Summary: A string of big movie releases during the holidays helped the North American box office set a record in 2018, ending the year at $11.9 billion. Ticket sales also set a record in China where roughly $8.7 billion was earned. These two territories combined accounted for 48% of the $41.7 billion global box office.<br> However, growth in the second largest movie market in the world slowed to 9%, down from nearly 14% the year before. That’s why China ignored it’s quota on imported films at the end of 2018, allowing several Hollywood titles to be released. We’ll see if that trend continues into the new year.<br> In somewhat related news, a survey commissioned by the National Association of Theatre Owners showed that streaming services like Netflix do not adversely affect the frequency of moviegoing. Apparently people who watch a lot of movies at home, also like to watch movies in theaters. Go figure.<br> Of course we also cover the week’s top entertainment headlines including the Aretha Franklin’s back taxes, Ed Sheeran’s blockbuster tour and why CBS wants to dump Nielsen.<br> <br> Comscore Announces Official Worldwide Box Office Results for Weekend of December 30, 2018<br> <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comscore-announces-official-worldwide-box-office-results-for-weekend-of-december-30-2018-300771392.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comscore-announces-official-worldwide-box-office-results-for-weekend-of-december-30-2018-300771392.html</a><br> Netflix to give Roma a 70mm theatrical rollout, even though streaming at home is just as good<br> <a href="https://news.avclub.com/netflix-to-give-roma-a-70mm-theatrical-rollout-even-th-1831288820" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://news.avclub.com/netflix-to-give-roma-a-70mm-theatrical-rollout-even-th-1831288820</a><br> Box Office By the Numbers: 5 Game Changers for 2018<br> <a href="https://variety.com/2018/film/news/box-office-2018-records-black-panther-1203095795/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://variety.com/2018/film/news/box-office-2018-records-black-panther-1203095795/</a><br> China Gives Hollywood an Early Christmas Present<br> <a href="http://chinafilminsider.com/china-gives-hollywood-an-early-christmas-present/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://chinafilminsider.com/china-gives-hollywood-an-early-christmas-present/</a><br> Travis Scott to Perform With Maroon 5 at Super Bowl, Will Be Joined by More Guests<br> <a href="https://variety.com/2018/music/news/travis-scott-to-perform-with-maroon-5-at-super-bowl-report-1203094035/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://variety.com/2018/music/news/travis-scott-to-perform-with-maroon-5-at-super-bowl-report-1203094035/</a><br> CBS Considers Dropping Nielsen Ratings Contract as TV Landscape Changes<br> <a href="https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/cbs-nielsen-tv-ratings-contract-drop-1203093249/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/cbs-nielsen-tv-ratings-contract-drop-1203093249/</a><br> Aretha Franklin’s Attorney Says Singer’s Estate Has Paid $3 Million in Back Taxes<br> <a href="https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/legal-and-management/8491683/aretha-franklins-attorney-says-singers-estate-has" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/legal-and-management/8491683/aretha-franklins-attorney-says-singers-estate-has</a><br> Tucker Carlson Comes Under Advertiser Scrutiny After Immigration Remarks<br> <a href="https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/tucker-carlson-advertisers-controversy-immigration-1203092478" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/tucker-carlson-advertisers-controversy-immigration-1203092478</a><br> Ed Sheeran’s Divide Tour Generated $432M in 2018 – A New World Record<br> <a href="https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ed-sheerans-latest-global-tour-generated-432m-in-2018-a-new-worldwide-record/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">...</a>
