Media
BBC accused of anti-Semitism
The Australian’s Ben Ellery writes the BBC has been criticised after an article described Palestinian intifadas as “largely unarmed and popular”, wording that sparked complaints inside the broadcaster and anger beyond it.
The line appeared in a story about Manchester and London police banning chants of “intifada” at protests, and was later removed after staff raised concerns.
Former BBC Television director Danny Cohen called the language “disgraceful” and “appalling”.
Nine rejects claims over Bondi coverage decision
news.com.au’s Annette Sharp reports that Nine has rejected claims that newsreader Georgie Gardner resisted anchoring rolling coverage of the Bondi Beach massacre, amid suggestions she was concerned about interrupting scheduled programming.
According to the claims, Gardner made the comment as Nine News weighed whether to shift into full breaking coverage of the terrorist attack at Bondi.
Politico cools talk of Australia expansion
Speculation about Politico planting a flag in Australia has flared again after the outlet’s European boss made his second visit here this year.
As Capital Brief’s John Buckley reports, Jamil Anderlini, Politico Europe’s regional director, was in Sydney earlier this month for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Sydney Dialogue, where Politico was a media partner.
But he said the event, not expansion plans, was the reason for the trip.
Kennedy Centre name change claim ignites backlash
The Hollywood Reporter’s Caitlin Huston reports that The Kennedy Centre has become the latest flashpoint in Washington, following claims it is set for a high-profile rebrand.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the centre’s board had voted unanimously to rename it the Trump Kennedy Centre, after President Trump reshaped the board earlier this year and installed himself as chair.
Social Media
Race commissioner warns of unchecked online hate
Australia’s race discrimination commissioner has accused social media platforms of allowing racist and antisemitic content to spread unchecked, warning of a heightened risk of racially motivated violence after the Bondi Beach terror attack.
As The Guardian’s Joe Hinchliffe reports, Giridharan Sivaraman said the idea that online hate cannot be controlled is a myth, arguing that platforms have the power to act but lack the commercial incentive.
Facebook trials paid limits on link sharing
The Guardian’s Michael Savage reports that Facebook is testing a paid limit on link sharing, restricting how many web links users can post unless they subscribe.
In the small trial, users without Meta Verified, from about A$20 a month, can share just two external links, with the test limited to select Professional Mode accounts.
Trump Media dives into fusion energy
The ABC reports that Trump Media and Technology Group has moved into the energy game, buying a fusion power company in a deal worth about US$6 billion, or roughly $9 billion Australian.
Fusion is often billed as a cleaner, safer alternative to nuclear energy, but it has yet to prove itself commercially after decades of promise.
TikTok orders full-time office return for US staff
Business Insider’s Dan Whateley and Ashley Rodriguez report TikTok has told its US employees they will be expected back in the office five days a week next year, signalling a clear end to widespread remote work.
The change, due to roll out from September, will affect major teams including advertising sales, marketing and product, according to staff.
Companies
Zaslav set for massive payday as Warner Bros. Discovery deal looms
A takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery could deliver a big win for shareholders and an even bigger one for CEO David Zaslav if bidding between Paramount and Netflix heats up.
According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Erik Hayden, Alex Weprin, the process began after Skydance’s David Ellison approached the company, before the board rejected his bid in favour of Netflix’s $82.7 billion offer.
Regulatory filings show Zaslav would walk away with about $30 million in exit pay and equity worth roughly $537 million if a deal closes.
Entertainment
Kevin Spacey returns to TV in Italian series
Variety’s Nick Vivarelli reports that Kevin Spacey is set to appear on television for the first time since his 2017 exit from House of Cards, marking a cautious comeback to the small screen.
He will star in Italian comedy Minimarket for public broadcaster RAI, continuing his efforts to revive his career.