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While I focus on Technology, Innovation, and Publishing, because I have a platform, I also flag items that I think are important. I also try to include some resources & opportunities. Please let me know what you think.
Important Items
Trump Executive Order Raises Alarm Over Women’s Financial Independence
It calls for an evaluation of all pending proceedings under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which was first passed in 1974 and amended in 1976 to prevent lenders from discriminating against women based on marital status. If independent federal agencies abide by the order they will stall litigation protecting women from being discriminated against for credit, and they will roll back guidance and regulations which were in place to protect people’s rights.
NIH guts its first and largest study centered on women
https://www.science.org/content/article/nih-cancels-its-first-and-largest-study-centered-women
Innovation
Google created a new AI model for talking to dolphins
In collaboration with Georgia Tech and the Wild Dolphin Project (WDP), Google has launched DolphinGemma, a large language model aimed at decoding dolphin communication. This AI model analyzes the complex vocalizations of dolphins—such as clicks and whistles—and generates realistic dolphin-like sound sequences, leveraging a vast dataset from over three decades of research on wild Atlantic spotted dolphins.
https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/04/google-created-a-new-ai-model-for-talking-to-dolphins/
Neuroscientists are racing to turn brain waves into speech
AI and brain implants are being leveraged to create voice neuroprostheses. Investment and attention have long been focused on implants that enable severely disabled people to operate computer keyboards, control robotic arms, or regain some use of their own paralyzed limbs. But some labs are making strides by concentrating on technology that converts thought patterns into speech.
https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/04/neuroscientists-are-racing-to-turn-brain-waves-into-speech/
Technology
AI helps publishers monetize audience, improve workflows
Media leaders from Dotdash Meredith, The New York Times, United Daily News, The Wall Street Journal, Newsday, and Ippen Digital shared how AI is enabling their companies to improve revenue and increase performance around business goals.
The Washington Post will now let ChatGPT summarize its articles
https://www.theverge.com/news/653500/the-washington-post-openai-chatgpt-partnership
Publisher of PCMag and Mashable Sues OpenAI
Regrets: Actors who sold AI avatars stuck in Black Mirror-esque dystopia
Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt Warns AI Could Surpass Human Control in 3 Years
Within a year, most programmers could be replaced by AI and models may reach the level of elite mathematicians. Artificial superintelligence (ASI)—a form of AI that surpasses human intelligence—could emerge within the next three to six years. Society should brace for deep transformations.
https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/artificial-superintelligenc/
4 Ways AI Eliminates Manual Busywork For YouTube Content Creators
Microsoft is finally relaunching its “Recall” feature
https://www.theverge.com/news/646911/microsoft-recall-windows-insiders-preview
Meta’s ‘Digital Companions’ Will Talk Sex With Users – Even Children
Meta’s AI bots are empowered to engage in “romantic role-play.” The chats can turn explicit, even when the users are children.
https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/meta-ai-chatbots-sex-a25311bf
Netflix chief says the ‘bigger opportunity’ for AI in filmmaking isn’t just cutting costs, but making movies ‘10% better’
Reimagining Oz Through Immersion and AI
Google DeepMind teamed up with MSG Sphere Studios to reimagine The Wizard of Oz as an AI-powered immersive spectacle. Debuting at the Las Vegas Sphere in 2025, the experience layers generative visuals, spatial audio, and a 360° LED canvas to transform the classic tale into a multisensory journey.
Google’s Vertex AI Adds Lyria Text-to-Music
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/04/10/googles-vertex-ai-adds-lyria-text-to-music/
AI-generated music accounts for 18% of all tracks uploaded to Deezer
The latest viral ChatGPT trend is doing ‘reverse location search’ from photos
People are using ChatGPT to figure out the location shown in pictures.
This week, OpenAI released its newest AI models, o3 and o4-mini, both of which can uniquely “reason” through uploaded images. In practice, the models can crop, rotate, and zoom in on photos — even blurry and distorted ones — to thoroughly analyze them.
Game Play’s the Thing: Fortnite Meets Theater
Epic Universe Is Coming
HT @FoSTorg Universal’s Epic Universe leans heavily into immersive world building. The design emphasizes interactivity and detail over spectacle alone—think AR-powered wands, walking animatronics, and ride experiences that feel more like games than attractions. It’s a sign that the future of theme parks may lie as much in storytelling infrastructure as in thrills.
US Seeks to Break Up Google
The Justice Department said the best way to address Google’s monopoly in internet search was to force it to sell Chrome
YouTube turns 20 and is on track to be the biggest media company by revenue
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/23/google-youtube-disney-tiktok.html
Publishing & Media
2025 Media & Entertainment Industry Predictions Report
https://www.alixpartners.com/media-entertainment-industry-predictions-report-2025/
BookTok, romantasy and follower counts: are future bestselling authors all going to be TikTok stars?
HT The hottest new social scene might be a book club
ICYMI Gen Zers and millennials are putting creative twists on book clubs, driven by a renewed love of reading and a growing desire for off-screen connection.
These Little Romance Books Are Reviving Readers’ Sex Drives
The founders of 831 Stories believe that anyone can write romance, that great love stories should never end and that even the genre’s skeptics want a ‘happily ever after’
https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/831-stories-claire-mazur-erica-cerulo-romance-2eab8e8e
Digital publishers remain unsure of what comes next, even as Google’s ad tech is ruled a monopoly
Special Libraries Association to Disband
https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/newsbrief/index.html?record=5287
Open Letter Implores HarperCollins to Defend IMLS, Libraries
Resources & Opportunities
Podcast Startup and Growth – Creating, Marketing & Scaling Your Show
Whether you want to start your own podcast or are already an experienced podcaster, this session will help you get started, craft compelling content, plan strategic marketing, and grow your audience. What You’ll Learn:
- Craft Engaging Content – Structure episodes that captivate listeners and build a loyal audience.
- Enhance Audio Quality – Use AI-powered tools to improve sound clarity and production value.
- Design Standout Cover Art – Create professional visuals that make your podcast stand out.
- Boost Your Podcast’s Reach – Leverage social media, SEO, and strategic partnerships.
- Monetize & Scale – Explore revenue streams and sustainable growth strategies.
Join us for expert guidance and a live Q&A to get your podcast noticed and thriving! Plus, apply what you learn at this event right away with a 30-day free trial to Adobe Podcast.
4/30 via Zoom 12-1pm ET. FREE for WMG members; $15 for non-members
https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-6129568
Taste, Talk, and Connect: A Special Night at Tsion Cafe in Harlem
Join us for a memorable evening of networking, culture, and cuisine at Tsion Cafe, the popular Harlem restaurant of chef and author Beejhy Barhany. In celebration of her new cookbook, Gursha: Timeless Recipes for Modern Kitchens, from Ethiopia, Israel, Harlem, and Beyond, Beejhy invites WMG members and friends to experience the flavors and traditions of Ethiopian and Israeli cuisine. She will be joined by literary agent Sally Ekus, Knopf senior editor Tom Pold, and writer and cookbook collaborator Elisa Ung for a discussion about bringing this unique cookbook to life.
Guests will enjoy:
- A plant-based buffet dinner featuring dishes inspired by Gursha
- A signature cocktail crafted from a recipe in the book
- A panel discussion on the making of Gursha with Beejhy Barhany, Sally Ekus, Tom Pold, and moderator Elisa Ung
- A traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony led by Beejhy Barhany
- Dessert, book sales, and a signing with the author
This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow food lovers, gain insight into cookbook publishing, and learn about the culture and traditions of the Ethiopian Jewish community. All are welcome!
5/15 6-8pm ET at Tsion Cafe in Harlem. $45 for WMG members; $55 for non-members
https://www.womensmediagroup.org/event-6140428
Celebrating AANHPI Storytellers!
- Katie Kitamura (Audition)
- Megha Majumdar (A Burning)
- Hyeseung Song (Docile)
- Qian Julie Wang (Beautiful Country)
5/21 5:30-7:30pm, NYC, $15 @WMG_NYC members, $20 nonmembers.
https://womensmediagroup.org/event-6154518
Managing Financial Anxiety for Authors
MT @AuthorsGuild Authors are grappling with anxiety over income, savings, inflation, and what the future holds. Join us for a virtual chat and AMA session with Erin Lowry, host of Money Matters, and special guests Amanda Clayman and Uchechi Kalu. Register FREE.
https://authorsguild.org/event/managing-financial-anxiety-for-authors/
Latinx Storytellers Conference
The @LKBFStorytellers is an annual, national, in-person 2-day gathering of Latinx children and adult book writers and illustrators, editors, literary agents and publishing professionals. 9/12-9/13 in NYC.
https://www.latinxstorytellersconference.com
Coney Island Book Fair
Book Fair (12-6pm) FREE
Author Panels (1-5pm) $20
Variety Show (7pm) $25
Show & Panel Pass $40
https://www.coneyislandbookfair.org
Bertelsmann Opens Applications for 17th ‘Talent Meets Bertelsmann’ Career Event in Berlin
Bertelsmann inviting students from across Europe to apply for its 17th Talent Meets Bertelsmann event, taking place June 16–18, 2025 in Berlin. The event offers networking, workshops, coaching, and AI-focused challenges with senior leadership. Applicants have until April 27 to apply. Over the years, the initiative has led to the recruitment of more than 200 participants. #teamPRH
Riverside Park Conservancy Announces Its Largest-Ever Summer on the Hudson Line-Up Featuring Nearly 400 Free Events
https://riversideparknyc.org/announcing-SOH-2025/
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