First Look Media
{{Short description|American nonprofit media organization}}
{{For|the home video company formerly known as "First Look Media"|First Look Studios}}
{{Use mdy dates |date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox company
| name = First Look Media
| image = First Look Media logo.png
| caption =
| foundation = {{start date and age|2013|10}}
| founders = Pierre Omidyar
| location_city = New York City, New York
| website = {{url|https://firstlook.media/}}
| location_country = United States
| key_people = Michael Bloom (CEO)
| type = Nonprofit organization
| industry = Mass media
| products = Investigative journalism, new media
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| subsid = {{hlist|The Intercept|The Nib|Field of Vision|Topic Studios|Topic|Press Freedom Defense Fund}}
| owner =
| num_employees =
}}
First Look Media is an American nonprofit media organization founded by Pierre Omidyar in October 2013 as a venue for "original, independent journalism".{{cite web |url=https://firstlook.media/about/ |title=About - First Look Media |year=2018 |website=FirstLook.media |publisher=First Look Media |access-date=2020-08-31 |archive-date=2020-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823173511/https://www.firstlook.media/about |url-status=live }}{{cite web|author=Jay Rosen|author-link=Jay Rosen|title=A First Look at NewCo's structure|publisher=Pressthink.org|url=http://pressthink.org/2013/12/a-first-look-at-newcos-structure/|date=December 19, 2013|access-date=2014-02-10|archive-date=2014-02-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208021741/http://pressthink.org/2013/12/a-first-look-at-newcos-structure/|url-status=live}} The project was started as a collaboration with Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill, and Laura Poitras with a promised $250 million in funding from Omidyar.{{cite web|title=The extraordinary promise of the new Greenwald-Omidyar venture (Updated)|publisher=Columbia Journalism Review|url=http://cjr.org/the_audit/the_extraordinary_promise_of_t.php|access-date=2014-02-10|archive-date=2013-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017115201/http://www.cjr.org/the_audit/the_extraordinary_promise_of_t.php|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Here's Who's Backing Glenn Greenwald's New Website|publisher=Reuters via HuffPo|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/15/glenn-greenwald-pierre-omidyar_n_4103026.html|access-date=2020-08-31|archive-date=2018-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221094002/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/15/glenn-greenwald-pierre-omidyar_n_4103026.html|url-status=live}} The organization announced plans to support multiple publications, the first of which was The Intercept, launched in February 2014.
A second publication was announced in February 2014 that would focus on financial and political corruption, headed by Matt Taibbi. Although the name of the publication was not publicly announced, the name Racket was reportedly chosen.{{cite web |url=http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/media/2014/08/8551070/matt-taibbis-first-look-media-project-looks-its-called-racket |title=Matt Taibbi's First Look Media project looks like it's called 'Racket' |last1=Barr |first1=Jeremy |date=2014-08-20 |website=capitalnewyork.com |publisher=Politico |access-date=2014-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063912/http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/media/2014/08/8551070/matt-taibbis-first-look-media-project-looks-its-called-racket |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }} The publication was to be launched autumn 2014{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/business/media/start-up-site-hires-critic-of-wall-st.html |title=Start-Up Site Hires Critic of Wall St. |last1=Somaiya |first1=Ravi |date=2014-02-19 |website=The New York Times |access-date=20 February 2014 |archive-date=2014-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220082831/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/business/media/start-up-site-hires-critic-of-wall-st.html |url-status=live }}{{cite press release |last=Taibbi |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Taibbi |date=2014-08-12 |title=Matt Taibbi Expands Team for Upcoming Digital Magazine |url=https://firstlook.org/2014/08/12/taibbi-team-expands/ |publisher=First Look Media |access-date=2014-10-24 |archive-date=2016-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221182249/https://firstlook.org/2014/08/12/taibbi-team-expands/ |url-status=live }} but in October, it was reported that Taibbi was on leave after "disagreements with higher-ups".Somaiya, Ravi, [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/29/business/media/matt-taibbi-is-on-leave-only-months-after-joining-first-look-media.html "Matt Taibbi Is on Leave Only Months After Joining First Look Media"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402201711/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/29/business/media/matt-taibbi-is-on-leave-only-months-after-joining-first-look-media.html |date=2018-04-02 }}, The New York Times, October 28, 2014. Retrieved October 28, 2014. On October 28, Omidyar stated in a press release that Taibbi had left First Look.{{cite press release |last=Omidyar |first=Pierre |date=October 28, 2014 |title=Important Announcement |url=https://firstlook.org/2014/10/28/important-announcement/ |publisher=First Look Media |access-date=October 29, 2014 |archive-date=October 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029040928/https://firstlook.org/2014/10/28/important-announcement/ |url-status=live }}
History
In December 2014, First Look Media announced the launch of Reported.ly, a social media news service led by Andy Carvin.{{cite web | author = Andy Carvin | url = https://medium.com/reportedly/welcome-to-reported-ly-3363a5fb7ea5 | title = Welcome to Reported.ly | access-date = 2014-12-08 | archive-date = 2014-12-09 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141209033423/https://medium.com/reportedly/welcome-to-reported-ly-3363a5fb7ea5 | url-status = live }} However, in August 2016, Reported.ly said FLM has "chosen to part ways with us," and was planning to shut down.{{cite web|url=http://fortune.com/2016/08/08/andy-carvin-reportedly/|title=Andy Carvin Talks About First Look Media Shutting Down Reported.ly|date=2016-08-08|website=Fortune|access-date=2016-08-16|archive-date=2016-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812095139/http://fortune.com/2016/08/08/andy-carvin-reportedly/|url-status=live}}
In January 2015, Betsy Reed joined as the editor in chief of The Intercept, replacing John Cook.{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2014/12/the-intercept-hires-betsy-reed-as-editor-199596.html|title=The Intercept hires Betsy Reed as editor|first=Hadas|last=Gold|website=POLITICO|access-date=2020-08-31|archive-date=2015-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501135252/http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2014/12/the-intercept-hires-betsy-reed-as-editor-199596.html|url-status=live}} Shortly thereafter, she hired Charlotte Greensit as managing editor in April 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.adweek.com/digital/the-intercept-names-charlotte-greensit-managing-editor/|title=The Intercept Names Charlotte Greensit Managing Editor|access-date=2020-08-31|archive-date=2018-12-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181213200051/https://www.adweek.com/digital/the-intercept-names-charlotte-greensit-managing-editor/|url-status=live}}
In February 2016 First Look Media announced they would be partnering with Matt Bors to relaunch The Nib.{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstlook.media/matt-bors-brings-the-nib-to-first-look-media|title=Matt Bors Brings The Nib to First Look Media - First Look Media|website=First Look Media|access-date=2017-07-27|archive-date=2017-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723050320/https://www.firstlook.media/matt-bors-brings-the-nib-to-first-look-media|url-status=live}}
In 2017, First Look Media launched the photo and video website Topic.com.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/first-look-media-launches-topiccom-as-visual-storytelling-destination-1018077|title=First Look Media Launches Topic.com as Visual Storytelling Destination (Exclusive) | Hollywood Reporter|website=www.hollywoodreporter.com|access-date=2020-08-31|archive-date=2018-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629102220/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/first-look-media-launches-topiccom-as-visual-storytelling-destination-1018077|url-status=live}} Topic Studios was also launched as part of this.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170315006283/en/Media-Officially-Brands-Entertainment-Studio-%E2%80%9CTopic%E2%80%9D|title=First Look Media Officially Brands Its Entertainment Studio 'Topic'|date=March 15, 2017|website=www.businesswire.com|access-date=August 31, 2020|archive-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316015120/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170315006283/en/Media-Officially-Brands-Entertainment-Studio-%E2%80%9CTopic%E2%80%9D|url-status=live}} They have helped produce Roman J. Israel, Esq.,{{Cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/884209-first-roman-j-israel-esq-photos-and-toronto-premiere-info|title=Roman J. Israel, Esq. Photos and Toronto Premiere Info|date=August 31, 2017|website=ComingSoon.net|access-date=August 31, 2020|archive-date=June 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629074300/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/884209-first-roman-j-israel-esq-photos-and-toronto-premiere-info|url-status=live}} Risk,{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/first-look-medias-topic-scripted-tv-development-slate-alex-garcia-lopez-channing-tatum-1202150613/|title=First Look Media's Topic Unveils Scripted TV Development Slate: Projects From Alex Garcia Lopez, Channing Tatum, More|first1=Denise|last1=Petski|date=August 17, 2017|access-date=August 31, 2020|archive-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108214639/https://deadline.com/2017/08/first-look-medias-topic-scripted-tv-development-slate-alex-garcia-lopez-channing-tatum-1202150613/|url-status=live}} Spotlight and Leave No Trace.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/the-climb-topic-studios-sundance-1202860281/|title=Topic Studios Backs Sundance Comedy-Drama 'The Climb'|first1=Dave|last1=McNary|date=June 28, 2018|access-date=August 31, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821122649/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/the-climb-topic-studios-sundance-1202860281/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.topic.com/studios|title=Topic Studios|website=Topic|access-date=2020-08-31|archive-date=2020-08-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828135419/https://www.topic.com/studios|url-status=live}}
In May 2017, First Look Media relaunched the Press Freedom Defense Fund{{Cite web|url=https://firstlook.media/freedom-of-press-defense-fund|title=The Press Freedom Defense Fund|website=First Look Media|access-date=2020-08-31|archive-date=2020-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723003423/https://www.firstlook.media/freedom-of-press-defense-fund|url-status=live}} to fund first amendment court cases.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cjr.org/united_states_project/bezos-grant-rcfp-press-freedom.php|title=Press freedom group to deploy $1M Bezos gift, its largest ever, on local level|website=Columbia Journalism Review|access-date=2020-08-31|archive-date=2020-08-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811060947/https://www.cjr.org/united_states_project/bezos-grant-rcfp-press-freedom.php|url-status=live}}
In June 2019, First Look Media decided to stop funding The Nib and laid off its staff as of the end of July 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=22689d0895fc6128b1a11f3ab&id=8f385144b1|title=From the editor: the future of The Nib|website=us15.campaign-archive.com|access-date=2020-08-31|archive-date=2019-06-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629002427/https://us15.campaign-archive.com/?u=22689d0895fc6128b1a11f3ab&id=8f385144b1|url-status=live}}
On October 29, 2020, Glenn Greenwald announced his resignation from The Intercept and First Look Media, citing editorial censorship of his story concerning the Biden–Ukraine conspiracy theory and allegations concerning Joe Biden's conduct with regard to China, and also citing attempted interference with his contractual right to publish rejected stories elsewhere.{{Cite news|last1=Tani|first1=Maxwell|last2=Baragona|first2=Justin|date=2020-10-29|title=Glenn Greenwald Resigns From The Intercept, Claims He Was Censored|language=en|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/glenn-greenwald-resigns-from-the-intercept-claims-he-was-censored|access-date=2020-10-29}} Greenwald published his resignation letter and rebuttal.{{Cite web|url=https://greenwald.substack.com/p/my-resignation-from-the-intercept|title=My Resignation From The Intercept|first=Glenn|last=Greenwald|website=greenwald.substack.com|date=October 29, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://greenwald.substack.com/p/emails-with-intercept-editors-showing|title=Emails With Intercept Editors Showing Censorship of My Joe Biden Article|first=Glenn|last=Greenwald|website=greenwald.substack.com}} Betsy Reed, The Intercept's editor-in-chief, disputed Greenwald's accusations and claims of censorship, and accused him of presenting dubious claims by the Trump campaign as journalism.{{cite news|last=Robertson|first=Katie|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/29/business/glenn-greenwald-leaving-intercept.html|title=Glenn Greenwald Leaves The Intercept, Claiming He Was Censored|work=The New York Times|date=October 29, 2020|access-date=October 29, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/intercept-staffers-roll-their-eyes-over-glenn-greenwalds-censorship-claim |title=Intercept Staffers Roll Their Eyes Over Glenn Greenwald's Censorship Claim |website=The Daily Beast |date=October 31, 2020 |first=Maxwell |last=Tani |access-date=October 31, 2020}}
On November 30, 2020, Laura Poitras was fired by First Look Media, allegedly in relation to the Reality Winner controversy.{{Cite news|title=Laura Poitras says she's been fired by First Look Media over Reality Winner controversy. Now she's questioning the watchdog's integrity.|newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/media/laura-poitras-fired-intercept-first-look-reality-winner/2021/01/14/478a9c30-55e7-11eb-a08b-f1381ef3d207_story.html}}{{Cite web|title=Praxis Films|url=https://www.praxisfilms.org/open-letter-from-laura-poitras/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=www.praxisfilms.org}} More recently, the Topic Studios unit of First Look Media inked a first look deal with Loveless.{{Cite web|last=Jackson|first=Angelique|date=2021-02-23|title=Topic Studios Sets First-Look Deal With Loveless (EXCLUSIVE)|url=https://variety.com/2021/film/news/topic-studios-first-look-deal-loveless-1234912965/|access-date=2021-02-26|website=Variety|language=en-US}}
On January 9, 2023, The Intercept announced that it would restructure as an independent non-profit organization, with financial help from First Look.{{Cite web |last=Bralow |first=David |date=January 9, 2023 |title=The Intercept Announces Restructuring as Independent Nonprofit Organization |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/01/09/intercept-restructuring-nonprofit/ |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=The Intercept |language=en}}
Resignation of Ken Silverstein
In February 2015, senior investigative reporter Ken Silverstein, who had been hired in December 2013, announced his resignation. Writing in Politico, Silverstein described First Look as "a slowly unfolding disaster, not because of editorial meddling from the top, but because of what I came to believe was epic managerial incompetence. …For all of the bean counting and expense account-approving that Omidyar's organizational structure imposed on us, they were shockingly disinterested in the actual journalism. …Top management was so aloof that it was hard to figure out who was in charge."Silverstein, Ken, [http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/ken-silverstein-the-intercept-115586.html "Where Journalism Goes to Die: Glenn Greenwald, Pierre Omidyar, Adnan Syed and my battles with First Look Media"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228072532/http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/ken-silverstein-the-intercept-115586.html |date=2015-02-28 }}, Politico, February 27, 2015. Retrieved 2015-2-27.
Podcasts
First Look Media began partnering to produce podcasts in 2016.{{cite web |url=http://www.niemanlab.org/2016/06/first-look-media-is-building-a-new-platform-that-aims-to-include-everything-from-films-to-podcasts/ |title=First Look Media is building a new platform that aims to include everything from films to podcasts |first=Shan |last=Wang |date=29 June 2016 |access-date=19 March 2019 |work=NiemanLab |publisher=President and Fellows of Harvard College |archive-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214061341/http://www.niemanlab.org/2016/06/first-look-media-is-building-a-new-platform-that-aims-to-include-everything-from-films-to-podcasts/ |url-status=live }} Shows include:
- Politically Re-Active with W. Kamau Bell & Hari Kondabolu (with Earwolf)
- Intercepted with Jeremy Scahill (with Panoply Media)
- Maeve in America—hosted by Maeve Higgins (with Panoply Media)
- Missing Richard Simmons—hosted by Dan Taberski (with Pineapple Street Media){{cite web |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170208005342/en/Media-Announces-Missing-Richard-Simmons |title=First Look Media Announces Missing Richard Simmons |date=15 February 2014 |access-date=19 March 2019 |work=Business Wire |first1=Jeannie |last1=Kedas |first2=Morgan |last2=Michaels |first3=Taylor |last3=Friedman |first4=Kari |last4=Wethington |publisher=Berkshire Hathaway Company |archive-date=14 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214174251/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170208005342/en/Media-Announces-Missing-Richard-Simmons |url-status=live }}
- Deconstructed with Ryan Grim
- Murderville, GA with Liliana Segura and Jordan Smith{{Cite web|url=https://theintercept.com/undefined|title=Podcasts|date=March 13, 2018|website=The Intercept}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
- Running From Cops with Dan Taberski{{Cite web|url=https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/the-business/dan-taberski-on-his-new-podcast-running-from-cops/podcaster-dan-taberski-on-running-from-cops|title=Podcaster Dan Taberski on 'Running from COPS' | The Business|website=KCRW|access-date=2020-08-31|archive-date=2019-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024065136/https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/the-business/dan-taberski-on-his-new-podcast-running-from-cops/podcaster-dan-taberski-on-running-from-cops|url-status=live}}
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Mass media companies of the United States