The Business
The Business

The Business

KCRW

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Lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter.

Recent Episodes

Tilly Norwood creator defends her controversial synthetic character
MAR 13, 2026
Tilly Norwood creator defends her controversial synthetic character
<p dir="ltr">This week, Kim talks with Tilly Norwood creator Eline Van der Velden, who defends her <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sag-aftra-slams-ai-actress-tilly-norwood-xicoia-union-1236388942/">controversial synthetic character</a>. Van der Velden argues that Tilly Norwood is simply another character, an extension of herself, not so different from others she&rsquo;s created during her years as an actress. The Particle6 Productions co-founder explains why she believes entertainment built with generative AI will find a place in the industry and predicts that <a href="https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/miquela-virtual-influencer-signs-caa-1234599368/">more agents will follow CAA&rsquo;s lead</a> in signing synthetic characters.</p> <p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-4695e7d0-7fff-a069-2729-a855e21b8225"><br></strong>Plus, Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss Ben Affleck&rsquo;s investment in AI through his company Interpositive, <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/ben-affleck-ai-netflix-1236521806/">which he sold to Netflix</a> in a deal that could reach $600 million. The banter partners also address Live Nation&rsquo;s ticketing practices, including a lawsuit with evidence of employees joking about <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-industry-news/live-nation-employees-gouging-fans-messages-court-docs-1236528633/">price gouging fans</a> &mdash; comments that later prompted the company to distance itself from those involved.</p>
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30 MIN
A check-in with SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin
MAR 6, 2026
A check-in with SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin
<p dir="ltr">This week, Kim talks with SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin about stepping into the job during a tumultuous year for Hollywood. His early tenure has already included <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/fcc-jimmy-kimmel-charlie-kirk-monologue-1236373708/">an FCC clash involving Jimmy Kimmel</a>, the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/ai-actress-tilly-norwood-backlash-xicoia-eline-response-1236387903/">arrival of synthetic &ldquo;performers,&rdquo;</a> and some <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/openai-walks-back-opt-out-sora-video-app-ip-characters-1236393079/">wonky legal maneuvering from OpenAI</a>. Astin discusses the most pressing issues facing the union as bargaining is underway, including wages and working conditions as well as the challenges posed by AI companies scraping copyrighted material.</p> <p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-dd501131-7fff-3784-a234-3b06c5a2fa64"><br></strong>Plus, David Ellison has unveiled plans to <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/david-ellison-talks-warner-bros-deal-comments-1236519395/">merge Paramount+ and HBO Max</a> into a single streaming platform. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dig into the proposal &ndash; which comes with about $80 billion in debt and the strong likelihood of layoffs &ndash;&nbsp; and the familiar promise that &ldquo;synergies&rdquo; in tech, ad sales and platforms will do the heavy lifting. They also examine how the shake-up may affect HBO leadership, the uncertain future of CNN, and how Donald Trump&rsquo;s influence could complicate an already fraught moment for media companies.</p>
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30 MIN