Sports

Why Did Netflix Boot Bela Bajaria?

Fear and loathing are running high as Hollywood processes Thursday’s shock firing of Bela Bajaria from her post as Netflix chief content officer.
Yes, the company that popularized the “Keeper Test” is known for abrupt exits. But despite Netflix’s recent stock struggles, many considered Bajaria too big to fail.
Word of her ouster leaked before the executive had the chance to address most of her internal teams — an announcement dovetailed with news of her incoming replacement, the venerated film and TV executive Peter Rice. As the former general entertainment chairman of the Walt Disney Company, Rice’s bona fides are clear — “I wish I bought stock this morning,” one huge talent rep said about Netflix’s new hire — but it doesn’t explain how Bajaria fell out of favor so fast.
One word that came up in nearly a dozen conversations with industry players this afternoon about Bajaria’s pink-slipping: “scapegoat.”
Netflix is obviously against the ropes again, after slowing user engagement on the service rattled Wall Street investors and layoffs came this week as a sacrifice to the share price. But Bajaria’s dismissal makes it clear, according to the numerous sources we spoke with, that content is once again going to take it on the chin.
“People always blame the content,” said the source, “but you don’t lay off 1,000 people unless there’s a big problem with the business model.”
Bajaria’s exit echoes similarly shocking removals in Netflix history — notably that of Cindy Holland, the company’s first content queen who oversaw flagship hits like “House of Cards,” “Stranger Things” and “The Crown.” Holland was ousted in 2020, when Sarandos combined English-language and international content under Bajaria (elevating the latter to the largest autonomous content job in the streamer’s history).
Holland, one insider with knowledge of Netflix observed to Variety, built a business of boutique hits. Bajaria’s foresight was sharper, investing in local language productions and building up Netflix’s global presence (almost two dozen international offices were opened during Bajaria’s reign). She is also credited internally with pushing the streamer into live entertainment. Bajaria was on the “ground floor” of licensing deals with WWE and the NFL, which have proven significant draws for the ad-supported tier of Netflix subscribers, per the source. Her talent relations were on par with others at her level (Bajaria was ubiquitous at premieres and launches in film and TV, most recently at Sarandos’ side at the L.A. premiere of Ben Affleck’s “Animals”).
“The problem isn’t engagement,” said yet another person with knowledge of Netflix. “It’s that the only lever to pull for revenue growth is raising the subscriber price. How’s that Bela’s problem? Where’s the CFO and the CEO?”
Interestingly, we hear that Rice came into play only a few weeks ago when he was reported to be interviewing with Skydance co-CEO Ynon Kreiz for a top position at that newly combined company. The lunch meeting, one source familiar with the men said, was called so Kreiz could request that Rice replace him on the board of his former company Mattel. Regardless, it alerted the town that Rice was done with semi-retirement (a producing deal with A24) and ready to come back to a big job. Another hot Thursday rumor said that Rice also met recently with NBCUniversal about a post there. One source familiar with NBCU said there was no job in play for Rice under Donna Langley’s expansive umbrella, so it’s unclear what he would’ve met about. A spokesperson for NBCUniversal had no comment.
Another lunch may have proven consequential in Bajaria’s exit. Earlier this year, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos was spotted breaking bread with HBO chief content officer Casey Bloys. Was Sarandos courting Bloys for a top job at the streamer, perhaps to take the job then held by Bajaria? Soon, the spin machine reframed the meeting as a friendly gathering, floating the idea that it was a pitch for Bloys to sign a production deal under Bajaria if he did not want to find a way to work at the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. At a Bloomberg conference last week, Sarandos downplayed the meeting: “He’s a good guy,” he said about Bloys. “For some reason, we had a very well-publicized lunch.”
Perhaps. But in hindsight, now that Sarandos has leveled the ax on Bajaria after 10 years, is a lunch ever really just a meal? Rice’s recent focus has been as the head of ceremonies and content for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games — but now Rice focuses on a more urgent task. The exec has been on the open market in the years since he was let go at Disney. He’s seen as the rare exec who has spent time heading up both major film and TV businesses, so the job of chief content officer at Netflix, where he’ll oversee both, makes sense. He’s also well-liked and respected from his time at 20th Century Fox, heading up Fox Searchlight and later the Fox network, and eventually becoming president of parent company 21st Century Fox prior to Disney’s acquisition.
“Surprise” was also a common refrain both inside and out of Netflix on Thursday about the turn of events. But a few hints had already been out there: Netflix is set to report its Q3 earnings next Tuesday, so such a move would have to be made beforehand. And with co-CEOs Sarandos and Greg Peters not going anywhere, the sacrificial lamb next in line was Bajaria. Observers speculated that the Q3 results are likely to be extremely disappointing for the streamer, which is already facing some tough headwinds.
At that same Screentime event, anyone reading between the lines might have guessed that Sarandos was getting antsy with Netflix’s current low-growth status. In particular, he was asked about Netflix’s slower growth (2% year-over-year growth in user engagement during the first half in 2026). “Yes, overall, we’re not growing as fast as I want us to, and we’re working on making that move faster,” he said. Turns out Bajaria’s exit was a part of that change. Now all eyes turn to Rice’s plans for Netflix, and whether those plans will include some of Bajaria’s lieutenants, such as U.S./Canada head of scripted series Jinny Howe and film lead Dan Lin.
Bajaria may also have hit thin ice with Sarandos after the streamer won just 16 Primetime Emmy Awards this year — its worst showing since 2016 and down from 30 in 2025. That’s quite a turn from 2021, when it tied the record for most Emmys won by an outlet in a single year, with 44.
Along with the Emmy slump, Netflix hasn’t premiered a culture-defining hit in the vein of “Stranger Things” in quite some time. But it’s still fielded some of the most-watched programs of the year, including “His & Hers” and Season 4 of “Bridgerton.” Bajaria is known for her keen creative eye, honed over the years at places like CBS and NBCUniversal (where she was ultimately head of Universal TV before moving to Netflix in 2016).
“In her decade at Netflix, Bela’s impact has been undeniable — from attracting new talent, bringing live sports, concerts and events to driving the company’s global expansion and push into new areas of entertainment,” WME co-chair Richard Weitz tells Variety. “Her relationships with talent have been integral in Netflix’s relationships with A talent across the platform. Simply put, she’s been transformational and I know her worldwide team and the talent who have worked with her will miss her.”
Rice will not inherit a bus of happy campers. He’ll have to galvanize a team that lost a slew of executives Wednesday as a result of pink slips; on the TV side, that included Carolina Garcia, who has been let go as director of original series after a decade with the streamer.as well as scheduling head Andy Kubitz, Lisa Lang McMullen (director, overall deals, series), Andrew McQuinn (director, original series), James Oh (director, original drama series) and Jason Pan (manager, original series creative development).
The remaining film group appears safe for now, as Lin’s team saw a major sacrifice in VP Doug Belgrad earlier this week. Morale will need tweaking, budgets adjusting and a slew of new lunches will be scheduled. What you can count on, per one of the streaming insiders, is that “eventually, everyone’s time comes at Netflix.”

Sports

Callum and Jake Robinson killers get 158-year sentences in Ensenada

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Three men in Mexico received 158-year prison sentences Friday for the murders of Australian surfers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Carter Redd Rhoad.
A federal judge in the town of Ensenada, Baja California sentenced Jesús Gerardo García, Irineo Francisco and Ángel Jesús each to 158 years and nine months in prison for murder, robbery with violence and vehicle theft with violence.
An accomplice of García’s — Ary Gisell Silva Raya — was also convicted of aggravated robbery with violence and vehicle theft with violence and sentenced to 20 years in November after agreeing to an abbreviated trial.
AMERICANS WARNED POPULAR TRAVEL ROUTES THIS SUMMER COULD CARRY CRIME AND KIDNAPPING RISKS
García, Francisco and Jesús were convicted last week of killing the Robinson brothers and Rhoad, which authorities said was carried out in order to steal the tires from the deceased men’s truck.
“The attackers pull out a gun they were carrying and kill the person who initially resisted the robbery, then on the other two,” Baja California prosecutor María Elena Andrade said, according to a report from The Associated Press.
THREE WOMEN FOUND DEAD IN POPULAR AMERICAN TOURIST HOT SPOT AS LOCAL POLICE SEARCH FOR CLUES
Mexican authorities found the trio’s bodies in a well in the state of Baja California in May 2024.
The three men traveled to Punta San José, about 50 miles from where their bodies were found in Ensenada, for a surfing trip in April 2024.
MEXICAN SPORTS JOURNALIST ROBBED AT GUNPOINT DURING LIVE REPORT
The parents of the Robinsons attended the sentencing, telling reporters the moment marked a significant conclusion to the tragic two years since their sons’ deaths.
“Today’s guilty verdict is a significant moment in our long and painful journey to seek justice for our beautiful sons, Callum and Jake, and their friend Carter Rhoad, whose lives were so cruelly taken from them in 2024,” Matin Robinson said.
POPULAR CRUISE LINE’S GIANT BEACH PARK BLOCKED BY MEXICO AFTER LOCAL BACKLASH ERUPTS
The deaths captured international attention and rocked the local economy, which authorities said was heavily reliant on tourism.
Antonio Otañez, president of the Baja California surfers association, said he was happy to see justice served but admitted the incident led to a “major drop” in tourism.
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Sports

The Cignetti effect is real: Indiana football sparks an unbelievable ‘revival’ in Bloomington

The crowd inside the “Upstairs Pub” started to grow as the clock turned toward Friday night on the campus of Indiana, with students getting out of class and heading towards to local drinking establishments for what was going to be a wild 24 hours.
Obviously, the mood has shifted around this college town thanks to the Hoosiers winning last year’s CFP title, along with having a head coach in Curt Cignetti who has turned this program into a football juggernaut in just two years.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF IS SACRIFICING ITS SOULD TO BE BECOME AN ATM FOR CONFERENCES WITH 24-TEAM EXPANSION
Whether it was the apparel stores that had fans waiting in lines for their chance to purchase Indiana gear, or the restaurants that were already filling up early Friday afternoon, it’s obvious that the attitude has changed around this college town that once glossed over the football season in anticipation for basketball.
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Later today, it will be No. 4 Ohio State visiting No. 5 Indiana in what will be the most electric atmosphere Bloomington has seen in decades.
You can call it a “revival,” or the Cignetti effect, but it’s not hard to notice the culture change in Bloomington.
“We’re a football school now, and I hate to say that about the basketball program,” Edward, from just outside Indianapolis noted. “We spent years praying for some type of revival of college football within this fan base, and we finally have it during one of the craziest times in sports.
“A lot of schools are trying to pull off the Indiana magic of rebuilding a program in such a short time period. And those expectations are truly centered around what transpired here in Bloomington. That part is wild to me. We expect to win football games now, which is a wonderful feeling to have.
So, about Indiana beating Ohio State at home
The last time a Hoosiers’ football team defeated the Buckeyes in Bloomington was in 1988.
It took thirty years for Indiana to snap a losing streak to Ohio State, which finally came to an end last season inside Lucas Oil Stadium in the Big Ten championship game.
Also, this will be the first time a top-five college football matchup has taken place inside Memorial Stadium since 1960, as Indiana rises a 22-game winning streak into their showdown with the Buckeyes on Saturday.
Essentially, there are a lot of firsts that could end up coming to fruition for an Indiana team that has defied the odds over the past two seasons, against plenty of odds and fans who might still be under the impression this was all just a fluke.
I’m here to tell you that nothing Curt Cignetti is doing on this campus, and opposing ones, is centered around some magical voodoo that the Hoosiers head coach has placed on the Big Ten.
CURT CIGNETTI WAS SO FOCUSED THIS OFFSEASON, HE TURNED DOWN ALL EXTERNAL REQUESTS: ‘I’M 95% FOOTBALL’
Whether or not folks outside Bloomington believe Indiana can do it again this season is not the point.
The supporters who are lining Kirkwood avenue, or the thousands who made their way into town on Friday evening, are the true barometer of where this program has been taken in such a short time period that has other college athletic directors trying to replicate the Cignetti magic.
“I don’t think folks truly understood what we were going through as a fan base,” Thomas, longtime season ticket holder told OutKick. “I’ve been coming to games for thirty years, and I’ve never seen this type of excitement, and it’s hard to correlate it with basketball. Sure, we’re not oblivious to the narrative that followed our football program like a black cloud.
“But, why do you think we’re not taking these moments for granted? We’ve earned this sh-t, and I promise you this fan base isn’t cocky. We just expect to win now, which clearly wasn’t the case just a few years ago. So yea, I expect us to beat Ohio State.”
If Indiana can do it, so can others around college football
I’ve been around plenty of college campuses during my career, and the resurgent joy that you see in Bloomington is contagious.
This is no longer a loyal group of fans waiting for November to roll around so they can walk into Assembly Hall to watch the basketball program, which has also had its problems over the years.
But what Indiana football did for the school is provide hope that everything that has transpired over the last two years in one sport, can be done again across multiple venues across campus.
Curt Cignetti has not just provided a championship mindset for the passionate fans that were sitting through days of blowouts and small glimmers of hope in past years.
The man who told you all to ‘google’ him has reignited an athletic department and fan base that will make Saturday’s atmosphere on Indiana’s campus feel more like a cinematic backdrop that will host college football’s premier matchup of the day.
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At the same time, since it’s happening here in Bloomington, there are programs across the country that now believe they can pull-off the same type magical story that we’re witnessing take place with Indiana.

Sports

How to Watch Ohio State vs. Indiana: TV Channel, Live Stream, Time

No. 4 Ohio State visits No. 5 Indiana on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET from Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN.
The defending national champion Hoosiers host the team they beat 13-10 in the Big Ten championship game last December. Both teams are 3-0 in conference play this season, along with UCLA, and no other Big Ten team has a perfect conference record.
Indiana is 6-0 and has won its last two on the road, 47-15 at Rutgers in Week 5 and 20-17 at Nebraska in Week 6. The Hoosiers average 40.2 points and 462.7 yards per game with a +3 turnover margin, and their defense has allowed 71 points in six games, never more than 23.
Ohio State is 5-1, and its only loss was 24-23 at Texas in Week 2, a game the Buckeyes led 23-3 going into the fourth quarter. They have won four straight since, by 56, 17, 17 and 29 points, and they average 42.7 points and 503.7 yards per game with a +2 turnover margin. The Buckeyes have allowed 13.2 points per game.
The Buckeyes are 3.5-point favorites over the Hoosiers, with a total of 50.5 and a moneyline of +140 for the Hoosiers.
Below, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about how to watch this game.
How to Watch Ohio State vs. Indiana
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET
Where: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One
Players To Watch
Four straight games above 10 yards per attempt have Julian Sayin at 1,772 passing yards and 17 touchdowns with 2 interceptions this season. He threw for 324 yards and 3 touchdowns at Iowa on Oct. 3 and for 4 touchdowns against Maryland on Oct. 10.
Indiana has 20 sacks in six games, so Sayin meets a front that gets home. Ohio State averages 337.8 passing yards per game and 42.7 points, and both numbers depend on how that rush plays out.
No other Buckeye has more than 245 receiving yards, and Jeremiah Smith has 916 with 11 touchdowns on 48 catches. He caught 4 touchdowns for 217 yards against Illinois on Sept. 26, 2 for 206 yards at Iowa on Oct. 3 and 2 for 93 yards against Maryland on Oct. 10.
Indiana allows 188.3 passing yards per game and is 6-0, with no game above 23 points allowed and 71 in total. Ohio State has no second receiver near Smith’s production to turn to against that defense.
A 4-touchdown game on just 11 attempts against Howard on Sept. 12 is one piece of Josh Hoover’s 17 touchdown passes without an interception on 129 attempts. He threw for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns at Nebraska on Oct. 10, 251 yards and 4 touchdowns at Rutgers on Oct. 3 and 273 yards against Western Kentucky on Sept. 19.
Ohio State has 9 sacks in six games and allows 150.7 passing yards per game, so Hoover works against coverage more than pressure. Indiana averages 40.2 points per game against a Buckeyes defense that has allowed 13.2.
Indiana’s rushing lead belongs to Turbo Richard, with 597 yards and 5 touchdowns, ahead of Beebe at 551. He ran for 204 yards on 13 carries at Rutgers on Oct. 3 and 149 yards on 15 carries against Western Kentucky on Sept. 19, then had 8 carries for 10 yards at Nebraska on Oct. 10.
Ohio State allows 96.2 rushing yards per game, and Indiana has 1,328 rushing yards. The Hoosiers average 221.3 on the ground, and Richard supplies the most yards of it.
Ohio State vs. Indiana Odds
Learn more about the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Indiana Hoosiers game and check the full schedule on FOX Sports!

Sports

Oregon shooting victims: three boys and female teacher killed at elementary school

Authorities are investigating a shooting at an elementary school in Bend, Oregon, where a 16-year-old shooter killed four people before being shot dead by a bystander.
The shooting took place on Thursday afternoon at Silver Rail elementary school, about 125 miles (200km) south-east of Portland.
Here is what we know so far about the four victims, including three children aged five, eight and 11, and a 25-year old teacher, as well as the two people injured.
Rhoam Summer
In a Facebook group post, Rhoam Summer’s father Kelik Summer posted about his five-year old son’s death, saying that Thursday was “the worst day of my life.” He added: “My son Rhoam was killed in a school shooting. We are broken and lost, but are surrounded by friends and family who are keeping us safe.”
Rhoam’s grandfather Bryan Jolly also confirmed his grandson’s death to the New York Times. Jolly described the tragedy as “senseless and a shock”, adding that Rhoam was “in my house a lot and in my garden with me and wrestling with me on the couch”.
“He was very bright and very mischievous and very fun-loving, and totally without fear,” Jolly said.
A separate GoFundMe page that appears to have been set up by friends of Rhoam’s family said: “In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, the Summer family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of their sweet five-year-old son, Rhoam. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child, and no family should ever have to experience a loss like this.”
Bend police also confirmed Rhoam’s identity on Friday afternoon.
Eight-year old boy
Police are not releasing his identification at his family’s request.
Eleven-year old boy
Police are not releasing his identification at his family’s request.
Megan Lambert
Twenty-five-year old Megan Lambert, a teacher at the school, was identified as another victim killed in the shooting, Bend police said on Friday.
In a statement shared with Bend police, Lambert’s family said: “Megan was a native central Oregonian. She grew up in Bend. She had a passion for playing sports, especially volleyball. She was a volleyball coach. She actually turned down pay for her first season as a coach, so families who couldn’t afford to participate could have the chance to play the sport she loved.”
“Her goal was to be an educator, and teach in the school district she loved growing up in … Silver Rail was her first job as a teacher, though she subbed there for many years … She loved Silver Rail. This was her dream job. Megan was compassionate and had a huge heart,” her family added.
The Central Oregon Volleyball Club website lists Megan as a local high school coach and describes her as a “blessing” who has done “so much for her team”.
Saylor Graham
Seven-year old Saylor Graham was injured in the shooting, according to several GoFundMe accounts set up by co-workers and friends of her family. “The family is focused on being at the hospital while their child fights for their life,” one account said.
“Right now, they are carrying the impossible weight of traveling to and from the hospital, staying near their child, caring for their other child, trying to keep up their household, and missing work during this crisis,” it added.
A business partner of Saylor’s mother, Danielle Graham, declined to be interviewed but confirmed Saylor’s identity to the Guardian.
Meanwhile, Bend police said on Friday that a seven-year old girl who was shot “is receiving life-saving care” at Oregon Health & Science University hospital in Portland, adding: “She is in serious but stable condition.”
Becky Drury
Fifty-four-year old Becky Drury was also injured in the shooting, with her mother-in-law Yvonne Drury posting on Facebook: “Our wonderful daughter-in-law, Becky was shot thr[ough] her left arm and right hand, and is recovering in the hospital after surgery this afternoon.”
In the same post, Becky’s son Will Drury said: “Her left arm took a lot of damage so there’s a long recovery and more surgeries ahead. Her right hand took a hit as well, which also required surgery, but it is much less severe. The good news is she will be OK and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives.”
Bend police said on Friday: “The injured 54-year-old female teacher suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St Charles Bend [hospital].”

Sports

Brand Risk 16 live stream, fight card, start time & viewing info

Adin Ross and his traveling circus of social media “influencers,” fringe celebrities, and washed up athletes and rappers is back for another makeshift boxing event that will have you questioning life, but will provide free and senseless entertainment with Brand Risk 16.
The event streams live on the Brand Risk Promotions social media channels, and features several familiar names.
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The scheduled main event between Endy Ortiz and Yera was canceled because Ortiz did not pass medical requirements by the Florida State Athletic Commission, while a bout between King Azoulay and Supa Hot Fire was also not approved by the commission.
MORE: Austin McBroom brutally KOs FaZe Temperrr at Brand Risk 15
However, a new main event was put together with Wendy Ortiz’s twin, Evelyn Ortiz, stepping up to face Yera on short notice.
Evelyn Ortiz and Yera FACE OFF ahead of their highly ANTICIPATED boxing match 😳 https://t.co/MpKeGJblbc
— Brand Risk Promotions (@BrandRisk) October 16, 2026
The names that sports fans will be familiar with are former NBA stars Delonte West and Michael Beasley, who will face off during the event, along with Bob Menery, who previously “fought” Johnny Manziel.
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Stream Jack Doherty is also facing off against one of the Island Boyz, Kodiyak Redd, while former rapper YK Osiris faces Deshae Frost in the co-main event.
How can you tune into Friday night’s event? All of the information you need tou watch Brand Risk 16 featuring Delonte West vs. Michael Beasley, Jack Doherty vs. Kodiyak Redd, and more can be seen below.
MORE: Johnny Manziel vs Bob Menery full fight video highlights
Brand Risk 16 Fight Card, Live Stream & Viewing Info
Date: Friday, October 16
Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Miami, Florida
Venue: Brand Risk Warehouse
Live Stream: Stream 1 | Stream 2 | Stream 3 | Stream 4 | Stream 5
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Fight Card
Yera vs. Evelyn Ortiz
Deshae Frost vs. YK Osiris
Amanda Solis vs. Mysterious
Ashley Trevino vs. Bree Olson
Delonte West vs. Michael Beasley
Oblivion vs. Thiirty
Jack Doherty vs. Kodiyak Redd
Scam Likely vs. Ashley Rak-Su
Ximena vs. Janaya Berry
AP the Fighter vs. Isaac Taylor
BobMenery vs. Big ZO (MMA)
Jeremy Smith vs. Flyysoulja (MMA)