Bloomberg now reports, citing a person familiar with the discussions, that the buyers cited by Trump are a group of investors who were previously in talks with ByteDance, including Oracle, Blackstone and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Those talks broke down after Beijing withheld approval in the wake of Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods.
Finance
As AI kills search traffic, Google launches Offerwall to boost publisher revenue
On Thursday, the tech giant officially launched Offerwall, a new tool that allows publishers to generate revenue beyond the more traffic-dependent options, like ads. Offerwall lets publishers give their sites’ readers a variety of ways to access their content, including through options like micropayments, taking surveys, watching ads, and more.
Source: As AI kills search traffic, Google launches Offerwall to boost publisher revenue | TechCrunch
AI music platform Suno acquires WavTool, moving into DAW market
Suno announced the acquisition a day after its rival Udio released a visual editing workstation for AI-generated music. Suno’s acquisition of WavTool integrates the latter’s browser-based DAW technology into Suno’s existing AI music generation platform. In a press release Suno described WavTool as “the first browser-based DAW to combine professional-grade music production features” like VST plugin compatibility, sample-accurate editing, and live recording.
Source: AI music platform Suno acquires WavTool, moving into DAW market
California Legislative Leaders Agree on $750 Million in Funding for Film and TV Credit
California legislative leaders have accepted Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to more than double the film and TV credit, in a win for the industry. The state Senate and Assembly leadership have accepted Newsom’s proposed funding level, which more than doubles the program from $330 million. A vote is scheduled on Friday on a trailer bill to make it official, according to multiple sources.
Source: California Legislative Leaders Agree on $750 Million in Funding for Film and TV Credit
UK Gov Unveils $500M Creative Industries Sector Plan Investment
The UK government has announced an over $500 million investment, including in the music space, under its Creative Industries Sector Plan. That £380 million (currently $512.9 million) package was disclosed today as part of the decade-long Creative Industries Sector Plan. The latter was released alongside a broader Industrial Strategy designed to “make the UK the best place to do business.”
Source: UK Gov Unveils $500M Creative Industries Sector Plan Investment
How data-driven tools are changing the way artists and labels finance their businesses
Funding deals rarely operate the way they’re initially advertised. Factors like cash timing, recoupment rates, and long-term obligations can significantly affect an artist’s cash flow and ownership rights over time. beatBread’s Deal Comparison Tool models these variables across different performance scenarios, simulating annual cash flows and total costs. It helps users identify hidden risks and avoid getting locked into unfavorable terms.
Source: How data-driven tools are changing the way artists and labels finance their businesses
NMPA says Spotify ‘bundling’ move could cost music publishers $3.1bn through 2032
NMPA General Counsel Danielle Aguirre said Spotify’s bundling practice has already resulted in $230 million in lost revenue during its first year. Aguirre added that “these losses will continue if we can’t reverse or correct Spotify’s actions. In fact, if we don’t stop them, we are projected to lose over $3.1 billion through the next CRB period,” which will be Phonorecords V, which determines mechanical royalty rates for 2028 through 2032.
Source: NMPA says Spotify ‘bundling’ move could cost music publishers $3.1bn through 2032
The Media and Entertainment Deal Machine Is Revving Up
The ranks of media owners and entertainment companies are poised for their biggest makeover in a generation. Media titans such as Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery are cleaving off their cable-television channels, while television-station operators such as Allen Media and Apollo Global Management are exploring selling dozens of stations. Cox and Charter, two of the biggest cable and broadband companies, have agreed to merge.
Source: The Media and Entertainment Deal Machine Is Revving Up
Academic Publishers Sign AI Deals as Trump Cuts Research Funding
Academic publishers are rushing to sign licensing deals with artificial intelligence companies, carving out a new revenue stream as US research funding cuts dim their outlook. Taylor & Francis signed a $10 million deal with Microsoft Corp. last year. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc is looking to “monetize academic content through AI deals,” it said in its latest set of results, and John Wiley & Sons Inc. announced partnerships with Amazon Web Services and Perplexity earlier this year.
Source: Academic Publishers Sign AI Deals as Trump Cuts Research Funding
Anthem Music Publishing Acquires Song Catalog of Marty Robbins
Anthem Music Publishing has acquired the catalog of songs from legendary Country-Western singer-songwriter Marty Robbins. The catalog represents a cornerstone of American music history, marking a powerful addition to Anthem’s growing collection of culturally significant works. “Marty Robbins is a towering figure in American music—an artist whose storytelling transcended genre and era,” said Jason Klein, CEO of Anthem Music Group.
Source: Anthem Music Publishing Acquires Song Catalog of Marty Robbins