British research firm Ampere Analysis highlights four upcoming video games—Baldur’s Gate III, Black Myth: Wu Kong, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Sons of the Forest—that are poised to become the next big TV or movie franchises, reflecting a trend of increasing live-action adaptations driven by the success of titles like The Last of Us and Minecraft.
The article predicts that in 2026, 'Odyssey' will be the biggest film hit, Netflix is favored to win the Warner Bros. acquisition, Bob Iger will step down from Disney, and AI will significantly impact Hollywood and the music industry, amidst ongoing industry upheavals and technological changes.
Warner Bros. Discovery plans to reject Paramount's amended takeover bid, citing concerns over the offer's financial terms, debt management, and breakup fee guarantees, with the Warner Bros. board awaiting a higher bid before considering any deal.
Larry Ellison pledges $40 billion to support his son's Paramount merger, exemplifying a shift in billionaire philanthropy towards 'philanthropic capitalism,' where large fortunes are invested directly into industries and systems rather than traditional charities, reflecting a broader trend among mega-donors to influence core sectors like media and technology.
The Oscars will shift from traditional TV broadcast on ABC to streaming on YouTube starting in 2029, marking a significant change in the entertainment industry and reflecting the growing influence of streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix.
Warner Bros Discovery urges shareholders to reject Paramount's $108.4 billion hostile takeover bid, claiming it is inadequate and risky, especially compared to WBD's recent $82.7 billion deal with Netflix, and highlighting concerns over Paramount's funding and bid transparency.
E.W. Scripps' board unanimously rejected Sinclair's $622 million bid to acquire the company, citing it was not in the best interests of shareholders, though Scripps remains open to future proposals. Sinclair, which already owns 8.2% of Scripps, aimed to expand its broadcast footprint amid industry shifts, but Scripps has taken defensive measures like a poison pill to protect its interests.
The article discusses the layoffs of journalists of color amid a broader decline in diversity initiatives in the media industry, which some see as linked to the Trump administration's anti-DEI policies. It highlights specific cases at CBS, NBC, and Teen Vogue where people of color were disproportionately affected, raising concerns about racial bias and the future of diversity in journalism. The layoffs are viewed by many as part of a political and corporate effort to diminish diversity efforts, prompting some affected journalists to consider creating their own media outlets.
Paramount Skydance, backed by Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, has submitted a higher bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, competing with Netflix and Comcast in a bidding process that could lead to a sale or split of the media giant. The bids are under review, with the potential for exclusive negotiations or further proposals, as Warner Bros. Discovery considers its strategic options.
The 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 Media list highlights young innovators using technology to reshape the media landscape, from AI-powered creative tools and social media news platforms to engaging content creators and journalists, emphasizing adaptation and new possibilities in the evolving industry.
Major streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Disney are increasingly using aggressive 'pause ads' that appear when viewers pause their content, with some taking up full screens and offering interactive features like shopping. These ads aim to monetize paused moments, boost engagement, and make advertising less intrusive, as media companies seek new revenue streams amid rising subscription prices and declining traditional TV viewership.
Gayle King is expected to leave her role as CBS Mornings anchor in May as her contract expires, with potential for a new role within CBS News amid a broader network overhaul under new ownership, which includes significant staff changes and strategic shifts in programming.
Gayle King is expected to leave her role as CBS Mornings anchor next year amid a major CBS News restructuring under new ownership, with potential for a different role or programming at CBS, as the network undergoes significant staff and strategic changes.
Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, CEO and Group Publisher of Variety, is stepping down after 28 years to pursue a startup fashion venture. Dea Lawrence will become co-president and publisher, while Ramin Setoodeh is named co-president, continuing his role as co-EIC. The leadership transition marks a new chapter for the historic entertainment news brand, which has undergone significant growth and innovation under Sobrino-Stearns' tenure.
John Dickerson is leaving CBS News at the end of the year, raising questions about the future of 'CBS Evening News' amid ratings struggles and organizational changes under new leadership and cost-cutting measures at CBS.