Tonight’s Premieres
Comedy Central: Tosh.0 at 9p
Food Network: Supermarket Stakeout at 10p
PBS: Niall Ferguson’s Networld at 8p
Tonight’s Finales
PBS: Niall Ferguson’s Networld at 10p
TLC: I Am Jazz at 9p |
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A Cynopsis Message From NEWSMAX TV
Newsmax TV Beats Bloomberg, Ratings Soar
Newsmax TV has just begun its new programming launch and ratings
are soaring . . .
• Fastest-growing cable news channel in 70 million homes
• Total HH reach now up almost 200 percent in 6 months (Comscore)
• Viewers, distributors and advertisers turning to Newsmax TV!
Newsmax TV is changing cable news, See More: https://www.newsmaxtv.com/news/bloomberg |
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| IN THE NEWS
Americans staying home during the coronavirus outbreak could lead to an almost 60% increase in the amount of media they watch, according to Nielsen. In addition to turning to media for news about the pandemic, viewers will be looking for ways to pass the time, noted Nielsen. “As COVID-19 continues to spread, this serious health threat has already shaken world markets and, no doubt, will affect the media ecosystem,” concluded the report. “Understanding, and potentially hedging ad and media investments could help buoy any shrinking margins, build awareness for public health messages and maybe even get consumers’ worried minds off a threat through the power of entertainment.”
Speaking of staying home, not surprisingly, the travel industry has whacked its ad spend. Comparing the first two weeks of March versus February, MediaRadar reports TV and digital spend have contracted by 69% and 62%, respectively. “While almost every industry will be damaged by the fast-spreading virus, the travel industry is one of the first to be impacted; they are the tip of the spear,” warned CEO Todd Krizelman.
CBS News foreign correspondent Seth Doane tested positive for COVID-19, and reported from quarantine in Rome with mild symptoms….A staffer on the third hour of Today tested positive for the virus, prompting co-hosts Craig Melvin and Al Roker to take time off….Hulu employees in the company’s Santa Monica are on alert after a co-worker tested positive for coronavirus. Hulu’s floors were closed to accommodate a deep cleaning…. Idris Elba tweeted that he has been diagnosed with coronavirus. The Luther star/Ford spokesperson said he has experienced no symptoms but has been isolated since finding out about his exposure to the virus.
NBC’s Saturday Night Live return from hiatus as planned on March 28. The show, slated to be hosted by John Krasinski, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. It’s a double whammy for Krasinski; the opening of his movie, Quiet Place 2, has also been postponed, from March 18.
The outbreak also shut down New York City Television Week, originally slated to take place March 24-26. The event has been pushed to the week of June 22.
The COVID-19 crisis prompted Cox Media Group and Dish TV to call a truce in their retrans dispute. “Our nation is facing an unprecedented health challenge due to the COVID-19 outbreak. To help keep our communities safe, healthy and informed, Cox Media Group has worked closely with DISH Network to reach a mutual agreement to set aside the contractual retransmission dispute between the two companies,” said Cox. Stations in ten markets that had been blacked out by Dish since January have been restored.
Verily launched a COVID-19 screening site for residents of California’s Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. “Based on the responses and testing appointment availability, you will learn whether you qualify for testing,” said the Alphabet-owned company on its web site.
The 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards, set for March 29 in LA, have been postponed after the Shrine Auditorium was shuttered over COVID-19 concerns. The event was to air on Fox. While winners will still be announced shortly after balloting ends March 23, iHeartMedia and Fox said they will go on with the show “at the appropriate time.”
Starting tonight, ABC’s Nightline will take over the Jimmy Kimmel Live! slot for four nights at 11:30p, and focus on COVID-19 coverage. Kimmel repeats will air at 12:05a. |
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A Cynopsis Message From THE FUTURE NOW MEDIA FOUNDATION
Attention COLLEGE STUDENTS and SPONSORS!
FUTURE NOW Media & Entertainment Conference
May 27 – 29, 2020 / The Schimmel Center, NYC
Investing early in future leaders is critical to our companies’ and our industry’s growth and success. Sponsors, join FUTURE NOW and access, engage, recruit, and inspire our future leaders. Students, apply for this incredible opportunity to connect with today’s top industry executives.
Sponsors, contact Peggy Kim, [email protected].
Student application deadline: March 1. http://www.futurenowconference.com |
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| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
DIGA Studios signed Teresa Sorkin and Frank Rainone’s Roman Way Productions to a pod deal for scripted and unscripted content development. Under terms of the deal, DIGA Studios will serve as the exclusive production partner for all projects the partnership takes on.
NEW & RETURNING SERIES
The season four premiere of FX’s Fargo has been moved from April 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The postponement means the season, starring Chris Rock this time around, will no longer be eligible for the 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards. A new date will determined after production resumes.
Good Eats: Reloaded returns to Cooking Channel for season two on Monday, April 13 at 9p. A one-week preview begins on Cooking Channel GO on April 6.
Season six of ID’s See No Evil premieres Wednesday, April 1 at 9p. The next night brings the debut at 9p of new series If I Should Die, centered on homicides that are solved with an assist from voices from the grave. Another new series, Raw Terror, arrives Sunday, April 12 at 9p, focused on the mysteries a murder spawns even after a perpetrator has been found.
TECH NEWS
On Friday, Comcast temporarily lifted data caps and service terminations to help customers during the COVID-19 outbreak, along with making Xfinity WiFi hotspots free for everyone, while Charter said it will offer free broadband access to households with students and open its WiFi hotspots for public use. Others jumping onboard to help Americans stay connected include Sparklight, NewWave Communications, Fidelity Communications and Beam, among others. “Our employees also live and work in virtually every community we serve, and we all share the same belief that it’s our Company’s responsibility to step up and help out,” said Comcast Cable CEO Dave Watson.
STREAMING SNIPPETS
The $60 million merger agreement between OTT platform Future Today and Cinedigm has been terminated, announced Future Today. The company has instead entered into a content licensing agreement with Cinedigm. Future Today’s cloud-based technology platform manages OTT services for about 350 content owners, media companies, distributors and producers.
Acorn TV is doing its part during a tumultuous time, offering an extended 30-day free trial for new subscribers, “for those looking for an escape as they are holed up at home.” Trial was previously seven days.
COMING UP
Lester Holt will host NBC New Special Report: Coronavirus Pandemic on Thursday, March 19 at 10p. Special will run across NBC, MSNBC, NBC New NOW and Telemundo Digital.
PBS has added programming aimed at helping viewers deal with the COVID-19 crisis. Confronting Coronavirus: A PBS NewsHour special premieres Thursday, March 19 at 8p followed by a repeat of Spillover: Zika, Ebola & Beyond at 10p; Frontline’s Coronavirus Pandemic debuts Tuesday, April 21 at 9p.
UPFRONTS UPDATE
In lieu of its upfront event, originally scheduled for March 18, AMC Networks will have an upfront screening room that will include clips and episodes of new shows. Invitees can sort content by business segment according to their needs.
GOING GLOBAL
The BBC is holding off on plans to charge older people a $193.95 license fee, to ensure those especially vulnerable to coronavirus will have access to information during the pandemic. “The BBC board has decided to delay changes to over 75s licence fees. We are in exceptional circumstances. Now is not the right time. We are fully focussed on delivering our services to the public at this difficult time,” said BBC Chairman David Clementi.
Production on Amazon’s Love Island France ended a few weeks early after South Africa, where the reality show was filming, declared a national disaster because of COVID-19. The final episode will air Monday; winners will be announced via social media.
Banijay Rights game show Beat Your Host is being adapted for free to air broadcaster MBC, while new seasons of formats Fort Boyard and Strike will air in the territory. In addition, music reality format Popstars will travel to Algeria for the first time.
India is halting production of film and TV from March 19-31 in an effort to stem to spread of COVID-19. Among the movies impacted was Viacom18 Motion Pictures’ remake of Forrest Gump. |
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| The ultimate resource for media’s jobs seekers & hiring managers
THE CYNOPSIS JOBS SITE
Are you looking for a media job within the TV, Digital or Sports industries OR are you looking to hire a media professional? The Cynopsis Jobs site offers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels and sectors.
Click here for a complete look on what’s out there. |
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| RATINGS
The Democratic debate on Sunday drew 10.87 viewers to CNN and Univision, according to early Nielsens. It’s the largest for a CNN debate this election cycle, but down from 15.3 million viewers for the last debate, on February 25.
No audience? No problem! Thursday’s audience-less late night shows saw a rise in viewership. NBC’s The Tonight Show was up 33% in total viewers and +34% among A18-49 versus the prior Thursday; CBS’s Late Show rose 21% in viewers and 31% in A18-49: and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! – hosted by Pete Buttigieg – saw a 27% lift in viewers, and +30% in the demo.
Sunday viewership was up week to week, as more Americans stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. CBS’s 60 Minutes drew 10.28 viewers, a high since early December, while ABC’s American Idol averaged 7.48 million viewers, up from 7.25 million the week prior.
The second episode of Food Network’s Tournament of Champions posted a .8 rating for P25-54 (.9 W25-54) and saw double-digit gains compared to both prior 6-weeks (+72%) as well as year-ago (+58%). The first two weeks of the competition is averaging a .7 P25-54.
Netflix’s On My Block topped TV Time’s rankings for the week of March 9, while E! News was #1 on the Shareablee chart. For more, go here.
Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for Friday, March 13
Show, P2+ 000s, (A18-49)
ABC: Shark Tank 4.72 (0.8), 20/20 4.42 (0.7)
CBS: MacGyver 5.84 (0.7), Hawaii Five-0 7.11 (0.7), Blue Bloods 8.14 (0.7)
CW: Penn & Teller: Fool Us 0.99 (0.2), Whose Line Is It Anyway? 0.69 (0.2), Whose Line Is It Anyway? 0.68 (0.2)
FOX: WWE Friday Night Smackdown 2.47 (0.7)
NBC: Lincoln Rhyme 3.78 (0.6), Dateline 3.21 (0.6)
UNIVISION: Ringo 1.59 (0.5), Amor Eterno 1.70 (0.5), Sin Miedo a la Verdad 1.11 (0.3)
TELEMUNDO: Exatlon Estas Unidos 1.15 (0.4), La Dona 0.95 (0.3), Operacion Pacifico 0.89 (0.3)
Source: Nielsen, live + same day time period averages |
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This Day in History
1968 – The Bee Gees made their US debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which series, based on a Belgian show, followed an epidemic that has a section of Atlanta under quarantine? Containment (2015-16). Kudos to: John Ferlazzo/London, Charles Lore/NYC, Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC, Paul Blutter-Walk and Talk Production Rentals/Burbank, Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA, David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA, Dan Haberer-Creo Entertainment/Playa del Rey, CA, Ryan Robertson-PwC/Atlanta, David Westberg-SAG*AFTRA Federal Credit Union/Burbank, Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA, Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Boca Raton, FL
Today’s Trivia Question
Which series was set in 2021, after a plague had wiped out most of the population over the age of 13? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four.) |
MANAGER, CONTENT ACQUISITIONS DILIGENCE
ION TELEVISION
NYC
Resp for quantitative diligence & analytical support for content acquisitions. Transform data-driven insights into quantitative analysis, financial modeling and presentations. Mng Content Mkt Pipeline, incl exhibition & sales history. Full info HERE
Sr PUBLICITY & COMMUNICATIONS MGR >>
BABYGRANDE PR/Santa Monica: Motivated PR exec for Sr mgr or above position to dvlp strategies & implement publicity/comm campaigns for content-creators/producers. 5-7 years minimum of publicity and communications exp. Full info HERE (3/24)
MANAGER, DIGITAL SALES OPERATIONS >>
NBCU/NYC: Lead a team of Campaign Specialists responsible for setup, trafficking and optimization of Ad sales campaigns across all NBCU News properties. Min 5 yrs ad ops exp. Knwldg industry tools incl DFP, Operative, Canoe and Freewheel. Full info HERE (3/26)
ANALYST SALES OPERATIONS >>
NBCU/NYC: Help identify, evaluate & dvlp to strengthen the division, expand revenue streams that align with NBCU’s long term convergence strategy between linear & digital operations teams. Min 2 yrs of professional exp in digital advertising. Full info HERE (3/26)
MANAGING DIRECTOR, DIGITAL >>
Spectrum Networks/NYC: Lead talented team of journalist ensuring our trusted news networks engage our audience. Manage digital teams in mult locations. 10+ years relevant newsroom management experience in a fast-paced, constantly evolving digital publishing envir. Full info HERE (3/25)
MANAGING DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MID-WEST >>
Spectrum Networks/Columbus OH: Lead the pioneering approach on delivering impactful and relevant content to the communities we serve. Manage digital teams in mult locations. 10+ years relevant newsroom management experience in a fast-paced, constantly evolving digital publishing envir. Full info HERE (3/25)
MGR, CHILDRENS TV >>
The Jim Henson Co/LA: Self-starter w/ability to work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced envir for Creative Affairs dept. Identify new projects & talent, oversee dvlpmnt of series to pitch & sell to the various ntwrks & studios. Min 2 yrs exp as a Coord in children’s TV w/exp in preschool arena. Full info HERE (3/25)
GRAPHIC OPERATIONS MANAGER >>
PAC-12/SF: Oversee the building, development and localization of studio-based Chyron package. Minimum of 7+ years in production and technical operations is necessary. Full info/apply HERE (3/24)
MGR, BRAND STRATEGY & COMMUNICATIONS >>
PEACOCK – NBCU/NYC: world-class strategist who will bring every aspect of our brand to life—from go-to-market planning, to IP, to audience development. 6 yrs brand planning/marketing strategy exp (TV/DTC) from the entertainment, advertising, or consumer products industry. Full info HERE (3/24)
VP PROGRAMMING >>
TLC/New York or Silver Spring MD: Critical thinker to drive audience growth for TLC’s content. Responsible for inventory planning, scheduling, budgeting, and cross-departmental communication. 10+ yrs relevant exp required. Apply Full info HERE (3/24)
MANAGER, CONTENT ACQUISITIONS DILIGENCE >>
ION TELEVISION/NYC: Resp for quantitative diligence & analytical support for content acquisitions. Transform data-driven insights into quantitative analysis, financial modeling and presentations. Mng Content Mkt Pipeline, incl exhibition & sales history. Full info HERE (3/23)
SPECIALIST – DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA >>
TLC/Silver Spring MD or NYC: Create and publish the best digital & social content experiences for TLC and Discovery Life. Implement effective, innovative & influential social media strategies as the brand’s voice. 3+ yrs exp in social media marketing required. Full info/apply HERE (3/23)
MEDIA SALES PLANNER >>
Fuse Media/NYC: Experienced candidate to join dynamic team developing customized plans and presentations for Ad Sales clients. 2-4 yrs exp media sales co., or advertising agency pref’d w/strong knwldg media math. Exc problem solving & analytical skills. Full info HERE (3/21)
SOCIAL MEDIA INSIGHTS & ANALYTICS CONSULTANT (PT) >>
A+E Networks/NY: Part time candidate to provide insight to inform digital monetization team, guide strategy, provide feedback on performance, & identify key opportunities to build A+E’s presence across social platforms & maximize revenue. Full info HERE (3/21)
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY >>
beIN Sports/Miami FL: Establish/maintain relationships w/ System level & Sr MSO staffs. Identify & direct mktg opps to ensure maximum revenue potential from accounts. Min 5-10 yrs exp in affiliate mktg or sales within ent/media, pref at a cable TV network w/est’d industry contacts. Full info HERE (3/21)
MANAGER, INVENTORY (TEMP) >>
Crown Media Family Networks/NYC: Mng process of monitoring and tracking all inventory through WideOrbit and Dealmaker reporting systems, while manually updating all ongoing daily changes. 2 or yrs exp in pricing and planning or advertising sales. Full info HERE (3/21)
SR DIRECTOR, INSIGHTS & POSITIONING OLYMPICS >>
NBCU/NYC: Drive research innovation, measurement opps & forward-thinking sales solutions for the Olympics. Must possess business & analytical acumen necessary to interpret and anticipate client needs & business implications. 10+ yrs exp rsrch, measurement or insights within sports ind. Full info HERE (3/21)
DIRECTOR, PROGRAMMING & PRODUCTION >>
WHYY TV12/Philadelphia PA: Oversee national & local TV programming on broadcast, cable/satellite, live linear streaming and digital video platforms. Key liaison between Content Prod, Communication & Member Relations, Development and Institutional Advancement. Full info HERE (3/21)
MGR, MEDIA RELATIONS >>
FX/LA: Mng daily implementation of public relations for assigned FX programs. Plan/implement press and PR-related objectives & programs, assisting with the strategic plan’g. 5 yr previous exp publicity at a network or agency pref’’d. Full info HERE (3/20)
SALES COORDINATOR >>
Dish Media/NY: Responsible for the daily account management and support to assigned Account Executives. Support 1-2 Account Executives and planners. Full info HERE (3/20)
MARKETING STRATEGY >>
MGR/Discovery/LA or NYC: Top creative to plan/execute campaigns on/off platforms to build awareness & drive engagement for the Discovery, Animal Planet & Science brands/shows. Analyze audience inside out to dvlp strong campaigns across on-air, cross and paid media 5+ yrs exp req’d. Full info HERE (3/20)
DIRECTOR, PAID MEDIA >>
STRATEGY/Discovery/NYC: Lead effort of all media strategy for a key group of networks, mktg counterparts & internal team to acquire consumers who will watch the Discovery networks on various devices while focusing on top level network analysis and more. 7+ yrs paid media plan’g exp req’d. Full info HERE (3/20)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DR >>
Fuse Media/NYC: Responsible for maintaining/growing our Direct Response business while working closely with internal depts to optimize inventory and maximize revenue to achieve quarterly and annual goals. Full info HERE (3/20)
DESIGNER ANIMATOR >>
A+E/NYC: Highly skilled 2d/3d Motion Designer/Animator to support growing team within Prod Operations. Create compelling, fresh design ideas and typography solutions that will help brand our Networks and be highly adept at broadcast design, branding, on-air & off-air design conventions & post-prod process. Min 5 yrs exp in Broadcast Design with a refined eye for design and extensive knowledge of Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Cinema 4D. APPLY HERE (3/20)
ASST MEDIA MANAGER (AMM) >>
Ad Council/NY: Seeking media strategist who is passionate about using their talent for social good work. The AMM is resp for assting day-to-day management of relats with pro-bono media agencies across all campaigns. Min 2 yrs exp in the media or adv. Must thrive on being organized/detail-oriented in a fast-paced and deadline-driven envir. Full info HERE (3/19)
MANAGER, AD SALES MKTG >>
Dish Media/NY: Looking for a smart, energetic and strategic thinker to drive awareness and rev for Dish and Sling in the advertising marketplace. Min 5 yrs in Advertising Sales or Marketing field with exp managing direct reports. Full info HERE (3/19)
SUMMER INTERN >>
Dish Media/NY: Is looking the next generation of leaders. Interns will have the opportunity to work in Advertising Sales/ Marketing, Data Analytics/ Market Research, Pricing & Inventory/ Finance. Full time from 6/8-7/31. Plus competitive pay. Full Info HERE (3/19)
VP, SALES DEVELOPMENT >>
ION Media/NY: Looking for a dynamic and exp. sales leader to oversee the development of overall sales strategies in breaking new categories and bringing in new business. Min 10 yrs. of Sales Management exp. with a demonstrated ability to bring in new revenue. Full info HERE EOE (3/19)
DIGITAL MRKTG MGR >>
NBC Universal/Phila, PA: Seeking a superstar to join our high-performance sls team. Ideal candidate must have digital mrktg knowledge, excellent people and communication skills, superior “bandwidth”, and is true team player. Min 5yrs exp with a deep understanding of digital video selling. Full info HERE (3/19) |
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TUESDAY MARCH 17
ABC: The Conners, Bless This Mess, mixed-ish, black-ish, For Life
CBS: NCIS, FBI, FBI: Most Wanted
CW: The Flash, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
FOX: The Resident, Empire
NBC: Ellen’s Game of Games, This Is Us, New Amsterdam
PBS: Niall Ferguson’s Networld [p], Niall Ferguson’s Networld, Niall Ferguson’s Networld [f]
Telemundo: Exatlon Estados Unidos, La Dona, Operacion Pacifico
Univision: Ringo, Amor Eterno, Sin Miedo la Verdad |
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