Greetings!

As a journalist, I relish the opportunity to dig into a complicated, nuanced topic. One of the reasons I joined TheWrap was because of our goal to provide Pro subscribers with the kind of in-depth reporting that has become a rare commodity in the media world. 

That's why I'm particularly proud of today's lead story, our examination of a Justice Department investigation into possible collusion around refunds related to COVID-canceled concerts that has now roped in the major talent agencies. 

Roger Cheng
Managing Editor of Business and PRO
roger.cheng@thewrap.com

PS: We just kicked off a free 2-week trial of WrapPRO. If you’ve been wanting to check out our full coverage, now’s the time. Feel free to forward the news.

HOW THE BIGGEST AGENCIES GOT TIED UP IN A DOJ PROBE

Talent agencies CAA, WME, UTA and Wasserman have been questioned as part of a Justice Department investigation into whether Live Nation and AEG colluded over ticket refunds related to concerts canceled at the onset of the pandemic in 2020, TheWrap has learned.

The probe spun out of a separate, larger investigation that led to the Justice Department's civil antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, and is just the latest example of how the government is taking a more critical look at the power that the company wields over the entertainment industry. 

DON'T MISS

Check out Brian Lowry's exclusive interview with Bill O'Reilly, who discusses the impact of the Epstein files fallout, the fractured MAGA coalition and the post-Trump reckoning for media. 

CATCH UP

Legal Watch: Warner Bros. Discovery asks court to dismiss shareholder lawsuit over its loss of NBA TV rights

News Aid: Former Hammer Museum Director Ann Philbin said she would donate the $500,000 grant from her Getty Prize to NPR and LA-based news organizations KCRW and LAist

Firing Back: Dems introduce "anti-corruption" bill to rein in presidential library donations in the wake of the Paramount settlement

BIZ CORNER

John Malkovich's Red Ghost cut from "The Fantastic Four: First Steps"

Ryan Gosling and Will Ferrell to star in buddy comedy "Tough Guys" for Amazon MGM Studios

FX greenlights Ryan Murphy drama "The Shards"

"The Walking Dead: Dead City" renewed for Season 3 at AMC Networks

DATA POINT

"Superman" continues to top our Screenshare chart of what audiences are most excited about, followed by "Jurassic World Rebirth," which is staying strong against the Man of Steel, particularly overseas

IN OTHER NEWS...

Poynter receives Press Forward funding to help preserve local online news content (Poynter)

Nvidia will boost chip sales to China after U.S. eases restrictions (Reuters)

A staggering 86% of digital ad buyers use or plan to use generative AI for video ad creation (TheDesk.net)

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This report provides a high-level analysis of daily developments within the entertainment sector. It compiles crucial data points and insights from industry leaders, highlighting key trends and shifts in business strategies.