'Rolling Stone' sold to 'Variety magazine' owner Penske Media
The entertainment media company that owns Variety, TV Line, Deadline and other properties has reached a deal to acquire control of Rolling Stone magazine.
Penske Media will acquire an ownership interest in Rolling Stone's majority owner, Wenner Media, shortly after the magazine celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The deal means that Rolling Stone editor Jann Wenner will relinquish ownership of the magazine he co-founded in 1967 in San Francisco with music journalist Ralph Gleason.
Wenner Media had announced in September that it would "explore strategic options" for Rolling Stone's future, setting it on a path toward a possible sale.
Penske Media and Wenner Media did not reveal a price, but Varietyreported that it valued the magazine at more than $100 million.
Over its five decades, Rolling Stone became a cultural touchstone, serving as a vehicle for writers such as Hunter S. Thompson, whose gonzo journalism pieces included "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," and Tom Wolfe, whose early stories on NASA's space program evolved into The Right Stuff. And famed photographer Annie Leibovitz shot more than 140 cover photos during more than 10 years at the magazine including one of John Lennon and Yoko One just hours before Lennon was shot on Dec. 8, 1980.
Its image took a hit in recent years after a 2014 story about an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia fraternity was retracted. A jury last year awarded a university official $3 million after it found the magazine had defamed her in the story.
Although Jann Wenner is selling his stake, he will stay on as editorial director of Rolling Stone, Penske Media said in a statement.
If you've always wanted to own a magazine, now might be your chance. Buzz60's Angeli Kakade (@angelikakade) has the story. Buzz60
"I am so proud of our accomplishments over the past 50 years and know Penske Media is the ideal match for us to thrive in today's media landscape," Jann Wenner said in a statement.
Singapore-based BandLab Technologies will continue to own a 49% stake in the magazine, an investment it made in 2016.
"Our interest in Rolling Stone is driven by its people, its cultural significance, and the globally-recognized brand that has no peer in its areas of influence," Penske Media CEO Jay Penske said in a statement. "We believe that Penske Media is uniquely qualified to partner with the Wenners to ensure the brand continues to ascend for decades across multiple media platforms—we're eager to get started."
#RHoA: Another one of the Girls is also accused of faking a relationship?
The media and blogs have gotten fat feasting off of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kenya Moore’s dubious relationships, including those with Matt Jordan and Walter Jackson, as well as her current marriage to Marc Daly.
But … here we go again. Another RHOA star is facing rumors that her relationship is fraudulent.
RadarOnline has published a story claiming that a certain housewife and her boyfriend agreed to make up a phony relationship to spruce up her storyline for season 10.
Fans of the show will be shocked to learn that RadarOnline points the finger in the direction of Cynthia Bailey, who has been flossing boyfriend Will Jones after she got her divorce from Peter Thomas.
She’s a seemingly nice woman, but without her ex-husband Peter Thomas creating fracas and drama, there is not a lot to capture the fans’ imagination when it comes to Bailey, some producers seem to believe. This is how some former cast members were axed from the show, including Lisa Wu.
Jones is seen on the most recent episode of RHOA being grilled by Kandi Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker, who asked him if he was an “opportunist.”
A source claims to RadarOnline.com exclusively that the relationship was simply for show.
“No one signed an appearance release faster than Will,” a show insider says. “His motive was so clear!”
RadarOnline also shared that Jones posted a picture of himself with Bailey on Halloween, but it was all for show considering that they were still filming. Now that the show’s wrapped, the couple’s allegedly “not seeing each other anymore” and have “ZERO chemistry.”
While Bailey appreciates the concerns of her friends, she assures them that Jones’ intentions seem genuine.
She tells Bravo TV:“There’s this whole thing about Will being an opportunist,” Bailey said. “He went on all these dating shows—he went on ONE dating show and was considering doing another, I don’t really care who’s before me. He can go on like 100 dating shows.”
“I don’t know why they think he’s an opportunist,” she addead. “Opportunist, what does that even mean? I am not that open to the whole opportunist thing because I feel like okay, whatever. I’M trying to be the opportunist,” she jokingly added. I’m trying to get somebody to help me.”
Personally I believe it isn’t true!
#EMPIRE: Season 4 recap: Warren Wants Absolution
Jamal receives a surprise visitor, Warren. He bribes Jamal's doorman with the ten grand Diana gave him to leave town, just to get some one-on-one with his ex. Warren declares his love for Jamal, but Jamal's not moved by Warren's grand gesture.
Warren knows he deserved the beatdown Jamal gave him. He sure isn't nearly as pretty as he used to be. Warren has come to share some information that he thinks Jamal and his family should know. Jamal isn't interested, especially when he learns that Warren knew what Diana was doing to Andre. Jamal says Warren deserves to die and throws him out of his apartment. But before Warren leaves, Jamal has second thoughts and wants to hear whatever it is that Warren came to say.
Can’t wait for Season 5!
#NEWMUSICVIDEO: Dru Hill – Favorite Time Of Year
Dru Hill returned back the music scene by dropping their first-ever holiday album, ‘Christmas In Baltimore.’
To continue the seasonal celebration, the legendary group unwraps a music video for the original song, “Favorite Time of Year.” In the clip,Sisqó, Nokio, Jazz, and Tao sets up shop on a block with decorated houses as they delivery the heart-warming lyrics.
WATCH HERE
‘Christmas in Baltimore’ is a 9-song collection that features renditions of “This Christmas,” “No Holiday,” “T’is the Season,” “Underneath the Mistletoe,” and the moving closer, “Silent Night.”
“We’ve always wanted to do a Christmas album, and we knew our fans have been waiting,” says the group. “This year, it just all came together and we decided to invite everybody in for that authentic Baltimore holiday experience…you won’t find another Christmas album like this, we guarantee it.”
#HIPHOPNEWS: Kendrick Lamar Teases Original Song For Black Panther Soundtrack
Kendrick Lamar dropped off visuals for his latest single “LOVE” featuring Zacari earlier this week, but in the middle of the joint fans may have caught a quick tease. It appears that the Compton superstar has penned and plans to unleash an original song for the upcoming Black Panther soundtrack.
At around the 1:52 mark, the word “LOVELY” flashes on the screen with a director’s clapboard featuring the words “B. Panther Soundtrack Coming Soon” as Kung-Fu Kenny prepares in the background in a grey sweatsuit before the video resumes itself.
LISTEN HERE
Black Panther director Ryan Coogler expressed his love of Lamar’s “DNA” single over the summer during the San Diego Comic-Con, using the song for one of the trailers for Marvel’s upcoming blockbuster starring Chadwick Boseman in the title role.
Mariah Carey To Get Another Chance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Following 2016 Fiasco.
Last year, Mariah Carey talked about the Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve performance in a interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Do you think this will make you wary of signing onto a future live TV event?
It’s not going to stop me from doing a live event in the future. But it will make me less trusting of using anyone outside of my own team.
What’s the reaction been like on your end?
My true fans have been so supportive and I am so appreciative of them and everybody in the media that came out to support me after the fact because it really was an incredible holiday season that turned into a horrible New Year’s Eve.
The singer, 47, announced on social media that she will be once again taking the stage during the live broadcast of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest. “Take 2. #RockinEve #NYE,” Carey wrote.
Carey and Dick Clark Productions released a joint statement to PEOPLE: “We can all agree that last year didn’t go exactly as planned and we are thrilled to move forward together to provide America with an incredible night of music and celebration on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2018. See you in Times Square!”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus Shares Christmas-Inspired 'Cocktail' Amid Cancer Treatments
The 56-year-old Emmy-winning actress took to Instagram on Friday (December 22) to share a photo of her “Xmas cocktail.”
“Getting ready for the holidays with my awesome Xmas cocktail. #jollytransfusion #ivebeengood,” Julia captioned the below photo of her IV bag.
Julia revealed back in September that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Last month, it was announced that the final season of Julia‘s show Veep has been postponed as she continues
Rihanna and Fellow Celebs step out to see Jay Z 4:44 Tour in L.A!
Jay Z recently brought his 4:44 Tour to the Forum in L.A and a few friends came to the show.
Well look At Miss Rihanna! She stepped out in a custom leather coat and dress by Dior and Giuseppe Zanotti sandals to watch Jay Z rock the stage on his 4:44 Tour at The Forum in LA.
Other celebs at Hov's concert...
Big Sean, French Montana, what appears to be his son, and Queen Latifah were also in the mix.
Fun times.
BMW’s ‘Celebration Of Culture’ With The Atlanta Celebrity Elites!
Check out photos from The “Celebration of Culture” presented by BMW and The Connect Worldwide. The event took place at the historic Georgia Freight Depot and was attended by a number of Atlanta’s movers and shakers.
“Celebration of Culture” is a fusion of culinary, art, music and fashion inspired by Asian American, African American and Hispanic American cultures. Attendees enjoyed a variety of eats from celebrity chefs—Palak Patel, Nichelle Benford and Ronaldo Lineres.
Hip hop icon Doug E. Fresh provided old school tunes along with DJ D-Nice and Latin sounds from El Pariseo. There were also visual and performance art from Lion and Dragon as well as Dwayne ‘Dubelyoo’ Wright.
Check out more photos below:
“The language of great food, music and art is universal— so it made sense for BMW to lead the charge in creating new ways to engage influencers,” said Kevin Williams, Head of Multicultural Marketing and Diversity & Inclusion for BMW of North America. “Through the CoC platform, we are redefining diversity in one of the most authentic and intimate ways possible. It’s proof that embracing different cultures is a powerful way to connect.”
Celebrities in attendance included Jermaine Dupri, RHOA stars Cynthia Bailey and Lisa Wu + NBA legend Julius Erving aka Dr. J. Comedian Jonathan Slocumb served as the evening’s MC and the red carpet was hosted by media personality Roland Martin.
John Legend To Portray Jesus In ‘Jesus Christ Superstar Live’
Grammy-winning singer and budding actor John Legend will portray JESUS CHRIST in NBC live musical production of Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s and Tim Rice‘s classic “Jesus Christ Superstar.” The special will air Easter Sunday (April 1, 2018).
“It’s such a powerful, meaningful musical and I’m humbled to be part of this performance. We’ve already formed an incredible team, and, as we finish casting, I’m certain we will put together some of the greatest talents around to do this work justice,” said Legend.
“Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert” is loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’ life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion.
In addition to Legend, the show will also star Alice Cooper as King Herod.
Stay tuned…
Merry Christmas from The Dogs of Instagram!
Christmas can’t come soon enough for these pampered pooches. Meet Ben and Penny!
MERRY CHRISTMAS...WOOF WOOF!
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
HO! HO! HO!
Merry Christmas!
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet SANTA BEAR & CUBS
Meet SANTA BEAR & CUBS! So you know what to do to see more. Just GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS and remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN NOR ALTER any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
You’re Welcome!
MAY YOU AND YOURS HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT WEEK AHEAD!
EFREM
