Entertainment News and Headlines

Sarah J. Maas Could Still Make an ACOTAR TV Show
NewsMar 5, 2026

Sarah J. Maas Could Still Make an ACOTAR TV Show

Sarah J. Maas announced she has reclaimed the master rights to her works, giving her full control over any television adaptation of the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. She emphasized that future adaptations will reflect her vision and...

By Vulture (New York Magazine)
Sony Divests Whisper Stake
NewsMar 5, 2026

Sony Divests Whisper Stake

Sony Pictures Television is selling its 30% share in The Whisper Group after five years of partnership. The divestiture returns Whisper to private ownership, with external financing to fund its strategy and an employee equity plan. During Sony’s tenure, Whisper’s...

By Advanced Television
Foxtel Recruits NBL’s Ted Helliar To Supercharge Its Fan Community
NewsMar 5, 2026

Foxtel Recruits NBL’s Ted Helliar To Supercharge Its Fan Community

Foxtel Group has appointed former NBL executive Ted Helliar as Director of Engagement, Community and Fandom for its Kayo Sports and Fox Sports brands. In the role, Helliar will oversee all social and creator teams, aiming to deepen fan connections...

By B&T (Australia)
Crompton Joins Fremantle as Global Head of Entertainment
NewsMar 5, 2026

Crompton Joins Fremantle as Global Head of Entertainment

Fremantle announced Ben Crompton as its new Global Head of Entertainment, effective March 2026. Crompton arrives from NBCUniversal, where he oversaw International Unscripted, developing formats and IP worldwide. He previously launched Lime Pictures US, delivering hit shows for Netflix, MTV,...

By Advanced Television
Analysis: Premium Content Strategies Attract High-Value Viewers
NewsMar 5, 2026

Analysis: Premium Content Strategies Attract High-Value Viewers

British streaming platforms are abandoning the traditional subscriber‑growth model in favor of targeting high‑net‑worth viewers. Executives now prioritize Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) by offering premium tiers that promise seamless, personalized experiences. Data‑driven curation, early‑release access, and 8K streaming are...

By Advanced Television
Charter, Comcast Focused on Customer Service, Savings to Win Customers Back
NewsMar 4, 2026

Charter, Comcast Focused on Customer Service, Savings to Win Customers Back

Cable operators Charter and Comcast are doubling down on customer‑service initiatives and bundled pricing to stem broadband subscriber losses. Charter promises up to $1,000 annual savings when customers combine broadband with two mobile lines, while Comcast has introduced price‑lock, all‑inclusive...

By Broadband Breakfast
Philo CEO Andrew McCollum Stepping Down; Mike Keyserling to Succeed
NewsMar 4, 2026

Philo CEO Andrew McCollum Stepping Down; Mike Keyserling to Succeed

Philo CEO Andrew McCollum announced his departure after more than a decade, naming COO Mike Keyserling as his successor effective immediately. McCollum will transition to Executive Chairman, continuing to shape long‑term strategy. The streaming service, which offers over 80 premium...

By The Desk
Hammok Sign to Sargent House, Announce New Album
NewsMar 4, 2026

Hammok Sign to Sargent House, Announce New Album

Norwegian post‑hardcore trio Hammok has signed to indie powerhouse Sargent House and announced their sophomore album, When Does This Place Become Our Scene, due June 5, 2026. The lead single “The Scene,” accompanied by a Christoffer Bya‑directed plexiglass‑set video, was born on...

By Pitchfork
Traffic to Top Tech Publications Has Plummeted Since 2024, New Analysis Shows
NewsMar 4, 2026

Traffic to Top Tech Publications Has Plummeted Since 2024, New Analysis Shows

Organic search traffic to the United States' leading tech publications has plunged 58% since 2024, according to Growtika’s Ahrefs‑based analysis. Combined visits fell from a 2024 peak of 112 million to just 47 million in January 2026. The Verge suffered the steepest...

By Nieman Lab
Build a Rocket Boy Confirms More Layoffs Amid Further Claims of "Organized Espionage and Corporate Sabotage"
NewsMar 4, 2026

Build a Rocket Boy Confirms More Layoffs Amid Further Claims of "Organized Espionage and Corporate Sabotage"

Build a Rocket Boy announced another round of layoffs, citing organized espionage and corporate sabotage that hampered the launch of its latest title, MindsEye. CEO Mark Gerhard said an investigation with external partners has produced overwhelming evidence and is moving...

By GamesIndustry.biz
Salt Lake FMs Soar With New Dielectric Master System
NewsMar 4, 2026

Salt Lake FMs Soar With New Dielectric Master System

Dielectric has installed its RingMaster broadband FM and manifold combiner system at Farnsworth Peak, creating a new master antenna that now supports 13 FM stations for Bonneville International and other broadcasters. The upgrade replaces a 40‑year‑old infrastructure that was not...

By Radio World
Overseas Executives Join Australian Producers at SCREEN FOREVER 40
NewsMar 4, 2026

Overseas Executives Join Australian Producers at SCREEN FOREVER 40

Screen Producers Australia announced that four senior overseas executives will attend SCREEN FOREVER 40, the country’s flagship screen industry conference on the Gold Coast from 28‑30 April 2026. The delegation includes Sophie Green of Bankside Films, Antoine Nugou of Mediawan...

By TV Blackbox
LCK’s First Overseas Roadshow in Hong Kong Signals New Era of Global Expansion for League of Legends Esports
NewsMar 4, 2026

LCK’s First Overseas Roadshow in Hong Kong Signals New Era of Global Expansion for League of Legends Esports

The LCK staged its inaugural overseas roadshow in Hong Kong on Feb. 28‑Mar. 1, 2026, drawing over 15,000 fans and selling out tickets within two minutes. The event showcased the league’s shift from expanding viewership numbers to deepening fan connections through live...

By Inven Global
NEXUS and Playwith Korea to Launch Seal M on CROSS Globally on March 19th
NewsMar 4, 2026

NEXUS and Playwith Korea to Launch Seal M on CROSS Globally on March 19th

NEXUS and Playwith Korea will globally launch Seal M on CROSS, a mobile MMORPG built on the CROSS on‑chain gaming platform, on March 19, 2026. The title reimagines the classic Seal Online with cartoon‑style graphics, combo combat and new blockchain‑linked...

By Inven Global
South Korea’s Music Industry Unites to Declare ‘War’ on AI Copyright Infringement
NewsMar 4, 2026

South Korea’s Music Industry Unites to Declare ‘War’ on AI Copyright Infringement

South Korea’s six leading music‑industry bodies have formed a coalition to combat AI‑driven copyright infringement, declaring a state of emergency and a "war" on unauthorized use. The group, chaired by KOMCA president Lee Si‑ha, issued a joint declaration demanding consent‑based...

By Music Business Worldwide (MBW)
Music Industry Coalition Urges Senate Committee to Strengthen Ticketing Reform Bill
NewsMar 4, 2026

Music Industry Coalition Urges Senate Committee to Strengthen Ticketing Reform Bill

The Fix the Tix Coalition, led by the National Independent Venue Association, sent a letter to the Senate Commerce Committee urging stronger provisions in the House TICKET Act (S.281). The coalition seeks full price transparency, a total ban on speculative...

By Digital Music News
The Real Shift In Spoken Word
NewsMar 4, 2026

The Real Shift In Spoken Word

A recent Edison Research chart shows podcasts and AM/FM radio each capturing roughly 40% of spoken‑word listening time, suggesting a tie. The author argues the metric is misleading because it excludes the rapidly growing video‑first podcast consumption on platforms like...

By Sounds Profitable
Podcast Partner Manager, London
NewsMar 4, 2026

Podcast Partner Manager, London

Spotify announced a Podcast Partner Manager role in London to lead relationships with video and audio creators across the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. The position focuses on attracting video creators to view Spotify as a primary distribution and monetisation...

By Sounds Profitable
Apple Music Launches AI Transparency Tags — but only if Labels and Distributors Declare Them
NewsMar 4, 2026

Apple Music Launches AI Transparency Tags — but only if Labels and Distributors Declare Them

Apple Music announced Transparency Tags, a new metadata requirement that forces record labels and distributors to label AI‑generated artwork, tracks, compositions, and music videos. The tags are optional for now but will become mandatory for future deliveries, placing disclosure responsibility...

By Music Business Worldwide (MBW)
Scripps to Acquire WTVQ for $15.8 Million
NewsMar 4, 2026

Scripps to Acquire WTVQ for $15.8 Million

The E.W. Scripps Company agreed to buy Lexington’s ABC affiliate WTVQ for $15.8 million, creating a duopoly with its existing NBC station WLEX pending regulatory clearance. Scripps CEO Adam Symson said the deal will deepen market scale and fund more neighborhood...

By TV Tech (TVTechnology)
Largest-Ever Aftershock Lineup Topped By Tool, My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit, Pierce The Veil Oct. 1-4; Camping Added For Sacramento...
NewsMar 4, 2026

Largest-Ever Aftershock Lineup Topped By Tool, My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit, Pierce The Veil Oct. 1-4; Camping Added For Sacramento...

Danny Wimmer Presents has unveiled Aftershock 2026, the largest‑ever lineup with over 140 acts spread across five stages in Sacramento’s Discovery Park. Headliners include Tool, My Chemical Romance, Limp Bizkit and Pierce The Veil, marking the festival’s first foray into...

By Pollstar News
Major Team Sponsor Is Disbanding Its Fighting Game Division After Nearly 10 Years
NewsMar 4, 2026

Major Team Sponsor Is Disbanding Its Fighting Game Division After Nearly 10 Years

CAG Osaka, originally Cyclops Osaka, announced it will disband its fighting‑game division after nearly ten years and withdraw from Street Fighter League Pro‑JP 2026. The move will see top players Fenrich, Eita and Uryo leave the roster once their contracts...

By EventHubs
KEXP Builds Around Human Power
NewsMar 4, 2026

KEXP Builds Around Human Power

KEXP, a Seattle‑based non‑profit radio station, is overhauling its audio playout and asset management infrastructure across nine studios. The legacy Dalet Galaxy system is being replaced by OrangeLogic’s cloud‑based OrangeDAM for digital asset management and Broadcast Radio’s Myriad 6 on‑prem playout...

By Radio World
Female Players Are an Overlooked Opportunity for Growth in the Industry, Research Firm Says
NewsMar 4, 2026

Female Players Are an Overlooked Opportunity for Growth in the Industry, Research Firm Says

Research firm Ampere Analysis reports that female gamers constitute 48% of the global gaming population, roughly 922 million players across 21 markets. Despite near parity, women are underrepresented on consoles and PC, favoring narrative‑driven, single‑player and mobile experiences. The study identifies...

By Video Games Chronicle
TeamTO Launches TeamTOKO Animation Anime-Inspired Production Division
NewsMar 4, 2026

TeamTO Launches TeamTOKO Animation Anime-Inspired Production Division

TeamTO, a veteran European animation studio, announced the creation of TeamTOKO Animation, an anime‑inspired production division dedicated to original 2D and 3D series and feature films. The new unit operates as a distinct, creator‑led creative hub while the studio maintains...

By Animation World Network (AWN)
RAIN Time Travel: March 2016 Headlines
NewsMar 4, 2026

RAIN Time Travel: March 2016 Headlines

The March 2016 audio‑industry roundup highlights a surge in streaming growth, financing activity, and subscriber milestones. Spotify secured a $1 billion debt facility tied to an IPO and hit 30 million users, while Tidal celebrated three million subscribers amid legal disputes. SoundCloud launched...

By RAIN News
Turkish Mobile Developer Vento Games Secures $4m in Seed Round Funding
NewsMar 4, 2026

Turkish Mobile Developer Vento Games Secures $4m in Seed Round Funding

Google announced a major overhaul of its Play Store fee structure following its settlement with Epic Games. The standard in‑app purchase commission drops from 30% to 20%, with an extra 5% service charge applied in the EEA, UK and US....

By GamesIndustry.biz
Streamer Mometu Launches Short Film Showdown Competition
NewsMar 4, 2026

Streamer Mometu Launches Short Film Showdown Competition

Mometu, a free ad‑supported streaming service for independent cinema, has launched the nine‑month Mometu Short Film Showdown. The competition curates up to 25 genre‑specific short films each month, streaming them for 30 days and returning 85% of generated ad revenue...

By Media Play News
Curtis Sliwa Joins Larry Mendte for WOR Mornings
NewsMar 4, 2026

Curtis Sliwa Joins Larry Mendte for WOR Mornings

Curtis Sliwa, former WABC host and recent mayoral candidate, is joining iHeartMedia’s WOR 710 AM for a new morning drive show with veteran broadcaster Larry Mendte, debuting March 9 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The program, titled “Curtis Sliwa and Larry Mendte...

By Talkers
Warshaw: Soros Fund Hid Verbal Audacy Deal
NewsMar 4, 2026

Warshaw: Soros Fund Hid Verbal Audacy Deal

Jeff Warshaw, CEO of Connoisseur Media, filed a 37‑page opposition to Soros Fund Management’s motion to strike, alleging a verbal agreement that would have granted him a 5% profit share or the CEO role at Audacy. Warshaw contends the fund...

By Radio & TV Business Report (RBR+TVBR)
93% OF AA & AAA STUDIOS SAY TODAY’S PRE-LAUNCH METRICS FAIL TO PREDICT SUCCESS
NewsMar 4, 2026

93% OF AA & AAA STUDIOS SAY TODAY’S PRE-LAUNCH METRICS FAIL TO PREDICT SUCCESS

A FirstLook survey of over 250 senior AA and AAA studio leaders reveals that 93% cannot reliably forecast a game’s commercial success before launch, despite tracking extensive pre‑launch data such as wishlists and trailer views. The study shows a stark...

By MCV/Develop
Charlie Puth Joins AI Music Creation Platform Moises as Chief Music Officer
NewsMar 4, 2026

Charlie Puth Joins AI Music Creation Platform Moises as Chief Music Officer

Charlie Puth has been appointed Chief Music Officer of AI music platform Moises. Moises, backed by $52 million total funding and a recent $40 million Series A led by Connect Ventures, claims over 70 million users across 33 languages. The startup differentiates itself...

By Music Business Worldwide (MBW)
StreamGuys Ups Its Streaming Game for In-Venue Sports Fans
NewsMar 4, 2026

StreamGuys Ups Its Streaming Game for In-Venue Sports Fans

StreamGuys is rolling out major upgrades to its Ultra‑Low Latency Streaming (ULLS) platform, adding native iOS support and dynamic pre‑roll ad insertion. The enhancements let fans in stadiums hear synchronized play‑by‑play commentary on mobile apps without the traditional broadcast delay....

By Radio & TV Business Report (RBR+TVBR)
Fairfield, Iowa Home To Palmeter’s ‘Life FM’ Sold
NewsMar 4, 2026

Fairfield, Iowa Home To Palmeter’s ‘Life FM’ Sold

Bob Palmeter’s “Life FM” has sold its Fairfield, Iowa FM translator to a major religious broadcast ministry. The translator, which rebroadcasts Life FM’s programming to the Fairfield area, will now be controlled by one of the world’s largest faith‑based media...

By Radio & TV Business Report (RBR+TVBR)
RIAA Welcomes US Government Spotlight on Music Industry Piracy Priorities in Notorious Markets Report
NewsMar 4, 2026

RIAA Welcomes US Government Spotlight on Music Industry Piracy Priorities in Notorious Markets Report

The U.S. Trade Representative released its 2025 Notorious Markets Report, naming digital and physical venues that facilitate large‑scale music piracy. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) praised the spotlight on illicit services such as bulletproof ISPs, cyberlockers, stream‑ripping sites,...

By RIAA — News
Google Non-Skip Ad Concerns Bleeding Into YouTube
NewsMar 4, 2026

Google Non-Skip Ad Concerns Bleeding Into YouTube

Google has launched its Video Reach Campaign (VRC) Non‑Skip ads globally, targeting connected‑TV screens, while YouTube mobile users are encountering persistent overlay ads that cannot be dismissed. The ads stay visible despite repeated taps on “Dismiss,” prompting Reddit complaints and...

By MediaPost
Michael Riggs Promoted to SVP, Licensing & Income Tracking at Sony Music Publishing
NewsMar 4, 2026

Michael Riggs Promoted to SVP, Licensing & Income Tracking at Sony Music Publishing

Sony Music Publishing has elevated Michael Riggs to Senior Vice President of Licensing & Income Tracking, expanding his oversight to licensing, sync administration, global income tracking, and client audit teams. Based in Nashville, Riggs will focus on strengthening tracking operations...

By Music Business Worldwide (MBW)
Thailand-Based ‘Send Help’ & ‘White Lotus’ Outfit Indochina Productions Teams With Storyoscopic To Launch BKK Films
NewsMar 4, 2026

Thailand-Based ‘Send Help’ & ‘White Lotus’ Outfit Indochina Productions Teams With Storyoscopic To Launch BKK Films

Storyoscopic Films and Thailand’s Indochina Productions have formed a Bangkok‑based joint venture called BKK Films. The partnership will produce genre‑driven movies starring Asian protagonists, leveraging Storyoscopic’s development expertise and Indochina’s production infrastructure. Its inaugural slate includes the gangster‑action film “7...

By Deadline
Another Holladay Property Sought, With Waiver Needed
NewsMar 4, 2026

Another Holladay Property Sought, With Waiver Needed

The FCC is poised to modernize its local ownership limits for broadcast stations, prompting a wave of waiver requests from existing licensees. Broadcasters argue they are the only logical buyers for stations in markets where they have already reached current...

By Radio & TV Business Report (RBR+TVBR)
Content Creators Didn’t Kill Publisher Video. They Rebuilt The Ad Model
NewsMar 4, 2026

Content Creators Didn’t Kill Publisher Video. They Rebuilt The Ad Model

Creator‑led companies like Donut Media are reshaping digital video advertising by building an integrated, 360‑degree ad stack that spans long‑form YouTube, short‑form social, podcasts and real‑world activations. The firm sells custom‑branded segments, 45‑ to 60‑second host‑read pre‑rolls and official partnership...

By AdExchanger
February 2026 Podscribe Rankings Show Continued Dominance at the Top, Breakout Podcast Show Growth, and Major Advertiser Surges
NewsMar 4, 2026

February 2026 Podscribe Rankings Show Continued Dominance at the Top, Breakout Podcast Show Growth, and Major Advertiser Surges

Podscribe’s February 2026 rankings confirm that Crime Junkie, The Daily and The Mel Robbins Podcast remain the three most‑reached shows, collectively pulling roughly 30 million listeners. Breakout performers such as Money Rehab and Kill Tony surged dramatically, reshuffling the top‑ten. Spotify stayed the leading publisher in both audio...

By Sounds Profitable
Is There an Oscar Bump? ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ Saw Views Triple on Netflix After Its Nomination
NewsMar 4, 2026

Is There an Oscar Bump? ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ Saw Views Triple on Netflix After Its Nomination

Netflix’s documentary "The Perfect Neighbor" has crossed 50 million views since its October 2025 debut and saw streaming numbers more than triple in the two weeks following its Oscar nomination. The film also secured Best Documentary honors at the Independent Spirit Awards...

By IndieWire
Creator Agency NewGen Signs Streamer xQc for Social Publishing Deal
NewsMar 4, 2026

Creator Agency NewGen Signs Streamer xQc for Social Publishing Deal

London‑based creator agency NewGen has signed Twitch star xQc to a social publishing services agreement, brokered with Evolved Agency. The partnership will repurpose xQc’s live streams and YouTube videos for distribution on additional platforms, aiming to broaden his audience and...

By Net Influencer
Key Networks, USRN JV Adds Key Sales Leaders
NewsMar 4, 2026

Key Networks, USRN JV Adds Key Sales Leaders

Key-United, the joint venture between Key Networks and United Stations Radio Networks, has hired two senior sales executives. Rosanne Tipton joins as Vice President of Sales and Brand Partnerships, while Robbie Eisen becomes Director of Strategic Research and Planning. Both...

By Radio & TV Business Report (RBR+TVBR)
Fixated Acquires Creator Monetization Platform Elevate to Expand Subscription, Community Infrastructure
NewsMar 4, 2026

Fixated Acquires Creator Monetization Platform Elevate to Expand Subscription, Community Infrastructure

Fixated, a creator management firm, has acquired Elevate, a subscription‑focused monetization platform, to broaden its community and revenue infrastructure. The deal follows a $50 million Eldridge Industries investment earmarked for M&A, marking Fixated’s second acquisition this year after buying gaming‑centric Ellify....

By Net Influencer
Promoting The Super Bowl: All Year Round?
NewsMar 4, 2026

Promoting The Super Bowl: All Year Round?

Walt Disney is turning the Super Bowl from a single‑day spectacle into a year‑long media franchise called “The Year of the Super Bowl.” The move leverages the $800 million advertising haul from one game to launch continuous ESPN features such as...

By MediaPost
Audible Unveils Nonfiction Podcast Slate Incorporating Wondery Productions, Featuring OnlyFans Investigative Series, New Seasons of ‘Dr. Death’ and ‘Over My...
NewsMar 4, 2026

Audible Unveils Nonfiction Podcast Slate Incorporating Wondery Productions, Featuring OnlyFans Investigative Series, New Seasons of ‘Dr. Death’ and ‘Over My...

Audible announced a new nonfiction podcast slate that merges Wondery’s investigative series with its own offerings, featuring season 5 of “Dr. Death,” season 5 of “Over My Dead Body,” and the upcoming “OnlyFantasy” series on OnlyFans. The rollout follows Amazon’s...

By Variety (Digital)
Live Hard, Die Hard Brings a Unique Split Screen RTS Sim Experience, Now Globally Available on Mobile
NewsMar 4, 2026

Live Hard, Die Hard Brings a Unique Split Screen RTS Sim Experience, Now Globally Available on Mobile

Indie developer asobism has launched Live Hard, Die Hard, a real‑time strategy game that blends split‑screen combat with medical treatment. The title is now globally available on Android and iOS for $4.99. Players navigate a four‑week preparation cycle, juggling base...

By GamingonPhone
Bloomberg: Sony Interactive Entertainment to No Longer Release Big PS5 Games on PC
NewsMar 4, 2026

Bloomberg: Sony Interactive Entertainment to No Longer Release Big PS5 Games on PC

Sony Interactive Entertainment announced it will cease porting its major single‑player PlayStation 5 titles to PC, keeping games like Ghost of Yotei and the upcoming Saros console‑exclusive. Online‑only titles such as Marathon will still be available on Windows, while externally published...

By Gematsu