Mornin! This is Sean McNulty (connect with me on LINKEDIN here if ya like or email me at seanmcnultynyc@gmail.com), and here’s the Hollywood + Media news to know on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Where the people who brought you the “hit” documentary Melania may now be bringing you . . . The Apprentice Jr.!
Or, at least, AMAZON PV has had internal discussions about rebooting the franchise that it got when it bought MGM, envisioning self-made businessman Donald Trump Jr. as the ringleader in the latest potential bribe programming expenditure at the company, according to the WSJ.
Actual outreach to Trump is still pending (though I would think the, uh, “receptivity” odds are very good), and I hear Eric will also get to escort the loser out of the boardroom each week.
OH: Add the head of the NAB to the list of folks coming out against FCC honcho Brendan Carr’s pursuit of DISNEY over its early license renewals, saying it “creates significant uncertainty for all broadcasters.”
AH: The Saudi PIF confirmed it’s pulling funding for LIV GOLF. PGA — your move, as LIV is now seeking “long-term financial partners” in case you want to invest in a golf league that no one watches.
AND: UNIVERSAL MUSIC is selling half of its 3% stake in SPOTIFY, worth roughly $1.4B — some of its artists will also profit due to a commitment back in the 2010s to share profits from the investment with them.
- SONY MUSIC and WARNER MUSIC both sold their SPOTIFY stakes back in the 2010s. SPOT stock is up over 235% in the past 3 years.
- What is UMG doing with most of the money?
Investing in artistsbuying back company stock. Groundbreaking.
FINALLY: We’re still working to add poll functionality here in the new system, so by all means email me Devil Wears Prada 2 guesses (drop a note on LINKEDIN here or email me seanmcnultynyc@gmail.com).
- Most are thinking this will hit above its weight with the $75M estimate out there.
- I’ll go with $88M — but some are thinking this could hit Michael territory.
- Either way, I’m far more curious to see the word-of-mouth/rest-of-May business on this pic.
BUT: A little something for OG Prada fans — here’s a pod with the woman who was the inspiration for “Emily” (who is now a stylist).
IT’S PAYDAY TIME!
Yes, it’s time to play Hollywood’s favorite game — let’s give Zaz more money!
Here are your 2025 WBD exec pay packages, along with how Hollywood’s top executives rank in 2025 personal use of company PJs 🛩️ thus far (just wait until the spiked jet fuel costs kick in for the 2026 numbers 😳), as well as some big personal security costs for Zaz.
Don’t stop here
Unlock the full story — and the no-spin reporting Hollywood trusts
Already a subscriber?
