Jonathan Halley’s Post

“Is the Media Conglomerate Dying?” was featured in today’s Pro edition of the “A Media Operator” newsletter. Our story features insight and research on several major media corporations, including Vox Media, Disney, and Penske Media Corporation. We already know G/O Media (if we can still call them that) has more than halved their business in two years, but being managed by a hedge fund can’t be the excuse for other companies downsizing in the industry. Some downsizing in media has been noticeable: Condé Nast is making significant cuts as part of its parent Advance Local’s restructuring, leading to the folding of Pitchfork, layoffs from Vanity Fair to Reckon News, and shut down of offices and departments around the globe. Others have been more under the radar: Vox, for example, has had multiple layoff rounds in addition to showing several brands the door, including portions of SB Nation, Re/Code and NowThis. Brian Morrissey, previously head of Digiday and editor at Adweek, told us: “This is not the time to be building out a big infrastructure that could be obsolete soon with AI. The world doesn’t need another The Messenger, it might not have ever needed one.” Alex Sherman, who just did a documentary on ESPN discussing the Disney-owned network’s recent issues, compared the current state of media to “a tornado that wipes out an area of land.” Regrowth will come, but it hasn’t yet, he said. #AMOPro subscribers can read the full “Are Media Conglomerates Dying?” story now, and more to come from this article. Thank you to Jacob Donnelly enough for the opportunity to explore this, especially for those trying to make their way in this business now. #media #mergers #manda #journalism #connglomerates #newsletters https://lnkd.in/eTDmmCZp

The media industry continues to face significant challenges, with ongoing layoffs, labor unrest, and contract issues. Last week, Ziff Davis acquired CNet from Red Ventures for about $100 million, a sharp decline from the $1.8 billion CBS paid for CNet and the $500 million Red Ventures paid four years ago. The acquisition adds CNet to Ziff Davis' portfolio, which includes outlets like Mashable, PCMag, and LifeHacker, highlighting the ongoing volatility and declining valuations in the media sector. Two longtime industry publications, Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News will cease operations. B&C has been reporting industry news since it first launched in 1931. #broadcast #television #news #hollywood #televisionindustry https://lnkd.in/e7YS_wBg

Skills vs Credentials! This trailer highlights the struggle young adults face in finding meaningful employment. I'll be adding it to my Netflix list, you should to!

Uh-oh, it’s getting rough out here 😳 Lionsgate’s voluntary severance program is another sign of the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. As a producer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how financial decisions impact creative talent and production capabilities. While these shifts are often necessary, it’s critical we ensure that the industry’s most valuable asset—its people—are supported during these transitions. At the same time, these changes present opportunities to rethink how we innovate, particularly with the rise of AI and new tech. How do you see this impacting the future of our workforce?

In Memoriam: Gerald M. Levin - Former Time Warner Chairman As we reflect across the digital expanse to honor Jerry, I am reminded of the profound impact he has had on my life and the lives of many others. For over twenty years, Jerry was not just a friend but a mentor whose wisdom and guidance helped shape the trajectory of my career and personal growth. Jerry's visionary spirit was exemplified in his work, most notably in the pioneering AOL/Time Warner merger. It was a move that, while controversial, was undeniably ahead of its time—setting a blueprint for the multimedia conglomerates that would follow. Bob Iger and Disney has certainly followed this model. His foresight laid the groundwork for industry giants and served as a template for successful mergers in the modern era. From the depths of housing projects to the heights of the tech industry, Jerry's influence was a beacon that guided me through the most challenging situations. His legacy is not just in the deals he made or the companies he built, but in the lives he touched and the paths he illuminated. As a tech CEO who has witnessed the evolution of our industry, I can attest to the revolutionary nature of Jerry's endeavors. The environment may not have been ready then, but today we see the wisdom in his vision. Jerry's contribution to multimedia and entertainment is immeasurable, and it is our duty to ensure that this is the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of innovation, courage, and unwavering belief in the future. We will miss you Jerry deeply, but your visionary legacy will continue to inspire us all. Erik #timewarner #hbo #jerrylevin #aol #cnn #tnt #tbs #warnerbros #timemagazine #vurbil #merger #technology #multimedia #bobiger #disney

🚀 Skills-Based Hiring: The Future of Talent Acquisition 🚀 Over the past year, I've had some incredibly insightful discussions with my clients about the importance of shifting toward a skills-based hiring model. This approach not only opens the door to more diverse talent but also helps organizations zero in on the competencies that truly drive success. As we explore these new frameworks together, I'm beyond excited to see this critical conversation making its way to a wider audience through this upcoming Netflix documentary, which shines a spotlight on the power of skills over traditional credentials. This is a game-changer for the future of work! 💼🔑 #SkillsBasedHiring #FutureOfWork

Cosplay In the frenzy of #anime and #manga that is engulfing the US market, #Cosplay has also become mainstream. #meganthreestallion is amongst others who have raised the bar in at one time, was for "nerdy" teens gathering in dusty, off-the-beaten-path locations. Also famous and very mainstream is David Zaslav - #zas - who by a somewhat different definition is also a cosplay fan (I don't think he knows that). Zas has been cosplaying an old-time studio head for the last 3+ years. Like Megan3, Zas has a penchant for off-the-wall attire (just Google "Zaslav and cravat" - warning, this cannot be unseen). Unlike Megan3, Zas's cosplay has not been well received by others. Since the fated BFF call on Valentine's Day in 2021 between Zas and Stanks (AT&T's somehow still in the chair CEO John Stankey), Zas has been cosplaying his dream as an old-school Hollywood mogul. Scoping out Robert Evans old digs in Beverly Hills and brushing up theatrical elites, Zas could not wait to get into the Building 2 chair on the Warner Bros. Entertainment lot and change Hollywood. Indeed, over the next 3 years Hollywood changed, and so did Warner Bros. Discovery, stock, down and to the right. Now down roughly 2/3 since going public, present-day Hollywood king Netflix is up roughly 3x in the same time. Now, rumors abound that Warner Bros will be 1) sold - again, 2) merged, or 3) stripped for parts. Fans will gather next week in San Diego for #sdcc2024, cosplaying the beloved characters of WB, #batman, #harrypotter, #wonderwoman, and many many more. Perhaps the latest round of layoffs, 1000 staffers, should be increased by just one more and the next CEO will be able to make better use of these fabled brands. Puck #ceo #streamingwars Bank of America Business Insider

💭 I've thought about this Philly Cheesesteak quite a bit since Miami... There's a reason they say everything is bigger in America. Big meals, big cars, big skyscrapers, big freeways - There is a true 'bigger means better' mentality in the US. And for businesses? The big economy brings big opportunity, a big audience, bigger rewards all supported by that mentality to embrace big ideas. Go Big in 2025. Dive into that big US-sized sandwich and accelerate growth 🚀 (of your business, not your waistline!) #growth #usexpansion #phillycheesesteak #recruitment #staffing

Watching the Toronto Maple Leafs in the playoffs tonight is like navigating the world of finance: full of ups and downs, unexpected twists and occasional power plays. With the right strategy and teamwork, both can end in a victory! Two things from two very different aspects of my life. I'm passionate about The Leafs and sports in general, unfortunately there isn't anything I can personally do to help that team. Finance IS a place where I can make an impact... do you have a game plan in place? If not, lets chat about where Prophix can make an impact in how you plan for the challenges ahead. 🏒💼 #FinanceGamePlan

In this week’s episode, Beau chats with Matthew Nix, President and CEO of Nix Companies INC., about scaling their family business from 4 people to over 200 employees. He talks about his company's history, starting in 1092, the unique strategies they used to grow through acquisitions, creating a workplace culture that attracts world-class employees, and his upcoming book, “Forging Ahead,” which will be released next week. https://foxly.link/iZzk2y