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The financial situation at Vice Media sounds bleak as Alexandra Bruell and Jessica Toonkel report that the company will miss its 2022 revenue target by $100 million and has a $250 million debt due. Covering Vice’s losses — for now — is its principal investor, private equity giant TPG. [WSJ] #
Another indirect casualty of Sam Bankman-Fried: Sean McElwee went from heroic progressive political nerd and host of high-powered happy hours in New York and D.C. to being fired from the political consulting firm he started because of questions raised by his work for the fallen crypto mogul, writes David Freedlander. [New York] should I go upstairs to work #
What will happen to Sam Bankman-Fried’s media money? ProPublica is returning a $1.6 million grant and Vox is giving back $200,000 (as soon as they figure out where to return it). The Intercept is still figuring out what do with the $500,000 they received, while Semafor, which received an undisclosed amount as an investment, is awaiting “guidance on appropriate next steps.” [WaPo] #
In Penske Media musical chairs, Tatiana Siegel, who tried to depart The Hollywood Reporter for startup The Ankler, has moved over to Variety as executive editor for film and media. Variety’s co-editors-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh and Cynthia Littleton said, “We are beyond excited to welcome Tatiana Siegel back to Variety where she belongs,” though it’s unclear if that’s a dig at Janice Min or the last gasps of rivalry between the two Hollywood trades. [Variety] #
Finally, someone is taking a hard look at… Conservative Beaver. #
WSJ reports that Vice Media will miss its revenue projection by over $100 Million this year. #
Vulture: The best podcasts of 2022, according to people who make podcasts. #
Have you seen this new thing on Semafor? You won’t believe it. #