In a move that took the entertainment industry by surprise, Matthew Belloni, the Executive Editor of The Hollywood Reporter, announced he would be stepping down from the publication after 14 years. Within minutes competitors such as Variety and The Wrap revealed that Belloni’s departure was over editorial independence.
Valence Media’s leadership allegedly wanted to block unfavorable stories about their friends and affiliated companies. As well, the sought additional coverage of subsidiaries such as Dick Clark Productions. The situation has angered the editorial staff at the Reporter leaving many to wonder who might be next to depart the world’s most widely read entertainment news outlet.
Of course we also cover some of the week’s top entertainment headlines including why a partner at one leading talent agency is suing the firm for wrongful termination, Activision wins a lawsuit allowing it to use Humvees in “Call of Duty” and the latest on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the global entertainment business.

Directors Guild of America Members Ratify Film-TV Contract by ‘Overwhelming’ Margin
https://variety.com/2020/film/news/directors-guild-of-america-film-tv-contract-ratification-1234570017/
Former CBS Chief Joe Ianniello’s 2019 Compensation Tops $125 Million
https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/joe-ianniello-viacomcbs-severance-125-million-1234570763/
Cameras Roll Again at China’s Film & TV Studios
https://asiatimes.com/2020/04/cameras-roll-again-at-chinas-film-tv-studios/
Paradigm Hit With Blistering $2M Breach Of Contract Suit By Debbee Klein
https://deadline.com/2020/04/paradigm-lawsuit-sam-gores-debbee-klein-coronavirus-adam-kantor-1202895915/
Tidal is Offering Subscriptions For $1 to Make Staying at Home a Little Easier
https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/tidal-offers-deals-promo-premium-976764/
Louis C.K. Unveils New Stand-Up Special for Those “Who Need to Laugh”
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/louis-ck-unveils-new-stand-up-special-who-need-laugh-1288593
‘Call of Duty’ Wins First Amendment Victory Over Use of Humvees
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/call-duty-wins-first-amendment-victory-use-humvees-1287882
Hollywood Reporter Editor Matt Belloni Steps Down Amid Debate Over Editorial Independence
https://www.thewrap.com/hollywood-reporter-matthew-belloni-fired/
NPR Names Poynter’s Kelly McBride As 6th Public Editor
https://www.npr.org/2020/04/06/827768275/npr-names-poynters-kelly-mcbride-as-sixth-public-editor