
01
Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran Tour After Pro-Palestine Comments During Performances
The gist: Macklemore was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour after venues reportedly threatened to cancel shows over his pro-Palestine speeches.
Big pictureThe decision shows how political messages by performers can affect large commercial events, especially when audiences and venue owners strongly disagree. It also raises questions about how free-speech rights apply when artists perform in publicly owned venues.
Explain like I'm 5Macklemore said what he believed during his concerts, and some stadiums said they might not host the shows if he stayed on the lineup. The promoter chose to remove him so the tour could continue for fans.
Why it matters nowThe promoter announced Monday that Macklemore would not perform on the remaining support dates after venues objected to his inclusion. The tour’s upcoming North American stadium shows will proceed without him.
Three things to know01The venues were not identified
The promoter did not say which venues objected or whether every remaining venue threatened to withdraw.
02Several stadiums reportedly pushed back
Reported venues included stadiums in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Arlington and Tampa, as well as Foxborough.
03Public venues raise legal questions
Because most of the reported venues are publicly owned or operated, removing an artist over past statements could create First Amendment concerns.
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Hollywood Reporter ↗

02
SkyShowtime May Be Sold or Shut Down, Board Warns In Memo Shared With Staff (Exclusive)
The gist: Comcast and Paramount Skydance are conducting a strategic review of SkyShowtime’s future, including a possible shutdown, but no decision has been made.
Big pictureThe service brings NBCUniversal, Sky Studios and Paramount programming to more than 20 European countries. Its review shows how difficult the crowded streaming market has become, even for services backed by major media companies.
Explain like I'm 5SkyShowtime is like a shared TV store run by two big companies. They are checking whether the store should keep going, change, be sold, or close.
Why it matters nowThe board told CEO Monty Sarhan and staff about the review on Monday. SkyShowtime will continue operating normally while the companies consider their options and consult employees where required.
Three things to know01Several options remain open
The review could lead to a sale, changes to the business, or a wind-down, and shareholders have not chosen a path.
02The service has meaningful scale
SkyShowtime says it has several million subscribers and stands alongside the market’s most established streaming services.
03Employees face no immediate changes
Every role remains unchanged for now, while any proposal affecting workers would go through required information and consultation processes.
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Hollywood Reporter ↗

03
Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Launch a Streaming Public Policy Group
The gist: Netflix, YouTube and Amazon have formed SACA, a new group that will lobby Washington for streaming-friendly policies, especially around sports access.
Big pictureStreaming companies have grown powerful but lack a dedicated Washington group representing their shared interests. They are also facing criticism over rising prices, scattered programming and sports moving behind paid subscriptions.
Explain like I'm 5The three companies are joining forces to speak with one voice to lawmakers. It is like forming a team captain to explain what streaming services and their customers want.
Why it matters nowSACA launched Monday, and its early messaging suggests that sports access will be a major priority as regulators and broadcasters debate whether more games should remain free on broadcast television.
Three things to know01TechNet is steering the group
TechNet is leading SACA, with its senior vice president Mike Ward also running the new alliance.
02Sports access faces competing visions
SACA promotes streaming as giving fans more choice, while the FCC and broadcasters are pushing for rules requiring some sports to stay available for free on broadcast stations.
03Exclusive games raise the stakes
Netflix and Prime Video each have exclusive NFL games this season, making the fight over where fans can watch sports more immediate.
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Hollywood Reporter ↗