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☆ Fox Chief Legal Officer Viet Dinh to step down months after Dominion settlement
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Fox Corp. Chief Legal and Policy Officer Viet Dinh will step down from his post, months after the company agreed to pay a $787.5 million settlement to Dominion Voting Systems. The departure comes after Dinh advised the company through the lawsuit with the voting machines company, which was halted just short of a trial with the April settlement. While Fox agreed to the settlement, its hosts weren't required to talk about the lawsuit or make any public apology for on-air statements. Carlson and Dinh were among the Fox anchors and executives who were questioned as part of the lawsuit. "We are grateful that he will continue to serve FOX as Special Advisor where we will benefit from his counsel."

Persons: Dinh, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Tucker Carlson, Jesse Watters, Carlson, Lachlan Murdoch Organizations: News Corporation, Fox News, New York City . Fox Corp, Voting Systems, Dominion, Fox, FOX, Century Fox, Fox Corp Locations: New York City

CNN —Fox Corporation on Friday said its top lawyer, Viet Dinh, will exit the company in a significant shakeup to its corporate ranks in the aftermath of the company’s historic $787 million settlement with election technology company Dominion Voting Systems. Dinh is the latest senior executive to depart after the historic Dominion settlement. Days after Fox settled the lawsuit with Dominion early this year, the company fired its star prime time host, the right-wing extremist Tucker Carlson. Dominion is just one of several high-profile lawsuits Fox has settled this year over its airing of false election conspiracy theories in 2020. In June, the network settled a lawsuit brought by former producer Abby Grossberg for $12 million.

Persons: Viet Dinh, ”, Lachlan Murdoch, Dinh, “, Fox, Rupert, Lachlan, ” Dinh, Murdoch, Raj Shah, Lou Dobbs, Smartmatic, Tucker Carlson, Abby Grossberg, Grossberg, Carlson, Smartmatic —, Erik Connolly Organizations: CNN — Fox Corporation, Voting Systems, FOX, Century Fox, Fox Corporation, SEC, Fox News, Fox, Dominion, CNN Locations: Viet, Dominion, Venezuelan

ESPN has been Disney’s financial engine for nearly 30 years, powering the company through recessions, box office wipeouts and the pandemic. With its dual revenue stream — fees from cable subscribers and advertising — the sports juggernaut continues to earn billions of dollars for Disney. In the first six months of the 2023 fiscal year, Disney’s cable networks division, which is anchored by ESPN and its spinoff channels, generated $14 billion in revenue and $3 billion in profit. Disney is now exploring a once-unthinkable sale of a stake in ESPN. Disney has held talks with the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball about taking a minority stake.

Persons: Century Fox, ESPN’s, Robert A, ” Organizations: ESPN, Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Century, CNBC, National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball

☆ Trump-endorsed 'Sound of Freedom' has outgrossed 'Mission: Impossible,' 'The Flash'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Over the last four weeks, Angel Studios' "Sound of Freedom," an indie film that has drawn the support of former President Donald Trump and other conservatives, has captured nearly $150 million in domestic ticket sales. "Sound of Freedom" is also on the heels of Disney's "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," which has generated around $167 million in box-office grosses in the U.S. and Canada. "'Sound of Freedom' is a summer movie success story that wasn't even on the radar just a few short weeks ago," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. "Sound of Freedom" wrapped filming in 2018. "'Sound of Freedom' benefitted not only from this but also by providing a non-typical summer style movie experience."

Persons: Donald Trump, Mario Bros, Tom Cruise, Indiana Jones, Shawn Robbins, Paul Dergarabedian, Tim Ballard, Jim Caviezel, Robbins, Trump, Steve Bannon, Trump's, Kari Lake, Jack Posobiec, Kevin McCarthy, Dergarabedian Organizations: Angel Studios, Hollywood, Warner Bros, DC, Century Fox, Walt Disney Co, Comcast, CNBC Locations: U.S, Canada, Hollywood, Colombia, New Jersey, Arizona, Washington, NBCUniversal

☆ Disney explores strategic options for India business - WSJ
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 11 (Reuters) - Walt Disney (DIS.N) is exploring strategic options for its Star India business, including a joint venture or a sale, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company has talked to at least one bank about ways to help the India business grow, while sharing some of the costs, according to the report. The talks are in the early stages and it is unclear which options, if any, Disney might pursue, WSJ said. Disney's India business comprises Disney+ Hotstar streaming service and Star India, which it took over when it acquired the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox in 2019. Star India, which was rebranded as Disney Star last year, encompasses dozens of TV channels and a stake in a movie production company.

Persons: Walt Disney, Hotstar, Yuvraj Malik, Shounak Dasgupta, Shailesh Organizations: Star India, Wall Street, Disney, Century Fox, Disney Star, Thomson Locations: India, Bengaluru

☆ Robert Downey Jr.’s Post-Marvel Balancing Act
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-09 | by ( David Marchese | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +11 min

So from where you’re sitting, do you feel as if you’re able to make sense of the business right now? Robert Downey Jr. in “Oppenheimer.” Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal PicturesIs it right that you’re remaking “Vertigo”? Downey on “Downey’s Dream Cars.” MaxDowney with his son Exton Elias and father, Robert Downey Sr., in “Sr.” (2022). I’m saying that doing the right thing for the right reasons gives you an advantage in spirit. You know, there’s part of me that thinks I should be a writer or an entrepreneur or I could blah, blah, blah.

Persons: Robert Downey Jr, ” Robert Downey Jr, “, Oppenheimer, ”, Christopher Nolan, Nolan —, Downey, Lewis Strauss, J, Robert Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy, —, Tony Stark, “ Oppenheimer, “ Perry Mason, ” Melinda Sue Gordon, ” Max Downey, Exton Elias, Robert Downey Sr, there’s, Chris Nolan, I’m, I’ve, he’s, Strauss, Oprah, Taylor, we’re, ” Downey, Holly Hunter, Mariana Trench, don’t, you’ve, Marisa Tomei, “ Chaplin ”, Jami Gertz, Andrew McCarthy, Sherlock Holmes, David Marchese, Emma Chamberlain, Walter Mosley Organizations: Marvel, Atomic Energy Commission, Universal, Netflix, Paramount, Everett, Little League, Carolco, Getty, Century Fox, U.S, Marshals, YouTube, Cal Newport Locations: Thunderdome, “, “ Sr, what’s, America

☆ Alan Arkin, Oscar-winning actor, dead at 89
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Alan Arkin, the Oscar-winning star of “Little Miss Sunshine,” has died, his family announced Friday. Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin, Alan Arkin, in "Little Miss Sunshine" in 2006. Alan Arkin and director Ben Affleck on set for "Argo" in 2012. Alan Arkin, Johnny Depp in 1990 in "Edward Scissorhands." May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”“Did ANYONE have the range Alan Arkin had?,” Oswalt tweeted.

Persons: CNN — Alan Arkin, Oscar, “, ”, Adam, Matthew, Anthony Arkin, Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Abigail Breslin, Alan Arkin, Arkin, Ben Affleck, Claire Folger, Neil Simon’s “, Johnny Depp, Edward Scissorhands, Hunter ”, Argo ”, Viola Davis, Patton Oswalt, ” Davis, ” Oswalt, ” Arkin, Suzanne, Anthony, Molly, Emmet, Atticus, Abigail, Elliott Organizations: CNN, Fox Searchlight, Everett, Bennington College, Warner Bros ., Broadway, Sunshine, Fox, Golden Globe, Netflix Locations: Brooklyn, Russian, Los Angeles

CNN —British actor Julian Sands, known for his work in shows like “24” and movies like “A Room with a View” and “The Killing Fields,” has been found dead after going missing in the San Gabriel mountains in Southern California in January, investigators announced Tuesday. (From left) Julian Sands, John Malkovich in 1984's "The Killing Fields." Human remains were found in the area where they had been searching for Sands last week. It’s infantilising.”Sands was married to journalist and author Evgenia Citkowitz, whom he wed in 1990, according to the profile in The Guardian. Sands also had a son from a previous marriage, the profile said.

Persons: Julian Sands, ”, John Malkovich, Warner, “, Julian, Sands, “ Julian, ” Sands, Peter Capaldi, ” Julian Sands, Evgenia Citkowitz Organizations: CNN, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Warner Brothers, Everett, Sands, Guardian, Craven Herald, Pioneer, Fox Locations: British, San Gabriel, Southern California, San Bernardino County, Sands, Mt, Baldy, Mount Baldy, ”, LA, Las Vegas

☆ Disney CEO Bob Iger's book hints at how he'll handle company's feud with Ron DeSantis
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Insider turned to Disney CEO Bob Iger's 2019 book for insight on how he navigates challenges. As Florida's largest attraction with more than 70,000 jobs, Walt Disney World is crucial to both the company and the state. During his first tenure at Disney, Iger orchestrated the $4 billion acquisition of Marvel without a single leak. Under predecessor Disney CEO Michael Eisner, board members said they worried that Marvel was "too edgy" and "would tarnish the Disney brand." File photo of Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Bob Iger's, Walt, Robert Iger, Iger's, Bob Chapek, DeSantis, Donald Trump, Disney, Iger, Steve Jobs, Jobs, Bob Iger, Chris duMond, Neilson Barnard, Scott Miller, Miller, that'd, Biden, he's, gunning, Charles Sykes, Paul Hennessy, Michael Eisner, Marvel, Harris, There's, Griffin, George Lucas, Roy Disney, Walt Disney's, he'd, they've, Lucas Organizations: Disney, Florida Gov, Morning, Walt Disney, Republican Gov, Walt Disney Co, Walt Disney Company, ABC, Pixar, Marvel Entertainment, LucasFilm, Century Fox, Marvel, Apple, Getty, Democrat, Bloomberg, Walt Disney World, Board, GOP, Reuters, Republicans, Harvard, Independents, Twitter, Bauer, Jobs, iTunes, Lucasfilm Locations: Florida, Orlando, Shanghai, American, China

☆ The Star Wars timeline: All movies and shows in chronological order
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Scottie Andrew | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

These details are pulled from the official “Star Wars” resources “Ultimate Star Wars” and “Star Wars Character Encyclopedia,” as well as experts from outlets like USA Today and the AV Club. ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (animated series)Ahsoka is Anakin's padawan in "The Clone Wars," and he lovingly calls her "Snips." ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’"Solo" shows how Han and Chewie became best friends. ‘Star Wars Rebels’Kanan Jarrus, Zeb Orrelios and Sabine Wren take on the Empire in "Star Wars Rebels." ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’Heroes attempt to find the plans to blow up the Death Star in "Rogue One."

☆ Orlando Bloom auditioned for 'Moulin Rouge' six times before breakout 'Lord of the Rings' role
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-30 | by ( Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Imagine if Orlando Bloom was seen on the big screen serenading Nicole Kidman in “Moulin Rouge!” in 2001 instead of Ewan McGregor. It was a real possibility according to Bloom, who told Howard Stern in a resurfaced 2019 interview that he actually auditioned for the iconic role of Christian in director Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-winning film six times. “I thought that was going to be the one that was going to go my way just before ‘Lord of the Rings,’” Bloom said, adding that the “Moulin” audition was “around the same sort of time” as his “Rings” audition. Bloom told Stern that the “Moulin Rouge!” filmmakers were originally planning to cast unknown actors, saying, “obviously, I’d have been the unknown” given that he had only a few professional acting credits under his belt at the time. Regardless of the low payday for the original “Rings” trilogy, Bloom knew the value of how it impacted his career, and told Stern that the role of Legolas was “the greatest gift of my life.”

☆ Sony teases 2023 film slate, including R-rated 'Kraven The Hunter'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Tom Holland is Spider-Man in the Sony-Marvel film "Spider-Man: No Way Home." LAS VEGAS — CinemaCon kicked off Monday with a major announcement from Sony Pictures — its upcoming "Kraven the Hunter" would mark the first R-rated Marvel film produced by the studio. "F--- yes, it's rated R," said Kraven himself Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a pretaped teaser for the film before Sony showed the first trailer for the profane and bloody action flick. Sony showed 14 minutes of the film — due out June 2 — to CinemaCon audiences, who laughed and cheered for the uniquely animated feature. Sony also showcased a clip from Jennifer Lawrence's upcoming R-rated drama "No Hard Feelings" to raucous applause.

☆ Dominion urges judge to compel Murdochs to testify live in Fox trial
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Dominion Voting Systems urged a Delaware judge to compel Fox Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch, and his son, Fox Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch, to appear live in court during the upcoming trial over its $1.6 billion defamation lawsuit against Fox and its networks. In a letter to Judge Eric Davis on Wednesday, Dominion urged the judge to compel both Murdochs to appear live. In earlier court papers Dominion did not included the Murdochs on its list for live testimony, although it had been earlier discussed in court. Fox had opposed Murdoch, as well as the other Fox Corp. executives, giving their testimony live in court. They had also pointed to the elder Murdoch's age, 92, as a reason for why he couldn't appear live in court.

☆ Saudi money is flowing to US media and entertainment, from Live Nation to LIV Golf, 5 years after Jamal Khashoggi's murder: 'The ice has thawed'
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Claire Atkinson | Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +20 min

Sovereign funds and other entities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are pouring millions into US media and entertainment. Insider identified some key people connecting Middle East investors with American companies. Saudi Arabia is trying to pitch itself to the world as a cultural and economic reformer and spur tourism. Vince McMahon's WWE has a long-term partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a major live WWE event there slated for May. Vince McMahon's WWE was one of the first US companies to create unique events in Saudi Arabia.

☆ Saudi money is pouring into Hollywood and media, 5 years after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Here's who's cashing in and how.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Claire Atkinson | Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Sovereign funds and other entities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are pouring millions into US media and entertainment. Saudi Arabia is trying to pitch itself to the world as a cultural and economic reformer and spur tourism. Even those media players that are comfortable with invetment from the Middle East may not find funds flowing, one Hollywood veteran said. A major live WWE event in Saudi Arabia is slated for May. Of the growing ties between US entertainment and media and Middle East investors, this person added, "Presumably media organizations got into this to help society make better decisions."

☆ Former Fox Executive Found Guilty in FIFA Bribery Scheme
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( James Fanelli | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Hernan Lopez is the former head of Fox International Channels, a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox. A New York federal jury found a former 21st Century Fox executive guilty of bribing FIFA officials for the broadcasting rights to lucrative soccer matches, but acquitted his former subordinate on the same charges. Hernan Lopez , the former head of subsidiary Fox International Channels, was convicted of conspiring to commit wire fraud and launder money, in a scheme to make tens of millions of dollars in illicit payments and kickbacks between 2000 and 2015 to South American soccer officials in exchange for the broadcasting rights to the region’s most popular club tournament, the Copa Libertadores, and other matches. His co-defendant, Carlos Martinez, was found not guilty of the two counts.

☆ Former Fox exec convicted in FIFA bribery case, other acquitted
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jurors found Hernan Lopez guilty but acquitted Carlos Martinez on the same charges. Martinez and Lopez denied wrongdoing. A lawyer for Burzaco denied those claims. Lawyers for Martinez and Lopez denied Burzaco's account and said their clients were unaware of his scheme. Prosecutors said Burzaco’s testimony was “devastating” and alleged that emails showed him discussing the bribes with Martinez and Lopez in coded terms.

Like the original movie, "Avatar: The Way of Water" is directed by James Cameron ("Titanic"). How to watch 'Avatar: The Way of Water'"Avatar: The Way of Water" is currently only available to watch in theaters, so you can't purchase or stream the movie at home just yet. When will 'Avatar: The Way of Water' be available to watch at home? You can watch "Avatar: The Way of Water" at home starting March 28. The sequel repeats one of the biggest draws of the first "Avatar" movie in terms of being a groundbreaking visual spectacle.

The case stems from a sweeping probe of corruption in international soccer and its world governing body, FIFA. The government’s case hinges largely on the testimony of Argentine businessman Alejandro Burzaco, who has pleaded guilty to bribing soccer officials but has yet to be sentenced. Burzaco told jurors that Martinez and Lopez were aware of and approved the scheme, which he said they discussed during multiple meetings. Lawyers for Martinez and Lopez told jurors during closing arguments on Friday that their clients were unaware of Burzaco’s scheme. Prosecutors said Burzaco’s testimony was “devastating” and alleged that emails showed him discussing the bribes with Martinez and Lopez in coded terms.

March 3 (Reuters) - Lawyers for two former 21st Century Fox executives accused of bribing South American soccer officials assailed the credibility of the government’s star witness on Friday, as their seven-week trial draws to a close. Cooperating witness Alejandro Burzaco testified that his former business partners knew about and approved the bribes. The case is part of a sweeping corruption probe of global soccer and its governing body, FIFA. Full Play Group SA, a co-defendant in the case, is also accused of bribing soccer officials. The Argentina-based sports marketing company’s lawyers have argued bribery is an entrenched part of doing business in South America and therefore not fraudulent activity.

☆ Mexico's Televisa reaches $95 mln investor settlement over FIFA bribery role
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Jonathan Stempel | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] The logo of broadcaster Televisa is seen outside its headquarters in Mexico City, Mexico, December 14, 2022. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha/File PhotoNEW YORK, March 1 (Reuters) - Grupo Televisa SAB (TLEVISACPO.MX) has reached a $95 million settlement to resolve a U.S. investor lawsuit accusing the Mexican broadcaster of bribing FIFA soccer officials to win rights to four World Cup tournaments. Investors said they suffered losses as the bribery became known during corruption trials in Brooklyn, New York, causing the ADR price to fall. Its law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner may seek up to $28.5 million of the settlement in fees and $3.5 million for expenses. The case is In re Grupo Televisa Securities Litigation, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No.

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☆ Woody Harrelson Can Play Anyone. It’s Being Himself That’s Hard.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( David Marchese | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +17 min

“I’m an A personality and a B facade,” says Woody Harrelson, and that’s as good an explanation for his charm and success as you’re likely to find. I don’t know. I could go hang off one of those big mountaintop-remover coal things, but that’s not going to stop it. I meet with the director, and I’m going to do it — they’re making it for like $500,000 — then the guy just goes with someone else! I have a gluttonous side, and I know that’s not going to help me be a spiritually better person.

☆ Citadel joins a growing number of firms rolling out internships for undergrads looking for a fast track to the buy side
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Investment banks, you've been put on notice: The buy side is coming for your young talent. Insider's Emmalyse Brownstein has a full rundown on an undergrad internship at hedge fund Citadel for aspiring fund managers. The Citadel Associate Program (CAP) is a tough nut to crack, with an acceptance rate of only 1%. Click here learn more about Citadel's ultra-exclusive associate program, along with tips to get ahead during the application process. And if you're wondering who is left leading the world's largest hedge fund, look no further than our list of the fund's top 11 executives.

☆ Sony's movie chief talks China censorship, upcoming game adaptation 'Gran Turismo,' and how his studio is preparing for a potential Hollywood writers' strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Claire Atkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

It was a long-term deal so I don't think we have to confront that yet, but it's gone terrifically for us, actually. If you don't want to compete, don't come in. Can you talk about the synergy with the Whitney Houston movie — she was a Sony Music artist — or "Gran Turismo," a Playstation game? Do you wish HBO Max's "The Last of Us," which is also based on a Sony Playstation game, had been a movie? A lot of big movies come out of it.

☆ The behind-the-scenes role that's minting future stars at BlackRock
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Some of the most powerful people on Wall Street are men and women you've never heard of. Click here to learn more about BlackRock's new chief of staff and why the role is rising in importance across Wall Street. Everybody wants macro traders. A fintech helping companies engage with their retail investors got backing from Alexis Ohanian's Seven Seven Six. These are the top 10 holdings in the church's investment portfolio, including one Wall Street titan.

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