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Audacy Files for Bankruptcy– Radio Behemoth Owns Top News, Music, Sports Stations in New York, Los Angeles

Roger Friedman
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Audacy Files for Bankruptcy– Radio Behemoth Owns Top News, Music, Sports Stations in New York, Los Angeles

Audacious: Audacy has filed for bankruptcy.

The behemoth radio chain has teetered financially for more than a year. I told you about this last May.

Audacy owns NewsRadio 88 and WINS, and 92.3FM in New York, plus radio station WCBS FM. They have the sole news station in Los Angeles –KNX AM and FM — and the oldies channel there, KRTH 101 FM, plus rock station KROQ. They also own WFAN, the sports station in New York.

The company basically owns all of what used to be CBS Radio, including news and music stations in all the largest markets.

But advertising is dismal. The stations count on junk ads touting unlicensed medical cures and firms that threaten penalties for not paying taxes, that sort of thing.

Audacy also owns more than 200 radio stations across the country, and also operates dozens of digital radio channels. The company also has partnerships with companies like Warner Bros. Discovery and Bloomberg LP.

The stations will remain on the air. New ownership will take over. But how to get real ads? That’s the question.

Golden Globes: If “Barbie” Wins Tonight, Does That Kill Its Oscar Chances? Academy Will Go Another Way

Roger Friedman
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Golden Globes: If “Barbie” Wins Tonight, Does That Kill Its Oscar Chances? Academy Will Go Another Way

There’s a definite downside to winning a Golden Globe award.

When tonight’s results come in, the winners may wish things hadn’t gone their way.

Most of the Best Picture Drama winners at the Globes did not go on to win Oscars. They include last year’s “The Fabelmans,” plus “The Power of the Dog,” “1917,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Boyhood,” “Three Billboards,” and “The Revenant.”

Once those films won their Globes, they were done, kaput. Why? The Academy membership had no respect for the Hollywood Foreign Press and avoided rubber stamping their choices. Sometimes they did in weak years or when it was too obvious. Those times were “Nomadland,” “Moonlight,” most recently. One of the few times a Globes choice for Best Comedy or Musical went anywhere was in 2018 with “Green Book.”

So keep that in mind tonight. The Globes aren’t a precursor of anything when it comes to Best Picture. If “Barbie” sweeps, that almost guarantees the fun is over. “Oppenheimer” will probably take Best Picture Drama tonight. When that happens, there will be wiggle room for other competitors at the Oscars. “Killers of the Flower Moon” looms large, although “The Holdovers” looms like “Green Book.” People love it. “American Fiction” is also gaining traction.

As for actors tonight: Bradley Cooper and Margot Robbie would seem like a cinch in their categories. Annette Bening is strong in hers– Best Actress in a Drama, although Lily Gladstone may be too important even for the Globes to ignore. Best Actor in a Comedy is a toss up. I’m sure the 60 or so members of the HFPA who have transferred over to the new group wanted Timothee Chalamet. But Paul Giamatti or Jeffrey Wright could be surprise spoilers. Wait and see.

UPDATING Creative Arts Emmys: Guest Actor Awards to Storm Reid, Sam Richardson, Judith Light, Nick Offerman, “Weird Al” Movie from Roku Channel! “Succession” Music Loses!

Roger Friedman
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UPDATING Creative Arts Emmys: Guest Actor Awards to Storm Reid, Sam Richardson, Judith Light, Nick Offerman, “Weird Al” Movie from Roku Channel! “Succession” Music Loses!

keep refreshing…

The Creative Arts Emmys are being handed out in Hollywood right now, the first of two nights. (The big Emmys are Monday January 15th on Fox.)

There are some headscratching surprises.

Guest Actor in a Drama went to Nick Offerman, for “The Last of Us,” a show picking up a lot of below the line prizes as well. Guest Actress in a Drama went to Storm Reid, also of “The Last of Us.” The “Succession” nominees got zip.

Guest Actor in a Comedy is Sam Richardson, from “Ted Lasso.” Guest Actress in a Comedy is Judith Light from “Poker Face.” This is Judy Light’s first Emmy after four tries. She won 2 Daytime Emmys a mere 40 years ago on “One Life to Live.” She has not one, but TWO Tony Awards on Broadway.

Best Outstanding Television Movie — The Weird Al Story. From the Roku Channel, of all things. This was made as a theatrical release, shown in Toronto, and then instead went to TV. The field here was very weak.

The Music Awards– scoring and theme — did not go to “Succession” or composer Nicholas Brittel. I will not accept these results and order an immediate siege of the Waystar Royco headquarters. Danny Elfman won both awards for “The Last of Us.”

How could

this music not have won?

51* Years Ago Today: Carly Simon’s Now Classic “You’re So Vain” Began a Three Week Run at Number 1

Roger Friedman
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51* Years Ago Today: Carly Simon’s Now Classic “You’re So Vain” Began a Three Week Run at Number 1

Hard to believe, but today is a 51st anniversary for “You’re So Vain.”

Carly Simon’s instant classic pop record even in 1973 was a wicked tell all full of edgy accusations. Produced by Richard Perry, with background vocals by Mick Jagger, “You’re So Vain” also provoked an instant guessing game: who was she singing about?

To this day, Carly has remained cagey. And in fact the song may be about three people. One of them, to his lasting chagrin, is Warren Beatty. I know this story still riles him. Some say David Geffen is in the mix. Remember, after her first two albums, Simon had been thrust into heavy company. Her boyfriends included Cat Stevens and Kris Kristofferson. This was all before James Taylor. So she had plenty of material.

But let’s get away from “Who?” part because it doesn’t really matter. Carly’s voice and Perry’s rolling thunder of a production are what drives the record, which is just about perfect sonically. The momentum builds and builds as Carly checks off the self centered main character’s traits, including using the word ‘gavotte’ to rhyme with ‘yacht.’ This has to be the only time ‘gavotte’ has ever appeared in a pop song.

Simon was friends with Jagger, who stopped by the recording studio when she and Perry were making the record. Adding Jagger’s twangy country blues inflection to Simon’s vibrant, cool vocal — she has one of the best voices in all of pop — gave the record a jaunty feel. It also eliminated speculation that Mick was the man in question.

Carly had hits before “You’re So Vain” and a ton afterwards, but she will probably always be remembered for the most mysterious confessional of all time.

By the way, the line up here is all-star: that’s Simon on piano, Klaus Voorman on bass, Jim Gordon on drums, Perry on percussion, and Jimmy Ryan on guitars. Paul Buckmaster arranged the strings.

Taylor Swift’s “1989” 2.0 Number 1 Again, Has Sold 3 Million Copies Since October

Roger Friedman
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Taylor Swift’s “1989” 2.0 Number 1 Again, Has Sold 3 Million Copies Since October

It’s pretty much the same album. Just told a different way.

Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” finished the week at number 1. The album sold around 66,000 copies.

In all, since its release in October, “1989” 2.0 has sold 2 million downloads, LPs, and CDs. Kick in another 1 million streaming equivalent and you have a tidy 3 million copies.

No one does this anymore. It’s unheard of. Swift dominated the charts and all sales for 2023. Four of last week’s top 10 albums are from her. She IS the entire record business. Her only competition — and it’s far off — is Morgan Wallen and maybe Drake.

Sunday night Taylor’s “Eras” movie will probably win a Golden Globe. It’s a concocted prize to get her to the ballroom — Blockbuster or Box Office behemoth. “Eras Tour” didn’t make as much as “Barbie” or “Oppenheimer,” but those two will win film awards. Taylor will just get a Golden Globes sop, and make an appearance. That’s all the Globes care about — and CBS, too. You want it, you got it.

Swift is also the subject of a ridiculous but click baiting New York Times op-ed piece claiming she’s sending signals that she’s gay through her music. The Times also throws Shawn Mendes under the bus in the same piece. Really disappointing and embarrassing, particularly on the day former editor in chief, the great writer Joe Lelyveld, died. He’s already rolling in his grave.

Box Office: Warners Trio Booms as “The Color Purple” Crosses $50 Mil, “Wonka” Rules, Even “Aquaman 2” Eyes Prize

Roger Friedman
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Box Office: Warners Trio Booms as “The Color Purple” Crosses $50 Mil, “Wonka” Rules, Even “Aquaman 2” Eyes Prize

Friday box office takeaway: Warner Bros. trio booms.

“The Color Purple” crossed $50 mil last night. This is big stuff. The movie got a late start and missed some potential prize publicity. The Golden Globes didn’t even nominate it for Best Picture Musical or Comedy. I mean, wasn’t getting a Black picture in there the group’s only mandate this year?

Anyway, I digress. “The Color Purple” was nominated for the Critics Choice Awards next Sunday, will be a SAG Best Ensemble, and certainly a Best Picture for the Oscars. All of that will keep the ball rolling nicely.

Meanwhile, “Aquaman 2” should hit $100 million by tomorrow or Monday. It cost a fortune and got bad reviews, but little by little it swam and didn’t sink. Yes, it cost a fortune, but it’s not all wet. I’m sure there will be a big write off coming, but for now, it’s not a total embarrassment.

And “Wonka” at $150 million is a solid hit. So Warners’ marketing and distributing plans were sound, they rule the ‘wood right now.

A24’s “The Zone of Interest” has played in 6 theaters for 22 days. Last night’s small take was 32% off last Friday. This is the Zone of Disinterest. I said in Cannes this movie should just play in museum showings. And that’s the way it’s going.

“NCIS: The Wonder Years” or “Young Jethro” Will Find Mark Harmon Narrating Origin Series Produced by His Own Son

Roger Friedman
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“NCIS: The Wonder Years” or “Young Jethro” Will Find Mark Harmon Narrating Origin Series Produced by His Own Son

There have already been a lot of “NCIS” brand series. One of them is on now, set in Sydney, Australia.

So wasn’t it time for an origins series, like “Star Trek”? Well, that wish is being fulfilled.

“NCIS Origins” sounds like it will “NCIS The Wonder Years” or “Young Jethro.” It’s all about Mark Harmon’s Jethro Gibbs character and how he became head of NCIS. The producer is nepo-baby Sean Harmon who’s getting his first producing credit. His mother is Pam Dawber, aka Mindy. Mork was not involved.

I guess the show is set in the 70s and early 80s. Mark Harmon will narrate, a la Jim Parsons with “Young Sheldon” or Daniel Stern and “The Wonder Years.” Young Jethro will look back at his early days of solving crimes in his Boy Scout troop and getting kidnapped at college football games.n

If “NCIS Origins” works, then — like “Yellowstone” — there will be “NCIS 1925” and so on. This is what you want, America, and this is what you will get.

Singer Michael Bolton Tells Fans He Had Surgery for a Brain Tumor Just Before the Holidays

Roger Friedman
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Singer Michael Bolton Tells Fans He Had Surgery for a Brain Tumor Just Before the Holidays

Michael Bolton has posted a note to fans explaining his ill health. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor before the holidays and had surgery to remove it.

I’ve been told in the past that Bolton has also been battling other conditions that have plagued him. I saw him recently and refrained from asking what was wrong. Michael is the nicest guy in the world, and only deserves good things.

Here’s his statement. Let’s hope he has a speedy recovery.

Emmy Awards, Part 1 This Weekend: Dozens of Presenters for Creative Arts Awards, from Kid Cudi to Melanie Lynskey, Leading Up to January 15th Gala

Roger Friedman
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Emmy Awards, Part 1 This Weekend: Dozens of Presenters for Creative Arts Awards, from Kid Cudi to Melanie Lynskey, Leading Up to January 15th Gala

This is a big weekend in Hollywood and next week is even bigger.

You already know about the Golden Globes. But while they’re going on in one part of town, the Creative Arts Emmys will be given out — on Saturday and Sunday, at the Peacock Theater.

The Creative Arts Emmys include all the ‘below the line’ artisans, plus guest stars from TV shows.

A TV special with all the winners will be aired on Saturday, January 13th on FXX. Hopefully we’ll have some winners to report from the show tomorrow night. The big Emmy Awards are on Monday, January 15th on Fox. They were postponed from September because of the SAG strike. People Magazine, United Airlines, Fiji Water, and Johnnie Walker are among the sponsors.

Here’s a list of presenters from this weekend. It’s quite a gang!

Murray Bartlett (The Last of Us; The White Lotus), Joel Kim Booster (Fire Island), Kid Cudi (Entergalactic), Charli D’Amelio and Heidi D’Amelio (Dancing with the Stars; The D’Amelio Show), Rhys Darby (Our Flag Means Death), Akbar Gbajabiamila and Matt Iseman (American Ninja Warrior), Beatrice Grannò (The White Lotus), Carla Gugino (The Fall of the House of Usher), Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs; Echo), Lala Kent, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz and Scheana Shay (Vanderpump Rules), Aja Naomi King (Lessons in Chemistry), Rhett McLaughlin & Link Neal (Good Mythical Morning), Nick Offerman (The Last of Us), Chris Perfetti (Abbott Elementary), Lewis Pullman (Lessons in Chemistry), J. Smith-Cameron (Succession), Stefania Spampinato (Grey’s Anatomy; Station 19), Simona Tabasco (The White Lotus), Robin Thede (A Black Lady Sketch Show) and Lisa Vanderpump (Vanderpump Villa). Cynthia Addai-Robinson (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Kate Berlant and John Early (Would It Kill You to Laugh?), Adam Blackstone (The Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show Starring Rihanna), Kiersey Clemons  (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters), Donald Faison and Abigail Spencer (Extended Family), Cristo Fernández (Ted Lasso), Nikki Garcia and Brie Garcia (Twin Love), Nikki Glaser (FBoy Island), Duff Goldman (Baking Championships), Bruce Greenwood (The Fall of the House of Usher; The Resident), Lori Greiner (Shark Tank), Derek Hough and Julianne Hough (Dancing with the Stars), Ernie Hudson (Quantum Leap), Padma Lakshmi (Top Chef; Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi), Chelsea Lazkani, Amanza Smith, Chrishell Stause and Bre Tiesi (Selling Sunset), Melanie Lynskey (The Last of Us; Yellowjackets), Rickey Minor (The 95th Academy Awards), Arian Moayed (Succession), Karen Pittman (The Morning Show), Jeff Probst (Survivor), Storm Reid (The Last of Us; Euphoria), Craig Robinson (Killing It), Jeremy Sisto (FBI), Alan Tudyk (Grimsburg; Harley Quinn), John Walsh (America’s Most Wanted) and Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary).

Parker Posey, the Most “White Lotus” Actor Ever, Heads Season 3 with Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan

Roger Friedman
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Parker Posey, the Most “White Lotus” Actor Ever, Heads Season 3 with Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan

Parker Posey is probably the most “White Lotus”-ish actor ever to join the show. She leads the Season 3 cast just announced with Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, plus Dom Hetrakul and Tayme Thapthimthong.

Natasha Rothwell was already announced, reprising her role from Season 1. Remember– she was the staff member who got tangled up with Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya.

The show is set in Thailand this time. Filming will begin in and around Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok next month. The multi-generational group of characters includes a patriarch, a female corporate executive, an actress, a couple of mothers, including a country club wife, a misfit and a yogi. We’re hoping Parker plays the actress. She would be the wacky version of Ginger from “Gilligan’s Island.” It would seem like Isaacs — coming off his great performance as Cary Grant in “Archie” — is the mogul.

Will Coolidge return? Maybe as a ghost or some kind of spirit since this season is supposed to be about all things Eastern. Maybe Tanya will haunt the new group of guests.

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