With a vast network of local licensees spread across urban and small-town America, public media stations should serve local audiences and provide a window on issues and conflicts in democratic governance that are bubbling up across the country. - Current
Not only because Greg Gutfeld has no conservative competition in his time slot. "Right-wing comedy has become both a viable business strategy and a crucial element of conservative politics. … Whether or not this comedy is to your taste, it's working for Gutfeld and his audience." - The Conversation
"Johansson had accused Disney of reneging on its promise to do a traditional theatrical release for Black Widow in favor of a simultaneous release on Disney Plus" — thus reducing the box office take and the bonuses based on that take provided for in her contract. - Variety
The streaming stats are high. There are multiple podcasts, a book, a new prequel (The Many Saints of Newark), and memes galore, many of them left-leaning. Willy Staley argues that the young'uns see a lot of themselves and their country in the show. - The New York Times Magazine
While in Toronto, she navigated how TIFF will meet the challenge of showcasing Hollywood and world cinema as younger filmmaking talent increasingly opts for streaming platforms rather than the traditional cinema house to get their latest work viewed by worldwide audiences. - The Hollywood Reporter
Chicago Public Media, WBEZ's parent organization, will take on the newspaper as a new division, according to a letter of intent approved by the board of directors. The plan was initiated by Sun-Times principal investor Michael Sacks in an attempt to secure the money-losing title's future. - Robert Feder
Shonda Rhimes’ “Bridgerton” Season 1 scored as the No. 1 series based on both number of Netflix households and time spent viewing (in the initial four-week release), while “Extraction” was the most-viewed film in terms of households. - Variety
TikTok’s popularity soared during the pandemic, becoming the most-downloaded app in the world in the first quarter of 2020, with some 315 million downloads in that quarter alone according to app analytics company SensorTower. - The Verge
"It was the iconic Black music and dance show, a party every weekend that anyone could join from their living room. (On It's Been a Minute,) we break down the lasting influence of Soul Train … with scholars, fans and even a few featured dancers." - NPR
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) announced a prohibition on the exhibition, distribution, possession or broadcast of I Am Samuel on Thursday, … saying it was blasphemous and an affront to the constitution." - Reuters
Ear Hustle is produced by the folks at San Quentin Radio, working with San Francisco public radio station KALW. Here, co-host and co-producer Rahsaan "New York" Thomas, still "inside," writes about how colleagues now on parole have transitioned to paid work on the podcast. - Current
"You just couldn't work the way he does – his scripts are improvised, not written, resting on collaboration, trust, instinct, bravery – without weighing every word, cross-examining every sentence. Otherwise it would just be baggy. He takes this perfectionism into every interview, every conversation:" - The Guardian
Former media minister John Whittingdale had some ideas when he recently announced government plans to require UK public service broadcasters to produce “distinctly British” programmes. - The Conversation
