 IN THE NEWS |
| The date for the Senate hearing on the proposed Warner Bros. Discovery/Netflix deal has been set for February 3. Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Bruce Campbell, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer for Warner Bros., are scheduled to testify about the transaction, which has raised antitrust concerns. Netflix struck a deal to acquire WBD’s studio and streaming assets in an agreement announced December 5.
FOX Entertainment and Dhar Mann Studios have partnered to create original scripted vertical video content to debut exclusively on the Holywater vertical platform, followed by worldwide distribution windows managed by FOX Entertainment Global. Under the multi-year agreement, Dhar Mann Studios will create and produce an initial slate of 40 narrative-driven titles. “As leading partners to creators exploring this growing ecosystem, we’re primed to expand Dhar Mann Studios’ reach by super-serving his new and existing fans everywhere with this all-new, original vertical content,” said FOX Entertainment CEO Rob Wade
Stephen Colbert won’t be leaving “The Late Show” empty-handed when his show ends its run in May. On March 8, he will receive the Walter Bernstein Awards from the Writers Guild of America East. The award goes to a member “who has demonstrated with creativity, grace and bravery a willingness to confront social injustice in the face of adversity.” Responded Colbert, “It’s a great honor to receive the Walter Bernstein award from our Guild, and I assume this is mostly for my work on The Dana Carvey Show (possibly available on Blu-Ray!)”. |
 BritBox is battling the ongoing proliferation of streaming services with an updated brand identity. To help communicate the breadth of its British content targeted to North America, Australian and Nordic markets, BritBox turned to creative agency Sibling Rivalry. “This refreshed identity strengthens the clarity and confidence of the BritBox brand,” said Abby Elkin, VP of Brand and Creative at BritBox. “Sibling Rivalry understood our brief to evolve the brand and bring it to life through a flexible, modular system that expands our creative toolkit and elevates premium perception.”
The Warner Bros. Looney Tunes library has found a home at Warner Bros. Discovery’s TCM, reports Variety. The six-year deal starts on February 2 and will include over 750 animated short films starring the likes of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. “By making TCM an ongoing home for this iconic library, we’re able to present these cartoons with the care they deserve, alongside the classic films they helped influence,” said Charlie Tabesh, TCM SVP Programming and Content Strategy. |
 |
| THE TOP WOMEN NETWORK
Introducing the Top Women Network
A New, Industry-Wide Community for Women Who Lead and Rise
We’re proud to launch the Top Women Network—a year-round platform connecting and elevating women across media, marketing, technology, PR, and publishing. Built on the legacy of our Top Women and Most Powerful Women awards, the Network brings recognition, mentorship, and community together under one powerful umbrella. Be part of what’s next.
DISCOVER & JOIN THE NETWORK |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Season 13 of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” kicks off Sunday, February 15 at 11p. Also on the way next month (no specific date yet) is another HBO late night series, “Neighbors,” exploring stories of absurd and dramatic real-life residential conflicts.
British cookbook author and TV personality Nigella Lawson has joined “The Great British Baking Show” (known as “The Great British Bake Off” in Britain) as a judge. She replaces Prue Leith, 86, who said last week she was leaving the show after nine seasons.
“The Testaments,” based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, makes its debut Wednesday, April 8 on Hulu. The drama, described as “an evolution of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’,” follows two young teens as the navigate a school for future wives.
“Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” premieres Thursday, February 12 at 9p. The three-episode simulcast on FX and Hulu kicks off Ryan Murphy’s new “Love Story” anthology series. |
Today’s Premieres
Discovery: Moonshiners: Master Distiller at 9p
Disney+: Wonder Man
Netflix: Take That |
| PRODUCTION |
| Richard Gere has joined the cast of Apple TV limited series “The Off Weeks,” starring and executive produced by Jessica Chastain and Ben Stiller. Gere is currently starring in Showtime drama “The Agency: Central Intelligence.”
Banijay Asia is producing reality competition format “The Fifty” for JioHotstar and Colors TV, launching on February 1. Originally created by French unscripted label, B Prod, it’s the format’s fifth international adaptation.
Britain’s indie Blink Films is in production on an international coproduction feature for NOVA, France Télévisions, and SBS (Australia) exploring new revelations about Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple.
All3Media is expanding its unscripted content with the addition of NYC-based Barnicle Brothers. The documentary producer specializes in feature documentaries about sports, music and true crime. |
|
| CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2026
Your VIP Pass to Convergent TV World—On Us
Consumer brands and agencies are eligible for free VIP Passes with high-level perks—exclusive networking, hosted buyer meetings, Awards access, and more. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Apply now before passes are gone.
APPLY NOW |
| COMING UP |
| CBS’ broadcast of the Tony Awards is set for Sunday, June 7 at 8p at NYC’s Radio City Music Hall. Nominations will be announced May 5.
Great American Media is ready for love with Great American Valentine’s: A February Romance Event. The event will feature premiere movies Thursday nights on Great American Pure Flix and Saturday nights on Great American Family and GGAM+. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
Olympics viewers are 2x more likely to visit casual dining and QSR locations than the average TV audience, according to data from App Science. Additional insights include:
– Olympics viewers over-index for travel-related locations, including airports and national parks.
– Olympic fans are nearly 4.79x more likely to watch Westerns and over 4x more likely to engage with Fashion & Beauty content.
– A growing number of Olympics viewers are predominantly cord cutters who favor AVOD and FAST platforms like The Roku Channel, Plex, and Pluto TV.
– Olympic fans show high affinity for Comics, Social, and Productivity apps.
What’s the takeaway? “Olympic fans aren’t just tuning in for the competition; they’re engaging across screens, locations, and lifestyles,” said Helen Lum, EVP at App Science.
“This audience is mobile, culturally curious, and highly responsive to brand messaging, giving advertisers a powerful opportunity to connect through storytelling that extends beyond the broadcast.”
NHL Game Zone has launched a new daily game, NHL Goal Chase. Players pick one goal scorer for each game day of the NHL season, aiming for the longest streak of correct picks. Users will be able to make their goal scorer pick for the current day as well as two days in the future. |
| RATINGS |
| Saturday’s debut of UFC action on Paramount+ drew an average minute audience of 4.96 million viewers, reports Paramount Global. UFC34 was the biggest exclusive live event on the streamer ever.
The season 10 launch of BET’s “Tyler Perry’s Sistas” delivered 1 million total viewers based on premiere and encore impressions. On its debut day, the series ranked as the #1 telecast on cable (excluding sports and news) among Black P18-49 and Black P2+. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Amazon MGM Studios’ Head of Global Television Peter Friedlander is restructuring his scripted series group. “Effective immediately, we are transitioning from our current structure — split between Wholly Owned and Co-Productions — to a streamlined, genre-based organization (drama & comedy, worldbuilding, animation, and unscripted),” said Friedlander in a memo to staff. Blair Fetter, who worked with Friedlander at Netflix, is joining as Head of Worldbuilding and Genre Series. Laura Lancaster and Nick Pepper, who have been running the co-production and wholly teams, are leaving their roles, but are in talks to enter producing deals with Amazon MGM.
Sara Iversen has joined the Northern Lights Family as Director of Growth and Partnerships. Iversen was previously Executive Producer/Director of Business Development at Boomshot.
JamLoop has promoted Brian Bell to SVP, Head of Sales. Bell most recently served as GM, North America. |
|
This Day in History
1924 – Finnish skater Clas Thunberg won three gold medals in one day at the Chamonix Winter Olympics. American swimmer Michael Phelps repeated the feat during the Beijing Games in 2008.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
What was Maude’s first interaction with Victoria Butterfield, who became her third housekeeper on “Maude” (1972-78)? Maude accused Victoria of stealing her wallet on the subway. Kudos to: Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Damon Romine-SAG-AFTRA/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
Who played the title role in the 1974 TV movie “Wonder Woman”? (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 |
|
|
