Entertainment News and Headlines

NDTV Alumni's Frammer AI Wins ABS-CBN, Ousts Wildmoka
NewsMar 23, 2026

NDTV Alumni's Frammer AI Wins ABS-CBN, Ousts Wildmoka

Frammer AI, founded by former NDTV executives in 2023, has secured a deal with ABS‑CBC, one of Asia's largest media groups. The partnership replaces the long‑standing European platform Wildmoka, consolidating ABS‑CBC's live and edited video workflows under Frammer's AI‑driven system....

By YourStory
Confirmed: Primary Wave Music to Acquire Kobalt From Francisco Partners
NewsMar 23, 2026

Confirmed: Primary Wave Music to Acquire Kobalt From Francisco Partners

Primary Wave Music has agreed to acquire Kobalt, a leading independent publishing and technology platform, in a deal valued at over $1.5 billion. Brookfield will co‑invest, reinforcing a partnership that began with a $2 billion funding arrangement in 2022. Kobalt will stay...

By Music Business Worldwide (MBW)
Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort Calls for Tourism Sector Support
NewsMar 23, 2026

Blackpool's Pleasure Beach Resort Calls for Tourism Sector Support

Pleasure Beach Resort kicked off its 2026 season, celebrating 130 years as Blackpool’s largest private tourism employer. The launch introduced flexible ticket options—including a free eTicket for under‑2s, a new Annual Pass, and a Flex Pass—while announcing the Aviktas mega‑ride...

By Blooloop — Theme Parks
Aquarabia Qiddiya City Opens as Middle East’s Largest Water Theme Park
NewsMar 23, 2026

Aquarabia Qiddiya City Opens as Middle East’s Largest Water Theme Park

Aquarabia, the flagship water theme park of Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya City, held a soft opening on March 20, 2026, positioning itself as the Middle East’s largest water‑park. The park is part of a broader $15 billion entertainment district slated to open in...

By Blooloop — Theme Parks
Arcep Opens Consultation on Future of French DTT Wholesale Market
NewsMar 23, 2026

Arcep Opens Consultation on Future of French DTT Wholesale Market

French regulator Arcep has opened a public consultation on the future of the wholesale digital terrestrial television (DTT) market as broadband delivery gains ground. The review examines DTT’s competitive position, minimum coverage obligations and the impact of rising IPTV and...

By Broadband TV News
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Expands with 11 New Slides and Attractions
NewsMar 23, 2026

Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Expands with 11 New Slides and Attractions

Miral announced that Yas Waterworld on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island will unveil an expansion on April 4, 2026, adding eleven new slides and attractions. The upgrade introduces eight new slides, two jump platforms and a leisure pool, pushing the park’s...

By Breaking Travel News
CNN Is Merging With CBS News In A Move That Will Transform Both Companies
NewsMar 23, 2026

CNN Is Merging With CBS News In A Move That Will Transform Both Companies

Paramount Skydance has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $77 billion per share, valuing the combined company at roughly $110 billion after debt. The transaction places CNN and CBS News under the same corporate roof for the first time, opening the door to...

By Cord Cutters News
YouTube Launches Gemini-Powered Creator Partnerships With AI Matching
NewsMar 23, 2026

YouTube Launches Gemini-Powered Creator Partnerships With AI Matching

YouTube has rebranded its BrandConnect tool as Creator Partnerships and infused it with Google’s Gemini AI to automate brand‑creator matchmaking. The service is now embedded in YouTube Studio, Google Ads and the DV360 demand‑side platform, letting advertisers use natural‑language queries...

By Adweek (People Moves)
Hot Five: GDC 2026, ByteDance to Sell Moonton, and Candy Crush’s "Incredibly Valuable" Feedback Loop
NewsMar 23, 2026

Hot Five: GDC 2026, ByteDance to Sell Moonton, and Candy Crush’s "Incredibly Valuable" Feedback Loop

The Game Developers Conference 2026 rebranded as the Festival of Gaming but saw attendance plunge to 20,000, a one‑third drop from the previous year. ByteDance is set to sell Moonton to Savvy Games Group for roughly $6 billion, a sizable gain...

By PocketGamer.biz
Call for Listings in Campaign’s Saudi Report 2026
NewsMar 23, 2026

Call for Listings in Campaign’s Saudi Report 2026

Campaign Middle East has opened listings for its sixth Saudi Report, slated for publication in May 2026. The directory will feature free basic listings and paid half‑page, full‑page, or double‑page options, with submission deadlines of April 7 for basic entries and...

By Campaign Middle East
TV’s Training Offerings for Agencies Are “Outdated for the Modern Market” – Buy-Side View with Anything Is Possible’s Matt Towle
NewsMar 23, 2026

TV’s Training Offerings for Agencies Are “Outdated for the Modern Market” – Buy-Side View with Anything Is Possible’s Matt Towle

Matt Towle, head of broadcast at Anything is Possible, argues that traditional TV training programs are outdated and can’t keep pace with the modern CTV ecosystem. He notes that CTV is democratizing video advertising, allowing brands with budgets as low...

By VideoWeek (UK/Europe)
Amazon MX Player Rolls Out Free Micro-Drama Platform Fatafat
NewsMar 23, 2026

Amazon MX Player Rolls Out Free Micro-Drama Platform Fatafat

Amazon MX Player has launched Fatafat, a free micro‑drama platform delivering short, serialised episodes for mobile‑first audiences in India. The service spans romance, thriller, drama and youth‑focused stories, differentiating itself by offering content at no cost. A high‑profile campaign starring...

By afaqs! (India)
Inside the Crisis Facing Local TV News: Layoffs, Consolidation and Shrinking Ratings
NewsMar 23, 2026

Inside the Crisis Facing Local TV News: Layoffs, Consolidation and Shrinking Ratings

Local TV news is in crisis as Nexstar Media Group slashes staff, including longtime KTLA anchors, amid plummeting ratings. Streaming now captures more than 40% of U.S. viewing, pulling ad dollars away from traditional broadcasts. The industry is turning to...

By Los Angeles Times – Movies
Nintendo Reportedly Planning Revised Switch 2 Model with Replaceable Battery in EU
NewsMar 23, 2026

Nintendo Reportedly Planning Revised Switch 2 Model with Replaceable Battery in EU

Jest, the first marketplace for SMS and RCS messaging apps, has launched the Jest Games Fund to back studios creating games for the RCS messaging ecosystem. The program offers three funding tiers—$40,000 Explore, up to $200,000 Scale, and up to...

By GamesIndustry.biz
Analysis: HBO Max Is Most Widely Bundled Streaming Service
NewsMar 23, 2026

Analysis: HBO Max Is Most Widely Bundled Streaming Service

Ampere Analysis reports that HBO Max holds the largest bundling footprint among streaming services in 20 major markets, partnering with 60 unique providers and appearing in 303 packages. The service’s bundling strength is especially pronounced in Central and South America...

By Advanced Television
The More Nigerians Stream, the Less Their Favourite Artists Earn From Spotify
NewsMar 23, 2026

The More Nigerians Stream, the Less Their Favourite Artists Earn From Spotify

Nigerian artists have earned over ₦143 billion ($105 million) from Spotify since 2023, reaching ₦60 billion in 2025. While total revenue rose sharply in 2024, growth stalled to just 3.45% year‑over‑year in 2025 as streams shifted toward the domestic market. Local consumption jumped...

By TechCabal
Swiss Beauty Launches FRIENDS Themed Makeup with Warner Bros.
NewsMar 23, 2026

Swiss Beauty Launches FRIENDS Themed Makeup with Warner Bros.

Swiss Beauty has teamed with Warner Bros. Discovery to launch a limited‑edition FRIENDS‑themed CRAZE makeup line in India. The collection spans skincare, colour cosmetics and press‑on nails, with prices from roughly $2 for remover wipes to $6 for nail sets....

By afaqs! (India)
Movistar’s Anti-Piracy Measures Blocking Legit Streams
NewsMar 23, 2026

Movistar’s Anti-Piracy Measures Blocking Legit Streams

Spain’s anti‑piracy crackdown, led by LaLiga, relies on IP‑blocking to stop illegal football streams. Movistar’s implementation on March 22 blocked about 145 IP addresses, including those of major cloud providers, causing widespread service outages that persisted into the following morning. The...

By Advanced Television
Microdramas Clock $300 Mn Revenue in a Year; RMG Users Shift to Offshore Betting Apps
NewsMar 23, 2026

Microdramas Clock $300 Mn Revenue in a Year; RMG Users Shift to Offshore Betting Apps

India’s interactive media market, now worth $13.8 billion, is being reshaped by microdramas, which generated $300 million in revenue, 450 million downloads and 100 million monthly active users in their first year. The format is projected to expand to a $4.5 billion market by 2030,...

By Entrackr
Vocento Unlocks Advertising Inventory Value with Opti Digital Demand Hub
NewsMar 23, 2026

Vocento Unlocks Advertising Inventory Value with Opti Digital Demand Hub

Vocento, Spain's leading regional press group, partnered with ad‑tech firm Opti Digital to deploy its Demand Hub solution. The platform adds an AI‑driven, attention‑based demand layer that serves high‑impact social display ads only when they enter the user’s viewport. This...

By ExchangeWire
ClippaPay Launches Africa’s First Creator-Powered Content Creation, Clipping Distribution & UGC Affiliate Platform
NewsMar 23, 2026

ClippaPay Launches Africa’s First Creator-Powered Content Creation, Clipping Distribution & UGC Affiliate Platform

ClippaPay has launched Africa’s first creator‑powered platform that links brands with influencers through three distinct earning models: UGC creation, video clipping, and performance‑based affiliate marketing. The service lets brands post campaigns, receive creator bids, and pay on approval, while clippers...

By Techpoint Africa
BTS on Track for the Biggest Album Debut of 2026 With 'ARIRANG'
NewsMar 23, 2026

BTS on Track for the Biggest Album Debut of 2026 With 'ARIRANG'

South Korean boy band BTS is set to achieve the biggest album debut of 2026 with their new record ARIRANG. Early industry projections estimate first‑week activity between 550,000 and 600,000 units, driven by strong physical sales and streaming. Target leads...

By Hypebeast (Music)
European Broadcasters Urge EC to Apply Gatekeeper Rules to CTVs
NewsMar 23, 2026

European Broadcasters Urge EC to Apply Gatekeeper Rules to CTVs

European broadcasters have jointly urged the European Commission to apply Digital Markets Act gatekeeper rules to major connected TV operating systems and virtual assistants. They request designation based on quantitative thresholds or, failing that, a market investigation using qualitative criteria....

By Advanced Television
KIIS Expected Me to Berate Henderson, Sandilands Tells Court
NewsMar 23, 2026

KIIS Expected Me to Berate Henderson, Sandilands Tells Court

Controversial radio host Kyle Sandilands has filed a Federal Court claim seeking to overturn ARN's termination of his $100 million (≈$66 million) KI & S contract. The filing reveals a $7.4 million (≈$4.9 million) base salary, $120,000 (≈$79,000) flight allowance, $500,000 (≈$330,000) advertising budget and $2 million...

By Sydney Morning Herald – Business
5, Pluto TV Announce Snooker Simulcast Partnership
NewsMar 23, 2026

5, Pluto TV Announce Snooker Simulcast Partnership

5 and Pluto TV have forged a simulcast partnership to air two senior snooker events – the John Virgo Trophy on April 11‑12 and the World Seniors Snooker Championship on May 6‑10. Both tournaments will be streamed live on Pluto TV, with...

By Advanced Television
Hunter to Lead Global Studios
NewsMar 23, 2026

Hunter to Lead Global Studios

Global has appointed Craig Hunter as Managing Director of its newly created podcast and digital production unit, Global Studios. Hunter arrives from STV Studios, where he transformed the factual label into a leading unscripted house and previously commissioned BBC hits...

By Advanced Television
News/Media Alliance Signs AI Licensing Deal to Unlock Recurring RAG Revenue for Small and Mid-Sized Publishers
NewsMar 23, 2026

News/Media Alliance Signs AI Licensing Deal to Unlock Recurring RAG Revenue for Small and Mid-Sized Publishers

News/Media Alliance (NMA) has signed a licensing agreement with AI startup Bria, allowing its 2,200 member publishers to monetize editorial content used in retrieval‑augmented generation (RAG) applications for enterprise clients. Under the non‑exclusive deal, publishers receive a 50 % share of...

By Digiday
Joint Signings Highlight Growing Convergence Between Creator and Hollywood Agencies
NewsMar 23, 2026

Joint Signings Highlight Growing Convergence Between Creator and Hollywood Agencies

Creator agency Reign Maker Group (RMG) and Hollywood talent agency Paradigm announced joint signings of three multi‑hyphenate talents—Reza Jackson, Max Goodrich, and Grayson Boucher—highlighting a deepening convergence between creator‑first and traditional entertainment representation. The partnership, launched in October, aims to...

By Digiday
EXCLUSIVE: Le Monde Gourmand Partners With Disney to Launch ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Fragrance Collection
NewsMar 23, 2026

EXCLUSIVE: Le Monde Gourmand Partners With Disney to Launch ‘Alice in Wonderland’ Fragrance Collection

Le Monde Gourmand, a niche fragrance brand, has teamed with Disney to launch an “Alice in Wonderland” perfume collection. The line features four eau de parfums—Melodie De Thé, Potion Enchantée, Fête De Vanille, and Rouge de Coeur—each inspired by a different character from the 75‑year‑old film. Priced...

By WWD (Women’s Wear Daily) – Fashion
QMS Positions Itself As NZ’s Complete OOH Solution
NewsMar 23, 2026

QMS Positions Itself As NZ’s Complete OOH Solution

QMS New Zealand has launched a national campaign branding itself as Aotearoa’s total out‑of‑home (OOH) audience solution. Backed by QMS Australia’s technology, the company now offers an integrated network of nearly 2,000 street‑furniture panels, 280 billboards, 4,000 transit displays and airport...

By B&T (Australia)
AI Influencer Awards Season Is upon Us
NewsMar 23, 2026

AI Influencer Awards Season Is upon Us

The OpenArt and Fanvue joint venture has launched the inaugural AI Personality of the Year awards, backed by ElevenLabs. The month‑long competition offers a $20,000 prize pool split among an overall winner and categories such as fitness, comedy, music, and...

By The Verge
Vox Media Tried to Sell Its Podcasts, and Itself
NewsMar 22, 2026

Vox Media Tried to Sell Its Podcasts, and Itself

Last year Vox Media's bankers floated options to sell its podcast network, New York Magazine, or the entire company. The most publicized plan was a spin‑off of the 30‑plus‑show podcast portfolio, but the company later withdrew the offer. Valuation has slipped...

By Semafor – Business
Video Futures Collective Stands up as an Independent Industry Body
NewsMar 22, 2026

Video Futures Collective Stands up as an Independent Industry Body

The Video Futures Collective (VFC) has transitioned from an informal think‑tank to a formal, independent non‑profit industry association, uniting eight major Australian streaming and video advertising players such as Amazon Prime, Disney Advertising, Netflix, and YouTube. The body will concentrate...

By Campaign Brief
Tubi Rolls Out New Ad Takeover Formats in Australia with Samsung Galaxy S26
NewsMar 22, 2026

Tubi Rolls Out New Ad Takeover Formats in Australia with Samsung Galaxy S26

Tubi has introduced two premium advertising products in Australia – Thematic Takeovers and Title Takeovers – with Samsung Electronics Australia debuting the formats for its Galaxy S26 launch. Thematic Takeovers grant advertisers 100% share of voice across a chosen genre,...

By Mediaweek (Australia)
SBS Expands Giro D’Italia Coverage
NewsMar 22, 2026

SBS Expands Giro D’Italia Coverage

Australian broadcaster SBS has secured a new multi‑year deal to expand its cycling portfolio, adding the Giro d’Italia Women and the Il Lombardia classic to its lineup through 2028. The agreement now gives SBS rights to every Grand Tour and Monument...

By TV Tonight (Australia)
Nine Radio Rebrands as Tapt Media
NewsMar 22, 2026

Nine Radio Rebrands as Tapt Media

Nine Radio will rebrand as Tapt Media once its $56 million sale to the Laundy Family Office closes at the end of April. The corporate name change leaves the flagship talkback stations—2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR—intact. CEO Tom Malone says "Tapt"...

By Mumbrella Australia
Stagwell Taps AppLovin Corporation (APP) Mobile Advertising Platform
NewsMar 22, 2026

Stagwell Taps AppLovin Corporation (APP) Mobile Advertising Platform

AppLovin Corporation announced a strategic partnership with Stagwell on March 10, integrating its AI‑driven mobile advertising platform, Axon, into Stagwell’s media services. Axon reaches more than 1 billion daily users across mobile apps and connected TVs, giving Stagwell clients access to a...

By Yahoo Finance – News Index
After CBS: Let’s Take Back the Airwaves
NewsMar 22, 2026

After CBS: Let’s Take Back the Airwaves

The pending shutdown of CBS Radio News has sparked a call to re‑evaluate radio’s role in America. John Caracciolo, CEO of JVC Broadcasting, argues that the decision was driven by accounting concerns rather than audience demand, exposing a disconnect between...

By Radio World
College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Full-Blown Media Companies
NewsMar 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Full-Blown Media Companies

College athletic departments are transforming into full‑scale media enterprises, investing heavily in studios, podcasts, and digital studios to produce 24/7 content. Clemson’s 12,000‑square‑foot CAB facility operates as a profit‑center under Clemson Ventures, generating millions through licensing and branded partnerships. LSU’s...

By Front Office Sports
New 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' Billboards Popping up in NYC
NewsMar 21, 2026

New 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' Billboards Popping up in NYC

Universal’s marketing machine has rolled out a wave of Super Mario Galaxy movie billboards across New York City, covering street corners, subway stations and the Nintendo Store. The campaign arrives just ten days before the sequel’s North American debut, echoing...

By GoNintendo
A Minecraft Theme Park Will Open in London in 2027
NewsMar 21, 2026

A Minecraft Theme Park Will Open in London in 2027

Minecraft World, a permanent Minecraft‑themed park, will open in 2027 as a new section of Chessington World of Adventures near London. The venture is a joint effort between Mojang Studios and Merlin Entertainments, promising a roller coaster, interactive block‑built play...

By Engadget Earnings
World’s First Minecraft World Opening at Chessington in 2027 – Here’s What to Know
NewsMar 21, 2026

World’s First Minecraft World Opening at Chessington in 2027 – Here’s What to Know

Merlin Entertainments and Mojang Studios have announced a £50 million Minecraft‑themed land at Chessington World of Adventures, slated to open in 2027. The new zone will feature the world’s first Minecraft rollercoaster, interactive play areas, and themed retail and dining. It...

By The Independent – Travel
John Stamos Debated Live-Streaming His First Tattoo at SXSW: Is the Future of Media ‘Life in Real-Time’?
NewsMar 21, 2026

John Stamos Debated Live-Streaming His First Tattoo at SXSW: Is the Future of Media ‘Life in Real-Time’?

Actor John Stamos, now chief innovation officer of streaming startup Zeam, used his SXSW appearance—where he debated live‑streaming his first tattoo—to illustrate the company’s mission of delivering authentic, real‑time content. Zeam equips local TV stations with technology to broadcast events...

By Fast Company
The NBA, Magic City and the Limits of Brand Control
NewsMar 21, 2026

The NBA, Magic City and the Limits of Brand Control

The NBA intervened to cancel the Atlanta Hawks' planned “Magic City Night,” a themed event that would have highlighted the city’s famous adult entertainment venue and featured a halftime performance by T.I. The decision underscores the league’s formal authority over...

By Sportico
Ustaad Bhagat Singh Box Office Collection Day 2 Update: Pawan Kalyan Actioner Struggles to Cross Rs 50 Cr Mark
NewsMar 21, 2026

Ustaad Bhagat Singh Box Office Collection Day 2 Update: Pawan Kalyan Actioner Struggles to Cross Rs 50 Cr Mark

Ustaad Bhagat Singh, starring Pawan Kalyan, earned Rs 9.25 crore on its second day, bringing the two‑day Indian gross to Rs 51.92 crore. The film opened with a strong Rs 34.75 crore on day one but saw a sharp slowdown on day two. Over 3,400 shows were...

By The Indian Express – Entertainment
Chance the Rapper Defeats Pat the Manager’s Claims in Chicago Contract Trial
NewsMar 21, 2026

Chance the Rapper Defeats Pat the Manager’s Claims in Chicago Contract Trial

A Chicago jury rejected former manager Pat Corcoran’s $3.8 million claim against Chance the Rapper, finding no enforceable oral "sunset" agreement. The jury also upheld Chance’s 2021 countersuit for fiduciary breach, but awarded only $35 in damages, far below the $1 million...

By Billboard
Starz Cutting 7 Percent of Staff
NewsMar 20, 2026

Starz Cutting 7 Percent of Staff

Starz announced a 7% workforce reduction, affecting fewer than 40 employees, as it continues to reshape after its 2025 spinoff from Lionsgate. The cuts are part of a broader effort to reallocate resources toward a pure‑play streaming model and lower...

By The Hollywood Reporter (THR)
List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More
NewsMar 20, 2026

List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More

A wave of layoffs continues to sweep Hollywood and the broader media sector, with companies from Amazon and Warner Bros. to smaller studios like Blocks shedding tens of thousands of jobs since early 2025. The cuts, driven by lingering pandemic...

By Deadline
MPA Endorses Trump’s National AI Plan, Pushes for Copyright Protections
NewsMar 20, 2026

MPA Endorses Trump’s National AI Plan, Pushes for Copyright Protections

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has officially endorsed the Trump administration’s National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence, praising its focus on strong copyright protections. The White House’s six‑pronged plan seeks uniform national AI standards and preempts state‑level regulations. Hollywood studios...

By The Wrap