A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NEXSTAR

NEXSTAR
New Content. New Audiences. New Solutions.
It’s All New at Nexstar

THE CW NETWORK, NEWSNATION, THE HILL, NEXSTAR DIGITAL, ANTENNA TV
200 Owned or Partner Stations. 125 Websites. 239 Mobile Apps.
Now is the time to leverage the full power and reach of Nexstar’s national and local advertising solutions designed to deliver results for you.
Television + Streaming + Digital

PARTNER WITH US

Today’s Premieres
Food Network: Supermarket Stakeout at 9p
Netflix: Risque Business: Japan
Paramount+: Family Legacy
Telemundo: Top Chef VIP at 7p

IN THE NEWS

“FOX News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways,” said FNC in a shocker of an announcement yesterday morning. The final program for the net’s top-rated host was Friday, six days after Fox News’ parent company settled Dominion Voting Systems’ defamation lawsuit for $787.5 million (among Carlson’s final words on that broadcast: “We’ll be back on Monday”). The decision to release Carlson was made by Rupert Murdoch, according to the LA Times. Justin Wells, senior executive producer of “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” has also left the network, reports the NY Times. “Fox News Tonight” is airing in Carlson’s former 8p timeslot as an interim show with rotating FOX News personalities until a new host is named.

Also parting ways are CNN and Don Lemon. Wrote CNN CEO Chris Licht, “Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.” Lemon was less positive. “I am stunned. After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly,” Lemon posted on social media on Monday. “At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network,” he said, suggesting “there are some larger issues at play,” before thanking his colleagues for an “incredible run.” Forty-five minutes after Lemon’s post, CNN tweeted, “Don Lemon’s statement about this morning’s events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter.” “CNN This Morning” will continue with hosts Poppy Harlow and Kaitlin Collins.

CNBC anchor Hadley Gamble has been identified as the woman who filed a complaint against NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell that led to his exit. “The investigation into Mr. Shell arose from a complaint by my client of sexual harassment and sex discrimination,” said Gamble’s attorney Suzanne McKie. An SEC filing from Comcast said Shell was dismissed “with cause” due to inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment, suggesting the company might seek to avoid severance payments to Shell.

Disney is undergoing its second round of planned layoffs this week. “A few weeks ago the company began notifying employees whose roles are impacted as part of our overall business realignment and cost-savings efforts,” wrote Disney Entertainment Co-Chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden in a staff memo. “We wanted to share that notifications will continue in many areas of the company over the next several days. In addition, restructuring in various businesses will continue for the next couple of months, and we do anticipate there will be further impacts before the summer, as previously shared.” Among those cut: Mike Soltys, VP of ESPN Corporate Communications, after 43 years with the company. 20th Television and ABC Signature’s music departments are being consolidated under 20th TV’s EVP and Head of Music Jeremy Summers; Dawn Solér, SVP music for ABC Signature, is leaving as part of the layoffs. Also headed out are Julie Jarmon, SVP of Development at Freeform, along with the net’s Director of Development and Programming, Alix Lee; Stacey Adams, SVP, Current Programming at ABC; and Gabrielle Gold, Manager of ABC Signature Drama Development, among others.

The Video Advertising Bureau’s new report, The Truth About Ad Fraud, explores what constitutes real fraud, how the viewing environment of a platform impacts both consumer and advertiser trust, and how marketers can minimize their exposure to fraudulent practices. Among the takeaways:
* There are very limited opportunities overall for fraud to exist within premium, professionally-produced TV content.
* While CTV can be vulnerable to some ad fraud, estimate ranges from $6-8 million from advertisers each month, and $144 million from publishers in 2021, while fraudulent digital ads are costing brands at least $23 billion each year.
* Marketers view the premium environment of CTV as less vulnerable to fraud than other digital platforms.
* The quality viewing experience and premium environment creates a distinct trust advantage for TV ads among consumers.“
Real ad fraud is defined by maliciously and intentionally falsifying human engagement, not normal viewing behaviors like falling asleep in front of the TV,” said Jason Wiese, SVP, Director of Strategic Insights, VAB. “Compared to other digital platforms, fraudulent ad activity is much less likely to occur within the premium environment of CTV and it doesn’t impact the viewing experience, which enables greater consumer trust of TV advertising.”

Whether you’re actively looking for your next gig, fear the axe is about to fall, or want to grow your network, hear directly from media industry hiring pros at a one-hour virtual job event tomorrow, April 26. Experts will tell you the kinds of positions they’re hiring for, the skills and qualities they look for in a candidate, and take live questions from the audience. To learn more, go here.

Prime Women Media, the digital lifestyle community for women over 50, is expanding its reach with plans to launch a linear television network. The network, founded by and featuring women over 50, is developing and acquiring programming on topics impacting women in their prime – health and fitness, career and finance, relationships, and more.

The Advertising Research Foundation has named Artie Bulgrin as the 2023 Erwin Ephron Demystification Award recipient, for the ability to communicate complex insights. “Artie is well-known for spearheading best-in-class research pioneering industry changing insights,” said Scott McDonald, Ph.D., CEO and President at the ARF. “From Project Blueprint, which was over a decade ahead in introducing a viable system for cross-platform measurement, to his research around new ad formats, bringing ESPN ahead of the curve, he is a researcher who has consistently challenged conventional thinking and motivated forward conceptualization.”

The CW has acquired UK supernatural drama “The Rising” and Australian surfer drama “Barons,” both set to debut on Monday, May 29.

RENEWALS & CANCELLATIONS

Apple TV+ travel series “The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy,” hosted and executive produced by the “Schitt’s Creek” star, has been renewed for season two. “After experiencing season one, I’ve come to realize it’s true what they say about travel broadening the mind – and, I guess my mind could still take some broadening,” said Levy.

Also renewed for a sophomore season is AllBlk dramedy “A la Carte.” Kandie Burress (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Juan Gil (“The Cypher”) and Xavier Avila (“Breaking”) have all been upped from recurring to series regulars.

Netflix renewed “Big Mouth” for an eighth and final season, ahead of the adult animated comedy’s season seven drop, making it the streamer’s longest-running scripted original series. “Big Mouth” spinoff “Human Resources” will end with its upcoming second season.

“Truth Be Told,” starring Octavia Spencer, will wrap with season three on Apple TV+. “It has been an honor and a privilege to collaborate with Octavia and Hello Sunshine on three thrilling seasons of ‘Truth Be Told,’ a series that quickly made its way into the hearts of audiences across the globe,” said Matt Cherniss, Head of Programming for Apple TV+. “This show has given us the opportunity to not only witness Octavia’s mesmerizing and nuanced portrayal of crime-solving podcaster Poppy Scoville, but to explore so many powerful and timely themes set against the backdrop of a captivating family drama. We can’t wait to find our next project together.”

2023 Cynopsis Virtual Jobs Event

TOMORROW: Explore your next career move at this virtual event

Attention job seekers! Cynopsis Virtual Jobs Event is your opportunity to explore new career paths, network with industry leaders, and connect with potential employers. For only $24.99, this hour-long event will feature expert hiring managers and job openings from top companies in the media industry. Attend tomorrow’s event and discover your next career move!

SIGN UP NOW

PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Brian Cox (“Succession”) is onboard Prime Video competition series “007’s Road to a Million” as The Controller. “I got to see how ordinary people would cope with being on a James Bond adventure,” said Cox. “As they travel the world to some of the most iconic Bond locations, it gets more intense and nail-biting. I enjoyed my role as both villain and tormentor, with license to put the hopeful participants through the mangle.”

A TV adaptation of bestseller Pretty Little Wife is in development at Amazon Studios, with Gabrielle Union set to star and executive produce. The project comes from A+E Studios and Range Media Partners.

HGTV is on the move – all the way to Zambia, where two remote safari resorts will be renovated. The net’s first Africa-based series, “Renovation Wild,” launches Monday, May 15 at 9p.

Joining Robert De Niro in Netflix conspiracy thriller “Zero Day” are “Friday Night Lights” alums Connie Britton and Jesse Plemons, along with Lizzy Kaplan (“Fleishman Is in Trouble”) and Joan Allen (“Lisey’s Story”).

UPFRONTS UPDATE

The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment will host its Upfront presentation in-studio on Friday, April 28 at 11:30a. Programming from cable nets DCN, DCC, DKN and streamer DCE will be showcased.

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

In new relationship series “Match Me Abroad” – kicking off Sunday, May 14 at 10p on TLC – international matchmakers put their skills to the test for seven Americans looking for love.

Netflix’s UK-produced “Heartstopper” returns for season two on Thursday, August 3. The LGBTQ+ coming-of-age romantic comedy follows two students whose friendship blossoms into a romance.

“America Decides,” a reimagined streaming political show on CBS News Streaming, makes its debut Monday, May 1. The show will air Monday-Thursday at 5p, and re-air at 6p and 9p. Based in Washington, “’America Decides’ will feature new reporting, newsmaker interviews, and accurate analysis of what’s happening in DC and how that impacts every Main Street across the country,” said Neeraj Khemlani, President and Co-Head of CBS News and Stations, in a note to staff.

America’s fastest street racers return in a new format of Discovery Channel’s “Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings,” which starts production on June 1 in Ohio. This year, instead of individual drivers racing for the championship, eight teams will be competing for the title. At the first event, eight captains will draft their rosters from a pool of 40+ drivers. At the end of 15 events held across the US, the team with the most wins will take home the championship.

“Average Joe” premieres Monday, June 26 on BET+. The dark comedy stars Deon Cole as a plumber who discovers that his recently deceased father lived a secret life and stole millions of dollars.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Bleacher Report is bringing the NFL’s Micah Parsons (2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year) and fellow Pro Bowlers A.J. Brown, Kirk Cousins and Calais Campbell to share their perspectives and insights to its B/R Gridiron Draft Night coverage, set to begin Thursday, April 27, at 8p on the B/R App and B/R YouTube Channel. Hosted by Adam Lefkoe, “B/R Gridiron Draft Night” will also feature college football analysts Mike Renner and Michael Felder offering immediate reactions and in-depth analysis for each pick of the draft.

More than 700 professional and amateur pickleball players will compete in the Association of Pickleball Players Sunmed Sacramento Open. Among the top pros participating are pickleball’s women’s GOAT, Simone Jardim, 2023 APP Tour Triple Crown winner Parris Todd, recent APP Tour double-gold winner Hunter Johnson, three-time defending men’s doubles gold medalist Andrei Daescu, and defending mixed doubles gold medalist Susannah Barr. Livestream coverage begins Saturday, April 29 on APPTV; CBS Sports Network will air a recap special on Monday, May 1.

COMING UP

The Academy Awards have been set for Sunday, March 10 on ABC. Nominations will be announced Tuesday, January 23.

Adele will star in James Corden’s final Carpool Karaoke run. CBS special “The Last Late Late Show with James Corden Karaoke Special” airs Thursday, April 27 at 10p.

Shakira will receive the 2023 Woman of the Year award at the “Billboard Latin Women in Music” event. Hosted by Ivy Queen and Jacqueline Bracamontes, the two-hour music special tape Saturday, May 6 in Miami, and airs Sunday, May 7 at 9p on Telemundo.

Hip-hop musical comedy “World’s Best” will stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning June 23. Co-written, co-executive produced and starring Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Ghosts,” “Free Guy”), who co-wrote the film’s original songs, the Disney+ Original Movie was produced by Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”).

Nat Geo’s limited series “A Small Light,” based on the true story of Miep Gies, one of the people who hid the family of Anne Frank from the Nazis during World War II, premieres May 1. EVP of Global Scripted Content and Documentary Films, Carolyn Bernstein, talks about the cultural significance of bringing this story to audiences now, in Cynsiders.

GOING GLOBAL

Filming is currently underway on “Car Park Murder” (w/t), a Sky Original true-crime documentary. Produced by Bavaria Fiction, the film incorporates the latest findings and developments in the notorious so-called Munich Car Park Murder. Sky streaming service WOW plans to broadcast the event documentary next year.

Raisah Ahmed (“We Are Lady Parts”) is working on a 6-part TV adaptation of Martin Sixsmith’s book Ayesha’s Gift. Ahmed, who is currently developing her debut feature with Film4, will also EP alongside Sixsmith.

Nordic documentary “Take a Chance” will launch exclusively on May 19 in the Nordics and Europe. The film explores the mind of Gert van der Graaf, whose childhood crush on ABBA star Agnetha Fältskog turned into an obsession that shaped the rest of his life.

Paramount+ original docuseries “FBI True” will be available to stream exclusively on the service beginning Friday, May 5 in Canada. The 10 episodes. provide a real-life look into the high-pressure world of FBI agents.

2023 Measure Up! Awards

This week only – claim this exclusive discount!
Ready to take your measurement game to the next level? Enter the Cynopsis Measure Up! Awards and get recognized for your outstanding achievements in data and analytics. Winning an award not only boosts your professional credibility, but recent studies show your chances of a salary raise increase by 22%. Don’t miss out on your next big break – submit your entry for $100 off with code MUPNEWS23!

ENTER THE MEASURE UP! AWARDS NOW!

RATINGS

Univision’s first-ever “Latin American Music Awards” reached a cumulative audience of 5.1 million Total Viewers 2+, who tuned in to all or part of the three-hour live broadcast across Univision, UniMás, and Galavisión. The show averaged 2.1 million Total Viewers 2+ and 829,000 A18-49.

Top 10 Streaming Shows for the week of April 17
Program, Platform, Total Actions, Total Content, Actions per Content, Fans & Followers
The Mandalorian (Disney+), 1.7m, 37, 46,023, 2.9m
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Netflix), 850k, 8, 106,297, 1.4m
Power Book II: Ghost (Starz), 692k, 55, 12,582, 958k
Love is Blind (Netflix), 660k, 15, 43,967, 1.2m
Bridgerton (Netflix), 580k, 13, 44,594, 3.8m
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu), 344k, 9, 38,185, 631k
Succession (HBO Max), 306k, 34, 8,998, 534k
The Last of Us (HBO Max), 279k, 9, 30,993, 1.9m
Nanatsu No Taizai (Hulu), 258k, 91, 2,840, 1.2m
The Chosen (Prime Video), 257k, 16, 16,052, 1.3m
Source: Comscore Social Powered by Shareablee

Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for April 21
Show, P2+ 000s, (A18-49)
ABC: NBC Countdown 1.60 (0.25), NBA Playoffs 2.48 (0.68)
CBS: S.W.A.T. 5.82 (0.39), Fire Country 5.82 (0.41), Blue Bloods 5.99 (0.30)
CW: Penn & Teller: Fool Us 0.49 (0.06), Whose Line Is It Anyway? 0.52 (0.09), The Great American Joke Off 0.36 (0.06)
FOX: WWE Friday Night SmackDown 2.18 (0.54)
ION: Hawaii Five-0 0.80 (0.08), Hawaii Five-0 0.77 (0.1), Hawaii Five-0 0.90 (0.13)
NBC: Lopez vs Lopez 1.98 (0.31), Grand Crew 1.20 (0.19), Dateline NBC 2.65 (0.27)
Telemundo: La Casa de los Famosos 1.01 (0.22), El Senor de los Cielos 0.94 (0.29), Juego de Mentiras 0.73 (0.21)
Univision: Perdona Nuestros Pecados 1.36 (0.38), El Amor Invencible 1.36 (0.35), Cabo 1.41 (0.35)
Source: Nielsen live + same day time period averages

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Keshet Studios has hired Rebecca Mayer as EVP of Unscripted and Benjamin Long as VP Unscripted, newly created roles. Mayer was previously EVP of Programming and Development for Banijay Studios North America, where Long was Director of Development.

Vision New Media has promoted Min Lim to the newly created role of Group CEO.
Min had been Head of Production at Group production business Double Vision.

305 Worldwide has named Nicky Lorenzo as SVP, Executive Creative Director. Lorenzo joins from Taylor Global, where she was SVP, Group Director.

Ryan Maguire has joined Westwood One as Vice President of Affiliate Sales for Sports. Maguire has spent more than two decades as a broadcast manager at heritage stations.

FilmRise has hired Jim Brown as Director, Digital Distribution and Programming. Most recently, Brown was Director Content Sales & Distribution at BBC Studios.

IN MEMORIAM

Professional ballroom dancer Len Goodman, former judge for BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing” and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” died April 22. He was 78. “Len was at the very heart of ‘Strictly’s’ success,” said BBC Director Tim Davie. “He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family.”

This Day in History
1990 – The Hubble telescope was placed into orbit.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
What was the name of Luke’s first girlfriend on “Modern Family” (2009-2020)? Janice, played by Amy Pietz. Kudos to: Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA: David Westberg-SAG AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Today’s Trivia Question
The lead actress in which sitcom, which lasted only two seasons, on two different networks, won an Emmy both seasons it ran? (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.)

Cynopsis Team