FYI: Impersonators are (still) targeting companies with fake TechCrunch outreach
Fraudsters are impersonating TechCrunch reporters and event leads, and reaching out to companies. Here’s what we’re doing about it, and what you can look out for.
Media & Entertainment
Netflix buys Ben Affleck’s AI filmmaking company InterPositive
Affleck says he wanted to “preserve what makes human storytelling human, which is judgement.”
Apple Music to add Transparency Tags to distinguish AI music, says report
The label or distributor has to opt in to tagging their music as AI, so it’s unclear how effective this intervention will be.
Audible launches a cheaper ‘Standard’ subscription plan, challenging Spotify
Under the new Standard plan, subscribers will lose access to the audiobooks they’ve consumed when they unsubscribe. The Premium plan lets users keep the audiobooks they’ve listened to even if they unsubscribe.
Paramount+ and HBO Max to merge into one streaming service after WBD deal closes
If the Warner Bros. Discovery deal were to close, Paramount CEO David Ellison revealed that Paramount+ and HBO Max would combine into one platform.
Why did Netflix back down from its deal to acquire Warner Bros.?
Netflix’s co-CEO reportedly told Trump, “I took your advice.”
What to know about the landmark Warner Bros. Discovery sale
Learn more about Paramount’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery — a historic Hollywood megadeal valued at $111 billion — as it continues to develop.
AI music generator Suno hits 2M paid subscribers and $300M in annual recurring revenue
Suno lets users create music using natural language prompts, making it possible for people with little experience to generate audio with little effort.
Apple and Netflix team up to air Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix
As Netflix continues its live sports push, the company has partnered with Apple to air the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.
Spotify is rolling out Audiobook Charts
Similar to the streaming giant’s Music and Podcast Charts, the Audiobook Charts will be updated weekly and highlight the top audiobooks overall and by genre.