Canada walks back plan to make US audiovisual streaming services pay a bigger Canadian-content levy - Music Business Worldwide

• Express.co.uk is providing a variety of celebrity updates, including fan praise for a new Netflix crime drama that is being compared favorably to the series Broadchurch. • In television news, Alan Titchmarsh has reportedly declined a job offer from ITV while providing an update regarding his involvement with Love Your Weekend.

• The Canadian Department of Canadian Heritage ordered the CRTC to review its policy requiring streaming services to increase spending on local content. • The government aims to prevent these new regulatory costs from being passed on to consumers through higher subscription fees during a period of high cost-of-living pressure.

• Scott Pelley has been fired from '60 Minutes,' a move that intensifies ongoing internal turmoil and instability at CBS News. • The summary also highlights the enduring cultural legacy of Fela Kuti's song "Zombie," which serves as a symbol of defiance against oppressive authority in Nigeria.

• China has launched a two-month regulatory campaign to clean up its massive micro drama industry, specifically targeting content that promotes violence, sexual themes, and "wealth-flaunting." • The crackdown aims to eliminate "distorted views" and social values that glorify excessive luxury or materialism within these short-form series.

• The 2026 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival has announced its initial competition lineups and jury selections. • Featured world premieres include "Gæsten" (The Guest), a 99-minute Danish film directed by Mads Mengel, and "A Happy Family," a 120-minute Swiss production directed by Jan-Eric Mack.

• Netflix Tudum is celebrating Black Music Month by highlighting a curated collection of 14 movies and shows that honor Black musical heritage. • The featured content includes documentaries on legendary figures such as Beyoncé and Quincy Jones, as well as the film Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

• TLC has announced that "90 Day: The Last Resort" will premiere on June 1, 2026, featuring six struggling couples attempting to save their relationships. • The cast includes well-known pairs such as Jenny and Sumit, Shekinah and Sarper, and Rebecca and Zied, all of whom have reached critical breaking points.

• Digital entertainment has evolved from distinct categories, such as television and music playlists, into a fluid, integrated experience. • The rise of streaming culture allows bedroom livestreamers and DJ sets to compete with or exceed the reach of traditional broadcasts.

• A diverse lineup of artists, including BTS, Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, Muse, and Lainey Wilson, are scheduled to perform at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. • The summary highlights the enduring cultural significance of the song "Zombie" and Fela Kuti's defiance against oppressive authority in Nigeria.

• Canadian Culture Minister Marc Miller announced that the government will stop plans to triple the financial contributions required from U.S. streaming services like Netflix for Canadian content. • Instead of hiking payments, the Canadian government intends to invest hundreds of millions of dollars directly into the domestic media sector.

• The 2026 Theatre World Awards will be held on June 2 to honor a diverse group of performers for their Broadway debuts. • Honorees include high-profile actors such as Adrien Brody, Ayo Edebiri, Alden Ehrenreich, and Ben Ahlers.