Alex Weprin
Hollywood Reporter
New York, NY, United States
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Past articles by Alex:
When David Zaslav Is Your Boss: 20-Plus Insiders on His Exacting Standards (And Those 6:30 a.m. Calls)
With CNN head Chris Licht ousted, other WBD executives turn their attention to his very hands-on overlord, with one source wondering: "Who wants to have to manage him?" → Read More
‘Bob’s Burgers’ Star Jay Johnston Charged by DOJ for Storming U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6
Johnston, who also appeared on 'Mr. Show' and 'The Sarah Silverman Program,' was arrested in Los Angeles on Wednesday. → Read More
The Great Rebundling: Who Will Figure Out How to Rebuild Pay TV First?
As the long decline of the cable and satellite ecosystem accelerates, Hollywood executives are wondering aloud how to put together a new one for the streaming age. → Read More
Writers Strike Picket Line Takes Over Entire New York City Block
"This is viewed as an existential moment for writers," 'Dopesick' creator Danny Strong told THR on the picket line. → Read More
Saudi Arabia’s Hollywood Dealmaking Ambitions Grow Despite Backlash
The kingdom is amassing stakes in the entertainment sector and power brokers are calculating that they can weather any negative PR. → Read More
Hasbro to Lay Off 1,000 Staffers, 15 Percent of Workforce, Amid Cost-Savings Push
The toy giant is also looking to sell its production division Entertainment One as it pivots to focus on gaming. → Read More
Dawn Ostroff Leaving Spotify as Streaming Audio Giant Slashes Staff by 6 Percent
The audio company employs around 9,800 people and is cutting its workforce by 6 percent, with CEO Daniel Ek saying: "As we evolve and grow as a business, so must our way of working while still staying true to our core values." → Read More
Netflix Shocker: Reed Hastings to Exit Co-CEO Role, Will Remain as Executive Chairman
Greg Peters has been promoted to co-CEO alongside Ted Sarandos, with Bela Bajaria and Scott Stuber also being promoted. → Read More
Why the Golden Globes May Look to Streaming as a Life Raft for Next Year
An industry embrace of ad tiers and streamers looking to get into live TV could provide the embattled awards show new hope beyond dismal linear ratings. → Read More
Behind Disney’s Activist Investor Battle: A Marvel Mogul’s Revenge Play
As activist shareholder Nelson Peltz presses a long-shot fight for a seat on Disney’s corporate board, with help from former Marvel honcho Ike Perlmutter, Bob Iger appears to be solidifying his control. → Read More
David Zaslav’s Next Big TV Licensing Pivot Begins
As HBO Max pulls 'Westworld' and plans $800 million to $1 billion in extra write-offs, its parent is leaning on third-party deals and a FAST channel to deliver cash. → Read More
When the Numbers Don’t Add Up: Recession Fears Dent Hollywood’s Streaming Ambitions
With Wall Street having lost patience, executives are cutting costs and enacting hiring freezes as direct-to-consumer profits stay elusive for most. → Read More
Bob Iger’s Disney Return: 5 Far-Fetched (or Are They?) Megadeal Scenarios
While he may be waving away any deal talk, the incoming CEO built the company with a slew of splashy buys — Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 21st Century Fox — and could have another big idea up his sleeve. → Read More
Bob Iger Returns as Hero in Waiting to Save a Battered Disney
The reinstatement — which shocked top insiders — marks a triumphant comeback for the once-again CEO, who made little secret of his disappointment with chosen successor Bob Chapek. → Read More
With Ad-Tier Launches, Netflix and Disney+ Wade Further Into Big Data’s Streaming Hazards
Privacy and transparency issues are increasingly coming into focus as the Hollywood giants aim to profit from user info. → Read More
Social Media Giants to Top Creators: Your Terms of Service Have Changed
As short-form video explodes, YouTube, Twitch, Snap and other tech platforms are reasserting leverage with influencers in the area that matters most: how to divvy up subscription and ad revenues. → Read More
Roku’s New Top Salesman, Charlie Collier, Has a Big Task Ahead
Enlisting the Fox Entertainment chief signals broader content ambitions, and the exec specializes in thrifty programming. → Read More
NBC Eyes Cutting an Hour of Primetime
The network has discussed turning the 10 o'clock hour back over to its affiliates. → Read More
Local TV Giant Nexstar Seals Deal to Buy 75 Percent Stake in The CW, Reshaping Broadcast Landscape
Nexstar will buy 75 percent of The CW from Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, with the entertainment giants retaining 12.5 percent stakes. → Read More
Hollywood’s Recession Hedge: Lean on IRL Businesses
As bad as things look now for streaming subscriptions and advertising, live events and theme parks are booming — offering a lifeline to entertainment giants that boast this revenue stream. → Read More