Andy Meek

"Toy Story 5" just delivered the biggest opening of 2026, as clear a signal as any that after three decades Pixar is still able to lean on the movie series that helped get the studio started. The Toy Story movies include the first fully computer-animated feature film, have generated more than $3 billion worldwide, and became Pixar's first series to reach five movies, all of which helps explain why Toy Story unquestionably remains the studio's most important franchise.

A growing number of prominent journalists are leaving legacy newsrooms and stable jobs to build independent careers on platforms like Substack and TikTok. Drawing on interviews conducted over the past year with figures like Jorge Ramos, Tim Mak, Chris Cillizza, and Lisa Remillard, this article identifies the common lessons emerging from their experiences. From the importance of owning a niche to the tradeoffs between creative freedom and financial uncertainty.

CBS News reporter Aidan Stretch in Kyiv reveals the deep-seated Ukrainian opposition to any peace deal involving territorial concessions, emphasizing that such an agreement would face immediate public and military rejection. Hired by editor Bari Weiss for his versatile "Swiss Army knife" journalism, Stretch navigates Kyiv's unique reality: a vibrant European city where daily life persists amidst frequent, terrifying Russian bombardments. His reporting captures the local conviction that the conflict with Russia, ongoing since 2014, will be a lifelong struggle. Stretch's work, spanning multiple platforms and locations, offers a compelling look at Ukrainian resilience and the complex challenges of reporting from a war zone.

The second quarter of 2026 showcased a dynamic media landscape. Paramount's $110.9 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery advanced significantly, securing shareholder and U.S. antitrust approvals, though CNN's fate under a potentially Trump-friendly CEO is still pending. Fox Corp. made a strategic $22 billion move, acquiring Roku to gain a leading connected TV platform and a direct relationship with millions of streaming viewers. Meanwhile, Comcast announced plans to dismantle its long-standing media empire by spinning off NBCUniversal and Sky from its broadband and tech businesses. Hollywood also embraced AI, with Google investing in A24 for production workflow research, and Lionsgate partnering with Runway for generative video IP. Digital publishing saw major consolidation: James Murdoch acquired New York magazine and Vox Media's podcast network, Penske Media took over other Vox brands, and Axel Springer bought Telegraph Media Group. Byron Allen also invested in BuzzFeed, becoming CEO as its founder focuses on AI initiatives.

PDavid Ellison is poised to control one of the biggest media empires in history. Here's a look at every major company, brand and franchise under Paramount-WBD.

When most people think of CNN, it's probably in the context of breaking news and cable news talking heads clashing during a panel discussion.

Fox News' "The Five" celebrates 15 years as cable news' most-watched program, consistently averaging over 3.8 million viewers and even surpassing broadcast staples. Co-host Greg Gutfeld credits its success to not taking themselves too seriously and offering unpredictable, freewheeling conversations where politics isn't the sole focus. What began as a temporary experiment has evolved into a ratings powerhouse. Co-hosts Jesse Watters, Dana Perino, Harold Ford Jr., and Jessica Tarlov emphasize the genuine friendships, strong chemistry, and mutual respect that underpin their spirited debates. The show's unique format, pairing conservative and Democratic panelists, allows for ideological disagreement while demonstrating that respectful discourse is possible, even when opinions diverge, keeping audiences engaged daily.

CNN correspondent Phil Mattingly's new four-part series "Priced Out in America" examines why so many Americans feel like they're financially struggling despite an economy that, by many traditional measures, remains strong. Drawing on reporting from several cities across the country, the series argues that both realities can be true at once, as rising housing, childcare, insurance, and other essential costs increasingly put the American dream out of reach. The documentary premieres July 16 on the CNN app.

Rick Beato’s viral McCartney video confronts a deeper media reality: In the algorithmic era, music publicity is too often chasing attention and viral gimmicks.

Stepping into a modern concert venue feels increasingly like entering an immersive media spectacle, one that's powered by everything from spatial