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☆ Hollywood studios should cut Netflix out of strike negotiations, Barry Diller says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Barry Diller is calling on the legacy Hollywood studios to end the dual writers and actors strikes, otherwise it'll be "catastrophic" to the industry. The media mogul, speaking on the podcast "On with Kara Swisher," said the strikes would only strengthen streaming giant Netflix during a tumultuous time for legacy media. He also advised studios to cut Netflix and other streamers out of the negoations with the unions. He said the legacy studios, actors and writers should be "natural allies" given their century of working together. Diller said legacy media should take some of its "shows and creativity and build our networks back up.

Persons: Barry Diller, Kara Swisher, Diller, Netflix didn't, Bob Iger, Donna Langley, Ted Sarandos, David Zaslav, Comcast's NBCUniversal, Swisher Organizations: Hollywood, Netflix, IAC, Expedia, Fox, Paramount, ABC Entertainment, Apple, CBS, Guild of America, Alliance, Television Producers, WGA, SAG, Disney, Warner Bros, Discovery, Paramount Global, Comcast, CNBC

☆ Warner Bros Discovery taps media veteran Thompson as CEO of CNN
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The exterior of the Warner Bros. With Thompson, 66, Warner Bros Discovery is turning to an executive with ample experience at the top level, unlike Licht - a former TV producer who had worked on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert." "Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world's most respected news organizations," Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a statement. A big focus area for Thompson is likely to be the recently announced round-the-clock news service called CNN Max, which will be available on Warner Bros Discovery's streaming platform. Those estimates are for the CNN networks that operate in the United States, including CNN en Español and CNN International.

Persons: Alyssa Pointer, Mark Thompson, Thompson, Chris Licht, Donald Trump, Stephen Colbert, David Zaslav, CNN Max, Aditya Soni, Shinjini Organizations: Warner Bros . Discovery, REUTERS, Warner Bros Discovery, CNN, New York Times, BBC, Republican U.S, Times, Warner Bros, P Global Market Intelligence, Español, CNN International, Fox News, MSNBC, Nielsen, Thomson Locations: Warner Bros . Discovery Atlanta, Atlanta , Georgia, U.S, United States

☆ CNN’s new chief faces a crucial test on several fronts that will define the network’s future
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Discovery chief executive could have waited to appoint a singular leader of CNN after firing his former hand-picked network boss Chris Licht. By appointing a new chief executive and chairman, he’s taking an inherent risk as the 2024 presidential cycle heats up. Under former network boss Jeff Zucker, staffers never questioned what CNN’s mission statement was. It will be illuminating to hear more from Thompson on this matter, given he will also be responsible for CNN’s editorial. During his decades in media, Thompson earned a reputation for being a confident executive with thick skin who masterfully executes a vision, all while maintaining the support of the troops.

Persons: CNN —, Mark Thompson, Thompson, we’ve, ” Thompson, “, ►, Bob Iger, ” ► It’s, David Zaslav, Chris Licht, —, Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, David Leavy —, Zaslav, he’s, Jeff Zucker, Donald Trump, ► Licht, Licht, Zucker, Chris Cuomo, Don Lemon, nosediving, Licht’s, ” ►, Trump, They’ve Organizations: CNN, CNN — It’s, The New York Times, BBC, Times, Warner Bros . Discovery, MSNBC Locations: Hudson Yards

Mr. Thompson, 66, joins the network with more experience running a sprawling news organization than Mr. Licht, a former morning and late-night show producer. Mr. Thompson started as a trainee at the BBC in 1979 and ascended to the position of director general, the broadcaster’s top position, in 2004. He joined the Times Company as its chief executive in 2012, and was among a group of executives who revitalized the company financially by greatly expanding its digital subscription business. When Mr. Thompson took over at the Times Company, a subscriber-only paywall for the paper’s website was still in its infancy. “I just thought we weren’t doing it well enough,” he said.

Persons: Licht’s, Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling —, David Leavy, Zaslav, Thompson, Licht, ” Organizations: CNN, BBC, Times Company

☆ How insiders are reacting to Mark Thompson, CNN's new CEO, and how they think he'll tackle the network's challenges: 'He wants to be involved in editorial'
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

WBD named Mark Thompson as CNN's new CEO in a shift by David Zaslav to an experienced news leader. Thompson is widely credited with turning the Times into a digital powerhouse, transforming a news organization that was teetering financially. Under Thompson, there also were flops along the way to success for the Times, like the failed NYT Now mobile app. Thompson is expected to be involved in editorialObservers and insiders expressed optimism about the Thompson news. They also will be watching to see how he will carry out WBD CEO David Zaslav's commitment to providing a wider range of political viewpoints, including conservative ones.

Persons: WBD, Mark Thompson, David Zaslav, Thompson, Chris Licht, Ken Doctor, Meredith Kopit Levien, who'd, Times —, Levien, Nate Silver, Jill Abramson, Abramson, wouldn't, Mark, Donald Trump, David Zaslav's, He'll, Jeff Zucker, I've, Zaslav, Licht, he'd, Semafor, James Harding, Andrew Ross Sorkin, he's, Jonathan Miller, Miller, Amy Entelis, David Leavy, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, who's, Leavy Organizations: CNN, New York Times, Warner Bros, Discovery, Max, longtime Times, Times, ESPN, ABC, Observers, BBC, Company, Integrated Media Co, Editorial Locations: British

☆ Mark Thompson named CNN chief executive and chairman at critical juncture in news network’s history
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

I am confident he is exactly the leader we need to take the helm of CNN at this pivotal time,” David Zaslav, the chief executive of CNN parent company Warner Bros. At the Times, Thompson successfully transformed the newspaper into a digital powerhouse. CNN+, which launched last year as the network’s ownership changed hands from AT&T to Warner Bros. The standalone streamer also didn’t fit into Warner Bros. Discovery’s larger plans to house all content inside a single super-streamer. The streaming service will be located inside the Max app, alongside content from HBO, Discovery, and Warner Bros. Pictures.

Persons: Mark Thompson, “ Mark, ” David Zaslav, Thompson, Donald Trump, Trump, Jeff Zucker, Chris Cuomo, Don Lemon, Chris Licht, nosediving, Licht, Zaslav, Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, David Leavy, ”, CNN Max, Jake Tapper ” Organizations: CNN, The New York Times, BBC, Warner Bros, Discovery, Times, MSNBC, Atlantic, CNN Digital, The Times, CNN.com, U.S, Warner Bros . Discovery, HBO, Warner Bros .

☆ CNN taps media veteran Thompson as CEO to spearhead turnaround
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Aditya Soni | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

With Thompson, Warner Bros Discovery is turning to an executive with ample experience at the top level, unlike Licht - a former TV producer who had worked on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" and MSNBC's "Morning Joe". During his 8-year tenure as the CEO of the Times, Thompson helped transform the Gray Lady into a beacon for newspapers in the internet age by focusing on digital subscriptions. "Mark is a true innovator who has transformed for the digital age two of the world's most respected news organizations," Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav said. CNN Max is looking to capitalize on the immediacy of breaking news and analysis, differentiating it from CNN+, which featured lifestyle programs. Those estimates are for the CNN networks that operate in the United States, including CNN en Español and CNN International.

Persons: Mark Thompson, Neil Hall, Thompson, Chris Licht, Donald Trump, Stephen Colbert, David Zaslav, Joe Biden, Ron Desantis, CNN Max, Paolo Pescatore, Licht, Jeff Zucker, Aditya Soni, Chavi Mehta, Shinjini Organizations: BBC, REUTERS, Warner Bros Discovery, CNN, New York Times, Republican U.S, Times, Trump, Democratic, Warner Bros, Atlantic, P Global Market Intelligence, Español, CNN International, Fox News, MSNBC, Nielsen, Thomson Locations: London, Florida, Trump, United States, Bengaluru

☆ CNN names former New York Times CEO Mark Thompson as its chief
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Mark Thompson is stepping in as the next CEO and chairman of CNN. Discovery CEO David Zaslav told staff in a note Wednesday. Before closing the deal, Zaslav had appointed Licht as CNN's CEO, who was previously the chief executive behind the "CBS This Morning" news program and "Morning Joe" on MSNBC. While network executives Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling and David Leavy led CNN since Licht left CNN, Warner Bros. Shortly, we will announce that highly respected news executive Mark Thompson will be joining our leadership team as Chairman and CEO, effective October 9, reporting directly to me.

Persons: Mark Thompson, Thompson, Chris Licht, Thompson's, David Zaslav, Jeff Zucker, –, Andrew Cuomo, Zucker's, Chris Cuomo, Zucker, Zaslav, Licht, Joe, network's, Donald Trump, Kaitlan Collins, Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling, David Leavy, Read, Mark, Amy, Eric, I've, David Read, you've, David Zaslav's, Wagner, you'll Organizations: CNN, Parent, Warner Bros, Discovery, The New York Times, BBC, Warner Bros . Discovery, Max, New York Gov, MSNBC, CNN Worldwide, Times, Tiananmen Locations: U.S, David, Virginia, London, Washington, DC

Mark Thompson, a former chief executive of The New York Times and leader of the BBC, is expected to be named the next top executive of CNN, according to three people with knowledge of the decision. Some senior executives at Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company, have already been informed of the decision to hire Mr. Thompson, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because some executives at CNN hadn’t yet been informed of the decision. Mr. Thompson and a spokesman for Warner Bros. Ratings have plummeted, profits have slumped, and the network is still reeling from Chris Licht’s tenure as chief executive, which was terminated in June amid sagging staff morale.

Persons: Mark Thompson, Thompson, Chris Licht’s, Licht’s, Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling —, David Leavy, David Zaslav Organizations: The New York Times, CNN, Warner Bros, Discovery, Warner Bros .

☆ CNN is reportedly in talks to bring in a British boss to clean up Chris Licht's mess
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Chris Johnston | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Two British media figures have been linked with the top job at CNN, Semafor reported. Mark Thompson, the former New York Times Company CEO, is the "leading candidate," per the outlet. Not one, but two, British media figures have been linked with the role, Semafor first reported. Before an eight-year stint as The New York Times boss, he was director-general of the BBC. The decision to launch CNN Max comes about year after the company axed CNN+.

Persons: Semafor, Mark Thompson, James Harding, Chris Licht, Licht, Donald Trump, He'd, Jeff Zucker, Thompson, he'd, Semafor's Ben Smith, David Zaslav, Oli Scarff, Harding, WBD, CNN Max Organizations: CNN, New York Times Company, BBC News, Morning, The, Street Journal, New York Times, BBC, Financial Times, Washington DC, Max Locations: British, London, AFP, Asia, Washington

☆ CNN news is coming to Warner Bros. Discovery streaming service Max
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Warner Bros. Discovery announced Thursday that CNN Max will be added to its Max streaming service on Sept. 27, and will serve as a 24/7 live news hub. Discovery relaunched its flagship streaming service HBO Max as Max, combining content from Warner Bros. and Discovery+ under one roof. As for including sports on Max, Warner Bros. Discovery is targeting the start of MLB playoffs this fall to introduce sports on the streaming app, CNBC previously reported.

Persons: CNN Max, Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker, Fredricka Whitfield, Jim Sciutto —, Anderson Cooper, Jake Tapper, HBO Max, Max, Jeff Zucker, Chris Licht, Semafor, Mark Thompson, David Zaslav, we'll, We've, Zaslav, Warner, It's, Jim Sciutto Organizations: Cable News Network, CNN, Warner Bros . Discovery, Max, HBO, Warner Bros, Discovery, BBC, New York Times, MLB, CNBC Locations: Atlanta , Georgia

☆ CNN is launching a live service on Max with new programming as the network reboots its streaming efforts
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —CNN is heading to the Max streaming platform. Under previous leadership, CNN launched the standalone streaming service CNN+, which former executives touted as one of the most important moves in the network’s four-decade history. Warner Bros. CNN Max represents a path forward into the future, while also being more aligned with Warner Bros. Discovery’s vision. Discovery said that CNN Max will be available across all its various subscription packages, including its advertiser-supported plans.

Persons: CNN Max, Jake Tapper, ”, “ Anderson Cooper, Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker, Fredricka Whitfield ”, Jim Sciutto, “ Stanley Tucci, Italy ”, “ Anthony Bourdain, Anderson Cooper ”, Chris Wallace, —, Amy Entelis, David Leavy, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling —, Audie Cornish, David Zaslav, Max, Zaslav, ” JB Perrette, Warner Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, Max, Warner Bros ., Warner Bros . Discovery, “ CNN, Nielsen, Warner Bros, HBO, Discovery, CNN International, Netflix, Turner Sports Locations: New York, United States, Italy

In an apparent attempt to break a labor stalemate that has helped bring nearly all of Hollywood production to a standstill, the major entertainment studios took the unusual step on Tuesday night of publicly releasing details of their most recent proposal to the union that represents 11,500 striking television and movie writers. Shortly before the public release of the proposal, several chief executives at the major Hollywood companies, including David Zaslav, who leads Warner Bros. Discovery, and Robert A. Iger, the Disney kingpin, met with officials at the Writers Guild of America, the writers’ union, to discuss the latest proposal, according to three people briefed on the meeting who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private session. By releasing the proposal, the companies are essentially going around the guild’s negotiating committee and appealing to rank-and-file members — betting that their proposal will look good enough for members to pressure their leaders to make a deal. Some writers immediately pushed back, including David Slack, whose credits include “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” and “Person of Interest.”

Persons: David Zaslav, Robert A, David Slack, ” Organizations: Hollywood, Warner Bros, Disney, Writers Guild of America

☆ Hollywood producers take heated negotiations with writers union public, revealing latest offer
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Hollywood producers are taking their latest contract proposal public as talks between the studios and writers union remain heated. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers overnight publicly revealed the latest proposal, which they delivered to the writers on Aug. 11. The offer addresses residuals and compensation, artificial intelligence, and increased transparency regarding the streaming business — the top issues for the writers. Still, the negotiations appear far from over: Soon after the proposal was made public, the writers union released its latest update and said the parties have engaged in further discussions since the Aug. 11 offer. The union said the studios' latest offer still includes "limitations and loopholes and omissions" that fail to protect Hollywood writers.

Persons: Carol Lombardini, Bob Iger, Donna Langley, Ted Sarandos, David Zaslav Organizations: Writers Guild of America, Screen, Netflix, Hollywood, Alliance, Television Producers, WGA, Disney, Warner Bros, Discovery, Comcast, CNBC Locations: Hollywood , California

It is unclear how far along the talks are with Mr. Thompson and the other candidates. Mr. Thompson declined to comment. Semafor earlier reported CNN’s interest in Mr. Thompson. Since Mr. Licht’s departure, CNN has been run by four people, three of whom — Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley and Eric Sherling — are CNN veterans. The fourth, the CNN chief operating officer David Leavy, has been a longtime lieutenant to Mr. Zaslav, and was appointed shortly before Mr. Licht’s dismissal.

Persons: Mark Thompson, Thompson, David Zaslav, Chris Licht, Semafor, Licht’s, Amy Entelis, Virginia Moseley, Eric Sherling —, David Leavy, Zaslav Organizations: The New York Times, CNN, Warner Bros, Mr, Discovery

[1/3] Workers and supporters of the Writers Guild of America protest outside Universal Studios Hollywood in the Universal City area of Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 3, 2023. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni//File PhotoLOS ANGELES, Aug 9 (Reuters) - The Hollywood writers' strike marks 100 days on Wednesday with contract talks stalled and people on the picket lines protesting what they describe as a disregard for their demands. Writers also sought to regulate the use of artificial intelligence, which they fear could replace their creative input. Reuters reported that Disney has created a task force to study artificial intelligence and how it can be applied across the entertainment conglomerate, signaling its importance. "When it comes to artificial intelligence, it is an existential crisis.

Persons: Mario Anzuoni, David Zaslav, Dawn Prestwich, Prestwich, assailing, Bob Iger, we're, Jamey Perry, Steven J, Ross, Dawn Chmielewski, Danielle Broadway, Mary Milliken, Sandra Maler Organizations: Workers, Writers Guild of America, Universal Studios Hollywood, REUTERS, Hollywood, Entertainment, Warner Bros Discovery, Screen Actors Guild, SAG, WGA, Alliance, Television Producers, Hope, Walt Disney, Reuters, Disney, University of Southern, Thomson Locations: Universal City, Los Angeles , California, U.S, Hollywood, University of Southern California, Los Angeles

☆ Warner Bros. Discovery's Max targets MLB playoffs for new streaming sports tier
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Alex Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Discovery has targeted the beginning of the Major League Baseball playoffs to debut a sports tier for its Max streaming service, according to people familiar with the matter. The company plans to simulcast games from the MLB, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League and National Collegiate Athletics Association, including college basketball's March Madness, on Max. It also intends to add content from its sports media outlet Bleacher Report, such as highlights and interviews. Discovery plans to brand the new tier using the Bleacher Report name, the people said. No MLB games would appear exclusively on Max.

Persons: Julio Rodríguez, David Zaslav, JB Perrette, Max Organizations: Seattle Mariners, American League, Warner Bros, Discovery, Major League Baseball, Max, MLB, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, National Collegiate Athletics Association, Time Warner, Warner Bros ., Warner Bros . Discovery, TBS Locations: Max

Aug 3 (Reuters) - Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) warned Thursday that uncertainty over the dual strikes by Hollywood writers and actors could impact the timing of its film slate and its ability to produce and deliver content. The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents Warner Bros Discovery and the other major studios in negotiations, asked to meet on Friday with the writers' guild to discuss the possibility of resuming talks. Warner Bros Discovery's revenue took a hit in the second quarter due to soft box office results, including the underperformance of the DC Comics-inspired film, "The Flash." The exterior of the Warner Bros. Under Zaslav, Warner Bros Discovery has been seeking to run its direct-to-consumer business more efficiently.

Persons: David Zaslav, Fran Drescher, Alyssa Pointer, Jamie Lumley, Samrhitha, Helen Coster, Mark Porter, Jonathan Oatis, Shounak Dasgupta, Marguerita Choy Organizations: Warner Bros Discovery, Hollywood, Writers Guild of America, Screen, SAG, Hasbro, Alliance, Television Producers, Paramount, Times, Variety, Warner Bros, DC Comics, Warner Bros . Discovery, Alliance of Motion Pictures, REUTERS, Discovery Inc, Total, HBO, Max, Thomson Locations: New York, Warner Bros . Discovery Atlanta, Atlanta , Georgia, U.S, Bengaluru

The exterior of the Warner Bros. REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer/File photoAug 3 (Reuters) - Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) warned Thursday that the dual Hollywood strikes by writers and actors could hit its flagging studio business already bruised by high-profile box office flops including "The Flash." The shutdowns "may have implications for the timing and performance of the remainder of the film slate as well as our ability to produce and deliver content," Warner Bros Discovery CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels said. Total global subscribers for its HBO, Max and Discovery+ services stood at 95.8 million at the end of the quarter. Under CEO David Zaslav, Warner Bros Discovery has been seeking to run its direct-to-consumer business more efficiently.

Persons: Alyssa Pointer, Gunnar Wiedenfels, Jamie Lumley, David Zaslav, Zaslav, Samrhitha, Helen Coster, Mark Porter, Jonathan Oatis, Shounak Organizations: Warner Bros . Discovery, Writers Guild of America, Alliance of Motion Pictures, Television Producers, REUTERS, Warner Bros Discovery, Hasbro, Warner Bros, Discovery Inc, Total, HBO, Max, Thomson Locations: Warner Bros . Discovery Atlanta, Atlanta , Georgia, U.S, Bengaluru, New York

The exterior of the Warner Bros. REUTERS/Alyssa Pointer/File photoAug 3 (Reuters) - Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O) posted a smaller loss for the second quarter on Thursday as the media conglomerate benefited from cost cuts, sending its shares up nearly 4% in premarket trading. Under Chief Executive Officer David Zaslav, Warner Bros Discovery has been seeking to run its direct-to-consumer business, which includes the Max streaming service, more efficiently. Net loss for the quarter came in at $1.24 billion, compared with a loss of $3.42 billion a year earlier. It lost 1.8 million subscribers, more than analysts' estimates of 1.1 million, reporting 95.8 million total global subscribers for its HBO, Max and Discovery+ services.

Persons: Alyssa Pointer, David Zaslav, Max, Zaslav, Samrhitha, Helen Coster, Shounak Dasgupta, Mark Porter Organizations: Warner Bros . Discovery, Writers Guild of America, Alliance of Motion Pictures, Television Producers, REUTERS, Warner Bros Discovery, Media, Warner Bros, Consumer, HBO, Discovery Inc, Max, HBO Max, Thomson Locations: Warner Bros . Discovery Atlanta, Atlanta , Georgia, U.S, United States, Bengaluru, New York

☆ Warner Bros. Discovery trims costs, losses, but misses forecasts
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Discovery reported a larger-than-forecast loss in the second quarter, but the loss was narrower than a year ago. The smaller loss came as the company cut costs by $2.2 billion, or 16% compared to a year ago. The results did not include the strong box office from the movie “Barbie,” which was released in the third quarter. The company’s closely watched streaming business reported a narrow $3 million loss on an adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) basis. The company launched its Max streaming service, rebranding what had been HBO Max and rolling in content from Discovery+.

Persons: Refinitiv, Barbie, ”, David Zaslav, Zaslav, “ Barbie ”, tentpole, “, It’s, Gunnar Wiedenfels, AFTRA, Wiedenfels, “ I’ve Organizations: New, New York CNN, Warner Bros, Discovery, CNN, HBO, Writers Guild of America, SAG, Warner Bros . Locations: New York, Europe

☆ Warner Bros. Discovery is making a big shake-up to its ad sales org. Read how its sales chief explained the changes.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Discovery is shaking up its ad sales organization. It's also expected to make further staff reductions in ad sales as part of the restructure. Discovery is shaking up its ad sales organization and structure. EVP Jim Keller, who was key to bringing a digital approach to the merged company's newly combined sales team, left, along with Scott Kohn, EVP of national ad sales, and John Dailey, SVP of ad sales. Based on the learnings and successes we've experienced in the past year, this morning we are announcing a new sales structure and strategy.

Persons: It's, Marybeth Strobel, Greg Regis, Regis, Strobel, Ryan Gould, Jon Diament, Sheereen Russell, WBD, Jon Steinlauf, Jim Keller, Scott Kohn, John Dailey, David Zaslav, we've, AE's, Lucia Moses, lmoses Organizations: Warner Bros, WBD, Max, CNN, NBA, NCAA, MLB, NHL

☆ Variety faces calls for a retraction as its head-turning story about CNN drama begins to fall apart
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Variety has a mess on its hands. Former CNN chief Jeff Zucker, The Atlantic journalist Tim Alberta, and Puck Editor-In-Chief Jon Kelly have all called for the outlet to publicly correct the record. But, thus far, Variety has resisted taking any such action, outside quietly removing the widely panned Tatiana Siegel-written feature from its online homepage. The outlet’s deafening silence comes as the piece begins to fall apart in public. (It goes without saying that Zucker’s camp denied to Siegel that this ever happened, but she printed it anyway.)

Persons: Jeff Zucker, Tim Alberta, Puck, Jon Kelly, Tatiana Siegel, Chris Licht, ”, Byers, Zucker, Siegel, David Zaslav, ” Byers, Siegel weaved, imploring, Natalie Korach, Zucker’s, Ramin Setoodeh, Cynthia Littleton, Korach, Kelly, Puck’s, “, Jeffrey Goldberg, …, ” Goldberg Organizations: CNN, Variety, The Atlantic, Warner Bros, Penske Media Corporation, PMC, The Locations: . Alberta, ” Alberta, Miami, cabanas, ”, Russian, Littleton

☆ A top Warner Bros. Discovery ad sales exec has exited, and insiders say rumors are flying of layoffs and changes as early as next week
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Insiders are speculating more layoffs and organizational changes are on the way. The media giant is wrapping its ad sales upfront period, where sales have been soft across the industry. Discovery has parted ways with another top ad sales exec, and insiders are speculating that more layoffs and changes are on the way. He's also a vet of Hulu ad sales and active in digital advertising, serving on the board of trade group the Interactive Advertising Bureau. Keller's exit is the second big WBD ad sales departure this year; John Dailey stepped down from his position as SVP of ad sales in March.

Persons: Discovery's, salespeople, Jim Keller, Jon Steinlauf —, Keller, He's, WBD, Keller didn't, Chris Licht, Steinlauf, David Zaslav, John Dailey Organizations: Warner Bros, Insiders, HBO Max, Hulu, Interactive, CNN, Discovery Locations: Discovery

☆ Disney CEO Bob Iger called Hollywood strikers 'not realistic.' His critics are calling his $27 million pay package unrealistic.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Kylie Kirschner | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Disney CEO Bob Iger recently called strikers' expectations "not realistic," quickly drawing criticism. Iger could make over $27 million this year, 535 times the median pay of his employees. An average CEO in 1978 made around 31 times what their average worker made, according to the Economic Policy Institute. In 2020, the average CEO made 346 times what their average worker made. At Disney, the median worker pay is $54,256, according to the company's latest proxy statement.

Persons: Bob Iger, Sean Gunn, Fran Drescher, Iger, Gunn, Drescher, Sen, Bernie Sanders, he'd, Variety, David Zaslav, Reed Hastings, Brian Roberts Organizations: Disney, SAG, Morning, Hollywood, CNBC, Sun Valley Conference, Writers Guild of America, Guardians, Economic, Warner Bros, Netflix, Comcast Locations: Idaho, Los Angeles

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