Ben Fritz

Wall Street Journal

Guest/Host

Reporter covering the film business for the Wall Street Journal; former film business reporter for the Los Angeles Times; former reporter and video-game reviews editor for Variety, covering technology and feature animation; blogger; editor of the satirical website Dateline Hollywood and co-author of the New York Times bestseller All The President's Spin

Ben Fritz on KCRW

Hollywood studio executives are planning to release their movies as “premium” video-on-demand soon after they hit theaters for $30-$50 per rental.

Will premium video-on-demand kill movie theaters?

Hollywood studio executives are planning to release their movies as “premium” video-on-demand soon after they hit theaters for $30-$50 per rental.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Our weekly look at the movies. This week… Brick Mansions is an action remake of a 2004 French film. It stars the late Paul Walker from the Fast & Furious series.

Movies

Our weekly look at the movies. This week… Brick Mansions is an action remake of a 2004 French film. It stars the late Paul Walker from the Fast & Furious series.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

We’ve managed to rise above our post-Oscars malaise for a fresh round of film talk. Because it’s Friday, and that’s what we do on Fridays.

Movies

We’ve managed to rise above our post-Oscars malaise for a fresh round of film talk. Because it’s Friday, and that’s what we do on Fridays.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

More from KCRW

A new report from Trump’s Department of Health and Human Services tries to discredit gender-affirming care, contradicting leading medical experts who say it can save lives.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Anaheim officials tore down and replaced its “Willkommen” signs that paid homage to the city’s German immigrant founders.

from KCRW Features

The Supreme Court heard arguments today about whether lower court federal judges should have the power to block President Trump’s policies nationwide.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Cracks within the GOP turn the “Big, Beautiful Bill” into a mess. President Trump visits the Middle East. Plus, Democrats’ past and future collide.

from Left, Right & Center

Pope Francis, who died overnight, is remembered for having a more progressive approach to immigration, climate change, and the LGBTQ commmunity than his predecessors.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Seven new stations are coming to the LA Metro D Line within the next few years. KCRW tours the Wilshire/LA Brea station, slated to open in 2025.

from KCRW Features

Nearly 2 in 5 LGBTQ+ youth considered suicide in the last year. They could lose access to a federally-funded suicide hotline under possible budget cuts.

from KCRW Features

From meme coins to branded merch, President Trump has become marketer-in-chief, using his office to pad his personal wealth like few, if any, of his predecessors.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

LA Mayor Karen Bass has released her next budget. To help close a massive deficit, the city may have to lay off around 5% of the city workforce.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand