Tucker Carlson is deploying the exclusive footage he received from House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of the January 6 attacks on the Capitol and, as Seth Meyers predicted, Carlson using it to continue lying to his viewers. So, on Tuesday night, the “Late Night” host showed how easy it is to cherry-pick video footage to create a narrative — using John Wick as an example.
On Monday’s “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” Carlson repeated the lie that the 2020 election was stolen from twice-impeached former president Donald Trump, and made multiple false claims related to the Jan. 6 attacks, using selectively edited footage to say that it “does not show an insurrection or a riot in progress.”
“Yeah, Ok, but when you cherry-pick the footage you’re showing, you can prove anything you want,” Meyers mocked. “I could show you footage from ‘John Wick’ that proves he’s not violent.”
Also Read:
The Liars of Media: Carlos Watson,...
On Monday’s “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” Carlson repeated the lie that the 2020 election was stolen from twice-impeached former president Donald Trump, and made multiple false claims related to the Jan. 6 attacks, using selectively edited footage to say that it “does not show an insurrection or a riot in progress.”
“Yeah, Ok, but when you cherry-pick the footage you’re showing, you can prove anything you want,” Meyers mocked. “I could show you footage from ‘John Wick’ that proves he’s not violent.”
Also Read:
The Liars of Media: Carlos Watson,...
- 3/8/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Ozy Media is not in Kansas anymore. Or in any other jurisdiction. The company has decided to cease operations, according to a Twitter post today.
“In light of its current operational and legal challenges, the Ozy board has determined that it’s in the best interests of its stakeholders to suspend operations immediately,” the tweet said.
The decision comes shortly after Ozy Media founder Carlos Watson was arrested and charged with fraud by federal investigators, according to multiple news reports.
Prosecutors said in a court document that Watson had “engaged in a scheme to defraud Ozy’s potential investors, potential acquirers, lenders and potential lenders” by inflating the site’s audience numbers and financials in a scandal that began to unfold last fall.
The company boasted more than 50 employees at one time, although how many remained on duty as of today is unclear. The company produced podcasts, television series and events,...
“In light of its current operational and legal challenges, the Ozy board has determined that it’s in the best interests of its stakeholders to suspend operations immediately,” the tweet said.
The decision comes shortly after Ozy Media founder Carlos Watson was arrested and charged with fraud by federal investigators, according to multiple news reports.
Prosecutors said in a court document that Watson had “engaged in a scheme to defraud Ozy’s potential investors, potential acquirers, lenders and potential lenders” by inflating the site’s audience numbers and financials in a scandal that began to unfold last fall.
The company boasted more than 50 employees at one time, although how many remained on duty as of today is unclear. The company produced podcasts, television series and events,...
- 3/2/2023
- by Bruce Haring and Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
A federal indictment against Carlos Watson – the Ozy Media founder whose company collapsed after a New York Times article expose – reveals in stunning detail how the media mogul and his partners forged documents, faked financials and impersonated media executives in a desperate bid to enrich themselves while keeping the struggling company afloat.
“Did it even occur to you… that I could go to jail for forgery and bank fraud?” wrote the company’s CFO, in refusing to fake a contract for a cable network show that would help get a bank loan in 2019. She instead resigned.
Watson was arrested and indicted by federal authorities on Thursday on charges of securities and wire fraud. The detention document asks that Watson be held without bail as “the facts and circumstances of this case demonstrate that that Watson presents a serious risk of both flight and of obstruction.” Watson faces a minimum sentence...
“Did it even occur to you… that I could go to jail for forgery and bank fraud?” wrote the company’s CFO, in refusing to fake a contract for a cable network show that would help get a bank loan in 2019. She instead resigned.
Watson was arrested and indicted by federal authorities on Thursday on charges of securities and wire fraud. The detention document asks that Watson be held without bail as “the facts and circumstances of this case demonstrate that that Watson presents a serious risk of both flight and of obstruction.” Watson faces a minimum sentence...
- 2/24/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi and Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
Carlos Watson, the MSNBC anchor-turned-ceo of the beleaguered Ozy Media, was arrested Thursday on charges related to securities fraud.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Watson’s arrest comes less than two days after Ozy’s former chief operating officer Samir Rao pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges related to his role at the company, including impersonating a YouTube exec during a fundraising call with Goldman Sachs.
“We are really disappointed,” Watson’s lawyer Lanny Breuer said of the arrest (via WSJ). “We have been acting in good faith and...
The Wall Street Journal reports that Watson’s arrest comes less than two days after Ozy’s former chief operating officer Samir Rao pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges related to his role at the company, including impersonating a YouTube exec during a fundraising call with Goldman Sachs.
“We are really disappointed,” Watson’s lawyer Lanny Breuer said of the arrest (via WSJ). “We have been acting in good faith and...
- 2/23/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Ozy Media founder Carlos Watson was arrested and charged with fraud by federal investigators, according to multiple news reports.
Prosecutors said in a court document that Watson had “engaged in a scheme to defraud Ozy’s potential investors, potential acquirers, lenders and potential lenders” by inflating the site’s audience numbers and financials in a scandal that began to unfold last fall. Ozy shut down in October of 2021 after the New York Times reported that someone at the company had apparently impersonated a YouTube executive during a conference call with Goldman Sachs, which was considering an investment. The person – later named as Samir Rao, Ozy’s chief operating officer — praised the performance of Ozy’s videos on the giant platform and the two companies’ good working relationship.
Reports said Watson’s arrest followed Rao’s pleading guilty earlier this week in Brooklyn federal court to fraud and identity theft charges.
Prosecutors said in a court document that Watson had “engaged in a scheme to defraud Ozy’s potential investors, potential acquirers, lenders and potential lenders” by inflating the site’s audience numbers and financials in a scandal that began to unfold last fall. Ozy shut down in October of 2021 after the New York Times reported that someone at the company had apparently impersonated a YouTube executive during a conference call with Goldman Sachs, which was considering an investment. The person – later named as Samir Rao, Ozy’s chief operating officer — praised the performance of Ozy’s videos on the giant platform and the two companies’ good working relationship.
Reports said Watson’s arrest followed Rao’s pleading guilty earlier this week in Brooklyn federal court to fraud and identity theft charges.
- 2/23/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Ozy Media founder and CEO Carlos Watson has been arrested on fraud charges.
Watson’s arrest comes after his former Ozy Media partner, Samir Rao, pleaded guilty to fraud charges and agreed to cooperate with federal officials. In a related but separate move, the SEC charged Watson, and Ozy with defrauding investors of $50 million.
““As alleged, Carlos Watson is a con man whose business strategy was based on outright deceit and fraud – he ran Ozy as a criminal organization rather than as a reputable media company,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement.
According to a copy of the criminal charges, Watson, Rao and other Ozy executives “engaged in a scheme to defraud Ozy’s investors, potential investors, potential acquirers, lenders and potential lenders through material misrepresentations and omissions about, among other things, Ozy’s historical and projected financial results, Ozy’s debts, Ozy’s audience numbers,...
Watson’s arrest comes after his former Ozy Media partner, Samir Rao, pleaded guilty to fraud charges and agreed to cooperate with federal officials. In a related but separate move, the SEC charged Watson, and Ozy with defrauding investors of $50 million.
““As alleged, Carlos Watson is a con man whose business strategy was based on outright deceit and fraud – he ran Ozy as a criminal organization rather than as a reputable media company,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement.
According to a copy of the criminal charges, Watson, Rao and other Ozy executives “engaged in a scheme to defraud Ozy’s investors, potential investors, potential acquirers, lenders and potential lenders through material misrepresentations and omissions about, among other things, Ozy’s historical and projected financial results, Ozy’s debts, Ozy’s audience numbers,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In the first of what may well become a string of lawsuits against embattled Ozy Media, a fund manager that invested in the site accused it of fraud and asked for compensatory and punitive damages in a jury trial.
LifeLine Legacy Holdings of Beverly Hills, Calif., which put more than $2 million into the company co-founded and led by Carlos Watson, claimed in a lawsuit that Ozy had “engaged in fraudulent, deceptive and illegal conduct” when the firm was considering early this year whether or not to invest.
The suit (read in full here), filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California where Ozy Media is based, is the latest shoe to drop in an unfolding scandal triggered by a New York Times story last Monday that revealed Ozy media co-founder Samir Rao had impersonated a YouTube executive on call with bankers from Goldman Sachs last February...
LifeLine Legacy Holdings of Beverly Hills, Calif., which put more than $2 million into the company co-founded and led by Carlos Watson, claimed in a lawsuit that Ozy had “engaged in fraudulent, deceptive and illegal conduct” when the firm was considering early this year whether or not to invest.
The suit (read in full here), filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California where Ozy Media is based, is the latest shoe to drop in an unfolding scandal triggered by a New York Times story last Monday that revealed Ozy media co-founder Samir Rao had impersonated a YouTube executive on call with bankers from Goldman Sachs last February...
- 10/5/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Carlos Watson indicated Monday morning that he had much to discuss with advertisers, even though his company, Ozy Media, has been besieged by a torrent of difficult news about its relations with investors, vendors and staff. “This is our Lazarus moment,” the executive told interviewer Craig Melvin on NBC’s “Today.”
Madison Avenue isn’t so sure.
Watson is getting a cool reception among top media-buying agencies, according to one executive familiar with recent outreach that Ozy has made to those who direct the spending of billions of dollars of advertising on behalf of top marketers. Watson and Ozy have been talking to media buyers about the company taking a “temporary pause” and describing a vision in which “Ozy will be back up again,” this executive said. “That is probably falling on deaf ears.” A representative for Ozy could not be reached for immediate comment.
There are reasons for skepticism...
Madison Avenue isn’t so sure.
Watson is getting a cool reception among top media-buying agencies, according to one executive familiar with recent outreach that Ozy has made to those who direct the spending of billions of dollars of advertising on behalf of top marketers. Watson and Ozy have been talking to media buyers about the company taking a “temporary pause” and describing a vision in which “Ozy will be back up again,” this executive said. “That is probably falling on deaf ears.” A representative for Ozy could not be reached for immediate comment.
There are reasons for skepticism...
- 10/4/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Embattled Ozy Media continues to make headlines as founder-ceo Carlo Watson told the Today show the company is not in fact shutting down as it had previously announced in the wake of a fast unfolding financial scandal where he had been conspicuously absent.
Watson said he stayed quiet all last week as his company flamed out because he’d gotten “some very bad advice from crisis communications folks.” Now he’s speaking out, “engaging,” he said, including a pot shot at Sharon Osbourne, whom Watson has previously described as a friend and investor in Ozy Media. Osbourne denied both when asked by CNBC last week as the company imploded, and called Watson “insane.”
The two had a 2017 legal fight over Ozy Media’s Ozyfest festival’s alleged infringement on the Osbourne’s Ozzfest event name. She said Watson had offered them shares of his company to settle the lawsuit but that she declined.
Watson said he stayed quiet all last week as his company flamed out because he’d gotten “some very bad advice from crisis communications folks.” Now he’s speaking out, “engaging,” he said, including a pot shot at Sharon Osbourne, whom Watson has previously described as a friend and investor in Ozy Media. Osbourne denied both when asked by CNBC last week as the company imploded, and called Watson “insane.”
The two had a 2017 legal fight over Ozy Media’s Ozyfest festival’s alleged infringement on the Osbourne’s Ozzfest event name. She said Watson had offered them shares of his company to settle the lawsuit but that she declined.
- 10/4/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The board of Ozy Media, the media and entertainment company accused of deceiving investors and advertisers, has had a change of heart and will not be shutting its doors, CEO Carlos Watson said Monday.
“We are going to open for business,” Watson said in an appearance on NBC News’ “Today” show. “This is our Lazarus moment, if you will.”
The about-face comes after New York-based Ozy announced Friday, Oct. 1, that it would wind down the business, following a series of damaging reports about the company falsifying audience metrics and the revelation that its COO impersonated a YouTube executive on a call with prospective investor Goldman Sachs. Ozy’s questionable practices were first reported by the New York Times on Sept. 26, leading to an avalanche of other disclosures including allegations of a toxic workplace culture.
Over the weekend, Watson said, the company spoke with advertising partners, readers and viewers, and investors...
“We are going to open for business,” Watson said in an appearance on NBC News’ “Today” show. “This is our Lazarus moment, if you will.”
The about-face comes after New York-based Ozy announced Friday, Oct. 1, that it would wind down the business, following a series of damaging reports about the company falsifying audience metrics and the revelation that its COO impersonated a YouTube executive on a call with prospective investor Goldman Sachs. Ozy’s questionable practices were first reported by the New York Times on Sept. 26, leading to an avalanche of other disclosures including allegations of a toxic workplace culture.
Over the weekend, Watson said, the company spoke with advertising partners, readers and viewers, and investors...
- 10/4/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Ozy Media isn’t shutting down after all.
Just a few days after saying that Ozy would wind down its operations, CEO Carlos Watson went on NBC’s Today show Monday morning and said that he and the company’s board had a change of heart.
“We are going to open for business, so we are making news today,” Watson told NBC’s Craig Melvin. “This is our Lazarus moment, if you will [a reference to the biblical figure who Jesus brought back to life a few days after his death].”
Watson said that they made the decision after ...
Just a few days after saying that Ozy would wind down its operations, CEO Carlos Watson went on NBC’s Today show Monday morning and said that he and the company’s board had a change of heart.
“We are going to open for business, so we are making news today,” Watson told NBC’s Craig Melvin. “This is our Lazarus moment, if you will [a reference to the biblical figure who Jesus brought back to life a few days after his death].”
Watson said that they made the decision after ...
- 10/4/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ozy Media isn’t shutting down after all.
Just a few days after saying that Ozy would wind down its operations, CEO Carlos Watson went on NBC’s Today show Monday morning and said that he and the company’s board had a change of heart.
“We are going to open for business, so we are making news today,” Watson told NBC’s Craig Melvin. “This is our Lazarus moment, if you will [a reference to the biblical figure who Jesus brought back to life a few days after his death].”
Watson said that they made the decision after ...
Just a few days after saying that Ozy would wind down its operations, CEO Carlos Watson went on NBC’s Today show Monday morning and said that he and the company’s board had a change of heart.
“We are going to open for business, so we are making news today,” Watson told NBC’s Craig Melvin. “This is our Lazarus moment, if you will [a reference to the biblical figure who Jesus brought back to life a few days after his death].”
Watson said that they made the decision after ...
- 10/4/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Embattled digital firm Ozy Media says it is shutting down, just days after a New York Times column exposed a range of dubious and even potentially criminal behavior by its executives.
Since the column by Ben Smith was published online last Sunday, a drip-drip series of events has ensued, with board chairman Marc Lasry and marquee hire Katty Kay both stepping down. Current and former employees came out of the woodwork to paint the company as a “Potemkin village,” in the memorable phrase of former staffer Eugene Robinson.
“At Ozy, we have been blessed with a remarkable team of dedicated staff,” the company’s board of directors said in a statement to the Times and other outlets. “Many of them are world-class journalists and experienced professionals to whom we owe tremendous gratitude and who are wonderful colleagues. It is therefore with the heaviest of hearts that we must announce today...
Since the column by Ben Smith was published online last Sunday, a drip-drip series of events has ensued, with board chairman Marc Lasry and marquee hire Katty Kay both stepping down. Current and former employees came out of the woodwork to paint the company as a “Potemkin village,” in the memorable phrase of former staffer Eugene Robinson.
“At Ozy, we have been blessed with a remarkable team of dedicated staff,” the company’s board of directors said in a statement to the Times and other outlets. “Many of them are world-class journalists and experienced professionals to whom we owe tremendous gratitude and who are wonderful colleagues. It is therefore with the heaviest of hearts that we must announce today...
- 10/1/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
After a series of damning revelations about how Ozy Media has conducted business, including reports of shady outside dealings and a toxic internal work environment, the digital startup announced on Friday that is shutting down.
Per a statement from the company’s board of directors: “At Ozy, we have been blessed with a remarkable team of dedicated staff. Many of them are world-class journalists and experienced professionals to whom we owe tremendous gratitude, and who are wonderful colleagues. It is therefore with the heaviest of hearts that we must announce today that we are closing Ozy’s doors.”
The news comes a day after billionaire businessman Marc Lasry, who had just been named chairman of Ozy Media earlier this month, cut ties with the crumbling organization. Earlier on Friday, NPR announced that Ozy Media CEO Carlos Watson had resigned from its board. And the Wall Street Journal reported that Ford,...
Per a statement from the company’s board of directors: “At Ozy, we have been blessed with a remarkable team of dedicated staff. Many of them are world-class journalists and experienced professionals to whom we owe tremendous gratitude, and who are wonderful colleagues. It is therefore with the heaviest of hearts that we must announce today that we are closing Ozy’s doors.”
The news comes a day after billionaire businessman Marc Lasry, who had just been named chairman of Ozy Media earlier this month, cut ties with the crumbling organization. Earlier on Friday, NPR announced that Ozy Media CEO Carlos Watson had resigned from its board. And the Wall Street Journal reported that Ford,...
- 10/1/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Ozy Media is shutting down.
The digital media company, co-founded by former CNN contributor and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson, said on Friday that it would close its doors for good following days of scrutiny in the wake of a New York Times exposé.
Ozy Media’s board of directors announced the decision in a statement: “At Ozy, we have been blessed with a remarkable team of dedicated staff,” the statement began. “Many of them are world-class journalists and experienced professionals to whom we owe tremendous gratitude, and who are wonderful colleagues. It is therefore with the heaviest of hearts that we ...
The digital media company, co-founded by former CNN contributor and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson, said on Friday that it would close its doors for good following days of scrutiny in the wake of a New York Times exposé.
Ozy Media’s board of directors announced the decision in a statement: “At Ozy, we have been blessed with a remarkable team of dedicated staff,” the statement began. “Many of them are world-class journalists and experienced professionals to whom we owe tremendous gratitude, and who are wonderful colleagues. It is therefore with the heaviest of hearts that we ...
- 10/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ozy Media is shutting down.
The digital media company, co-founded by former CNN contributor and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson, said on Friday that it would close its doors for good following days of scrutiny in the wake of a New York Times exposé.
Ozy Media’s board of directors announced the decision in a statement: “At Ozy, we have been blessed with a remarkable team of dedicated staff,” the statement began. “Many of them are world-class journalists and experienced professionals to whom we owe tremendous gratitude, and who are wonderful colleagues. It is therefore with the heaviest of hearts that we ...
The digital media company, co-founded by former CNN contributor and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson, said on Friday that it would close its doors for good following days of scrutiny in the wake of a New York Times exposé.
Ozy Media’s board of directors announced the decision in a statement: “At Ozy, we have been blessed with a remarkable team of dedicated staff,” the statement began. “Many of them are world-class journalists and experienced professionals to whom we owe tremendous gratitude, and who are wonderful colleagues. It is therefore with the heaviest of hearts that we ...
- 10/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ozy Media founder and CEO Carlos Watson has resigned from the board of directors of National Public Radio.
“Earlier today, Carlos Watson submitted his resignation from the NPR Board of Directors,” said Lafontaine Oliver, the chair of NPR’s board, in a statement Friday. “I have accepted his resignation on behalf of the Board. Mr. Watson’s resignation is effective as of today.”
The board’s governance committee was scheduled to meet Friday in a special session where the matter was expected to come up. Watson had been a board member of NPR since 2016.
The decision serves as a capstone to ...
“Earlier today, Carlos Watson submitted his resignation from the NPR Board of Directors,” said Lafontaine Oliver, the chair of NPR’s board, in a statement Friday. “I have accepted his resignation on behalf of the Board. Mr. Watson’s resignation is effective as of today.”
The board’s governance committee was scheduled to meet Friday in a special session where the matter was expected to come up. Watson had been a board member of NPR since 2016.
The decision serves as a capstone to ...
- 10/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ozy Media founder and CEO Carlos Watson has resigned from the board of directors of National Public Radio.
“Earlier today, Carlos Watson submitted his resignation from the NPR Board of Directors,” said Lafontaine Oliver, the chair of NPR’s board, in a statement Friday. “I have accepted his resignation on behalf of the Board. Mr. Watson’s resignation is effective as of today.”
The board’s governance committee was scheduled to meet Friday in a special session where the matter was expected to come up. Watson had been a board member of NPR since 2016.
The decision serves as a capstone to ...
“Earlier today, Carlos Watson submitted his resignation from the NPR Board of Directors,” said Lafontaine Oliver, the chair of NPR’s board, in a statement Friday. “I have accepted his resignation on behalf of the Board. Mr. Watson’s resignation is effective as of today.”
The board’s governance committee was scheduled to meet Friday in a special session where the matter was expected to come up. Watson had been a board member of NPR since 2016.
The decision serves as a capstone to ...
- 10/1/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The heat on Ozy Media has been turned up a notch after its chairman, Marc Lasry, decided to step down from the digital company.
The billionaire hedge-funder and co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks opted out in the wake of a damaging New York Times report about Ozy. He had just been named chairman last month, but the climate has shifted dramatically around the company, which has become the most talked-about name in media, and not in a good way.
“I believe that going forward Ozy requires experience in areas like crisis management and investigations, where I do not have particular expertise,” Lasry said in a statement shared with multiple media outlets. “For that reason, I have stepped down from the company’s board. I remain an investor in the company and wish it the best going forward.”
Times media columnist Ben Smith revealed that COO and co-founder Samir Rao...
The billionaire hedge-funder and co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks opted out in the wake of a damaging New York Times report about Ozy. He had just been named chairman last month, but the climate has shifted dramatically around the company, which has become the most talked-about name in media, and not in a good way.
“I believe that going forward Ozy requires experience in areas like crisis management and investigations, where I do not have particular expertise,” Lasry said in a statement shared with multiple media outlets. “For that reason, I have stepped down from the company’s board. I remain an investor in the company and wish it the best going forward.”
Times media columnist Ben Smith revealed that COO and co-founder Samir Rao...
- 9/30/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Billionaire businessman Marc Lasry, who had just been named chairman of Ozy Media earlier this month, is the latest figure to cut ties with the crumbling organization.
In a statement, Lasry said he would continue to be an investor in Ozy, but he felt he didn’t have the skills necessary to steer the company out of its current predicament.
“I believe that going forward, Ozy requires experience in areas like crisis management and investigations, where I do not have particular expertise,” he said in a statement. “For that reason, I have stepped down from the company’s board. I remain an investor in the company and wish it the best going forward.”
Lasry is the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and head of a hedge fund that raised $35 million in funding for Ozy in 2019. As chairman, the goal was to oversee strategic planning, and help Ozy handle large partnerships,...
In a statement, Lasry said he would continue to be an investor in Ozy, but he felt he didn’t have the skills necessary to steer the company out of its current predicament.
“I believe that going forward, Ozy requires experience in areas like crisis management and investigations, where I do not have particular expertise,” he said in a statement. “For that reason, I have stepped down from the company’s board. I remain an investor in the company and wish it the best going forward.”
Lasry is the owner of the Milwaukee Bucks and head of a hedge fund that raised $35 million in funding for Ozy in 2019. As chairman, the goal was to oversee strategic planning, and help Ozy handle large partnerships,...
- 9/30/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Marc Lasry, the billionaire hedge fund manager, has stepped down as chairman of Ozy Media, the embattled media company founded by former CNN contributor and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson.
In a statement Thursday, Lasry said “I believe that going forward, Ozy requires experience in areas like crisis management and investigations, where I do not have particular expertise. … I remain an investor in the company and I wish it the best going forward.”
Lasry was named chairman of Ozy earlier this month. His fund led a $35 million investment round in Ozy in 2019.
Lasry’s resignation comes as Ozy ...
In a statement Thursday, Lasry said “I believe that going forward, Ozy requires experience in areas like crisis management and investigations, where I do not have particular expertise. … I remain an investor in the company and I wish it the best going forward.”
Lasry was named chairman of Ozy earlier this month. His fund led a $35 million investment round in Ozy in 2019.
Lasry’s resignation comes as Ozy ...
- 9/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Marc Lasry, the billionaire hedge fund manager, has stepped down as chairman of Ozy Media, the embattled media company founded by former CNN contributor and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson.
In a statement Thursday, Lasry said “I believe that going forward, Ozy requires experience in areas like crisis management and investigations, where I do not have particular expertise … I remain an investor in the company and I wish it the best going forward.”
Lasry was named chairman of Ozy earlier this month. His fund led a $35 million investment round in Ozy in 2019.
Lasry’s resignation comes as Ozy ...
In a statement Thursday, Lasry said “I believe that going forward, Ozy requires experience in areas like crisis management and investigations, where I do not have particular expertise … I remain an investor in the company and I wish it the best going forward.”
Lasry was named chairman of Ozy earlier this month. His fund led a $35 million investment round in Ozy in 2019.
Lasry’s resignation comes as Ozy ...
- 9/30/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PBS dominated the documentary portion of this year’s News and Documentary Emmys, landing ten awards overall — including three for “Pov,” two for “Independent Lens” and two for “Frontline,” which are three of the public broadcaster’s long-running, signature series.
Netflix followed with four wins, then Showtime with three. The documentary Emmys were awarded on Wednesday by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the second of two individual ceremonies; categories honoring TV news were handed out on Tuesday.
“Tonight, we celebrate these documentary professionals who in the unprecedented year of 2020 delivered the insightful, clear, factual and timely filmmaking necessary to make sense of the tumultuous times that we live in,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS.
Ozy CEO Carlos Watson had originally signed on to host the documentary ceremony, but bowed out earlier this week following a New York Times article chronicling questionable claims and practices inside his company.
Netflix followed with four wins, then Showtime with three. The documentary Emmys were awarded on Wednesday by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the second of two individual ceremonies; categories honoring TV news were handed out on Tuesday.
“Tonight, we celebrate these documentary professionals who in the unprecedented year of 2020 delivered the insightful, clear, factual and timely filmmaking necessary to make sense of the tumultuous times that we live in,” said Adam Sharp, President & CEO, NATAS.
Ozy CEO Carlos Watson had originally signed on to host the documentary ceremony, but bowed out earlier this week following a New York Times article chronicling questionable claims and practices inside his company.
- 9/30/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
2Nd Update with Katty Kay resignation, 9:30 Am: Ozy Media’s star journalist, former BBC anchor Katty Kay, resigned from the embattled news site Wednesday, calling recent allegations surfaced in a New York Times story “serious and deeply troubling.”
“I had recently joined the company after my long career at the BBC, excited to explore opportunities in the digital space,” she wrote in a tweeted statement. “I support the mission to bring diverse stories and voices to the public conversation. But the allegations in The New York Times, which caught me be surprise, are serious and deeply troubling and I had no choice but to end my relationship with the company.”
While at the BBC, she had hosted a podcast with Ozy Media co-founder and CEO Carlos Watson called When Katty Met Carlos. She joined Ozy last summer.
Updated with comment from Ozy Media board: Ozy Media COO and co-founder...
“I had recently joined the company after my long career at the BBC, excited to explore opportunities in the digital space,” she wrote in a tweeted statement. “I support the mission to bring diverse stories and voices to the public conversation. But the allegations in The New York Times, which caught me be surprise, are serious and deeply troubling and I had no choice but to end my relationship with the company.”
While at the BBC, she had hosted a podcast with Ozy Media co-founder and CEO Carlos Watson called When Katty Met Carlos. She joined Ozy last summer.
Updated with comment from Ozy Media board: Ozy Media COO and co-founder...
- 9/29/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Former BBC News anchor and correspondent Katty Kay, who had just joined Ozy Media in late June, has announced her exit following the recent controversy swirling around revelations of the digital company’s practices.
“Yesterday morning I handed in my resignation to Ozy Media,” Kay wrote on Twitter. “I was looking forward to working with the talented young reporters but I did not expect this!”
Kay’s exit comes after a New York Times column, by Ben Smith, who revealed that Ozy Media chief operating officer Samir Rao impersonated a YouTube executive on a call with potential Goldman Sachs investors. Rao has now taken a leave of absence from the company, and his bio has been removed from Ozy’s website.
Also as part of the news, Ozy’s board of directors has hired a law firm to review the company’s practices. Also, Ozy Media CEO and co-founder Carlos Watson...
“Yesterday morning I handed in my resignation to Ozy Media,” Kay wrote on Twitter. “I was looking forward to working with the talented young reporters but I did not expect this!”
Kay’s exit comes after a New York Times column, by Ben Smith, who revealed that Ozy Media chief operating officer Samir Rao impersonated a YouTube executive on a call with potential Goldman Sachs investors. Rao has now taken a leave of absence from the company, and his bio has been removed from Ozy’s website.
Also as part of the news, Ozy’s board of directors has hired a law firm to review the company’s practices. Also, Ozy Media CEO and co-founder Carlos Watson...
- 9/29/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
A day after a New York Times article revealed that Ozy Media chief operating officer Samir Rao impersonated a YouTube executive on a call with potential Goldman Sachs investors, the company has announced that the exec will take a leave of absence.
Also as part of the news, Ozy’s board of directors has hired a law firm to review the company’s practices. The news also comes just hours after Ozy Media CEO and co-founder Carlos Watson informed the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences that he would no longer host the organization’s documentary Emmys ceremony on Wednesday.
Per a statement from the Ozy board: “Following reports of conduct that is not in keeping with our standards or values, Ozy has engaged Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Llp to conduct a review of the company’s business activities. We have also asked Samir Rao, Chief Operating Officer,...
Also as part of the news, Ozy’s board of directors has hired a law firm to review the company’s practices. The news also comes just hours after Ozy Media CEO and co-founder Carlos Watson informed the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences that he would no longer host the organization’s documentary Emmys ceremony on Wednesday.
Per a statement from the Ozy board: “Following reports of conduct that is not in keeping with our standards or values, Ozy has engaged Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Llp to conduct a review of the company’s business activities. We have also asked Samir Rao, Chief Operating Officer,...
- 9/28/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Ozy Media CEO Carlos Watson has informed the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences that he will no longer host the documentary portion of the 42nd News & Documentary Emmy Awards on Wednesday night.
Watson’s decision to step down comes following a New York Times report on Monday questioning the validity of Ozy’s various traffic claims, and revealing that Ozy co-founder Samir Rao had posed as a YouTube executive, touting Ozy’s success, during a conference call with Goldman Sachs bankers in February.
“Carlos Watson has graciously reached out to us and asked to be removed from his hosting duties tomorrow night so as not to distract the focus from the talented nominees in the documentary categories of the 42nd News & Documentary Emmy Awards,” NATAS said in a statement.
Instead, the ceremony’s three presenters will instead share hosting dutires: Columbia Journalism School professor and documentary filmmaker June Cross...
Watson’s decision to step down comes following a New York Times report on Monday questioning the validity of Ozy’s various traffic claims, and revealing that Ozy co-founder Samir Rao had posed as a YouTube executive, touting Ozy’s success, during a conference call with Goldman Sachs bankers in February.
“Carlos Watson has graciously reached out to us and asked to be removed from his hosting duties tomorrow night so as not to distract the focus from the talented nominees in the documentary categories of the 42nd News & Documentary Emmy Awards,” NATAS said in a statement.
Instead, the ceremony’s three presenters will instead share hosting dutires: Columbia Journalism School professor and documentary filmmaker June Cross...
- 9/28/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Ozy Media founder and CEO Carlos Watson has backed out of a significant hosting gig, following a New York Times exposé that raised serious questions about the media company’s legitimacy and revealed that Watson’s co-founder, Samir Rao, impersonated a YouTube executive while the company was seeking to raise money from Goldman Sachs.
Watson had been scheduled to host the documentary portion of the 42nd News and Documentary Emmy Awards ceremony on Wednesday night. However, on Tuesday afternoon, Watson stepped aside from the role.
“Carlos Watson has graciously reached out to us and asked to be removed from his hosting duties tomorrow night ...
Watson had been scheduled to host the documentary portion of the 42nd News and Documentary Emmy Awards ceremony on Wednesday night. However, on Tuesday afternoon, Watson stepped aside from the role.
“Carlos Watson has graciously reached out to us and asked to be removed from his hosting duties tomorrow night ...
- 9/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Ozy Media founder and CEO Carlos Watson has backed out of a significant hosting gig, following a New York Times exposé that raised serious questions about the media company’s legitimacy and revealed that Watson’s co-founder, Samir Rao, impersonated a YouTube executive while the company was seeking to raise money from Goldman Sachs.
Watson had been scheduled to host the documentary portion of the 42nd News and Documentary Emmy Awards ceremony on Wednesday night. However, on Tuesday afternoon, Watson stepped aside from the role.
“Carlos Watson has graciously reached out to us and asked to be removed from his hosting duties tomorrow night ...
Watson had been scheduled to host the documentary portion of the 42nd News and Documentary Emmy Awards ceremony on Wednesday night. However, on Tuesday afternoon, Watson stepped aside from the role.
“Carlos Watson has graciously reached out to us and asked to be removed from his hosting duties tomorrow night ...
- 9/28/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ozy Studios inked development deals with three breakthrough transgender artists. They include Puerto Rican chef Paxx Caraballo Moll, Alabama-based activist Dan Eggers and model Rosalynne Montoya.
Beginning as a digital magazine in 2013, Ozy has moved into podcasts, events and original TV series featured on A+E, History, Lifetime, Amazon, Hulu, OWN, PBS and BBC. Chef Pax, Eggers and Montoya will now be part of those multi-platform storytelling initiatives.
“At Ozy we feel the immense responsibility of pushing culture forward with the content we share and conversations we foster with our audience,” said CEO Carlos Watson. “We feel this is an important moment to highlight the complexity of humanity and the truly diverse life experiences of these incredible talents are one important way in which we can do that.”
“Amplifying voices from within the trans community is not just in-line with Ozy’s philosophy: It’s personal,” said Executive Director of Ozy Studios Chris Rantamaki.
Beginning as a digital magazine in 2013, Ozy has moved into podcasts, events and original TV series featured on A+E, History, Lifetime, Amazon, Hulu, OWN, PBS and BBC. Chef Pax, Eggers and Montoya will now be part of those multi-platform storytelling initiatives.
“At Ozy we feel the immense responsibility of pushing culture forward with the content we share and conversations we foster with our audience,” said CEO Carlos Watson. “We feel this is an important moment to highlight the complexity of humanity and the truly diverse life experiences of these incredible talents are one important way in which we can do that.”
“Amplifying voices from within the trans community is not just in-line with Ozy’s philosophy: It’s personal,” said Executive Director of Ozy Studios Chris Rantamaki.
- 9/7/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Emerson Coleman, the head of programming at Hearst Television and a longtime fixture in broadcasting circles, plans to cap a 32-year run at the company by retiring next summer.
Currently serving as SVP of programming, Coleman has overseen the company’s program development and acquisitions for more than two decades. Among the notable shows he has nurtured is the nationally syndicated public affairs program Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien.
Hearst Television, a division of the privately held Hearst Corp., owns and operates 33 television and two radio stations in 26 markets across 39 states. Its station portfolio reaches more than 22 million U.S. TV households.
“Emerson’s impactful voice and leadership have been cultural cornerstones of Hearst Television for nearly a quarter century,” Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb. “Throughout his career he has provided invaluable and thoughtful counsel to many executives and on-air talent in the industry, putting an indelible mark on non-fiction programming and countless careers.
Currently serving as SVP of programming, Coleman has overseen the company’s program development and acquisitions for more than two decades. Among the notable shows he has nurtured is the nationally syndicated public affairs program Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien.
Hearst Television, a division of the privately held Hearst Corp., owns and operates 33 television and two radio stations in 26 markets across 39 states. Its station portfolio reaches more than 22 million U.S. TV households.
“Emerson’s impactful voice and leadership have been cultural cornerstones of Hearst Television for nearly a quarter century,” Hearst Television President Jordan Wertlieb. “Throughout his career he has provided invaluable and thoughtful counsel to many executives and on-air talent in the industry, putting an indelible mark on non-fiction programming and countless careers.
- 8/31/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Former Devious Maids star Judy Reyes and Gloria Reuben have been tapped to lead the cast of Torn From Her Arms, Lifetime’s family border separation movie from Ozy Media and Motion Picture Corporation of America. Fátima Molina (Who Killed Sara?) and Camila Nuñez (Esa No Soy Yo) also star in the timely film, which, amidst the ongoing crisis at the U.S. border, depicts the harrowing true story of a mother and daughter who must find their way back to each other after being separated. It’s slated to premiere this fall.
Reyes portrays Thelma Garcia, a Texas Immigration lawyer who works tirelessly to reunite the pair, while Reuben plays Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist ProPublica reporter, Ginger Thompson, who broke the story.
Originally covered by Ozy’s reporting arm, Torn From Her Arms marks Ozy’s first foray into scripted programming and an expansion of its television catalog.
Reyes portrays Thelma Garcia, a Texas Immigration lawyer who works tirelessly to reunite the pair, while Reuben plays Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist ProPublica reporter, Ginger Thompson, who broke the story.
Originally covered by Ozy’s reporting arm, Torn From Her Arms marks Ozy’s first foray into scripted programming and an expansion of its television catalog.
- 8/17/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Ozy has inked Jody Watley to a talent deal that includes a biopic on the Grammy-winning R&b singer-songwriter-producer.
Ozy and Watley have begun the search for writers to attach to the project.
“When I heard Jody’s story — one of overcoming the odds, of the power of positivity, of defying expectations — I knew it was one we had to share,” said Chris Rantamaki, executive director of Ozy Studios. “Fans will be surprised that Jody has overcome so many formidable challenges in her life that she has never revealed publicly. She is now ready to break her silence and we are honored she trusts us to tell her story.”
A former Soul Train dancer, Watley started out as part of the Los Angeles-based vocal trio Shalamar, which scored a Top 10 single with “The Second Time Around” in 1979 and continued charting into the mid-’80s. Her first solo hit was “Looking for a New Love,...
Ozy and Watley have begun the search for writers to attach to the project.
“When I heard Jody’s story — one of overcoming the odds, of the power of positivity, of defying expectations — I knew it was one we had to share,” said Chris Rantamaki, executive director of Ozy Studios. “Fans will be surprised that Jody has overcome so many formidable challenges in her life that she has never revealed publicly. She is now ready to break her silence and we are honored she trusts us to tell her story.”
A former Soul Train dancer, Watley started out as part of the Los Angeles-based vocal trio Shalamar, which scored a Top 10 single with “The Second Time Around” in 1979 and continued charting into the mid-’80s. Her first solo hit was “Looking for a New Love,...
- 6/30/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Sometimes life takes you down paths you never could’ve imagined, and that’s been the case for Carlos Watson. Over the years, he has found success at a number of things including journalism and politics. In most recent years, however, entrepreneurship has been his calling. He is the co-founder of Ozy Media and he has had an important role in revolutionizing the talk show world. Along the way, he has built a massive audience and he’s become a very prominent online figure. Despite the fact that he’s been working for decades, in a lot of ways, Carlos is just getting started
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Carlos Watson...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Carlos Watson...
- 5/30/2021
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
WWE announced that SummerSlam will take place on Aug. 21.
The venue, described as a “summer destination location,” will be revealed on June 5 during NBC’s 2021 Belmont Stakes’ pre-race show. Tickets to the wrestling event will go on sale June 18.
Additionally, WWE added 21 live events to its summer tour. The new set of dates kicks off with Supershow on July 24 at the Ppg Paints Arena in Pittsburgh and wraps up with Raw on Sept. 6 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.
Main events have yet to be announced for 2021 SummerSlam, which is WWE’s second-biggest event after WrestleMania.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Deals
Fox News International has expanded into Asia, adding Turkey, Japan, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Maldives to its distribution network. Now available in 37 countries worldwide, the streaming service features live streams of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, along with a catalog of 20 on-demand programs.
The venue, described as a “summer destination location,” will be revealed on June 5 during NBC’s 2021 Belmont Stakes’ pre-race show. Tickets to the wrestling event will go on sale June 18.
Additionally, WWE added 21 live events to its summer tour. The new set of dates kicks off with Supershow on July 24 at the Ppg Paints Arena in Pittsburgh and wraps up with Raw on Sept. 6 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.
Main events have yet to be announced for 2021 SummerSlam, which is WWE’s second-biggest event after WrestleMania.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Deals
Fox News International has expanded into Asia, adding Turkey, Japan, Hong Kong, Mongolia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Maldives to its distribution network. Now available in 37 countries worldwide, the streaming service features live streams of Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, along with a catalog of 20 on-demand programs.
- 5/28/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV News Roundup, Netflix announced the premiere date for “Bridgerton,” and HBO unveiled the trailer for the second season of “His Dark Materials.”
Dates
MTV announced the return of “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” with back-to-back episodes premiering Nov. 19. Following the dramatic events of the Season 3 finale, the reality show will kick off with the cast taking over an entire resort, forming their own bubble amid the pandemic, and DJ Pauly D, Mike “The Situation” Vinny and Ronnie hatching a plan to bring the family together.
“Bridgerton,” the first Netflix series from Shonda Rhimes‘ Shondaland will premiere on Dec. 25. The series will follow Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of a London-based family. As her family searches for her potential suitor, a scandal sheet written by Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) casts aspersions on Daphne. Along with Rhimes, the eight-episode series is executive produced by Betsy Beers and Chris Van Dusen.
Dates
MTV announced the return of “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” with back-to-back episodes premiering Nov. 19. Following the dramatic events of the Season 3 finale, the reality show will kick off with the cast taking over an entire resort, forming their own bubble amid the pandemic, and DJ Pauly D, Mike “The Situation” Vinny and Ronnie hatching a plan to bring the family together.
“Bridgerton,” the first Netflix series from Shonda Rhimes‘ Shondaland will premiere on Dec. 25. The series will follow Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of a London-based family. As her family searches for her potential suitor, a scandal sheet written by Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) casts aspersions on Daphne. Along with Rhimes, the eight-episode series is executive produced by Betsy Beers and Chris Van Dusen.
- 10/15/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Carlos Watson, co-founder and CEO of Ozy Media, started his company in 2013 as a digital magazine venture that was dubbed by one reader “the love child of Vice and the Economist.”
Watson’s ambition for Ozy Media has grown to include TV series, podcasts and a traveling festival featuring top thinkers and entrepreneurs. On the latest episode of Variety podcast “Strictly Business,” the one-time McKinsey & Co. analyst and Goldman Sachs banker-turned-journalist-turned-digital entrepreneur discusses how his San Francisco-based company plans to grow even a pandemic and how he attracted top investors, including Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective and Marc Lasry.
Ozy Media’s mission is simply put: “Helping people be a little smarter a little sooner and doing it in a really flavorful way,” Watson says. He notes that Ozy Media’s digital magazine profiled Trevor Noah before he was host of “The Daily Show” and was way ahead of the...
Watson’s ambition for Ozy Media has grown to include TV series, podcasts and a traveling festival featuring top thinkers and entrepreneurs. On the latest episode of Variety podcast “Strictly Business,” the one-time McKinsey & Co. analyst and Goldman Sachs banker-turned-journalist-turned-digital entrepreneur discusses how his San Francisco-based company plans to grow even a pandemic and how he attracted top investors, including Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective and Marc Lasry.
Ozy Media’s mission is simply put: “Helping people be a little smarter a little sooner and doing it in a really flavorful way,” Watson says. He notes that Ozy Media’s digital magazine profiled Trevor Noah before he was host of “The Daily Show” and was way ahead of the...
- 10/8/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Ozy Media has set a border immigration television movie at Lifetime as part of its Ripped From The Headlines strand.
The drama is the first scripted project to emerge from the company’s first-look deal at A+E Networks signed earlier this year. Ozy Media was set up in 2013 by former CNN and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson and former Goldman Sachs exec Samir Rao.
The project is based on an article from its reporting arm – Meet The Reporter Who Made America Listen To The Children At The Border.
The story is based on reporting from Ginger Thompson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist ProPublica reporter and former New York Times Mexico City bureau chief, who broke the story of the conditions of young children at the border, tapes that were played at the White House press briefing and on the floor of Congress and that are thought to have led to President...
The drama is the first scripted project to emerge from the company’s first-look deal at A+E Networks signed earlier this year. Ozy Media was set up in 2013 by former CNN and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson and former Goldman Sachs exec Samir Rao.
The project is based on an article from its reporting arm – Meet The Reporter Who Made America Listen To The Children At The Border.
The story is based on reporting from Ginger Thompson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist ProPublica reporter and former New York Times Mexico City bureau chief, who broke the story of the conditions of young children at the border, tapes that were played at the White House press briefing and on the floor of Congress and that are thought to have led to President...
- 9/18/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Ozy Media has assembled a programming slate under the first-look production agreement it struck with A+E Networks in January.
Under the pact, Ozy has set up The Science of Dating (wt), a dating show to be produced by A+E Networks’ Six West Media, which is in development at Lifetime, along with two scripted movie projects, also for Lifetime. Additionally, Ozy has a one-hour presidential campaign special, The Contenders, which has been ordered by History, and is working on several other documentaries exploring societal transformation topics.
The Science of Dating (wt) aims to reveal the “science” behind finding true love. The Contenders will look at the most important presidential campaigns in modern history and the surprising twists and turns that often have determined the next President of the United States.
“Ozy has been an innovative and creative partner with great IP,” said A+E Networks Group President Paul Buccieri.
Under the pact, Ozy has set up The Science of Dating (wt), a dating show to be produced by A+E Networks’ Six West Media, which is in development at Lifetime, along with two scripted movie projects, also for Lifetime. Additionally, Ozy has a one-hour presidential campaign special, The Contenders, which has been ordered by History, and is working on several other documentaries exploring societal transformation topics.
The Science of Dating (wt) aims to reveal the “science” behind finding true love. The Contenders will look at the most important presidential campaigns in modern history and the surprising twists and turns that often have determined the next President of the United States.
“Ozy has been an innovative and creative partner with great IP,” said A+E Networks Group President Paul Buccieri.
- 8/4/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The Carlos Watson Show plans an Aug. 3 launch for a new series starring the Emmy-winning Ozy cofounder and CEO Carlos Watson. The show will premiere on the Ozy YouTube channel and at Ozy.com and will broadcast Monday through Friday.
The series will launch with three episodes and plans a 12-week, 60 episode slate.
Beginning as a digital magazine in 2013, Ozy has evolved into a media company featuring podcasts, events, and original TV series with A+E, History, Lifetime, Amazon, Hulu, OWN, PBS and BBC. Led by Emmy Award-winning journalist Carlos Watson and co-founder Samir Rao, Ozy is based in Mountain View, California.
The show’s lineup of guests slated for the first season of the new talk show include authors Malcolm Gladwell, Roxane Gay and Simon Sinek; actors and TV personalities Terry Crews, Karamo Brown, Maggie Siff, Bethenny Frankel, David Oyelowo and Paris Hilton; athletes Grant Hill and Baker Mayfield; politicians Rep.
The series will launch with three episodes and plans a 12-week, 60 episode slate.
Beginning as a digital magazine in 2013, Ozy has evolved into a media company featuring podcasts, events, and original TV series with A+E, History, Lifetime, Amazon, Hulu, OWN, PBS and BBC. Led by Emmy Award-winning journalist Carlos Watson and co-founder Samir Rao, Ozy is based in Mountain View, California.
The show’s lineup of guests slated for the first season of the new talk show include authors Malcolm Gladwell, Roxane Gay and Simon Sinek; actors and TV personalities Terry Crews, Karamo Brown, Maggie Siff, Bethenny Frankel, David Oyelowo and Paris Hilton; athletes Grant Hill and Baker Mayfield; politicians Rep.
- 7/31/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
A+E Networks has set a development and production pact with Ozy Media, the content company headed by journalist Carlos Watson.
The deal includes a first-look pact for TV and digital series, and it may encompass podcasts and live events. Ozy Media runs the annual Ozy Fest lifestyle and culture festival in New York’s Central Park. In November, the company announced it had raised $35 million from investor Marc Lasry to help expand the festival to other cities and to step up the volume of TV and podcast production.
A+E sees Ozy Media as a strong source of material for its flagship cablers A&e, History and Lifetime. Ozy Media already produces nonfiction material for Own, Amazon, BBC, Hulu and others. A+E Networks Group president Paul Buccieri has sought to expand the volume of the cable group’s original content production through pacts with a range of producers.
“We...
The deal includes a first-look pact for TV and digital series, and it may encompass podcasts and live events. Ozy Media runs the annual Ozy Fest lifestyle and culture festival in New York’s Central Park. In November, the company announced it had raised $35 million from investor Marc Lasry to help expand the festival to other cities and to step up the volume of TV and podcast production.
A+E sees Ozy Media as a strong source of material for its flagship cablers A&e, History and Lifetime. Ozy Media already produces nonfiction material for Own, Amazon, BBC, Hulu and others. A+E Networks Group president Paul Buccieri has sought to expand the volume of the cable group’s original content production through pacts with a range of producers.
“We...
- 1/9/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
A+E Networks has entered into a first-look production deal with Ozy Media that includes multiple projects annually across platforms, from live events and podcasts to original series.
The announcement was made by Paul Buccieri, president of A+E Networks Group, and Carlos Watson, Ozy Media co-founder and CEO.
Ozy Media was founded in 2013 as a digital magazine, with capital from Silicon Valley investors including Emerson Collective as well as German publishing giant Axel Springer. It has ramped up content and now hosts a flurry of podcasts and an increasing slate of series, such as The Contenders for the BBC and ...
The announcement was made by Paul Buccieri, president of A+E Networks Group, and Carlos Watson, Ozy Media co-founder and CEO.
Ozy Media was founded in 2013 as a digital magazine, with capital from Silicon Valley investors including Emerson Collective as well as German publishing giant Axel Springer. It has ramped up content and now hosts a flurry of podcasts and an increasing slate of series, such as The Contenders for the BBC and ...
A+E Networks has signed a first-look production agreement with Ozy Media, a onetime magazine brand that has tech backing and has evolved into a producer of original series, podcasts and live events.
While no projects were announced along with the news of the partnership, the companies said the multi-platform deal is seen as encompassing multiple projects per year, with many based on stories Ozy turns up.
A+E Networks Group President Paul Buccieri said the arrangement suits the current production boom for the parent company of networks like History, Lifetime and A&e. He described Ozy as emblematic of A+E’s aim to be “in business with great creatives and storytellers, whose work translates across multiple platforms.” The deal, he said, will “super-serve a growing hunger among consumers for fresh and unique perspectives.”
Founded in 2013 by journalist Carlos Watson, who now serves as CEO, Ozy began as a digital magazine.
While no projects were announced along with the news of the partnership, the companies said the multi-platform deal is seen as encompassing multiple projects per year, with many based on stories Ozy turns up.
A+E Networks Group President Paul Buccieri said the arrangement suits the current production boom for the parent company of networks like History, Lifetime and A&e. He described Ozy as emblematic of A+E’s aim to be “in business with great creatives and storytellers, whose work translates across multiple platforms.” The deal, he said, will “super-serve a growing hunger among consumers for fresh and unique perspectives.”
Founded in 2013 by journalist Carlos Watson, who now serves as CEO, Ozy began as a digital magazine.
- 1/9/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Ozy Media, the digital magazine and lifestyle outlet launched in 2013, has raised $35 million in a new round of financing to support the expansion of its TV production, live events and podcasting operations.
Marc Lasry, co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, led the series C funding round with participation from Interlock Partners, LionTree, Atinum Investment, iHeart Media and Tom Franco, Don Gogel and Roberto Quarta, partners in the private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Lasry has joined the board of Mountain View, Calif.-based Ozy Media, co-founded by former CNN host Carlos Watson and Samir Rao.
The latest investment brings the total financing raised to date by Ozy Media to more than $70 million. All of Ozy Media’s existing investors — including Gsv Capital, Axel Springer and Emerson Collective — returned for the new round.
“We are really proud that top-tier investors want to join us,” Watson told Variety.
Ozy Media has turned its...
Marc Lasry, co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, led the series C funding round with participation from Interlock Partners, LionTree, Atinum Investment, iHeart Media and Tom Franco, Don Gogel and Roberto Quarta, partners in the private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Lasry has joined the board of Mountain View, Calif.-based Ozy Media, co-founded by former CNN host Carlos Watson and Samir Rao.
The latest investment brings the total financing raised to date by Ozy Media to more than $70 million. All of Ozy Media’s existing investors — including Gsv Capital, Axel Springer and Emerson Collective — returned for the new round.
“We are really proud that top-tier investors want to join us,” Watson told Variety.
Ozy Media has turned its...
- 11/1/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Ozy Media, which bills itself as “a daily digital magazine custom built for the Change Generation,” announced Friday the completion of a Series C funding round of $35 million, led by Marc Lasry.
Lasry, a businessman and the co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, was introduced to Ozy co-founder and CEO Carlos Watson through mutual friends, Watson told TheWrap.
“I think it actually started because his kids are big Ozy readers and went to Ozy Fest and listen to Ozy podcasts,” Watson explained.
Also Read: Ozy Media to Address Race in New Primetime Series
Lasry is backing Ozy at a time when the company has used its festivals, podcasts and digital shows to buck the broader trend in digital media of consolidating or closing down. “I think he feels that we are at the forefront of so many of the most important consumer trends in media,” Watson said of Lasry’s investment.
Lasry, a businessman and the co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, was introduced to Ozy co-founder and CEO Carlos Watson through mutual friends, Watson told TheWrap.
“I think it actually started because his kids are big Ozy readers and went to Ozy Fest and listen to Ozy podcasts,” Watson explained.
Also Read: Ozy Media to Address Race in New Primetime Series
Lasry is backing Ozy at a time when the company has used its festivals, podcasts and digital shows to buck the broader trend in digital media of consolidating or closing down. “I think he feels that we are at the forefront of so many of the most important consumer trends in media,” Watson said of Lasry’s investment.
- 11/1/2019
- by Lindsey Ellefson
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, model and activist Winnie Harlow, actresses Tina Lifford and Ryan Michelle Bathe, singer Monica, comedians Nicole Byer and Dulcé Sloan and California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris are among the guests scheduled to appear on Own Spotlight: Black Women Own The Conversation. The four-part series from Own and Ozy Media is set to premiere Saturday, August 24 at 10 Pm Et/Pt.
Hosted by Emmy-winning presenter and Ozy co-founder Carlos Watson, the four one-hour episodes feature what Own and Ozy describe as “intimate conversations about important issues with honest opinions and surprising solutions that put people first.” Across the four episodes, panelists and thought leaders will focus on “love and relationships, motherhood, beauty, and mind, body and soul.”
Own Spotlight: Black Women Own the Conversation is produced by Ozy Media. Executive Producers are Carlos Watson, Fay Schlesinger, Samir Rao, Marion Cunningham, Michael Melamedoff, Rufus Lusk,...
Hosted by Emmy-winning presenter and Ozy co-founder Carlos Watson, the four one-hour episodes feature what Own and Ozy describe as “intimate conversations about important issues with honest opinions and surprising solutions that put people first.” Across the four episodes, panelists and thought leaders will focus on “love and relationships, motherhood, beauty, and mind, body and soul.”
Own Spotlight: Black Women Own the Conversation is produced by Ozy Media. Executive Producers are Carlos Watson, Fay Schlesinger, Samir Rao, Marion Cunningham, Michael Melamedoff, Rufus Lusk,...
- 8/7/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Marie Nelson, who began her broadcast career at ABC News, is returning to the division as Senior Vice President, Integrated Content Strategy. ABC News President James Goldston announced Nelson’s appointment Tuesday in a note to to staff.
In her new role Nelson will work closely with leaders across the news division to strenghthen its brand with multicultural audiences and help unify efforts to diversify content. She’ll be based in Washington, D.C. and spend much of her time in New York. Nelson begins her new job on August 5.
Nelson comes to ABC from PBS, where she was the Vice President for news, public affairs and independent film, leading the programming strategy for its award-winning newscasts and series, including PBS NewsHour, Frontline, Pov and Independent Lens. In addition, she oversaw the network’s programming for the elections in 2016 and 2018.
She also served as PBS executive in charge for several...
In her new role Nelson will work closely with leaders across the news division to strenghthen its brand with multicultural audiences and help unify efforts to diversify content. She’ll be based in Washington, D.C. and spend much of her time in New York. Nelson begins her new job on August 5.
Nelson comes to ABC from PBS, where she was the Vice President for news, public affairs and independent film, leading the programming strategy for its award-winning newscasts and series, including PBS NewsHour, Frontline, Pov and Independent Lens. In addition, she oversaw the network’s programming for the elections in 2016 and 2018.
She also served as PBS executive in charge for several...
- 7/30/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s roundup, “T-Pain’s School of Business” sets an August 6 premiere on Fuse, and Own greenlights a new talks series.
Executive News
Matt Brodlie is leaving his role as director of original film at Netflix to join the Disney+ content marketing team as senior vice president of international content development. In his new role, Brodlie will lead international content development for Disney+, and will develop the content strategy for all non-us markets.
Dates
Season 2 of “T-Pain’s School of Business” will premiere August 6 on Fuse. The new season of the unscripted original, which follows T-Pain as he showcases young entrepreneurs and startups, will see the rapper eat the first robot-made hamburger at Creator Burger and meet the founders of companies such as Xos Trucks, LogicInk, and Black Santa.
Initiatives
TV Land’s series “Younger” has partnered with The United States of Women to share a PSA in support...
Executive News
Matt Brodlie is leaving his role as director of original film at Netflix to join the Disney+ content marketing team as senior vice president of international content development. In his new role, Brodlie will lead international content development for Disney+, and will develop the content strategy for all non-us markets.
Dates
Season 2 of “T-Pain’s School of Business” will premiere August 6 on Fuse. The new season of the unscripted original, which follows T-Pain as he showcases young entrepreneurs and startups, will see the rapper eat the first robot-made hamburger at Creator Burger and meet the founders of companies such as Xos Trucks, LogicInk, and Black Santa.
Initiatives
TV Land’s series “Younger” has partnered with The United States of Women to share a PSA in support...
- 6/25/2019
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Own: Oprah Winfrey Network and Ozy Media are teaming on Own Spotlight: Black Women Own the Conversation, a four-part series to premiere exclusively on Own this summer.
Hosted by Emmy-winning presenter and Ozy co-founder Carlos Watson, the four one-hour episodes feature what Own and Ozy describe as “intimate conversations about important issues with honest opinions and surprising solutions that put people first.” The show will feature a panel of celebrity guests and 100 Black women with a focus on key issues including love and relationships, motherhood, beauty, and mind, body and soul.
“This special presentation from Own and Ozy tackles issues and concerns relevant to Black women today with candid and in-depth discussions that create real dialogue and change,” said Tina Perry, President, Own. “We are excited to be working in partnership to foster these important conversations and bring them to our audience.”
Watson added: “For a variety of reasons,...
Hosted by Emmy-winning presenter and Ozy co-founder Carlos Watson, the four one-hour episodes feature what Own and Ozy describe as “intimate conversations about important issues with honest opinions and surprising solutions that put people first.” The show will feature a panel of celebrity guests and 100 Black women with a focus on key issues including love and relationships, motherhood, beauty, and mind, body and soul.
“This special presentation from Own and Ozy tackles issues and concerns relevant to Black women today with candid and in-depth discussions that create real dialogue and change,” said Tina Perry, President, Own. “We are excited to be working in partnership to foster these important conversations and bring them to our audience.”
Watson added: “For a variety of reasons,...
- 6/25/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
History and TLC alum Jana Bennett has signed on with Ozy Media to help the Silicon Valley-based digital content firm expand its TV production and podcast operations.
Bennett joins as senior adviser with a mandate to expand the 5-year-old company’s original content operations. The company, co-founded in 2013 by former CNN and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson, produces programming for its own digital platforms as well as supplying series to outside buyers.
Ozy Media has produced factual and talk show programs for PBS, BBC, Amazon and Facebook and has a half-dozen more in development. The company’s focus is on highlighting “the new and the next” in arts, politics, pop culture and other arenas. The Ozy Media moniker was inspired by the poem “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Bennett is a veteran cable programmer who launched the Fyi lifestyle channel for A+E Networks in 2014. She advanced to president and g.m.
Bennett joins as senior adviser with a mandate to expand the 5-year-old company’s original content operations. The company, co-founded in 2013 by former CNN and MSNBC anchor Carlos Watson, produces programming for its own digital platforms as well as supplying series to outside buyers.
Ozy Media has produced factual and talk show programs for PBS, BBC, Amazon and Facebook and has a half-dozen more in development. The company’s focus is on highlighting “the new and the next” in arts, politics, pop culture and other arenas. The Ozy Media moniker was inspired by the poem “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Bennett is a veteran cable programmer who launched the Fyi lifestyle channel for A+E Networks in 2014. She advanced to president and g.m.
- 3/27/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
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