News Bites for April 29…
One of the year’s most anticipated films, “MICHAEL,” premiered in theaters on April 24, with Detroit hosting a standout early celebration. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the biopic explores the life of Michael Jackson beyond his music, highlighting the ambition and challenges that shaped his legacy. Beasley Media Group stations urban AC “105.9 Kiss FM” WDMK and classic hip-hop “105.1 The Bounce” WMGC-FM hosted an exclusive VIP screening at Bel Air Luxury Cinema, welcoming over 500 contest-winning fans. The immersive event featured music, themed visuals, and appearances from on-air personalities. Starring Jaafar Jackson alongside Nia Long and Miles Teller, the film traces Jackson’s rise from The Jackson 5 to global superstardom.
The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation has announced that Andie MacDowell will receive the prestigious Gracies Icon Award at the 51st Annual Gracie Awards on May 19 in Beverly Hills. Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown, the gala will also feature a performance by Mickey Guyton. The Icon Award recognizes MacDowell’s decades-long impact in film and television, from “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” to “Maid,” as well as her cultural influence beyond acting. Brown, known for “Community,” will lead the evening, which celebrates women’s achievements in media while supporting AWMF’s mission to advance education, empowerment, and leadership opportunities for women across the industry.Stingray has announced the global launch of “Just For Laughs Radio” on TuneIn, a new audio channel created in partnership with the renowned comedy brand Just For Laughs. The channel delivers a curated stream of sketches and stand-up performances from the brand’s extensive archive, offering listeners everything from quick laughs to full comedy sets. Featuring iconic comedians like Bill Burr, Nikki Glaser, and Nate Bargatze, alongside rising talents such as Marcello Hernández and Mae Martin, the programming spans diverse comedic styles and topics. Executives from Stingray, Just For Laughs, and TuneIn emphasized the partnership’s goal of bringing high-quality, globally accessible comedy to audiences. Available across TuneIn’s expansive platform, the channel aims to provide nonstop entertainment to millions of listeners worldwide.