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☆ Disney's parks division is driving big profits, a bright spot as the streaming biz struggles and ESPN's future is unclear. Here's how that could factor into Bob Iger's CEO succession plans.
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Disney CEO Bob Iger has reorganized the company into 3 core units: entertainment, ESPN, and parks. Parks' growing prominence comes as the company faces looming decisions over Iger's CEO. Travel bans "dramatically impacted" results for Disney Parks during the intense early years of the coronavirus pandemic, Heger noted, adding that parks are now generating more revenue and operating profit than they did in pre-COVID times. The parks' success is "helping to offset" losses from Disney's "DTC," or direct-to-consumer streaming business, Heger added. Josh D'Amaro, the current chairman for Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, would be a likely figure appearing on any shortlist of CEO contenders.

Persons: Bob Iger, Parks, It's, Dave Heger, Edward Jones, Heger, AECOM, Iger, Josh D'Amaro, Christine McCarthy —, Iger's, Bob Chapek, Ron DeSantis, Chapek, Hollywood creatives, Tom Staggs, Iger —, —, Chapek's, it's, you've, Jeffery Merola, he'd, DeSantis, Reed Alexander Organizations: Disney, ESPN, Disney Parks, Walt Disney, Disneyland, Products, Florida Gov, Hollywood, Los Angeles Times, Sunshine State Locations: Tokyo, Shanghai, Orlando , Florida, Anaheim , California, execs, Chapek, Syracuse , New York, Orlando

☆ How audio startup PodCo is cashing in on Disney and Nickelodeon nostalgia with podcasts hosted by the stars of shows like 'Wizards of Waverly Place'
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-15 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

PodCo produces podcasts themed around Nickelodeon and Disney Channel shows from the past two decades. Since their debut, several PodCo shows have ranked among the top 10 television and film podcasts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, according to Chartable. Along with the hosts, other big-name alums have made appearances on PodCo shows, which are also recorded on video and viewable on YouTube. So when he heard Carlson Romano and Rooney's idea, he leapt at the chance to bring the show back in a new form. Some have written to him personally to say the "Ned's" podcast is leaving them feeling less isolated in their own lives, he added.

Persons: Stevens, Christy Carlson Romano, Brendan Rooney, Kim, Ned Bigby, Harper Finkle, PodCo, Rooney, Krystal Eve, Carlson Romano, Ren Stevens, Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Stone, David DeLuise, Stone, Lee Citron, Stone —, California —, —, it's, wouldn't, Alyson Stoner, Zack, Cody, Devon Werkheiser, Werkheiser, Scott Simock, PodCo's, Reed Alexander Organizations: Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Wizards, Marine Corps, Columbia University, American Film Institute, Apple, PodCo, Edison Research, Triton, Intelligence, Disney, Paramount, Netflix, YouTube, Social, Spotify Locations: Waverly, Hollywood, NBC's, California, TikTok, Texas

☆ Cheddar News laid off a team of respected reporters who once created content for its popular YouTube channel
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Embattled network Cheddar News cut six roles in a small layoff round in April, Insider has learned. Affected employees previously worked on Cheddar's highly-regarded YouTube team. Cheddar News quietly laid off half a dozen staffers who formerly worked on its highly-regarded YouTube team creating original video content, Insider has learned. As Insider reported earlier this year, sources at Cheddar said management had indicated cost-cutting and profitability concerns were behind the shift in strategy away from creating original YouTube content, which Cheddar had done for years. Do you work for Cheddar News or Altice USA, or are you a media insider with insight to share?

Persons: Cheddar, Anna Delvey, Kristin Malaspina, Altice, Malaspina, Claire Atkinson, Reed Alexander Organizations: Cheddar, YouTube, News12, Altice, Cheddar News, Altice USA, New, BuzzFeed Locations: New York, News12 New York, Altice USA, Russian, Cheddar

☆ Cheddar News quietly laid off a handful of video producers as its newsroom reels from continued defections and organizational changes
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-26 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Embattled network Cheddar News cut six roles in a small layoff round in April, Insider has learned. Affected employees previously worked on Cheddar's highly-regarded YouTube video team. Cheddar News quietly laid off half a dozen staffers who formerly worked on its highly-regarded YouTube team creating original video content, Insider has learned. Altice, which bought Cheddar in 2019, set out to implement a series of content changes at the 7-year-old news outlet in mid-2022. Do you work for Cheddar News or Altice USA, or are you a media insider with insight to share?

☆ Inside PodCo, the startup cashing in on Nickelodeon and Disney nostalgia, drawing hundreds of thousands of listeners, and scoring brand deals with stars of shows like 'Wizards of Waverly Place'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

"Even Stevens" star Christy Carlson Romano and her husband, Brendan Rooney, founded the startup. Since their debut, several PodCo shows have ranked among the top 10 television and film podcasts on platforms like Apple Podcasts, according to Chartable. Along with the hosts, other big-name alums have made appearances on PodCo shows, which are also recorded on video and viewable on YouTube. So when he heard Carlson Romano and Rooney's idea, he leapt at the chance to bring the show back in a new form. Some have written into him personally to say the "Ned's" podcast is leaving them feeling less isolated in their own lives, he added.

☆ JPMorgan is watching: How the nation's largest bank keeps tabs on its workforce — from their office attendance to emails and Zoom calls
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Kaja Whitehouse | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

JPMorgan is calling employees back to the office — and keeping tabs on attendance. This has reignited a conversation about the bank's surveillance of its employees. They explained how the bank tracks everything from office attendance to time spent on Zoom calls and composing emails. Many of the JPMorgan employees Reed spoke to said their surveillance made them feel untrusted by their bosses. Inside the little-known tool that gives JPMorgan Chase the power to collect data about everything its employees do at work

☆ JPMorgan employees describe growing 'paranoia' as the company tracks their office attendance, calls, calendars, and more — with one worker even installing a 'mouse jiggler' to evade 'Big Brother'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

JPMorgan has developed a powerful data-collection tool to monitor its employees, dubbed WADU. Employees at America's largest bank fear what the data collection could mean for their jobs. One staffer described a workplace where terms like "Big Brother" and "1984" have become commonplace. For more details on how JPMorgan Chase's WADU system works and what kinds of data it tracks about employees, read Insider's full story here. Employees were granted anonymity to discuss how WADU works and how it impacted company staff since they were not authorized to speak with reporters.

☆ 'iCarly' writers join the WGA strike as showrunner Ali Schouten calls out Hollywood studios' 'corporate greed'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-11 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Insider spoke to Ali Schouten, the showrunner behind Paramount+ series "iCarly," about what's at stake. The "iCarly" writers will link up with the picket line outside the lot where the show is filmed, according to Ali Schouten, the series' showrunner and executive producer. Ahead of the "iCarly" writers' picketing on Thursday, I spoke with Schouten to understand what she and her colleagues are fighting for. Lisa Rose/Paramount+The last writers' strike resulted in $2 billion worth of losses for the California economy, and some experts predict the impact of this work stoppage could be even greater. How is the writers' strike impacting you, your business, or your family?

DreamWorks Animation has laid off 33 staffers, or around 2%, in recent days. DreamWorks' parent company, NBCUniversal, has been laying off staff across divisions in recent months. The cuts were confirmed by a spokesperson from DreamWorks Animation, whose parent company, Comcast's NBCUniversal, has eliminated roles across the organization over the past six months. DreamWorks Animation said in a statement that the layoffs were part of an overall cost reduction and that a majority of those affected were in support functions. This person said staffers laid off in this round learned the news several weeks ago, giving those affected some time to prepare.

☆ 'Hey Netflix! You broke it — now fix it': On the picket lines with Hollywood writers as they bring signs, slogans, and sunscreen to their fight against the studios for 'as long as it takes'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Reed Alexander | Alison Brower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

A writers' strike has been underway since overnight Monday. Thousands of Hollywood writers have fanned out across the streets of Los Angeles since early Tuesday afternoon, waving signs and chanting to demonstrate their resolve. Insider spoke with eight WGA members who are picketing or contributing to the work stoppage in other ways. Are you a member of the Writers Guild of America or do you work in the entertainment industry? How is the writers' strike impacting you?

☆ Why Apple TV+ could be hit harder than Netflix, Disney+, and other streamers by a looming Hollywood writers' strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

But ahead of a potential Hollywood writers' strike, the streamer faces two key vulnerabilities. Hollywood is bracing for a possible writers' strike that could begin at midnight PT, following an overwhelming strike authorization by members of the Writers' Guild of America West and East last month. But, by comparison, Prime Video, Netflix, and Discovery+ offer viewers thousands of TV series, according to ReelGood data from the end of 2022. "They're building a long-term brand of Apple TV+, which is something apart from all their devices and their cool software. It would not damage the perception that people have of Apple TV+."

☆ Inside LinkedIn's new push to use AI tools to amplify — not replace — creators' voices
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

LinkedIn sees potential for AI to amplify — not replace — creators' voices. Firmly of the view that artificial intelligence technology can augment and amplify those users' voices — not replace them — LinkedIn is eyeing opportunities in the burgeoning space. LinkedIn's collaborative articles begin with a thread generated with the help of AI, and then invite select users to contribute their perspective. Enter collaborative articles, which invited the several dozen teachers to offer up ideas like exhibiting "vulnerability" in the classroom. Think of these seminars like LinkedIn's version of Master Classes on topics like generative AI, machine learning with Python, and AI accountability.

☆ Apple TV+ has 2 big disadvantages compared to Netflix, Disney+, and other streamers as a Hollywood writers' strike looms
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

But ahead of a potential Hollywood writers' strike, the streamer faces two key vulnerabilities. Hollywood is bracing for a possible writers' strike that could begin on May 1, following an overwhelming strike authorization by members of the Writers' Guild of America West and East earlier this month. But, by comparison, Prime Video, Netflix, and Discovery+ offer viewers thousands of TV series, according to ReelGood data from the end of 2022. "They're building a long-term brand of Apple TV+, which is something apart from all their devices and their cool software. It would not damage the perception that people have of Apple TV+."

☆ AI is disrupting Hollywood, and one investor sees huge potential in startups harnessing data to identify valuable IP for TV and film
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A private credit investor explains why Wall Street sees the potential for big returns from the tech. "What we're interested in right now are companies that are creating a more automated way of identifying valuable IP," Aria Vossoughi of Serengeti Asset Management told Insider. To be sure, Hollywood has been taking steps toward fusing data, algorithms, and creative content for years. Michael Blank, head of consumer investing at CAA, previously told Insider that investments in this arena are "blowing up right now." It supplements it more than replacing it," he told Insider of AI tech.

☆ Groceries, gas, or Netflix? Gen Zers are dropping their streaming subscriptions as inflation hits.
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Nearly two-thirds of millennial and Gen Z consumers have canceled a streaming subscription in the prior six months, a Deloitte survey found. Insider spoke with five millennial and Gen Z consumers who blamed soaring inflation for driving them to cut subscriptions in favor of essentials like gas or groceries. On average, consumers spend $48 per month on streamers, Deloitte said. From Deloitte's 2023 Digital Media Trends survey: 32% of millennials and 30% of Gen Zers said they canceled a streaming subscription within the past six months in order to save money. Gen Z-ers, born between 1997 and 2009, were the runners-up with a 57% churn rate over the same period.

☆ Hollywood agency WME's newest film agent is a twentysomething talent Midas whose must-read comedy newsletter spotted rising stars and launched careers
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

High-powered Hollywood talent agency WME has scooped up a new film agent from outside the company. Daniel Cramer, a former producer at Sony Pictures, was named by Insider as a 2022 rising star of the entertainment business. He became known as a talent spotter with his Cramer Comedy Newsletter, a curated email for industry insiders. As a producer and newsletter writer, Cramer has been an under-the-radar power broker in Hollywood for several years. Do you work in the entertainment industry?

☆ Streamers have a Gen Z problem: New data reveals why younger subscribers are more likely to cancel as inflation forces them to choose between Netflix and necessities
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Nearly two-thirds of millennial and Gen Z consumers have canceled a streaming subscription in the past six months, a Deloitte survey found. Canceling the subscriptions meant sacrificing entertainment that provided "comfort" and staved off monotony during the coronavirus pandemic, McMiller said. Insider spoke with five millennial and Gen Z consumers who blamed soaring inflation for driving them to cut subscriptions in favor of essentials like gas or groceries. Overall, 44% of total respondents canceled a paid entertainment subscription within the past six months, including for reasons unrelated to cost savings. Millennials, born between 1983 and 1996, spend an average of $54 per month on streaming subscriptions — the most of any demographic, Deloitte said.

☆ Is AI coming for Hollywood? A Wall Street investor breaks down why he's bullish about a growing class of startups harnessing data to identify the next big blockbuster.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

☆ Miramax launched a film development team to resurrect its blockbuster-rich heyday. But a string of key departures has hobbled the vision and frustrated some Hollywood creatives.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Miramax built out a film development team early in the pandemic to bring in new projects and filmmakers. "He's the perfect leader to take the Miramax film team into this next chapter." Hammer's credits as a production executive include "Last Vegas" and "Inside Llewyn Davis." The first source said the film development team had worked to turn the company's reputation around by emphasizing relationships with respected filmmakers. But this person and an independent producer familiar with the Hollywood landscape, agreed that Miramax is no longer a top player in film development.

☆ 'Flamin' Hot' producer DeVon Franklin reveals why he tapped Eva Longoria to direct the film and why he's unfazed by questions over whether it's true to the origins of the fiery Cheetos flavor
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

The movie "Flamin' Hot" celebrates Mexican heritage and the invention of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Impressed with the unlikely entrepreneur, Enrico gave it a try — and thus, Flamin' Hot Cheetos were born, and Montañez's career took off. "Flamin' Hot" stars actor Jesse Garcia as Richard Montañez. Eva Longoria directed the new film "Flamin' Hot." The LA Times article, amongst journalists and amongst this small group of people, may get some traction.

☆ With 'Flamin' Hot' movie set to premiere at SXSW, its producer tackles claims about the central character's role in creating the spicy Cheetos flavor and reveals how Eva Longoria won the director job
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

The movie "Flamin' Hot" celebrates Mexican heritage and the invention of Flamin' Hot Cheetos. An LA Times report raised doubt about the role of the film's protagonist, Richard Montañez, in creating the flavor. Impressed with the unlikely entrepreneur, Enrico gave it a try — and thus, Flamin' Hot Cheetos were born, and Montañez's career took off. Eva Longoria directed the new film "Flamin' Hot." The LA Times article, amongst journalists and amongst this small group of people, may get some traction.

☆ Cheddar News has seen so many exits that managers have asked staffers to delay scheduled vacations, while promising that reinforcements are on the way
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Cheddar News has lost more than 10 newsroom staffers since the start of 2023, sources told Insider. As of March, Cheddar appears to have plans to hire at least five news-related roles, according to Altice's jobs portal. a former Cheddar producer said. The two executives are said to have denied speculation that Altice has any plans to combine Cheddar and News 12. Sources previously told Insider that, throughout 2022, the Cheddar newsroom had contracted by roughly a third.

☆ People magazine offered voluntary resignation packages alongside January layoffs, and now insiders say rumors are swirling of more staff cuts ahead
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

The resignations, in exchange for severance packages, were offered the same day Dotdash Meredith laid off 7% of staff. In January, Dotdash Meredith cut 7% of its headcount during a difficult squeeze for the media industry, as ad spending has tumbled amid an uncertain economy. Dan Wakeford, a 7-year veteran of the publication who had served as editor-in-chief since 2019, departed last year after the formation of Dotdash Meredith under IAC. Severance pay will be paid in installments on the regular biweekly payroll schedule. KandisDo you work at People magazine or Dotdash Meredith and have insight to share?

☆ The Intercept laid off half a dozen staffers last month, culling the video team and other key positions from the nonprofit investigative newsroom
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The Intercept laid off half a dozen staffers last month, Insider has learned. The layoffs mean the investigative outlet no longer has a video team and cut other key positions. Amid a spate of layoffs that have rocked newsrooms over the past few months, the nonprofit newsroom The Intercept laid off half a dozen staffers in January, Insider has learned. "We can't build something if we're losing colleagues at a rate like this," the union organizers wrote in the mid-January note. Are you a media insider who's been affected by recent layoffs, or thinks a staff cut might hit your company?

☆ In leaked audio, Cheddar bosses address newsroom burnout and outline their goals, but offer no concrete solutions for declining morale and ongoing exits
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Reed Alexander | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Insider obtained leaked audio of an hour-long all-hands meeting at Cheddar News. Leadership also addressed employees' concerns about the state of the company, including under-staffing, burnout, and a recent wave of departures. Three more staffers have either exited Cheddar's newsroom or are imminently on the way out this week, Insider has learned. A spokesperson for Altice USA offered no comment. Are you an insider at Cheddar News or Altice USA?

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