Don’t forget to check out our Friday Fivecast, the audio version of our weekly Friday Five blog. Listen in your car, at your desk, and anywhere you take your podcasts. Find it here, then click on our Spotify profile to subscribe.
Music
Streaming Growth: New Fiscal Year Report From WMG
Warner Music Group reported a 7% rise in digital revenue, 8.2% in streaming, and a 16% boost in adjusted OIBDA. Quarterly growth was modest, with revenue up 3%, streaming up 1%, and net income dropping due to adjustments and terminated deals.
International
European Cinema at a Critical High: International Films at the US Box Office
European films are earning critical acclaim and leading the Oscar race but face commercial hurdles, accounting for just 6% of global theatrical admissions in 2023, trailing US and Chinese productions.
Awards
Movies for Grownups: AARP Awards Announce Nomineess
Edward Berger’s “Conclave” and James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” lead the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, honoring films and TV for older audiences. Hosted by Alan Cumming on January 11, the ceremony will feature Glenn Close receiving a Career Achievement Award and nominees like “Gladiator II” and “Here.”
Television
Network Shakeup: Comcast Separating Its Cable Networks
NBCUniversal is keeping Bravo as its only cable network, spinning off others like USA and Syfy. Despite a smaller audience, Bravo’s hits like “Vanderpump Rules” and “Real Housewives” boast loyal fanbases, making it key to NBCUniversal's streaming strategy.
Film Festival
Camerimage Controversy: Talks To Improve Festival
Amid controversy over sexist remarks by its founder, Camerimage Film Festival is hosting a discussion on industry representation, focusing on underrepresented groups and driving change. The issue highlights broader diversity concerns, underscored by figures like Cate Blanchett.
High five! Another Friday Five is going live next week—same time, same place. We know what caught our eyes, but we’re all ears. Tell us what you’d like to learn more about in our upcoming editions by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Be sure to tag #FridayFive in your comments.
Want an even more convenient way to stay in the know? Get Friday Five sent right to your inbox each week by signing up for our direct newsletter below.
See you next Friday at 10 a.m. (PT).