 IN THE NEWS |
| Disney CEO Bob Iger has told associates he plans to step down before the end of his contract in December, reports The Wall Street Journal. The Disney board of directors is reportedly meeting this week to decide on Iger’s successor. The top two CEO candidates appear to be Josh D’Amaro, who oversees theme parks, consumer products and videogames, and Dana Walden, who co-chairs Disney’s entertainment business. Iger’s last successor, Bob Chapek, lasted from 2020 until 2022, when Disney brought Iger back. |
 HBO’s “It’s Florida, Man” has been renewed for season three. The late-night comedy follows ripped-from-the-headlines tales from the Sunshine State.
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested last week at the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi, and charged with federal civil rights crimes in connection with a protest at a Minnesota church service earlier this month. “Last night, the DOJ sent a team of federal agents to arrest me in the middle of the night for something that I have been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news,” said Lemon after being released from federal custody on Friday. “The First Amendment of the Constitution protects me and countless other journalists who do what I do. I stand with all of them, and I will not be silent. I look forward to my day in court.”
See you in court: A federal judge has ruled that California plaintiffs can proceed with an online privacy suit that accuses PubMatic of using trackers and device identifiers to collect browsing data for ad-targeting profiles. “At this stage of the litigation, plaintiffs have adequately pled a ‘highly offensive’ intrusion of privacy that invades a reasonable internet user’s expectation of privacy,” said US District Judge Susan Illston in the Northern District of California last week. PubMatic had wanted Illston to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the allegations, even if proven true, wouldn’t establish liability for any of the claims. “Plaintiffs advance reflect an illogical reading of California (and federal) law that would have vast consequences for how the internet functions,” PubMatic argued in October.
Milo Ventimiglia (“This Is Us”) will star in HBO Max pilot “American Blue.” The police drama from Jeremy Carver (“Supernatural”) and Warner Bros. Television follows a man who returns home to rescue a beleaguered police force.
“Heated Rivalry” star Connor Storrie will take his first turn on “Saturday Night Live” on February 28, when the show returns after a break. Storrie will be joined by Mumford & Sons as musical guest. |
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| CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2026
YouTube’s Tara Walpert Levy on What’s Next for TV
YouTube VP Tara Walpert Levy takes the Convergent TV World stage to share how viewing behavior, big-screen creators, and new monetization dynamics are redefining TV. Join 500+ senior leaders for a candid look at what’s changing—and what to do next.
Save your seat by Feb. 7 before prices go up.
REGISTER NOW |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Sixteen elite pastry chefs are put to the test in new culinary competition series “The Ultimate Baking Championship,” premiering Monday, March 9 at 9p on Food Network. Jesse Palmer (“Holiday Baking Championship,” “The Bachelor”) hosts. |
Today’s Premieres
Bravo: Below Deck Down Under at 8p
HBO Max: Madame Beja |
| INSIGHT |
| The Super Bowl was once the ultimate advertising mic drop. Today, it’s less a standalone moment and more the centerpiece of a larger brand ecosystem. As the role of the Super Bowl spot evolves, brands must rethink what it truly delivers – on reach, relevance, and ROI – and whether the price of entry still makes sense. John Scurfield, WPP Media’s Executive Director, Sports and Gaming Partnerships, weighs in.
How has the role of the Super Bowl ad changed now that audiences see the commercials online before kickoff?
Super Bowl ads are no longer a single, surprise moment during the game. As audiences see the creative before the Big Game across social and other platforms, brands can build anticipation and engagement well before kickoff. That early momentum influences how the spot lands on game day and often extends its impact long after the final whistle. The in-game ad still matters, but it’s most effective when it’s part of a connected, multi-touchpoint story rather than a standalone moment.
Do brands still view the Super Bowl as a mass-reach play, or more as a cultural credibility moment?
The Super Bowl continues to deliver unmatched mass reach, which is why many legacy advertisers return year after year to build awareness at scale. It has evolved into a cultural touchpoint for brands aiming to connect with younger, digital-first audiences. Live sports create unique moments of mass attention, allowing brands to meet audiences where they are. By leveraging second-screen experiences alongside celebrities and creators, the most effective campaigns combine broad reach with meaningful, culturally relevant impact. The Super Bowl epitomizes sports fandom, spanning live program viewing, real-time social conversation, and its broader impact on culture and lifestyle.
What makes a Super Bowl ad worth it (or not) in 2026 compared to spending that budget elsewhere?
The Super Bowl is a catalyst for a broader, long-term storytelling strategy. With major sports tentpoles like the Super Bowl, the Winter Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup defining the 2026 calendar – and inventory secured well in advance – brands have a continuous cultural runway to build a cohesive narrative across moments. A strong Super Bowl activation can spark year-long engagement and sustain relevance from end-to-end. |
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| CYNOPSIS SPORTS AWARDS
Setting the Standard for Modern Sports Media & Marketing
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has been named the first Luminary Award recipient for the 2026 Cynopsis Sports Awards, recognized as Sports League of the Year for its groundbreaking league launch, expansive storytelling, and record-breaking momentum.
Join the industry leaders being recognized. Entries are now open for 2026.
VIEW CATEGORIES & ENTER NOW |
| COMING UP |
| The MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Awards will air on national television for the first time on Tuesday, February 3, at 8p on BET. The awards honor national and international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership and commitment to social justice. Honorees this year include Viola Davis, Billie Eilish, Warrick Dunn, as well as The LeBron James Family Foundation, with musical performances by Chance the Rapper, Syleena Johnson, October London, and Goapele. |
| STUNTS |
| Rakuten Viki, a destination for Asian entertainment, is partnering with Korean-French bakery Tous les Jours for a promotion. Through February 14, eligible customers who make a purchase at participating Tous les Jours locations nationwide will receive a free one-month trial of Viki Pass Standard. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| DirecTV has teamed with NBCUniversal to enable its subscribers to access Olympics coverage. Customers will be able to watch the Games across NBC, USA Network, and CNBC, plus streaming on NBCOlympics.com, the NBC Sports app, and NBC app, covering every sport, every medal event, and full-event, and replays.
Sports media brand and operator Overtime announced two major partnerships. A content collaboration with the NBA and WNBA will see Overtime and the leagues share content across their respective platforms with a focus on engaging the next generation of basketball fans. Overtime has also been named a social media parter for NBCUniversal’s Winter Olympics coverage.
NBA G-League games are available on Samsung TV Plus’ STN Channel. Friday, February 6 at 7p will see Greensboro and Cleveland hit the court. |
| DISTRIBUTION |
| PHYND, the free, ad-supported Smart TV cloud gaming platform, has partnered with LG to bring its service LG Smart TVs via the LG Gaming Portal later this year. The ad-supported model allows creators to monetize based on engagement through non-intrusive, audience-based ads. |
| IN MEMORIAM |
| Actress Catherine O’Hara died January 30 at age 71, after a what her rep called a “brief illness” Among O’Hara’s numerous film and television roles were “Home Alone” and “Best in Show,” along with “Schitt’s Creek,” for which O’Hara won an Emmy, and “The Studio.” Said “Schitt’s Creek” co-creator a star Eugene Levy, “What a gift to have gotten to dance in the warm glow of Catherine O’Hara’s brilliance for all those years …. It’s hard to imagine a world without her in it.” “The Studio” team, which canceled a press day appearance scheduled for tomorrow, released a statement saying, “An undeniable legend, icon, and incomparable talent, Catherine elevated every project she was a part of, including the singular genius she brought to her role on ‘The Studio,’ and every transcendent performance she gifted to us.”
Demond Wilson, best known for his role in “Sanford and Son,” died January 30 after complications related to cancer. He was 79. Wilson’s last TV project was “Eleanor’s Bench,” in 2023. |
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This Day in History
1802 – The first leopard was exhibited in the US, in Boston. Price of admission: 25 cents.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
In which year did the highest-rated telecast of the Grammy Awards air? 1984. Kudos to: Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; John Kukla-KDFW Fox 4/Dallas; Douglas Hochstadt-Disney/NYC; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA
Today’s Trivia Question
How did Maryann end up on the fateful tour on “Gilligan’s Island” (1964-67)? (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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