront: “Paramount Skydance has announced that it plans to merge its Paramount+ streaming service with HBO Max. So now you’ll get all your favorites in one place. Plus Paramount+!” https://t.co/4ors2A3i8P via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Bravo, Peacock Launch Summer Microdramas Starring LeCroy, Gay’s Daughter
SocialMay 11, 2026

Bravo, Peacock Launch Summer Microdramas Starring LeCroy, Gay’s Daughter

Bravo and Peacock Dive Into Microdramas: ‘Southern Charm’ Star Madison LeCroy and Heather Gay’s Daughter Georgia Will Star in Ultra-Short Shows Coming This Summer https://t.co/GPLtuJlIdA

By Todd Spangler
FCC Defends Equal Time Rule, Reviews Disney's News Exemption Claim
SocialMay 8, 2026

FCC Defends Equal Time Rule, Reviews Disney's News Exemption Claim

FCC spox claims equal time rule "encourages more speech and empowers voters to decide the outcome of elections. The FCC will review Disney’s assertion that ‘The View’ is a 'bona fide news program' and thus exempt from the political...

By Todd Spangler
ABC Criticizes Trump Admin's Viewpoint Bias Claim
SocialMay 8, 2026

ABC Criticizes Trump Admin's Viewpoint Bias Claim

ABC said the Trump administration "has been open about its disapproval of the viewpoints expressed on 'The View.' But the government has no legitimate interest in declaring some viewpoints more worthy than others." https://t.co/YY9Hvbtty8 via @variety

By Todd Spangler
OnlyFans Valued at $3.15 B in Minority Stake Sale
SocialMay 8, 2026

OnlyFans Valued at $3.15 B in Minority Stake Sale

OnlyFans Valued at $3.15 Billion in Deal to Sell Minority Stake to Architect Capital https://t.co/jAaogMQao2 via @variety

By Todd Spangler
ABC Warns FCC Probe Will Chill Protected Speech
SocialMay 8, 2026

ABC Warns FCC Probe Will Chill Protected Speech

ABC Says Trump’s FCC Probe Into ‘The View’ Over Equal-Time Rule Threatens to ‘Chill Critical Protected Speech’ https://t.co/4bXmeGtGiu via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Stars Fear Blacklisting, Skip Anti‑Merger Letter
SocialMay 7, 2026

Stars Fear Blacklisting, Skip Anti‑Merger Letter

Mark Ruffalo Says Hollywood Stars Declined to Sign Open Letter Against Paramount-WB Merger ‘Because They’re Afraid’ the Studio Will Blacklist Them https://t.co/ZF44GB2gRq via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Nexstar CEO Details Legal Battle Over Tegna Acquisition
SocialMay 7, 2026

Nexstar CEO Details Legal Battle Over Tegna Acquisition

Nexstar CEO Lays Out Next Steps in Legal Fight Over Tegna Deal, Including ‘Complete Laundry List of All Threatened and Pending Litigation That We’re Aware Of’ https://t.co/B30GbP9ew9 via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Gen Z Cancels & Re‑subscribes for One Show
SocialMay 6, 2026

Gen Z Cancels & Re‑subscribes for One Show

More Than Half of Gen Z Users Cancel and Renew Streaming Services for a Single Title, Study Finds https://t.co/Prcb8GnJFz

By Todd Spangler
WBD Gains Streaming, Studios; Paramount Deal Triggers Massive Loss
SocialMay 6, 2026

WBD Gains Streaming, Studios; Paramount Deal Triggers Massive Loss

Warner Bros. Discovery Saw Q1 Streaming, Studios Boosts, But Paramount Item Spurs Large Loss https://t.co/L585A2tXxX via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Media CEOs Rake in Record Pay Amid Hollywood Slump
SocialMay 6, 2026

Media CEOs Rake in Record Pay Amid Hollywood Slump

Media CEO Pay 2025: How David Zaslav, Bob Iger, Ted Sarandos and Other Moguls Made Bank as Hollywood Struggled https://t.co/tjc7yQfprC via @variety

By Todd Spangler
WBD CEO Hails Ted Turner as Visionary Trailblazer
SocialMay 6, 2026

WBD CEO Hails Ted Turner as Visionary Trailblazer

Ted Turner Praised as ‘Visionary’ and ‘Trailblazer’ by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav https://t.co/GXN2PqQ6fR via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Disney+ to Evolve Into Immersive Interactive Digital Hub
SocialMay 6, 2026

Disney+ to Evolve Into Immersive Interactive Digital Hub

Disney+ Will Become ‘Immersive, Interactive Digital Centerpiece’ of the Company, CEO Josh D’Amaro Says https://t.co/9NWmCGWdHm via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Disney Says Epic Games Partnership Key to Youth Engagement
SocialMay 6, 2026

Disney Says Epic Games Partnership Key to Youth Engagement

Amid questions about Disney's commitment to Epic Games, D’Amaro and CFO Hugh Johnston said “our collaboration with Epic Games is central to our efforts" to reach younger consumers: Disney characters are “among the most popular across the Fortnite universe” https://t.co/v57KYoi9Gh

By Todd Spangler
Disney Revenue Climbs 7% as Streaming Soars 88%
SocialMay 6, 2026

Disney Revenue Climbs 7% as Streaming Soars 88%

Disney Revenue Rises 7% in Earnings Beat, Disney+ and Hulu Streaming Income Pops 88% to $582 Million https://t.co/v57KYoi9Gh via @variety

By Todd Spangler
HBO Max Launches 16‑hour Harry Potter Film Recap Podcast
SocialMay 5, 2026

HBO Max Launches 16‑hour Harry Potter Film Recap Podcast

HBO Max to Release ‘Harry Potter’ Podcast Revisiting All 8 Original Films — Running a Total of 16 Hours https://t.co/sy48cAXPvP

By Todd Spangler
Infowars Goes Offline as The Onion Fights for Control
SocialMay 1, 2026

Infowars Goes Offline as The Onion Fights for Control

Infowars Site Goes Offline Amid The Onion’s Legal Battle to Secure Control of Right-Wing Outlet https://t.co/TMgQOuKGg6 via @variety

By Todd Spangler
Paramount Dismisses Lawsuit, Touts Stronger Merged Competitor
SocialMay 1, 2026

Paramount Dismisses Lawsuit, Touts Stronger Merged Competitor

Paramount said the lawsuit is “without merit.” “The combination of Paramount and WBD will create a stronger competitor that is well positioned to serve as a champion for creative talent and consumer choice,” PSKY rep said https://t.co/hfLYJZKNUB

By Todd Spangler
Lawsuit Claims Skydance Traded Editorial Alignment for Trump Favor
SocialMay 1, 2026

Lawsuit Claims Skydance Traded Editorial Alignment for Trump Favor

The lawsuit alleges that Skydance curried favor with the Trump administration in order to win approval of the Paramount deal, arguing that it has agreed to “align CBS News’s editorial posture” with the White House https://t.co/hfLYJZKNUB

By Todd Spangler
Paramount+ Merger May Raise Prices, Limit Options
SocialMay 1, 2026

Paramount+ Merger May Raise Prices, Limit Options

The plaintiffs — three current Paramount+ subscribers and two prospective subscribers — allege that they face increased prices and reduced viewing options as a result of the transaction. https://t.co/hfLYJZKNUB

By Todd Spangler
Roku Q1 Sales Jump 22%; Ads, Subscriptions Disclosed
SocialApr 30, 2026

Roku Q1 Sales Jump 22%; Ads, Subscriptions Disclosed

Roku Q1 Sales Pop 22%, Company Breaks Out Results for Advertising and Subscriptions Businesses for First Time https://t.co/H3qeykC3XQ via @variety

By Todd Spangler
FCC Chair Calls NAB's ABC Objection Unprecedented, Notes Division
SocialApr 30, 2026

FCC Chair Calls NAB's ABC Objection Unprecedented, Notes Division

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, about NAB's statement objecting to the ABC license review "nearly unprecedented," said, “NAB’s gonna say what the NAB’s gonna say, I get it… I guess Disney’s a member of NAB. But broadcasters are not all with...

By Todd Spangler
FCC Chair Denies White House Pressure, Sparks Meme Fury
SocialApr 30, 2026

FCC Chair Denies White House Pressure, Sparks Meme Fury

FCC Chairman Claims No White House Pressure to Go After ABC Over Kimmel Joke, Trolls Critic Accusing Him of Being a ‘Whole Bitch’ With Meme From ‘Parks and Recreation’ https://t.co/3Ka5U9aMLy via @variety

By Todd Spangler
SAG‑AFTRA Debuts ‘I Am An Actor’ Podcast Featuring Top Stars
SocialApr 30, 2026

SAG‑AFTRA Debuts ‘I Am An Actor’ Podcast Featuring Top Stars

SAG-AFTRA Launches ‘I Am An Actor’ Podcast; First Guests Include Quinta Brunson, Kate Hudson, Mariska Hargitay, Kerry Washington (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/bHYAqMJlqN via @variety

By Todd Spangler