The critical need for aggressive local news coverage – “At a time when we most need trusted local news outlets that can help their audiences sort out the wreckage of our bitterly divided national political scene, the local news media is struggling to stay alive.” [Larry Kramer writing on Medium]
Politico reporters launch Punchbowl – John Bresnahan, Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman have started a new “membership-based news community” covering Washington’s political leadership [Punchbowl]
Discovery+ goes live today – A discovery+ subscription includes access to more than 55,000 episodes of 2,500+ current and classic shows from Discovery brands such as HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet and Discovery Channel. There is also exclusive original programming not available elsewhere. Subscriptions start at $4.99 per month. [discovery+]
LGBTQ+ consumers value brand support beyond Pride Month – Ad revenue targeted at this diverse, growing community remains a fraction of that devoted to reaching other minority groups. These brands are “potentially jeopardizing millions-and possibly billions-of dollars,” in business [eMarketer]
KTSF and Nielsen tie up long term agreement for measurement services – Both companies announced that Nielsen will provide the Bay Area TV station a suite including local TV measurement, NLTV and Nielsen Scarborough. [Nielsen]
Circle Graphics enters digital billboards with acquisition of majority ownership of Anthem Displays – Anthem is a leading manufacturer of digital displays to the Out-of-Home advertising market. The transactions sets up Circle as “one-stop” visual ad solution provider. [Circle Graphics]
Entertainment industry, deemed “essential”, is being hit by COVID-19 in Southern California – There have been clusters of coronavirus infections identified recently among workers at three Warner Bros. productions in Burbank. CBS Studio Center in Studio City and NBC Universal in Studio City and Universal City have had cases. Netflix Productions in Gardena has had nine cases reported among staff. Los Angeles county official urge filmmakers to pause work. [Los Angeles Times]
Marcus Lemonis launches “Nashville 30 Day Fund” to help businesses impacted by Christmas Day bombing – Through an application process, the Nashville 30 Day Fund will provide qualifying people and businesses, within a half mile of the bomb site, forgivable loans of up to $100,000 [Marcus Lemonis]
Box Office: Wonder Woman 1984 reels in $5.5 million in second weekend – “The superhero sequel has now earned an estimated $28.5 million domestically and $90 million overseas for a muted worldwide tally of $118.5 million.” [THR]
Adobe Flash reaches End of Life – Adobe has stopped supporting Flash Player effective January 1, 2021. Flash content will be blocked beginning January 12, 2021. [Adobe]
