American entertainment trade pub and events sponsor
Sony has announced it will stop producing physical PlayStation game discs from January 2028. New titles will be sold on the PlayStation Store or as retailer-issued download codes. The decision follows several years of rising digital sales — roughly 78–85% of full-game purchases — and has provoked fan backlash over ownership, preservation and resale.
Ofcom has found 26% of UK viewers now turn to Netflix first when choosing what to watch, narrowly ahead of the BBC on 25%, while ITV is first for 15%. YouTube viewing has surged: TV viewing of YouTube has doubled since 2022 to 19 minutes a day and total daily YouTube time is 41 minutes. Traditional broadcasters’ weekly reach has fallen to 70%.
Fans at FIFA Fan Festivals in Philadelphia and Atlanta have drawn hundreds of thousands for World Cup viewing, with activations from sponsors, volunteer support, and large screens shaping the experience. Reports also show crowding and security concerns at recent live-event activations, while other festivals face mixed feedback on crowd management.
The upcoming film Digger has released a full trailer featuring Tom Cruise as oil tycoon Digger Rockwell. Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s satirical drama portrays a billionaire racing to avert an ecological disaster he helped unleash, with a high-profile cast and heavy prosthetics signaling a bold, potentially award-worthy performance. The film is set for release in October.
Six-time Olympic medalist Sunisa Lee has announced her return to competitive gymnastics, aiming for a third Olympics in Los Angeles. In an Instagram video, the 23-year-old says she is back in the gym and is willing to do whatever it takes to compete again, with a film project documenting the journey.
Spanish-language broadcaster Telemundo has captured a large share of the US World Cup audience, surpassing Fox in the early rounds and setting records for Spanish-language telecasts. NBCUniversal touts strong Spanish coverage and streaming growth with Peacock and Telemundo, while English broadcast rights remain with Fox. The phenomenon shows language-agnostic passion for the sport and highlights the economics of bilingual broadcasting.
Ariana Grande has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles to identify John Does who hacked collaborators’ accounts, leaking 45 unreleased songs in 2023 and claiming ongoing theft and disruption to her career.
Courtney Stodden has spoken out about a 2012 Funny or Die sketch in which Jason Alexander allegedly touched her in a way that highlighted her then-17-year-old status. Alexander has apologized, while Stodden calls for accountability and support for AB 1267 to raise California’s minimum marriage age to 18. The controversy has renewed focus on child marriage laws across the U.S.
Universal has taken takedown steps after a leaked version of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey circulated on X, with firms vowing to protect IP. The leak has not dented the film’s worldwide haul, which has surpassed $640m in two weekends and is positioned for a billion globally.
A wave of public disclosures reveals that Parkinson’s disease has touched several well-known figures, affecting mobility, mental health and public appearances. The reports emphasize treatment options, the human impact of the condition, and ongoing efforts to manage daily life.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has opened with a record domestic debut, while The Odyssey leads the global box office, underscoring a year of mega releases. The industry is buoyed by premium formats and high ticket prices, even as overall audiences lag behind pre-pandemic levels.
James Sheridan has scrapped plans for a Yellowstone spin-off called 6666, saying he would never fictionalise the active Four Sixes Ranch in Texas. The move follows his purchase of the ranch and a shift in his Paramount deal, with the wider Yellowstone universe continuing with existing shows and other spin-offs.
Tributes have poured in following Dolly Parton’s death at 80, with fans and peers sharing memories and AI-generated tributes raising ethical questions. Parton’s family highlights the need for compassion and respect amid a flood of content, while friends and industry figures reflect on her business legacy and philanthropy.
A surge of runway shows and campaigns in Paris, Milan and Dubai highlights how brands are leaning into luxury heritage and performance, even as the industry faces a soft market. Designers are unveiling new creative directors and collections that mix traditional craftsmanship with modern spectacle, underscoring a shift toward tangible, wearable luxury.
John Malkovich has cancelled a Tel Aviv date for The Music Critic after a PR firm attributed quotes to him. He says he never made the statements and will not participate in the performance. The Israeli promoter and the PR firm apologize for the error. The show’s tour continues elsewhere.
Zach Cregger has directed a Resident Evil movie that remains faithful to survival horror mechanics while injecting his meta-commentary and kinetic nervous energy. Austin Abrams leads as a flawed courier, delivering a high-stakes package through a snowbound hospital and a city overrun by T-virus horrors.
Matthew Rhys has become the first actor to win two lead acting Emmys in a single night, taking honors for Widow’s Bay (comedy) and The Beast in Me (limited series). He also holds a previous lead drama win, making him the first man to win in all three lead acting categories. Apple TV+’s Widow’s Bay dominates the night with 14 wins.
The Venice film festival features a four-hour documentary on Elon Musk that critics say is highly critical. Musk has branded the film a hit piece, while director Alex Gibney defends it as rigorous inquiry. The documentary includes AI-generated Musk commentary and details about Musk's business ventures and public presence.