New Ventures in Media and Entertainment

The media and entertainment industry has seen a flurry of new developments in recent weeks, with announcements ranging from new platforms and shows to talent shifts and expanded roles. Here's a rundown of the latest news:

Valerie Bertinelli, the former Food Network star, has launched her own direct-to-fan platform, "Valerie's Place," a subscription service powered by Visible Things. The platform, which is currently live as a website and will debut as an app in the coming weeks, features a curated library of fan-favorite content, including new episodes of her popular cooking show "Home Cooking." This move allows Bertinelli to connect directly with her fans and provide exclusive content, marking a new chapter in her career.

In other news, Ali Velshi has been named MS NOW's chief data reporter, giving him an expanded role at the news brand. Velshi will lead the network's election night coverage, manning the interactive data board and providing real-time polling updates and election results. This move comes as MS NOW continues to build its reputation as a trusted source for election coverage.

Velshi's new role is a testament to his ability to break down complex data into digestible information, a skill he has honed over his two-decade career in journalism. As MS NOW president Rebecca Kutler notes, "Ali will guide our audience through the real-time information that will determine the outcomes of the midterm and presidential elections."

Meanwhile, comedian Taylor Tomlinson is back with a new Netflix special, "Prodigal Daughter," which premiered on February 24. The special marks Tomlinson's fourth Netflix hour and sees her returning to her roots, performing in a church and tackling topics related to her Christian upbringing. Tomlinson's career has been marked by her unique perspective and sharp wit, and this new special is no exception.

In the world of sports, CNN Films has picked up the documentary "Homecoming: The Tokyo Series," which will stream exclusively on its All Access service. The documentary, directed and produced by Jason Sterman, follows the story of baseball in Tokyo and offers a unique perspective on the sport. This move marks a new direction for CNN Films, which is expanding its reach into the world of documentary filmmaking.

These announcements reflect the ever-changing landscape of the media and entertainment industry, where talent and platforms are constantly evolving. As the industry continues to shift, it will be interesting to see how these new ventures and talent shifts play out in the months to come.