01/27/25: Cynopsis Media Tech Update

Monday January 27, 2025

Meta responded to Facebook and Instagram users who were upset to discover they were suddenly following accounts for President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other accounts for the new administration – and were unable to unfollow them. “People were not made to automatically follow any of the official Facebook or Instagram accounts for the President, Vice President or First Lady,” said Meta spokesperson Andy Stone. “Those accounts are managed by the White House so with a new administration, the content on those Pages changes. This is the same procedure we followed during the last presidential transition.” As for unsuccessful attempts to unfollow the accounts, Stone explained, “It may take some time for follow and unfollow requests to go through as these accounts change hands.”

Can TikTok be saved? The Trump administration is talking to Oracle and outside investors about a deal that would have China-based owner ByteDance retain a minority stake in the company, with the app’s algorithm, data collection and software updates overseen by Oracle, reports NPR. “The goal is for Oracle to effectively monitor and provide oversight with what is going on with TikTok,” a source told NPR, adding that a meeting to negotiate the issue had been held Friday, with another planned for this week.

Consumer spending on in-app purchases and subscriptions hit $150 billion globally, an increase of 13% year-over-year, according to Sensor Tower’s annual State of Mobile report. Consumers spent 4.2 trillion (+5.8% YoY) total hours on mobile worldwide last year, though app downloads fell slightly to 136 billion (-1.0% YoY). Film & Television Streaming ($11.9bn) and Social Media ($11.7bn) were the two largest subgenres by consumer spend in 2024, but a surge of interest in generative AI saw consumers spend nearly $1.1bn (+200% YoY) in apps such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Doubao. Time spent in AI apps like Character AI and ChatGPT nearly eclipsed 7.7 billion hours, and apps mentioning AI were downloaded 17 billion times.

President Trump appears to have brushed aside Elon Musk’s criticism of Trump-backed joint venture Stargate project. Equity backers include OpenAI, SoftBank and Oracle, but “They don’t actually have the money,” wrote Musk on X last week. “SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority.” Said the president in response, “The people in the deal are very, very smart people – but Elon, one of the people he happens to hate. But I have certain hatreds of people too.” Musk co-founded OpenAI, which he is now suing.

Publicis Media US has acquired performance-driven digital marketing agency Dysrupt. Dysrupt’s proprietary media solution, Impact Advertising System, is expected to improve full-serve ad management for Publicis Media clients. Dysrupt was founded in 2019, optimizing campaign performance in ecommerce, entertainment, fintech, health & wellness, and subscription.

Cynopsis is searching for media pros interested in moderating workshops (8-10 people per table). Topics will include leveraging AI for media buying, budgeting for success, advertising that drives ROI, measuring a campaign’s impact, and navigating new tools.

If you’re interested in getting involved, please email Stephanie Cronk, Brand Director, BIG Streaming Summit at [email protected].

   AI

Google is backing AI developer Anthropic with another $1 billion, in addition to the over $2 billion it has already invested, reports The Financial Times. Google uses Anthropic’s Claude AI models on AI-powered development platform Vertex AI.

AI-powered video platform SundaySky announced the rollout of the next generation of its video platform. The update introduces AI avatars, in-app screen recording, and advanced AI media generation capabilities. “The average SundaySky customer uses three or more video tools as part of their workflow,” said Marc Zionts, CEO of SundaySky. “Our goal is to streamline their workflows and empower teams to leverage video effectively at every stage of the customer journey.”

   ADVERTISING

Media spend is projected to top $585 billion this year, 6.1% growth over 2024, according to Winterberry Group’s “Outlook for Advertising, Marketing and Data 2025: Transformation Accelerates.” The report notes marked shifts from linear television and many offline channels to largely digital, data-centric channels fueled by ad tech, analytics, and AI investments. Search, social, CTV, video and influencer marketing each posted double-digit growth in 2024, with a repeat performance expected in 2025. CTV advertising expenditures reached $28.8 billion in 2024, versus $58.9 billion for linear television (broadcast and cable). In 2025, CTV ad revenue is expected to jump 15.8% to $33.4 billion, while linear TV revenue will decline by 19.3%, falling to $47.5 billion. Winterberry Group estimates by 2027, CTV will be the larger.

“The tech stack is emerging as a single provider of intelligence and customer truth, but it is one built with hybrid solutions rather than a single platform,” said study author Bruce Biegel, Senior Managing Partner, Winterberry Group, “Increasingly, generative AI is diminishing the line between content and audience data, and intelligence is enabling mixed media modeling across channels.”

DOOH advertising specialist Screenverse has partnered with CEN Media Group, a DOOH media network specializing in movie theater venues, to bring consumers differentiated brand experiences through full-sight, sound, and motion displays. “In 2024, cinema was projected to bring in over 18 million viewers per week, on average. And with movie-goers spending anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes in theater lobbies, these screens are a must-buy for advertisers looking to reach their target audiences,” said Daniel Fleischer, Vice President of Supply Partnerships at Screenverse. “By partnering with CEN, we’re not only helping to elevate their DOOH network as premium media in the eyes of buyers and help them increase revenue, but provide advertisers with an attentive, engaged audience.”

CABLE & BROADBAND JOBS

Reach Top Talent—Your Hiring Goals Start Here

Cynopsis Jobs connects you with motivated media professionals to build your dream team. Post your openings today and find the right fit with ease.

Contact Carley to Get Started!

   STREAMING

Comcast has launched Sports & News TV, a bundle for Xfinity Internet customers that includes live news, sports, movies and shows, and primetime TV. The all-in monthly price: $70 when combined with Xfinity Internet. The package includes 50+ broadcast, cable news and sports channels, a subscription to Peacock, and access to 100+ free streaming channels. “With Sports & News TV, we’ve brought together top networks for live sports and news and Peacock, the best streaming service for sports fans, to create a new video bundle packed with the best content at an unbeatable price,” said John Dixon, SVP, Entertainment, Comcast.

Tubi has partnered with iHeartMedia to bring syndicated radio show and podcast “The Breakfast Club” to Tubi viewers. The Hip-Hop/R&B morning show is now available on demand, with a dedicated FAST Channel launching next month. “‘The Breakfast Club’ transcends morning shows with honest conversations at the heart of culture,” said Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer, Tubi. “At the core of our partnership with iHeartMedia is a shared interest in content that reflects culture and a passion to bring this influential and entertaining show to Tubi’s massive audience for even more fans to discover.”

Cynopsis Team

For advertising opportunities, contact: Amy Abbey
Sales Director
410-979-0171
[email protected]

Lynn Leahey
Editorial Director
[email protected]

 

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

Stephanie Cronk
Senior Marketing Director
[email protected]

 

Cynopsis Job Listings Sales
Carley Ashley

Cynopsis General Inquiries
[email protected]

Cynopsis Jobs logo
Check out more jobs in Cynopsis Classifieds »
Job of the day
VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC: Focus on FCC compliance, brand integrity for all current series and day-to-day business affairs for development and production. Strategize with management and outside counsel on business issues, and draft, review and execute various short-form business documents. Legal background and/or related media experience is required. Full info HERE

SALES LEAD – AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS
UPWAVE
NEW YORK, NY
Build and manage relationships with our agency partners – mostly targeting media buyers and planners – and help them see the value of adding Upwave measurement to The Trade Desk campaigns. You will both leverage your existing network and open new doors to achieve aggressive but achievable sales targets. Full info HERE

VICE PRESIDENT, POLITICAL SALES >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC./WASHINGTON, DC: Lead the company’s political advertising revenue across its dynamic portfolio of broadcast stations. Responsible for developing sales strategies tailored to the fast-paced, high-stakes political advertising market. You will possess an understanding of the political advertising landscape, and the ability to forge strong relationships with campaigns. Full info HERE

COUNSEL, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
MLB NETWORK/SECAUCUS, NJ: Responsible for a variety of matters, including services agreements, production related agreements, talent agreements, software and other technology related agreements, licensing and programming agreements, third party rights clearances, distribution agreements, contract summaries, confidentiality, and general contract matters. Full info HERE

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Proven track record of monetizing digital assets on various social media platforms. Work closely with our production team in creating content and comprehensive marketing plans to increase market share. Full info HERE

INTERNATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Create and execute sales strategies and proposals- generating new sales from past, current and future leads by networking, building relationships and identifying valuable sales opportunities. Manage existing accounts and excel at identifying clients’ needs. Requires a self-driven individual who is passionate about the sports and media industry. Full info HERE

NATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Looking for another self-motivated, highly disciplined National AD Sales Executive that enjoys the sales process from beginning to close. If you bring the enthusiasm and determination we will supply the opportunity to make this the best position you’ve ever had. Full info HERE

LEAD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >>
CASTIFY.AI/HYBRID: Expand our client base in the digital advertising industry and focus on business development, securing new clients and partnerships, and negotiating contracts with leading advertising brands and agencies as well as experience in the digital advertising sector, showcasing a proven track record of achieving targets and excelling in business development. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT REP: MPT NATIONAL CORPORATE SALES

MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION FOUNDATION
REMOTE

Call on current and prospective sponsors, providing high-quality customer service, in a manner consistent with standard industry practice, for the customer/client accounts for which they have cultivated or have been assigned as well as build sustainable, long-lasting relationships with existing clients. Full info HERE

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF AD SALES
>>
HAYSTACK NEWS/NYNY, LA, CHICAGO: Responsible for developing large, meaningful partnerships to drive strategic and creative solutions for clients. You relish the opportunity to help advertisers build their brands by supporting the world’s most premium news publishers. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

INTERSECTION
LOS ANGELES, CA

Drive new revenue for our media around Los Angeles and beyond as well as building relationships with prospects and clients. Full info HERE

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