Radio & Broadcasting
Zoellner Media Completes Major Tulsa Radio Station Acquisition Pending Regulatory Approval
Zoellner Media Group has agreed to purchase Cox Media Group’s entire Tulsa radio cluster—four stations including KRMG, KWEN, KRAV, and KJSR. Longtime radio executive Steve Hunter is set to manage these properties once the transaction closes, subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval expected in the second half of 2025. This is Zoellner’s first direct ownership of a multi-station cluster in a major metropolitan market. The change of ownership reflects Cox’s ongoing reorganization and exit from select regional radio assets, while Zoellner expands its media operating footprint in Oklahoma.
Spanish Broadcasting System Achieves 71% Earnings Growth and Expands Houston Market Holdings
Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS) reported a 71% increase in adjusted operating income (OIBDA) for 2024 compared to the previous year. In parallel, SBS completed the acquisition of KROI-FM, a prominent Houston radio outlet, as part of a continued strategy to increase its urban and Latino market presence. SBS’s recent financial and acquisition moves reflect targeted investment and audience growth in large metropolitan radio markets.
Bloomberg Media Extends Nationwide Podcast Distribution Through iHeartMedia
Bloomberg Media and iHeartMedia renewed their content syndication partnership, which distributes Bloomberg’s business- and finance-focused podcasts across iHeartMedia’s digital audio network. The partnership guarantees continued coverage and availability of Bloomberg’s original podcasts to audiences nationwide. The renewed business-to-business agreement does not include artist promotional activity or individual sponsorship messages.
Legislation, Regulation & Policy
Alabama Increases Motion Picture, Television, and Music Incentives With New State Legislation
On August 1, 2025, Alabama enacted amended legislation authorizing higher tax credits and rebate payments for music, film, and television production in the state. Governor Kay Ivey officially signed the measure, joined by Huntsville’s Music Officer Matt Mandrella. The law aims to attract additional production investment and employment to Alabama by offering more competitive financial incentives relative to other US states. Industry stakeholders expect a measurable increase in project filings and local project employment as a result.
US Congress Debates Copyright-Based Site Blocking Legislation, Tech Firms Object
A bill introduced into the US legislative process would give copyright claimants the authority to request court orders blocking websites found to enable piracy of entertainment content. While receiving endorsement from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the proposed law has drawn public criticism from Google, Amazon, and other tech companies who cite overreach and censorship risks. The bill remains at the hearing and committee review stage.
Executive Moves & Leadership
Marsha St. Hubert Assumes Dual Executive Roles at 10K Projects and Atlantic Records
On August 4, 2025, Marsha St. Hubert was named Co-President of 10K Projects and Executive Vice President at Atlantic Records. She now holds joint responsibility for A&R decisions, artist development, and marketing oversight across both independent and major label environments. Her appointment is not related to any merger or restructuring, but is a direct response to company succession planning and leadership reinforcement.
Peermusic Appoints James Cerreta as North American President Amid Expansion Strategy
Peermusic announced this week that James Cerreta—formerly an executive at Hipgnosis—has been named President for the US and Canadian branches of the company. Cerreta’s new role focuses on strengthening Peermusic’s publishing catalog and copyright management operations in two of its largest global markets.
Universal Music Group Launches Senior Hiring for Legal and Urban Audience Growth Roles
Universal Music Group began recruiting for two new senior-level positions: Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs and Manager of Audience Development/CRM (Urban). These openings are designed to increase the company’s capacity for legal compliance and expand analytical engagement with urban music audiences. No new appointments or internal staff changes have been publicly finalized as of this reporting.
Distribution, Streaming & Platform Infrastructure
Spotify Implements Premium Subscription Price Increases in Non-US Markets
Spotify announced new pricing for Premium membership plans in several countries outside the US, effective beginning August 2025. The adjustments do not impact US subscribers or streaming payout formulas. The company cited routine business review as the rationale and did not include forecasts regarding subscriber growth or retention in the pricing news.
Virgin Music Group Selects AMPED for Physical Product Distribution
This week, Virgin Music Group completed a handoff of its physical media and product distribution to AMPED Distribution, formalizing a logistics arrangement that covers warehousing, shipping, and fulfillment for Virgin’s physical music releases. The move is aimed at improving supply chain efficiency. No details on impacts to current partners or release schedules have been disclosed.
Independent Distribution Company AMFM Opens Operations in Florida
AMFM, a newly launched Florida-based music distribution company, began full operations this week following its founding by the organizers of the THINK BOLD Festival. AMFM enables independent musicians and small labels to distribute music to retail and digital platforms, filling existing infrastructure gaps for non-major label participants.
TikTok and YouTube Music Integrate for Enhanced Cross-Platform Music Discovery
A major backend technical update at TikTok now allows seamless user transition and music sharing between TikTok and YouTube Music. The integration is intended to facilitate more accurate listener analytics and enhance the discovery pipeline for music shared across both platforms.
Instagram Changes Account Requirements for Live Video Broadcasting
Effective immediately, Instagram now permits only accounts with 1,000 or more followers to initiate live video streams, citing anti-abuse and content moderation goals as primary reasons. The change applies globally and does not provide legacy access for previously eligible accounts.
Copyright, Legal & Royalties
Industry Groups Submit Collaborative Copyright Standard Brief in Major Music Case
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), in collaboration with CISAC, filed a joint amicus brief within the last 72 hours calling for harmonized international legal standards for digital copyright attribution and streaming royalty payments. The submission supports standardization in music copyright frameworks; legal outcomes remain pending.
PRS for Music Speeds Streaming Royalty Payouts to Monthly Interval
UK-based collecting agency PRS for Music rolled out a new distribution cadence for songwriter and publisher streaming royalties, moving to monthly payments instead of quarterly. The change was made to facilitate more reliable income for members but leaves overall payment formulas and sums unchanged.
Settlement Ends “Dazed and Confused” Authorship Lawsuit Between Led Zeppelin and Jake Holmes
A final legal settlement between songwriter Jake Holmes and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page has concluded all remaining copyright claims over the classic song “Dazed and Confused.” The suit, which had been pending in US federal court, ended with no public release of terms and closes all future litigation over the song’s ownership status in the United States.
NetEase Cloud Music Files Chinese Antitrust Complaint Against SM Entertainment
NetEase Cloud Music, a top Chinese music streaming service, filed suit in China alleging that Korean entertainment giant SM Entertainment engaged in anticompetitive licensing practices and market dominance tactics restricting fair access to major music catalogues. The legal complaint is currently pending in Chinese courts.
Finance, Transparency & Industry Data
Universal Music Group’s Q2 Results Confirm Continued Revenue Growth
UMG’s latest quarterly report showed a 1.6% increase in consolidated revenues year-on-year, reflecting modest business expansion across its global music divisions. The earnings statement included no market guidance or other commentary.
Market Research Papers Cite Unresolved Streaming Royalty Reporting Problems
Reports produced by MIDiA and independent researchers continue to highlight gaps in data transparency, inconsistency in royalty calculations, and opaque accounting practices among leading streaming platforms. The studies recommend standardized reporting to improve payouts for rights-holders but note that no immediate regulatory or business reforms were enacted during the past 72 hours.
Film and Streaming
AI-Driven Tools See Rapid Adoption Rate in Film Production Sectors
A recent report indicates that the global film industry is integrating generative artificial intelligence at an accelerating pace, with an annual market growth rate measured at 26.8%. The report documents expanding use of AI solutions in script development, visual effects design, and editorial workflows at both studio and independent production levels. Researchers attribute this surge to greater efficiency, cost reduction, and creative possibilities unlocked through machine learning advances. The research sample spans North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, reflecting rising investment in technical innovation across production pipelines.
Paramount Streaming Leadership Changes as Skydance Assumes Control
Following the finalized merger between Skydance and Paramount, Tom Ryan will exit his roles as President and CEO of Paramount Streaming. This transition is part of the broader management restructuring accompanying the formation of the new Skydance-Paramount parent company. The report details that Skydance executives will lead the streaming unit and other core business lines going forward, impacting organizational reporting and operational oversight. No announcement of a direct replacement for Ryan has yet been made, but further personnel updates are expected as the merger integration continues.
Major Studios Choose Utah for Film Projects Due to Incentives and Location Advantages
Recent reporting outlines why film studios including Disney, Paramount, and Hulu prefer Utah for select productions. Key reasons confirmed by official interviews include the state’s financial incentive programs, streamlined permitting, and the availability of skilled local workers. Utah’s varied landscapes allow for diverse filming locations without long-distance travel, offering operational flexibility for tight production schedules. State officials indicate that the number and budget of productions using these advantages continue to rise, directly benefiting the local economy.
Upcoming Streaming Release for Spike Lee Thriller with Denzel Washington Announced
A new thriller film starring Denzel Washington and directed by Spike Lee is set to launch soon on streaming platforms. The film, which has already earned an 89% approval rating from aggregated early reviews, has released its official trailer. The announcement lists the primary distribution partners, confirms digital release timing, and summarizes projected audience reach, based entirely on public distributor and platform statements.
New Independent Film “Highest 2 Lowest” Announces First Digital Trailer Release
The independent film “Highest 2 Lowest” unveiled its inaugural digital trailer, confirming the film’s progress toward online and streaming debut. The production’s representatives provided details of its cast, directorial leadership, and anticipated release date through formal press channels. The trailer and supporting information were posted to industry news sites, strictly outlining film content and availability for future digital screening.
Netflix to Launch Branded Merchandise Tied to Upcoming Animated Film
Netflix has disclosed plans for an official merchandise line linked to its forthcoming animated project “Kpop Demon Hunters.” The merchandise campaign, verified by company statements, will feature character-themed products and apparel to coincide with the film’s global streaming release. This development follows a trend of major streaming platforms expanding content-based licensing and consumer product strategies to boost user engagement beyond initial viewership windows.
Cinema Attendance Declines Sharply over Winter Holiday Period
Data collected from leading theater chains show that winter break cinema ticket sales in the domestic market have fallen to their lowest levels in fifteen years. The figures, aggregated by independent box office analysts, highlight the growing impact of home streaming options and changing viewer preferences. Major industry stakeholders have acknowledged the downward trend and are exploring alternative audience engagement models, but no immediate corrective business strategies were announced in response to the sales data.
Artificial Intelligence Expands Role in Visual Effects Industry
The visual effects industry is rapidly increasing its use of artificial intelligence, according to a recent sector report. AI adoption in visual effects is being leveraged for rendering, animation, facial tracking, and digital environment generation. The research, which measured a 19.6% annual growth in AI-powered VFX workflows, credits acceleration to cost reductions, faster turnaround, and more scalable visual production options. These findings are based on surveys and published investment information from VFX houses active in major film, streaming, and media projects.
