Today’s Premieres Amazon: “The Wilds” Awesomeness: “Twintervention” CW: “The Christmas Caroler Challenge” at 8p HBO Max: “Adult Material” Netflix: “The Mess You Leave Behind” Nick: “Baby Shark’s Big Show!” PBS: “Craft in America” at 9p Peacock: “Curious George”
Sunday’s Premieres Epix: Pennyworth at 9p TLC Go: “Baby Bumps” at 9p Reelz: “Life, Death & Money” at 10p
Sunday’s Finales CW: “Pandora” at 8p Food Network: “Buddy vs. Christmas” at 10p TLC: “I Love a Mama’s Boy” at 10p
IN THE NEWS
NBCUniversal is expanding its available digital and streaming inventory for local advertisers via its NBC Spot On program. Launched in February 2020, NBC Spot On was designed to give local, regional CTV and OTT access to premium, brand-safe video inventory from the company’s portfolio as well as from a marketplace of select premium video partners. NBCUniversal will now open up these opportunities across Peacock, YouTube, and Apple News to local marketers, and more digital and streaming inventory will be made available through NBCU’s OneApp, encompassing NBC, Bravo, E!, USA, Oxygen, MSNBC, and SYFY.
“By opening up more of our owned and third-party digital inventory to local advertisers, we’ve transformed NBC Spot On into a supercharged local digital sales offering,” said Krishan Bhatia, EVP, Business Operations & Strategy, NBCUniversal. “Small and medium businesses have long turned to NBCUniversal for their local advertising needs, and the sales team has always delivered premium content alongside geo-targeted audiences. Now, we’re bringing even more must-watch content on dozens of platforms to advertisers who want to reach audiences at scale in a specific region.”
The 2021 IAB NewFronts, held the week of May 3, will provide buyers and sellers a holistic video marketplace inclusive of video across every screen – including linear. “Buyers could not have been more clear coming out of the 2020 NewFronts: they want to move the video marketplaces closer together to make it easier to buy. As the definitive marketplace for digital video, we are committed to facilitating the buying process, and will expand the NewFronts so that all participants can come together if they choose,” said David Cohen, CEO, IAB. “Buyers are tired of incompatible measurement structures, differing currencies, technological complexities and the intricate negotiation that inevitably follows,” said Cohen. “We’re confident that the next year or two will see major advancements in how video is bought and sold, and how the industry measures outcomes. There’s a lot of work ahead, but the time is now and having a more unified marketplace is a step in the right direction.” IAB’s Podcast Upfront has been scheduled for May 10.
Ellen DeGeneres halted production on her daytime talker after testing positive for COVID-19. DeGeneres informed her staff of her diagnosis in a letter, and tweeted that she’s “feeling fine right now” while following CDC guidelines. Production will resume after the holidays.
The House of Representatives passed a bill reaffirming its commitment to media diversity, pledging to “work with media entities and stakeholders to develop common ground solutions to eliminate barriers to media diversity.” Over the past year, “We have heard the growing calls for diversity in positions of power and listened to the millions of Americans who know, as we do, that representation matters,” said Energy & Commerce Chairman Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) and Communications & Technology Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) in a joint statement. “We must eliminate barriers to media diversity and provide all Americans the opportunity to engage with more independent and local media outlets that reflect the people of our diverse nation. Today’s resolution reaffirms our commitment to seeing that done, and we thank our colleagues for their strong, bipartisan support.”
HBO renewed “Industry” for a second season. The drama from first-time creators Mickey Down and Konrad Katy launched its eight-episode first season on November 9.
AT&T has agreed to sell its Crunchyroll anime business to Funimation Global Group, a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) subsidiary, Aniplex Inc. “We are excited to embark on this new journey,” said Joanne Waage, GM of Crunchyroll. “Combining the strength of the Crunchyroll brand and the expertise of our global team with Funimation is an exciting prospect and a win for the incredible art form of anime.”
WE tv acquired two series from SVOD Zeus Network. Season one of “The Real Blac Chyna,” centered on the reality star, premieres Thursday, January 7 at 10p, followed later in the year by season one of “Joseline’s Cabaret,” starring “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” alum Joseline Hernandez. “Zeus is constantly pushing the envelope with authentic, raw, and provocative, original content,” said Zeus founder and CEO Lemuel Plummer. “Both shows were critical hits when they premiered on the Zeus network and have had tremendous success with our audience…We are confident this partnership will bring new audiences to our networks.”
Charter Communications inked a deal to launch the AccuWeather TV Network in January for Spectrum TV Select and higher video tier subscribers across Charter markets. “Our agreement to launch AccuWeather will give Spectrum customers access to even more timely and reliable weather news and information from a trusted brand,” said Tom Montemagno, EVP of Programming Acquisition for Charter. “AccuWeather’s programs are 100 percent focused on weather, and the combination of the network’s national forecasts and reliable local weather reporting directly aligns with our goal to provide programming that meets the interests of our customers and the communities we serve.”
Spectrum Networks’ format for hyperlocal community news, politics, weather and original content has launched to Spectrum video and internet customers across the North Carolina Mountain regions. With the expansion, Spectrum News 1 is now available to customers across the state, serving Asheville and the North Carolina Mountain regions, in addition to existing coverage of Raleigh/Durham/Fayetteville, Charlotte, Greensboro/High Point/Winston-Salem, Wilmington and the coastal regions. |
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A Cynopsis message from The Lustgarten Foundation
Support the 2020 Lustgarten Foundation Holiday Bash A month-long virtual benefit in support of our pancreatic cancer research fund
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PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
Julia Roberts will star in and executive produce a limited series for Apple TV+ based on upcoming novel The Last Thing He Told Me, about a woman who forms a relationship with her 16-year-old stepdaughter while searching for the truth about her husband. Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine is producing with 20th Television.
Another Hollywood A-lister, Emma Stone (“La La Land”), will star in Showtime comedy “The Curse,” alongside series creators Nathan Fiedler (“Nathan For You”) and Benny Safdie (“Uncut Gems”). Safdie and his brother, Josh Safdie, will EP via their Elara Pictures banner, with Fielder and Stone, who exec produces through her Fruit Tree banner. A24 is producing.
Peacock ordered 10 more episodes of “The Amber Ruffin Show,” set to start dropping on Fridays starting January 8. “We are thrilled to get the chance to bring you more episodes, because each episode is a new opportunity to have another margarita,” said Ruffin. The final two episodes from the late-nighter’s first run air December 11 and December 18.
Skydance Television has signed an exclusive first-look agreement with Exile Content Studio to develop and produce premium scripted, English-language series for a global audience. Under the deal, Skydance Television will have first consideration across Exile Content Studio’s portfolio of English-language television projects. The arrangement aligns with Skydance Media’s strategy to exploit IP across multiple platforms, genres and territories.
Canada’s CBC and streamer BET+ are partnering on original series “The Porter” (wt) from Inferno Pictures and Sienna Films, focused on railway workers who form the first Black union. Annmarie Morais (“Ransom”) and Marsha Greene (“Private Eyes”) are writers/showrunners on the eight-parter, with Charles Officer (“Ransom”) and R.T. Thorne (“Blindspot”) onboard to executive produce and direct.
CNN Films and BBC have commissioned a feature documentary film following the global quest to develop, trial, manufacture, and distribute effective vaccines to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. “Race for the Vaccine” on CNN in the US, and the same film under the working title “Vaccine: The Inside Story” on BBC Two in the UK, will be produced and directed British filmmaker and former virologist Catherine Gale and co-directed by American medical journalist and independent filmmaker Caleb Hellerman. CNN has linear TV rights in the US and Canada.
Andrea McClew (“Strong Black Woman Vol.2”) will star in Carl Jackson Studios drama “Carl Jackson’s LAX.” The movie will debut in select theaters in late spring 2021, and on CJC Network and Tubi shortly afterward.
NEW & RETURNING SERIES
Two HGTV series return with new episodes next month. “100 Day Dream Home,” which attracted over 22.6 million total viewers its first season, is back Monday, January 4 at 8p, while “House in a Hurry” launches ten new episodes on Wednesday, January 6, at 8p and 8:30p.
A new season of “Monster Garage” launches on discovery+ on Monday, January 4. The series, hosted by Jesse James, first aired on Discovery Channel from 2002-2006. “We always knew we would eventually bring it back,” said James. “I also knew when that day came, I needed to be ready. More skills in my toolbox and a clear mind and schedule. Ready to put my head down and work as hard as possible to push the limits of TV again.”
The first two episodes of horror series “30 Coins” debut on HBO on Monday, January 4 at 9p. Produced by HBO Europe in Spain, the show focuses on an exorcist sent to a remote community that starts experiencing demonic events.
A&E promises “jaw-dropping footage” of extreme encounters with nature in “Nature Goes Wild,” as explorer Greg Aiello captures videos of everything from animal attacks to natural disasters. The series launches Wednesday, January 6 at 10p with back-to-back episodes.
HBO’s “Painting With John,” written, directed by and starring musician/actor/director/painter John Lurie (“Oz”), debuts Friday, January 22 at 11p. The unscripted series is described as “part meditative tutorial, part fireside chat.”
Exile Content Studio and Spanish company Newtral teamed for a four-episode docuseries following a group of women who became part of one of the most legendary soccer clubs in history. Issues around gender equality, discrimination, misogyny, motherhood and sexual diversity play a major role in “Un Sueno Real,” premiering on HBO España on Monday, December 28.
Season eight of “High Stakes Poker” premieres Wednesday, December 16 at 8p on PokerGo. AJ Benza and Gabe Kaplan, who hosted the show during part of its seven-season run on GSN from 2006-11, will be back for the new iteration.
Epix drama “Godfather of Harlem” will klck off season two in April 2021, with Forest Whitaker back as star and executive producer.
COMING UP
Reunion special “12 Dates of Christmas: Unwrapped” has the cast of the dating series gather for a holiday party hosted by D.J. “Shangela” Pierce (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) to reveal what has happened since last Christmas.
Oxygen special “The Jane Doe Murders” follows Yolanda McClary, a forensic specialist and former Las Vegas crime investigator who has made it her mission to help give Jane Does their names back using new forensic technology and DNA databases. The two-hour special airs Sunday, January 3 at 7p.
A special Christmas episode of Disney Junior show “Bluey” premieres today, December 11. The compilation episode includes a new story, “Christmas Swim,” which will introduce two new characters.
STREAMING
Disney+ is reaching for the stars, with plans for about 10 “Star Wars” series, 10 Marvel series and 15 live-action, animation and Pixar series over the next few years. During Disney’s investor day, Kareem Daniel, Chairman, Media and Entertainment Distribution for The Disney Company, said, “With these Disney+ originals, along with theatrical releases and library titles, we will be adding something new to the service every week.”
During the Disney presentation, CEO Bob Chapek said the company’s streamer has reached 86.8 million subscribers, up from 73 million+ globally as of September 30. The numbers include recent launches in Latin America, but the rollout hasn’t reached Eastern Europe, South Korea and Hong Kong.
ShowBiz Stories (SBS), founded by Marion J. Caffey (“Apollo Amateur Night”), launched yesterday, December 10. The website features personal stories submitted via video by artists across theatre, music, television and film.
GOING GLOBAL
all3media International has secured a new deal with producer Blackfella Films. The agreement will see all3media International managing worldwide sales of the Australian producer’s political thriller “Total Control.” Keshet International maintains tape and format rights in North America.
Trioscope Studios has partnered with Polish visual effects and sound studio Juice to launch joint venture Trioscope Europe. The two produced the World War II animated drama series “The Liberator” for Netflix.
AXS TV is now available in Canada. The music-themed net is an a la carte option on Bell Fibe TV, Alt TV and Virgin TV. |
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RATINGS
UPtv’s annual Thanksgiving week “GilMORE the Merrier” 24/7 binge-a-thon was up +21% from 2019, outperforming year-ago in all key demos (gains between +32% & +59%) and delivered UPtv’s strongest week of 2020 for key demos. The stunt helped close out UPtv’s November ahead of 2019 in all key demos, with W25-54 delivery up +35%, according to Nielsen.
Broadcast Nielsen Ratings for Wednesday, December 9 Show, P2+ 000s, (A18-49) ABC: “The Great Christmas Light Fight” 4.02 (0.7), “For Life” 2.12 (0.4) CBS “Amazing Race” 4.15 (0.7), “SEAL Team” 4.47 (0.6), “S.W.A.T.” 3.88 (0.5) CW: “Devils” 0.40 (0.1), “Greatest Holiday Commercials Countdown” 0.53 (0.1) FOX: “The Masked Singer” 4.89 (1.1), “I Can See Your Voice” 3.43 (0.8)” NBC: “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!” 2.60 (0.6), “Nurses” 1.62 (0.3) Telemundo: Domo del Dinero 0.72, Todo Por Mi Hija 1.55, Falsa Identidad 0.88 Univision: Vencer el Desamor 1.76 (0.5), Imperio de Mentiras 1.38 (0.5), Dulce Ambicion 1.22 (0.4) Source: Nielsen, live + same day time period averages
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Susan Rice is leaving the board of Netflix to join the Biden administration. “We are grateful to Susan Rice for her many contributions on our board and congratulate her on her return to public service,” said Netflix Chairman and Co-CEO Reed Hastings. Rice joined the streamer’s board in March 2018.
Adam Gerhart will take the position of Global CEO of GroupM’s Mindshare in January, continuing as US CEO until a replacement is named. Gerhart replaces Nick Emery, who left the company in October after an alleged “clear breach of the company’s code of conduct.”
Raffaele Annecchino has been promoted to President and CEO of ViacomCBS Networks International. Most recently, he served as President of ViacomCBS Networks Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. He succeeds David Lynn, who is stepping down and will depart the company following a transition period.
National CineMedia announced that Steve Sapp has joined the company in the new role of Senior Vice President, Digital Out-of-Home Sales to lead its NCM/DOOH group. Sapp joins from Gas Station TV, where he had served as SVP, National Sales.
Brightcove has appointed Jennifer Smith as Chief Marketing Officer. Most recently, Smith served as CMO at Alfresco Software.
Banijay France is naming Jean-Louis Blot CEO of EndemolShine Production (excluding Scripted). Blot created BBC Worldwide Productions France, the first French subsidiary of the BBC.
David Nichols has been tapped to serve as President of Spirits Network and EVP of NBTV Channels. Nichols, previously Global President of K-Swiss, has invested in NBTV and is a Board of Directors Appointee.
IN MEMORIAM
Actress Marguerite Ray died November 18. She was 89. In addition to roles on “Bewitched,” “The Bill Cosby Show,” “Ironside,” “The Odd Couple,” “Sanford and Son” and “Dynasty,” Ray spent 10 years on “The Young and the Restless.” |
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This Day in History 1913 – “Mona Lisa” was recovered two years after it was stolen from the Louvre Museum.
Friday Fun Fact Astronauts can grow up to three percent taller during time spent in space. Their height returns to normal after a few months back home.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question In which Christmas special was a future Santa a reporter for a Chicago newspaper before being persuaded to take the reindeer reins? “In the Nick of Time” (1991). Kudos to: Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA
Today’s Trivia Question What was the name of Jeannie’s evil twin sister on “I Dream of Jeannie” (1965-70)? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four.) |
PLAYOUT OP NEWSMAX MEDIA NY, NY Must be able to perform ingest and playback functions during live and pre-recorded programs. Traffics video clips according to shows’ rundowns. Edits content as necessary. Min 3yrs exp in executing video playback in live control room environment. Plus 1yr exp with Ross Tria or EVS. Full info HERE (12/16)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE>> TELEMUNDO/SACRAMENTO, CA: Responsible for partnering with local clients, both on the agency level and direct, to create innovative and unique mrktg and adv solutions that target a client’s demos and products/services. AE will also need to deliver quarterly results and meeting individual budget requirements. Min 2yrs direct sales exp with 3yrs of media sales exp. Full info HERE (12/16)
DIRECTOR, RETAIL DEVELOPMENT, AMERICAS >> BBC STUDIOS/NY, NY: Resp for building relationships with key retail accounts at the buyer/mrktg levels. Partner with licensee’s sales teams to pre-sell BBCS franchises and meet the needs of key buyers across retail. Build retail strategies that drive brand strategies set by the franchise/licensing teams. 10yrs exp in licensing or entertainment focusing on retail development. Full info HERE (12/16)
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR >> NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Directs, co-develops/delivers locally prod programs and PSA for nat and inter’l audiences. Also oversees prod crew that produces regular, special and live shows related to various political, historical and other appropriate topics. Min 3yrs exp in directing Live television news, studio-based programming or similarly related professional media productions. Full info HERE (12/15)
VIDEO ENGINEER & ROBOTIC CAMERA OPERATOR >> NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Exp in configuring and setting up all broadcast studio cameras both manned and robotic for daily use. Maintains network-level camera blocking and composition. Monitors/adjusts video signals including cameras, monitors, playback sources, color correction equip/incoming feeds. Min 4yrs exp. Full info HERE (12/15)
FEEDS MANAGER >> NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Resp for managing tech/logistical traffic supporting live news shows. Full knwldge of video and tech workflow throughout all locations. Provide tech guidance to help create better video workflows. Ensure all broadcast feeds are meeting specific tech quality standards. Min 3yrs tech managing, or equivalent knwldge. 5 yrs in live TV prod. Full info HERE (12/15)
GFX Op >> NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Must be able to set up and play out all graphic elements which are included in pre-recorded or live programming. Mnge graphic content as it corresponds to live and pre-recorded programs. Satisfy all production req for live and pre-recorded programming under the supervision of the show’s director and technical operations mngmt. Min 3yrs of exp in graphic and character generation, plus 1yr exp with Ross Xpression. Full info HERE (12/15)
AUDIO TECHNICIAN >> NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Operate/executes audio mixing/creation for live and taped broadcasts, in the context of orig produced programs and PSAs. Collaborate with News depart and prod crew that produce regular, special and live shows. Generate timely and pertinent broadcast material. Min 2yrs exp in graphic and character gen in television news, creative services, studio-based prog or related profession. Full info HERE (12/15)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER >> Newsmax Media/NYC: Responsible for designing and building shows, managing show hosts and production team, identifying and integrating guests, overseeing and executing the production of key video & graphic elements. 3+ yrs EP exp or political news & talk programming. Full info HERE (12/15)
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER >> Newsmax Media/NYC: Write for fast paced news and opinion show. You are an exceptional storyteller with a command of political news and cultural trends. At least 3 years of national or large market local news experience. Full info HERE (12/15)
SENIOR LINE PRODUCER >> Newsmax Media/NYC: Responsible for the production and execution of live political news programming, and recorded video segments for television, and digital platforms. 3+ yrs experience line producing. Full info HERE (12/15)
PRODUCER >> Newsmax Media/NYC: Responsible for the production of live news & talk show, and recorded video segments for television, and digital platforms. 3+ yrs in TV news and/or talk production. Full info HERE (12/15)
COORDINATOR, CONSUMER MARKETING >> CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS/LA, CA: Resp for supporting the implementation of advtg campaigns (on/off-channel), mktg partnerships, promotions, sweepstakes, experiential events, creative adv development & email mktg initiatives. Min 1yr of professional mktg exp within the entertainment industry. Full info HERE (12/14)
MANAGER, TALENT & LEARNING DEVELOPMENT >> A+E NETWORKS/NYC: Assess company-wide developmental needs and drive the design, development, delivery, evaluation and admin of various training and development programs (including leadership training, coaching, DE&I, etc.). 3-7 yrs of developing eLearning training with strong data analysis skill and excellent communication ability is required. Full info HERE (12/14)
VP, CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT >> SESAME WORKSHOP/NY, NY: Idea generator in developing and vetting program ideas and genres for creating new programs for in-house development, and identifying the right distributor for each property. Min 8 yrs exp and must be able to share ideas and contribute to the strategic vision/direction of the Workshop. Full info HERE (12/14)
VP, MARKETING >> BBC STUDIOS/NY, NY: Seeking VP, Mktg for the Americas region, to design/implement an audience-led mktg/media strat to dev/enhance the commercial relationship between BBC Studios and its global strategic customers. Must have proven track record within a global Mktg envir, focusing on customer engagement and strong customer brand relationships. Full info HERE (12/13)
DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR >> EMERGING NETWORKS, LLC/REMOTE: Responsible for development and growth of web, mobile and social platforms. As well as, all overall support for all digital content efforts and tactical responsibilities as it relates to the website and social media strategy. Full info HERE (12/13)
MARKETING MANAGER (Always-On Show Lead) >> WONDERY/LOS ANGELES, CA: Responsible for developing marketing strategy aligned to business goals to effectively and efficiently launch and maintain key Wondery shows. Must have 3 years of podcast marketing experience. Full info HERE (12/13)
MEDIA BUYER >> WONDERY/LOS ANGELES, CA: Responsible for developing and executing media strategy including planning, analyzing and optimizing media campaigns. Must have media-buying experience and a passion for podcasts, audio storytelling and entertainment content. Full info HERE (12/12)
DIRECTOR, OWNED MEDIA >> A+E NETWORKS/NYC: SME within the Consumer Mktg & Media team. You will develop and manage owned media strategy for the LIFETIME/LMN brands. Partner with Planning, Digital Media and On-Air Scheduling teams. 7yrs exp managing Owned Media within an Entertainment firm with deep knowledge of entertainment landscape, including competitive set and non-linear platform. Full info HERE (12/12)
MANAGER, BRAND MARKETING & STRATEGIC PLANNING >> NICKELODEON/NY, NY: Hardworking, pro-active and inquisitive Mgr for a newly formed Brand Mktg and Strategy team at Nickelodeon. This role will aid in defining Nickelodeon’s brand mission/values as well as Mktg efforts across series, brand, platforms, emerging media and more. Min 5yrs exp in consumer strategy, digital, mktg or media. Full info HERE (12/12) |
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 11 ABC: “Shark Tank,” “20/20” CBS: “MacGyver,” “Magnum P.I.”, “Blue Bloods” CW: “The Christmas Caroler Challenge” [p] FOX: “WWE Friday Night Smackdown” NBC: “Weakest Link,” “Dateline NBC” PBS: “Washington Week,” “Firing Line With Margaret Hoover,” “Crafit in America ” [p], “Craft in America” Telemundo: “John Wick” “Falsa Identidad” Univision: “Vencer el Desamor,” “Imperio de Mentiras,” “Dulce Ambicion” |
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