PART 4: The Mistakes That Kill Artist Communities
Part 4 of the Superfan Playbook warns that most artist communities die within six months because they launch with structural flaws. It breaks the audit into two phases: pre‑launch mistakes such as lacking critical mass, a content runway, and platform‑fan alignment, and post‑launch errors like treating the group as a single campaign. The author stresses seeding 50‑100 engaged fans, mapping 60‑90 days of exclusive material, and choosing a platform that matches fan demographics. These steps are presented as essential to avoid a dead‑end community.
April 28: Weekly Notes Boost Community
Substack launched a new Weekly Notes feature that lets writers publish concise, recurring updates to their subscriber base. Early adopters report higher open rates and stronger community interaction, with many creators seeing a 15% lift in engagement metrics. The platform...
Is 2026 The Year The Emmys Will Finally Embrace Taylor Sheridan?
Taylor Sheridan’s Paramount+ westerns—Yellowstone, its prequels 1883 and 1923, Landman and the new drama The Madison—have amassed massive audiences and solid guild accolades, yet none have secured an Emmy nomination. The 2026 awards season puts Landman and The Madison in...
Prime Video’s Lush, Ambitious “The House of the Spirits” Does Right By Isabel Allende’s Masterpiece
Prime Video has released an eight‑episode, Spanish‑language adaptation of Isabel Allende’s seminal magical‑realism novel, “The House of the Spirits.” The series, shot with lavish production design, follows four generations of the Trueba family amid political upheaval in an unnamed Latin...
‘Beat the Press’ Takes on the WHCA Shooting: Coverage, Conspiracies and the Times’ Too-Early Print Deadline
Contrarian Boston launched a new video series, “Beat the Press with Emily Rooney,” to dissect the media’s handling of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner shooting. The episode probes why The New York Times missed the front‑page deadline that the Washington Post...
Dude Perfect Wants to Graduate Beyond Being a "Creator Company"
Dude Perfect CEO Andrew Yaffe announced the group is shifting from a creator‑centric model to a full‑fledged media business, highlighted by their upcoming appearance at YouTube’s Brandcast upfront. The company now treats brand partnerships like long‑term sports sponsorships, leveraging its...
Media Audiences Are Engaged, but Selective and Skeptical
New data from Ofcom shows audiences are spending more time online but feel less positive, with only 59% saying benefits outweigh risks, down from 72% a year earlier. AI use has surged to 54% of adults, up from 31% last...
A Grand Unified Theory on the American Supreme
The piece launches a new paid‑subscriber series by revisiting classic film essays, using the recent indie drama "Marty Supreme" as a case study. It dissects the protagonist’s choice to abandon a bleeding lover for a ping‑pong match, framing it as...
EXCLUSIVE: TONY DOKOUPIL FURIOUS NORAH GOT TRUMP INTERVIEW — CBS NEVER TOLD HIM IT WAS TO SAVE HIM
CBS assigned the highly coveted Donald Trump interview to Norah O'Donnell instead of daytime host Tony Dokoupil, sparking Dokoupil’s fury. Executives said the decision was a protective measure, fearing the interview could devolve into a volatile exchange that would damage...
Communiqué 115: The Economics of a Microdrama
African media groups are moving from speculation to market formation in the microdrama space. EbonyLife entered the segment with the series *Love Me Twice* on its own streaming service, while Toribox prepares to launch Africa’s first dedicated microdrama platform. Production...
Trust in News Rises After Years of Decline in NZ. What’s Behind the Shift?
New Zealanders' trust in news rose to 37% in 2026, up five points from the previous year and marking the first increase since the 2020 baseline. Trust in the news they personally consume also climbed to 50%, a five‑point gain....
Public Broadcasting: A Political Battle with Democratic Stakes
A parliamentary inquiry into France's public broadcasting sector, led by Charles Alloncle, is set for a decisive vote, sparking concerns of an ideological offensive. The paper by David Medioni and Nathalie Sonnac frames the probe as a direct challenge to...
The Doom-Scroll Drama: France.tv Swipes Up on Its First Vertical Series
France.tv has debuted its first vertical series, a 20‑part micro‑drama titled “P*tain de soirée.” Each episode runs about three minutes and was filmed exclusively in a 9/16 portrait format to suit smartphone screens. Produced by La Méridienne and directed by...
One Billion Views and Counting: How Digital Publisher 'Brut' Is Rethinking Cannes for Gen Z
Since 2022, digital‑first outlet Brut has been the official producer and broadcaster of Cannes Film Festival’s online coverage, turning the traditionally elite event into a billion‑view digital experience. By repurposing red‑carpet moments into short‑form videos optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels...
The €1 Billion Axe: Leaked Parliamentary Report Proposes Gutting French Public Broadcasting
A leaked parliamentary report, championed by Conservative MP Charles Alloncle, calls for a €1 billion (≈$1.08 billion) overhaul of France's public broadcasting system. The proposal mandates merging major TV channels, imposing strict editorial controls, and reinstating state‑appointed executives to run the outlets....
Apple Tv's Emmy Award-Winning Series "Ted Lasso" Returns for Season Four on August 5
Apple TV announced that the Emmy‑winning comedy “Ted Lasso” returns for a fourth season on August 5, 2026, with new episodes airing weekly through October 7. The season pivots the beloved coach to a second‑division women’s football team, introducing several fresh cast members. Jack...
Great American Media Announces Mario Lopez, Tony Danza, and Dominic Lopez to Star in New Original Christmas Movie, "Christmas at...
Great American Media announced the original Christmas film "Christmas at The Starlight," starring Mario Lopez, Tony Danza and Dominic Lopez. The movie, a multigenerational family drama, will debut during the network's Great American Christmas programming block. It will air on...
NFL Draft Opening Round Audience Dips, but Officially Among Most-Watched
The NFL Draft’s opening round saw a modest decline in audience, dropping about 3% to roughly 9.2 million households, yet it remains one of the year’s most‑watched television events. ESPN continued to dominate the broadcast, securing the top slot and maintaining...
Andrew Fillipponi ‘Quits’ 93.7 The Fan Afternoon Show
Andrew Fillipponi, co‑host of 93.7 The Fan’s afternoon drive, announced he was quitting after his long‑running wager – that he would resign if the Steelers drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar within 250 days – came true when Allar was...
Michael Tracey REACTS to Sam Harris Insinuating His Epstein Coverage May Be Motivated By Ulterior Motives
Michael Tracey has taken to video to counter Sam Harris’s suggestion, made on a recent podcast with Coleman Hughes, that his reporting on the Jeffrey Epstein case may be driven by hidden motives. Harris implied Tracey’s coverage could be influenced by...
Ballroom Blitz
A gunman attempting to breach the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was stopped at the final security checkpoint, where a Secret Service agent was shot but his tactical vest stopped the bullet. While the shooter never reached President Donald Trump, analysts...
Upfront 2026–27: Who Has Pricing Power in a Commodity Market?
The Myers Report warns that the 2026‑27 Upfront will reward firms that can demonstrate measurable outcomes, integrate technology stacks, and lower buyer uncertainty. Traditional levers such as inventory volume, reach, and content alone will be repriced as the market shifts...
“Tell Me Lies” Creator Working On New Drama For Hulu
Creator Meaghan Oppenheimer, known for the hit series “Tell Me Lies,” is developing a new drama titled “Bastards” for Hulu/Disney+. The series follows three adult half‑siblings forced to return to their childhood home after their world‑famous mother’s public scandal, where...
From Search Engines to AI Agents: Interface Control and the Restructuring of Communication Power
The paper by Ortiz‑Freuler and Castells argues that control over digital interfaces—search engines, social media platforms, and emerging AI agents—has become a central arena of geopolitical competition. It traces how these interfaces evolved from corporate innovations to contested assets that...
‘Staged’ Shooting Claims Hit 80 Million Views — and Counting
Anti‑Trump accounts, dubbed "BlueAnon," flooded X with claims that the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was staged, racking up 80 million views in under two days. The posts linked the alleged staging to boosting Donald Trump’s approval,...
$450 Stipend For Aspiring New Jersey-Based Audio Creators (Deadline: May 10, 2026)
A new grant program in New Jersey offers a $450 stipend to emerging audio creators. The initiative targets writers, poets, performers, storytellers, and filmmakers who want to expand into sound production. Applications are accepted through May 10, 2026, and are...
YouTube Built a Tool To Protect Celebrity Likenesses. But It Does Not Pay Them.
YouTube has launched a deep‑fake detection tool that lets high‑profile individuals upload their likenesses to Google’s cloud for automated monitoring. The service, first opened to politicians and journalists, now covers actors, athletes, creators and musicians, flagging or removing videos that...
How Liberals Monetized Trauma
Catherine Liu’s Substack, CLiuAnon, argues that progressive circles have turned personal trauma into a revenue stream. By charging hundreds of subscribers for exclusive content, she highlights how discussions of film, critical theory, and contemporary politics are packaged for profit. The...
Point of View (5)
Rob Walker’s latest post wraps up a five‑part series on his annual "Point of View" class at the School of Visual Arts. The core assignment challenges students to transform something previously overlooked into a noticed design solution, a premise that...
🎙️ Podcast Description Generator (Write One That Actually Gets Clicks)
Liam Austin’s post spotlights a common podcast pitfall: descriptions that sell the host instead of the listener, often vague, overly long, or self‑focused. He demonstrates how those flaws cost clicks before a single play. By swapping bland copy for specific...
Man Utd v Brentford Live Stream, TV Channel – Where to Watch EPL on Tv Today
Manchester United host Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday night, aiming to tighten their grip on a top‑five finish and secure Champions League qualification. United come off a 1‑0 win over Chelsea after a loss to Leeds, while Brentford have...
What’s Coming To Disney+ In June 2026 (UK/Ireland)
Disney+ is rolling out a fresh June slate for the UK and Ireland, featuring the three‑episode British comedy “Not Suitable for Work,” the anti‑romantic series “Alice & Steve,” and new episodes of FX’s football docuseries “Welcome to Wrexham” Season 5. The...
For Substack Writers Feeling Stuck
Thee Book Club is launching a May Substack Writing Course aimed at writers who struggle with consistency, positioning, and growth on the platform. The three‑week program includes three 1‑on‑1 coaching sessions, a publication‑strategy roadmap, and actionable marketing tactics. Priced at...
Universal and Sony Must Be Allowed to See Warner’s Deal with Suno, Lawyers Tell Judge as AI Legal Battle Continues
Universal Music and Sony Music have asked a Massachusetts judge to compel Suno to disclose its licensing agreement with Warner Music. They argue the deal undermines Suno’s courtroom claim that no viable market exists for licensing sound recordings as AI...
The Meaning of a Book Launch
Ross Barkan’s novel *Colossus* launches tomorrow, backed by positive reviews from Kazuo Robinson and Adam Fleming Petty and a Manhattan launch event on May 11 with Shadi Hamid. The author promoted the book on the Beyond the Zero podcast and announced...
EXCLUSIVE: WHITE LOTUS IN MELTDOWN — TALK OF SCRAPPING THE ENTIRE SHOW
HBO’s flagship series *The White Lotus* is reportedly in crisis as Helena Bonham Carter walked off set days into filming. Insiders describe chaotic on‑the‑fly rewrites, “awful” scripts and a disgruntled cast, suggesting the show has lost its satirical edge. Creator...
How Businesses Grow TikTok or Instagram for More Customers and Real Success
Businesses are shifting TikTok and Instagram from pure entertainment to structured lead‑generation funnels. The article outlines a four‑step funnel—attention‑grabbing video, trust‑building profile, clear call‑to‑action, and automated follow‑up—to convert viewers into paying customers. It emphasizes problem‑oriented, authority, and conversion content, data‑driven...
Inside the Hilton, Access Was Easy
The author recounts attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton when gunfire erupted, noting that entry was virtually unrestricted. Guests entered with only a screenshot of an email invitation, no ID checks, barcode scans, or digital ticketing....
Tyler Perry’s Zatima: Season 4B Return Date & Poster for Drama Released
Tyler Perry’s drama Zatima is moving to Paramount+ for the second half of its fourth season. The season 4B will debut on May 12 with a two‑episode launch followed by weekly episodes. The series continues to follow protagonists Zac and Fatima as...
Money Heist Alumni Álvaro Morte and Patrick Criado to Star in Netflix’s ‘Nine Queens’ Series Adaptation
Netflix has begun filming a Spanish-language series adaptation of the Argentine heist classic *Nine Queens*, starring Money Heist alumni Álvaro Morte and Patrick Criado. Produced by LAZONA, the drama is set in 2012 Madrid amid the economic crisis and follows...
Food Network's "Tournament of Champions VII" Delivers Impressive Ratings in Key Demos
Food Network’s Tournament of Champions VII finale drew more than 18 million P2+ cross‑platform viewers on Food Network, HBO Max and Discovery+, delivering the highest‑rated season ever for women 25‑54. The season averaged a 1.00 rating among adults 25‑54 and a 1.26 rating...
Nosy Questions About Agents, Answered
The post references Laura McGrath’s new book *Middlemen*, which examines literary agents and their role in shaping American fiction. It then lists the most common questions authors ask about agents—payment structures, turnover, slush‑pile submissions, risk‑taking, market saturation, and work‑life balance. The...
Hazbin Hotel: Season Five; Prime Video Renews Animated Series for Final Season
Prime Video has green‑lit a fifth and final season of the adult‑animated series Hazbin Hotel, cementing the show’s transition from a viral YouTube pilot to a flagship streaming title. Creator Vivienne Medrano, whose 2019 pilot amassed over 120 million views, praised Amazon’s...
ICYMI: Library Social — the Full Transcript
The Library Social Strategy newsletter released a full, unedited transcript featuring four library social‑media leaders—Keith Kesler (LA Public Library), Jasmine Argent (City of Marion Libraries), Fawn Siemsen‑Fuchs (Milwaukee Public Library) and Grayson Kelly (Columbus Metropolitan Library). Their responses reveal practical...
Fresh TV News, Spoilers, and Streaming Updates in One Place
The streaming landscape is buzzing with surprise renewals, genre pivots, and new trailers across major platforms. HBO confirmed a second season for a popular limited series, while Netflix quietly extended several mid‑tier shows, signaling a shift in its renewal calculus....
AIS, ReelShort Launch Vertical Short-Series Platform in Thailand
Thai telecom giant AIS has teamed up with digital storytelling platform ReelShort to launch “Verticaltainment,” a new vertical short‑series service tailored for smartphone consumption. The service will debut in Thailand with a library exceeding 4,000 professionally produced titles, each designed...
Why Substack Hates Malone News
Substack staged a high‑profile “New Media Party” during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend, inviting writers who fit a safe, institution‑friendly narrative. Although Malone News boasts hundreds of thousands of engaged subscribers, it was excluded because its adversarial stance and...
Weekly Scroll: Freaks and Gatekeepers
The Washington Post recently detailed how Nick Fuentes’s Groypers have turned extremist fandom into a lucrative fundraising operation. The article reveals a sophisticated network that solicits donations, sells merchandise, and leverages social platforms to amplify revenue. Infinite Scroll’s weekly roundup...
Pub.Call: Need Revenue Now? Make Q2 Your New Q4
Publishers facing immediate revenue pressure are being urged to execute fast‑track monetization ideas that can launch in days, not months. The Pub.Call highlighted shifting from page‑level RPM to revenue‑per‑session metrics, using AI, web‑push, and refresh‑economics to extract more value from...
The Monday Media Diet with Carson Griffith
Carson Griffith, a veteran journalist, launched the Substack newsletter "Rich People Shit" (RPS) in January, focusing on cultural capital and the money‑behavior nexus. The publication has quickly amassed a paid subscriber base and is gearing up for a exclusive event...