Caption: Josh D'Amaro (right) has been named as the new CEO at The Walt Disney Company, while Dana Walden will take on the newly created role of president and Chief Creative Officer. Photo courtesy of Disney. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company has chosen Disney Experiences chairman Josh D'Amaro to replace outgoing CEO Robert (Bob) … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Disney Names Josh D’Amaro As Its Next CEO
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Who’s News: Asad Ayaz to Head Disney’s New Marketing and Brand Division
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has announced the creation of a new enterprise marketing and brand organization. This new division will change the way Disney markets its films, TV series, brands, and consumer products around the world. The company says the move is intended to align the company’s industry-leading marketing teams … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Asad Ayaz to Head Disney’s New Marketing and Brand Division
Konami Cross Media NY Licenses Yu-Gi-Oh! GO RUSH!! to ITVX
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Konami Cross Media NY has signed a licensing partnership with ITVX to bring the Yu-Gi-Oh! Go Rush!! anime series to the UK. Through the licensing agreement, ITVX will offer all three seasons of the new Yu-Gi-Oh! series to its video streaming platform. The acquisition of the full series by ITVX is part of the platform's ongoing … [Read more...] about Konami Cross Media NY Licenses Yu-Gi-Oh! GO RUSH!! to ITVX
Classic Series ‘Three’s Company’ Sees Surge of Licensing Deals
TLL Staff Jack, Chrissy and Janet are back, both on TV screens and store shelves, as the series Three's Company is seeing a new surge of licensing activity. Brand owner DLT Entertainment is stepping up its licensing efforts around the classic sitcom Three’s Company, rolling out a broad slate of officially licensed merchandise spanning apparel, collectibles, calendars and home … [Read more...] about Classic Series ‘Three’s Company’ Sees Surge of Licensing Deals
Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, Reshaping Hollywood
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Streaming giant Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery have agreed to an $82.7 billion acquisition deal that will reshape the U.S. entertainment industry. The definitive agreement will see Warner Bros. Discovery splitting up its assets. As was previously announced, WBD’s Global Networks division, Discovery Global, will be split off into a … [Read more...] about Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, Reshaping Hollywood
AI ‘Musician’ Breaking Rust Hits Number One on Billboard Chart
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief An AI 'artist' known as Breaking Rust made history in November, as its song “Walk My Walk” hit number on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales chart. It is the first time an AI-created song has topped a Billboard chart, although it does not mean it was the most listened to country song in America. That honor goes to Morgan Wallen’s “I Got … [Read more...] about AI ‘Musician’ Breaking Rust Hits Number One on Billboard Chart
AI ‘Musicians’ Like Xania Monet Are Appearing on Billboard Charts
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The worst nightmare for musicians has come true, as AI 'artists' are now replacing them on Billboard charts. "AI music is no longer a fantasy or niche curiosity among internet sleuths; it’s here, and it’s already beginning to have an impact on Billboard’s charts," the music authority reported. "In just the past few months, at least six AI … [Read more...] about AI ‘Musicians’ Like Xania Monet Are Appearing on Billboard Charts
Variety Reports Paramount Skydance to Lay Off 2,000+ Workers
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief More than 10% of Paramount's employees will be laid off in the coming weeks, as the newly merged Paramount Skydance company begins expected cost cutting measures. The news will come as a shock but not a surprise to affected employees, since major job cuts were expected well before the merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global … [Read more...] about Variety Reports Paramount Skydance to Lay Off 2,000+ Workers
Spotify Working With Major Labels to Implement “Responsible” AI Tools
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Leading music streamer Spotify is working with major music labels to develop AI systems that empower musicians and protect their copyright. The move comes amid a wave of concern over the millions of AI-created songs being uploaded to music streamers. Around the world, high-profile musicians have spoken out about AI companies … [Read more...] about Spotify Working With Major Labels to Implement “Responsible” AI Tools
Potty-Mouthed Skibidi Toilet Brand Unveils New Global Partners
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Thanks to viral sensation Skibidi Toilet, the licensing world is about to get a little louder ... and a lot weirder. Global Merchandising Services, the agency behind some of the biggest names in music and lifestyle, has announced its first roster of licensing partners for Skibidi Toilet. Skibidi is the viral, and somewhat vile, YouTube and … [Read more...] about Potty-Mouthed Skibidi Toilet Brand Unveils New Global Partners