Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) announces record growth for its October 2026 event at Excel London, with exhibitor numbers up 16% year-on-year and 222 confirmed exhibitors. The event follows a successful 2025 edition that attracted over 11,000 visitors. New exhibitors include Tate Modern, ATP Tour, and Del Monte Europe, while returning participants span heritage, sports, entertainment, and retail sectors.

Netflix stock has fallen 27% over the past year despite strong fundamentals. The article highlights three reasons for optimism: the lucrative end of the Warner Bros. Discovery deal that netted a $2.8 billion termination fee, upcoming Q2 earnings in mid-July that could show strong results following a subscription price hike, and an attractive valuation at 22x 2027 earnings—a three-year low. With the annual shareholder meeting on June 4, Netflix has an opportunity to regain investor confidence.

Paramount CEO David Ellison met with DOJ antitrust staff to discuss the proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. DOJ staff appeared persuaded by arguments that the merger would not negatively impact other studios or creative talent, though discussions remain ongoing. However, concerns persist from Senator Elizabeth Warren and California Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding content diversity and market concentration.

Netflix and Booking Holdings, both down 25% over the past year following stock splits, are presented as attractive long-term buys. Netflix benefits from a massive addressable market in streaming and expansion into live sports and advertising. Booking Holdings has growth opportunities in Asia and a strong competitive moat from network effects, despite AI disruption concerns.

PSquared Asset Management acquired 4.3 million shares of IHS Holding Limited for approximately $35 million in Q1 2026, representing a high-conviction bet on the telecommunications infrastructure provider. The investment reflects confidence in IHS's improved financial durability following currency volatility challenges, with the company posting solid Q1 results including 6% revenue growth and reduced leverage ratios. IHS is undergoing strategic transactions including a proposed $6.2 billion sale to MTN Group.

Media mogul Barry Diller expressed strong interest in acquiring CNN, stating he would buy it immediately to prevent further decline and drive innovation. He criticized CNN's lack of meaningful innovation over the past decade and warned that the Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount Skydance merger will face a 'savage' integration process with significant cost cuts. Diller also revealed he explored deals for Vox Media and expressed skepticism about regional newspapers' viability without national-scale operations.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park is expanding its franchise portfolio by adding four new Camp-Resorts in Cincinnati, Williamsburg, Pigeon Forge, and Michigan's Lake of the North. Alongside new locations, existing parks across the U.S. and Canada are introducing enhanced attractions including water zones, splash pads, and themed activities for the 2026 summer season.

GameStop is reportedly preparing an offer to acquire eBay according to the Wall Street Journal. The combined entity could leverage GameStop's cash reserves ($9 billion) and investor base with eBay's thriving platform (135 million active buyers, strong growth momentum). However, eBay's strong stock performance (up 50% in the past year, at all-time highs) makes it likely unattainable for the smaller GameStop.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) vowed to dismantle large media conglomerates if Democrats regain power, targeting Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison following his White House event. The threat comes as Warner Bros. Discovery's board approved its sale to Paramount Global, a deal facing regulatory scrutiny and opposition from over 1,000 entertainment industry figures who warn it would reduce competition and jobs.

Comcast stock plummeted nearly 13% on Friday following a downgrade by Deutsche Bank analyst Bryan Craft, who reduced his rating from buy to hold and lowered his price target to $34 from $35. Despite the company beating earnings expectations in Q1 2026, Craft expressed concerns about reduced EBITDA and free cash flow estimates for 2027 onward, citing stiff broadband competition and questioning the stock's valuation appeal.

The 2026 NAB Show concluded with over 58,000 attendees from 146 countries, marking significant growth in creator economy, enterprise media, and sports media sectors. The event featured 1,100+ exhibitors and 530+ conference sessions, with key focus areas including AI, cloud workflows, and content creation innovation. Notable growth included a 140% increase in content creator attendees and nearly double the enterprise participants compared to 2025.

Netflix is in talks to acquire Radford Studio Center, a repossessed Los Angeles studio property, at a significant discount—potentially less than one-third of its $1.85 billion 2021 valuation. The move reflects Netflix's strategic shift toward owning production infrastructure rather than leasing, capitalizing on depressed LA studio real estate values caused by higher interest rates and reduced production post-2023 strikes. With $12.3 billion in cash, Netflix is well-positioned to acquire distressed assets.