07/27/23: Tournament of Champions in “Jeopardy!”

Cynopsis Medias First Morning Read
Thursday July 27, 2023

Today’s Premieres
Hulu: Mother Undercover
Hulu/Peacock: The Croods: Family Tree
Max: Harley Quinn; Looney Toons Cartoons
Netflix: The Witcher
Peacock: Twisted Metal
SundanceNow: The Heiress and the Heist

IN THE NEWS

Google, Microsoft, OpenAI and Anthropic have teamed to establish the Frontier Model Forum, aimed at advancing AI safety research, minimize risks and promote responsible model development. The group will work to develop industry best practices and collaborate with policymakers and academics to build apps that serve the public interest, like climate change and early cancer detection. “Companies creating AI technology have a responsibility to ensure that it is safe, secure and remains under human control,” said Brad Smith, President of Microsoft. “This initiative is a vital step to bring the tech sector together in advancing AI responsibly and tackling the challenges so that it benefits all of humanity.”

HGTV renewed “The Flipping El Moussas” for a second season, slated to premiere in 2024. The series is produced by DIGA Studios in association with Homemade Productions, Inc.

When deciding on a programmatic ATV partner, the three most important capabilities are measurement (58%), unique identity and audience capabilities (56%), and access to unique linear TV data and platform cost efficiencies (47%), according to a new survey from Yahoo Advertising focused on advanced advertising. Automatic optimization tools (40%) and unique supply (35%) ranked fourth and fifth. “Advanced TV represents a significant opportunity for advertisers,” said Elizabeth Herbst-Brady, Chief Revenue Officer of Yahoo. “It combines the reach and impact of traditional television with the precision and efficiency of digital advertising. The growth of this sector is shifting the advertising landscape, allowing marketers to connect with their audience in more targeted, meaningful ways.”

Interested in helping select the top women in media? We’re looking for professionals in the media and entertainment industry to join our judge’s panel for the Top Women in Media Awards. Email Carley Ashley by July 31st with a short blurb on why you would be a great judge. Know someone who fits the bill? Nominate them by visiting our website.

STRIKE UPDATES

The “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions has been postponed due to the writers’ strike. While several former winners said they would boycott the show if it used “recycled” material for questions, a spokesperson for the Sony Pictures Television game show said producing the tournament before the strike is resolved was never up for debate. “Our current plan is to go into a holding pattern of sorts, pushing back the Season 39 postseason to first produce original episodes featuring the best of our WGA written material,” said the rep. “Next month, we will share more news about exciting plans and enhancements to the contestant experience for this upcoming season and beyond.”

To end the WGA strike, companies must come back to the bargaining table and address the guild’s demands, said negotiating co-chair Chris Keyser in a video message to members. “That means addressing the relentless mistreatment of screenwriters, which has only been exacerbated by the move to streaming; the continued denial of full MBA protections to comedy/variety and other Appendix A writers when they work in streaming, and the self-destructive, unsustainable dismantling of the process by which episodic television is made and episodic television writers are paid,” said Keyser. “It means addressing the existential threat of AI, and the insufficiency of streaming residual formulas, including the need for transparency, and a success-based component…. In this strike, it is our power, and not their pattern, that matters. Not their strategy. Their strategy has failed them.” The WGA is in day 87 of the strike.

Cynopsis BIG TV Conference

YES, CHEF!

Want to operate at a higher level? Find out what’s cooking in streaming, reality TV, AI and more, at Cynopsis’ annual BIG TV Conference on September 27-28 in NYC.

REGISTER NOW

PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Hulu handed a series order for an untitled reality series following “Let’s Make a Deal” host Wayne Brady and his extended family. The show comes from Fremantle and A Wayne & Mandie Creative, the joint production company founded by Wayne Brady and ex-wife/business partner Mandie Taketa. Launch date for an eight-episode season is TBD.

A+E Networks is launching a new career training program aimed at furthering opportunity and BIPOC representation. The Career Accelerator from A+E Factual Studios, launched in collaboration with Reel Works and their MediaMKRS workforce development program, welcomes an inaugural class of eight trainees for on-the-job experience and a custom curriculum created by A+E. “We know the value of having many perspectives in all projects, but underrepresented communities, including persons of color, have historically lacked exposure to production and post-production roles resulting in extremely limited diversity across these teams, industry-wide” said Sharon Scott, President of A+E Factual Studios. “By creating our own curriculum and real-world opportunities, we are providing both access and training for the roles of associate producers and assistant editors. We hope to expand the pool of qualified candidates, creating career opportunities to highlight unique points of view.”

Manolo and Juancho Cardona’s 11:11 Films & TV has signed a deal with TelevisaUnivision streamer ViX to develop and produce a movie and series. The Cardona brothers will serve as executive producers and showrunners of the projects, and Manolo Cardona (“Who Killed Sara?”) will also star.

WE tv ordered reality series “Keke Wyatt’s World,” featuring R&B artist Keke Wyatt. The series will debut this fall on WE tv and sister streamer ALLBLK.

NEW SERIES

Three-part docuseries “Telemarketers” debuts Sunday, August 13 at 10p on HBO. The show follows the unexpected 20-year journey of two unlikely office buddies, who stumble upon the murky truth behind the work they’ve been doing at a seedy New Jersey call center – persuading people to give money to charities – and vow to expose the crooked American telemarketing industry from within.

“Time With…”, a docuseries from Warner Music Group’s WMX, will feature young artists navigating their personal lives and careers. The series launches tomorrow, July 28 on YouTube.

TECH TALK

Warner Bros. Discovery, in partnership with emerging venture fund Acme Innovation, is launching “Collider on The Lot,” a two-month, in-person and virtual accelerator program for media, entertainment, and emerging technology companies. Companies selected to participate will collaborate with WBD and Acme Innovation to develop innovative approaches to engaging fans of brands, using emerging technologies to improve production processes, and enhancing digital experiences.

Alphabet’s 2Q23 revenue rose 7% to $74.6 billion compared versus the year prior, with boosts from AI and cloud services. Google also reversed consecutive quarters of ad declines with ad revenue topping $58 billion, up from $56.29 billion last year. YouTube ads clocked in at $7.67 billion, up from $7.34 billion.

Meta revenue rose 11% for the quarter, to $32 billion, beating estimates, and net income rose 16% to $7.79 billion. Facebook daily active users were 2.06 billion in June, up 5% year-over-year. “We have the most exciting roadmap I’ve seen in a while,” said CEO Mark Zuckerberg, pointing to Threads, AI, Reels, Llama 2 and the upcoming launch of Quest 3.

Google announced new updates for Performance Max. Advertisers opting into the upgrades will have access to a tools and capabilities aimed at improving campaign performance and user experience and be able to monitor out-of-stock pages to ensure they do not serve up with Search ads by automatically factoring in product inventory.

Innovid announced the launch of a cookieless cross-device solution that matches multiple devices to user interactions with the goal of increasing conversion rate accuracy. “Traditional methods of tracking audience behavior leave actions isolated to the devices they originated in, providing an incomplete picture of the customer journey and the risk of losing valuable conversion traffic with only a partial view of campaign effectiveness,” said Dale Older, Chief Product Officer at Innovid. “Now, marketers can match events that a household did across different devices in a cookieless, privacy-compliant manner, resulting in a more accurate conversion rate.”

Uber’s advertising division is partnering with third-party verification providers, DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science. The partnerships include integrations to verify viewability, brand suitability and the absence of ad fraud, supporting Uber in validating performance and effectiveness of Journey Ads campaigns on Uber advertising.

EX.CO, The Experience Company, a publisher-first video technology platform empowering publishers to own their video content and monetization strategies, has launched its full online video platform for global publishers. EX.CO’s video technology platform now includes what a digital publisher needs to execute a video strategy on 100% of their digital pages, without license fees or upfront costs, including an advanced yield engine.

STREAMING

Cineverse announced the release of MatchpointAI, an AI-based platform and marketplace offering a solution for video content producers, streaming platforms, and OEMs to prepare, optimize and future-proof their content. MatchpointAI leverages Cineverse’s content processing platform, Dispatch™, to provide content owners and streaming services access to capabilities that can eliminate expensive, time consuming manual work preparing film and television assets for global distribution.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

New Verizon customers who buy certain phones and sign up for a mobile plan, and existing customers who upgrade to qualifying plans, will now have access to Sunday Ticket. Verizon struck a deal for the NFL subscription package with YouTube, which took over distribution rights from DirecTV. “Verizon has been a strategic partner with the NFL since 2010 and today’s announcement is just the latest extension of this outstanding relationship,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “They have consistently helped us provide best-in-class experiences and content to fans wherever they are. We are excited that YouTube and Verizon have partnered on a special promotion for NFL Sunday Ticket, expanding the reach of our game.”

Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America announced a new agreement with DP World that will see the global supply chain leader become a Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup.

Bally Sports has launched a new brand campaign – Short Boy Summer. The brand beat complements the success around baseball’s new rule changes which have resulted in shorter games. The campaign is a tongue-and-cheek take on the “Tall Boy” beer can, transformed into a “Short Boy” brew with the help of 6’10” Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. Now live across all 18 Bally Sports RSNs, the campaign runs through August.

COMING UP

Journy’s “Get Lost” stunt features a month of curated programming starting August 1, including “Lost Kingdoms of Africa,” “Lost Kingdoms of Central America,” and “Lost Kingdoms of South America.”

GOING GLOBAL

Warner Bros. Discovery is playing cat-and-mouse in Asia, with its first ever localized “Tom and Jerry” series set in Singapore. Produced locally in Asia, and in association with Warner Bros. Animation, the new series will premiere on Cartoon Network in Asia Pacific and HBO GO in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong later this year, before being rolled out internationally.

Top Women in Media Awards Gala

YOU’RE INVITED

…To a night of celebration, cocktails and connection on October 11 in New York City. Join us for the Top Women in Media Awards Gala, honoring women in every facet of the media industry. We’d love the pleasure of your company!

ENTER HERE

RATINGS

The top 20 linear TV shows from May 25-June 16 averaged 3.6 million viewers in Nielsen Live+7 numbers, down 15% versus last year. The top summer show, NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” dipped 2%, for a still dominant 7.58 million average viewers.

In the pink: Vevo reports globally, daily views of “Aqua – Barbie Girl (Official Music Video)” have more than tripled (+239% lift in views as of 7/22), compared to the average over the last 10 weeks. There was a 229% lift in US views (aka over 3x the average daily viewership in the US), and 164% lift in UK views (over 2.5x the average daily viewership in the UK).

Spectrum News was the most-watched news network among Spectrum households in July, averaging 1.9 million daily viewing households across its linear and digital platforms.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Ruth Porat has been promoted to President and Chief Investment Officer at Alphabet. A search for her successor as CFO is under way.

Locality has appointed Michael Mayer as Chief Product Officer. Mayer was a founding member of the leadership team at Peacock.

Richard Parsons, Sony Pictures Television’s EVP of Operations for Corporate Business and Legal Affairs, International Production, is stepping down. Parsons joined SPT in 2011.

This Day in History
1999 – Tony Hawk was the first skateboarder to land the 900, a 2 ½ revolution aerial spin, at the X Games.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
What was the first Fox Network Show to beat NBC, CBS and ABC in a time period? Answer, “Totally Hidden Video.”

Today’s Trivia Question
Who was the second-oldest brother on “The Waltons” (1972-81)? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four per time zone.)

Cynopsis Team

Lynn Leahey
Editorial Director
@Lynn_Leahey

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

Robbie 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

SENIOR MANAGER, AD SALES MARKETING
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
NYC

Manage the pre-sale client facing pitch process and post-sale activation of cross-platform television, streaming, digital & social media integrated marketing programs. Write & create compelling sales presentations, one-sheets & cross-platform sponsorship opportunities. 5+ yrs exp. with ad sales marketing, integrated marketing, brand advertising. Full info HERE

DIRECTOR, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
NYC or LOS ANGELES

Manage messaging, vision and strategy in the marketplace and internally. Responsible for helping to build, execute and enhance ad sales brand reputation and to raise awareness of the organization both internally and externally. 10+ years’ related media experience and experience with an ad sales organization. Full info HERE

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR >>
BIG FISH ENTERTAINMENT/NYC/NJ: Coordinating onboarding for all new hires.
Administering the benefits and payroll changes for employees accurately.
Maintaining an efficient filing system—paper and electronic, for employee and company records related to their job functions. Building a successful bridge between management and employees. 7 yrs entertainment exp. preferred. Full Info HERE

DIRECTOR, MEDIA SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS >>
PBS DISTRIBUTION/ARLINGTON VA, Hybrid
: Oversee media systems operations, including daily operations as well as development and implementation of overall media supply chain. Work with external vendors and internal stakeholders on design and implementation of hardware and software solutions for media systems. 7+ yrs of work exp. in the areas of television, media, or consumer products. Full info HERE

MANAGER, STREAMING GROWTH AND ENGAGEMENT >>
PBS DISTRIBUTION/ARLINGTON VA, Hybrid:
Identify opportunities using content placements & promotions to drive usage, engagement, & subscriber retention. Create & maintain a comprehensive editorial calendar to track & leverage content & cyclical opportunities based on each channel’s needs. 5+ years’ experience in digital video distribution, streaming business, and content programming. Full info HERE

TV/VIDEO SPONSORSHIP-PRODUCT INTEGRATION SALES REPRESENTATIVE >>
GAME ON MEDIA SOLUTIONS/Remote: Game On Media Solutions is looking for an independent business development oriented sponsorship sales representative. Focus will be on TV/Streaming project opportunities for brands that include product integration and placement. This is an Independent Contractor performance compensated opening. Attractive fees can be earned for closed deals. Full info HERE

BRAND ASSISTANT >>
THE LEDE COMPANY/NYC: Full-service communication, strategy, and social impact consulting firm, specializing in corporate, brand, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors, is seeking a Brand Assistant to join the Brand team in our New York office. The Assistant will play an integral role in supporting accounts for a wide variety of Fashion, Beauty, CPG and Lifestyle clients. Full info HERE

TALENT ASSISTANT >>
THE LEDE COMPANY/LA: Full-service strategy, communications and social impact consulting firm, specializing in corporate, entertainment and nonprofit sectors. We are looking for a Talent Assistant to a Talent Publicist in Los Angeles. We are seeking enthusiastic candidates who can work in a fast-paced environment, are driven & have strong communication and writing skills. Full info HERE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FOR NATIONAL POLITICAL SHOW >>
BAHAKEL COMMUNICATIONS/CHARLOTTE NC: Develop and oversee the production of a daily or weekly national political show that covers the most important political news and events of the day. Develop and execute strategies to increase the show’s audience and engagement. At least 5 years of experience as an executive producer for a political show or similar program. Full info HERE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT >>
BAHAKEL COMMUNICATIONS/CHARLOTTE NC:
Oversee all editorial and entertainment content, news production and presentation. Responsible for day-to-day operations of the show: producing, writing, and guiding creative. Develop content for the News @ TEN, plan, assign and create production schedules. 7 years of experience as executive producer or show producer. Network experience preferred. Full info HERE

SR. DIRECTOR, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT >>
SHOUT! FACTORY/LOS ANGELES: P&L responsibility, ownership over all aspects of a project, standalone releases or a licensed library of titles. Works w/production, publicity, creative services, distribution/sales, digital, finance, legal, acquisitions & licensors to best position the project for success. 7+ yrs of exp. in marketing, business development, or product management. Full info HERE

SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER >>
SHOUT! FACTORY/LOS ANGELES: Prepare accurate reports using data from internal & external sources for sales planning & analysis. Communicate w/our distributor on a regular basis with an understanding of their systems & deadlines. Announce release date, pricing confirmation & metadata for staff & distributor. 3+Yrs exp. in Sales Planning & Analysis/Finance Administration. Full info HERE

SENIOR CONTENT PRODUCER
INTERACTIVE ONE
NYC

Oversee video/creative production team thru ideation, production planning, crew/talent hiring, & budget/project management. Shepherd campaigns from development, pre-production, & production thru editing & delivery. Help w/shoots as well as postproduction team. 5+ yrs exp. spanning editorial, design, advertising agency, film, branded entertainment. Full info HERE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR
INTERACTIVE ONE
NYC

Respond to both RFPs and direct-to-client assignments from brands and agencies. Examine client brief and lead ideation or adapt pre-existing creative. Identify innovative storytelling and emerging video formats. Minimum of 7 yrs exp. producing compelling video, television and digital media content across multiple channels and platforms. Full info HERE

AD SALES PLANNER >>
SINCLAIR BROADCASTING GROUP/NYC, Hybrid:
Responsible for creating, analyzing & communicating sales proposals to the Sales team for presentation to advertising agencies and/or clients. Collaborate w/all media platforms & departments to create proposals, execute campaigns, manage stewardship & pacing of linear & digital deals. Point of contact post sale & provide excellent client services. Full info HERE

DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION LIFETIME/LMN MARKETING PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
A+E NETWORKS
Remote

Lead campaign planning & production oversight, ensuring best-in-class creative. Direct Campaign Planning rollouts & ensure production readiness of marketing initiatives. Oversee production on high-end graphics/design/editorial projects. 7+ yrs working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team, with relevant work exp. in production management. Full info HERE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/NYC: Determine best news stories for the program and create daily rundown. Work with show host in program preparation and execution. Identify compelling news stories. Delegate responsibilities as appropriate to producers, associate producers, and casting producers. 3+ years executive producing experience or overseeing newscast production. Full info HERE

STAGE MANAGER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/WASHINGTON DC: Works with Production management to maintains cast and crew lists and manages local rehearsal and show calendar. Oversee daily technical run-throughs directly prior to shows. Willing and able to work shifts between 12noon to 11pm and occasional Weekends and some longer hours during election and special events. Full info HERE

BROADCAST ENGINEER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/WASHINGTON DC: Troubleshooting, repair, and preventative maintenance of television broadcast equipment, computers, and broadcast computer networks in a 24x7x365 environment. Serve as E.I.C. during live and taped shows. Electrical Engineering, or other technical degree preferred. 5+ yrs as broadcast engineer, or equivalent knowledge. 5+ yrs in live TV production. Full info HERE

PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/NEW YORK: Generate story ideas through research of news reports, social media, websites & contacts. Strong understanding of Newsmax brand & talent. Identify impactful news stories that result in provocative, compelling television. Delegate responsibilities as appropriate to associate producers, assignment editors & video editors. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Full info HERE

AD SALES COORDINATOR, DIRECT RESPONSE
TV ONE
NYC, Hybrid, Remote

Work with account executives & sales planners utilizing internal computer system to fulfill sales orders through the execution of client schedules. Serve as the primary point of contact for ad agencies & TV One to resolve discrepancies, confirm schedule changes & distribute post & pre-logs. Bachelor’s degree or 2 yrs of exp. in advertising sales. Full info HERE

MANAGER OF ENTERPRISE CONTENT, WTKR
SCRIPPS NETWORKS
NORFOLK, VA

Collaborates w/other newsroom managers to leverage the Scripps content strategy as the foundation for market-specific local content strategy. Leading a team of people to regularly & reliably produce targeted enterprise & investigative stories of impact & importance to our community. 3 yrs of exp. in digital media, journalism, broadcast preferred. Full info HERE

SR. DIRECTOR, DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING MD, NYC, Hybrid Remote

Develop, cultivate, and socialize vision, mission, and strategy for Digital Business, Programming Visibility, Content Creation and Content Partnerships & Data Governance. Lead and facilitate cross-functional and cross-company project teams. 12 yrs in the media & emerging platform landscape with building digital platforms and vMVPD growth strategy. Full info HERE

THURSDAY JULY 27
ABC: Generation Gap, The Prank Panel, Shark Tank
CBS: Ghosts, The Price Is Right at Night, So Help Me Todd
CW: Son of a Critch, Son of a Critch, Children Ruin Everything, Children Ruin Everything
FOX: Alert: Missing Persons Unit, Stars on Mars
NBC: Password, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: SVU
PBS: This Old House, Ask This Old House, Antiques Roadshow, Ridley
Telemundo: Los 50, Secretos De Sangre
Univision: Eternamente Amandonos, El Amore Invencible, Mujer

@{optoutfooterhtml}@

Related Stories

Cynopsis 10/11/24: Netflix renews “Nobody Wants This”

Netflix renews "Nobody Wants This"

Friday October 11, 2024    IN THE NEWS DirecTV announced plans to launch FAST platform “MyFree DIRECTV” later this year. The service will be accessible across online, mobile, and smart TVs and streaming devices. At launch, the free service will provide viewers with access to curated content and an on-demand library, with additional channels slated […]

Cynopsis 10/10/24: Sticky gets a debut date

"Sticky" gets a debut date

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY Great American Family Flips the Switch Tomorrow! Great American Christmas begins Year 4, cementing our place as the leader in quality content with the biggest stars. Starting tomorrow, 24/7 Christmas movies, including 17 originals added to our exceptional library. It’s not about quantity—it’s about quality. Stars Mario Lopez […]

10/09/24: Cynopsis Jobs

jobs8

SENIOR INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN PROJECT MANAGER BEACON MEDIA GROUP NY/NJ Seeking a diligent, organized, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as we manage Integrated Marketing Campaigns for a candy manufacturer. Responsibilities include ensuring client satisfaction, managing project timelines, and optimizing campaign effectiveness. If you’re proactive and enjoy collaborating with teams, we want to hear […]

Cynopsis 10/09/24: Deion Sanders talks for Tubi

Deion Sanders talks for Tubi

Wednesday October 9, 2024    IN THE NEWS Horizon Media announced a multi-year strategic partnership with AI marketing data analytics startup Akkio, aimed at streamlining the media campaign process. Horizon will integrate its data platform blu. with Akkio’s AI technology in a collaboration Bill Koenigsberg, Founder and CEO of Horizon, maintains will transform the business. […]

Cynopsis 10/08/24: The CW’s “Joan” is on the move

The CW's "Joan" is on the move

Tuesday October 8, 2024    IN THE NEWS The CW is making a switch. Starting tomorrow, October 9, “Inside the NFL” will air Wednesdays at 9p, swapping time slots with drama “Joan,” which will now air Fridays at 9p. “Joan” debuted on October 2 to 290,000 total viewers. NBCUniversal launched new content collection ExcellencE! on […]

CynCity

Cynsiders