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| Thursday January 23, 2025 |
 IN THE NEWS |
| Prime Video, Starz and Warner Bros. Discovery are bundling up. A Max/Starz package is available on Prime Video for $20.99/month, about 25% less than the price of subscribing separately to the two services. “We are thrilled to team with Prime Video and Max to deliver this new offering of critically acclaimed programming to an even broader customer base,” said Alison Hoffman, President, Starz Networks. “Together, our world-class libraries provide an unparalleled viewing experience, offering a diverse selection of high-quality series and films across multiple genres.”
The Media Rating Council has completed its accreditation process covering Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel National TV measurement – just in time for upfront season. Nielsen is the first accredited national TV audience measurement provider for Big Data + Panel. “The accreditation of Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel is a landmark moment for TV ratings, as it will forever change audience measurement,” said Karthik Rao, Nielsen CEO. “I believe Big Data + Panel gives the industry the most accurate measurement in the history of TV.” Big Data + Panel National TV Measurement combines Nielsen’s representative panel measurement with data from cable, satellite set-top boxes and smart TVs across 45 million households and 75 million devices.
Chris Brown is suing Warner Bros. Discovery for defamation. The musician is seeking $500 million for his portrayal in Investigation Discovery docuseries “Chris Brown: A History of Violence,” asserting that producers knew the doc “was full of lies and deception and violating basic journalist principles.” Said Brown’s attorney, Levi McCathern, “Their actions undermine not only Mr. Brown’s decade-long efforts to rebuild his life but also the credibility of true survivors of violence.”
A—B Partners, the storytelling and strategy firm, is rebranding to NewWorld. Through the launch of a national trust survey conducted with a diverse response pool spanning key demographics, NewWorld aims to empower businesses to identify underserved markets, craft campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences, and achieve measurable growth. “Trust has become the ultimate currency in an environment where faith in marketing, advertising, tech, and social media companies are at rock bottom,” said Andre Banks, founder and CEO. “When the old playbooks are driving mistrust more than sales, or growing marketing budgets faster than customer relationships, it’s time to win in a new way.”
Search accounted for 26% of all ad spend in 2024, according to a report from Keen Decision Systems. Linear TV was second with 20%, while social and streaming combined account for 35% of all budgets. In social spend, Meta investments grew 23% YoY, while TikTok spending was up 100% YoY. Overall, media saw a 16% increase in investment, with a 8% increase in ROI, while trade spending increased 12% but ROI fell 1%. |
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| The nominations for the GLAAD Media Awards, honoring fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBTQ community, are out. Outstanding Comedy Series nods went to “Abbott Elementary” (ABC), “Ghosts” (CBS), “Hacks,” “Sort Of” and “The Sex Lives of College Girls” (Max), “Loot” and “Shrinking” (Apple TV+), “Somebody Somewhere” (HBO), “We Are Lady Parts” (Peacock), and “What We Do in the Shadows” (FX). Outstanding Drama Series nominees include “9-1-1: Lone Star” (Fox), “Arcane,” “Heartbreak High” and “The Umbrella Academy” (Netflix), “The Chi” (Showtime), “Doctor Who” (Disney+), “Found” (NBC), “Interview with the Vampire” (AMC), “Star Trek: Discovery” (Paramount+), and “Wicked City” (ALLBLK).
CBS is playing games with its Wednesday schedule. Beginning January 29, original episodes of “Hollywood Squares” will kick off the evening at 8p, followed by “The Price Is Right at Night” at 9p and “Raid the Cage” at 10p.
Anna Coren has joined CBS News as a foreign correspondent based in Hong Kong. Coren joins the network from CNN International. |
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CTV Connect
Have You Seen Our Agenda?
The CTV Connect 2025 agenda is live! What sessions are you most excited about? We’re looking forward to hearing from Netflix’s VP of Advertising during “The Netflix Effect” and diving into other hot topics like sports streaming and programmatic advertising. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable event!
Check out our agenda and register to attend! |
| PRODUCTION |
| Netflix has renewed “Love Is Blind” for two more seasons, through season ten. Roiund eight of the dating show launches Friday, February 14.
A possible addition to the “FBI” franchise focused on the CIA will air as a planted spinoff on an upcoming episode of “FBI.” If it is picked up for the 2025-26 season, “FBI: CIA,” with Dick Wolf onboard as writer and executive producer, would be the fourth “FBI” extension. |
 We haven’t seen the last of “Duck Dynasty.” A&E has ordered 20 one-hour episodes – two seasons – of “Duck Dynasty: The Revival,” from Wheelhouse’s Spoke Studios and Tread Lively Productions. The updated show, following Willie and Korie and the next generation of Robertsons, is slated to premiere this summer on A&E, with a second window on a major streaming service (TBA) following each season. “Duck Dynasty” ended its 11-season run on A&E eight years ago, peaking with 11.8 million viewers.
Comedian, ventriloquist and avid car collector Jeff Dunham is hosting a docuseries about the history of cars, from the stunning Corvette Stingray to the ill-fated Vector W8. Dunham will produce alongside Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Ian Mallahan, Benjamin J. Frost, Robert Hartmann, Matt McNeil, Steve Reich, Davina Dobrovech, and The Nacelle Company (“Down to Earth With Zac Eron”). “I’m approaching this show the same was I do when creating material for my stage performances,” said Dunham. “I want it to be something completely different from every other car show, and each episode will leave the audience wanting to see the next one.” |
 “Weather Hunters,” a new animated STEM series from Al Roker Entertainment, will premiere Monday, July 7 on PBS KIDS in English and Spanish. “Weather has always been a passion of mine, and inspiring young minds to explore its wonders has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey,” said Al Roker, who will voice a character on the show.
Prime Video has ordered “Pride of the Empress,” a series adaptation of the fantasy book series by Julie C. Dao from executive producers and co-showrunners Crystal Liu and James Wong (“American Horror Story”), executive producer Gemma Chan (“The Creator”), JuVee Productions and Significant Productions.
Two-part “The Carters” will look at a family propelled into the spotlight by the musical careers of two brothers, Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys) and the late pop star Aaron Carter. The two-part documentary from director Soleil Moon Frye unravels a disturbing path told by Angel Carter Conrad, the singers’ sister, along with first-time interviews with friends Melissa Joan Hart and Scout Willis. Produced by See It Now Studios and Candle True Stories, “The Carters” will be available to stream later this year. |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Contractor Israel “Izzy” Battres (“Flip or Flop”) will star in HGTV occu-series “Izzy Does It,” premiering Wednesday, February 5, at 9p. During the eight hour-long episodes, Izzy will grow his business while completing renovations for clients. |
 New animated kids and family series “Goldie” premieres Friday, February 14 on Apple TV+. Inspired by Emily Brundige’s 2019 short film of the same name, the 13 half-hour episodes follow a giant girl with a big heart. |
Today’s Premieres
BET+: The Family Business: New Orleans
BritBox: Father Brown
CW: Police 24/7 at 8p; Crime Nation at 9p
HBO: C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart at 9p
Netflix: The Night Agent
Prime Video: Harlem |
| COMING UP |
| AMC Networks has two upfront-related events in the works. The first, a Tech and Innovation breakfast, takes place February 4 at 9a in NYC. (A second tech breakfast will take place in Chicago two days later.) The company’s splashy annual upfront event, spotlighting programming, will be held on the evening of April 9 in NYC. “We’re excited to kick off the year with two distinct events that spotlight AMC Networks’ leadership position in driving advanced technology across every element of the ad buying process – with a greater degree of targeting and relevance that has ever been possible before – and our unique ability to build and engage passionate fandoms around our popular and high-quality programming,” said Kim Kelleher, Chief Commercial Officer of AMC Networks. “We have so much ground to cover this year that it calls for multiple events.”
“Goodrich,” starring Michael Keaton and Mila Kunis, makes its streaming debut Friday, January 31, and debuts on HBO the following day at 8p. The film follows a man whose wife and mother of their nine-year-old twins enters a 90-day rehab program, leaving him on his own with their young kids.
“King of the Apocalypse,” a documentary focused on Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, will air Sunday, February 2 at 9p on MSNBC. Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his participation in the January 6 attack on the Capitol, before being pardoned by President Trump.
Standup special “George Lopez: Muy Católico (Very Catholic)” hits Prime Video on Tuesday, February 18. Lopez, who has said it will be his last standup special, will share his reflections on aging, Latino family dynamics, and cultural quirks.
An ABC special will follow Isabella Strahan, daughter of “Good Morning America” co-anchor Michael Strahan, and her recent cancer battle. Isabella Strahan was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, in October of 2023, and underwent surgery to remove the mass, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatment. “Life Interrupted: Isabella Strahan’s Fight to Beat Cancer” airs Wednesday, February 5 at 10p.
Family Movie Classics is celebrating Valentine’s Day with “Movies We Love,” a collection of classic love stories including “It Happened One Night,” “Magnificent Obsession,” and “The Harvey Girls.” The nightly special starting tonight leads up to a two-day marathon on February 13 and 14.
Making-of special “Inside the 67th Annual Grammy Awards” airs Friday, January 31 at 8p on CBS, two days ahead of the live awards show. The special bumps the premiere of “NCIS: Sydney” to Friday, February 7 at 8p.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, documentary “Shaking It Up: The Life & Times of Liz Carpenter,” focused on the pioneering journalist, White House aide, and women’s rights leader, will premiere on public television stations around the country starting March 1. |
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| TECH |
| Consumer spending on in-app purchases and subscriptions hit $150 billion globally, an increase of 13% year-over-year, according to Sensor Tower’s annual State of Mobile report. Consumers spent 4.2 trillion (+5.8% YoY) total hours on mobile worldwide last year, though app downloads fell slightly to 136 billion (-1.0% YoY). Film & Television Streaming ($11.9bn) and Social Media ($11.7bn) were the two largest subgenres by consumer spend in 2024, but a surge of interest in generative AI saw consumers spend nearly $1.1bn (+200% YoY) in apps such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Doubao. Time spent in AI apps like Character AI and ChatGPT nearly eclipsed 7.7 billion hours, and apps mentioning AI were downloaded 17 billion times.
Color Elon Musk unimpressed with President Trump-backed joint venture Stargate project and plans to spend $500 billion to build AI infrastructure. While equity backers include OpenAI, SoftBank and Oracle, “They don’t actually have the money,” wrote Musk on X. “SoftBank has well under $10B secured. I have that on good authority.” Musk co-founded OpenAI, which he is now suing, then founded AI startup, xAI, to compete with companies including OpenAI.
Speaking of competitors to OpenAI, Google is backing AI developer Anthropic with another $1 billion, in addition to the over $2 billion it has already invested, reports The Financial Times. Google uses Anthropic’s Claude AI models on AI-powered development platform Vertex AI.
DOOH advertising specialist Screenverse has partnered with CEN Media Group, a DOOH media network specializing in movie theater venues, to bring consumers differentiated brand experiences through full-sight, sound, and motion displays. “In 2024, cinema was projected to bring in over 18 million viewers per week, on average. And with movie-goers spending anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes in theater lobbies, these screens are a must-buy for advertisers looking to reach their target audiences,” said Daniel Fleischer, Vice President of Supply Partnerships at Screenverse. “By partnering with CEN, we’re not only helping to elevate their DOOH network as premium media in the eyes of buyers and help them increase revenue, but provide advertisers with an attentive, engaged audience.” |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| Television brand TCL and PubMatic announced a new partnership designed to enhance programmatic advertising for live sports. This partnership will connect TCL’s premium programmatic streaming inventory, including NFL Channel and CBS Sports, with PubMatic’s integrated platform. “TCL provides access to a highly engaged audience of sports enthusiasts,” said Jeremy Straight, VP, Global GM of TCL Ads. “This partnership with PubMatic allows advertisers to leverage our premium inventory, including our ad-supported TCL tv+ app that brings the NFL Channel, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, NBC Sports, FIFA and Golf Pass to over 24 million viewers, to connect with this valuable audience in a more targeted and effective way.”
ABC and ESPN platforms will showcase 20 matches during the 2025 NWSL season, the women’s professional soccer league’s 13th. ABC will broadcast six games, up from four in 2024, including three playoff matches in November. ESPN will televise 10 matches, ESPN2 will air four games, and ESPN Deportes will televise 10 games live. All 20 games will stream live on ESPN+ in English and Spanish. Disney+ will also stream select matches monthly. Coverage kicks off on Saturday, March 15 at 12:30p on ABC with the live presentation of Kansas City Current vs. Portland Thorns FC.
Prime Video announced its schedule for the second season of NWSL on Prime coverage, featuring 25 regular-season games, one quarterfinal playoff game in November, and the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup. The Challenge Cup kicks off the season on Friday, March 7, at 8p, when defending NWSL Champions Orlando Pride will host the Washington Spirit in a rematch of the 2024 championship game. Prime Video’s 25 regular-season matches will stream on Friday nights starting March 14, with coverage beginning each week at 8p or 10p.
The Global Fight League, the new team-based MMA organization launching in April, announced additional details for the first GFL Virtual Draft, taking place tomorrow, January 24 at 8p. The selection will air live on MMA GFL’s official platforms: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitch, as well as the social channels of DAZN and PPV.com, the Triller TV app, and Rumble. |
| RATINGS |
| The premiere episode of Fox’s “Doc” has drawn 15.6 million cross-platform viewers in its first 11 days, up 609% over its Live+SD tally and the most-watched debut for Fox since “9-1-1: Lone Star” five years ago.
Monday’s Ohio State/Notre Dame championship game drew a healthy 22.1 million viewers to ESPN. That’s down from last year’s audience of 24.3 million, but well above the 17 million for the 2023 game.
Basic Cable Top 10 for the week of January 13
P2+ AA (000)
Primetime
Fox News 2994
ESPN 2297
MSNBC 758
HGTV 599
Hallmark Channel 543
ESPN2 531
History 524
TLC 504
TBS 499
INSP 487
TNT 487
Total Day
Fox News 1991
ESPN 952
MSNBC 523
CNN 379
HGTV 344
TBS 297
Hallmark Channel 280
History 262
Food Network 247
INSP 239
USA 239
Source: Nielsen |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Emily Del Greco is joining GroupM next month as Global COO. Del Greco has been a partner at McKinsey. In internal shifts, Adam Gerhart has moved to the position of Global Chief Client Officer from Global CEO of Mindshare; Toby Jenner is moving to Global Chief Business Officer from Global President of GroupM Clients and Global CEO of its Wavemaker unit; and Mark Patterson transitions to Global President of Markets and Business Operations from COO.
Michael Bonner has been promoted from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment President at NBCUniversal Studio Group to President of Global TV Distribution, and Justin Che has been elevated to President of UPHE, from Managing Director of APAC TV Distribution and International Networks & DTC.
Jenny Groom, former EVP, Entertainment Unscripted Content at NBCUniversal, has joined BBC Studios as EVP, Unscripted Development. Ryan O’Dowd, has been elevated from EVP, Entertainment and Music to President of Unscripted, and Krystal Whitney jumps from SVP to EVP, Current Programming.
Fathom Entertainment has named Eric Becker as Head of Communications. Previously, Becker served as SVP, Corporate Communications at Starz, and ran his own solo PR consultancy, Becker PR.
Grand Visual has appointed Andrew Pearson as North American SVP – Creative Strategy. Pearson most recently served as Senior Director – Creative Content for Pernod Ricard.
Blink49 Studios has appointed Adam Steinman as EVP, Global Formats and Acquisitions, and Adam Puchalsky as President, Brand Studio.
Peachtree Entertainment has named Dustin Labbe as SVP of Talent Booking for the Northeast region. |
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This Day in History
1986 – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted its first class, including Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and Elvis Presley.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which sitcom was set in Baltimore for four seasons, then shifted to an LA locale? “One on One” (2001-06). Kudos to: Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Gerry Bixenspan- TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
Which star of a short-lived western drama was best known for his role on “Lost in Space” (1965-68)? (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 >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC: Focus on FCC compliance, brand integrity for all current series and day-to-day business affairs for development and production. Strategize with management and outside counsel on business issues, and draft, review and execute various short-form business documents. Legal background and/or related media experience is required. 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
VICE PRESIDENT, POLITICAL SALES >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC./WASHINGTON, DC: Lead the company’s political advertising revenue across its dynamic portfolio of broadcast stations. Responsible for developing sales strategies tailored to the fast-paced, high-stakes political advertising market. You will possess an understanding of the political advertising landscape, and the ability to forge strong relationships with campaigns. Full info HERE
COUNSEL, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
MLB NETWORK/SECAUCUS, NJ: Responsible for a variety of matters, including services agreements, production related agreements, talent agreements, software and other technology related agreements, licensing and programming agreements, third party rights clearances, distribution agreements, contract summaries, confidentiality, and general contract matters. Full info HERE
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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