Cynopsis 01/27/25: Let’s make (another) deal?

Cynopsis
Monday January 27, 2025

   IN THE NEWS

As Skydance Media and RedBird Capital Partners prepare to close their takeover of Paramount Global, a wrench has been thrown in the works in the form of a new, higher bid for the company. A letter was being sent to Paramount’s board on Friday from Project Rise Partners offering $13.5 billion, versus the current $8 billion deal, reported Variety. There was also a guarantee to expand Paramount Global’s workforce, unlike the cuts proposed by Skydance and RedBird. PRP made a previous bid for Paramount Global of $8.5 billion, which they alleged in October was not brought to the board.

Creators drive full funnel outcomes, according to research conducted by OMG for Snap. Compared to standard brand ads, the study found that for Creator ads attention paid was 12% longer and playtime was 8% longer. When paired together, Creator and standard brand ads had an impact on upper funnel metrics. Compared to the control group in a simulated shopping task, seeing a Creator ad followed by a brand ad drove significant lifts in Ad Recall and Unaided Brand Awareness. Creators feel like friends on Snapchat and their recommendations are highly influential on purchases, notes the study.

The Revry Channel, an LGBTQ+ streaming network, is coming to Pluto TV this month. “Partnering with Revry to bring their channel to Pluto TV’s lineup is an incredible way to kick off 2025,” said Amy Kuessner, Pluto TV EVP programming. “Pluto TV is dedicated to delivering diverse and inclusive content that resonates with audiences everywhere, and adding the Revry’s latest premium titles and originals ensures we are delivering on that promise.”

Paramount Network has renewed “Bar Rescue” for season 10. “One of the best parts of my job is hugging bar owners at the end of each episode and seeing them embrace a fresh start for their business—and their lives,” said host Jon Taffer. “For over a decade, we’ve empowered bar owners, employees, and their communities to rediscover their potential. This milestone reflects the dedication, passion, and resilience of everyone involved.” Season nine returns on Sunday, February 23 at 10p.

Verizon reports it lost 60,000 Fios subscribers in 4Q24, wrapping the year with 2.68 million pay TV subs, down 9% from the year prior. On the flip side, Verizon added over 1 million postpaid mobile and home broadband subscribers in the fourth quarter. Year-over-year revenue rose 1.6% to $35.7 billion, versus analyst estimates of $35.32 billion.

Cynopsis is searching for media pros interested in moderating workshops (8-10 people per table). Topics will include leveraging AI for media buying, budgeting for success, advertising that drives ROI, measuring a campaign’s impact, and navigating new tools.

If you’re interested in getting involved, please email Stephanie Cronk, Brand Director, BIG Streaming Summit at [email protected].

   PRODUCTION

A comedy based on 2014 film “Draft Day” is in development with Lionsgate Television, Madson Wells, and SpringHill. The film’s football setting, however, is being swapped for basketball. And, “If you are going to do a show set in and around the world of basketball, one person comes to mind ahead of all others,” said Scott Herbst, EVP and Head of Scripted Development, Lionsgate Television. “The same passion, drive and commitment to excellence that drove LeBron James to be the best in the game is evident in everything he touches and with SpringHill’s oversight, this project is in the best possible hands.”

Anna Faris (“Mom”) and Rick Edwards (“The Courtship”) will host the NBC pilot for a new dating format. “Love Takes a Village,” from Lighthearted Entertainment, follows singles going on blind dates, unaware that an audience is watching them.

   NEW & RETURNING SERIES

Confessions of Octomom,” following Natalie Suleman, the first woman to give birth to eight children as a single parent with the help of IVF, premieres Monday, March 10 at 10p on Lifetime. The series comes two days after biopic “I Was Octomom: The Natalie Suleman Story” debuts.

Food Network’s “Spring Baking Championship” returns Monday, March 10 at 8p. For the first time, 13 contestants will attempt to win over judges Duff Goldman, Nancy Fuller and Kardea Brown, with the winner collecting $25,000, a feature in Food Network Magazine and the title of Spring Baking Champion.

“Power Book III: Raising Kanan” is back for season four on Friday, March 7. Season one of the Starz drama will be available for free sampling on the Starz app and across participating OTT streaming and on-demand platforms from January 31-February 28.

Also returning for a fourth season is Canadian hockey comedy “Shoresy,” hitting Hulu on Wednesday, February 26.

Seven-part limited series, “Trial & Error: Why Did O.J. Win?” kicks off Sunday, February 16 at 8p on Court TV. The series highlights vantage points from numerous trial participants, including attorneys, legal experts, LA police detectives, and friends and relatives on both sides of the courtroom.

Danish miniseries “Bullsh*t” makes its US debut Thursday, January 30 on Viaplay. The six-parter follows a group of lost youths in late 70s and early 80s Copenhagen who find community and belonging in a biker gang.

Music video network Vevo released “Vevo Origin Stories,” a longform branded original content series starring Shaboozey, presented by Intuit TurboTax. The series kicks off with a performance of the musician’s single “Good News,” and wraps up with a 12-minute short film.

Today’s Premieres
ABC: The Bachelor at 8p
Acorn TV: The Catch
CBS: The Neighborhood at 8p; Poppa’s House at 8:30p; NCIS at 9p;NCIS: Origins at 10p
Fyi: The Chef’s Garden at 10p
History: History’s Greatest Mystery at 9p; History’s Most Shocking at 10p
ID: The Fall of Diddy at 9p
Max: Scars of Beauty
MNMT: Sports Business Journal at 6:30p
Netflix: Ms. Rachel
Prime Video: Tribunal Justice

   COMING UP

Sofia Carson (“Purple Hearts”) and Noah Centineo (“The Recruit”) have been named Ambassadors for the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, which are set to stream live on Netflix on Sunday, February 23 at 8p.

Grammy nominees Benson Boone, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Doechii, RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, Shakira, and Teddy Swims will perform at the awards show, broadcast on CBS on Sunay, February 2 at 8p.

Turner Classic Movies unveiled the year’s themes and stars to be featured on the network this year, including 31 Days of Oscar, the second iteration of Two-for-One films, Summer Under the Stars, and celebrating monthly birthdays of the industry. During Saturday’s TCM Classic Film Festival: New York Pop-Up x 92NY, it was also announced that Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg and Paul Thomas Anderson will remain as stewards to TCM through 2025.

CTV CONNECT 2025

Limited Sponsorship Opportunities for CTV Connect 2025!

Don’t miss your chance to showcase your brand at the premier event for connected TV innovation. With limited spots remaining, now is the time to secure your place and reach the industry’s top decision-makers.

Contact JT Toback today for details on the remaining opportunities and make your mark at CTV Connect 2025!

Reach Out Now to Claim Your Spot!

   SPORTS REPORT

LIV Gol struck a multi-year strategic partnership with golf content creator Rick Shiels Media, who will serve as a LIV Golf ambassador, offering his fans access to the league’s players, teams, and courses.

IMG has extended its agreement to broadcast the Australian Open on Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, through to 2027. The agreement will see Sport 24 continue to bring 150+ hours of live action from the tournament to airlines and cruise ships around the world.

   GOING GLOBAL

Dynamic Television announced multiple European sales for NRK’s romantic dramedy, “Dates in Real Life.” The series was acquired by France Television in France, Movistar in Spain, OTE in Greece, BETV in Belgium, and NOS in Portugal.

Iceland production company Glassriver announced its new crime thriller series, “Manifesto,” is currently in development and has been picked up by Icelandic broadcaster Síminn. Wild Bunch TV has acquired the global rights to the series.

   RATINGS

Telemundo’s “Noticias Telemundo averaged 397,000 among adults 18-49 the week of January 13, according to Nielsen. Together the net’s three daily weekday newscasts averaged 199,000 viewers and 149,000 adults 18-49.

This Day in History
1973 – The Paris Accord was signed, ending the Vietnam War.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which current network started out as The Nashville Network? Paramount Network. Kudos to: John Kukla-KDFW Fox 4/Dallas; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA; Vic Lowry-Lipstick Nancy Prod./Ventura, CA; Maggie Takei-Moore Media/LA; David Chill-David Chill LLC/LA; Jackie Mahon/NYC; Todd Lewis-TL Sports & Entertainment/Fort Myers, FL; John Carlo-UP Entertainment/NYC; Scott Deaner-Horizon Media/Richmond, VA; Rebecca Barr-RLB Consulting/Chicago; Aaron Pacquette-AcceserateSG/Fort Worth, TX

Today’s Trivia Question
On “Nashville” (2012-18), how did Rayna die? (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.)

Cynopsis Team

For advertising opportunities, contact: Amy Abbey
Sales Director
410-979-0171
[email protected]

Lynn Leahey
Editorial Director
[email protected]

 

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

Stephanie Cronk
Senior Marketing Director
[email protected]

 

Cynopsis Job Listings Sales
Carley Ashley

Cynopsis General Inquiries
[email protected]

Cynopsis Jobs logo
Check out more jobs in Cynopsis Classifieds »
Job of the day
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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