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Comcast announced a plan Wednesday to spin off most of its cable television networks into a separate publicly traded company. The new company will include the USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and the Golf Channel. Comcast will retain key NBCUniversal assets, including the NBC broadcast network, NBC News, NBC Sports, the streaming service Peacock, and the cable channel Bravo. The move comes as the traditional cable television bundle faces stiff economic headwinds, most notably the rise of cord-cutting and the shift to streaming alternatives. Matt Strauss will become chairman of the NBCUniversal Media Group.

Persons: Mike Cavanagh, ” Cavanagh, “, Cavanagh, Mark Lazarus, Anand Kini, Dan Ives, ”, ” Rich Greenfield, ” Greenfield, Cesar Conde, Conde “, ” Donna Langley, Peacock, Matt Strauss, Mark Woodbury Organizations: Comcast, USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, SYFY, Golf Channel, NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Bravo, Wall Street Journal, Wedbush Securities, LightShed Partners, Wednesday, NBCUniversal, Group, Telemundo, NBCUniversal Entertainment, Studios, NBCUniversal Media, Universal, General Electric, Netflix, Amazon Prime Locations: NBCUniversal

The House Ethics Committee weighs releasing their report on Matt Gaetz. And Susan Smith, who made headlines for killing her sons 30 years ago, is up for parole. The Ethics Committee has jurisdiction only over sitting members of Congress, Johnson argues. But there is precedent for the Ethics Committee to publish reports after a member of Congress has resigned. Susan Smith up for parole 30 years after killing her sonsSusan Smith leaves court after a hearing in Union, S.C., in 1995.

Persons: Matt Gaetz, Susan Smith, Donald Trump, Gaetz, Susan Wild, Joel Leppard, Mike Johnson, Trump, Johnson, Read, Mike Cavanaugh, ”, Vladimir Putin, Brooks Kraft, Smith’s, Michael, Alex, Smith, Rafael Nadal, Jay Leno, Barbara Gauntt, Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Lumumba, — Bracey Harris Organizations: Comcast, Justice Department, Republicans, Democrats, Gaetz, MSNBC, Syfy, Golf, CNBC, Oxygen, NBC News, NBC, Bravo, United, Brooks, Brooks Kraft LLC, Getty, South, Davis, Mississippi State Capitol, Clarion, Ledger, Residents Locations: Florida, USA, U.S, Kyiv, United States, Ukrainian, Russian, Ukraine, Union, South Carolina, Northern California, Pacific, California, Jackson

Comcast is expected to announce a plan Wednesday to spin off its cable networks into a separate company, two people familiar with the matter told NBC News. Comcast had announced during its quarterly earnings call in October that it was considering spinning off its cable networks. Bravo will remain part of Comcast’s NBCUniversal because its content is heavily featured on Peacock, CNBC reported. Comcast Chairman and CEO Brian Roberts will have a voting position in the new entity, but he won't be on the board of directors, CNBC reported. Executive Vice President Adam Miller will become NBCUniversal’s chief operating officer, CNBC reported.

Persons: Mike Cavanagh, Peacock, Peacock's, Mark Lazarus, Anand Kini, Brian Roberts, Donna Langley, Matt Strauss, Cesar Conde, Adam Miller Organizations: Comcast, NBC News, MSNBC, Syfy, Golf, CNBC, Oxygen, Wall Street Journal, NBC, NBCUniversal, Bravo, Paris, NBCUniversal Entertainment, Studios, NBCUniversal Media Group, Group, Telemundo Locations: USA, NBCUniversal

☆ ‘Wicked’ Costume Designer Paul Tazewell Returns to Oz
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Louis Lucero Ii | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Paul Tazewell was 16 years old and living in Akron, Ohio, the first time he designed costumes for “The Wiz.” It was a high school production, and much of the work happened in his family’s dining room. He has been summoned back to Oz several times since that first show — a workshop here, an NBC broadcast there. So when the director Jon M. Chu asked him to design the costumes for Universal’s long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked,” there was little learning curve to speak of. A prequel of sorts to “The Wizard of Oz,” “Wicked” centers on two reluctant roommates at Shiz University: Galinda, an effervescent daughter of privilege who goes on to drop a vowel (that first “a”), and Elphaba, a green-skinned outcast who goes on to pick up a title (the Wicked Witch of the West).

Persons: Paul Tazewell, Jon M, Chu, Oz Organizations: NBC, Shiz University, Galinda Locations: Akron , Ohio

☆ Mike Tyson, Jake Paul fight was the most streamed sporting event ever, Netflix says
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-19 | by ( Jake Piazza | Jason Is A Digital Rotation Program Associate For Cnbc. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +1 min

Friday’s anticipated boxing match between former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul will be remembered for more than its unique card. The bout shown on Netflix was the most streamed global sporting event ever with 65 million live concurrent streams and 108 million total live viewers around the world, according to a Netflix release. The Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor fight before the Tyson-Paul match averaged 74 million live global viewers, the most watched professional women’s sporting event ever in the U.S. with 47 million viewers, the company said. Both Tyson and Paul made 10-figure paydays, according to Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian, whose company promoted the fight. Serrano and Taylor received record pay for women’s boxing, he said.

Persons: Friday’s, Mike Tyson, YouTuber, Jake Paul, Amanda Serrano, Katie Taylor, Tyson, Paul, Nakisa Bidarian, Serrano, Taylor, Bela Bajaria, NBCUniversal’s Peacock Organizations: Netflix, Football Locations: U.S, Nevada

☆ ‘Venom 3’ leads box office again, A24’s ‘Heretic’ scares up $11 million bebut in sleepy weekend
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-11 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Variety-Live-Blog-Byline-Image.Png | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

“Venom: The Last Dance” is looming over the domestic box office in its third weekend of release. As a result, overall domestic box office revenues remain down more than 11% from 2023 and nearly 27% from 2019, according to Comscore. “Heretic,” featuring “Notting Hill” star Hugh Grant playing against type as a villain, notched third place with $11 million from 3,221 venues. The well-reviewed family film has endured at the box office with minimal week-to-week drops (this weekend was down only 11%), earning $130.2 million domestically and $292 million worldwide so far. Ticket sales declined 52% from its soft $5 million debut, bringing the Robert Zemeckis-directed film to $9.3 million domestically.

Persons: “, ”, Hill, Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Grant, Critics, David A, Gross, Dallas Jenkins, Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Lauren Graham, Tom Hardy, Eddie Brock, ” Gross, Dwayne “, ” Johnson, Paramount’s “, ” “, Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Robert Zemeckis, Ralph Fiennes, Paul Dergarabedian Organizations: Rotten, Entertainment Research, Sony Pictures, Everett, Universal, DreamWorks, Miramax, Sony Locations: Hollywood, North America, New York

The only potential competitive congressional race to watch in those states is Indiana’s 1st District, where Democrat Rep. Frank Mrvan is running for re-election. Here are some early bellwethers to watch:Two Virginia districts offer a glimpseTwo congressional districts in Virginia, where polls close at 7 p.m. Both districts may be valuable early indicators of how the election is playing out in the suburbs, which are key to Democratic victories up and down the ballot. North Carolina’s 1st District: Test of Black voteThis district in North Carolina, where polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET, will provide a valuable early gauge of the Black vote, one of the most important questions of the 2024 election cycle.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Frank Mrvan, Randy Niemeyer, Harris, Trump, Jen Kiggans, Missy Cotter Smasal, Cotter, Harris ’, Joe Biden, Biden, Eugene Vindman, Derrick Anderson, Abigail Spanberger, Vindman, Trump’s, Alexander, Anderson, Eugene, that’d, ”, Kyle Kondik, Republicans redrew, Laurie Buckhout, Don Davis, ’, Marcy Kaptur, Derek Merrin, Kaptur Organizations: GOP, Democratic, Republican, Republicans, NBC, University of Virginia, GOP Army, Black, Trump Country, Trump Locations: East Coast, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Virginia Beach, Fredericksburg, swingy, Northern Virginia, Ukraine, Northern Virginia , Virginia, Carolina’s, North Carolina, Ohio’s, Ohio’s 9th, Toledo

☆ How to clean a garbage disposal, according to experts
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Cory Fernandez | Cory Fernandez Is A Commerce Editor For Select On Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +11 min

That’s why learning how to clean your garbage disposal on a regular basis is key to maintaining a clean and odor-free kitchen. SKIP AHEAD How I picked the best products for cleaning a garbage disposal | The best products for cleaning a garbage disposal | How to clean a garbage disposal | Why trust NBC Select? Affresh Garbage Disposal Cleaner $ 11.94 Amazon What we like Abrasivesmall size Something to note Nothing to note at this timeCotter also recommends the brand Affresh for cleaning your garbage disposal. How to clean a garbage disposalHere how our experts recommend cleaning a garbage disposal to get rid of food buildup, grime and strong odors. You should clean your garbage disposal with a store-bought cleaner, such as Glisten, at least once a month, according to Cotter.

Persons: Kadi Dulude, Will Cotter, Cotter, seltzer, Meyers, ”, “, grout, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Dulude

☆ Epic Universe: Universal Orlando announces opening date for the theme park
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Universal Orlando Resort announced Thursday morning that its highly anticipated new theme park, Epic Universe, will open on May 22, 2025, just before Memorial Day weekend. “I anticipate that this new Epic Universe theme park will easily crack 6 million plus visitors during its first 12 months of operation,” Speigel told CNN in an email. “Universal Studios theme parks have been on a huge roll since Harry Potter was introduced in 2010.”Speigel said this park will ratchet up the Orlando theme park market, where Universal and Disney are the biggest players. Speigel – along with many theme park fans – wonders how Disney will respond to its competitor’s moves and whether it will also open a new theme park in the coming years. It will be located in the new theme park, with Universal’s first dedicated theme park entrance for hotel guests.

Persons: Harry Potter, we’re, ”, Karen Irwin, Dennis Speigel, Speigel, “, ” Speigel, Potter, Universal’s, –, Voldemort, Ron, Hermione, Donkey Kong Organizations: CNN — Universal Orlando Resort, Ministry of Magic, Nintendo, Universal Orlando, Park, CNN, “ Universal Studios, Universal, Disney, Ministry, Universal Parks, Universal Orlando Resort, Loews, Super Nintendo, Universal Parks USA, Paris, British Ministry, Floo, Universal Islands of, Universal Studios, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Japan Locations: Orlando, Berk, Central Florida, Universal Islands, Los Angeles

☆ Ron DeSantis, using the levers of state government, ramps up efforts to defeat Florida abortion-rights ballot measure
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms | Adam Edelman | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

Last month, a state-run health care agency launched a website that shares information that proponents of the ballot measure say is misleading. The DeSantis administration has also ramped up efforts to investigate allegations of fraud in the signature-gathering process by the groups behind the measure. In addition, the state Health Department sent cease-and-desist letters this month to multiple television stations across the state that had aired an ad that supported the ballot measure. Spokespersons for the DeSantis administration, the Health Department and the Agency for Health Care Administration didn’t respond to questions. Even putting the efforts from DeSantis and other Florida Republicans aside, the ballot measure faces an uphill climb.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, ”, “, Sen, Jason Pizzo, ” Lauren Brenzel, “ Don’t, ” Pizzo, Donald Trump, waffling, Alex Andrade, he’s, ” Andrade, Ashley Moody, It’s Organizations: Florida Gov, Republicans, GOP, Florida Republican, Democratic, Floridians, Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, American Civil Liberties Union of, Washington Post, The Associated Press, Freedom, Health Department, Agency for Health Care Administration, Trump, Republican Party, “, DeSantis, Republican, Florida Republicans Locations: Florida, American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, DeSantis

☆ 'Joker 2' stumbles at box office with lackluster $40 million debut
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-07 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Variety-Live-Blog-Byline-Image.Png | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

“Joker: Folie à Deux,” a genre-bending sequel to the billion-dollar comic book smash, hit a sour note at the box office even as it opened to No. That’s a problem because the R-rated sequel carries a substantial $200 million price tag (the first film was produced for a trim $65 million). So, “Folie à Deux” needs to generate at least $450 million to break even, according to sources familiar with the film’s financials. Muted buzz for “Folie à Deux” began at Venice Film Festival, where “Joker” took home the fest’s top prize in 2019. Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Joker: Folie a Deux" on Sept. 30.

Persons: ”, “, Jeff Bock, Warners, tentpole, haven’t, Joker ”, Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Matt Winkelmeyer, WireImage Todd Phillips, Arthur Fleck, Harleen “ Lee ” Quinzel, Gaga, Martin Scorsese, ” “ Todd Phillips, Bock, Lionsgate’s, Jacob Tremblay, Julian, Bryce Gheisar, Sony’s, Pharrell Williams Organizations: Warner Bros, Phoenix, Bron Creative, Warners, Venice Film, Los Angeles, Lionsgate, DreamWorks Locations: Danish

CNN —Employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs improperly accessed the medical files of Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the two major party vice presidential nominees, and an investigation is under way. Two sources familiar with the situation confirmed that VA employees improperly accessed Vance’s medical records, and roughly two months ago, an employee in VA Inspector General Michael Missal’s office reached out to someone in the Ohio Republican’s operation to alert them of the breach, one of the sources said. The Washington Post, which first reported the incident, said at least a dozen employees accessed the records. Walz enlisted at 17 and served 24 years in the National Guard before retiring in 2005 to run for Congress.

Persons: Sen, JD Vance, Tim Walz, Michael Missal’s, Harris, Terrence Hayes, –, ” Vance, Walz Organizations: CNN, Employees, Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Gov, Washington Post, Justice Department, Marines, National Guard Locations: Minnesota, Ohio, Iraq

☆ Why the NFL has TV executives freaking out over 2029
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Alex Sherman | Alex Sherman Covers Media For Cnbc. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

That means that after the 2029 Super Bowl, the NFL has the right to completely rejigger the media landscape, if it so chooses. NFL games last year were 93 of the top 100 most-watched TV broadcasts. But I also know that some legacy media executives are already thinking about 2029 and brainstorming internally about how they can afford to compete against the tech giants for NFL games. The NBA, in its most recent rights deal, only wanted three media packages to help with consumer confusion and subscription fatigue. Given how popular NFL games are versus everything else on TV, the architecture of the NFL rights is the single biggest decision in the American media industry.

Persons: NBCUniversal’s Peacock, HBO Max, hadn’t, it’s, It’s, “, ”, MoffettNathanson’s Robert Fishman Organizations: Disney, YouTube, NFL, Paramount, HBO, CNBC, Netflix, Google, Apple, CBS, Fox, NBC, Bengals, Chiefs, Amazon, NBA, Amazon Prime Locations: U.S

GM declined to discuss details of the spending, including how much of that amount is specifically tied to NFL advertising, but reiterated it remains significantly lower than historic levels. “The impact of the NFL on the automotive advertising industry is really very, very substantial,” said Alberto Leyes, head of product strategy at Guideline. Guideline reports viewership of NFL broadcasts grew about 7% over the past season, whereas ad spend in NFL programming doubled that pace at 14%. Automotive ad spend increased 17% over the past two seasons and is expected to increase again this year, according to Leyes. Stellantis is expected to soon launch new ads for the NFL season, including around its Jeep brand, but a spokeswoman declined to provide additional details.

Persons: ”, Ryan Briganti, Alberto Leyes, “ We’ve, we’ve, ” Leyes, Andrew Messina, Messina, Mark Marshall, Jenny Wall, Dedra DeLilli, That’s, ” DeLilli, “, DeLilli, Stellantis, Randy Parker, NBCUniversal Organizations: National Football League, Toyota Motor Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company, Detroit, NFL, Toyota, CBS Sports, CBS, Paramount, General Motors, GM, Nielsen, Disney, ESPN, Disney Advertising, Hyundai, Mercedes, Benz, Nissan Motor, Chrysler, Brands, Sunday, NBC, Automotive, Toyota North, Olympics, Hyundai Motor America, CNBC, Comcast, NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, Games Locations: Messina, U.S, Toyota North America, Paris

☆ Disney has a price problem. It has ambitious plans to fix that
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-16 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

“With 2025 also being the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, there will likely also be negative impacts on Walt Disney World attendance. Still, the price of Disney tickets today compared to past years prices out some families. The grievance from the fan community is that this used to be free at Disney parks. Transportation from the Orlando airport to Disney World property also used to be included for Disney hotel guests, but that service has been discontinued. Munsil said the Disney parks are “expensive, yes, but there’s nothing else on Earth like them.”

Persons: CNN —, Raymond James, Hugh Johnston, Josh D’Amaro, ” D’Amaro, D’Amaro, ”, “, Gary Hershorn, Tom Bricker, ” Bricker, Bricker, Don Munsil, Munsil, Mindy Marzec, ” Munsil, Victoria Wade, ” Wade, Wade Organizations: CNN, CNN — Disney, Disney, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Pixar, Corbis, “, Walt Disney, Walt Disney World, “ Star, Busch, Transportation, Food, Disney Food, Magic, Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom Locations: Orlando, Anaheim , California, Wakanda, California, Florida

☆ Fly like Iron Man. Join a battle in Wakanda. Here are the major theme park projects Disney has announced
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

Artist concept for an attraction at a new “Cars”-themed area coming to Frontierland at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. To mark the occasion, the company will create the first-ever audio-animatronic version of Walt Disney, with a level of complexity of technology that has yet to be seen in a Disney park. Across the esplanade at Disney California Adventure park, Avenger’s Campus will more than double in size, with construction beginning in 2025. Artist concept of Disney’s first theme park ride based on “Coco,” which breaks ground in 2026. In Paris, Disney’s first-ever theme park attraction based on “The Lion King” will be built at the renamed Disney Adventure World park.

Persons: Walt Disney, Josh D’Amaro, Shaboozey, Billy Crystal, Mike Wazowski, Madrigal, Antonio, Indiana Jones, Indiana Jones ”, Disney’s Encanto, Disney Oscar, Ke Huy Quan, “ Indiana Jones, ”, D’Amaro, “ We’re, Lincoln ”, ” D’Amaro, “, Disney’s, King Thanos, “ Coco, What’s, King ”, Simba, Epic Games Disney, Doom, Megan Thomas Organizations: CA CNN, Disney, Honda Center, CNN, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Walt Disney, Magic, Disney Magic, Walt Disney World, Hollywood Studios, Inc, Monsters Inc, Tokyo Disney, Pueblo Esperanza, Indiana Jones, EPCOT, Disneyland, Opera House, Infinity Defense, Stark, Pandora, Disney Cruise, Disney Destiny, Disney Parks Shanghai, Hong Kong Disney, Marvel, Epic Games, Epic, Star Locations: Anaheim, CA, Anaheim , California, Florida, California, Star, Tokyo, Disney’s, “, Pueblo Esperanza, Disney, Imagineering, New York City, Disney California, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tomorrowland, Paris, Fortnite, livestream

☆ 2024 Paris Olympics viewer’s guide: NBC’s plans, Snoop Dogg, and the big ratings question
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Richard Deitsch | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +18 min

Follow our Olympics coverage in the lead-up to the Paris Games. The Paris Games will have more programming hours on the NBC broadcast network than any previous Olympics. NBC is upping its celebrity presence for its Olympic coverage in Paris, headlined by Snoop Dogg. “Research shows that it is a challenge to keep viewers after 10 p.m. ET,” NBC Olympics producer Rob Hyland said. NBCUniversal owns the U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2032, so Paris (2024), Milan-Cortina (2026), Los Angeles (2028) and Brisbane (2032).

Persons: Peacock, Molly Solomon, NBC’s, “, ” Solomon, Solomon, Snoop, Snoop Dogg, Christian Petersen, Kelly Clarkson, Peyton Manning, Mike Tirico, Alex Cooper, Leslie Jones, Kevin Hart, Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Cooper, Simone Biles, Manning, Ryan Crouser, Jones, Katie Ledecky, Sha’Carri Richardson, Lily Collins, Anna Hall, Ledecky, LeBron James, Sydney McLaughlin, Kelly Campbell, Peacock’s, Scott Hanson, Andrew Siciliano, Jac Collinsworth, Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila, ”, Al Michaels, Mark Lazarus, Sanya Richards, Ross, Rowdy Gaines, Tim Daggett, Laurie Hernandez, Samantha Peszek, Misty, Julie Foudy, Dwyane Wade, LaChina Robinson, Michael Phelps, Dan Hicks, Gaines, Maddie Meyer, they’ll, Rob Hyland, Andres Cantor, Rebecca Lowe, Craig Melvin, Ahmed Fareed, Damon Hack, Maria Taylor, Cara Banks, Laura Britt, Trenni Casey, Lindsay Czarniak, Carolyn Manno, Kathryn Tappen, John Roethlisberger, “ John, He’s, …, breaststroker Lilly King wagged, Ryan Murphy, Sunny Choi, Victor Montalvo, Joe Gesue, Ron Vaccaro, NBCU, it’s, NBCUniversal, Rick Cordella, Dan Goldfarb, Stuart Franklin Organizations: Paris, NBC, Paris Games, U.S, Tokyo Olympics, Olympics, NBC Olympics, NBC’s, Getty, NBC Sports, Tokyo Games, Beijing, Games, USA, CNBC, Golf Channel, Telemundo, Universo, NBCOlympics.com, “, ”, NFL, NBCUniversal Media, Paris La Défense, Research, Olympic, Grand Palais, Concorde, NBC Sports ’, Olympic Games, Cortina Locations: Paris, Beijing, Pyeongchang, South Korea, Central, Pacific, U.S, Paris ”, Teahupo’o, Tahiti, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, China, Rio, Tokyo, Peacock, United States, Versailles, Grand, London, Russian, Norway, South Carolina, Milan, Los Angeles, Brisbane, French

☆ Netflix has a plan to keep you paying for your subscription
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-18 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Football, wrestling and immersive experiences: This year, Netflix has expanded beyond its usual scripted and reality TV offerings. In May, Netflix disclosed that it has 40 million monthly active users on its new ad-supported subscription tier, a jump from 23 million in January. The deal kicks off this year with Netflix globally airing two NFL games on the holiday. But sports aren’t the only way Netflix is trying to expand its footprint. “It should help retain those customers and keep them in the Netflix ecosystem and paying for their subscriptions for longer,” he said.

Persons: Tim Nollen, ”, ” Nollen, Peacock, David Joyce Organizations: CNN — Football, Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros, Macquarie, NFL, WWE, Dallas Galleria, Seaport Locations: Philadelphia

☆ TikTok agrees deal with Universal Music Group, bringing back the world’s biggest artists
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

London CNN —Ariana Grande, Adele and Rihanna will soon be back on TikTok, joining Taylor Swift after a deal with Universal Music Group ended a feud that saw one of the world’s biggest record labels pull its music from the video platform. The licensing agreement, announced Wednesday, means that within one to two weeks TikTok’s 1 billion-plus users will be able to use music by UMG artists in their videos. All videos featuring Universal artists’ music that had previously been muted because of copyright violations will be unmuted. “We are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group,” TikTok CEO Shou Chew said in a joint statement. Universal pulled its music off TikTok in February after the two companies failed to reach an agreement on royalty fees for Universal’s artists, who also include Lady Gaga, Coldplay and Justin Bieber.

Persons: London CNN — Ariana Grande, Adele, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Michael Nash, Shou Chew, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Justin Bieber, TikTok, ” Organizations: London CNN, Universal Music Group, ”, UBS, Universal, TikTok, Poets Department Locations: TikTok

☆ Universal Music Artists Will Return to TikTok
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Ben Sisario | More About Ben Sisario | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

But the deal also comes amid wider uncertainty for TikTok as the app faces a possible ban or sale in the United States because of national security concerns over the app’s Chinese owner, ByteDance. Last month, President Biden signed a bill that would allow TikTok to continue to operate in the United States if it was sold in nine months, though the company is expected to challenge the law in court. Universal began to withdraw permission for its music from TikTok on Feb. 1, after an impasse in negotiations to renew its previous licensing agreement. At the time, Universal said that TikTok “attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far less than fair market value and not reflective of their exponential growth.”Millions of videos that included Universal music — including many artists’ own official music videos — were muted on the platform. TikTok said that by withdrawing its songs, Universal had “put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.”TikTok and Universal have not commented on their negotiations since then.

Persons: Biden, TikTok, Universal, TikTok “, ’, “, ” TikTok, Swift, — Organizations: ByteDance, Universal Locations: United States, TikTok

☆ Taylor Swift’s Music Returns to TikTok Ahead of New Album
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Ben Sisario | More About Ben Sisario | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

When Universal Music Group, the world’s biggest music company, went to war with TikTok earlier this year over licensing terms, songs by hundreds of its artists were removed from the platform, and have remained absent. But on Thursday, music by one very special Universal artist returned: Taylor Swift. It was not immediately clear how Swift’s songs made it back to TikTok while Universal’s ban remains in place. When the company announced its plans to remove music earlier this year, it said its licensing contract with TikTok expired Jan. 31. By the early hours of Feb. 1, Universal’s music began to disappear from TikTok, and millions of videos that used the label’s music went silent.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Swift —, ”, Swift Organizations: Universal Music Group, Universal, Poets Department, Machine, TikTok Locations: “ Cardigan, ”, TikTok

☆ Disney reveals more on huge Magic Kingdom expansion, one part of a $60 billion investment
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Glendale, California CNN —Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the “wildest ride in the wilderness,” sits at one edge of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park, the most visited theme park in the world. “It’s probably the largest expansion ever at Magic Kingdom,” Michael Hundgen, Walt Disney World site portfolio executive, said Tuesday during a rare media event previewing new Disney attraction designs and technology at its Walt Disney Imagineering facility in California. Disney’s 10-year investment planThe Magic Kingdom expansion is one part of a $60 billion investment Disney has said it’s planning for its parks, cruises and experiences over the next decade. But any plans for expanding the theme park footprint at the Disneyland resort would need Anaheim city approval because of zoning issues. This is really a wild experience.”Charita Carter, executive creative producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, worked on the project from its inception about four years ago.

Persons: “ It’s, ” Michael Hundgen, Walt, Walt Disney, Bob Iger, Josh D'Amaro, Iger, “ it’s, Disney, ” Iger, ”, Mike Pucher, Walt Disney Imagineering Iger, Imagineers, Darth Vader, Imagineer Lanny Smoot, ” Smoot, Smoot, Christian Thompson, Stella Reese Chase, Leah Chase, Chase, “ I’m, I’ve, ” Charita Carter, Walt Disney Imagineering, Carter, “ Organizations: California CNN, Railroad, Disney, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney, Walt, CNN, Universal Orlando Resort, Universal, Comcast, Anaheim City Council, National Inventors Hall of Fame, Research, Walt Disney Imagineering Research, Disneyland’s Locations: Glendale, California, ”, Central Florida, Disney’s Florida, Florida, Anaheim, New Orleans

☆ Trump and allies pressure Nebraska to change how it awards electoral votes
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Daniel Strauss | Jeff Zeleny | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Former President Donald Trump and his allies have ramped up pressure for Nebraska lawmakers to change the method the state divvies out electoral college votes, an effort that underscores just how narrow the race for 270 electoral votes could be in the November rematch with President Joe Biden. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk kicked off the effort on Tuesday, sending a message on social media urging Nebraska Republicans to act. For weeks, the Biden campaign has had its eye on Omaha and its one electoral vote. For all the talk of Biden’s blue wall of Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, winning all three could still leave him short of 270 electoral votes. The 2020 census changed the map based on decreasing populations in Pennsylvania and Michigan, so one of Nebraska’s three electoral votes could become critical should there be a 269-269 tie with Trump.

Persons: Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Charlie Kirk, Jim Pillen, Trump, Jim Pillen of, Let’s, ”, Sen, John Arch, ” Arch, I’m, “, Jen Day, Biden, Megan Hunt, it’s, Jane Kleeb, Loren Lippincott, ” Lippincolt, Trump’s Organizations: CNN, Nebraska, Republicans, Conservative, Nebraska Republicans, Republican Gov, Truth, Republican, “, LB, Capitol, Omaha, Democratic, Nebraska Democratic, Lincoln Journal Star, Trump Locations: Jim Pillen of Nebraska, Nebraska, Lincoln, Omaha, ” Nebraska, Maine, Wisconsin , Michigan, Pennsylvania, Michigan

☆ Europe saved its bears from extinction. Now some countries want more rights to shoot them
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Billy Stockwell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Wild brown bear populations across Europe have bounced back from the brink of extinction, and animal conservationists are thrilled. Some countries are arguing that law lies too far in the bears’ favor at the expense of human lives. Several European Union (EU) countries who are in favor of watering down bear protections are now taking their fight to the bloc’s headquarters in Brussels. How to deal with bear attacks have been on the political agenda of some of the EU’s 27 member countries for years. But some people argue that there are more humane ways to prevent bear attacks.

Persons: CNN —, Liptovský Mikuláš, John Linnell, ”, ’, Dominika Zarzycka, ” Linnell, “ It’s, Robin Rigg, Bruno, there’s, Linnell Organizations: CNN, Authorities, European Union, EU Environment Council, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, “, Getty, Slovak Wildlife Society, EU Locations: Slovakian, Liptovský, Slovakia, Europe, Brussels, Romania, Finland, EU’s, attractants, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Spain, Ireland, Malta, Cyprus, Japan

“Queen!”It was a Friday night in January, and Snoop Dogg had just rolled into a cocktail party hosted by Donna Langley, NBCUniversal’s chief content officer and studios chairwoman. His shouted greeting, paired with a jaunty deferential dance, seemed to leave her a bit embarrassed. “We’re here to celebrate filmmakers and films,” Langley told the room a few minutes later. Like it or not, this moment in Hollywood history is very much about her. Nolan started his acceptance speech for best director by saying, “Donna Langley — thank you for seeing the potential in this.”

Persons: Snoop Dogg, Donna Langley, “, ” Langley, Langley, Christopher Nolan, “ Oppenheimer, Nolan, “ Donna Langley —, ” Organizations: ”

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