"Pandemic-induced production delays, jittery Hollywood studios continuing to postpone blockbuster release dates, and a wider lack of mid-budget fare – from rom-coms and buddy movies to dramas – will push back the timeline on a full recovery for cinema owners until possibly 2024." - The Observer (UK)
It was the lowest haul since 2001, when summer movies earned $3.34 billion at domestic theaters. The summer season typically accounts for about 40% of annual box office receipts, Comscore says. - The Wall Street Journal
While podcast consumption is holding steady overall among public radio fans, Jacobs Media's just-released Public Radio Techsurvey 2022 shows some warning signs for public media that their audience may be “cooling” on podcasts. - Inside Radio
Patrons will no longer have to wait in line to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 before entering the building, though masks will still be required except when eating or drinking. - AP
BookTok is real. A co-owner of The Ripped Bodice in Los Angeles says, "'We'll get a rush of customers asking for something random and we're like, 'Why does everyone want this specific book?'' ... The answer is always TikTok." - NPR
A dance show by a disability arts ensemble makes a critic muse about what information the audience needs, and learn new ways to connect. - The New York Times
And don't forget the influence of K-Pop. "By blending music with comedy, pop music and other relatable content, Gen Zs who are not born into musical tradition or classical cultural capital are invited to enjoy without fear of not 'getting it.'" - The Line of Best Fit
"Following a years-long debate over how ideological the definition should be, the final text includes new language about museums being ethical, diverse, accessible, inclusive and sustainable" - and open to the public. - Washington Post
And that means audiences have been thin on the ground. "Fewer than half as many people saw a Broadway show during the season that recently ended than did so during the last full season before the coronavirus pandemic." - The New York Times
Michael Heizer's megasculpture in the Nevada desert is called City and is a mile long, half a mile wide, and the artist's masterpiece. "It had become the art-world version of ancient Atlantis, a chimera. Art-world Atlantis will shortly be accepting reservations." - The New York Times
But ads are coming back because streamers have more info about our consumption habits than the cable companies or networks ever did, so the ads are more valuable than ever. Plus, there’s no skipping ads via DVR when you’re streaming on Hulu et al. - The Bulwark
It especially seems like behavior's gotten worse in Britain, where complaints have soared and one hears and reads stories about groups chatting with each other loudly, drinking too much, and even bringing takeout food to eat ("pass me a fork") during the performance. - the i (UK)
The enthusiasm for movies adds to the list of prepandemic experiences people are embracing, such as going to concerts, gambling in casinos and traveling aboard airplanes. And studio chiefs are indicating to shareholders that they want to emphasize theatrical releases now. - Wall Street Journal
