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| Wednesday January 22, 2025 |
 IN THE NEWS |
| YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video broke records for total TV viewing share for December, according to Nielsen’s monthly snapshot, The Gauge. YouTube rose to an 11.1% share; Netflix reached 8.5% (helped by its two Christmas Day NFL games, season two of “Squid Game,” and film “Carry-On”); and Prime Video hit 4.0%. Max saw the biggest gain, growing 18% to a 1.2% share. Overall, the streaming marketplace climbed 9% to comprise a record 43.4% of all TV viewing time. |
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| Netflix added 19 million subscribers in 4Q24, to reach 301.6 million globally. That number dwarfs Wall Street’s expectations of an added 9.8 million subscribers.
Viewership for the presidential inauguration on Monday averaged 40 million viewers, according to AdImpact. Viewership peaked at 56.3 million at 12:04 p, shortly after President Trump was officially sworn in. Linear viewing accounted for 54% of the total. Fox News was the most watched network with 21% of viewership share, followed by NBC (18%) and CBS (17%).
Meta is pulling out all the stops trying to draw TikTok users to its platforms. As TikTok’s US fate hangs in the balance, Meta is offering updates and cash bonuses to TikTok creators for posting new videos to Facebook and Instagrams Reels, as well as free one-year subscriptions to Meta Verified to select creators. “We have also been working to optimize our ranking systems so that creators who are newer to Instagram and Facebook are able to break through to new audiences,” said the company.
Kantar Group is selling Kantar Media to H.I.G. Capital for approximately $1 billion. Kantar Media CEO Patrick Béhar will continue to head the business. The media measurement and analytics unit operates in more than 60 markets.
OTT.X, the non-profit trade association for the home entertainment industry, has partnered Pledge and Cineverse to launch a new campaign to support California wildfire relief. Cineverse and other OTT.X member companies are donating CTV ad inventory to support charities that are helping those affected. |
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| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
 Netflix has ordered season four of legal drama “The Lincoln Lawyer,” based on the sixth book in The Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly, The Law of Innocence. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo will return as Mickey Haller. “We are so excited to tell more stories with Mickey Haller, and especially thrilled to once again be shooting The Lincoln Lawyer in Los Angeles at this time,” said co-showrunners Humphrey and Dailyn Rodriguez. “The show is in many ways a love letter to our city and an homage to the great tradition of LA noir, and after the tragedy of the fires we are so grateful and honored to be able to provide some stability and hope to the community.”
“Abbott Elementary” has been picked up for season five by ABC. The Wednesday night comedy is the first ABC series to land a spot on the 2025-36 slate.
Endemol Shine Boomdog and A Fábrica are teaming to launch A Fábrica Mexico & US Hispanic, a content label in Mexico City with a focus on developing and producing original Spanish-language scripted content for the respective regions. Luiz Noronha, CEO of A Fábrica, is leading the new label.
Uma Thurman has joined the cast of Paramount+ with Showtime drama “Dexter: Resurrection.” The spinoff, which started production this month, is slated to debut this summer.
Minnie Driver, Ruth Jones (“Gavin & Stacey”) and James Nesbitt (“Cold Feet”) are set to star in “Run Away,” Netflix’s next Harlan Coben thriller. The series follows the author’s “Fool Me Once” and “Missing You” on the streamer. |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| “Calipari: Razor’s Edge,” a new six-part docuseries produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, chronicles John Calipari’s first season as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks men’s basketball team. The show debuts Monday, February 10 at 10p on Vice TV. |
 Telemundo’s “La Jefa” launches Tuesday, February 18 at 10p. The drama centers on a mother forced to delve into the dark world of money laundering to protect her son.
Netflix’s “Running Point,” starring Kate Hudson as a woman who takes over as president of an LA basketball team, kicks off Thursday, February 27.
Season two of Paramount+ drama “School Spirits” debuts Thursday, January 30, with three episodes. Following the premiere, new episodes of the eight-episode season will be available to stream weekly on Thursdays.
Winter return dates for Fox’s Animation Domination lineup include Sunday, February 16, for new seasons of “Family Guy” (8p), “Grimsburg “ (8:30p), and “The Great North” (9p), followed by new episodes of “Krapopolis” (9:30p). Sunday, March 30 brings new episodes of “The Simpsons” at 8p.
Food Network’s “Tournament of Champions” returns Sunday, March 2 at 8p. For the first time, all four former champions of the series will hang up their knives for new, on set assignments.
Six-part docuseries “Thomas Jefferson” will air across three consecutive nights beginning this Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17, at 8p on History Channel. The show offers a look into the life and achievements of America’s third president.
OWN unscripted series “Family or Fiancé” is back for a new season on Saturday, February 8 at 9p, moving to its regular 8p time on March 1.
Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E. premieres Wednesday, March 26 at 9p on Cleo TV. Tamar Braxton and her mother open the doors to their family kitchen to inspire fans with stories and flavors that honor their culture.
Newsmax is launching a weekly show with radio host, podcaster and author Dr. Michael Savage. “Savage Nation” premieres Sunday, January 26 at 8p.
Docuseries “A Recipe for Murder,” chronicling the violent death of Colombian surgeon Edwin Arrieta at the hands of Daniel Sancho, a 29-year-old aspiring chef known for his YouTube videos, premieres Sunday, February 23 on SkyShowtime. |
Today’s Premieres
Apple TV+: Prime Target
BritBox: Captivated
Discovery: Expedition X at 9p; Expedition Bigfoot at 10p
History: Pawn Stars at 9p
Hulu: Whiskey on the Rocks
Netflix: W.A.G.S. to Riches
Nick: The Thundermans: Undercover at 7p |
| COMING UP |
 Trevor Noah will return as host and producer of the 67th annual Grammy Awards on CBS. The event takes place at LA’s Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 2.
Actor-writer-comedians Rachel Sennott and Bowen Yang will announce the 97th Oscar nominations in a live presentation at Samuel Goldwyn Theater on Thursday, January 23 at 8:30a, via global live stream and the Academy’s digital platforms and national broadcast news programs, including ABC’s “Good Morning America.” The awards ceremony airs Sunday, March 2 on ABC.
AXS TV music marathon “Concerts ‘Till Kickoff” will air Sunday, February 9, starting at 9a ahead of Fox’s broadcast of the Super Bowl.
J Docs, a series of fifteen award-winning documentaries showcasing Jewish and Israeli films curated and hosted by producer Jeremy Goldscheider, launches Tuesday, on JLTV. |
 FilmRise has acquired the exclusive digital distribution rights to prequel TV series “Taken.” The show aired on NBC in 2016 and was recently streaming on Netflix. |
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| RETAIL MEDIA |
| Retail Fluent Media Network, a retail media and ad tech company serving independent grocers, mid- to large-scale supermarket chains and convenience stores, struck a strategic partnership with Key Food Stores Co-Operative, a chain of supermarkets with 445 independently owned and operated stores across eight states. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| The X Games is partnering with Google on new AI judging technology for ski and snowboard competitions. In a pilot program, computers will evaluate the moves of athletes at the 20-foot-tall superpipe. The system will be introduced during this year’s X Games Aspen. “When we acquired X Games, our goal was to reimagine unique fan experiences and increase access to the world’s premiere athletes,” said Jeff Moorad, CEO of MSP Sports Capital, which acquired the event in 2022. “The X Games partnership with Google is a great example of how we intend to use technology to enhance that experience.”
Teads announces the launch of Teads Dynamic Vertical Video, designed to drive engagement during key sports moments. Combining AI, immersive vertical video, and Stats Perform’s live sports data, the ad format is aimed at enabling advertisers to maximize mobile screens and deliver impactful experiences within premium content. |
| GOING GLOBAL |
Insight TV struck sales for docuseries “The Ride Life with Sung Kang” with
SBS (Australia), Warner Bros. Discovery (Southeast Asia, Taiwan, & Hong Kong), TVNZ (New Zealand), MBC (Middle East), Fuse Media (USA & India), Digi Romania (Romania), and NOW TV (Hong Kong).
AMC Networks International Central and Northern Europe announced the launch of FilmMania on DIGI Romania. The channel is available in the basic package of all key operators.
Blue Ant Studios inked new distribution deals for its unscripted programming in Spain with AMC Networks International Southern Europe and Warner Bros. Discovery Spain across its History, Factual Entertainment and Formats categories. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Sony Pictures Television has promoted Keith Le Goy to Chairman. Le Goy most recently served as Sony Pictures Television’s president of distribution.
Philip Rucker is joining CNN as SVP, Editorial Strategy and News. “I look forward to collaborating with the world-class journalists at CNN to help chart a new era of digital transformation,” said the Pulitzer Prize-winning former Washington Post editor. |
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This Day in History
1973 – In Roe v. Wade, The Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution’s due process clause protected a pregnant person’s right to have an abortion.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which 1964-65 sitcom and 1975 sitcom had the same name? “Karen.” Kudos to: Len Klatt-The Winning Run/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
Which sitcom was set in Baltimore for four seasons, then shifted to an LA locale? (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.) |
VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
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SALES LEAD – AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS
UPWAVE
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VICE PRESIDENT, POLITICAL SALES >>
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COUNSEL, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
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DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Proven track record of monetizing digital assets on various social media platforms. Work closely with our production team in creating content and comprehensive marketing plans to increase market share. Full info HERE
INTERNATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Create and execute sales strategies and proposals- generating new sales from past, current and future leads by networking, building relationships and identifying valuable sales opportunities. Manage existing accounts and excel at identifying clients’ needs. Requires a self-driven individual who is passionate about the sports and media industry. Full info HERE
NATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Looking for another self-motivated, highly disciplined National AD Sales Executive that enjoys the sales process from beginning to close. If you bring the enthusiasm and determination we will supply the opportunity to make this the best position you’ve ever had. Full info HERE
LEAD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >>
CASTIFY.AI/HYBRID: Expand our client base in the digital advertising industry and focus on business development, securing new clients and partnerships, and negotiating contracts with leading advertising brands and agencies as well as experience in the digital advertising sector, showcasing a proven track record of achieving targets and excelling in business development. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT REP: MPT NATIONAL CORPORATE SALES
MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION FOUNDATION
REMOTE
Call on current and prospective sponsors, providing high-quality customer service, in a manner consistent with standard industry practice, for the customer/client accounts for which they have cultivated or have been assigned as well as build sustainable, long-lasting relationships with existing clients. Full info HERE
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF AD SALES >>
HAYSTACK NEWS/NYNY, LA, CHICAGO: Responsible for developing large, meaningful partnerships to drive strategic and creative solutions for clients. You relish the opportunity to help advertisers build their brands by supporting the world’s most premium news publishers. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
INTERSECTION
LOS ANGELES, CA
Drive new revenue for our media around Los Angeles and beyond as well as building relationships with prospects and clients. Full info HERE |
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