Michelle Trachtenberg says showrunner and creator Joss Whedon was not allowed to be alone with her on the set of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” – Trachtenberg accused the writer and director of inappropriate behavior, though she did not specify. She joins Sarah Michelle Gellar, Eliza Dushku, Charisma Carpenter and Ray Fisher in accusing Wheadon of unacceptable behavior. [LA Times]
Current Top TikTok Trend: The Resurgence of Pop Punk – “Nostalgia is driving renewed interest in a music genre that resonates with audiences both young and old. TikTok’s soft spot for alternative rock, specifically pop punk from the early to mid-2000’s, has become apparent over the last few weeks.
“Many of the tracks surging in-app first came to prominence in the mid-2000s, coinciding with the teenage years of users who would now be in their mid twenties to early thirties. And with the outside world a tad difficult at the moment, nostalgic songs from our past can function as reminders of simpler times, or even make us feel younger for a few short seconds.” [TikTok]
Microsoft backs Australian proposal that would require Google and Facebook to pay publishers –According to Ad Age, Microsoft says the U.S. should adopt its own version of a proposed Australian law that would force Google and Facebook to pay publishers for the value their stories generate on the internet giants’ digital platforms. [Ad Age]
The News Media Alliance in the U.S. “applauds” what the Australian Parliament is doing in regards to “requiring big tech to pay for news.” Of course, “big tech” also enables readers to find all of these news sources online. This isn’t a black and white issue. [News Media Alliance]
The New York Times Has 3 Oscar Contenders – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has shortlisted work from The Times in the Documentary Feature and the Documentary Short Subject categories:
“Time,” a film from The Times and Amazon. “It tells the story of Fox Rich, an indomitable matriarch who strives to keep her family together while fighting for the release of her incarcerated husband.”
Two Op-Docs were selected contenders in the Documentary Short Subject category. The two films, “A Concerto Is a Conversation” and “Hysterical Girl,” are among the 10 shorts chosen to move forward in the competition. [NYT]
24 Hours of “Ghost” for the First Time Ever on Cable – MTV will air Ghost for 24 hours this weekend. It will air Saturday, February 13th at 7PM ET/PT ending Sunday, February 14th at 7PM ET/PT for Valentine’s Day.
“Viewers can test their knowledge of the 1990 romantic classic starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, and Tony Goldwyn with on-air trivia that highlights facts about the cast, the film itself, and some little-known info that scrolls as the movie plays.”
FOX News Media’s Maria Bartiromo, Judge Jeanine Pirro and former host Lou Dobbs filed separate motions to dismiss Smartmatic lawsuit Thursday night. [Fox News Channel]
THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN Under the Sea Road Trip Adventure -Paramount+ announces a drive-though and drive-in screening experience that is not to be missed at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.
Attendees will start the journey with a contactless check-in, and proceed through multiple experiential environments with digital interactions and photo moments along the way. After the drive-through, guests will park in socially distanced parking spaces to enjoy a first look at the all new series KAMP KORAL: SPONGEBOB’S UNDER YEARS, followed by the full feature film THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN.
Paramount+
Multiple screenings are on Feb. 26-Feb. 28. More information here.
“I WILL DESTROY YOU”: Biden Aide Threatened a Politico Reporter Pursuing Story on His Relationship – “Deputy Press Secretary TJ Ducklo lashed out at journalist Tara Palmeri, spurring conversations between Politico’s brass and the White House—and raising questions about behavior tolerated in the Biden administration.” [Vanity Fair]
MSNBC touts being #1 in total viewers for the full day of each of the first 3 days of impeachment – On day 3 of the impeachment trial of former President Trump, MSNBC averaged 2.3M again beating both CNN and FOX News for the full day (FOX News’ 1.5M and CNN’s 1.9M).
Year to-date, MSNBC is #1 in prime (M-Su 8p-11p) across all of cable TV in total viewers (ahead of #2 CNN, #3 FOX News and #4 ESPN).
MSNBC Digital again saw nearly 3 million video starts across platforms, with MSNBC livestream viewers watching for an average of more than an hour and a half for the 3rd day straight. [NBCUniversal]
Gina Carano To Produce And Star In Upcoming Film For The Daily Wire – Carano and The Daily Wire announced the new partnership on Friday, two days after the actress was ousted from her role in the Disney Star Wars spinoff show “The Mandalorian.” [The Daily Wire]
Dua Watch – Future Nostalgia – The Midnight Edition was released as of last night on streaming services.
The video for “We’re Good” was also released.
