🎯Today's Entertainment Pulse
Updated 3m agoWhat's happening: Live Nation posts record $25 billion revenue in 2025
Live Nation Entertainment reported a record $25 billion in revenue for 2025, a 9% rise from the prior year. Quarterly earnings hit $6.3 billion, beating the $6.1 billion analyst forecast, while concert sales reached $20.9 billion and sponsorship revenue grew 11% to $1.33 billion. The company logged a historic 159 million fans, with international fans now outpacing domestic.
Also developing:
News•Feb 19, 2026
Sphere Entertainment’s Revenues Topped $1.2bn in 2025, up 8% YoY; Wizard Of Oz Has Generated $290M Since August Launch
Sphere Entertainment posted FY 2025 revenue of $1.22 billion, an 8% year‑over‑year increase, while narrowing its operating loss to $229.6 million. Adjusted operating profit surged 138% to $261.8 million, reflecting the impact of excluding depreciation, amortization and other non‑cash items. Q4 revenue jumped 28% to $394.3 million, delivering a $28.9 million operating profit. The Wizard of Oz immersive show sold 2.2 million tickets, generating roughly $290 million, and the company announced plans for a mini‑Sphere in National Harbor and a full‑scale venue in Abu Dhabi.
By Music Business Worldwide (MBW)
Blog•Feb 19, 2026
Australian Esports League Joins Forces with Australian Grand Prix for Esports Tournament
The Australian Esports League has teamed up with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to launch the Victorian Virtual Grand Prix, a student‑focused esports tournament. Primary school pupils will race in‑person on February 28 at Kingsville Primary, while secondary students compete online...
By Esports Insider
Blog•Feb 19, 2026
League of Legends Americas Cup 2026 Format and Schedule Revealed
Riot Games unveiled the inaugural League of Legends Americas Cup, slated for March 4‑8 in São Paulo. The tournament pits the second‑ and third‑place teams from the LCS Lock‑In and CBLOL Cup in a double‑elimination bracket, with opening best‑of‑three matches followed by...
By Esports Insider
Social•Feb 19, 2026
Kling 3.0 Sets New Standard for AI Video Production
The Kling Report. For those interested in AI video. I'm running a series of reports. Having AI read my lists here on X (I have about 50,000 people in AI industry on them) looking for interesting trends. I've been having a...
By Robert Scoble
Social•Feb 19, 2026
Pure‑play Focus Beats Big Tech in Paid Streaming
The winners in paid streaming haven't been the deep pocketed companies. In music, it's been Spotify. In video, it's Netflix. That's not a coincidence. The difference wasn't talent or resources, the big tech companies have plenty. Instead, it was the pure-play...
By Dan Runcie
News•Feb 18, 2026
MeTV Is Adding The Golden Girls
MeTV announced that The Golden Girls will return to broadcast television beginning March 16, 2026, marking the sitcom’s first over‑the‑air airing since 1997. The series will occupy a nightly 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. slot on weekdays and a Sunday prime‑time block from 8 p.m....
By Cord Cutters News
Social•Feb 19, 2026
Lawmaker Flags Security and Editorial Risks in Paramount‑WBD Deal
Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-CA) is concerned about all the foreign money tied to Paramount's efforts to acquire WBD. In letter to Paramount CEO David Ellison, Licarrdo writes: "this acquisition raises serious national security, data-protection, and editorial-independence concerns that warrant full...
By Joe Flint
Social•Feb 19, 2026
EU Regulators May Side With Paramount Over Netflix
Could EU Regulators Favor Paramount Over Netflix in Battle for Warner Bros. Discovery? https://t.co/fkGFzUlDW1 via @variety
By Todd Spangler
News•Feb 18, 2026
Google Adds Lyria 3 AI-Music Model to Its Gemini App
Google has integrated DeepMind’s Lyria 3 generative‑music model into its Gemini app, expanding the multimodal AI assistant’s capabilities to include music creation. The update reaches Gemini’s more than 750 million monthly active users, allowing them to generate 30‑second tracks from text, images...
By Music Ally
Social•Feb 19, 2026
Free Real-Time Analytics for 21K+ NFT Editions
analytics for 21,000+ digital collectible editions across NBA, NFL, and Disney built without permission or approvals tokenization means data belongs to everyone. not locked behind APIs or business deals. transparent provenance, real-time metrics, built-in authentication & more
By Roham Gharegozlou
Social•Feb 19, 2026
CBS, 60 Minutes, Inside Edition Exit NYC Offices
60 Minutes, CBS Sports, Inside Edition to Leave Longtime New York Offices in Real Estate Shuffle https://t.co/utXev5vUHw via @variety
By Brian Steinberg
News•Feb 18, 2026
Retiring Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob to Be Honored at CinemaCon
Ellis Jacob, who has steered Canada’s Cineplex for 23 years, will receive Cinema United’s Legend of Cinema Award at CinemaCon in April. Under his leadership, Cineplex grew into the fourth‑largest theater chain in North America. Jacob also chaired Cinema United’s...
By The Wrap
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Game Scripts Are Living Maps, AI Powers Unlimited Modding
A few years ago, a gaming executive explained to me that while the writer’s rooms in Hollywood and gaming look similar during ideation, they diverge sharply during production. A TV script is a closed loop—a linear journey from point A...
By Andrew Rosen
Social•Feb 18, 2026
Stand Out in AI-Driven Content Overload
Content is already saturated, but AI is making it infinite. Now the biggest threat to creators is becoming invisible and getting lost in the wave of videos posted everyday. Today we dive into how you can defend yourself against it,...
By Colin and Samir
News•Feb 18, 2026
Pluto TV Strikes a Partnership With TikTok & Adds 4 New Channels
Pluto TV, Paramount’s free ad‑supported streaming service, has added four new FAST channels, including a TikTok partnership. The lineup now features ZenLIFE for wellness, Qello Concerts with full‑length music films, TikTok Radio streaming viral hits, and Stingray DJAZZ showcasing jazz...
By Cord Cutters News
Blog•Feb 18, 2026
How Musicians, Marketers Use WhatsApp to Build Fan Communities
Direct-to-fan communication is shifting from optional to essential as social‑media algorithms limit reach. WhatsApp, with over 2 billion users, provides 100% message deliverability and a private‑conversation feel that email and SMS can’t match. Artists like Lorde, The Lathums, Dua Lipa and Sahel Sounds...
By Hypebot
News•Feb 18, 2026
“End-to-End AI” Films Are Here: Kuku’s AI Impact Summit Demo Hints at a Content Flood
At the AI Impact Summit 2026, Kuku FM CEO Lal Chand Bisu unveiled India’s first “AI‑first micro drama,” a short‑form film produced entirely by artificial intelligence across script, dialogue, post‑production, and marketing assets. Bisu announced that Kuku already releases hundreds...
By YourStory
News•Feb 18, 2026
Cinemark Q4 Revenue Slips 5% Year Over Year Despite ‘Zootopia 2,’ ‘Avatar 3’ Box Office
Cinemark reported fourth‑quarter 2025 revenue of $776 million, a 5% year‑over‑year decline despite the strong box‑office draw of “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar Fire and Ash.” Attendance fell 13% to 44.3 million, and earnings per share slipped to 16 cents, missing analyst expectations. Concession sales dropped to $302.4 million,...
By The Wrap
News•Feb 18, 2026
Councilmember’s Push to Improve L.A. Filming Conditions Passes Latest Hurdle: “We Can’t Lose Any More Time”
Councilmember Adrin Nazarian secured committee approval for nine filming‑friendly proposals, including faster soundstage certification, a free permit for micro‑shoots, reduced parking fees, and an independent audit of permitting. Amendments trimmed police and fire regulations and removed special‑condition hurdles in neighborhoods like...
By The Hollywood Reporter (Business)
News•Feb 18, 2026
GOL Appoints Anuvu to Redefine IFE Experience
Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas has selected Anuvu as its new inflight entertainment (IFE) partner, with the collaboration kicking off in January 2026. The deal brings Anuvu’s extensive content library—including HBO Max and Formula 1—into GOL’s cabins, promising higher‑quality streams and a broader...
By PAX International
News•Feb 18, 2026
Germans Spend Almost 11 Hours Daily on Media in 2025
Germans averaged 10 hours and 53 minutes of media consumption per day in 2025, according to VAUNET’s Media Usage Analysis. Audio and audiovisual content together accounted for 9 hours and 38 minutes, with linear television and radio still commanding the...
By Broadband TV News
Podcast•Feb 17, 2026•31 min
The Casey Wasserman Scandal, and Who Wants to Buy His Agency
In this episode, Matt Belloni and Bloomberg analyst Lucas Shaw dissect the fallout from Casey Wasserman's decision to put his entertainment agency up for sale, exploring the internal Hollywood power struggles that prompted the move. They evaluate potential suitors, ranging...
By The Town with Matthew Belloni
News•Feb 17, 2026
Jake Weiner Exiting Good Fear to Launch Production, Management Firm Harvest Hill Entertainment (Exclusive)
Longtime producer Jake Weiner has left Good Fear after a 25‑year partnership with Chris Bender to launch his own management and production company, Harvest Hill Entertainment. The new boutique firm starts with a roster that includes Oscar‑nominated writer Allison Schroeder,...
By The Hollywood Reporter (Business)
News•Feb 17, 2026
Players Era Seeks Unprecedented TV Money to Match Pricey Payouts
Players Era, the college basketball tournament that pays athletes NIL compensation, is demanding more than $50 million annually for broadcast rights to its expanded early‑season event. Networks have so far rejected the offer, citing the price as far above typical preseason...
By Sportico
Social•Feb 17, 2026
Paramount Must Exceed $35 to Secure WBD Acquisition
Why Paramount needs to bid north of $35 to win Warner Bros. Discovery $WBD $PSKY $NFLX The LightShed Podcast, Ep. 301. With @BrandoLightShed and @WaltLightShed https://t.co/x9YASRJ98h
By Rich Greenfield
Social•Feb 17, 2026
Paramount Accepts Warner Offer, Pursues Tender and Proxy Fight
New: Paramount is taking Warners up on its offer. Says in statement that it's "prepared to engage in good faith and constructive discussions" while also proceeding with tender and proxy fight.
By Alex Weprin
News•Feb 17, 2026
Nippon TV Opens Vertical Video Division
Nippon TV has launched a new vertical‑video unit called Viral Pocket, dedicated to micro‑drama and Gen Z‑focused storytelling. The division will develop platform‑native IP, handle end‑to‑end vertical production, and provide KPI‑driven marketing support. It builds on the broadcaster’s micro‑drama hits, including...
By World Screen
Social•Feb 17, 2026
Armstrong Signs Deal to Acquire MCTV Ohio
🚨 News: @followarmstrong Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire @MCTVOhio from the Gessner family | https://t.co/fFOMiRLbGY https://t.co/VATsTCCLBE
By Ted Hearn
Social•Feb 17, 2026
FTC Clears Sony’s $460M Purchase of Peanuts Franchise
The FTC has signed off on Sony's $460 million deal to acquire the Peanuts franchise, per a Hart-Scott-Rodino filing. Deal was announced in December. https://t.co/Y9ayPm2bI8
By Alex Weprin
News•Feb 17, 2026
E! Co-Founder Alan Mruvka Launches Filmology Labs Studios
Alan Mruvka, co‑founder of E! Entertainment, has unveiled Filmology Labs: Content Creation Studios in Paterson, New Jersey. The 250,000 sq ft campus represents a $250 million investment and houses 21 purpose‑built sound stages optimized for vertical micro‑drama storytelling, including his Verza TV platform, which aims...
By TVTechnology
News•Feb 17, 2026
Fremantle UK Teams with Eberechi Eze’s Flowstate
Fremantle UK has entered a strategic partnership with Flowstate, a new creative agency founded by Premier League star Eberechi Eze. The collaboration will produce premium entertainment, factual and brand‑funded scripted and unscripted series across sport, music, fashion and broader culture. Both...
By World Screen
News•Feb 17, 2026
Roku Shares Climb. Is It Too Late to Buy the Stock?
Roku reported a robust Q4, with revenue rising 16% to $1.39 billion and EPS flipping to a profit of $0.53, beating expectations. Platform revenue surged 18% to $1.22 billion, driven by video ads and premium subscriptions, while device revenue barely grew. Adjusted...
By Yahoo Finance – News Index
Social•Feb 17, 2026
Night Raises $70M to Expand Gaming Business
News: Night, a leading talent representative for creators like @KaiCenat, has raised $70 million to expand its business in gaming (and other areas).
By Lucas Shaw
Social•Feb 17, 2026
Hearst's B2B Drives Record $13.5B Revenue
New: @Hearst says it had record revenues ($13.5B) & profits last year, thanks to the continued growth of its B2B arm, which now makes up 60% of its entire biz https://t.co/Uofy5iRA8A
By Sara Fischer
News•Feb 17, 2026
Henrik Berndtson Named Head of Nordics at AEG Ticketing Division AXS
AEG’s ticketing arm AXS has appointed Henrik Berndtson as Head of the Nordics, placing him in Stockholm to steer regional operations. The move aligns with AXS’s aggressive European rollout, complementing recent hires in Europe and a joint venture in Japan. Berndtson...
By Music Business Worldwide (MBW)
News•Feb 17, 2026
US Video Game Consumer Spending Predicted to Reach $62.8bn in 2026
U.S. video game consumer spending is projected to hit $62.8 billion in 2026, a 3% rise from the previous year, according to market‑research firm Circana. The growth is anchored by strong hardware demand for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the launch of...
By GamesIndustry.biz
News•Feb 17, 2026
Apple Music’s iOS 26.4 Beta Introduces AI-Powered Playlist Tool
Apple Music is testing an AI‑powered playlist generator called Playlist Playground in the iOS 26.4 beta. The tool lets users type natural‑language prompts—such as “morning coffee music” or “disco songs that defined the 1970s”—to create 25‑track playlists with custom titles and...
By Music Business Worldwide (MBW)
News•Feb 17, 2026
Warner Bros Rejects Paramount Takeover Bid, Sets Week Deadline; Netflix Vote on 20 March
Warner Bros. Discovery rejected Paramount Skydance's $30‑per‑share acquisition proposal, signaling that the current offer does not meet its valuation expectations. The studio gave Paramount a seven‑day window, until February 23, to submit a revised, best‑and‑final bid. Paramount has indicated it could...
By Mint (LiveMint) – Companies
News•Feb 17, 2026
Spinnaker Tower Searches for New Operator
Portsmouth City Council has engaged Colliers to locate a new leisure or visitor‑attraction operator for the 170‑metre Spinnaker Tower. The council aims to "unlock" the tower's untapped potential by bringing in a partner that will invest, innovate and enhance the...
By Blooloop — Theme Parks
News•Feb 17, 2026
Take That’s Gary Barlow Signs Global Publishing Deal With BMG
Gary Barlow has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with BMG that brings his four‑decade songwriting catalogue—including Take That hits and collaborations with Elton John and Robbie Williams—under BMG’s administration. The deal expands BMG’s roster of legendary writers such as Mick...
By Billboard
News•Feb 17, 2026
China Introduces 30-Day Visa Waiver for UK and Canadian Nationals
China will allow UK and Canadian passport holders to enter visa‑free for up to 30 days. The waiver runs from 17 February to 31 December 2026 and covers business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and transit. It is expected to speed...
By Blooloop — Theme Parks
News•Feb 17, 2026
A Practical Guide to Indie Comms: How Studios Can Build Visibility without Burning Out
Rebecca Attard‑Phillips, co‑founder of Boost, offers indie studios a practical communications roadmap that replaces noisy, omnichannel marketing with a realistic focus on clarity, consistency, and connection. The guide introduces three messaging pillars—emotional fantasy, signature mechanic, and world tone—and shows how...
By GamesIndustry.biz
News•Feb 17, 2026
New South Wales Prepares New Law to Support Music Venues
New South Wales has introduced the Music Bill 2026, a pioneering legislative package aimed at safeguarding grassroots music venues. The bill establishes a Sound NSW advisory board and an accreditation system that classifies venues as dedicated, significant or live‑music spaces....
By Music Ally
News•Feb 17, 2026
Filming with a Mission: Why Actor Chris Pine Turned to This Nonprofit Film Fund
Harbor Fund, a Utah‑based nonprofit, has raised $15 million from 82 high‑net‑worth donors and deployed $10 million into 22 socially conscious film and documentary projects, including Chris Pine’s upcoming documentary based on Matthew Desmond’s book *Evicted*. Pine, motivated by his own experience...
By Los Angeles Times – Entertainment & Arts
News•Feb 17, 2026
The Film and TV Charity’s Money Matters Survey Reveals Worrying Trend for the Industry
The Film and TV Charity’s second Money Matters report, based on 2,000 industry workers, reveals that 74 % are contemplating leaving the sector because of financial pressure and 43 % have already taken concrete steps to exit. Sustained worklessness affects 22 % of...
By TVBEurope
News•Feb 17, 2026
Comcast Business Powers February’s Biggest Broadcast Events
Comcast Business is again partnering with NBCUniversal to provide the backbone network for three marquee February events: Super Bowl LVII, the 2026 Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics, and the 2026 NBA All‑Star Game. The company will deliver dedicated, high‑capacity fiber connections linking...
By MarTech Series
Social•Feb 17, 2026
Spent $1M on Compliance to Guarantee Beast Games Fairness
Fun fact, I’ve spent over $1,000,000 recently on 3rd party compliance teams to be on set and verify Beast Games/MrBeast videos arnt rigged. They verify EVERY elimination to ensure my team didn’t interfered, make sure we don’t change rules to...
By MrBeast
Blog•Feb 17, 2026
Every News Outlet Should Produce a Video Podcast
Simon Owens discusses why every news outlet should launch a video podcast, highlighting The Guardian’s new daily video show as a model. He argues that video podcasts are a low‑cost way to repurpose text journalism, build journalists’ personal brands, and...
By Simon Owens’ Media Newsletter
News•Feb 17, 2026
Portugal: Over 53% Watch Streaming Services
More than half of Portugal’s adult population (53.3%, 4.6 million people) streamed video between September and December 2025, setting a new national record and adding 107 000 users year‑over‑year. Daily or near‑daily usage rose to 41.7% of viewers, while subscription penetration climbed to...
By Advanced Television
News•Feb 17, 2026
HBO Max Launching in New Zealand
Warner Bros. Discovery announced that HBO Max will launch as a direct‑to‑consumer streaming service in New Zealand in mid‑2026. The rollout follows the service’s 2025 debut in Australia and recent launches in Germany, Italy, and the upcoming UK/Ireland launch. HBO Max...
By Advanced Television