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Cynopsis
Tuesday January 28, 2025

   IN THE NEWS

Amazon’s AI-driven optimization platform Brand+ is now available to advertisers. The tool employs trillions of shopping, browsing, and streaming signals from across Amazon to pinpoint the consumers that advertisers want to find. Marketers can deliver video ads across Amazon’s properties as well as premium video publishers like Buzzfeed, Fox Corporation, and Dotdash Meredith, to customers likely to convert over time. “For the first time on the Amazon DSP, advertisers can apply AI-optimized automation to purchase TV advertising that reaches unique audiences of customers most likely to buy their products or services,” said Kelly MacLean, VP of Amazon DSP. “With this advanced AI technology, the Amazon DSP enables advertisers and agencies to automatically reach, engage, and nurture potential customers throughout their journey, turning brand awareness into a strategic driver of conversions.”

Eighty percent of US consumers prefer free internet access supported by ads, and over 70% are willing to share data to enable personalized experiences, according to IAB study, “Striking the Balance: the Consumer Perspective on Privacy, Preference and Personalization.” Other findings include:
– 80% are concerned about data misuse for criminal activity, but only 2% worry about their data being used for personalized advertising.
– 40% of consumers know they can access or delete their data, while 60% find privacy management complex and confusing.
– Despite challenges, 82% of consumers agree personalized ads help them discover relevant products.
– 79% of consumers feel more positive about brands that tailor their advertising to their preferences.

“This study validates and builds upon what we heard from consumers during our 2024 survey. Personalization and privacy can co-exist and benefit both consumers and the growth of the free and open internet,” said David Cohen, CEO, IAB. “Consumers understand the advertising value proposition and are willing to share their data to enable a personalized experience.”

When a company eliminates their DEI departments and executives, it leaves a negative impact on buying attitudes, according to Horowitz Research study, “FOCUS Asian Volume 3: Social, Cultural, & Political Shifts.” Thirty-four percent of Asian consumers say they would not support a company that eliminates their DEI efforts (compared to 30% of consumers in general). “Our data consistently show that DEI does make good business sense because it leads directly to higher consideration of brands among diverse audiences, including the Asian audience,” said Adriana Waterston, EVP and Insights & Strategy Lead for Horowitz Research. “Our data also show that diverse audiences are very wary of brands being performative about DEI but not really being committed to the goal of equitable access to employment, career development, and business growth for historically marginalized groups. The fact that so many brands are eliminating DEI as if it is a trend that has passed is short-sighted and could have a negative impact on their businesses.”

Young people spend more time watching “non-premium” online video than they do regular TV shows, according to Hub Entertainment Research report, “Video Redefined” (and any parent of a teenager). Consumers aged 13-24 estimate that 21% of all their entertainment screen time goes to non-premium video, compared to just 16% spent on traditional TV shows. But young people still watch TV, and more than 60% of them say they often watch shows or movies that they discovered for the first time via clips on social platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

“While consumers embrace social video as essential entertainment, many are aware that it may be at the expense of watching longer form TV and movies,” said Jason Platt Zolov, Senior Consultant at Hub and one of the study authors. “Studios have an opportunity to continue to lean into short-form to build connections with audiences – but bringing consumers back to longer-form content can potentially deepen engagement with brands in meaningful ways.”

US viewers spent over 12 trillion minutes streaming in 2024, up 10% from 2023. That’s according to Nielsen’s “Streaming Unwrapped” report, which notes “The Big Bang Theory” was the most-binged show on streaming in 2024 – the comedy averaged 265.5 episodes per viewer on Max (caveat: “This does not mean they watched 265 unique episodes, just that they spent the equivalent of 265 episodes’ worth of time” watching the show, said Nielsen), and 29.1 billion minutes of total viewing. The top streaming original series was Netflix’s “Bridgerton,” with 21.42 billion viewing minutes.

Nielsen and Cox Media Group inked a multi-year renewal agreement for television and audio measurement services covering CMG local television and radio stations. The deal calls for CMG to continue to utilize a suite of Nielsen measurement services to demonstrate audience value to advertisers including Scarborough, Arianna, Local Media Impact, and Streaming Dynamic Ad Insertion.

The US ad market saw December spend rise 13.3%, with total 2024 ad spending up 8.5%, according to Guideline’s US Ad Market Tracker. December’s result tied August’s number, and was behind only July’s 15.3% growth.

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   PRODUCTION

Peacock has given a series pickup to “The Five-Star Weekend,” starring and executive produced by Jennifer Garner. Produced by UCP, the series is an adaptation of Elin Hilderbrand’s New York Times bestseller of the same name. Bekah Brunstetter (“Maid”) serves as creator, writer and executive producer. Beth Schacter (“Billions”) is writer and executive producer. Sue Naegle (“Pam and Tommy”) and Ali Krug (“Pam and Tommy”) executive produce through their Dinner Party Productions banner as part of their overall deal with UCP, and Hilderbrand is executive producer.

Podcast “The Rest Is History” is being adapted for TV. The series’ production company, Goalhanger, is teaming with Wheelhouse for the project.

BET+ and Hartbeat, the entertainment company founded by Kevin Hart, are teaming for “Lil Kev,” the first original adult animated series for the streamer. Created by Kevin Hart, the show is set to premiere in the Spring of 2025. Wanda Sykes and Deon Cole will star alongside Hart.

FOX Nation is staying in business with Kevin Costner, signing its second deal with the actor and filmmaker. Three-part limited series “Yellowstone to Yosemite with Kevin Costner” will debut on Saturday, February 8, kicking off the steaming platform’s year-long “America 250” campaign.

HGTV has inked a new talent deal with home renovation experts Ben and Erin Napier. Their renovation series, “Home Town,” will be extended for 32 more episodes shooting through 2027.

   NEW & RETURNING SERIES

Dark comedy “Deli Boys,” following pampered Pakistani-American brothers forced to reckon with their father’s secret life of crime, debuts Thursday, March 6 on Hulu.

Paramount+ drama “Happy Face” debuts Thursday, March 20. The eight-parter is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore; the “Happy Face” podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook. At 15, Moore discovered that her father was the serial killer known as Happy Face. Jumping off from Moore’s true-life story, the series follows Melissa (Annaleigh Ashford) and her incarcerated father (Dennis Quaid).

WWE and A&E launch a new slate of programming with the premiere of new competition series “WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats)” on Sunday, February 16 at 8. Immediately following the debut comes a new season of “WWE Rivals” at 9:30p. At 10p, “WWE’s Greatest Moments” offers fans a chance to count down iconic events in WWE history.

“The Baldwins,” a reality series following on the lives of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin and their seven children, kicks off Sunday, February 23 at 10p on TLC.

“Good American Family,” inspired by the stories surrounding a Midwestern couple who adopted a girl with a rare form of dwarfism, premieres Wednesday, March 19 on Hulu.

Today’s Premieres
History: Hunting History with Steven Rinella at 10p
Hulu: Paradise
PBS: Great Migrations: A People on the Move at 9p

   COMING UP

Story Television Network is offering a five-day lineup of documentary programming from Sunday, February 2-Thursday, February 6, highlighting African American history and heritage. Each day will spotlight people who changed history.

Blake Shelton will host NBC’s “Opry 100: A Live Celebration,” honoring the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary, on Wednesday, March 19 at 8p.

“Sky Lives (aka The Burden of Black Genius)”, a film exploring the legacy of Sly and the Family Stone premieres Thursday, February 15 on Hulu.

INSP’s February film stunts kick off with weekly Saturday night “Dudes & Darlins: Western Romance” movies at 9p.

“Foul Play with Anthony Davis,” a docu-style unscripted comedy, gives pro athletes one shot to score a great prank, or foul out trying. The half-hour special is set to air immediately following the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 16 on TBS.

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Don’t Wait—Opportunities Are Limited!

   SPORTS REPORT

ESPN is set to kick off the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, a two-day showcase featuring the NFL stars, playmakers and personalities in both skill competitions and a 7-on-7 flag football game. The “Pro Bowl Skills Show” begins the Games from Orlando, FL on Thursday, January 30 at 7p. Sunday’s events will air across ESPN, ABC, Disney XD and ESPN+ with Thursday’s event airing on ESPN and ESPN+. A Spanish-language edition of both day’s events will be available on ESPN Deportes.

Fox Sports’ lead NFL announce team of play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady will call Super Bowl LIX, marking Brady’s first Super Bowl broadcast in a return to the site of his first Super Bowl win. Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will report live from the field, while Fox NFL rules expert Mike Pereira, former NFL Vice President of Officiating, provides rules analysis throughout the game.

Third-generation racer Corey LaJoie will join host Danielle Trotta to host Prime Video’s inaugural season of NASCAR Cup Series coverage, starting with the five-race Cup Series package at the Coca-Cola 600, in Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning on Sunday, May 25.

The PGA Tour, Penn Entertainment and ESPN are launching a live betting stream. Starting with the WM Phoenix Open on Thursday, February 6, the ESPN Bet on PGA Tour Live branded will provide data, insights and live betting analysis during coverage of six events on ESPN+.

   GOING GLOBAL

Plano a Plano Bilbao and Innato La Serie, AIE have teamed with Dynamic Television for thriller “Innate,” created by Fran Carballal (“Cicatriz”) and Enrique Lojo (“En Fin”).

Nippon TV has two new scripted formats, sci-fi dramedy “Hot Spot” and romance drama “Ensemblee,” and game show format “Funny Face Spy” set for MIP London.

   RATINGS

Viewership for the NFC Championship game averaged 59.8 million, according to AdImpact, about 13 million shy of last year’s game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers. Overall, viewership peaked at 78.6 million, with linear accounting for 58% of all viewers. Streaming made up 42%, and YouTube and YouTube TV accounted for 19%.

Newsmax’s “Carl Higbie Frontline” drew nearly 810,000 total viewers last Tuesday, with “Rob Schmitt Tonight” delivering close to 700,000 viewers.

   EXECUTIVE MOVES

The international Board of Directors for Special Olympics elected new members Amb. Mathilde Mukantabana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Rwanda to the US, and Russell Wolff, Managing Director and Head of Sports, Media & Entertainment Operations at Sixth Street, as well as returning members Angelo Moratti and Loretta Claiborne.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau has appointed Shenan Reed, Global Chief Media Officer, General Motors, as the new Chair of the trade organization’s Board of Directors. Reed previously served as Vice Chair and has been a member of the board since December 2020. Reed succeeds John Halley, President, Paramount Advertising, who will continue to serve on the IAB board and executive committee.

NATAS announced the 2025 Board of Directors. Joining existing board members are Megan Chao, documentarian and journalist; Lindsey Reiser, journalist and anchor for CBS News; and Angela C. Santomero, Executive Producer and Co-creator of Children’s series including “Blue’s Clues.”

Banijay Entertainment has promoted Steve Matthews to Head of Scripted, Creative, and Johannes Jensen to Head of Scripted, Business.

Makine has hired Corina Capuano as Chief Brand Officer. Capuano held VP roles at FX Networks, Fox Networks Group, and Fox International Channels.

This Day in History
1985 – Music superstars gathered to record “We Are the World.”

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
In “Nashville” (2012-18), how did Rayna die? In a car accident. Kudos to: Todd Lewis-TL Sports & Entertainment/Fort Myers, FL; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Sarah Ghilardi-Mediametrie/Paris

Today’s Trivia Question
Which comedian won Emmys for roles on “Coach” (1989-97) and “30 Rock”? (2006-13)? (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

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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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