LISTEN: BTS, Bruno Mars, Rush and the 2026 Outlook for Music Tours; How Martin Luther King Jr. Emerged as a National Media Figure

In the latest installment of the "Daily Variety" podcast, Variety's Jem Aswad provides a detailed analysis of the highly anticipated global tour planned by the superstar group BTS, alongside other major upcoming concert treks in the music industry. The discussion evaluates the significant logistical and cultural impact such a large-scale tour would have, considering the group's immense global fanbase, known as ARMY, and the current state of the live events market.

Separately, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, host Cynthia Littleton revisits the archives to explore the pivotal role media played in elevating Dr. King to a national figure. The segment examines how Variety's own coverage during the Civil Rights Movement chronicled his emergence as a defining voice, highlighting the intersection of media representation and social change. This historical perspective underscores how strategic communication was crucial for amplifying the movement's message to a broad audience.

The featured image for the episode shows BTS during their notable performance at the 2022 Grammy Awards, a landmark appearance that underscored their groundbreaking influence on Western pop music. The Grammy stage served as a powerful platform, symbolizing the group's crossover success and their role in reshaping the global music landscape.

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