Workflow
Sky News
icon
Search documents
Some call the Sussexes' Netflix deal a demotion - but the company still sees them as a power couple
Sky News· 2025-08-11 19:05
Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that Prince Harry and Meghan are pleased with their new deal with Netflix, indicating a continued partnership despite previous reports of potential cut ties [1][2] - The new deal is described as a "first look deal," which some perceive as a downgrade from their original agreement in 2020, raising questions about its financial implications [2][3] - There is speculation that the new deal could be more financially beneficial than it appears, as first look deals often involve financial commitments from Netflix for exclusive project access [3][6] Group 2 - The Sussexes may receive additional monetary incentives similar to the Obamas, such as Netflix covering operational costs for their production company, Archewell Productions [6] - The ongoing public interest in Harry and Meghan suggests that Netflix still views them as a valuable investment, capable of attracting significant attention [8]
Harry and Meghan extend Netflix partnership - but it's no longer exclusive
Sky News· 2025-08-11 18:23
Core Insights - Harry and Meghan have signed a new multi-year, first-look deal with Netflix, extending their creative partnership, although it appears to be less prestigious than their previous contract [1][2] - The new deal allows Netflix to have the first option on the Sussexes' content without an obligation to stream it, indicating a potential downgrade from their earlier agreement valued at over $100 million [2][3] - Archewell Productions, established by Harry and Meghan after stepping back from royal duties, has primarily produced documentaries and docuseries, with limited output in other genres [3][4] Content Production - The partnership has produced notable content, including "Harry & Meghan," which is Netflix's fifth most popular series, and "With Love, Meghan," the most-watched culinary show on the platform since its release [4][6] - Upcoming projects include the second season of "With Love, Meghan" and a Christmas special, showcasing the ongoing collaboration between the Sussexes and Netflix [6] Future Projects - Archewell Productions is working on a documentary titled "Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within," focusing on orphaned children in Uganda, and is developing a feature adaptation of the novel "Meet Me At The Lake" [10]
Mandalorian actor settles lawsuit with Disney – and thanks Elon Musk for funding it
Sky News· 2025-08-08 09:57
Core Viewpoint - Actor Gina Carano has settled her lawsuit with Disney and Lucasfilm after claiming wrongful dismissal due to her political opinions expressed on social media [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit and Settlement - Carano was fired in February 2021 after her role in The Mandalorian, following comments that referenced the Nazis' treatment of Jewish people [1]. - The financial details of the settlement have not been disclosed, but Carano initially sought $75,000 in damages [3][4]. - Carano expressed gratitude to Elon Musk for financing her lawsuit, highlighting his support for free speech [4]. Group 2: Company Responses - Lucasfilm stated that Carano's social media posts were "abhorrent and unacceptable," indicating a strong stance against her comments [2]. - Following the settlement, Lucasfilm expressed respect for Carano and indicated a willingness to explore future collaboration [7][10]. Group 3: Legal Context - Carano's legal team claimed that Disney and Lucasfilm targeted and harassed her, alleging differential treatment compared to male colleagues [10]. - A lawyer representing Carano stated that punishing employees for their political speech is illegal under California law [11].
Diddy plotting return to music with Madison Square Garden gig, his lawyer says
Sky News· 2025-08-07 14:25
Core Points - Sean "Diddy" Combs is planning a musical comeback with a concert at Madison Square Garden despite facing a criminal conviction and potential sentencing of up to 20 years in prison [1][2] - Combs was found guilty of two counts related to prostitution but was acquitted of more serious charges, including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking [4] - The rapper is also dealing with several civil lawsuits in addition to his criminal conviction [9] Legal Situation - Combs was denied bail ahead of his sentencing scheduled for October [1] - His lawyer indicated that the actual sentence may be shorter than the maximum of 20 years [1] - There are reports of Combs seeking a pardon from Donald Trump, although the White House has not commented on this matter [10] Career Background - Combs co-founded Bad Boy Records and played a significant role in launching the career of the late Notorious BIG [5] - He has been a prominent figure in pop culture, recognized as a Grammy-winning artist and entrepreneur with ventures in various industries, including fashion and reality TV [5]
BP raises prospect of more job losses as AI drives efficiency
Sky News· 2025-08-05 09:47
Group 1: Cost Management and Efficiency - The company is accelerating efforts to reduce costs and is open to further job losses as AI technology enhances efficiencies [1][5] - A review of the business portfolio and cost base is planned, following a previous announcement of cutting nearly 8,000 jobs [1][6] - The CEO emphasized the importance of technology in driving cost and capital discipline within the business [6] Group 2: Financial Performance - The company reported a second quarter underlying replacement cost profit of $2.4 billion, a 14% decrease from the previous year but above analyst expectations of $1.8 billion [7] - Shareholder value is being enhanced through operational returns to oil and gas investments and cost reductions totaling $1.7 billion over six months [8] - A 4% increase in dividends was announced, alongside a maintained share buyback program of $750 million for the quarter [7] Group 3: Exploration and Discoveries - The company made significant progress with its largest oil and gas discovery off Brazil's east coast this century, with plans to explore production facilities at the site [2][9] - The drilling rig at the Brazilian prospect Bumerangue intersected 500 meters of hydrocarbons, marking the largest discovery in 25 years [10]
Tesla approves $29bn share award to Musk
Sky News· 2025-08-04 13:33
Group 1 - Tesla's board has approved a $29 billion share award to Elon Musk, consisting of 96 million new shares, following a court's blockage of a previous, larger package [1][7] - The new share award aims to enhance Musk's voting power from the current 13%, ensuring his continued leadership as CEO [1] - The decision to increase Musk's stake is seen as crucial for maintaining his focus on Tesla amid his political associations, particularly with Donald Trump [2][3] Group 2 - Tesla is currently focused on launching a new, cheaper model to boost sales and compete against rising competition, especially from China [4] - The company faces challenges due to reduced support for electric vehicles from the Trump administration, which Musk acknowledges could lead to "a few rough quarters" [4] - Tesla's revenues are not expected to reflect the anticipated rollout of its self-driving software until late next year [7] Group 3 - A special committee within Tesla's board has been formed to address compensation matters related to Musk, with the new award pending shareholder approval [8][10] - The committee expressed confidence that the new award will incentivize Musk to remain with Tesla, despite his extensive business interests [10] - If the Delaware courts reinstate the previous 2018 performance award, the new interim grant will either be forfeited or adjusted to prevent double compensation [10]
Tesla ordered to pay $243m to victims of fatal Autopilot crash
Sky News· 2025-08-02 01:31
Core Viewpoint - A jury has ruled that Tesla is partly responsible for the death of a young woman due to the use of its Autopilot feature, leading to a significant financial judgment against the company [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Outcome - Tesla has been ordered to pay $243 million in damages to the family of Naibel Benavides and her partner Dillon Angulo [2]. - The jury concluded that the driver, who was distracted by his phone, was not solely to blame for the incident [2][6]. Group 2: Autopilot Controversy - The plaintiffs' attorney argued that Tesla designed Autopilot for controlled-access highways but did not restrict its use in other areas, which contributed to the accident [3]. - Tesla claimed that no vehicle, including its own, could have prevented the crash, asserting that the driver admitted responsibility from the beginning [7]. Group 3: Evidence and Legal Implications - The plaintiffs' lawyers accused Tesla of hiding or losing key evidence related to the crash, which was later uncovered by a forensic data expert [8]. - The verdict may encourage more legal actions against Tesla, as past cases were either dismissed or settled [9]. Group 4: Industry Impact - Tesla's appeal against the verdict has been labeled as a setback for automotive safety and could jeopardize the development of life-saving technology in the industry [5]. - In 2023, 2.3 million Tesla vehicles were recalled due to concerns that Autopilot was not adequately alerting drivers [10].
Sainsbury's blames Visa card issues for online payment failure
Sky News· 2025-07-30 09:36
J Sainsbury, the supermarket chain, was on Wednesday racing to resolve an issue with the card payments giant Visa which was impacting customers' ability to pay for their online grocery orders. Sky News understands that Sainsbury's is working with Visa to address the issue after a number of shoppers reported that their card payments had failed. The retailer ruled out the possibility of a cyberattack and said its website and app were functioning normally, with no direct impact on customers. Money latest: The ...
Tesla looks to cheaper model as revenue suffers worst drop in over a decade
Sky News· 2025-07-23 21:32
Core Viewpoint - Tesla has initiated limited production of a cheaper model to address declining demand, reporting a 12% revenue drop in Q2, marking its worst quarterly sales slump in over a decade [1][3]. Financial Performance - Tesla's total sales for the quarter reached $22.5 billion, despite aggressive discounting and low-cost financing strategies [2]. - The company delivered 384,122 vehicles in the quarter, reflecting a 13.5% decrease compared to the same period last year, marking the second consecutive quarterly sales decline [12]. Market Challenges - The decline in sales and profits was attributed to strong competition from cheaper electric vehicles and backlash against CEO Elon Musk's political affiliations [3][7]. - Tesla's shares have decreased by nearly 18% year-to-date, underperforming compared to rivals [6]. Regulatory and Political Environment - The company faces potential threats to profitability due to the risk of losing billions in government subsidies, a consequence of Musk's political involvement [9]. - Regulatory credits generated $435 million between April and June, down from $458 million in the same period last year [10]. Future Outlook - Tesla plans to increase production of the more affordable model in the latter half of the year to counteract the current sales slump [3]. - There is ongoing interest in the supervised self-driving Robotaxi trial, with no recent updates on regulatory approvals for expansion [14][15].
Coca-Cola to launch cane sugar-made drink in US after Trump said 'it's just better'
Sky News· 2025-07-22 16:39
Core Viewpoint - Coca-Cola will introduce a cane sugar-sweetened version of its flagship drink in the US, responding to consumer preferences and discussions with Donald Trump, who advocates for this change [1][2][3]. Product Launch - A new version of Coca-Cola made with US cane sugar will be available later this year, complementing the existing product line in the US [3]. - The initiative reflects Coca-Cola's strategy to expand its product range to meet consumer interest in differentiated experiences [4]. Consumer Preferences - The cane sugar version is often referred to as "Mexican Coke" in the US, as it has been imported from Mexico, where it is sweetened with cane sugar [5]. - Many consumers, including Trump, believe that the Mexican version tastes better than the US version made with high-fructose corn syrup [1][5]. Corporate Response - Coca-Cola's chairman and CEO, James Quincey, acknowledged the president's enthusiasm and emphasized that the new product aims to offer more choices to consumers [4]. - The company has not confirmed specific details about the product launch but indicated that more information would be shared soon [2][3]. Health Considerations - The Trump administration's MAHA initiative has encouraged food companies to reformulate products to remove certain ingredients, including high-fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to health issues [6]. - Despite taste preferences, the health impacts of cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup are reported to be similar [7].