 IN THE NEWS |
| It’s official: Comcast has separated from Versant Media, the new home to cable networks including MS NOW, CNBC, E!, Oxygen, Golf Channel, USA Network and SYFY. “Today marks a defining moment as Versant becomes an independent, publicly traded media company,” said CEO Mark Lazarus. “As a standalone company, we enter the market with the scale, strategy and leadership to grow and evolve our business model.” NBC, Telemundo, Bravo and Peacock remain under the Comcast umbrella.
The board of directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has voted to formally dissolve the organization after the Trump administration and Congress voted to defund it. “For more than half a century, CPB existed to ensure that all Americans – regardless of geography, income, or background – had access to trusted news, educational programming, and local storytelling,” said CPB President/CEO Patricia Harrison. “When the Administration and Congress rescinded federal funding, our Board faced a profound responsibility: CPB’s final act would be to protect the integrity of the public media system and the democratic values by dissolving, rather than allowing the organization to remain defunded and vulnerable to additional attacks.” |
 Paramount+’s “Mayor of Kingstown” has been renewed for a fifth and final, eight-episode season. The first four seasons of the crime drama ran for ten episodes. Also coming back is Netflix’s “Emily in Paris,” for a sixth season.
Dish Network is counter-suing Disney and ESPN over its Sling TV short-term subscription passes. Disney’s lawsuit claimed the passes violate the terms of the companies’ carriage deal; in November a federal judge ruled in Dish’s favor. Now, Dish alleges Disney is leveraging its market power to “destroy competition.” The countersuit also alleges that Disney gave competitors favorable terms but refused to extend those same terms to Dish and Sling, despite “most favored nation” clauses in its carriage agreement. |
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| CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2026
Insight for the Next Phase of Converged Media
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| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Ryan Murphy’s “Beauty” launches Wednesday, January 21 at 8p on FX. The thriller stars Evan Peters, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Ashton Kutcher and Rebecca Hall.
The tenth and final season of Netflix’s “Queer Eye” launches Wednesday January 21. “Queer Eye” is the streamer’s longest-running unscripted series.
Season 13 of “Travels With Darley” premieres Monday, January 12. Eleven new episodes will be tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of America.
“The BMF Documentary: Blowing Money Fast” is back for season two on Friday, January 16 on STARZ. The docuseries explores the rise and fall of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), the drug empire built by brothers Demetrius and Terry Flenory. |
Today’s Premieres
ABC: Will Trent at 8p; The Rookie at 10p
Discovery: Moonshiners at 8p
Food Network: Wildcard Kitchen at 9p
Fox: Doc at 9p
ID: The Cult Behind the Killer: The Andrea Yates Story at 8p
Netflix: Pokemon Horizons
PBS: Finding Your Roots With Henry Louis Gates Jr. at 8p
TLC: 1000-lb Sisters at 9p
Vice: Don’t Call it a Comeback at 9p |
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| PRODUCTION |
| UK’s ITV Studios and Vincent TV have teamed up to develop a new reality show, “Try Before You Buy,” in which six first time buyers live under the roof of a house for sale that’s twice as expensive as one individual can afford. With the aid of real estate agents and psychologists, contestants have to decide who to team up with to buy a house. |
| TECH |
| DirecTV for Business announced the nationwide launch of its new streaming TV solution for small businesses, with plans to expand the offering to larger business locations soon. The DirecTV for Business website will offer tools that help small business owners determine if streaming or satellite is a better option for their location. |
| CES NOTES |
| WPP announced the launch of Agent Hub on its AI platform for marketing, WPP Open. The internal app store acts as a central library, codifying decades of proprietary data, strategic capabilities and institutional best practice into advanced AI agents. Agent Hub is the best of WPP, available all the time, for the direct benefit of clients around the world. “Agent Hub is how we deliver WPP excellence at scale for our clients,” said Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer, WPP. “This is about human brilliance, amplified by AI, enabling us to offer clients commercial models based on business outcomes, not simply time and materials. Every agent in our Hub is human-driven, encoding the decades of insight, judgement and expertise of our people to solve real client problems.”
It’s back to the Beacon Theatre for Amazon Ads, which is holding its annual upfront presentation at the NYC landmark on Monday, May 11. The event will feature programming from Prime Video, Prime Sports, Amazon MGM Studios, Twitch, Wondery, and Amazon Music, and highlight new ad tech capabilities.
Amazon announced the official launch of Alexa.com for Alexa+ Early Access customers. The site enables users to use Alexa+ online, like AI chatbot ChatGPT. The tech giant also announced Ember Artline, a “lifestyle TV” whose matte screen is just an inch-and-a-half thick, and a redesign of the Fire TV interface to make it easier for users to find programming.
Samsung Ads has teamed with data cloud and clean room provider Snowflake to expand the reach and accessibility of Data+, its proprietary data-as-a-service offering. “Advertisers have long requested easier, privacy-first access to Samsung’s TV data to better understand exposure across linear and CTV,” said Justin Evans, Head of Innovation & Insights, Samsung Ads. “With Data+ via Snowflake, we are giving them the tools to act on that data – eliminating waste, proving performance, and driving smarter decisions across the full media buy.”
Brand lift measurement technology company Brand Metrics showcased its fully operational, SDK-less interactive formats and pause-ad capabilities. “CES is about showing what’s real and ready today,” said Alysha Dino, VP, Global CTV Revenue, Brand Metrics. “Our SDK-less formats and pause ad measurement aren’t concepts – they’re live, operational, and already delivering value for Tier 1 publishers.”
Xumo has launched an advanced identity solution designed to help advertisers connect with streaming audiences more effectively. Built in collaboration with TransUnion, The Trade Desk (Unified ID 2.0), and LiveRamp (RampID), the solution combines Xumo’s first-party viewership data with trusted third-party identity layers. “We built this solution alongside the industry’s leading data and identity innovators to deliver measurable outcomes for advertisers,” said Jiro Egawa, Senior Vice President, Platform Growth and Monetization, Xumo. “By working hand in hand with leaders like TransUnion, The Trade Desk, and LiveRamp, we’re ensuring advertisers can activate data seamlessly, confidently, and at scale.” |
| COMING UP |
| Feature doc “Disneyland Handcrafted,” following the creation of Walt Disney’s dream project, premieres Thursday, January 22 on Disney+.
Jewish Life Television is celebrating the 100th birthday of comedian Soupy Sales with a 48-hour marathon of “The Soupy Sales Show” on Saturday and Sunday, January 10 and 11.
“Black Phone 2” starts streaming Friday, January 16 on Peacock. The horror film starring Ethan Hawke was released in theaters on October 17. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| MLB is celebrating superstar Los Angeles Dodger Shohei Ohtani with “Shohei Day” tomorrow, January 7 at 9a. The event will feature memorable games, studio segments and guest appearances.
Jon Hamm has been set as host for the 15th annual NFL Honors, airing live on NBC and NFL Network on Thursday, February 5 at 9p.
Kraft Heinz, in partnership with the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association, announced that nominations for the 20th anniversary year of Kraft Hockeyville are now open. Canadians can nominate their communities at KraftHockeyville.ca until March 1 at 11:59p. |
| DISTRIBUTION |
| MeTV Toons Network is now available in HD to Xfinity customers in the majority of markets across Xfinity’s footprint. “MeTV Toons is the only network dedicated exclusively to the greatest classic animation of all time, making it a uniquely valuable addition to the Xfinity channel lineup,” said Neal Sabin, Vice Chairman of Weigel Broadcasting. |
| RATINGS |
| Prime Video has delivered the most-watched season to date across the 20-year history of the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football package.” The 2025 season of “TNF” on Prime averaged 15.33 million viewers throughout its 15-game campaign, up +16% over the 2024 season.
Netflix’s Christmas Day game between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings delivered 27.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen, up 13% from a year ago high of 24.3 million.
Top 10 Broadcast Programs for the Week of December 22
P2+ AA (000)
Fox: Fox NFL Sunday Night Football 28.77
NBC: NBC Sunday Night Football 23.97
CBS: CBS NFL Single 17.21
NBC: Sunday Night NFL Pre-kick 16.81
Fox: The OT 14.42
Fox: Sunday Regional 12.43
NBC: NBC Sunday Night Football Post 12.38
NBC: Football Night America Pt. 3 11.90
ABC: Monday Night Football 10.39
ABC: Pop-Tarts Bowl 8.70
Source: Nielsen Big Data + Panel, Total Day Live + Same Day Viewing |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| TelevisaUnivision EVP Dan Aversano has been named CEO of datafuelX. What’s ahead? “datafuelX’s strength has always been forecasting and optimization, and that foundation uniquely positions us to help the market unlock the full value of CTV as well as Linear,” Aversano tells Cynopsis. “As alternative currencies gain traction, we can bring effectiveness, efficiency, and clarity to an ecosystem still riddled with undervalued impressions. That’s a meaningful opportunity for both buyers and sellers.”
Noel Hedges has left his role as EVP International Acquisitions and Coproductions, TV at Lionsgate. “The media landscape is changing fast, and whilst that brings its challenges, the new ways content is being created, financed and consumed bring their own energy,” said a post from Hedges on LinkedIn. “From the conversations I’ve already started having, it feels like an exciting moment to be open, curious and positive about what comes next.”
The E.W. Scripps Company has tapped veteran television producer Amira Lewally as Senior Director of Original Programming. Lewally joins Scripps from A&E, where she served as Supervising Producer.
Teads has appointed Dani Cushion as Chief Marketing Officer. Cushion was most recently CMO at Innovid. |
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This Day in History
1914 – Merrill Lynch was founded.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which short-lived medical drama had the same name as an unrelated film that had premiered two years earlier? “City of Angels” (2000) “Saved” (2006) are both correct. Kudos to: Aaron Paquette-AccelerateSG/Fort Worth, TX; Greg West-WATC TV/Atlanta
Today’s Trivia Question
Who killed Wes Gibbons on “How to Get Away With Murder” (2014-20)? (Email trivia@cynopsis.com 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.) |
DIRECTOR OF PERFORMANCE MARKETING >>
ATHLETE TO ATHLETE/SANTA MONICA, CA: Lead the performance marketing team across Meta Ads and new paid digital channels (TikTok, YouTube, Google, etc.) as well as build and execute a roadmap for channel expansion and profitable scale. Develop and run structured testing frameworks. Partner with Creative Strategist on ad briefs, testing priorities, and creative feedback loops. Full info HERE
SENIOR MANAGER, TRAFFIC >>
INSP, LLC./CHARLOTTE, SC: Oversee the Traffic staff and manage and monitor the day-to-day operations. Responsible for the prompt and accurate execution of broadcast logs for three networks. The manager assumes a leadership role within our Network Operations and consistently looks to streamline processes and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Traffic department. Full info HERE
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC: Oversee daily sales pipeline operations focused on national sponsorships, integrations, and branded content tied to unscripted programming. Manage and coach the Business Development team, drive outbound activity, shape proposals and pricing, and lead CRM strategy, reporting, and optimizations via Salesforce. Full info HERE
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER >>
NTD/WASHINGTON, DC: Pitch story ideas and write scripts/segment outlines as well as research guests and interview topics. Book guests and coordinate interviews. Help with logistics and sometimes field production. Support shoots and ensure production runs smoothly. Review footage and work with editors to shape final episodes. Write headlines, teasers, and social posts. Full info HERE
DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATION >>
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY/HOLLYWOOD, CA: Responsible for all HR functions and oversight of administrative and management needs. This strategic role is charged with operating from a customer service driven viewpoint that prioritizes employee satisfaction as well as enforce legally compliant policies, increase efficiency by implementing administrative and record-keeping best practices. Full info HERE
SENIOR DESIGNER >>
REELZ CHANNEL/ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Responsible for the concept, design and execution of various motion graphics projects for on-air promo and sales presentations. Will be required to design and create graphics for social media, digital and print. Must be able to follow brand guidelines and expand and change the brand look when necessary. Full info HERE
EVP, COMMERCIAL & TECHNOLOGY TRANSACTIONS, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
A+E GLOBAL MEDIA/NY(HYBRID): Oversee the three major areas of commercial transactions (comprised of supporting the Distribution, Total Media Solutions and Global Content Sales divisions) and the adjacent areas supported by the attorney teams that principally support those divisions (including vendor management and privacy). Full info HERE
SR. DIRECTOR OF SALES, KSTU & KUPX >>
THE E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY/SALT LAKE CITY: Leverage our suite of advertising solutions to unlock growth opportunities for local and national businesses. Play a role in driving the station’s revenue goals as well as serving as the home station for Utah’s new NHL team. Collaborate with our production team to create campaigns that connect our clients with their customers in meaningful ways. Full info HERE
DIGITAL MEDIA BUYER >>
FURMAN ROTH ADVERTISING/NY(HYBRID): Plan, launch, and optimize digital marketing campaigns across various paid media channels (including Display, Google products, Paid Social, CTV, and Programmatic, etc.) while managing budgets effectively. Support the execution of media plans across platforms, overseeing targeting, budget allocation, and performance tracking to drive campaign success. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR; CTV BRAND PARTNERSHIPS – MID WEST/WEST COAST
FUTURE TODAY
REMOTE
Build, maintain and expand a pipeline of sales targets, contacts, and sales opportunities leveraging your relationships with a heavy focus on new business revenue. Build/nurture relationships with the investment, strategy, precision and digital agencies as well as clients. Also maintain an ongoing knowledge of the streaming media landscape. Full info HERE
DIRECTOR, AD MARKETING & SALES >>
THE SHADE ROOM/REMOTE: Develop and execute a revenue growth strategy to drive direct advertising, branded content, and sponsorship sales as well as lead the development of compelling advertising and branded content offerings tailored for TSR’s audience and cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key advertisers, media agencies, and brand partners. Full info HERE
PROFESSIONAL LECTURER OF COMMUNICATION/SPORTS BROADCASTING >>
MARIST UNIVERSITY/ POUGHKEEPSIE, NY: Teach studio and field broadcasting and new media courses in sports media and journalism as well as be able to teach a studio course on producing a newscast and help students live stream a podcast or produce short-form feature content suitable for social media streaming. Also demonstrate through their teaching, professional activity, and service. Full info HERE
SALES LEAD – AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS
UPWAVE
NEW YORK, NY
Build and manage relationships with our agency partners – mostly targeting media buyers and planners – and help them see the value of adding Upwave measurement to The Trade Desk campaigns. You will both leverage your existing network and open new doors to achieve aggressive but achievable sales targets. Full info HERE |
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