Quincy Jones Estate Sells MJ Catalog Rights to Investors
The Quincy Jones estate sold a large portion of his music rights to HarbourView Equity Partners, which included an interest in Michael Jackson’s albums: Off The Wall, Bad, and Thriller. Jackson’s catalog is believed to be one of the most valuable in the world. “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” are among the most-streamed songs from the 1980s.
Disney Launches Discounted After‑2 Pm Tickets
⚡️ Disney Brings Back Discounted Partial Day Tickets at Walt Disney World ⚡️ Earlier today, Disney announced “Walt Disney World Announces ‘After 2pm’ Summer Ticket Offer,” with discounted 2-day and 3-day tickets for entry after 2 pm... $DIS https://t.co/BpHx809SVO
Buy WMG on Pullbacks After Revelator Acquisition
Macro: music-tech consolidation; Key: WMG buys Revelator to bolster distribution, rights & analytics; Risk: integration execution/valuation mismatch; Insight: buy WMG on pullbacks. — Viktor Kopylov, PhD, CFA More insights: t.me/si14Kopylov
Audiobooks Show What Music Streaming Missed Decades Ago
audiobooks basically function the way streaming albums should have been set up to function, if the music industry had been concerned about obliterating its own ability to turn a profit 20 years ago
Nexstar, Tegna Say Merger Halt Irreversible Due to Past Actions
Nexstar and Tegna Claim They Can’t Fully Comply With Court Order Halting Merger Because Certain Actions ‘Cannot Be Undone’ https://t.co/t0tEGLpZam via @variety
Toy Story 5 Slated for July 3 Japan Release, Eyes Blockbuster
#Disney has dropped the Japanese poster of #ToyStory5 to announce that the sequel secured a JUL 3 release date locally, two weeks after its U.S. debut. #ToyStory is Hollywood’s #2 most successful animated franchise in #Japan’s #BoxOffice, only below #Frozen. #ToyStory4 alone...
Apple Original Films Wins Bidding War for Megan Park Film
News: Apple Original Films has prevailed in the bidding war for the new feature project from Megan Park, the Canadian filmmaker behind coming-of-age comedy MY OLD ASS. LuckChap will produce. https://t.co/CoXUi2VAD2
Netflix Recruits YouTube Stars to Defend TV Dominance
Netflix’s YouTube opportunity, part 2 But given that the television is now the dominant viewing surface for YouTube in the United States, Netflix has good reason to want to recruit talent like Ms. Rachel and now Danny Go! from the...
A&R Now Verifies Data, Not Discovering Talent
Labels used to find you. Now they verify you. The A&R process in 2026 isn't about discovering raw talent — it's about confirming what the data already shows. Read more: https://t.co/VcWxTssDlV
Reached 50 Paid Subscribers—Grateful for Real Support
Just noticed we crossed 50 paid subscribers 🎉 Thank you guys. The fact that real people pay real money to read my work is still kind of surreal to me, and it means a lot 🙏🏾
Meta Adds Event‑linked Reels Ads for Instant Cultural Relevance
Meta is expanding Reels trending ads with content lineups tied to major events, including Fashion Week, F1, Black Friday, and NFL games, plus new categories like TV & Movies and Travel. Brands get a more targeted way to show up...
Attorney General Warns Merger Harms; Data Shows Fees Already Rising
Colorado Attorney General @pweiser said: “This merger would put @NXSTMediaGroup in a position to raise the fees paid by cable and satellite companies and fire many trusted local reporters as part of consolidating the two local news operations. Because of...
Regulators and Lawmakers Scrutinize Media‑tech Mergers and Partnerships
Policyband Headlines ■ @tedcruz, Cantwell Share ‘Process’ Concerns about @FCC Approval of Nexstar-TEGNA Merger ■ @NXSTMediaGroup Says Judge Created a ‘Governance Vacuum’ with TEGNA TRO ■ KeyBanc Analyst Nispel: New @ATT OneConnect Plan Aimed at Cable’s Mobile Strength ■ @AmazonLeo, @Delta Airlines Announce Wi-Fi...
Products Prioritize Engagement, Not Malice; Users Can Reduce Their Power
This stuff is so stupid. EVERY consumer/media product is designed to maximize DAUs and time spent. Same w Netflix, Spotify, the NYT app, it’s not nefarious to make a product that delivers content ppl want. If you want these companies...
Mikami's Unmatched Success: Two Big Acquisitions Post‑Cap
I love how Mikami made bank 2x now after leaving Capcom. First when Bethesda acquired Tango in 2010 (shortly after establishing the company + before releasing a single game) and now with the same thing again. There is no other Japanese...
Cruz, Ruddy, Gomez Slam $6.7B Nexstar‑Tegna Merger
And @tedcruz & @ChrisRuddyNMX & @AGomezFCC have a problem with the @NXSTMediaGroup - @TEGNA merger at $6.7 billion. #pathetic
H//PE Princess Secures Global Warner Music Deal Pre‑Debut
'Unpretty Rapstar: Hip Pop Princess' group H//PE Princess (from CJ ENM + marketing company Hakuhodo's joint venture Chapter-I) signs global deal with @WarnerMusic Group before Q2 debut They're co-managed by Chapter-I + Amoeba Culture in Korea, WMG oversees Japan + broader...
Social Platforms Roll Out New Shopping, Ad, Creator Tools
Newsletter is out: 🛍️Meta announces new shopping and affiliate features across Facebook and Instagram 📱TikTok and Snapchat tout new first-impression, high-frequency ad formats 🤝YouTube brings new features to its newly named YouTube Creator Partnerships platform 💼Pinterest makes it easier for creators and SMBs to...
5 Sync Licensing Lessons Every Young Producer Must Hear
I’m 42 Spent 5–7 years being cocky and ignoring sync licensing advice from music publishers... Here are 5 lessons every 20 to 30 year old music producer needs to hear ↓
PS5 Price Hikes Turn Console Gaming Into Luxury
Past PlayStation consoles used to be very affordable at this point in their life cycle. The PS5 price hikes aren't just bucking traditional console gaming trends, they're turning console gaming into a luxury. https://t.co/Nm5BSCY57t https://t.co/KOx4r86UMY
Video Spending Stalls; Bundling Needed but Unlikely
NEW: Consumer spending on video has plateaued since the pandemic, and advertising isn't enough to save the industry from stalling out — The market could start to grow again if streamers teamed up and started to bundle services — Analysts don't...
Fox's Red Seat Launches Ultra‑wealthy Live‑event Membership
Scoop: Fox Corp's Red Seat Ventures is building a premium membership for the ultra-wealthy centered around live events — Eyeing concierge services, VIP access, the works — Could be synergies with Fox Sports More in @axios https://t.co/0GyAdBFPsM
America Needs a Public TV Service to Preserve Local News
Here are My Thoughts: "Neither a federal judge like Nunley nor someone like Democratic @FCC Commissioner @AGomezFCC has the slightest idea how to rationalize a local TV station industry beset by unprecedented challenges identified by reality-based thinkers like FCC Chairman @BrendanCarrFCC....
Twistartups Ads Sell Out 15 Years, Proven Value
There's a reason why the advertising on @twistartups has been sold out for 15 years straight and 2,200+ episodes -- it works (and we price it slightly under market to create long-term partnerships) Thanks @trustvanta for the long-term support 🥰...
ARC Raiders Head Joins Nexon, Promises Cheaper Game Development
ARC Raiders leader is now chairman of Nexon. Says there is a path to better game development and lower costs. https://t.co/Xobt1OmrGk
White House Slams Judge Ruling, Calls NPR/PBS Funding Illegal
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson: “This is a ridiculous ruling by an activist judge attempting to undermine the law. NPR and PBS have no right to receive taxpayer funds, and Congress already voted to defund them.” https://t.co/aI95V26uAh
Indie Distribution Fails as Multiplexes Crush Small Films
Indie distribution’s not a business anyone should be jumping into nowadays Small films are getting bulldozed at the multiplex right & left
Universal Lifts Embargo, Early Reviews Split for Mario Sequel
Like they’ve done with the previous instalment, #Universal lifts #TheSuperMarioGalaxyMovie review embargo just hours before global release as they knew they can’t rely on critics and need audiences’ help to level up WOM. Still early days but So far, only 50% out...
WMG CEO Outlines AI Risk, Publishing Economics, Growth Outlook
Nice industry breakdown from $WMG CEO. Covers everything from AI risk to music publishing economics to the long-term growth outlook and overall moatiness of the space. Good read: https://t.co/XTKkxy6RPv https://t.co/sGhhtzDs4B
Lee Ginsberg Leaves Firm to Launch Independent Awards Consultancy
Lee Ginsberg Exits Ginsberg / Libby to Become Independent Awards Consultant (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/RkiQfAyO7S via @variety
Micro‑drama Apps Become the New Binge‑watch Frontier
Turns out a lot of people are watching micro drama apps — outside of the regular rotation of social platforms
TikTok Teams with Cameo for Creator Video Requests
This could get interesting 👀 TikTok partnered with Cameo — which means creators can offer personalized videos directly within the app It's a new revenue stream for creators and a new way to interact with your favorite TikTok creators for fans https://newsroom.tiktok.com/tiktok-partners-with-cameo-to-unlock-new-monetization-opportunities-for-creators?lang=en
TMZ Is Fully Owned by Fox, Bought by Lachlan
A fact somewhat lost in TMZ's naming and shaming of Senators and Congresspeople amid the partial government shutdown: It is wholly owned by Fox, a strategic purchase by Lachlan Murdoch.
UTA's Paul Coggiola Joins LIFT to Lead Creators Division
UTA Agent Paul Coggiola Exits to Head New Creators Division at LIFT Management https://t.co/YOjDa4ZlhP via @variety
Create for People, Not for the Algorithm
"Post at the best time" = optimize your labor for a platform's algorithm. "Use the right hashtags" = help a platform sell your attention more effectively. "Perfect your video length" = conform your creativity to what benefits the machine. You are not creating...
Live Sports Remain TV Lifeline Amid Regulatory and ISP Turmoil
■ Fox: Live Sports as Important as Spectrum to TV Stations ■ @nabtweets Calls for Review of Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 ■ Analysts: Restaurants, Taverns Upset about Access to Live TV Sports ■ @CTARachelNemeth Claims Regulating Streaming ‘a Solution in Search of...
Weekly Insider: 5 Surprising Music Industry Facts
5 things you didn't know about the music industry this week. Every week. In your inbox. 10,000+ readers can't be wrong. https://t.co/7T5NIakIrF
Gucci's Gaming and AI Ventures Prove Revenue‑Driving
Gucci Continues Its Push Into Gaming, AI And Virtual Worlds “There is sometimes a temptation to see projects like this as creative experiments that generate headlines but not necessarily revenue. The numbers suggest otherwise.” https://t.co/h0pVwZDXd0 https://t.co/WMeDPDOCBJ
How to Leverage Your New Music Industry List
Someone sold you a big ass list of music libraries/sync agents and music supervisors Here's what you do next ↴
Same Video, Millions Elsewhere, Barely a Handful on X
I create content for X, IG, YouTube, TikTok, and email. The video below will do 1-3 million views on IG, YouTube and TikTok but will perform horribly on X (maybe 20-50k views). The video also has a longer total life...
Netflix Prices up 150% Since 2013, Will Keep Rising
Netflix has increased its prices by 150% since 2013. The price increases will continue until customers tell the company to stop. https://t.co/2R8oGAahLC
Hollywood Week: Netflix Hikes, Disney Stalls, Social Media Warning
Five things you need to know about Hollywood this week: Netflix’s price hike, Disney’s rough start and a social media addiction statement.
Sony's Pricing Unrealistic, Counts on Fan Spending
There is no chance at these prices. Sony is banking on higher average spend among existing fans to make up the difference.
Fallout Season 2 Hits 83 Million Viewers in 13 Weeks
Fallout Season 2 reached 83 million people worldwide during its first 13 weeks of release. https://t.co/xwJxW1bBZP
Netflix Targets Thanksgiving and International Games for Football Expansion
Netflix wants more football and is eyeing the new Thanksgiving eve game and the opening week International game. W/@jtoonkel https://t.co/8l0pS5bogM via @WSJ
From 183 JUNO to 45 Grammys, I’ll Champion Yours
Over 183 JUNO-nominated albums. 45 Grammy-nominated campaigns. And the thing I am most proud of? Every single artist I got to champion along the way. Let me champion yours. Happy to chat: Eric@ThatEricAlper.com
SCOTUS Shields Platforms; IP Owners Must Secure Cloud Deals
SCOTUS says platforms are not liable for copyright infringement. Disney's OpenAI deal collapsed. WBD's Superman hits public domain in 2034. The Ellisons own Paramount and Oracle. Every other IP holder needs a cloud infrastructure deal now. https://t.co/frS0mL1rld
Amazon Aims to Win the Ad Game
Amazon is playing to win in advertising $AMZN The LightShed Podcast, Ep. 306. With @BrandoLightShed and @WaltLightShed https://t.co/Pzx5rhEa8x
Sandbox VR Targets Kids with New Dinosaur Adventure
Sandbox VR is going after young adventurers with Age of Dinosaurs for its location-based VR venues. https://t.co/DpfdpNxvLi
Baobab Studios to Adapt Roblox Hits Into Films
Baobab Studios is preparing to turn Roblox hit games into animated movies, TV shows and other media. https://t.co/NCBI280JJo