James Hale

• Google Shutters Stadia Game Dev Studio, Will Focus On Distribution And Tech
• YouTube Taps Longtime Kids’ TV Exec Craig Hunter To Lead Original Content For Preschoolers

  At YouTube, Hunter will "be responsible for increasing a slate of kids and family originals by helping to shape a robust pipeline of current content and development properties for YouTube Kids," the platform says.

  
• Netflix Is Testing A Sleep Timer That Will Automatically Stop Playback

  Netflix is testing a sleep timer feature that could save users’ phone batteries if they nod off while binging Sweet Home or catching up on the latest season of Snowpiercer.

  
• HBO Max To Offer Cheaper, Ad-Supported Subscription In Q2

  Folks not keen to fork over $15 a month for HBO Max don’t have long to wait: WarnerMedia plans to introduce a cheaper, ad-supported version in the second quarter of this year.

  
• The Obamas To Host YouTube’s Black History Month Special, ‘Black Renaissance’
• YouTube Will Let Viewers Share Custom Short Videos Cut From Creators’ Uploads And Livestreams
• Studio71 Cofounders Michael Green, Reza Izad, Dan Weinstein Reunite To Launch Management Company Underscore Talent
• TikTok To Lay Off Most Indian Staffers After Country Makes Ban Permanent (Report)
• Vimeo Rolls Out Lead-Generation Integrations With Mailchimp, HubSpot, Constant Contact
• Byte, Clash Merge To Take On TikTok
• Stir’s Latest Drop Lets Fans Design Their Dream Creator Collabs–And Will Award $25,000 To The Top Suggestion
• Invite-Only Chat App Clubhouse To Develop Creator Monetization With Series B Funding