Zaslav is also a starfucker, so this move by the big guns may have real impact on him.

A statement from the filmmakers:

“Turner Classic Movies has always been more than just a channel. It is truly a precious resource of cinema, open 24 hours a day seven days a week. And while it has never been a financial juggernaut, it has always been a profitable endeavor since its inception.

Earlier this week, David Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, got in touch to talk about the restructuring of TCM. We understand the pressures and realities of a corporation as large as WBD, of which TCM is one moving part.

We have each spent time talking to David, separately and together, and it’s clear that TCM and classic cinema are very important to him.  Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM’s programming is untouched and protected.

We are heartened and encouraged by the conversations we’ve had thus far, and we are committed to working together to ensure the continuation of this cultural touchstone that we all treasure.”

7 hours ago, Vee said:

It was such horrifying yet typical Zaslav/WBD news. The Indiewire article at least is encouraging in that Spielberg, Scorsese, etc. are putting pressure on the company over this move. I know @DRW50 will want to know too.

I also left TCM behind for the Criterion Channel when I cut the cord but I adore the network and always will. My family does too.

Whenever I am home with the family or do have access to TCM again though, I've always done this just like Scorsese:

It's touching to see them trying to make the effort, as they certainly don't have to, and it is probably going on deaf ears (that pig Zaslav likely sees this as a sign he's doing the right thing). I feel like there's a sustained movement in this country now to wipe out anything remotely artistic or educational, in schools or on television or in films. It's really ramping up. We're just going to get more trash like those bigot Gaines or exploitive Honey Boo Boo trash.

13 minutes ago, DRW50 said:

It's touching to see them trying to make the effort, as they certainly don't have to, and it is probably going on deaf ears (that pig Zaslav likely sees this as a sign he's doing the right thing).

Not necessarily. The profile I posted up top indicates he is highly susceptible to fame and flattery, and kowtows to those he considers to be big names in Hollywood.

But you're right that there is a sustained cultural movement Trump was the flashpoint for, and while we've made some gains it's going to be a long road continuing to fight it off.

 

Vile. Some more from the article:

 

 

For the love of God:

 

That Jean Harlow piece was seamlessly edited. That took some doing. How unfortunate that TCM seems to be throwing away so many talented people.

6 minutes ago, DramatistDreamer said:

That Jean Harlow piece was seamlessly edited. That took some doing. 

Pretty sure it's the same editor who's done so many incredible pieces like that over the years.

I don't care what David Zaslav tells the public, either directly or through a flunkie spokesperson.  He has every intention in the world of turning TCM into a different network entirely.

Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and everyone else at Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies better watch their backs, because Zaslav's coming for them next.

On 6/22/2023 at 2:09 AM, Vee said:

Not necessarily. The profile I posted up top indicates he is highly susceptible to fame and flattery, and kowtows to those he considers to be big names in Hollywood.

But you're right that there is a sustained cultural movement Trump was the flashpoint for, and while we've made some gains it's going to be a long road continuing to fight it off.

Looks like you called it. WBD reversed the ousting of TCM’s 25-year head of programming (at least they’ll have his institutional knowledge, which had been a concern) and Spielberg/Scorsese/PTA will partner with the network to curate content. 

 

Wow.

 

Inside the TCM/Zaslav drama:

 

GQ mysteriously pulled this story about Zaslav.