07/31/23: Emmy Awards postponed; Donald Trump’s lawsuit against CNN dismissed; Shark Week reels in 5.3 million viewers

Monday July 31, 2023

Today’s Premieres
CW: Run the Burbs at 8:30p; Bump at 9:30p
FX: Breeders at 10p
ID: Mother, May I Murder? at 10p
Nat Geo: Rewind the ‘90s at 9p
Netflix: BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-

IN THE NEWS

The 75th Emmy Awards have officially been postponed. Amid the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes, the ceremony – originally planned for September 18 – has been delayed. It’s the first time the show has been delayed since 2001, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. A new date has not been confirmed.

A federal judge dismissed Donald Trump’s $475 million defamation lawsuit against CNN. The lawsuit alleged CNN’s on-air references to Trump’s claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him as “the Big Lie” created a “false and incendiary association” between Trump and Adolph Hitler. “Nazi references in the political discourse (made by whichever ‘side’) [are] odious and repugnant,” wrote US District Judge Raag Singhal. “But bad rhetoric is not defamation when it does not include false statements of fact. CNN’s use of the phrase ‘the Big Lie’ in connection with Trump’s election challenges does not give rise to a plausible inference that Trump advocates the persecution and genocide of Jews or any other group of people. No reasonable viewer could (or should) plausibly make that reference.”

CNN’s Christine Romans has left the network after 24 years. “It has been a pleasure waking up early for you for so many years to get your morning started,” the “Early Start” anchor and chief business correspondent said on Friday. “I love CNN dearly….But I have decided I am ready for a new chapter.” CNN has not made an announcement regarding Romans’ replacement.

The CW has yanked acquired series “Down to Earth with Zac Efron” and “Fantastic Friends” from its Tuesday lineup after two episodes. “Down to Earth” premiered on July 18 to 306,000 total viewers and dropped to 232,000 the following week, while “Fantastic Friends” was averaging 160,000. Taking their place will be reruns of “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”.

Also axed is Hulu musical romantic comedy “Up Here,” after one season. The series, from “Dear Evan Hansen” writer Steven Levenson, followed a NYC couple in 1999.

Cynopsis Top Women in Media Awards

BYE, BARBIE

Barbie’s having a moment – are you ready for yours? The Top Women in Media Awards, taking place October 11 in NYC, celebrate women’s myriad successes in the real world.

ENTER NOW

PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

“Lando,” written by Donald Glover and his brother Stephen, is coming to Disney+. “Lando” follows the story of space hero Lando Calrissian in the “Star Wars” galaxy. The Glovers, who previously collaborated on “Atlanta” and “Swarm,” took over writing and developing the project from “Dear White People” creator Justin Simien. No hard feelings there – said Simien in an Instagram story, “Donald is a national treasure. Glad he and Stephen get to carry the character forward their way. Can’t wait to see. Rooting for everybody Black.”

Peacock soap opera “Days of Our Lives” is suspending production for a week. While no reason was given for the break, the hiatus follows a two-month misconduct investigation against co-executive producer/director Albert Alarr. The investigation led to Alarr receiving a written warning and the request that he undergo training, leading to outrage from cast and crew over his remaining in his co-EP and director roles, reports Deadline.

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

The writers’ and actors’ strikes have prompted the postponement of the premiere date for limited series “A Murder at the End of the World” from August 29 to November on Hulu. The FX murder mystery is set at the remote compound of a reclusive billionaire.

Bioseries “Ellas Soy Yo, Gloria Trevi” debuts on ViX’s premium plan on Tuesday, August 15. The series follows the tumultuous story of the Mexican pop star.

STREAMING

Reality show regular Bethenny Frankel (“The Real Housewives of New York,”
“Bethenny Ever After,” “A Big Shot with Bethenny”) has hired high-profile attorneys Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos in her crusade to secure protections for reality stars. Frankel maintains they are being exploited and has made a call for them unionization.

SPORTS

Alex Rodriguez is reportedly inking an exclusive, multi-year contract with Fox Sports. Under the deal, the 14-time MLB All Star would work exclusively for Fox, ending his deal to host a broadcast for ESPN next season. Rodriguez first joined Fox Sports as an analyst in 2017.

The CW will be the exclusive home to the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2025-2031. The net secured rights to 33 live races annually, as well as practices and qualifying events. “Landing the NASCAR Xfinity Series is a game changer for The CW and our CW Sports division and represents another important building block in our programming strategy,” said Dennis Miller, President of The CW. “Live sports are the most watched television content and with The CW’s national reach, moving NASCAR Xfinity Series to The CW will transform and elevate the viewing experience for the series and its fans.”

Cynopsis Best of the Best & Rising Stars Awards

BREAKING: Entries close FRIDAY, August 4!
Time’s almost up to enter a series, campaign or company for a Best of the Best award… Press “submit” while you still can!

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RATINGS

Discovery’s Shark Week premiere on July 23 was the highest-rated Shark Week debut night in three years. The event reached more than 5.3 million total viewers across Discovery Channel, discovery+ and Max.

TLC’s “90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days” was ranked as the No. 1 telecast in all of television among A18-49 with a 0.98 Live+3 rating and W18-34 with a 0.69 rating on Sunday, July 23. Freshman “Match Me Abroad” earned a 1.08 Live+3 rating among W25-54 and a 0.83 L3 rating among P25-54 for the night.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Kim Page has exited her role as SVP Internal Communications at Warner Bros. Discovery. Tammy Shea, elevated to SVP Internal Communications and Engagement, will succeed her.

IN MEMORIAM

Actress Inga Swenson died July 23 at age 90. Swenson was perhaps best known for her roles on “Soap” and its spinoff, “Benson.”

This Day in History
1988 – The last Playboy Club closed, in Lansing, Michigan

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
In which series did Holland Taylor and Linda Hunt have recurring roles as judges? “The Practice” (1997-2004). Kudos to: Aaron Paquette-AccelerateSG/Fort Worth, TX, Greg Stewart/LA, Louis Lewow-FITE/Atlanta, Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA, Mark Prince-dentsu Media/New York, Andrew Goldman-CampNova TV/NY, Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA, John Kukla-KDFW FOX 4/Dallas, TX, Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA, Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Boca Raton, FL, Tom Boyd-WGN/Chicago

Today’s Trivia Question
What did B.J. Novak’s character teach on “The Mindy Project” (2012-2017)? (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

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

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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

MONDAY JULY 31
ABC: The Bachelorette, Claim to Fame
CBS: The Neighborhood, Bob Hearts Abishola, NCIS, NCIS: Hawai’i
CW: Son of a Critch, Run the Burbs [p], Children Ruin Everything, Bump [p]
FOX: Stars on Mars, Crime Scene Kitchen
NBC: American Ninja Warrior, The Wall, Weakest Link
PBS: Antiques Roadshow, The Great American Recipe, POV
Telemundo: Los 50, Secretos de Sangre
Univision: Eternamente Amándonos, El Amor Invencible, Mujer

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