Thursday February 11, 2021

IN THE NEWS

HGTV ranked first among basic cable networks in a Beta Research study asking ad execs if they planned to increase ad spending in the next 12 months, in comparison to pre-pandemic 2019. Thirty-six percent named the lifestyle net, followed by ESPN (33%), Food Network (28%), CNN (28%), Bravo (23%), MSNBC (23%), TBS (22%),TNT (22%), BET (21%), Fox News Channel (21%) and Discovery Channel (20%). The percent planning to increase ad spending for the average basic network decreased from 27% in the 2019 study to 15% in the fall 2020 study. In comparison to 2019, rankings increased for Bravo, MSNBC and BET.

In the same Beta study, companies receiving high scores on helpfulness/flexibility in dealing with the business impact of the coronavirus (a new measure) included Discovery Networks and WarnerMedia (both 71%), NBC Universal (66%), Disney Advertising Sales and ViacomCBS Advertising Sales (both 63%). NBCU topped companies in providing creative/innovative multi-platform opportunities, with 80%, followed by Disney Advertising Sales (77%), Discovery Networks (71%) and ViacomCBS (69%).

The 93rd Oscars will broadcast on ABC from “multiple locations” on April 25, in addition to the Dolby Theatre venue. “In this unique year that has asked so much of so many, the Academy is determined to present an Oscars like none other, while prioritizing the public health and safety of all those who will participate,” said the Academy of Arts and Sciences. No hosting updates yet.

There were 96 ad spots during Super Bowl LV, with a record $545 million in in-game ad spend and 57 minutes of commercial time, by Kantar’s estimate. Thirty percent of ads aired were extended length commercials (60 seconds or more), and Auto remained the #1 category, representing 14% in total spending. Streaming Services was the #2 ranked category of ads, representing 11% in total spending, followed closely by Alcoholic Beverage spend (10%).

TikTok’s sale of its American operations to a group including Oracle Corp. and Walmart Inc. has been paused indefinitely, according to the Wall Street Journal, as President Biden reviews efforts to address potential security risks from Chinese tech companies. “We plan to develop a comprehensive approach to securing US data that addresses the full range of threats we face,” said National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne. The previous administration had pushed for a forced sale. “The Trump administration didn’t think out what they were doing very well, in my opinion,” said former TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer on Fox Business Network’s “The Claman Countdown.” Still, added Meyer, who resigned last summer as the company was facing pressure from the administration, “There are issues about transparency and accountability that need to be worked out, and it needs to be an industry-wide solution…that’s what the Biden administration should put their efforts, is to making sure that … there’s accountability, at the end of the day.”

It doesn’t appear former president Donald Trump will land on Twitter again, even if he’s voted back in the White House. “The way our policies work, when you’re removed from the platform, you’re removed from the platform, whether you’re a commentator, you’re a CFO or you are a former or current public official,” said Twitter CFO Ned Segal on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”

Facebook is building an audio chat product that would compete with social networking app Clubhouse, reports the New York Times. In early stages of development, the product is known internally as Fireside, sources told the paper.

You’re invited to judge the Sports Media Awards, because no one can name the best in the industry like one’s peers. Fill out this quick application, and get ready to be a part of curating a list of sports media superstars.

BET and HealthiNation, producer and publisher of health videos, are teaming for a digital content initiative to provide culturally relevant health and medical information to help address healthcare disparities within the African American community. The effort will address these disparities through an ongoing series of videos that feature healthcare providers of color addressing topics including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, mental health, and preventative care. It will also include educational resources to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and separate vaccination facts versus fiction.

Actress Charisma Carpenter has accused Joss Whedon, creator of TV’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and spin-off “Angel,” of abusive behavior on set that “triggered a chronic physical condition from which I still suffer.” Carpenter said she was prompted to make the allegations on Instagram after an investigation into Whedon’s behavior during reshoots of “Justice League.” Carpenter’s former co-stars had her back – after her post, “Buffy” actor Amber Benson tweeted, “There was a lot of damage done during that time and many of us are still processing it twenty plus years later.” Posted series star Sarah Michelle Gellar, “I stand with all survivors of abuse and am proud of them for speaking out.” And Michelle Trachtenberg weighed in with, “What he did was very bad. But we win. By surviving!”

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HBO Max issued series orders for three new adult animated series

, including a two-season order for “Clone High,” a refresh of the hit series from Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Bill Lawrence that was set at a high school for clones of historical figures. Also on the slate are Warner Bros. Animation’s “Velma,” a comedic origin story starring the underappreciated brains of the Scooby-Doo Mystery Inc. gang, Velma Dinkley, voiced by executive producer Mindy Kaling, and “Fired on Mars,” an existential workplace comedy set five minutes in the future, voiced by Pete Davidson (“Saturday Night Live”). “Close Enough” was picked up for seasons two and three, with the sophomore run launching Thursday, February 25. HBO Max is not moving forward with drama pilot “Red Bird Lane,” a psychological thriller starring Susan Sarandon.

HBO is not proceeding with comedies “Qualityland” and “A5,” ordered as part of an overall deal with Mike Judge (“Silicon Valley”).

Netflix nabbed the rights to the bestelling series of Redwall books, by Brian Jacques, from Penguin Random House Children. So far,the streamer has enlisted Patrick McHale (“Over the Garden Wall”) to write a feature, and is mapping out a series based on the character of Martin the Warrior.

AMC Studios has entered into an exclusive, multi-year overall deal with Jim Barnes to develop and produce new series for the company’s television networks and streaming platforms, as well as third-party buyers. The deal expands AMC Networks’ previous creative partnership with Barnes, who serves as co-executive producer and writer on AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” Barnes will continue to serve as co-executive producer on the upcoming 11th and final season of horror drama.

Former ESPN exec Connor Schell, who had overseen non-sports programming, is partnering with Chernin Entertainment to launch an unscripted studio to develop sports and non-sports related content. Schell will serve as CEO and founder.

Cynopsis is curious…For entry level candidates, which college majors do you look for? Please take a minute to answer our quick, 3-question community poll for February: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7Q6BZWK.

NEWS-WORTHY

Fox News Channel’s primetime Saturday talker “The Greg Gutfeld Show” will expand to a full weeknight schedule, debuting in the second quarter of 2021 and airing at 11p. The current program, launched in 2015, delivered its highest rated year in 2020, with 2.5 million Total Viewers and 400,000 in the A25-54 demo. “FOX News @ Night” will move to 12a, increasing the hours of live and original programming on FNC to 21 per weekday. A replacement primetime weekend program for Gutfeld’s 10p Saturday evening show will be announced at a later date; Gutfeld will continue as co-host of “The Five.”

AVOD Haystack News has expanded its content agreement with Bloomberg Media to add Bloomberg TV and Bloomberg Quicktake to its recently launched portfolio of live viewing options. “Bloomberg is very pleased to deepen our relationship with Haystack News via our two global networks,” said M. Scott Havens, Chief Growth Officer and Global Head of Strategic Partnerships, Bloomberg Media. “New platforms such as Haystack News extend our reach, and bring our trusted content to new audiences.”

Rachel Rollar has joined Newsmax TV morning show “Wake Up America,” airing weekdays at 6:30a. Rollar co-hosted WCNC’s “Wake Up Charlotte.”

CASTING

Clare Danes (“Homeland”) is replacing Keira Knightley in Apple TV+ drama “Essex Serpant.” Knightley exited the show last fall due to pandemic-related child care issues.

Diamond White (“The Lion Guard”) will star in Disney Channel’s upcoming animated series “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” slated to premiere in 2022. Also joining the lead cast are Alfre Woodard (“Marvel’s Luke Cage”), Libe Barer (“Sneaky Pete”), Sasheer Zamata (“Saturday Night Live”), Jermaine Fowler (“Superior Donuts”), Fred Tatasciore (“Marvel’s Avengers Assemble”), and Gary Anthony Williams (“Doc McStuffins”). Series executive producer Laurence Fishburne will voice the recurring role of The Beyonder.

Onboard Fuse’s “Shine True,” tracking the journeys of trans and non-binary young adults, are host Lucas Silveira (“The Cliks”) and gender non-conforming influencer, activist and model Richie Shazam. The half-hour series premieres on Fuse in the US and on OUTtv in Canada on Monday, March 22 at 10p.

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

HBO’s “Mare of Easttown” debuts Sunday, April 18 at 10p. The limited series stars Kate Winslet as a small-town Pennsylvania detective.

Season four of HBO’s reimagined “In Treatment” launches in May, with Uzo Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black”) taking the lead role of therapist. The show originally started its original three-season run on HBO in 2008, with Gabriel Byrne and Dianne Wiest in the lead roles. Also coming up in May on HBO: two-part doc “The Crime of the Century,” following the reckless distribution and abuse of synthetic opiates.

Telemundo morning program “hoy Día” launches Monday, February 15 at 7a, featuring breaking news, entertainment headlines, weather updates, recipes, and a multiplatform format.

Netflix spin-off “Last Chance U: Basketball” premieres Wednesday, March 10. The docu-series follows the 2019-20 season of junior college basketball in California.

Food Network has picked up podcast “Food Network Obsessed” for an extended second run. The show, which launched in early January and is midway through its first season, features food blogger, TV host and Food Network superfan Jaymee Sire, dishing with Food Network stars and chefs.

COMING UP

Turner Sports and CBS Sports announced the game windows and programming schedule for upcoming live coverage of all 67 games from the 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV. Games will be streamed on NCAA March Madness Live; CBS will televise the NCAA Final Four National Semifinals on Saturday, April 3, and then the National Championship on Monday, April 5, at 9p, from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Saturday’s pregame coverage will begin at 2p, with the first game set for 5p. The tournament will be staged entirely in Indiana as a safety precaution.

In a first, NBC will air a live morning broadcast of the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony at 6:55a, leading into a full day of Olympic programming, including a special edition of “Today.” The net’s first Olympic Daytime show launches on the opening Friday of the Games, July 23 at 1p. “We are delighted to offer live coverage of the Opening Ceremony for those who want immediacy, and, later in the day, build on NBC Olympics’ terrific primetime legacy with a full celebration of these much anticipated Tokyo Olympics,” said Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President, NBC Olympics Production.

Spring premiere dates for Hulu docs include “Kid 90,” directed by “Punky Brewster” star Soleil Moon Frye, on Friday, March 12; “WeWork: Or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn” on Friday, April 2; and three-part docu-series “Sasquatch” on Tuesday, April 20.

“Tina,” a feature documentary chronicling the life and career of Tina Turner, premieres on HBO Saturday, March 27 at 8p.

A+E is spanning brands and social platforms for Black History Month. Among the highlights: The History Channel is featuring on-air spots as part of the More to History and This Week in History initiatives, spotlighting key moments and surprising facts about Black History; Lifetime social feeds are dedicating their Fierce Female Fridays to women exemplifying #blackexcellence; and A&E short form series Voices Magnify focuses on leaders like Morehouse College film professor Stephane Dunn, who is leading a new generation of filmmakers.

An “Enamorándonos” Valentine’s Day airs Sunday, February 14 at 8p on Univision and UniMas. Hosted by Ana Patricia Gámez and Rafael Araneda, the two-hour special will include a dance duel, and a surprise proposal.

STREAMING

Streaming and on-demand audio service TuneIn and dating app OkCupid are partnering to launch three dating-themed music stations in celebration of Valentine’s Day: “You Got This: Pre-Date Jams,” “Quarantine Crush,” and “Setting the Mood.”

A&E announced the launch of The Table Is Ours, a new original podcast that explores Black identity, vulnerability and achievement through conversations with influential voices in the Black community. The 15-episode series was conceived of and created by Amira Lewally and Kirby Dixon, who will also host.

Crackle Plus will launch the Crackle app on Smart TVs with the VIDAA smart operation system on Hisense Smart TVs. Crackle content on VIDAA will be available to customers in the US using their proprietary operating system.

FilmRise has entered into a distribution agreement with Reel One Entertainment, including a package of 15 originally produced romantic comedy films, and licensing an additional 100 made-for-TV movies and TV series. The original movies will debut in the US this year.

GOING GLOBAL

Red Arrow Studios International has acquired the global distribution rights to the new primetime quiz show format “Stealing the Show!” from Florida Entertainment. In a reinvention of the traditional quiz show format, three celebrity contestants and a member of the public compete to win the show itself.

UK’s Cineflix Rights has acquired a package of four new factual series from Hoff Productions: “Shark Terror: USS Indianapolis”; “I Saw It: Bigfoot and Beyond”; “Battle of Alcatraz”; and “Green River Killer: Hunting the Monster.”

Banijay announced two new adaptations for format “LEGO Masters,” with Denmark and Finland. Danish production company Metronome, a Banijay company, has been commissioned to produce the show for TV2, and Endemol Shine Finland will be bringing the competition reality format to MTV3 audiences.

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“Puppy Bowl XVII” delivered double-digit year over year ratings gains for its premiere on Animal Planet among A25-54 (1.11) in Live+SD on Sunday, Februrary 7 from 2-5p, numbers were up +14% from last year’s Puppy Bowl XVI (0.97), tying the 2017 edition for the third highest rated Puppy Bowl ever.

Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for Tuesday, February 9
Show, P2+ (millions), (A18-49)
ABC: “To Tell the Truth” 3.76 (0.6), “black-ish” 2.32 (0.4), “mixed-ish” 1.93 (0.4), “Big Sky” 3.546 (0.6)
CBS: “NCIS” 9.47 (0.9), “FBI” 7.55 (0.8), “FBI” 5.48 (0.6)
CW: “Two Second Horror Stories” 0.52 (0.1), “Two Second Horror Stories” 0.34 (0.1), “Trickster” 0.34 (0.1)
FOX: “The Resident” 3.28 (0.5), “Prodigal Son” 1.92 (0.4)
NBC: “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” 2.3 (0.4), “This Is Us” 4.98 (1.0), “Nurses” 1.92 (0.3)
Telemundo: “Exatlon Estados Unidos” 1.08 (0.3), “La Suerte de Loli” 1.06 (0.4), “Buscando a Frida” 0.98 (0.3)
Source: Nielsen live + same day time period averages

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Amazon Studios is reorganizing its TV development team to focus on development, series, and IP/talent management. Marc Resteghini, who had been in charge of drama development, will now lead all series development globally. Laura Lancaster has joined the studio from Alscon to serve as Head of Series, and Kara Smith will step into Resteghini’s shoes as Head of Drama.

LL COOL J’s global direct to consumer brand Rock the Belles tapped James Cuthbert as President. Cuthbert was most recently SVP of Brand Marketing & Strategy at BET.

Channel Factory has appointed Jeremy Haft as Chief Revenue Officer and promoted Jed Hartman to US President. Haft joins Channel Factory from Amobee, where he most recently served as SVP of Sales, North America, while Hartman joined Channel Factory in 2019 as Chief Commercial Officer.

CuriosityStream has appointed Ashley Huston as VP of Communications. Huston most recently led communications for Quartz.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which series focused on a high school teacher who teaches his journalism class how to produce a TV news show? “TV 101” (1988-89). Kudos to: Aaron Paquette-Screen Engine/ASI/Fort Worth,TX, Dan Whitford-WTTW/Chicago, John Kukla-KDFW/Dallas, Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA, Dan Harrison-Fox Entertainment/LA, Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Boca Raton, FL, Matt Willence-ITN Networks/NYC, David Westberg-SAG-AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank

Today’s Trivia Question
In which series could a building be entered via a secret passage in Del Floria’s Tailor Shop? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.)