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Welcome back to The Brief by Kuro House, where we break down the most compelling stories shaking up the marketing and media world. Whether you’re catching us on your commute or tuning in while you work, we’re here to keep you sharp and in the know.
Let’s dive right in with an exclusive from Adweek that reads like a cautionary tale for anyone betting big on content-to-commerce. The Chernin Group, once a darling of digital media investment, saw its ambitious strategy unravel in dramatic fashion. In October 2024, The Pro’s Closet—a used-bike marketplace that had ballooned from a humble eBay operation to a $75 million-a-year business—shut its doors after three rounds of layoffs and a desperate going-out-of-business sale. The downfall was accelerated by a poorly timed acquisition of a retail media brand, which failed to deliver the expected synergies. Meanwhile, Hodinkee, once the go-to authority for watch enthusiasts, also stumbled after acquiring and quickly divesting a commerce business, eventually being sold off in parts. The article makes clear: even with the right pedigree and funding, the leap from content to commerce is fraught with risk, and the fallout can be swift and unforgiving.
Switching gears to the world of television news, CBS is shaking up its evening lineup in a big way, according to Adweek’s TVNewser. Tony Dokoupil is stepping in as the new face of CBS Evening News, and he’s not doing it from behind a desk. Instead, CBS is launching a 10-city, 10-day tour—“Live from America”—with Dokoupil anchoring from Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, and more. The idea is to connect with Americans where they live, bringing national news into local contexts. Alongside this, CBS is expanding its “Things That Matter” town hall series, in partnership with Free Press and Bank of America, promising debates on hot-button topics like God, feminism, and capitalism, and featuring figures like Vice President JD Vance and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The network’s moves highlight a renewed focus on community engagement and issue-driven storytelling at a time when trust in media is under scrutiny.
While we’re talking about the news biz, NewsNation is making headlines with a programming shakeup. Fox News veteran Katie Pavlich is set to take over the 10 p.m. ET slot, launching a new primetime program in early 2026 that promises spirited debates and in-depth conversations with major newsmakers. Jesse Weber will anchor a new 11 p.m. hour of live news, and Hena Doba will host expanded weekend editions of “Morning in America.” The network is clearly positioning itself as a destination for live, opinionated coverage, doubling down on personality-driven programming to capture viewers in a crowded media landscape.
And in a story that’s bound to stir conversation, former President Donald Trump has filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC. The suit alleges that the BBC edited sections of a January 6, 2021, speech in a way that suggested Trump directed supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol. The BBC has acknowledged the error and apologized, but says it will fight the lawsuit in court. This legal battle will likely have ripple effects across international newsrooms, raising questions about editorial responsibility and the legal risks of reporting on controversial political figures.
Finally, a lighter note from the world of cable news: Fox News Media recently threw its holiday bash at The Glasshouse in New York City. The event brought together a who’s-who of on-air personalities, from Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer to Lara Trump and Kat Timpf. CEO Suzanne Scott toasted the network’s successes and the dedication of its New York team, capping off a year of high ratings and headline-grabbing stories. It’s a reminder that, for all the turbulence in media, some traditions—like the holiday party—endure.
That’s all for today’s episode of The Brief. From high-stakes media bets to anchor shakeups and legal drama, the marketing and media world never stands still. Thanks for listening, and remember: staying curious is your edge. Catch you tomorrow for more stories that matter.
