They Read By Example

They Read By Example

I’ll confess that I have more than a little bit of envy for those I know personally who have actually been able to publish a book.  As I suspect you’ve surmised if you’re reading this for me the writing part is easy, and having discussed this with the many I know who actually have their … Read more

The Party’s Over, Yosemite Zas.

The Party’s Over, Yosemite Zas.

We tend to have a bit of fun trolling the chairman of Warner Brothers Discovery, David Zaslav.  Ever since he took on the reins of the storied legacy studio in 2022 and immediately grafted the name of the amalgamation of cable networks he has done all he can to transform himself into a mogul, scooping … Read more

Who Knew?  Well, For Starters, Moi.

Who Knew? Well, For Starters, Moi.

When I saw that Barry Diller at long last had chosen to share his life story with the world it caught my attention.  After all, when your ex-boss and ex-roommate writes a book the very least one can do is at least put in an order for an advance copy. No, Barry and I didn’t … Read more

Few Are Laughing At This Verdict

Few Are Laughing At This Verdict

The black smoke news we got from the NBC Universal lot yesterday was neither unexpected nor unwarranted.  But as someone who has been an unabashed fan of multi-camera comedy, let alone someone who personally and professionally profited from them, the story THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER’s veteran observer Rick Porter, someone else who’s been around long enough … Read more

When You’re Number One, Who Needs Free Shrimp?

When You’re Number One, Who Needs Free Shrimp?

Not all that long ago a media executive could practically recite from memory what their schedule would be like during upfront week.   When you’re jetlagged, multi-tasking and frequently dealing with conference calls that could often extend into early evening East Coast time having some semblance of order was one less thing to fret about. You’d … Read more

We’re A Lot More Patient Than You May Think

We’re A Lot More Patient Than You May Think

Seen any good ads lately?  Don’t lie.  In all likelihood, you have. For as much as we may be in love with the narrative that in a world of infinite entertainment options we’ve discovered the Holy Grail of personalized curation that would allow us to eschew those tacky distractions, once again it falls on the … Read more

A “Summer” “Hit”, Most Definitely With An Asterisk

A “Summer” “Hit”, Most Definitely With An Asterisk

In the same manner that your local big box store somehow begins stocking back to school merchandise on July 5th, Halloween costumes on Labor Day and Christmas decorations around Rosh Hashonah, Hollywood studios have effectively declared May Day as their kickoff to summer.  Mind you, there’s no official holiday anywhere in sight, college students are … Read more

Journalism’s Not Winning Any Races These Days

Journalism’s Not Winning Any Races These Days

The result of the 151st running of yesterday’s Kentucky Derby was simply way too low-hanging fruit for most publications, and those that love to overreact to them, to ignore.  The creative ATHLETIC duo of Alex Kirshner and Sam Settleman took the bait in this morning’s PULSE newsletter: Sovereignty used a late surge to pull ahead … Read more