Benjamin Mullin,
Benjamin Mullin is a media reporter for The New York Times, covering the major companies behind news and entertainment. He investigates the people and companies that define our culture, exposing bad behavior, hypocrisy and corporate malfeasance. Mullin has been covering media since college, when he sold a story about the declining finances of university newspapers to the Poynter Institute, a nonprofit focused on raising the standards of journalism. He graduated from California State University, Chico, where he studied English literature and journalism. As a Times journalist, Mullin adheres to the standards of integrity outlined in The Times’s Ethical Journalism handbook and does not accept gifts from the people and companies he covers. Mullin strives to avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived, in his coverage. He can be contacted at benjamin.mullin@nytimes.com.
93%
The Daily's Verdict
This author is known for its high journalistic standards. The author strives to maintain neutrality and transparency in its reporting, and avoids conflicts of interest. The author has a reputation for accuracy and rarely gets contradicted on major discrepancies in its reporting.
Bias
98%
Examples:
- The author frequently reports on media companies and their executives with a critical eye, exposing conflicts of interest and hypocrisy.
Conflicts of Interest
98%
Examples:
- The author frequently reports on media companies and their executives with a critical eye, exposing conflicts of interest.
Contradictions
86%
Examples:
- Paramount is considering a major merger
- Paramount’s merger talks with Skydance have fallen apart
- Shari Redstone, controlling shareholder of Paramount, has signed off on a potential deal for her stake in the company
Deceptions
90%
Examples:
- The article focused on Robert Winnett...and described his links to a private eye who used unethical media practices to land big exclusives.
- The title implies that Disney, Fox and Warner Bros are joining forces for a sports streaming service when in fact they have only announced plans to do so.
Recent Articles
Paramount Global to Undergo Major Transformation with David Ellison's Skydance Media Merger
Broke On: Sunday, 07 July 2024Paramount Global set for new management as David Ellison's Skydance Media endorsed for merger, bringing a $1.5 billion cash infusion and $4.5 billion to buy shares of Class B shareholders. Paramount Global and Skydance Media Reach Preliminary Merger Agreement: Potential Value of $2.4 Billion
Broke On: Wednesday, 03 July 2024Paramount Global and Skydance Media are reportedly close to a merger deal worth around $2.4 billion, combining CBS, MTV owner Paramount Global with movie studio Skydance Media. The agreement needs board approval and could face lawsuits due to Shari Redstone's influence. Negotiations have been ongoing since April and the value of some assets may decrease as talks continue. 
British Journalist Robert Winnett Backs Out of Editor Position at The Washington Post Amid Ethical Concerns
Broke On: Friday, 21 June 2024British journalist Robert Winnett withdraws from editor position at The Washington Post due to ethical concerns over past reporting methods. The Post is now searching for a new editor following unexpected resignation of executive editor Sally Buzbee. British Journalist Robert Winnett Backs Out of Editor Position at The Washington Post Amid Ethical Concerns
Broke On: Friday, 21 June 2024British journalist Robert Winnett withdraws from editor position at The Washington Post due to ethical concerns over past reporting methods. The Post is now searching for a new editor following unexpected resignation of executive editor Sally Buzbee. 
Paramount Global's Merger Talks with Skydance Media Collapse Over Noneconomic Terms
Broke On: Tuesday, 11 June 2024Paramount Global's merger talks with Skydance Media have collapsed due to 'noneconomic terms'. Despite a successful partnership, producing hits like Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible series, the deal fell through. 
New Editors Appointed at The Washington Post: Matt Murray from Wall Street Journal and Robert Winnett from Telegraph Media Group Take Over
Broke On: Monday, 03 June 2024New editors Matt Murray from Wall Street Journal and Robert Winnett from Telegraph Media Group appointed at The Washington Post following Sally Buzbee's exit. Murray praised for deep involvement in investigations, while Winnett oversaw 'cash for honors' scandal probes. Expected changes include shorter, spicier content and restructuring into three newsrooms. Appointments come amid significant financial losses and staff skepticism. 
Paramount's Board Explores Offers After Expired Negotiating Window with Skydance
Broke On: Saturday, 04 May 2024Paramount's negotiations with Skydance ended on March 31st, but Skydance remains a contender. A Paramount board committee is evaluating offers from Skydance and others, including a $26 billion proposal from Sony and Apollo. The outcome will impact Paramount's future in the entertainment industry. 
Paramount Global's CEO Bob Bakish Departs Amidst Negotiations to Sell Controlling Stake to Skydance Media
Broke On: Tuesday, 30 April 2024Paramount Global, led by CEO Bob Bakish, is in negotiations to sell its controlling stake to Skydance Media. Bakish's departure follows reported tensions with Shari Redstone and the financial strain of the media industry. Paramount Global's assets include Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, Showtime, and the Paramount streaming network. Bakish will be replaced by an 'Office of the CEO' consortium while Redstone expresses confidence in George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins. Paramount reported a 5% revenue increase to $7.69bn in Q1 with narrowed operating losses. 
ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery to Launch New Sports Streaming Service in 2024 with Offerings from Major Leagues
Broke On: Wednesday, 07 February 2024ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery are set to launch a new sports streaming service in fall 2024 featuring offerings from at least 15 networks and all four major professional sports leagues: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL.
