Stories

Internet Archive Settles Suit With Recording Companies Over ’78 Recordings Archive

For IA—which strove to digitize 3 million recordings to help historians document recording history—the lawsuit from music publishers could have meant financial ruin. Initially, record labels alleged that damages amounted to $400 million, claiming they lost streams when IA visitors played Great 78 recordings. - Ars Technica

The Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Is a Crisis For Free Speech

The right-wing cancellation campaign that has come to encompass all individuals and institutions that have expressed anything less than cloying adulation of Kirk is ongoing, with the pointed support of the Trump administration.  - Slate

Broadway Musicals Are In Trouble

None of the 18 commercial musicals that opened on Broadway last season have made a profit yet. Some still could, but several have been spectacular flameouts. The new musicals “Tammy Faye,” “Boop!” and “Smash” each cost at least $20 million, and each was gone less than four months after opening. - The New York Times

YouTube Is Going All In On AI

Its anniversary product announcements this week touted AI features that will let creators use AI to enhance or produce videos. After all, Google Deepmind’s Veo 3 technology was YouTube’s for the taking. Ready or not, the video camera ultimately will be replaced by the prompt. This means a rethinking of YouTube’s superpower: authenticity. - Wired

The Film Industry Is Acknowledging That Older People Exist

Which, given the size of the Boomer generation, is great. But there are still some issues - mostly issues of stereotyping and sentimentality. Consider the Frail, the Feisty, and the Fiendish. - The Guardian (UK)

What Happens To Artists’ Studios After They Die?

If their heirs or estate is lucky, there’s enough money to simply keep the studio as is. “In Europe these spaces are often accessible landmarks,” but in the U.S., they’re more likely private - and accessible to family, staff, and a very few scholars. - The New York Times

A Rough Weekend For The US Box Office

Well, at least a Taylor Swift movie is coming along in a few weeks. - Seattle Times (AP)

Jimmy Kimmel Embraced The Real, Weird, Gritty Hollywood

“Ever since he began filming at the El Capitan Entertainment Centre in 2003, Kimmel has been one of the famed neighborhood’s biggest ambassadors. He drew tourists to the storied Hollywood Boulevard.” Then there’s his “Who’s High?” segment. - Los Angeles Times (MSN)

Remembering Portland’s Classical Music Critic, David Stabler, Who Has Died At 72

Stabler, an energetic, generous, elegant writer, was part of a particularly strong era at The Oregonian, when art, architecture, music, book, theatre, and many other critics shared ideas, space, and boundless energy. - Oregon ArtsWatch

Sarah McLachlan Cancels Lilith Fair Documentary Premiere Performance Over Disney’s Little Free Speech Issue

McLachlan, introducing the ABC News Studios-distributed movie: "I’ve grappled with being here tonight and around what to say about the present situation that we are all faced with. … We have collectively decided not to perform but instead to stand in solidarity in support of free speech.” - The Hollywood Reporter

The Personal Piñata Makers Of Minneapolis

It’s a big business - and it changes with the trends of the moment. "Some local vendors are selling Labubu-shaped piñatas, cashing in on the demand for the popular collectable toy.” - Sahan Journal

London’s Wembley Stadium Just Hosted A Big Music Benefit For Gaza

That was a first in Britain, an arena concert supporting Palestine. "During the four-hour show, the biggest ovation from the crowd … went to Francesca Albanese, a United Nations expert on the Palestinian territories who gave a nine-minute speech.” - The New York Times

How Can LA’s Repertory Cinemas Survive Streaming?

Personal attention, and projectionists. “The viewing experience at these revival theaters always starts with a crew member reminding the audience to stay away from their phones — they want everyone to enjoy the tiny scratches, dust specks and vibrant colors of the print.” - Los Angeles Times (MSN)

What Comedians In The US May Have To Do Next

Kiss the ring. Be a “Kremlin star.” Or face life without a broadcast deal (which, let’s face it, is the common fate of most artists in any case). - The New York Times

It’s Literary Awards Season, And Oh God, So Awful

“It can be a very difficult thing to spend years and years working on a project only to be faced with a barrage of awards announcements and nomination requirements and social media posts about longlists and shortlists.” - LitHub

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