Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has been experiencing significant technical issues, including black screens and incorrect film airings, which fans attribute to David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, TCM's parent company. The network claims the problems are due to a technical server error during routine updates, but viewers are skeptical and suggest the funds from Zaslav's substantial compensation package should be used to upgrade TCM's equipment.
Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Paul Thomas Anderson have come together to save Turner Classic Movies (TCM) after cuts to the network's leadership. The trio will act as unpaid volunteers, helping to guide and curate TCM's programming, including host intros and outros. TCM's Classic Film Festival will also continue, and Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group expressed their commitment to preserving TCM's legacy with the partnership of these iconic filmmakers.
Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson have taken non-salary positions at TCM, providing guidance on programming and serving as a human shield against cost-cutting measures. The move comes after a round of layoffs at the classic movie channel. TCM will now be led by Charles "Charlie" Tabesh, a longtime network stalwart, who will report directly to Warner Bros. executives. The arrangement reflects the commitment of Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav to honor TCM's legacy and involve influential filmmakers in curation and programming.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is shifting creative oversight of Turner Classic Movies (TCM) from the division that imposed budget cuts to filmmaker-friendly Warner Bros. Pictures bosses Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, in response to backlash from influential directors such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson. The directors have pledged to be involved in nurturing the channel, which has been undergoing layoffs and budget reductions. Charles Tabesh, the longtime programmer considered the heart of TCM, will be returning, and the hope is that this reset will ensure the long-term success of the beloved brand.
TCM host Dave Karger expressed his sadness over the recent layoffs at the cable channel, which has been hit hard by Warner Bros. Discovery's restructuring. Karger vowed to be a "stabilizing and familiar presence" for viewers during the upheaval. TheWrap reported that TCM's staff has been reduced from about 90 employees to about 20, and Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-CEOs Pamela Abdy and Michael De Luca will curate the films that TCM airs. Hollywood filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson have teamed up to ensure that TCM's programming remains untouched and protected.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) lost its five senior executives, including its general manager and VP of programming and strategy, earlier this year. While former Discovery+ executive Kathleen Finch is now overseeing TCM, its fate still rests with Warner Bros. executives Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy. However, it remains to be seen how much impact they will have. TCM needs a new home, not a tenuous slot inside a place with no tangible investment in its future. If that home is indeed within Warner Bros. Discovery, then its structure within the company must be reinvented to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Emmy voting is coming to a close, with all ballots due by 10pm PT on Monday. The sheer volume of content out there is staggering, so voters want to be as responsible as they can and see as much as they can before putting those check marks down. Meanwhile, Oscar season is lurking around the corner, with the upcoming 50th Annual Telluride Film Festival being one of the three Fall Fests that signal the start of the movie awards season. Much of the talk at the Telluride Hollywood bash was not about which potential movies might be going, but what David Zaslav is doing to beloved TCM, the Warner/Discovery owned classic movie channel whose key executives became a victim of studio cutbacks this week.
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav has had a rough month, including being booed at a university commencement, firing the CEO of CNN, overseeing a major superhero film flop, and facing criticism for throwing a party in Cannes during a labor stoppage and slashing costs at TCM. Zaslav's missteps have led to whispers around town that he is a "buffoon." Despite his desire to be a lovable, old-style Hollywood mogul, Zaslav is caught between the demands of Wall Street and the creative community.
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) executives have been laid off by Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, causing concern for the future of the channel. However, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson have released a vague statement about the future of TCM, stating that they have spoken to Zaslav and are committed to protecting TCM's programming. Former TCM employee Marya E. Gates has criticized the statement for lacking financial or institutional commitment. Fans of TCM are hoping that Zaslav will dedicate funds to ensure the longevity of the channel and its mission to promote and preserve film culture.
Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Paul Thomas Anderson released a joint statement praising Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav and expressing their commitment to protecting TCM's programming amidst the restructuring of the channel. However, the layoffs of TCM's top executives have raised concerns about the future of the brand and its passionate cinephile culture.
Warner Bros. Discovery has started laying off around 100 employees in its domestic cable group, including legacy Discovery and Turner outlets. The layoffs are part of the company's plan to cut costs amid rising losses from its streaming operations and the weakening macroeconomy. TCM general manager Pola Changnon is leaving the classic movie channel after more than 25 years with TCM and Turner. The staff cuts fell on the units overseen by Kathleen Finch, chairman and chief content officer of the U.S. networks group. More cost-cutting is expected in other divisions, including the corporate group later this summer.
