As we take a further step into 2024, the media terrain ahead remains unpredictable. But adorning this week’s cover we have a few gems to help light your way…
Golden Globes
Awards season kicked off in Hollywood last night, with the hosting of the now Eldridge Industries owned Golden Globes. There were big wins for Oppenheimer and Succession, while Barbie won the inaugural box office achievement award, having grossed £1.1bn worldwide. It’s a timely reminder that what often gets the nod as great content does not always necessarily achieve the greatest numbers commercially, and there’s a place for both in the great circle of media life.
Kim Kardashian: Hollywood
From Hollywood films to Hollywood games, as it was announced last week the Kim Kardashian: Hollywood game is to shut down. Launched in 2014 with developer Glu, the free-to-play (with in-game currency) title invited users to create their own celebrity and navigate it through their own personal story. In its heyday, the game reportedly earned $160m and became one of the key driving forces behind Kardashian’s appearance on the cover of Forbes magazine as a ‘media mogul’.
SoundCloud
Sticking with Web 2.0 cultural phenomenon’s, Sky News reports that SoundCloud, one of the world’s largest music streaming services, is to be put up for sale this year. Originally founded in 2007, the platform has seen 40m artists publish 320m tracks over the years, but had struggled to monetise its model. In 2023, the company let go of just under 10% of its workforce as it began to target annual profitability, and it is believed that this year’s sale could fetch up to $1bn.
100 Most Influential Africans
New African Magazine has unveiled its list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. The list celebrates the achievements of Africans across multiple sectors, with 31 representatives coming from the creative industries. Amongst them is Rwandan-Scottish actor, Ncuit Gatwa, who last year became the first black Doctor Who.