“I understand that this will be a challenging week, but I ask for your focus and resilience as we take these important steps toward a stronger and more connected future,” wrote Alegre, who took the CEO job in September, to teams bracing for job cuts. “Together, we are building a company positioned for sustained growth, innovation, and leadership.”

Australia passed a law banning social media for children under 16. Systemic failures to keep children off their platforms could cost TikTok, Snapchat, X and the like up to $33 million. “Platforms now have a social responsibility to ensure the safety of our kids is a priority for them,” said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“Saturday Night Live” alum and four-time host Chris Rock will host the show on December 14 with musical guest Gracie Abrams. Another “SNL” vet, Martin Short, takes to the stage the following week, with Hozier as musical guest.

A federal judge on Monday refused to authorize an immediate appeal of his earlier decision requiring Google to face a lawsuit claiming that it unlawfully collected personal data from smartphone users under the age of 13. The complaint was filed last year by the parents of young children who allegedly downloaded children’s apps from Android’s Play Store that were designated by Google as “Designed for Families,” a program that required participating developers to certify compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

French market research firm Ipsos said is in talks with Kantar Media over a potential acquisition of the London-based group. “There can be no certainty that any offer will be made, nor as to the terms on which any such offer might be made,” Ipsos said in a statement. Ipsos is preparing a binding offer to buy the TV ratings data business from market research group Kantar, two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

AWS has formed a partnership with Orbital Materials, a company that uses AI to develop decarbonization technologies, to develop technologies and materials for Amazon’s data centers to remove carbon, cool semiconductors, and make better use of water as it relates to the technology. Amazon has committed to having net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

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Jason Clarke (“Winning Time”) will play convicted killer Alex Murdaugh opposite Patricia Arquette in Hulu’s Untitled Murdaugh Murders limited series.

Production/management company Sugar23 and Fifth Season are partnering for a venture Sugar23 founder Michael Sugar labeled “groundbreaking,” enabling content sponsors to be more directly involved in the creative process. The joint venture will produce content including scripted and non-scripted TV as well as documentary and feature films. “This is not about traditional sponsorship or ‘branded content’– it’s about brand-funded entertainment that allows brands to play an active role in shaping the future of storytelling at the highest level, with brand purpose and audience impact at the center of the proposition,” said Sugar. Sugar23 will also partner with Fifth Season to develop and produce TV series and films in more traditional models.

Love Nature and Sky Nature, announced today that a Keeley Hawes (“Line of Duty”) is narrating “Airborne,” a four-part nature series produced by Humble Bee Films.

Ted Danson will receive the Carol Burnett Award at the 2025 Golden Globes, set for Wednesday, January 5 at 8p on CBS. “Ted Danson has entertained audiences for decades with his iconic performances that will forever be ingrained in television history,” said Helen Hoehne, President of the Golden Globes. “His renowned career is a testament to his remarkable talent and versatility as an actor and bears resemblance to the award’s legendary namesake.”

Cineverse and Bloody Disgusting, its horror division, have acquired two films for the Streambox platform. Horror thriller “Breathing In” and exorcism flick “Deus Irae” both came from XYZ Films.

Women’s National Football Conference has partnered with Victory+ to be the exclusive streaming home for WNFC football. Every game of the 2025 season will stream for free on Victory+. Additionally, WNFC is introducing “Saturday Night Showcase,” offering in-depth storytelling, as well as spotlighting players, coaches, and the WNFC fanbase.

The New Jersey Devils will host their inaugural Devils Youth Foundation Night on Friday, December 6, when they face off against the Seattle Kraken at Prudential Center. The Devils Youth Foundation is aimed at uplifting New Jersey’s youth, while honoring the efforts of community partners dedicated to tackling food and nutrition security statewide.

Thailand is set to launch “The Voice Pride,” the first LGBTQ+ edition of the talent competition “The Voice.” The series will premiere during Pride Month in June 2025. The production is commissioned by Exit365.

Rabbit Films struck multiple pre-sales of drama series “Queen of F***ing Everything.” Originally commissioned by YLE (Finland), the darkly comic show has been acquired by ZDF (Germany), NPO (Netherlands), VRT (Belgium), NRK (Norway), and RUV (Iceland).

Israel’s yes Studios and Paper Entertainment announced a deal to develop comedy-drama “Johnny and the Knights of the Galilee” for an English-language adaptation in the UK and US called “Honey Boys.”

New Pictures has secured the rights to Geoff Dembicki’s The Petroleum Papers: Inside the Far-Right Conspiracy to Cover Up Climate Change. David MacPherson (“The Rig”) will adapt the book as a multi-episode drama for the screen, with Imogen O’Sullivan executive producing.

All3Media International has struck a new deal for crime drama “The Gold,” with PBS’s MASTERPIECE signing TV rights for the US and English-speaking Canada. Also confirmed is a digital rights deal with CBC Gem, alongside acquisitions in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.

Critical Content announced a first-look deal Germany’s Leonine Studios. The partnership aims to enhance the global reach and impact of Critical Content’s formats while providing Leonine Studios with first look opportunities to select formats.

Studiocanal announced the development of “Red Butterfly.” The TV series is produced by Studiocanal in partnership with Beach House Pictures and Momo Film Co.

Helium Pictures optioned the new Korean reality music format “Unforgettable Duet” for Australia, and New Zealand. The show comes from Singapore @ ATF: Something Special, the Seoul-based international format agency.

Ben Kim has been promoted to Head of Development and Acquisitions at Electric Entertainment. In his new role, Ben will continue to lead the development of all scripted TV and feature films, while overseeing the company’s global acquisitions and co-productions.

Studio Rx has hired Andy Titus to serve as Executive Director, Experience Design, and Brian Pellicone as Management Director. Titus joins from Free Association, while Pellicone was most recently at Oliver.

Today’s Trivia Question
Which comedy ran for a 13-episode first season, was canceled, then revived nine years later for an eight-episode run? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.)