jonathan friedman
@jonathanfriedman.com
Media, culture, and news nerd. USC Marshall, Bad Robot, CAA, Obama White House, The Verge, NYU Gallatin alum. Recovering tweeter @jonfriedman
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Exclusive: Suno, an AI music platform in which users can generate songs based on text prompts, has raised $250 million at a valuation of $2.45 billion.
AI Music Platform Suno Valued at $2.45 Billion
The startup has raised $250 million and says annual revenue has reached $200 million.
on.wsj.com
AI media creation tools are not the democratization of creativity
Democratization of creativity came when near-free cameras, mics, editing tools and the internet meant ~anyone could make something and publish it for all to see/hear
AI like this offloads actual creativity to a dataset on a server
Democratization of creativity came when near-free cameras, mics, editing tools and the internet meant ~anyone could make something and publish it for all to see/hear
AI like this offloads actual creativity to a dataset on a server
Reposted by jonathan friedman
I did a short profile on Jared Bush, Disney Animation's newish chief creative officer and "Zootopia 2" writer-director. Among other things, I learned that his dad and granddad both worked for the CIA 👀
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/b...
Can Disney Animation Reclaim Its Magic?
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:26 PM
I did a short profile on Jared Bush, Disney Animation's newish chief creative officer and "Zootopia 2" writer-director. Among other things, I learned that his dad and granddad both worked for the CIA 👀
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/b...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/b...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
the requirement is, of course, “be white” amp.miamiherald.com/news/nation-...
Trump says Haiti no longer meets requirements for TPS. Haitians have to leave
The Department of Homeland Security said TPS for Haiti ends Feb. 3, 2026, affecting over half a million people who may face return to gang-controlled Port-au-Prince.
amp.miamiherald.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:43 PM
the requirement is, of course, “be white” amp.miamiherald.com/news/nation-...
DWTS success, in our fragmented media environment, really is wild
Full details on the incredible ratings for Tuesday's DANCING WITH THE STARS finale. What an amazing triumph for broadcast TV *and* streaming.
www.vulture.com/article/all-...
www.vulture.com/article/all-...
All the Ratings Superlatives for Robert Irwin’s DWTS Finale
Viewers in the under-35 demo haven’t tuned in like this since the ‘Friends’ finale.
www.vulture.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:56 AM
DWTS success, in our fragmented media environment, really is wild
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Ryan Lizza claims Olivia Nuzzi regularly shared "opposition research" that she obtained from sources with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his 2024 presidential bid (The Hollywood Reporter)
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
November 27, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Ryan Lizza claims Olivia Nuzzi regularly shared "opposition research" that she obtained from sources with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his 2024 presidential bid (The Hollywood Reporter)
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Today's a good time as any to point out that ethical and competent journalists don't do these egregious things that have been mentioned in various writings by Ryan Lizza/Olivia Nuzzi up to and including withholding newsworthy/potentially illegal things as bait to get subscribers.
a bald man in a white uniform says how ' bout no '
ALT: a bald man in a white uniform says how ' bout no '
media.tenor.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Today's a good time as any to point out that ethical and competent journalists don't do these egregious things that have been mentioned in various writings by Ryan Lizza/Olivia Nuzzi up to and including withholding newsworthy/potentially illegal things as bait to get subscribers.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
“Is right-wing slop breaking through to the mainstream?” No. No it is not. Billions of dollars and countless man-hours are spent propping it up and people fucking hate it. It’s soulless trash that doesn’t even convincingly convey honest animus
November 27, 2025 at 1:56 AM
“Is right-wing slop breaking through to the mainstream?” No. No it is not. Billions of dollars and countless man-hours are spent propping it up and people fucking hate it. It’s soulless trash that doesn’t even convincingly convey honest animus
Reposted by jonathan friedman
VIEWS ARE LIES www.theverge.com/social/63981...
November 27, 2025 at 3:26 AM
VIEWS ARE LIES www.theverge.com/social/63981...
Tarantino x Fortnite wasn’t on my bingo card but is very smart promo for the new Whole Bloody Affair release…
A never-filmed Kill Bill scene is somehow going to wind up in Fortnite
A never-filmed Kill Bill scene is somehow going to wind up in Fortnite
www.avclub.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Tarantino x Fortnite wasn’t on my bingo card but is very smart promo for the new Whole Bloody Affair release…
Reposted by jonathan friedman
This is very bad wjla.com/news/local/s...
3 people, including 2 National Guard troops, hurt in Northwest DC shooting
Metropolitan police are investigating a shooting in Northwest DCOfficers confirmed the gunfire in the area of 17th and I streets Northwest
wjla.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:07 PM
This is very bad wjla.com/news/local/s...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Taxpayers have shelled out nearly $71 million for Trump's golf hobby since he retook office — and he's on track to exceed an eye-popping figure
Second-Term Tab For Trump’s Golf Hobby Tops $70 Million, On Track To Exceed $300 Million
The total would double the $151.5 million taxpayers shelled out for him to play golf during his first term.
www.huffpost.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Taxpayers have shelled out nearly $71 million for Trump's golf hobby since he retook office — and he's on track to exceed an eye-popping figure
Reposted by jonathan friedman
The New York Times produced a detailed, data-driven report on President Trump showing signs of aging. The president, 79, responded by calling the female reporter who co-wrote the story “ugly.” www.cnn.com/2025/11/26/m...
November 26, 2025 at 7:26 PM
The New York Times produced a detailed, data-driven report on President Trump showing signs of aging. The president, 79, responded by calling the female reporter who co-wrote the story “ugly.” www.cnn.com/2025/11/26/m...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
The admin’s only aim is to jail and deport as many people as possible:
NEW data I've received: Just 5% of people detained by ICE since October 1 have had violent criminal convictions, 3/4 had no criminal convictions at all. Most "criminals" had immigration, traffic, and vice offenses. Not the "worst of the worst"...
November 26, 2025 at 4:15 PM
The admin’s only aim is to jail and deport as many people as possible:
Reposted by jonathan friedman
SCOOP: The Trump administration has instructed employees and grantees not to use U.S. funds to commemorate World AIDS Day — because the observance was started by the World Health Organization.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
Trump Administration Cancels U.S. Observance of World AIDS Day
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:41 PM
SCOOP: The Trump administration has instructed employees and grantees not to use U.S. funds to commemorate World AIDS Day — because the observance was started by the World Health Organization.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
A holiday treat incoming
WAKE UP DEAD MAN, the darkest, funniest and best KNIVES OUT yet, is set in a church stunned by two sins: murder and theft.
Daniel Craig has the movie stolen from him by Josh O’Connor's earnest, tattooed priest.
www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Daniel Craig has the movie stolen from him by Josh O’Connor's earnest, tattooed priest.
www.latimes.com/entertainmen...
Review: 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' is a witty, soulful satire of pulpit power
Rian Johnson's third "Knives Out" whodunit is his best yet, with Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc investigating a corrupt church where someone has murdered Josh Brolin's nasty monsignor.
www.latimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:53 PM
A holiday treat incoming
Reposted by jonathan friedman
In newly leaked audio, Peter Thiel admits he urged JD Vance to ignore Pope Leo XIV on moral questions — including the ethical development of AI.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
NEW: JD Vance’s Top Donor Suggests Pope Leo XIV is Antichrist
In a leaked lecture, Peter Thiel says he’s urged Vance to ignore the pope on moral questions — and simply pray for him.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:43 AM
In newly leaked audio, Peter Thiel admits he urged JD Vance to ignore Pope Leo XIV on moral questions — including the ethical development of AI.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
I wrote about why "Stranger Things" may not be the *best* Netflix show but is definitely the *most* Netflix show. [giftie] www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
How ‘Stranger Things’ Defined the Era of the Algorithm (Gift Article)
A nostalgic hit built out of vintage pop-culture references captured the “If you liked that, you’ll like this” spirit of Netflix.
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 12:52 PM
I wrote about why "Stranger Things" may not be the *best* Netflix show but is definitely the *most* Netflix show. [giftie] www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Trump calls the NYT an "enemy of the people" and reporter Katie Rogers "ugly, both inside and out", after an NYT report said Trump is showing "signs of fatigue" (Todd Spangler/Variety)
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
November 26, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Trump calls the NYT an "enemy of the people" and reporter Katie Rogers "ugly, both inside and out", after an NYT report said Trump is showing "signs of fatigue" (Todd Spangler/Variety)
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Main Link | Mediagazer Permalink
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Trump wants a bigger White House ballroom. His architect disagrees.
The president and James McCrery had argued in recent weeks over the project’s size, with Trump pushing him to expand the ballroom
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
The president and James McCrery had argued in recent weeks over the project’s size, with Trump pushing him to expand the ballroom
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
November 26, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Trump wants a bigger White House ballroom. His architect disagrees.
The president and James McCrery had argued in recent weeks over the project’s size, with Trump pushing him to expand the ballroom
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
The president and James McCrery had argued in recent weeks over the project’s size, with Trump pushing him to expand the ballroom
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
“It’s proof that the American right has spent the last decade letting algorithmic spam tell them what they want to hear, astroturfing themselves into believing that some silent majority out there believes in their worthless MAGA crusade.“
Another excellent @garbageday.email
www.garbageday.email
Another excellent @garbageday.email
www.garbageday.email
Garbage Day
A newsletter about having fun online
www.garbageday.email
November 25, 2025 at 12:59 PM
“It’s proof that the American right has spent the last decade letting algorithmic spam tell them what they want to hear, astroturfing themselves into believing that some silent majority out there believes in their worthless MAGA crusade.“
Another excellent @garbageday.email
www.garbageday.email
Another excellent @garbageday.email
www.garbageday.email
👀
NEW: It has been a big year for Democrats looking to solve their partisan media problem.
2025 has seen Democratic operatives pitch donors on more than a dozen new efforts, while established left-of-center outlets grew faster than ever.
www.chaoticera.news/p/liberal-me...
2025 has seen Democratic operatives pitch donors on more than a dozen new efforts, while established left-of-center outlets grew faster than ever.
www.chaoticera.news/p/liberal-me...
Liberal media’s big year online
This year has seen Democratic operatives pitch donors on more than a dozen new efforts, while established left-of-center outlets grew faster than ever.
www.chaoticera.news
November 26, 2025 at 10:48 AM
👀
Reposted by jonathan friedman
NEW: A growing number of children have been left in the care of relatives, neighbors & babysitters after parents have been deported by ICE.
Few countries have been as vocal as Venezuela, which claims 150 children have been separated.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/n...
Few countries have been as vocal as Venezuela, which claims 150 children have been separated.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/n...
Deported and Desperate to Be Reunited With Their Children
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:36 PM
NEW: A growing number of children have been left in the care of relatives, neighbors & babysitters after parents have been deported by ICE.
Few countries have been as vocal as Venezuela, which claims 150 children have been separated.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/n...
Few countries have been as vocal as Venezuela, which claims 150 children have been separated.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/n...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
It sucks that Van Der Beek can't focus on his treatment and has to raise money for it.
Also, go watch Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23. Underrated sitcom.
Also, go watch Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23. Underrated sitcom.
James Van Der Beek is selling autographed and unsigned 'Varsity Blues' jerseys to raise money for his cancer treatment and to support for other families: 'Endlessly grateful for all of you.'
James Van Der Beek dons 'Varsity Blues' jersey to raise money for cancer treatment: 'Endlessly grateful for all of you'
James Van Der Beek is selling autographed and unsigned 'Varsity Blues' jerseys to raise money for his cancer treatment and to support for other families: 'Endlessly grateful for all of you.'
bit.ly
November 25, 2025 at 5:45 PM
It sucks that Van Der Beek can't focus on his treatment and has to raise money for it.
Also, go watch Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23. Underrated sitcom.
Also, go watch Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23. Underrated sitcom.
Reposted by jonathan friedman
wild that the US is worse at democracy now than Brazil
November 25, 2025 at 7:01 PM
wild that the US is worse at democracy now than Brazil
Reposted by jonathan friedman
Special agents at the Homeland Security Department have made fewer arrests for drug crimes and seized fewer weapons than they did the previous fiscal year, according to internal government documents reviewed by The New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/u...
Drug Arrests and Gun Seizures Fell as Homeland Security Pursued Immigration
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Special agents at the Homeland Security Department have made fewer arrests for drug crimes and seized fewer weapons than they did the previous fiscal year, according to internal government documents reviewed by The New York Times.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/25/u...
Reposted by jonathan friedman
As a reminder, the US leads high-income nations in traffic deaths. One key factor in that American exceptionalism is the way automobile safety is regulated (or not).
Exclusive: Republicans plan to challenge vehicle-safety mandates, such as automatic emergency braking and alarms that remind drivers a child is in the back seat.
Senate Committee to Challenge Auto-Safety Mandates That Hurt ‘Affordability’
Republicans are questioning the value of some features, such as automatic braking and rear-seat reminders.
on.wsj.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:39 PM
As a reminder, the US leads high-income nations in traffic deaths. One key factor in that American exceptionalism is the way automobile safety is regulated (or not).