SiriusXM is in talks to acquire iHeartMedia, a deal that would combine America's largest radio provider and its biggest terrestrial radio station owner.
Why it matters: Audio is having a moment. But the businesses of some traditional players have been under strain, limiting their ability to invest in digital as Big Tech giants like Spotify and YouTube surge.
After reports of OpenAI missing its own revenue targets, investors soured on tech stocks on Tuesday, putting the entire market under pressure as a result. But investors in the private AI labs are unfazed.
Why it matters: The AI bulls aren't going anywhere.
The Ankler, an entertainment media startup led by veteran Hollywood editor Janice Min and insider columnist Richard Rushfield, is moving its publishing operations from Substack to a new subscription management platform called Passport that was created by Ben Thompson, an influential independent tech journalist.
Why it matters: While Substack does offer enterprise solutions for bigger publishers, it's used primarily by independent creators with less complex subscription offerings.
The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday ordered an accelerated review of ABC's local station broadcast licenses as it investigates whether those stations violated the FCC's rules that are meant to prevent "unlawful discrimination" related to ABC's diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
Why it matters: The move is unprecedented, and it puts pressure on ABC and its parent Disney as they continue to clash with the Trump administration over the content they broadcast.
Paramount Skydance is asking the FCC for advance approval for the foreign backers of its deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery to possibly increase their equity stakes or voting control in the company up to 20% at some point in the future, according to a regulatory notice.
Why it matters: The deal, which represents one of the most highly leveraged transactions in history, has significant backing from foreign investors.
Elon Musk's lawsuit against Sam Altman ostensibly is about OpenAI's pivot to a for-profit model, after having been founded for more altruistic purposes.
What really matters, however, is if either side can expose damaging information about the other. Almost regardless of the jury verdict.
Tesla's admission that millions of its older cars can't support full self-driving underscores a new reality: software-driven vehicles are starting to age like smartphones — but without an easy upgrade path.
Why it matters: Cars last far longer than phones — about 13 years on average — setting up costly headaches as their hardware struggles to keep up with rapidly evolving features.
IAC, the publicly traded internet holding company, on Tuesday said it would change its name to People Incorporated to reflect its focus on its People Inc. publishing business.
Why it matters: IAC was created in 1995 as a vehicle for founder Barry Diller, 84, to buy and build internet platforms that he could grow and spin out to create more value. It's become less acquisitive in recent years as it focused on its fastest-growing asset.
WASHINGTON — Authenticity is emerging as a key differentiator for communications strategies, said tech, media, and policy leaders at an April 24 Axios event.
Between the lines: The proliferation of AI content is leaving audiences — especially younger ones — hungry for more human interactions.
Axios' Mike Allen, Eleanor Hawkins and Sara Fischer spoke with Taylor Budowich, Innovation Council Action founder, the Sovereign Advisors managing partner and former White House deputy chief of staff for President Trump; Reddit chief communications officer Adam Collins; and MS Now president Rebecca Kutler. The event was sponsored by ROKK Solutions.
By the numbers: Polling reflects an emphasis on people over technology.
73% of those polled believe technology is getting in the way of human connection, Collins said, citing numbers from Morning Consult.
65% are more likely to believe advice from a human than a robot, he added.
Yes, but: Brands that want to build trustworthy reputations can use artificial intelligence to guide what audiences crave.
Case in point: Reddit is using AI for translations that break down would-be language barriers on its platform.
"The technology is in service of the result you're trying to drive; the technology is not the result itself," Collins said.
What's next: Brands are doubling down on putting connection and identity first.
Ron Bonjean and Rodell Mollineau, co-founders and partners at ROKK Solutions, told Axios publisher Nicholas Johnston that Reddit's approach, in particular, matters because the platform is "the ultimate focus group."
ROKK is using an AI tool to parse Reddit to "flag risks and opportunities" for clients concerned about reputational risk.
It's not just Congress — the corner office is graying, too, with the average American CEO now 61, up from around 51 two decades ago, a new working paper finds.
Why it matters: It's a mixed bag: Older leaders tend to manage businesses that grow more slowly and are less likely to radically innovate, the study finds, in line with prior research. But they also appear to be better at managing companies through more uncertain economic times.
OpenAI's revised Microsoft pact lets it sell AI models across multiple clouds, enabling a likely expansion with Amazon and broader enterprise distribution.
Why it matters: The shift ends OpenAI's effective cloud exclusivity, widening its reach to customers using AWS, Google Cloud or others — and intensifying AI platform competition.
Florida's top cop said Monday his office will investigate the alleged role of ChatGPT in the slayings of two University of South Florida students.
The big picture: The accused killer's alleged use of the OpenAI chatbot, outlined in court records, is the latest flashpoint in a debate over to what extent AI companies should be held accountable for how their tools are used.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier launched a probe into OpenAI this month, citing in part ChatGPT's alleged role in a mass shooting last year at Florida State University.
