02/14/22: What spots were tops at the Super Bowl?

Monday February 14, 2022

A slate of first-time advertisers – bolstered by companies representing the financial technology and cryptocurrency industries – made their debuts at yesterday’s Super Bowl, with over a dozen rookie brands buying in. NBC Sports stated that some brands bought in at $7 million for a 30-second spot. Debuts included Rakuten Rewards, Greenlight Financial Technology, Caesars Sportsbook, FTX and Crypto.com.

As we wait for the metrics from yesterday’s barrage of commercials, around 45 spots were pre-released, up from 36 a year ago. Topping iSpot’s pre-release chart for most likeable Super Bowl ad was the Doritos and Cheetos wildlife remix of “Push It” which boasted a likeability index 24% above norm, according to the company. Rounding out the top early releases were Nissan’s “Presenting: Thrill Driver” with Eugene Levy and Brie Larson; Hellmann’s “Mayo Tackles Food Waste” spot with Jerod Mayo and Pete Davidson; and the Pringles’ “Stuck In” commercial.

PROGRAMMING

Major League Baseball’s latest proposal toward players sees the league offer to make changes to the competitive balance tax, among other tweaks, according to ESPN. The change to the CBT removes draft pick penalties for teams exceeding the first threshold while raising the threshold from previous offers in the final three years of the deal, according to the report. In addition to changes to the tax, the league also offers changes to the minimum salary structure, increased its pre-arbitration bonus pool offer and further disincentivize service time manipulation but does not address revenue sharing or arbitration years. Most teams had been set to open camp Monday or Tuesday.

Despite the declines in viewership for the 2022 Beijing Olympics, NBC Universal, leading up to Super Gold Sunday yesterday, has now claimed over 100 million viewers for the event, representing nearly half of U.S. television homes (58 million) who have watched the Beijing Olympics on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. Meanwhile, NBCUniversal’s digital platforms, led by Peacock, have crossed the two billion minutes streamed.

CNN recruited Jemele Hill and Cari Champion to co-host Cari & Jemele: Speak.Easy, on the network’s new subscription streaming service, CNN+ this spring. The pair will take on trending topics in sports, entertainment, politics, and culture. “I’m so thrilled to join CNN+. The beauty and authenticity of my friendship with Jemele has always been at the heart of our creative partnership,” Champion said.

MAVTV Motorsports Network announced plans for live broadcasts of the 2022 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, as part of its 50th anniversary season, running on MAVTV and for the first time on MAVTV Plus. “Our team at Lucas Oil is incredibly honored to be able to support the motocross industry for the past 13 years,” said Morgan Lucas, president of Lucas Oil. “We’ve seen some of the best-in-class athletes compete in this series, and we’re excited to expand our audience even further on our MAVTV channels.”

The Kraken revealed plans to make NHL history announcing that its Feb. 17 game will be hosted and called by the first black broadcast team in league history. The call will be made by Kraken radio broadcaster Everett Fitzhugh and JT Brown, the Kraken TV analyst. “Here at the Seattle Kraken, we are fortunate to have an incredibly talented broadcast team,” said Katie Townsend, VP of communications for the Kraken. “Everett and JT moved into NHL broadcasting this season, worked hard, and have made an immediate connection with our fans. John Forslund is truly one of the best in the business and a great mentor.”

We are looking for Sports Media Industry experts to be on our exclusive judging panel for this year’s Cynopsis Sports Media Awards. You will be a part of choosing the winners in multiple exciting categories. Then, on April 19, join the finalists and winners as they are recognized across production, marketing, and technology teams, and saluted for their hard work and innovation from one of sports media’s most challenging years to date. Please fill out this entry form to be considered as a judge: https://form.jotform.com/220396817825161. (Oh, and get your entries in now by clicking here!)

Marshall, Old Dominion and Southern Miss all announced that they will depart Conference USA on June 30 to join the Sun Belt this year. All three schools noted in their announcements that Conference USA had been unwilling to discuss a resolution for the June departures, with the conference stating that it expected the school to remain through the 2022-23 academic year. “The University offered to cooperate with the conference to ensure that all remaining C-USA members had complete competitive schedules for those sports in which the university competes,” Old Dominion’s statement reads. “The Conference refuses to discuss such an arrangement with the university. The remaining members of Conference USA deserve certainty about their schedules as they plan for competition next year. For their sake, the university makes public its intent.”

DO SPORTS BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU?

Do you just LOVE sports? So much so that you made a career of it? We know the feeling. The rush of adrenaline, the tear in the eye, the excitement of the win. We want to celebrate your winning work at this year’s SPORTS MEDIA AWARDS. The deadline to enter is 2/16!

ENTER NOW

SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION

As part of NBA All-Star 2022, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association revealed plans to boost local community organizations be offering programming and support that focus on youth, education, health equity, food insecurity and economic inclusion. Additionally, building off the success of NBA All-Star 2021, the league will assist the HBCU community as part of the weekend. Overall, more than $3 million will be contributed to the Greater Cleveland and HBCU communities through the efforts.

Arrowhead Brass inked a multi-year agreement to serve as a NASCAR Contingency Sponsor in both the Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series. As part of the deal, the company will also present the Arrowhead Brass “Arrow Up” award at each race, honoring the driver who improves the most positions from start to finish during the race.

PepsiCo’s Rockstar Energy Drink cemented a three-year global partnership with UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women’s Champions League that runs until 2024. The three-year partnership will be activated across Europe via a slate of marketing activations including in-store, digital and game ticket giveaways.

DIGITAL, DATA & TECH

The NFL will allow fans to relive Super Bowl LVI via this year’s Live Visual Album. The album will feature each performance from Super Bowl LV, including the National Anthem (Mickey Guyton), America the Beautiful (Jhené Aiko) and the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show (Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar).

ESPORTS

Activision Blizzard will reportedly see head of esports Brandon Snow depart the company at the end of February, according to SBJ. Now oversaw the Call of Duty League and the Overwatch League since last summer. While Activision Blizzard searches for a replacement, Activision Blizzard chief administrative officer Brian Bulatao will handle the bulk of Snow’s role, while Sean Miller reportedly will head up Overwatch League management, and Daniel Tsay manages the Call of Duty League, according to the article.

Danish esports organization Astralis has acquired a majority stake in regional production house and broadcaster PIXEL.TV. “With the opening of Astralis Nexus, we have established a platform where we interact with Astralis fans and the huge audience for casual gaming,” said Jakob Lund Kristensen, Founder and CRO of Astralis. “Just as the Astralis Nexus is for everyone, whether you are a hardcore Counter-Strike player or just having fun with Candy Crush, with a broad range of content, Pixel.tv will be a broad, inclusive media platform embracing all types of gamers.”

INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES

Milkmoney, the branded entertainment and content production arm of Octagon Sports and Entertainment Network, announced that Roslyn Barnfield has been named Global Managing Director. In the role, Barnfield will oversee all agency operations including production, new business and collaboration across Milkmoney’s offices in London, Sydney, and Singapore.

JOIN US AT THE BEST OF THE BEST AWARDS

ViacomCBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, Fox News, Premion, New York Jets…these are just a few of the incredibly innovative companies who are in the running to win a Best of the Best award.

Find out who wins at Cynopsis’ annual Best of the Best/Rising Star Virtual Awards Ceremony on February 24th at 1pm ET!

Join us!
REGISTER FREE

ON THIS DAY in
1999: Jeff Gordon wins the Daytona 500.

IN THE KNOW
Which sports-themed movie features a character known as Ivan Drago? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).

Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
Which team lays claim to scoring the most points in a single game in a Super Bowl, clocking in with 55? Answer: San Francisco 49ers. Kudos: Marc Goldstein-Marc Goldstein Media Solutions/NY; Rick Ramage-UTA/NY; Michael Ritz-Lenox Advisors/NY; Steven Williams-Spectrum Enterprise/Columbus; Michael Goodman-Radio One Atlanta/Atlanta; Derek Houston-Braves/Atlanta; Mark Lehman-Braves/Atlanta; Charlie Conner-KOKI/KMYT/Tulsa; Tom Doherty- T-Mobile Marketing Solutions/Chicago; Jason Brist-Outdoor Sportsman Group/Chicago; Joe Lyons-ESPN/Dallas; David Hauptman/Denver; Greg Moloznik-GLM Media/Scottsdale; David Westberg-SAG•AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank; Andy Babb-Super League Gaming/Santa Monica; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Cynopsis Team

Chris Pursell
@VegasandVine

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

Roberta Caploe
VP/Group Publisher
@robertacaploe

Executive Director of Sales
Albert Nassour
917-545-3129

Cynopsis Job Listings Sales
John Cox

CynopsisJobs
Check out more jobs in Cynopsis Classifieds »

Job of the day

DIRECTOR, DIGITAL PRODUCT
A+E NETWORKS
NYC OR REMOTE
Develop Ad Supported streaming products across Mobile, Web & Connected TV devices & collaborate with engineering, UX/design, sales & marketing teams. Operate as a product owner; have 5+ yrs product management experience in a software/Web/mobile or connected TV app. environment. Strong technical, creative, strategic acumen. Curious and innovative. Full info HERE (2/28)

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT MARKETING
TEGNA
NYC PREFERRED; DC/MCLEAN, VA ALSO POSSIBLE
Natural leader and an outstanding writer and communicator, responsible for representing the voice of our local and national customers while blending our product strategy with the tactics we need to drive customer success and revenue. Full info HERE (2/28)

PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER
TEGNA
NYC PREFERRED; DC/MCLEAN, VA ALSO POSSIBLE
Represent the voice of the customer while serving as the glue that binds our product strategy to the tactics we need to drive customer success and revenue. The PMM will continuously focus on the creation of product positioning and buyer personas, generating demand, helping enable sales, and shaping the product roadmap. Full info HERE (2/28)

JR. ANALYST, AUDIENCE RESEARCH
FETV
NYC
Daily email sent to Executives about network performance outlining top program performances with Households & Key Demos, with context. Daily update of excel based network programming grid. Develop a Weekly Schedule Analysis Report giving insight into performance. Strong understanding of Nielsen concepts and terminology, plus exp with Nielsen data. Full info HERE (2/28)

MEDIA PLANNING COORDINATOR >>
IFC NETWORK/NYC: Strategically schedule/enter promos. Monitor programming ensuring promo assets are accurate. Work with Traffic on logs/formats. Review asset delivery/screen content. Proficient in Office, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Detail-oriented/Ability to prioritize/Meet deadlines. Full info HERE (2/28)

SCHEDULING COORDINATOR >>
AMC NETWORKS/NYC: Daily input of schedules for multiple nets. Work with Ops and Media Planning on program delivery, formats & versions. Maintain tracking docs, work with large amts of detailed info & tight deadlines. Acute attn to detail. Proficient in Excel, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Full info HERE (2/28)

COORDINATOR, MULTIPLATFORM SCHEDULING, INTERNATIONAL >>
AMC NETWORKS/NYC: Enter on-demand and digital linear channel schedules into various databases. Track content from multiple networks. Contribute to special projects as needed. Collaborative spirit with strong attention to detail. Excellent in Excel, background in media preferred. Full info HERE (2/28)

OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY MANAGER >>
BYUB/PROVO, UT: Dynamic, strategic leader who will work with various departments to analyze and improve existing processes and organizational structures. The candidate must have a deep understanding of BYUB’s mission and vision, be a collaborative leader and be dedicated to increasing the audience by assisting in delivering an optimized entertainment experience. Full info HERE (2/28)

PRODUCER, THE FAMILY HANDYMAN, STREAMING TV
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES
Produce curated and original series for Streaming TV in the DIY and home genre first, and other genres second. Maintain and influence creative alignment with the Channel and Brands. Contribute to the ideation of new show concepts in the DIY space. 4+ Years Production Experience (digital & linear) in the DIY/Home genre. Full info HERE (3/6)

DIRECTOR, CURRENT PROGRAMMING & DEVELOPMENT, STREAMING TV
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES
Establish long-term creative programming strategy to achieve business unit KPIs (audience, sales, distribution). Detail plans and budget to help develop, help commission, and acquire programming. Ideate show concepts to fit our numerous brands on a daily basis. 7+ years in creative production for digital / streaming / television. Full info HERE (2/24)

ACCOUNT MANAGER
JUKIN MEDIA
WEST COAST (REMOTE – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)
Responsible for pre-sale planning & post-sale management & execution. Working closely with operations & sales on trafficking & QA for ad campaigns including scheduling, inventory requests, & production timelines. Helping sales & marketing put together pitch decks for client meetings and formal RFPs. 2-5 yrs prior exp in the advertising/media space. Full info HERE (2/24)

ACCOUNT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
CW
NYC
Work closely with Directors/Account Executives in positioning the network (Linear & Digital) to new and existing clients. Communicate with major agencies/clients serving a key role in the sales process. Collaborate internally with various departments to provide solutions for advertisers. 3+ years in media. Full info HERE (2/24)

DIRECTOR, SCHEDULING & ACQUISITIONS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Develop programming strategies/schedules that achieve or exceed rating & revenue goals. Manage the production of network schedule grids & identify, evaluate & secure acquisition opportunities utilizing data to make optimal acquisition decisions. Min of 5 yrs of prior program scheduling & acquisition experience in cable/digital channel or network. Full info HERE (2/24)

ART DIRECTOR, GLOBAL CREATIVE CONTENT
A+E NETWORKS
NYC OR REMOTE
Creative lead in print, promotion, & marketing from concept to completion. Conceive, design and direct the production of key art, sales tools and collateral to position & sell our brands & content globally. Translate business objectives into campaigns that viewership. Must have 5+ years and Must LOVE television (Reality, Scripted & Non-Fiction.) Full info HERE (2/23)

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL CONTENT >>
REELZ/ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Oversee day-to-day management of social campaigns. Develop social media campaigns that drive brand engagement. Proven track record of using social platforms, user generated content and influencer management. Ability to place targeted buys on social and digital platforms. 7 to 10 yrs’ exp with website operations and social media management. Full info HERE (2/23)

RESEARCH CONSULTANT – TEMPORARY POSITION >>
REELZ/NYC: 7+ years of experience developing strategic approaches to position Reelz in the advertising marketplace and support programming. Ideal applicant will have a passion for media research, possess relevant experience, and need little supervision. Proficient with Nielsen audience data and systems. Full info HERE (2/23)

DIRECTOR OF SALES
CIRCLE MEDIA
REMOTE (PREFER NYC, CHICAGO, NASHVILLE)
Year over year growth of our advertising sales projections. Source, create, and maintain relationships, as well as execute contracts for our Linear/Cable/VOD networks. Management of the pre and post sales process will be executed against a yearly goal. Use of qualitative sales packaging and the drive to meet/exceed sales goals is a top priority. Full info HERE (2/22)

ACCOUNT MANAGER
PLAYON! SPORTS
ATLANTA
Manage relationships w/ high school administrators & athletic directors to increase production quality & quantity of broadcast events. Manage, route, & track school’s technical issues until they are resolved. Assist with school’s marketing needs to build awareness & grow revenue. 2+ yrs exp in cust service or acct mgt. Exp w/ CRM tools. Full info HERE (2/21)

VIDEO PROGRAMMING MANAGER
theGrio
ATLANTA
Mainly programming original & licensed video content for our mobile & OTT apps. This role includes identifying our original video content, facilitating & driving the company’s licensed video content to distribute through our OTT, mobile apps & digital platforms. Duties also include scheduling, curation & successful playout of this content. Full info HERE (2/21)

SOCIAL MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER/VIDEO EDITOR
theGrio
ATLANTA
Video editor/multimedia designer to edit compelling original social video and graphic design content for all social platforms. Full info HERE (2/21)

DIRECTOR OF VIDEO
theGrio
NYC
Will provide oversight and leadership for video content and editorial content associated with African American news, culture and lifestyle stories, and other interactive content that compliments specific programming themes and brand initiatives across theGrio’s. Full info HERE (2/21)

ASSISTANT MEDIA NEGOTIATOR >>
LOCKARD & WECHSLER DIRECT /IRVINGTON NY: Supports media negotiators in buying airtime in their assigned broadcast/cable networks. Assists with the preliminary research on availability of airtime and rates. Enter media rates, solve media discrepancies, update internal data. Pull daily reports and Nielsen ratings. Self-motivated, well-organized multitasker who is eager to learn. Full info HERE (2/20)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE III, SALES
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP/WKRN
NASHVILLE TN
Implements strategies to consistently grow revenue and exceed revenue goals. Establishes credible relationships with local business community. Makes sales calls on existing and prospective clients. Maintains assigned accounts and develops new accounts. Minimum one year’s experience in sales, preferably in media or digital sales. Full info HERE (2/20)

CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGER >>
VIACOMCBS/MIAMI FL: Manages global projects/campaigns/Asset production through the entire lifecycle: planning, creative, production, delivery, and wrap. Defines project scope, including timeline, resources, labor hours, & external costs. Manages, organizes, and distributes all project documentation. 6+ yrs’ exp in creative project management of work across the media. Full info HERE (2/20)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE (LEAD GENERATION) >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP: Initiate lead generation strategies that include outbound sales marketing campaigns. Identify, prospect, and lead introductory meetings to qualify leads for Business Development Executives. Create & deliver a detailed dossier on prospect – for seamless transition to Business Development Executive. 3+ yrs of relevant business development experience. Full info HERE (2/19)

MEDIA PLANNING COORDINATOR >>
IFC NETWORK/ NY: Strategically schedule/enter promos. Monitor programming ensuring promo assets are accurate. Work with Traffic on logs/formats. Review asset delivery/screen content. Proficient in Office, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Detail-oriented/Ability to prioritize/Meet deadlines. Full info HERE (2/19)

SCHEDULING COORDINATOR >>
AMC NETWORKS/NYC, NY: Daily input of schedules for multiple nets. Work with Ops and Media Planning on program delivery, formats & versions. Maintain tracking docs, work with large amts of detailed info & tight deadlines. Acute attn to detail. Proficient in Excel, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Full info HERE (2/19)

SENIOR MANAGER ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
G4
REMOTE, LOS ANGELES OR NEW YORK
We are looking for talent who will help to build the foundation for a long-term business. Candidates should have sales planning and client success management experience. Extensive background in traditional linear and digital media sponsorship sales, and the overall support of multi-year, value-driven partnerships. Full info HERE (2/18)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
G4
REMOTE, LOS ANGELES OR NEW YORK
Candidates should have extensive experience in consultative sales, working with brands to develop strategic and long-term partnerships. You will represent a portfolio of Gaming, Esports and Entertainment offerings that are some of the best in the world. Ideal candidates have experience thinking strategically and creatively for their partners. Full info HERE (2/18)

ACCOUNT MANAGER
G4
REMOTE, LOS ANGELES OR NEW YORK
Candidates should have sales planning and client success management experience. Background in account management for digital media sales (and linear preferred) operations. The Account Manager will be responsible for managing the day-to-day sales operations partnership relationships and campaign management. Full info HERE (2/18)

PROJECT MANAGER >>
TLC/SIVER/SPRING, NYC: If you’re passionate about entertainment here’s your chance to get a job with a leading television brand with women! TLC is looking to hire a Project Manager position on the Marketing team (through staffing agency YOH). If you are looking for a fast paced, creative and strategic place to grow apply here. Full info HERE (2/17)

INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE >>
AXS TV/TORONTO: Responsible for building & maintaining ad sales bookings &d weekly advertiser branding in a timely manner. Liaised with client & traffic department to ensure copy was received & instructions were applied. Resolve discrepancies related to Core business deals. 1-2 yrs exp working with advertising agencies/television traffic departments is preferred. Full info HERE (2/17)

DIRECTOR, FINISHED PROGRAM ACQUISITIONS AND DISTRIBUTION, STREAMING TV
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES
Source and identify finished TV program and digital series acquisitions for Streaming FAST Channels. License our TMB/Jukin original Streaming Channel productions for distribution. Responsible for negotiating and closing both inbound and outbound deals. 7 years of relevant work experience at a media company, ie program sales/program acquisitions. Full info HERE (2/16)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE (BRAND ADVERTISERS) >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP: Establish and maintain senior-level relationships, develop and pitch unique mission-driven programs, and negotiate long-term partnership agreements with brands and advertisers. Support creation and present strategic, cross-media concepts to multiple stakeholder groups. 10 + years of relevant business development experience. Full info HERE (2/16)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE (FOUNDATIONS/NON-PROFITS) >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP: Establish and maintain senior-level relationships, develop and pitch unique mission-driven programs, and negotiate long-term partnership agreements with non-profits and foundations. Support creation and present strategic, cross-media concepts to multiple stakeholder groups. 10 + years of relevant business development experience. Full info HERE (2/15)

BROADCAST PLANNER
CADENT
NYC
Cadent is looking to hire a Broadcast Planner to join our fast-growing team! In this role you will work closely with Sales to build proposals & media plans, assist with pricing for ad packages and work closely with operations to finalize orders. If you have broadcast experience and enjoy working with numbers, we would love to speak with you! Full info HERE (2/15)

DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS, PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION >>
BLUE ANT MEDIA/NYC: Build and implement strategic and results-driven trade marketing and PR plans with a focus on the U.S. and U.K. markets. Execution on all announcements from the production and distribution teams. Writing and routing releases, Op-eds and written interviews and manage PR agency relationships. Minimum eight yrs of experience in a media relations role. Full info HERE (2/15)

@{optoutfooterhtml}@