AP Entertainment SummaryBrief at 4:15 p.m. EST

CNN chief prescribes calm after staff anxiety over Paramount's expected purchase of parent company

Shortly after it became known that Paramount was the apparent victor in the competition to buy CNN's parent company, network president Mark Thompson was compelled to send his staff a note to calm down, in effect. “I suggest that you don't jump to conclusions,” he said. But that didn't stop the leaping: Paramount chief David Ellison had reportedly suggested to President Donald Trump — no big fan of CNN — that he'd make changes at the network. Paramount has controlled CBS News for the past six months, and he installed opinion journalist Bari Weiss as its editor-in-chief, and his moves at CBS are being scrutinized for what they might mean for CNN.

Actor Tessa Thompson, Sen. Adam Schiff and more sound off on Paramount eying Warner Bros. Discovery

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paramount’s possible takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming business is sparking loud political and Hollywood pushback. Sen. Adam Schiff of California says regulators need the highest scrutiny and no White House influence. Actor Mark Ruffalo warns consolidation hurts competition, wages and quality. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts calls the idea an antitrust disaster. She says it could mean higher prices and fewer choices. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut threatens breakups if Democrats regain power. California Attorney General Rob Bonta says the deal is not done. He says his office has an open investigation and plans a tough review.

30 years after Pokémon's release, fans are still trying to catch 'em all

LOS ANGELES (AP) — In the years Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green were released in 1996 for Nintendo Game Boy in Japan, marking the debut of Pokémon, the franchise has taken over the globe with its animated shows, mobile games and highly coveted trading cards. Friday marks the 30th year anniversary of Pokémon as its popularity continues into the next generation with fans young and old. Avid collectors may buy and sell cards for thousands of dollars each, with the fervor leading to a string of break-ins at card shops in California. Fans say they have found community around the game.

Music Review: Bruno Mars is for lovers on the throwback 'The Romantic,' his first album in 10 years

Bruno Mars is back. The 16-time Grammy Award winner has released his fourth full-length album, “The Romantic.” With just nine songs spread over 30 minutes, it's a brief return for Mars. It is also his first solo album in a decade. In a review, The Associated Press' Music Writer Maria Sherman writes that Mars remains one of the great, spirited nostalgists on “The Romantic,” where retro-pop is still the name of the game. But new influences include Philly soul and Latin music. Sherman says throwback grooves have always been a priority for Mars. And on this album, the world is sure to dance with him once again, even if it isn't the most innovative work.

Eddie Vedder turns solo vulnerability into a powerful plea in Netflix’s 'Matter of Time'

Eddie Vedder uses two emotional solo concerts and a new Netflix film to push for a cure for epidermolysis bullosa. In October 2023, he played two sold-out shows in Seattle that form the basis for “Matter of Time,” which mixes songs with stories from families facing EB. The disorder makes skin so fragile it can blister and tear from minor contact. Vedder and his wife, Jill, started EB Research Partnership in 2010 to fund science and build awareness. As for what is next, Vedder said there will be more Pearl Jam music.

Rom-coms are having a moment, from 'Heated Rivalry' to 'Nobody Wants This' and even Broadway

NEW YORK (AP) — A fresh wave of romantic comedies is heating up winter screens and Broadway, and creators say audiences still crave love stories. There’s the HBO Max hockey romance “Heated Rivalry” and the Netflix agnostic-falls-for-a-rabbi series “Nobody Wants This.” The see-you-next-year movie “People We Meet on Vacation” has become a huge Netflix hit. The musical “Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)” leans into the classic opposites-attract setup. A British optimist meets a world-weary American who hates Christmas songs. Experts say rom-coms come in waves and the genre deserves more respect. New hits add twists like same-sex romance and faith questions.

Deon Cole returns to host NAACP Image Awards and says 'terrible' BAFTA disruption will be addressed

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Deon Cole returns to host the NAACP Image Awards, and he says the night remains focused on celebrating Black excellence. The show will air live Saturday across several Paramount networks, including BET and CBS. Cole says the NAACP Image Awards is planning to address the recent disruption at the BAFTA Film Awards and calls it “terrible.” At the BAFTAs on Sunday, a racial slur came from the audience as two Black actors were announcing an award. The Image Awards ceremony will also honor Viola Davis with the Chairman's Award and Colman Domingo with the President's Award.

Music Review: K-pop group Blackpink's 'Deadline' is a fantastic, if too short, return to form

For those who love the K-pop girl group: Has a more thrilling phrase than “Blackpink in your area!” ever been uttered by an artist? Blinks, the moniker for fans of Blackpink, have been waiting for a proper group comeback from Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa for more than three years. The group's third mini-album is titled “Deadline.” Five tracks with four solid hits, it is not nothing, but it’s like giving steak once every few years to a starving lion, writes The Associated Press’ Cristina Jaleru in her review. She calls it is a satisfying chapter in the band’s discography.

Netflix walks away from Warner Bros deal, clearing the path for Paramount

NEW YORK (AP) — Netflix is declining to raise its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming business in a stunning move that effectively puts Paramount in a position to take over its storied Hollywood rival. On Thursday, after Warner’s board announced that Skydance-owned Paramount’s offer was superior to the agreement it had previously struck with Netflix, the streaming giant said the new price that would be required to buy Warner would make it a deal that is “no longer financially attractive.” Unlike Netflix’s bid, Paramount wants all of Warner’s operations, including networks like CNN and Discovery. That would put CNN under the same roof as Paramount’s CBS and combine two of Hollywood’s last five remaining studios.