FCC leader says agency is no longer independent as he’s grilled by Democrats over Kimmel controversy
WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic senators are criticizing the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission for pressuring broadcasters to take ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel off the air. At a hearing Wednesday, Democrats on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee suggested that Brendan Carr was politicizing an independent agency and trampling the First Amendment. Carr says he's simply enforcing laws that hold broadcasters to stricter scrutiny. But a commissioner appointed by Democratic President Joe Biden told senators that the FCC has “undermined its reputation as a stable, independent and expert-driven regulatory body.”
The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, leaving longtime home of ABC
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a major change for the Oscars. Starting in 2029, the awards ceremony will stream on YouTube. ABC will continue broadcasting the event until 2028, which will mark the 100th Oscars. This shift announced Wednesday represents a significant move for one of television's marquee events. Starting in 2029, YouTube will retain global rights to streaming the Oscars through 2033. YouTube will effectively be the home to all things Oscars, including red-carpet coverage, the Governors Awards and the Oscar nominations announcement.
Rob Reiner’s son Nick appears in court on 2 counts of murder in killing of his parents
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nick Reiner, son of Rob Reiner, appeared in court as he faces charges of first-degree murder in the killing of his parents. The 32-year-old did not enter a plea as he appeared Wednesday from behind the glass wall of a custody area. He was in shackles and wearing a jail suicide prevention smock. Arraignment was postponed until Jan. 7. The 78-year-old actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead from stab wounds in their Los Angeles home Sunday. Nick Reiner was arrested hours later.
Movie Review: The Neil Diamond-inspired 'Song Sung Blue' hits all the wrong notes
“Song Sung Blue” is a new Hollywood movie about a Neil Diamond tribute act, starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. The film is based on a 2008 documentary about Mike and Claire Sardina, a struggling couple from Milwaukee. Director Craig Brewer mixes working-class pressures, romance, tragedy and drug addiction, but the movie feels disjointed, says AP critic Mark Kennedy. Jackman and Hudson perform over 20 songs, but the film's tone doesn't match its tragic story. Some scenes feel forced, and the film doesn't explore the world of musical impersonators. Overall, the movie struggles to capture the charm of the original documentary.
Movie Review: SpongeBob is back in madcap ‘Search for SquarePants’
SpongeBob wants to prove he's a big guy in “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.” In theaters Friday, the movie takes SpongeBob and his loyal pal Patrick on an adventure to the underworld with the ghost of The Flying Dutchman, who is voiced by Mark Hamill. Voice actors Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke and Clancy Brown are all back as well. In her review for The Associated Press, Film Writer Lindsey Bahr writes that the 3D animation style doesn't add anything, but that the zany, madcap spirit of SpongeBob remains firmly intact seven years after its creator died. It's rated PG.
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Alex Warren's year has been anything but 'Ordinary.' Now, the Grammys are calling
New York (AP) — Alex Warren's song “Ordinary” is, by many measures, a defining song of 2025. The song was certified three-times platinum and fast-tracked the former social media celebrity into mainstream musical fame. It blew up on TikTok and opened a lot of opportunities for the 25-year-old singer-songwriter. On Feb. 1, he competes for his first Grammy. The first-time nominee is up for best new artist. Warren tells The Associated Press that he is grateful for his breakout year and hopes that his music connects with people. Warren's debut album, “You’ll Be Alright, Kid,” was released last summer.
Faith-based entertainment sees a revival in Hollywood. Defining what it is can be a challenge
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Faith-based films are gaining traction in Hollywood, with recent successes sparking renewed interest. Angel Studios' animated biblical film "David" has already exceeded $14 million in pre-sale tickets. "The Chosen," a popular drama about Jesus, has grossed over $116 million domestically since Fathom Entertainment began releasing it theatrically in 2023. Studios are recognizing the box-office potential of faith-based content, with Lionsgate set to release the sequel to "I Can Only Imagine' in February. This trend reflects a growing demand for spiritual storytelling, something many say Hollywood has long ignored. But defining what counts as faith-based entertainment can be challenging.
Warner Bros recommends investors reject Paramount's offer in favor of Netflix's
NEW YORK (AP) — Warner Bros. Discovery is telling shareholders to reject an unsolicited takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, saying an offer from Netflix will be better for them and customers. The Warner board said in a letter to shareholders on Wednesday that Paramount’s “inferior” offer carried “significant risks and costs,” in large part because it relies heavily on borrowed money – whereas the Netflix offer is backed by a company worth more than $400 billion. While the letter to shareholders means Paramount's offer is not the one favored by Warner's board, shareholders have the ultimate say.
'Buck Rogers' star Gil Gerard dies at 82
Gil Gerard, known for his role as Buck Rogers, has died at 82. His manager, Tina Presley Borek, said he died Tuesday in hospice care as a result of a rare cancer. Gerard starred in NBC's “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century” from 1979 to 1981. The show was based on Philip Francis Nowlan's 1928 novella. Gerard's wife, Janet, shared a posthumous message from him on Facebook, urging fans to focus on what thrills them. Throughout his career, Gerard appeared in various TV shows and movies. He was open about his struggles with addiction and underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2007.
What to know about bidding war between Netflix and Paramount for Warner Bros.
NEW YORK (AP) — Warner Bros. is telling shareholders of the company that it believes a $72 billion buyout offer from Netflix is superior, and to reject a hostile takeover bid from Paramount Skydance. Paramount went hostile with its bid last week, asking shareholders to reject the deal with Netflix favored by the board of Warner Bros. Paramount is offering $30 per Warner share, or $77.9 billion, to Netflix’s $27.75 per share. A Warner Bros. merger with either company would alter the landscape in Hollywood and will face intense scrutiny from U.S. regulators as it would impact movie making, consumer streaming platforms and, in Paramount’s case, a major source of news for millions of people.
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