Behind Amazon MGM’s Jen Salke ouster and its fallout

Black-owned media companies are still waiting for the advertising dollars they were promised. Variety’s Cynthia Littleton talks to Revolt’s Detavio Samuels, Black Star Network’s Roland Martin, and BET founder Robert Johnson, who explains how brands say all the right things but rarely back it up with real investment. The message is simple: talk is cheap, and real support matters.

In a surprising move, Netflix has pulled the plug on Future Stories, one of its most-played interactive games. Despite its popularity, the company seems to be rethinking its gaming strategy. As reported by What’s on Netflix, this decision proves that even hit titles aren’t safe in Netflix’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon’s TV and film division, is stepping down after six years, signaling a major leadership change at the company’s entertainment arm. The New York Times’s Nicole Sperling reports that during her tenure, Salke expanded Amazon Studios' original content lineup with hits like Reacher and The Boys. Her departure comes as Amazon reassesses its streaming strategy amid industry-wide cost-cutting and shifting content priorities.

Will ChatGPT’s new memory feature shake up the ad industry? The latest update allows the AI to remember user interactions, raising concerns about how brands target consumers. But as Fast Company’s Jeff Beer explains, while this might change the way companies connect with audiences, it’s not an ad industry killer—just another shift in digital marketing.

Did OpenAI’s AI just recreate Studio Ghibli’s signature look? The Verge’s David Pierce reports that users are pointing out striking similarities, raising questions about copyright and artistic ownership. OpenAI insists it didn’t train on Ghibli’s work, but the controversy underscores growing concerns about AI and creativity.

Amazon just made a big Hollywood shake-up, ousting Jen Salke as head of MGM Studios. The Hollywood Reporter points out that while she helped secure major deals like the $8.5 billion MGM acquisition, critics pointed to overspending on projects with questionable returns. This move suggests Amazon is tightening its belt and focusing more on profits than prestige.

Skims x Nike—brilliant or a branding mismatch? Branding Strategy Insider’s R.J. Abbott explores how Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand is teaming up with the sportswear giant, but some are questioning if their values truly align. While Skims stands for inclusivity, Nike has faced backlash over its treatment of female athletes. Will this collab be a slam dunk or a PR headache?

Surprise! MrBeast says Facebook—not YouTube Shorts or TikTok—is where he makes the most money from short-form videos. Sam Gutelle for Tubefilter highlights how Facebook’s solid ad revenue and massive audience keep it a goldmine for creators. With Meta rolling out "O.G." features, Facebook might just be the next big thing (again).

Can AI truly capture the magic of Studio Ghibli? The New York Times’ Madison Malone Kircher explores how fans are using AI tools to recreate the studio’s signature aesthetic, sparking debate. While some praise it as an homage, others worry it devalues the craftsmanship of traditional animation.

Big changes are coming for Sundance! Nicole Sperling, The New York Times reports that after decades in Park City, the festival is moving to Boulder, Colorado. Rising costs and logistical challenges drove the decision, but Boulder’s vibrant indie film culture makes it an exciting new home. Expect the first festival there in 2027.