#paramount

Reinier de Ridder on Roman Dolidze: 'I'm just going to kill this motherf*cker' Reinier de Ridder is set to return to light heavyweight after a two-fight losing streak, aiming to regain his form ahead of his UFC Fight Night 285 matchup against Roman Dolidze. The Dutch fighter, with a 21-4 MMA record and 4-2 UFC record, faces Dolidze (15-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) on the main card at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., broadcast on Paramount+. De Ridder attributes his recent losses to the physical strain of frequent weight cuts, which he claims limited his ability to perform at his best. "I know what I can do," de Ridder told MMA Junkie. "In the last fight, I wasn't able to push as hard as I would have liked to. I wasn't able to grapple as much, and I'm going to just get back to all the stuff I'm good at on Saturday night." He emphasized that the weight-cutting process, particularly the drastic reductions required for his weight class, hindered his performance. Dolidze, who is also making the move to light heavyweight, is described by de Ridder as a veteran with a strong middleweight pedigree. The Dutch fighter called the matchup a "perfect matchup," noting that it gives him time to regain mass after the fight. "He's a vet. He's been around for a very long time. He's been in the top 10 for a very long time at middleweight," de Ridder said. De Ridder expressed confidence in his ability to dominate Dolidze, stating bluntly, "I don't know. I'm just going to kill this motherf*cker." This mindset reflects his broader goal of reestablishing himself as a title contender. Before his recent setbacks, he was on the verge of title contention but was derailed by losses to Brendan Allen and Caio Borralho. Now, he aims to pick up where he left off by securing a decisive victory at light heavyweight.#paramount #golden_1_center #reinier_de_ridder #roman_dolidze #ufc_fight_night_285

Morgan Freeman Discusses Career Choices and Future Plans Morgan Freeman, the acclaimed actor with a career spanning six decades, recently shared insights into his approach to selecting film roles during an interview with The New York Times. Despite his long-standing reputation for delivering compelling performances, Freeman emphasized that financial compensation and the potential for a compelling story often take precedence over the quality of a script. “I’m like Clint Eastwood on that: Don’t let the old man in,” Freeman quipped, referencing his own determination to remain active in the industry. “So, keep working. If you can get out of bed and don’t fall down when you do it, then you just count your blessings and keep moving. So, I’ll work as long as I can — as long as somebody says, ‘Do you want to do this part?’” Freeman’s philosophy reflects his pragmatic view of the entertainment industry. While he acknowledges the importance of an engaging script, he noted that financial incentives and the opportunity to tell a meaningful story often outweigh minor flaws in a project. “If somebody offers you a job, it’s very nice if they’re offering you also an exciting script, but in reality, two or three things come into play,” he explained. “What are they going to pay you? If they’re going to pay you enough, then you overlook some of the glitches in the script that happen to be there.” Throughout his career, Freeman has built an impressive legacy, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Million Dollar Baby and four other Oscar nominations. His filmography features iconic performances in Invictus, The Dark Knight, Se7en, and Driving Miss Daisy, among others. Despite his age—now 89—Freeman has no intention of retiring. “I’m pushing 90 now.#paramount #the_new_york_times #morgan_freeman #lioness_season_three #million_dollar_baby

Judge Sets Paramount-WBD Antitrust Trial For March A federal judge has scheduled the antitrust trial for the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger for March 2 to March 19 of next year, marking a significant development in the legal battle over the deal. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín, based in Oakland, ruled that the trial will proceed with sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., including two 15-minute breaks, and will be adjourned on March 8 and March 15. The decision aligns with the timeline requested by state attorneys general and the Writers Guild America, who opposed the merger, rather than the earlier fall start date favored by Paramount. Paramount had sought a November trial date, arguing that an earlier start would allow the company to address the financial penalties tied to the merger’s delay. The deal, which requires the transaction to close by June 4 of next year, includes a $7 million daily fee for every day the merger remains unresolved after September 30. Paramount also faces a $7 billion termination fee if the merger fails due to regulatory issues. The judge has not set a timeline for her final decision after the trial. The state attorneys general, led by California’s Rob Bonta, and the Writers Guild America filed a lawsuit to block the merger, citing antitrust concerns. The judge’s ruling comes after the states secured a temporary restraining order to halt the merger’s closure in July. Paramount had previously moved to expedite the trial, but the court’s decision to delay the trial until March has raised concerns about the financial burden on the company. Paramount’s legal team warned that a trial after February 19, when the U.S.#california #paramount #warner_bros_discovery #us_district_judge_araceli_martinez_olguin #writers_guild_america

Cole Hauser on Navigating the Creation of Dutton Ranch Without Taylor Sheridan The launch of Dutton Ranch, the highly anticipated sequel spinoff of Yellowstone, marked a significant shift in the creative process for the series. Unlike Taylor Sheridan’s previous projects, which often saw the writer-director deeply involved in every aspect of production, Sheridan took a more hands-off approach for this new series. Starring Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly, Dutton Ranch faced unique challenges as it sought to uphold the legacy of its predecessor while carving out its own identity. Sheridan’s reduced role was evident from the outset. While he served as an executive producer, the bulk of the creative work fell to director Christina Alexandra Voros, the returning cast members, and a new writers’ room. This change was further complicated by the departure of showrunner Chad Feehan, who left the project amid reported creative disagreements on set. Hauser, who portrays Rip Wheeler, described the transition as a significant hurdle. “Not having Taylor there… Everything had changed,” he told filminsidenyc. “The only normality that we had whatsoever was Carter, Christina, Kelly and myself.” Despite these challenges, the cast and crew worked tirelessly to ensure the series met the high standards set by Yellowstone. Hauser emphasized the difficulty of balancing the weight of expectations with the need to focus on storytelling. “We worked our asses off this year—and I don't think a lot of the outside noise or the thought of, like, ‘What's the weight of the show?’ was really apparent to me at the time,” he said. “We had to figure out on our feet how to really perform and tell a story.” The effort paid off in terms of viewership. Dutton Ranch debuted to an impressive 12.#paramount #taylor_sheridan #cole_hauser #christina_Alexandra_Voros #emmys

‘Yellowstone’ Creator Taylor Sheridan Unloads on Critics in Profane Rant Taylor Sheridan, the co-creator of the neo-Western television drama Yellowstone, delivered a fiery interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast, where he openly criticized critics and studio executives for their influence on his creative process. The 56-year-old writer, who recently moved from Paramount to NBC Universal, admitted he has no intention of seeking approval from critics when crafting storylines for his shows or their spin-offs. Sheridan’s remarks, filled with profanity and sharp wit, highlighted his frustration with the entertainment industry’s reliance on external validation and its impact on storytelling. Sheridan referenced his work on Landman, a Paramount+ show starring Demi Moore, where he intentionally kept Moore’s character in the background during the first season. He anticipated criticism for this choice, joking that critics would accuse him of “underutilizing” Moore and failing to write for women. “The critics are going to come after me: ‘I’m underutilizing [Moore], can’t write for women’—all this nonsense,” he said. He then mocked critics by referencing a plot point involving a character’s husband being killed, suggesting their complaints would be rendered moot by the show’s narrative. “I don’t care what they think and it annoys the s--t out of them that I don’t care,” he declared. Sheridan’s frustration extended to his departure from Paramount, which he attributed to his refusal to make his shows “overtly political.” He criticized studio executives for micromanaging creative projects, forcing endless rewrites, and prioritizing tone and mood over storytelling. “It didn’t used to be this way when Steve McQueen was a movie star at Paramount and Bobby Evans ran the studio,” he said. “Writers were turned loose.#paramount #taylor_sheridan #dem_i_moore #the_bill_simmons_podcast #nbc_universal

Zuffa Boxing 06: Shane Mosley Jr. Faces Serhii Bohachuk in Middleweight Showdown Zuffa Boxing returns for its sixth event of the inaugural year on Sunday, May 9, 2026, in Las Vegas. The card is headlined by a middleweight bout between Serhii Bohachuk and Shane Mosley Jr., two fighters with contrasting styles and histories. Bohachuk, a former WBC interim champion, enters the fight off a thrilling split decision victory over Radzhab Butaev at Zuffa Boxing 02. The Ukrainian fighter had to endure 10 punishing rounds against Butaev to secure his place as a rising star in the promotion’s middleweight division. Now, Bohachuk aims to build on that momentum against the son of legendary boxer Shane Mosley, who has struggled to match his father’s legacy despite a solid career. Mosley, 33, is coming off a decision loss to Jesus Ramos for the interim WBC middleweight title in December. A victory would have positioned him as a future title contender, but the loss has relegated him to the Zuffa roster, where he hopes to establish himself as a key player. The younger Mosley’s challenge against Bohachuk is seen as a critical opportunity to prove his worth. Analysts note that both fighters have flaws that could be exploited, but their skills also make them legitimate contenders. Bohachuk’s unique style, which has frustrated opponents in the past, is expected to test Mosley’s resilience. The undercard features several high-stakes matchups. The co-main event pits Julian Rodriguez against undefeated prospect James Perella in a welterweight clash. Rodriguez, a former standout in Zuffa Boxing’s debut event, has overcome odds to defeat top prospects like Cain Sandoval. However, Perella, with a 21-0 record and 15 knockouts, is a formidable opponent.#paramount #shane_mosley_jr #serhii_bohachuk #julian_rodriguez #zuffa_boxing

Paramount's The Chi Concludes Its Eight-Season Run with Final Season Launching May 22 The long-running series The Chi, created by Lena Waithe, is set to conclude its eight-season journey with the debut of its final season on May 22, 2025. The show, which premiered on Showtime in January 2018, has been a cornerstone of premium cable television, known for its exploration of life in a Chicago neighborhood and its groundbreaking representation of Black stories. Following its transition to Paramount+ with Showtime in January 2024, the series was renewed for an eighth season in May 2025. This renewal was swiftly followed by the announcement that season 8 would mark the show’s final chapter, a decision that has been celebrated as both a milestone and a natural conclusion to its narrative arc. The eighth season, consisting of 10 episodes, will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ with the Premium Plan, releasing new episodes weekly. The release date was revealed through a teaser that features footage from previous seasons and glimpses of the upcoming season, accompanied by the narration: “Life comes at you fast, whether you’re ready for it or not. Everything has to come to an end.” This teaser underscores the show’s thematic focus on the challenges and complexities of urban life, as well as the inevitability of change. The final season promises to deliver the “coldest winter yet” for the characters, as they face life-or-death decisions that will shape their fates. The Chi follows a group of characters navigating the South Side of Chicago, a setting that has become synonymous with the series’ exploration of community, resilience, and systemic challenges. The cast includes Jacob Latimore as Emmett Washington, Birgundi Baker as Kiesha Williams, Luke James as Victor “Trig” Taylor, Shamon Brown Jr. as Stanley “Papa” Jackson, Michael V.#paramount #chicago #showtime #lenawaithe #thechi

Drag Race All Stars 11 Cast And Release Date On Paramount+ Paramount+ has officially unveiled the full cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 11, set to premiere with its first two episodes on Friday, May 8, 2026. The season will follow the “Tournament of All Stars” format, featuring 18 fan-favorite queens divided into three groups of six. Each group will compete across three episodes, with the top two performers from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The semi-finalists will then face off in an additional round of challenges before culminating in an epic Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown grand finale. The winner will claim a $200,000 prize and a coveted spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame. In addition to the main series, Paramount+ will debut a new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Untucked, also premiering with two episodes on May 8. The show will provide behind-the-scenes coverage of the competition, offering fans an exclusive look at the drama, preparation, and camaraderie among the queens. The 18 queens returning for the tournament include a mix of veterans and past All Stars, each bringing their unique flair and experience to the competition. Among them is A’Keria C. Davenport, who made a strong impression on Drag Race Season 11 and All Stars 6. Known for her sass and pageant prowess, Davenport is eager to secure the All Stars champion title. April Carrion, a Puerto Rican queen from Season 6, is returning as a “picante powerhouse” with a focus on stunning looks and stage presence. Aura Mayari, a Filipina performer from Season 15, is back to pursue “All Stars glory” after gaining recognition for her high-energy performances in Los Angeles.#paramount #ruPauls_drag_race_all_stars #tournament_of_all_stars #drag_race_hall_of_fame #lip_sync_smackdown_for_the_crown

Leicester City vs Hull City Championship Match: How to Watch Leicester City and Hull City are set to face off in a crucial Championship clash at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday, April 21. The match, scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm, will be a pivotal moment for both teams as they navigate their respective positions in the league table. Referee Thomas Kirk will oversee the action, with both sides aiming to secure vital points in their campaigns. For UK viewers, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 7:30pm. The broadcast will include a short build-up to the match before focusing on the game itself at 7:40pm. Fans without a Sky Sports subscription can stream the match via the Sky Sports app or the NOW Sports app, which is compatible with mobile, tablet, and smart devices. Online viewers can also access the live stream through the Sky Sports website or the NOW web player, ensuring high-definition quality without the need for a traditional television setup. In the United States, the match will be available exclusively on Paramount+ starting at 2:35pm ET. The platform will offer live coverage through its app and website, making it accessible to fans across the country. For those preferring audio, BBC Radio Leicester will provide live commentary in the UK, while dedicated sections on the official Leicester City and Hull City websites will offer live audio streams for fans of both clubs. The match carries significant implications for both teams. Leicester, currently in a relegation battle, will face a dire situation if they fail to win. A loss could mathematically confirm their relegation from the Championship, especially with their own supporters in attendance.#hull_city #paramount #sky_sports_football #leicester_city #king_power_stadium

Two Feathers Ranch Listing in Montana Sparks Interest Amid Yellowstone Legacy A 357-acre ranch in Darby, Montana, known as Two Feathers Ranch, has been listed for $16.3 million, drawing attention for its historical ties to the hit TV series Yellowstone. The property, which appears briefly in the Paramount show, is situated near the real-life filming location of the fictional Dutton family compound. The ranch, once part of the historic Chief Joseph Ranch, features a 7,180-square-foot owner’s residence with three bedrooms and five bathrooms, along with a guest home, manager’s residence, and access to Tin Cup Creek. The listing, managed by agent Deke Tidwell of Hall and Hall, highlights the property’s additional amenities, including irrigated pastureland supporting a Black Angus cattle operation and infrastructure for equestrian and ranching activities. The ranch’s connection to Yellowstone has amplified its appeal, as the show’s five-season run, which concluded in December 2024, reshaped public interest in Western lifestyles and Montana’s landscapes. Kevin Costner, who portrayed the central patriarch John Dutton in the series, played a pivotal role in the show’s success. His portrayal of the Montana rancher, battling to protect his family’s land, helped elevate Yellowstone into a cultural phenomenon. Costner, however, left the series after five seasons due to scheduling conflicts and a shift toward his film project Horizon. His character’s departure marked a turning point, altering the show’s direction for its final episodes. Despite the cast changes, the show’s influence persists, particularly in Montana’s real estate market. Listing agent Tidwell noted that the property’s proximity to the Dutton Ranch filming site continues to attract tourists and buyers seeking a connection to the show’s iconic setting.#paramount #montana #kevin_costner #two_feathers_ranch #deke_tidwell

CNN readies AI agents to buy and sell ads CNN is developing an in-house system that will allow AI agents to autonomously buy and sell advertisements, according to a report by Digiday. The initiative, set to begin testing later this year, aims to launch full-scale operations by early 2027. The project involves integrating CNN’s internal agentic infrastructure with third-party technologies and trading vendors, including demand-side platforms. The rollout will proceed in stages, starting with defining how these AI agents communicate, followed by testing how CNN’s ad inventory is interpreted by large language models (LLMs), and concluding with early-stage experiments involving advertisers. The move aligns with a broader industry trend toward agentic buying processes, as companies like Google and The Trade Desk have introduced similar tools. These systems aim to streamline ad purchasing by reducing transaction fees and accelerating deal-making through automation. CNN’s decision may also be influenced by the need to demonstrate growth in its ad business ahead of its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, being acquired by Paramount. As CNN will soon operate alongside rival CBS within the same media conglomerate, the network may seek to strengthen its monetization strategy and compete for ad revenue in a consolidated news media environment. The potential success of agent-to-agent ad buying could significantly reshape the media buying landscape. By automating campaign execution, the process could lower costs and improve efficiency, while also shifting the industry toward a more data-driven approach. This transition may require marketers to rethink their strategies, emphasizing first-party data, robust measurement frameworks, and creative differentiation to remain competitive in an increasingly automated market.#paramount #cnn #the_trade_desk #warner_bros_discovery #digiday

SSC Napoli vs AC Milan Serie A Clash: Live Streaming Guide and Match Preview The highly anticipated Serie A match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan is set to take place on April 6, 2026, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:45 local time, marking a pivotal moment in the race for second place in the league. With only one point separating the two teams, the encounter promises to be a fiercely contested battle for automatic Champions League qualification. For viewers seeking to watch the match, several platforms offer live coverage. In the United States, Paramount+ will broadcast the game, while beIN Sports Australia will provide the stream for Australian audiences. Canadian fans can tune in via Fubo Canada, and viewers in South and Sub-Saharan Africa will find the match on SuperSport. Astro will carry the action in Malaysia, and STARZPLAY will broadcast it in the Middle East. These options ensure accessibility for fans across the globe, though some may face geo-restrictions depending on their location. To bypass regional restrictions, fans can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN like ExpressVPN allows users to mask their IP address and access content from a different country. By connecting to a server in a region where the match is available, viewers can circumvent blackout rules. The process involves selecting a server location, clearing browser cache to ensure the location change takes effect, and then accessing the broadcaster’s platform. Detailed instructions for setting up a VPN are available online, along with recommendations for the best services for streaming sports. For those preferring a larger screen, the match can be streamed on smart TVs, Fire Sticks, or consoles.#stadio_diego_armando_maradona #bein_sports #paramount #ac_milan #ss_c_napoli

Tracker Season 3 Episode 13 Airing Tonight on CBS The third season of Tracker has resumed with new episodes following a hiatus that began in December, leaving fans eager for Colter Shaw’s ongoing investigations and Reenie’s mysterious new client. As of March 1, the CBS drama has returned with three episodes, with audiences anticipating more as the series continues to explore Colter’s quest for justice and Reenie’s growing entanglements. The latest episode, airing on March 22, 2026, will focus on Colter’s investigation into the disappearance of Baxter, a veteran stuntman who vanished after a risky stunt on a B-movie set. The episode, titled “Breakway,” will follow Colter as he delves into the case, uncovering shady producers and a dangerous underground world linked to the stuntman’s disappearance. Baxter’s girlfriend, Laura, will reach out to Colter for help, setting the stage for a complex web of secrets and potential threats. The episode will also address personal developments for the main characters. Reenie’s mental state has become a growing concern for Colter, as he notices her struggling to process her trauma from past events. Meanwhile, Reenie’s assistant, Mel Day, continues to act suspiciously, raising questions about her loyalty and motives. Colter’s investigation into his late father’s past and Fiona Rene’s Reenie’s new client remain central mysteries, with fans hoping for clarity as the season progresses. Viewers can watch the episode on CBS or stream it live and on demand via Paramount+. The series has maintained a strong following, with audiences invested in the characters’ journeys and the unfolding mysteries. As the season moves forward, fans will continue to follow Colter and Reenie’s efforts to navigate both the dangers of their cases and the personal challenges they face.#paramount #cbs #colter_shaw #reenie #baxter

Michelle Pfeiffer Yells at Will Arnett in Fiery Therapy Scene from “The Madison” (Exclusive) Michelle Pfeiffer and Will Arnett star in a sneak peek of The Madison, showcasing Pfeiffer’s character, Stacy Clyburn, in a tense therapy session. The clip, exclusive to People, features Clyburn confronting her therapist, played by Arnett, over her "hostile" and "mistrusting" behavior. In the fifth episode of the series, Clyburn, a grieving widow who moved from New York to Montana, questions the therapist’s approach. Arnett’s character, Phil Yorn, challenges Clyburn’s reluctance to trust his interpretation of her emotions. Clyburn responds with raw vulnerability, recounting the loss of her husband and the emotional turmoil she faces. She bluntly expresses her pain, even joking about the desire to "claw my eyes out with a f---ing spoon" to escape her suffering. The scene highlights the show’s focus on grief and emotional resilience, as Clyburn seeks guidance from her therapist amid her personal struggles. The Madison, created by Yellowstone writer Taylor Sheridan, follows the Clyburn family as they navigate life in the Madison River valley of Montana. The series, which premiered on March 14, stars Kurt Russell, Patrick J. Adams, Matthew Fox, and Pfeiffer. Sheridan’s approach to casting was unconventional, as Pfeiffer revealed she signed on without reading the script. She described the process as a back-and-forth negotiation with Sheridan, who preferred to cast actors before writing the full script. The final three episodes of the series will debut on Paramount+ on March 21. Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Clyburn, a character defined by her grief and determination, has been central to the show’s emotional core. The therapy scene underscores the series’ exploration of healing and the complexities of moving forward after loss.#paramount #taylor_sheridan #the_madison #michelle_pfeiffer #will_arnett

UFC London’s Must-Watch Prospect to Watch This Weekend The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the United Kingdom this weekend for UFC London, set to take place at the O2 Arena in London, England. The event will be streamed on Paramount+ and feature a main event showdown between No. 1-ranked Featherweight Movsar Evloev and No. 3-seeded Lerone Murphy. Beyond the main card, the lineup includes several rising talents, but one fighter stands out as a key prospect to watch. Kurtis Campbell, a 23-year-old from Liverpool, has emerged as a standout name in the UFC’s developmental ranks. After winning three amateur titles across different weight classes, Campbell built an undefeated regional record before earning a spot on Season 9 of Contender Series. His breakout moment came with a dominant knockout of Demba Seck in under two minutes, securing his UFC contract and sparking significant buzz around his potential. Campbell’s unapologetic style has become a defining trait. In a recent interview, he openly admitted his love for violence, stating, “My guilty pleasure is violence. The glasses, the hair, the pink shorts—it doesn’t matter. I love hitting people.” This confidence stems from his early experiences of being bullied for his appearance, including his signature glasses. His parents enrolled him in Muay Thai, a decision that transformed him into a relentless striker who thrives in chaotic exchanges. Nicknamed “The Pink Panther,” Campbell’s fighting style is characterized by constant pressure and sharp kicks, which have become his most dangerous tools. However, questions remain about his ability to adapt to the UFC’s higher level of competition. While his striking skills are well-developed, his takedown defense and grappling have yet to face significant challenges.#london #ufc #paramount #kurtis_campbell #o2_arena

CBS News begins new major round of layoffs: ‘This is really hard and really tough’ CBS News announced it is laying off dozens of employees and ending its nearly 100-year-old radio service, CBS News Radio, as part of a strategic restructuring. The decision was communicated in a memo to staff from editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski, who informed employees by the end of the day whether their positions were affected. The cuts are expected to impact approximately 6% of the roughly 1,100-person staff, though earlier estimates had suggested a higher percentage. The radio service will cease operations on May 22, 2026, with the CBS News Radio team and about 700 affiliated stations notified of the closure. Weiss and Cibrowski acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing that the layoffs were not a reflection of employees’ performance but a response to evolving media trends and economic challenges. They described the changes as necessary to adapt to a shifting industry, noting that new audiences are emerging in different regions and that the network must invest in growth to remain competitive. “New audiences are burgeoning in new places, and we are pressing forward with ambitious plans to grow and invest so that we can be there for them,” they wrote. “That means some parts of our newsroom must get smaller to make room for the things we must build to remain competitive.” The announcement followed an earlier round of layoffs in late October, which had been described as a “blood bath” by some staff. Weiss was more directly involved in planning the latest cuts, which come amid ongoing restructuring efforts. The network has also faced departures of key staff, including justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane, who left earlier this month.#paramount #cbs_news #tom_cibrowski #bary_weiss #warner_bros_discovery

CBS News is shutting down its radio division and cutting approximately 6% of its workforce, with executives citing the need to reallocate resources amid shifting industry trends and economic pressures. The layoffs, which affect dozens of employees, mark the second round of reductions since David Ellison took control of Paramount last summer. The decision signals the end of a 99-year-old service that once delivered live news updates to millions of listeners. The radio unit, which will cease operations on May 22, will leave its 700 affiliated stations with two months to find a replacement. In a memo to staff, CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss and president Tom Cibrowski acknowledged the closure as a difficult but necessary step. They noted that changes in radio programming strategies and financial challenges have made sustaining the service unsustainable. “CBS News Radio served as the foundation for everything we have built since 1927,” they wrote, adding that the decision reflects broader shifts in the news industry. The layoffs come amid a period of significant transformation for CBS News. Paramount is awaiting regulatory approval for its planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, including CNN, which could lead to a future merger between CNN and CBS News. However, sources confirmed that the potential integration of CNN did not influence the current cuts. Regulatory approval for the deal is expected to take at least six months, and the companies must remain separate until then. Weiss and Cibrowski framed the cuts as part of a larger effort to adapt to a rapidly evolving media landscape. They emphasized the need to invest in new platforms and audiences while streamlining operations.#paramount #cbs_news #david_ellison #tom_cibrowski #bari_weiss

Paramount's Long-Running 8-Season Drama Series Is Officially Ending This Year With First Look Revealed One of television’s longest-running drama series is set to conclude later this year after eight seasons on Paramount+. The streaming platform confirmed that The Chi will premiere its final season, marking the end of the critically acclaimed series. While an exact release date has not been announced, Paramount+ shared new visuals offering a glimpse into the upcoming season’s direction. The final chapter of the Chicago-set crime drama will focus on the aftermath of a pivotal event that has shaped the lives of its characters. Debuting in January 2018, The Chi was created by Lena Waithe and follows the impact of Coogie Johnson’s death, a traumatic incident that serves as the catalyst for the story. The character’s fatal shooting in the chest, depicted in the show’s pilot, has loomed over the narrative, influencing the struggles and choices of the Southside Chicago community. The series explores how this single moment reverberates through the lives of its characters, weaving a complex tapestry of personal and systemic challenges. The eighth and final season, described as “the coldest winter ever,” promises high-stakes decisions that will test the resilience of the characters. The show’s creators have emphasized that this season will deliver a resolution that reflects the depth and complexity of the series’ storytelling. The cast includes Jacob Latimore, Birgundi Baker, Luke James, Shamon Brown Jr., Michael V. Epps, Hannaha Hall, and Jason Weaver. Behind the scenes, the production is executive produced by Waithe, alongside co-showrunners Justin Hillian and Jewel Coronel. The Chi has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of urban life and its commitment to long-term storytelling.#paramount_plus #paramount #the_chi #lena_waithe #southside_chicago

How the Charles Barkley–Dick Vitale Pairing Came Together The broadcast will mark the first time Dick Vitale has called an NCAA tournament game. Charles Barkley and Dick Vitale will be on the call together alongside Brian Anderson for truTV’s coverage of Texas–NC State in the First Four round of the NCAA tournament on Tuesday night. It didn’t take much effort to pair the legendary analysts. After the news broke in late 2024 that ESPN would license the iconic Inside the NBA studio show from TNT, Barkley and Vitale were talking with each other and came up with the idea of working together on some games. “It was pretty easy on both sides. It came together pretty quickly because we all looked at each other and thought this is a really good idea and we should take advantage of this,” ESPN’s SVP of production Tim Corrigan, who oversees the network’s NBA coverage, told Front Office Sports. “When you have two legends and they’re synonymous with the sport of basketball, pro and college, there’s always going to be an intrigue and an interest on both sides.” CBS was also looped into the discussions, as Warner Bros. Discovery Sports partners with the network on the NCAA tournament. The two might be a combined entity by next year’s March Madness, as Paramount is set to purchase WBD pending regulatory approval. Tuesday night’s First Four matchup will be the second game Barkley and Vitale have worked together after they previously called Indiana-Kentucky alongside Dave O’Brien on ESPN in December. Notably, it will also be the first NCAA tournament game that the 86-year-old Vitale has called in his storied broadcasting career. CBS had explored the possibility of adding the former Detroit coach to its coverage in the past, but it never came to fruition.#paramount #ncaa_tournament #charles_barkley #dick_vitale #tim_corrigan

UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs Vallejos Results | Main Card Winners, Highlights & Interviews The UFC returned to the Apex in Las Vegas on March 14 for a featherweight showdown between No. 11-ranked Josh Emmett and No. 14-ranked Kevin Vallejos. The event featured a mix of high-stakes fights across multiple weight classes, with results and highlights emerging from both the prelims and main card. The main card began at 8 p.m. ET, following prelims at 5 p.m. ET, and was streamed live on Paramount+. In the co-main event, Gillian Robertson secured a unanimous decision victory over Amanda Lemos. The Brazilian contender dominated the first five minutes, keeping the fight standing and landing precise strikes, but Robertson’s ability to control Lemos on the mat proved decisive. The 15-minute clash ended with Robertson winning 29-28 on all three scorecards, extending her winning streak to five. The victory bolstered her case for a title shot, though it may not come immediately. Another standout performance came from Jose Miguel Delgado, who edged out Andre Fili in a split decision. The featherweight bout saw Fili take control in the first round with a counter right, but Delgado adjusted his strategy in the second and third rounds, increasing his pressure and landing key strikes. The judges split the decision in Delgado’s favor (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), marking his first UFC victory and a significant step toward rankings in the crowded 145-pound division. The main card also included a dramatic stoppage when Marwan Rahiki defeated Harry Hardwick by TKO (injury) at 5:00 of the second round. The two fighters exchanged heavy blows throughout the fight, landing between 70 and 80 significant strikes each. Hardwick, however, suffered a broken jaw and was unable to continue, forcing the referee to stop the bout.#ufc #las_vegas #paramount #apex #josh_emmett