By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterBlue Ant Media has officially closed its acquisition of marblemedia and its international sales operation Distribution360. Blue Ant Media is a privately-held, international media company that owns and operates several branded streaming channels and produces and distributes content across multiple genre categories.The acquisition of marblemedia is … [Read more...] about Blue Ant Media and Marblemedia Merge Production Studios and Global Rights Businesses
News & Trends
Analysis: Canada Needs America’s Help to Save Journalism
The Task of Corralling Tech Giants Now Falls To The US Senate By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Canadian news media have filed an antitrust complaint against social media giant Meta over its plan to ban news stories. News organizations on Tuesday asked Canada's antitrust regulator to investigate Meta Platforms' decision, accusing its subsidiaries Facebook and … [Read more...] about Analysis: Canada Needs America’s Help to Save Journalism
Pot Company Tilray Acquires Craft Beer Companies From Anheuser-Busch
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The cannabis company Tilray Brands has agreed to buy out eight beer and beverage brands from Anheuser-Busch, owner of Budweiser. The move is part of an on-again, off-again relationship between the beer company and the pot company, as parent company AB-InBev was formerly an investor and partner with Tilray. AB-InBev is the world's … [Read more...] about Pot Company Tilray Acquires Craft Beer Companies From Anheuser-Busch
UPDATE: LEGO Issues Statement In “Leggo My LEGO” Dispute With Punk Rockers
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy giant LEGO says it will not allow commercial use of its iconic mini-figures for animated videos that are commercial in nature. The statement comes in the recent 'Leggo My LEGO' dispute, in which LEGO sent a cease and desist letter to the band LS Dunes, demanding they take down a recent music video. The reason? The band, whose members … [Read more...] about UPDATE: LEGO Issues Statement In “Leggo My LEGO” Dispute With Punk Rockers
Sports Card Company Panini Sues Rival Fanatics Over Antitrust Allegations
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Panini America filed a suit Thursday against Fanatics, accusing the larger company of trying to create a trading card monopoly. Panini, which is a longstanding company in the trading card business, has accused Fanatics of using anti-competitive business practices in an attempt to dominate the market. Those practices include setting up … [Read more...] about Sports Card Company Panini Sues Rival Fanatics Over Antitrust Allegations
Who’s News: Wasserman Music Appoints Four New Agents
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterWasserman Music has hired Andrew Buck, Shanae Dennis, Andrew Morgan and Ryan Sorok to its global team of agents and career strategists.The new hires are intended to expand the company’s footprint in the pop, rock, indie, Latin, and dance/electronic genres. “We’re thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of respected agents and industry movers … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wasserman Music Appoints Four New Agents
Hasbro Sells eOne Division to Lionsgate for $500 Million
Hasbro Also Reports "Solid Second Quarter" By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy giant Hasbro has agreed to sell its eOne film and TV division to Canadian film studio Lionsgate for $500 million. The deal includes $375 million in cash, subject to certain price adjustments, as well as Lionsgate assuming all of eOne's production financing loans. The transaction has … [Read more...] about Hasbro Sells eOne Division to Lionsgate for $500 Million
Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for Smart Kids
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Toy Association has released its Back to School STEAM Toy Shopping List, which features 25 officially accredited STEAM toys. "As families across the U.S. get ready for another back-to-school season, our list offers parents a well-vetted guide that will help kids flourish this academic year and build skills through engaging, … [Read more...] about Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for Smart Kids
Jury Returns $23.5 Million Verdict in Favor of Moonbug Entertainment
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A jury has awarded Moonbug Entertainment $23.5 million after its successful lawsuit against competitor BabyBus Co. A jury earlier sided with Moonbug's claim that BabyBus infringed its copyright for its hit show CoComelon with a competing show called Super Jojo. After three days of deliberation, the jury came back with an award of $17.5 … [Read more...] about Jury Returns $23.5 Million Verdict in Favor of Moonbug Entertainment
Who’s News: Saffronic Appoints Kevin Johnson as Executive Creative Director
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterThe animation and VFX studio, Saffronic is expanding its executive team with the appointment of Kevin J. Johnson as its first executive creative director. In his new role at Saffronic, Johnson will work alongside Kristy Scanlan, the company's SVP of business development, to secure partnerships with new clients and strengthen relationships with … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Saffronic Appoints Kevin Johnson as Executive Creative Director