NBC's news division is about to get a lot smaller. The media company, which is owned by cable and internet company Comcast Inc. CMCSA, is already planning to spin off its cable news networks, MSNBC and CNBC, into a new company called Versant Media Group. MSNBC will be called MS NOW, dropping the NBC from its name and the traditional peacock logo from identity. CNBC will keep its name but will sever some ties to the NBC brand. “During this time of transition, NBCUniversal decided that our brand requires ...

News outlet operator Newsmax has announced plans to purchase up to $5 million in Bitcoin and Trump Coin over the next year, as a part of its strategic crypto reserve plans. Newsmax said that the company’s Board of Directors have approved the plan on Thursday. Apart from Bitcoin accumulation, Newsmax is looking to add official Trump Coin, given its circulating value surpassing $1.2 billion. Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy said that Trump Coin’s success has been “impressive.” If acquired, the media firm woul ...

The news outlet operator will purchase up to $5 million in the cryptocurrencies over the next year, and expects to be the first company on the NYSE to purchase Trump Coin. ...

Core Points - CNN has launched a new streaming service called CNN All Access, set to debut on October 28, offering unlimited access to its live video feed, website, and video library for $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year, with a promotional discount for early subscribers [1][12] - The service aims to provide a centralized destination for CNN's journalism, contrasting with its previous failed attempt, CNN+, which had only 150,000 subscribers before being shut down [11][12][14] - There are concerns among CNN employees regarding the service's ability to attract new subscribers, especially given the current trend of consumers cutting back on entertainment subscriptions due to financial concerns [2][8][18] Company Strategy - CNN All Access is designed to reflect modern audience engagement with news, focusing on access rather than original programming, which was a key feature of the failed CNN+ [13][14] - The service is part of a broader trend where news organizations are adapting to changing consumer behaviors, with many Americans increasingly engaging with news through social media and podcasts [15] - CNN executives plan to discuss the go-to-market strategy for CNN All Access with staff on October 23, indicating a structured approach to the service's launch [10] Market Context - The number of paid streaming services per US household has decreased to 4.1, and 35% of US consumers reported cutting back on entertainment subscriptions recently, highlighting a challenging market environment for new streaming services [8] - CNN's trust levels among different political demographics show that only 21% of Republicans trust CNN, while 58% of Democrats do, indicating a polarized audience [15][16] - CNN's viewership has declined, averaging 459,000 viewers in primetime, significantly lower than competitors like Fox News and MSNBC, which may impact the new service's potential success [17]

Core Insights - CNN is launching a new streaming subscription service called "All Access" on October 28, priced at $6.99 per month or $69.99 annually [1][2] - The service aims to be a centralized hub for CNN's journalism, offering live and on-demand video programming, articles, and exclusive content [2][3] - The new plan is a response to changing audience consumption habits and builds on CNN's previous digital subscription offerings [3] Subscription Details - The "All Access" plan will provide access to both U.S. and international video programming, along with CNN.com articles and subscriber-only content [2] - An introductory offer is available for early adopters, allowing them to subscribe annually for $41.99 if they sign up by January 5 [2] Historical Context - CNN has previously experimented with subscription models, including CNN+, which was discontinued shortly after its launch in March 2022 due to low subscription numbers and internal challenges [4] - The closure of CNN+ was influenced by the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery in April 2022 [4] Corporate Developments - Warner Bros. Discovery is planning to split into two public companies by 2026, with one focusing on streaming and studios, including HBO Max, and the other on global networks, which will encompass CNN [5] - There are indications that Paramount Skydance is considering a takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery ahead of this potential split [5]

Core Insights - NBC News is cutting 7% of its staff, approximately 150 positions, as it prepares to operate independently from its cable networks [1][2] - The spinoff of cable networks like MSNBC and CNBC into a new company, Versant, reflects the ongoing decline of cable television and a shift towards streaming [2] - NBC News is simultaneously hiring for 140 open roles, encouraging laid-off employees to apply [3] Company Strategy - The separation from MSNBC will end a complex relationship, as NBC News has previously shared resources with MSNBC and relied on CNBC's reporting [3][4] - NBC News and MSNBC will continue to cover the same news events, but MSNBC will need to establish its identity without NBC News' resources and will rebrand as MS NOW [4] - NBC News is advancing its streaming strategy, planning to launch a subscription service later this year that will include select news coverage and premium content [5] Operational Changes - Concerns exist regarding the impact of the spinoff on newsgathering, as NBC News has relied on CNBC's reporting [6] - NBC News is focusing on local news collaboration, working closely with over 200 affiliates to cover major breaking stories [6] - This marks the second round of staff cuts for NBC News in 2023, following a previous reduction of about 40 roles earlier in the year [7]

Core Insights - The article discusses the transformation of mainstream media apps from simple news distribution platforms to multi-dimensional content providers, incorporating short dramas and games to engage users [1][3][10] Group 1: Diverse Exploration - Since 2014, media integration has become a national strategy, leading to a surge in the development of media apps, which were previously limited to basic news dissemination [3][4] - The rise of micro-dramas has become a key tool for attracting and retaining users, with many media outlets now embracing this format for promotional purposes [4][5] - Major media apps are launching interactive features, such as daily check-in activities, to enhance user engagement and loyalty [5] Group 2: Platform Transformation - Media outlets are shifting from merely transferring traditional content online to redesigning their platforms with an internet mindset, indicating a deeper transformation in their operational models [6] - The integration of resources is essential, as seen in the consolidation of various news apps into a single platform to enhance user resource centralization [7] Group 3: Ecosystem Construction - Mainstream media is increasingly recognizing the need for open platforms that allow user-generated content, leading to significant user engagement and a large follower base [8] - User-centric operations are becoming a focus, with media apps evolving into lifestyle assistants that provide various local services, thereby increasing user stickiness [9] Group 4: Deep Integration - The integration of micro-dramas and games reflects a broader multi-dimensional transformation in mainstream media apps, encompassing content, technology, and channel integration [10][11] - The implementation of new technologies like AI in content production is helping to optimize resource allocation and reduce production costs significantly [11]

Core Insights - Stagwell expanded its Future of News initiative into the APAC region, hosting a summit in Singapore to unveil new research on news advertising [1][4] - The study involved nearly 10,000 respondents from Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam, reinforcing the safety of brand advertising adjacent to quality news content [2][4] Research Findings - 74% of APAC adults are news readers, averaging 7.1 articles per day, with 21% identified as 'news junkies' who check news 7.2 times daily and read 9.4 articles [7] - The study found no brand safety concerns across key demographics, including News Junkies, Gen Z, Millennials, and university-educated adults [7] - Among highly educated respondents, purchase intent for brands advertising next to news articles on global politics and crime was 66%, compared to 64% for sports and 63% for business, indicating statistically insignificant differences [7] - For parents, purchase intent for brands advertising next to news articles on crime and entertainment was 77%, further supporting the safety of advertising in these contexts [7] Industry Perspectives - Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, emphasized the critical role of trusted journalism in connecting brands with engaged audiences and enhancing business outcomes [4] - Kevin Huang, COO of South China Morning Post, highlighted the importance of brand suitability and the opportunity for brands to collaborate with trusted journalism to share authentic stories [6]

Paramount said Monday that it has bought the news and commentary website The Free Press and installed its founder, Bari Weiss, as the editor-in-chief of CBS News, saying it believes the country longs ... ...

Core Insights - The former opinion editor and co-founder of the Free Press has been appointed as the editor in chief of CBS News [1] Company Overview - The new editor in chief brings a background in opinion journalism and media innovation to CBS News [1]