Year: 2024

Bronfman’s proposal could keep Shari Redstone’s role at Paramount.

Bronfman’s proposal could keep Shari Redstone’s role at Paramount.

Edgar Bronfman Jr. has made a major offer to acquire a major stake in Global Paramount, potentially ensuring that Shari Redstone remains a key figure within the organization. A source familiar with the negotiations said Bronfman's offer includes a clause that Redstone, who currently serves as Paramount's non-executive chairman, will continue his involvement with the company. This condition is contingent on his offer being accepted by Paramount's special committee by National Amusements, the major shareholder. Bronfman reportedly secured $6 billion to outbid Skydance Media for control of National Amusements, a company originally founded by Sumner Redstone. Both Bronfman and Skydance's…
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Storied Media Group partners with artificial intelligence specialist Vitrina to improve showbiz insights

Storied Media Group partners with artificial intelligence specialist Vitrina to improve showbiz insights

In a significant development, Storied Media Group (SMG), led by former ICM literary agent Todd Hoffman, has announced a strategic partnership with Vitrina, a leader in artificial intelligence applications. The partnership is intended to provide enhanced analytics and insights into the global entertainment supply chain. Innovative platforms and intellectual property Launched in 2018, SMG’s intellectual property platform, StoryScout, has been instrumental in reshaping the way industry clients, including Sony Television, New Line and Range Media, access and consume unique content ranging from journalism to podcasts to video games. Hoffman’s extensive experience representing high-profile writers and media organizations has significantly influenced…
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Microsoft convenes cybersecurity summit following widespread system disruptions

Microsoft convenes cybersecurity summit following widespread system disruptions

Following a significant system failure triggered by a CrowdStrike software update, Microsoft has announced a cybersecurity summit scheduled for September. The event will focus on recent disruptions affecting global companies, including airlines, banks, and healthcare providers. On July 19, 2024, a faulty CrowdStrike antivirus update caused massive disruptions, forcing companies like Delta Airlines to cancel numerous flights and face massive financial losses, reportedly around $550 million. The glitch not only affected airlines, but also delayed shipments for logistics companies and disrupted scheduled hospital appointments. In response, Microsoft plans to host discussions at its Redmond, Washington, campus with CrowdStrike and other…
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Setbacks in psychedelic medicine: a reality check for research integrity

Setbacks in psychedelic medicine: a reality check for research integrity

It’s been a year of anticipation for Lykos Therapeutics, as they await a landmark decision from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drugmaker had filed an application to approve MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, expecting a positive outcome that would catapult them to new heights. However, on August 9, the FDA responded with a rebuttal, culminating growing concerns about the quality of Lykos’ clinical trials. Following the decision, the journal Psychopharmacology retracted three studies related to MDMA research, citing unethical practices and making serious allegations, including sexual misconduct by an unlicensed therapist at one of the study sites.…
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