Universal Yanks Music From TikTok, LA Times Loses 6 Editors of Color and Universal Unveils Epic Universe Park

Plus: Magnolia acquires Sundance breakout 'Thelma,' LA Times promotes Hector Becerra to M.E. role and PayPal starts laying off 9% of staff [TikTok]( [Universal to Yank Music From TikTok Citing Compensation, AI and User Safety Concerns]( By Ross A. Lincoln Citing concerns over compensation for artists, the use of so-called artificial intelligence software and user safety, Universal Music Group said Tuesday it will pull all of its music from TikTok when its contract with the platform expires on Jan. 31. “In our contract renewal discussions, we have been pressing them on three critical issues—appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users,” the company said in a statement published Tuesday. [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Former LA Times top editors who have left in the last month: Kimbriell Kelly, Kevin Merida and Sarah Yasin (Getty/LA Times/TheWrap/Chris Smith)]( [Talent Drain: The LA Times Lost Six Top Editors of Color in January | Exclusive]( By Sharon Knolle The Los Angeles Times has shed six newsroom leaders of color in less than a month, a troubling outcome for the publication which has historically struggled to create a diverse newsroom in the multicultural city of Los Angeles. Even before Jan. 22’s historic layoffs of 120 newsroom staff — which has already disproportionately affected staffers of color — three Black and brown editors from the masthead had stepped down: executive editor Kevin Merida and managing editors Shani Hilton, both of whom are Black, and Sara Yasin, who is of Palestinian origin. [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [epic-universe-entrance]( [Universal Unveils First Look at Epic Universe Park Including Lands for 'Harry Potter,' Classic Monsters and 'How to Train Your Dragon']( By Adam Chitwood Universal Orlando Resort on Tuesday revealed a extensive first look at its highly anticipated new theme park Epic Universe, and this thing looks massive. Set to open in 2025, this is Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park alongside Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and the water-themed Volcano Bay. While rumors have run rampant over the last few years, Universal finally confirmed the five themed lands inside Epic Universe as follows: [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- ["Thelma"]( [Sundance Breakout ‘Thelma’ Acquired by Magnolia]( [Hector Becerra, Los Angeles Times]( [LA Times Promotes Hector Becerra to Managing Editor Role]( [PayPal Logo]( [PayPal Begins Company-Wide Layoff of 2,500 Employees, or 9% of Workforce]( [Netflix]( [Netflix Stock Gains Outpaced Predictions So Fast, Wall Street Now Struggles With Its Value]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Wrap Pro logo] Discover why entertainment executives and professionals rely on the WrapPRO platform daily for exclusive coverage, analysis, deeper reporting, and access to VIP events & screenings throughout the year. [Subscribe Today]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [YouTube]( TheWrap | 2034 Armacost Ave Los Angeles, CA 90025 [Preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [LiveIntent Logo]( [AdChoices Logo](