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| Thursday January 22, 2026 |
 IN THE NEWS |
| It might get trickier for talk shows to book political figures as guests. The FCC’s Media Bureau said Wednesday that talk shows will no longer automatically be treated as news programming, which is exempt from the agency’s political equal time rule. That rule requires broadcast stations to provide comparable time and placement to opposing candidates, regardless of party. Late-night talk shows have been considered exempt since 1996, when the FCC ruled that an interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger on “The Tonight Show” qualified as news. In new guidance, however, the FCC said it “has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late-night or daytime television talk show currently on the air would qualify for the bona fide news exemption.” Commissioner Anna Gomez, the FCC’s lone Democrat, criticized the move as “an escalation in this FCC’s ongoing campaign to censor and control speech.”
AI is grabbing the headlines, but as 2026 begins, marketers are doubling down on digital media investment – under growing pressure to translate the AI hype into real-world results, per Mediaocean’s 2026 Advertising Outlook Report. Takeaways include:
· While 43% of marketers are using AI for data analysis and 43% for market research, adoption drops as AI moves closer to execution, with 33% using AI for creative development and only 19% for campaign orchestration.
· Media investment is rebounding selectively, with planned spend increases concentrated in CTV and digital video (63% respectively), social platforms (61%), and AI-driven media/ads on AI agents (54%), while traditional channels such as print and linear TV continue to face pressure.
· As marketers shift from AI experimentation to execution, data quality or access issues (42%) and difficulty connecting AI insights across systems (41%) are cited as the biggest barriers to scaling AI effectively.
“As AI becomes more deeply woven into the media lifecycle, the advantage won’t come from adopting even more tools – it will come from orchestrating them,” said Aaron Goldman, CMO, Mediaocean. “This research shows marketers are ready to move from experimentation to execution, but fragmented systems are slowing progress. Smarter, more connected foundations are what turn AI insights into action at scale.”
While 84% of marketers are using AI in video, that comes with a risk – 36% of consumers say an AI-generated video would lower their perception of a brand. That’s according to Animoto’s 2026 State of Video report, which found 83% of consumers surveyed believe they can spot AI-generated video. Additional highlights include:
· 73% of consumers said they have made a purchase based on a video they saw on social, and 86% say it’s their preferred way to learn about a brand.
· 83% of consumers say brands should post videos at least weekly. But keep it short because…
· 61% prefer brand videos under a minute. |
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| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| “Elle,” prequel to the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, has a premiere date: Wednesday, July 1 on Prime Video. And the MGM Studios and Hello Sunshine series has already earned a vote of confidence, landing a second-season renewal. “’Elle’ captures the heart, confidence, and optimism that made Elle Woods an enduring cultural icon, while giving audiences a fresh and deeply personal coming-of-age story,” said Peter Friedlander, Global Head of Television, Amazon MGM Studios. “Ordering a second season speaks to our belief in the creative vision and the incredible team behind the series.” |
 Season five of Apple TV space drama “For All Mankind” launches Friday, March 27. New episodes airs weekly through May 29.
Food Network’s “Tournament of Champions” returns Sunday, March 1 at 8p. What’s cooking for season seven? Top-seeded chefs in every division will be food world icons, but their identities will remain a secret until competition kicks off. Two weeks earlier, on February 15, 16 chefs vie for the final eight positions on “Tournament of Champions: The Qualifiers.”
Docuseries “True Crime Story: It Couldn’t Happen Here,” hosted by Hilarie Burton-Morgan (“One Tree Hill”), returns for season three on Thursday, February 19 at 10p on SundanceTV and streaming across AMC+ and All Reality.
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” returns to Hulu for season four on Thursday, March 12, as the sisterhood faces threats from family secrets, unraveling marriages and growing reality show fame.
Reelz has renewed “On Patrol: Live” for a 90-episode season five, along with spinoff series and “OPL” lead-in “On Patrol: First Shift.” “In today’s fragmented media landscape, a pick-up of 90 episodes – 360 hours of live television – is virtually unheard of; yet REELZ has done this for four consecutive years as ‘On Patrol: Live’ continues to deliver for the network and create one of the most engaged and loyal audiences in television,” said Reelz CEO Stan E. Hubbard.
Bravo’s “Ladies of London: The New Reign” debuts Thursday, March 5 at 9p. The series starring British socialites and American expats is a revival of Bravo’s 2014-17 reality show, “Ladies of London.” |
Today’s Premieres
CW: Scrabble at 8p; Trivial Pursuit at 9p
HBO: Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! at 8p
Netflix: Finding Her Edge; Free Bert
Paramount+: Canada Shore
Peacock: Team Mekbots
Sundance Now: London’s Gangsters |
| PRODUCTION |
| Netflix has ordered a reality series starring influencer Alix Earle and her family. “I share a lot of my life on social media, and people think they know everything there is to know about me and my family, but honestly, there’s still so much more,” said Earle. “We are so happy to partner with Netflix on this show about our fun, loving, sometimes chaotic modern family, and how we always show up for each other through it all.” Those unfamiliar with Earle’s Get Ready With Me videos on TikTok might recall her “Dancing With the Stars” stint. The new series is produced by Fulwell Entertainment (“The Kardashians”), which knows a thing or two about chaotic families.
In what it calls a “landmark deal,” the BBC will start making original content for YouTube, showcasing “the best homegrown storytelling and news from across the BBC.” While the BBC has not previously produced original series for YouTube, its main account on the streaming platform, which hosts trailers and clips, has more than 15 million subscribers. |
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| SPORTS ROUNDUP |
| Sports entertainment platform DAZN has teamed with Polymarket to launch prediction markets in the US, integrating real-time probability data directly into live sports broadcasts. The deal will enable DAZN viewers to buy and sell contracts based on event outcomes without leaving the platform, pending licensing approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Association.
Do Super Bowl ads drive QSR foot traffic? Azira compared in-store visitation for Dunkin’, Little Caesars and Taco Bell one week before and one week after last year’s game and found foot traffic increased 31%, 35% and 30%, respectively. The Thursday following the game was the peak day for the Super Bowl ad impact across the QSR category, seeing a 48% increase. |
| TECH |
| The IAB announced the IAB Authorized Assessor Program, an initiative that provides standardized and streamlined diligence services for IAB members. The initiative is launching with the Technology segment of FTI Consulting, giving IAB members access to specialized expert advisory services combined with the Platform, to provide a consistent, standardized, and auditable diligence framework across the digital advertising ecosystem.
Sony and TCL have entered into a joint venture that will have TCL take 51% ownership of competitor Sony’s Bravia TV and home audio business. TVs will continue to be released with Sony Bravia branding, but rely on TCL display technology. “The new company plans to advance its business by leveraging Sony’s high-quality picture and audio technology cultivated over the years, brand value and operational expertise including supply chain management, while utilizing TCL’s advanced display technology, global scale advantage, industrial footprint, end-to-end cost efficiency, and vertical supply chain strength,” said Sony in a statement. The JV is expected to launch, pending regulatory approvals, in April 2027. |
| COMING UP |
| Kristen Bell (“Nobody Wants This”) will take a third turn as host of the Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA, streaming live on Netflix on Sunday, March 1 at 8p. “I’ve enjoyed hosting the show every time, so it was an easy decision to come back for a third,” said Kristen Bell. “What I’m most excited for is the fact that I’ll be doing what every actor does best…sing :)”.
A crossover event with NBC’s “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” has been set for Wednesday, March 4. Per the logline, “Firehouse 51 is called to an airfield when a passenger jet suddenly goes silent mid-air, triggering a high-stakes emergency. Their discovery cracks open a bigger and deadlier mystery — one with consequences that could ripple far beyond the runway and put countless lives in jeopardy.”
Thalia is doing a fourpeat as host of “Premio Lo Nuestro 2026.” The awards show airs Thursday, February 19 at 7p on Univision, UniMás, Galavisión, and Vix. |
| DISTRIBUTION |
| Blue Ant Media and Just for Laughs have partnered with TELUS to launch FAST channels. From Blue Ant Media come HauntTV and TotalCrime, while Just for Laughs is offering Just For Laughs Gags and Just For Laughs Comedy.
Outdoor Sportsman Group is launching FAST channel Game & Fish TV on Prime Video. Programming is drawn from the libraries of Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and MyOutdoorTV. |
| RATINGS |
| Nice move: ABC’s “High Potential,” shifted from 10p to 9p when it returned on Tuesday, January 6 for its midseason premiere, drew 12.33 million total viewers and 1.97 rating among Adults 18-49 after seven days of viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms, according to Nielsen. That topped the show’s fall season average among viewers (+3%) and its fall finale (+7%). On linear over seven days, the police procedural delivered a season high with 8.68 million total viewers, ranking as the No. 1 scripted program of the week across broadcast and cable, and earning the second highest audience to date for the series.
January 6 was good all around for ABC – the season four debut of “Will Trent” at 8p earned 8.91 million total viewers and 1.05 rating among Adults 18-49 in Live+7 data, +12% above last season’s finale episode in viewers, while at 10p, “The Rookie” season eight opener delivered its best ratings among both total viewers (9.35 million) and Adults 18-49 (1.97) in over six years.
Over at Fox, the premiere episode of “Best Medicine” has collected over 10.8 million multiplatform viewers since its debut on January 4. On its post-NFL premiere night, the comedy drama drew 3.69 million.
Samsung TV Plus announced it has surpassed 100 million monthly active users globally, with streaming hours increasing 25% year-over-year. The service offers over 4300 channels globally. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Guideline has appointed Steve Silvers, former EVP of Global Creative, Media and Ecosystem at Kantar as Chief Product Officer; Michael Laxineta, most recently Head of Global Sales for Nexis Solutions, as SVP, North American Data; and Vivian Herron, previously VP, Global Head of Sales and Partnerships at Relo Metrics, as SVP of Sales, North America Brands and Agencies.
Telemundo Station Group has promoted Yarilys Domenech to Vice President of Telemundo News Service (TNS), effective January 26. Domenech currently serves as Director of News for TNS.
MINT has named Louisa Wong as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 2. Wong previously served as CEO of Extreme Reach. |
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This Day in History
1857 – The National Association of Base Ball Players was founded in NYC.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
In what year did Notre Dame upend the college football world by leaving the College Football Association to ink an exclusive deal with NBC? The deal was made in 1990, for the 1991 season. Kudos to: Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Mike Gioscia-NBCUniversal/NYC; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Tom Dempsey-Media Consultant/NYC; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Brad Clough-Premion/NYC
Today’s Trivia Question
Which two members of the “Saturday Night Live” Five-Timers club achieved the distinction in less than four years? (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.) |
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF THE PRACTICE, MULTI-EPISODE TELEVISION PRODUCING >>
BOSTON UNIVERSITY – COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION/BOSTON, MA: Develope, produce, and manage scripted and unscripted multi-episodic series for linear television and/or streaming. Qualified applicants will be distinguished multi-platform practitioners with a significant body of “boots on the ground” work in the TV and streaming industry. The position will require in-class instruction and on-set exercises. Full info HERE
PROFESSOR OF THE PRACTICE: STUDIO AND/OR FIELD DIRECTING; MULTIPLE CAMERAS >>
BOSTON UNIVERSITY – COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION/BOSTON, MA: We seek a colleague with a significant body of practical work in television directing using multiple cameras for linear television and/or streaming platforms. Familiarity with visual effects and AI-supported tools is considered a plus. This position includes teaching directing of scripted and/or unscripted content using multiple cameras at many levels. Full info HERE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF THE PRACTICE: VERTICAL FILMMAKING/CONTENT CREATOR >>
BOSTON UNIVERSITY – COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION/BOSTON, MA: We seek a colleague with a professional track record in the creation and development of original short-form content aimed at promoting, activating, and motivating young people through social activism, experimentation, entertainment, brand building, and audience engagement across today’s leading content platforms and social media ecosystems. More info HERE
SALES MANAGER – AP AD INSIGHTS HUB >>
ADVERTISER PERCEPTIONS/NEW YORK, NY: Drive direct sales of the platform offering, focusing heavily on new client acquisition. Reporting to and working closely with the GM of the Ad Insights Hub, this individual contributor will partner cross-functionally with Sales, Business Intelligence, Operations, and Client Services teams to build awareness and engagement with new clients. Full info HERE
SALES DIRECTOR – OMG
MOONBUG ENTERTAINMENT
NEW YORK, NY
Deliver and exceed sales revenue targets as well as build, manage and grow a strategic account list with a focus on Omnicom agencies and their clients directly, within the northeast. Ability to navigate holding company structure and negotiate strategic partnerships with key stakeholders (ratecards, preferred programmatic deals, content deals, etc.). More info HERE
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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