Global ad revenue growth faces a potential $50 billion hit due to the war in Iran, while opposition mounts against the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, with figures like Damon Lindelof voicing concerns. Separately, Janus Films acquired US rights to Kurosawa Kiyoshi's new film, 'The Samurai and the Prisoner', ahead of its Cannes premiere.

Damon Lindelof warns the proposed Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger could turn the Warner Bros. lot into a ghost town, impacting thousands of jobs. The UK's CMA is now reviewing the deal, while Cinema United expresses confidence in movie theaters.

Today's M&E intelligence briefing from Kai Rivers. Sunday, April 12, 2026.

This week, we break down the chaotic Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger saga, the massive box office success of Universal's 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie', and the Department of Justice's game-changing antitrust investigation into the NFL's media rights.

Today's M&E intelligence briefing from Kai Rivers. Friday, April 10, 2026.

The Department of Justice launches a major antitrust investigation into the NFL's media deals. We also cover Amazon's new film franchise based on the 'Gods of the Game' book series and Pink's upcoming hosting gig at the 2026 Tony Awards.

Paramount's C-suite is in turmoil as President Jeff Shell is ousted amid talks of a Warner Bros. Discovery mega-deal, while Disney questions the future of its billion-dollar 'Avatar' franchise and the acclaimed comedy 'Hacks' wraps its final season.

Today's M&E intelligence briefing from Kai Rivers. Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

David Ellison's Skydance secures $24 billion from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds for his Warner Bros. Discovery bid, potentially reshaping Hollywood ownership. Also, the Writers Guild reaches a surprise four-year deal with AMPTP, averting another strike, and Super Mario Galaxy dominates the box office.

Universal and Illumination's 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' shatters box office records with a massive $372.5 million global opening. Plus, star Jack Black joins the Saturday Night Live 5-Timers Club while its U.K. spinoff struggles with a steep ratings decline.