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| Thursday February 12, 2026 |
 IN THE NEWS |
| The drama continues in the battle for Warner Bros. Discovery. Just one day after Paramount Skydance sweetened its hostile takeover offer, activist investor and WBD shareholder Ancora Alternatives registered its strong opposition to the proposed WBD/Netflix transaction. Warner Bros. Discovery “now has no choice but to deem Paramount’s amended offer as one that could reasonably be expected to result in a Superior Proposal, given Netflix’s presently inferior proposal and unaddressed regulatory issues,” said Ancora in a presentation. Ancora also warned that it would vote against the Netflix deal if WBD’s board declines to engage with Paramount. Warner Bros. Discovery defended its leadership, stating: “WBD’s experienced and independent Board and management team have a proven track record of acting in the best interests of the Company and shareholders – as demonstrated by the significant steps taken over the past year to unlock the full value of WBD’s unmatched portfolio of assets. We remain steadfast in our commitment to maximizing shareholder value.”
Between cost-cutting measures and technology including AI and automation, E.W. Scripps said on Wednesday it is positioning the company to achieve $125 million to $150 million in annual enterprise EBITDA by 2028. But the company remains committed to its local and national programming, according to Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson. “Today’s media landscape isn’t short on information or advertising, but what Americans tell us they are suffering from is a scarcity of real connection. We uniquely serve this need for connection by bringing Americans together through our news, entertainment and sports programming, and we will continue to do so with the fast and agile infrastructure and technology that our economic environment demands of us,” said Symon. Additional details are expected during the company’s earnings call on February 26.
While social media remained a core channel for advertisers in terms of ROI in 2025, investment has declined as platform fragmentation, creative demands and regulatory uncertainty created real challenges for marketers. That’s according Keen Decision Systems report, The 2026 Marketing Investment Framework & Decision Guide. Additional insights include:
· Streaming video increased as brands shifted budgets from linear TV towards ad-supported streaming apps. CTV accounted for 59% of streaming budgets, while online video made up 41% of spending.
· From 2022 to 2025, there has been a clear shift towards top-of-funnel investment among brands of all sizes. Larger brands ($100 million+) moved steadily from 43% to 58% allocation. Streaming video and social media saw the highest increase in investments among top-of-funnel tactics, while display jumped from 18% to 27% in 2026, the sharpest single-year growth.
· Retail media has grown from 15% of media budgets in 2022 to 22% in 2025 as brands are expanding beyond pure capture tactics towards more upper-funnel formats.
· While Amazon remains the dominant retail media network, its share of spend declined from 56% in 2024 to 46% in 2025 as spend shifted to Walmart and mid-sized retailers.
“Based on these findings, we’d advise brands to start making a gradual shift from linear TV to streaming as a top-of-funnel tactic while maintaining proven performers like search where ROI justifies continued investment,” said Justin Jefferson, Vice President, Strategy and Insights, at Keen Decision Systems. “By strategically allocating their investments across the funnel, including retail media, brands of all sizes can experience sustained brand building.”
As staffers at “CBS Evening News” prepare for layoffs, eleven employees eligible for voluntary buyouts have accepted the offer, according to the New York Post. At least six of those departing are among the program’s roughly 20 producers. The buyout option — described by CBS News as an “enhanced separation payment” — was introduced last month as editor-in-chief Bari Weiss began overhauling the division.
Actor James Van Der Beek died February 11. He was 48. In November 2024, Van Der Beek announced he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek was best known to television audiences for his role as Dawson on teen drama “Dawson’s Creek.”
Harvest Studios, the production company founded by Bentley Kyle Evans (“Martin,” “The Jamie Foxx Show”) and co-founder Trenten Gumbs (“Family Time,” “In the Cut”), is expanding its global content footprint with the launch of Black Vision TV (BVTV). Evans and Gumbs are partnering with HC2 Station Group on the entertainment and lifestyle network that will deliver a variety of content celebrating Black culture.
Spectrum News struck an agreement with New England Cable News and NBCUniversal for the acquisition of most of the assets of NECN, including the network’s distribution agreements throughout New England. Spectrum News networks in Maine and Massachusetts will combine with NECN and rebrand as Spectrum News NECN. The new combined network will continue to be available to existing NECN distributors throughout New England and will also be available to Spectrum customers in Maine and Massachusetts along with Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. |
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| CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2026
From Your Inbox to the Big Stage
Take a quick survey on awareness, engagement, and conversions and see the results shared at Convergent TV World (March 5–6). Plus, enter to win one of six $25 Amazon gift cards.
TAKE THE SURVEY |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| “The Lady,” based on the true story of a former royal dresser accused of murder, premieres Wednesday, March 18 on BritBox.
Netflix’s “XO, Kitty” returns for season three on Thursday, April 2. The teen dramedy is a spinoff of “All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.”
“Hunt for the Missing: Chicago,” a six-parter from ID, premieres Wednesday, March 4 at 10p. The true crime show follows a retired Chicago detective whose mission is to keep cold cases being forgotten. |
Today’s Premieres
BET digital: Minding Our Black-Owned Business
Hulu: Love Story: John F. Kennedy & Carolyn Bessette
Netflix: How to Get to Heaven From Belfast; Million-Follower Detective
Paramount+: Can You Keep a Secret?
Prime Video: Soul Power: The Legend of the American Basketball Association |
| TECH |
| Guideline, provider of advertising data and media plan management technologies, announced the launch of the Guideline AI Factory, designed to turn Guideline’s advertising market intelligence data and technology solutions into practical AI that customers can leverage inside media plan management workflows. The AI Factory’s first product bet is AI Digital Placement Classification, a foundational capability that converts rich but inconsistent digital media placement names into standardized, decision-grade reporting that matches how media is bought and sold.
iwot™ studios, a transmedia entertainment company creating content based on the sci-fi/fantasy universe The Wheel of Time®, and visual effects studio Framestore have formed a joint venture aimed at building an AI-enabled platform for entertainment franchises that will enable studios to unify their production environments across film, television, video games, animation, advertising, immersive experiences, social platforms, and user-generated content. “Fans shouldn’t have to wait to experience the worlds they love in the formats they want,” said Rick Selvage, CEO of iwot studios. |
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| THE TOP WOMEN NETWORK
Rise Together. Lead Boldly.
A year-round community for women shaping what’s next across media, marketing, and beyond. Connect, collaborate, and claim your space alongside leaders and rising voices driving change across the industry.
Your moment starts here.
JOIN THE TOP WOMEN NETWORK |
| PRODUCTION |
| Raj Kapoor, Sarah Levine Hall and Jack Sussman will produce The 79th Annual Tony Awards, airing Sunday, June 7 on CBS. It’s Kapoor’s first Tonys turn, while Levine Hall and Sussman are old hands at the event.
Austin-headquartered Texas Crew Productions has partnered with SXSW to provide all event-related production services for the 2026 SXSW EDU Conference and the 2026 SXSW Conferences & Festivals, spanning Innovation, Film & TV and Music.
John Gore Studios announced the strategic acquisition of independent production company Deep Fusion Films, recognized for combining storytelling with ethically led, insured and legally governed AI production tools and approaches. Under the deal, Deep Fusion Films will join John Gore Studios’ group of specialist labels, retaining its leadership team and creative identity while operating as a center of excellence for ethical AI-enabled production. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
 It’s never too early to get in the game. ESPN is already at work on “Year of the Super Bowl,” a 12-month, multi-platform event ahead of ESPN’s first-ever Super Bowl production, airing February 14, 2027, on ESPN and ABC in February. The effort launched immediately after Super Bowl LX with “The Handoff” at SoFi Stadium and Disneyland Park. “With the full strength of The Walt Disney Company and in collaboration with the NFL, ESPN has embarked on a year-long Super Bowl celebration,” said Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman. “Across our platforms, screens, and parks, we’ll build momentum throughout the year toward Super Bowl LXI – a monumental event for sports fans everywhere and for ESPN.”
Interstate Batteries has become the title sponsor of High Limit Racing through an agreement with FloSports, which streams High Limit Racing exclusively on FloRacing. The multiyear partnership kicks off March 12-14 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. |
| COMING UP |
| The “BET Awards” have been set for Sunday, June 28. Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, serves as Executive Producer for the show, with Jesse Collins Entertainment as the production company for the broadcast. Fan experience BETX will take place in LA from June 25-27.
NewsNation special “Missing: The Nancy Guthrie Mystery” is set for Saturday, February 14 at 8p. Anchored by senior national correspondent Brian Entin, the one-hour broadcast will cover the latest developments in the search for the mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie.
“Rental Family,” starring Brendan Fraser as an actor hired to step into surrogate roles for strangers seeking affection, drops Wednesday, February 18 on Hulu. The film hit theaters on November 21.
The “Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide: Concert Special” premieres Thursday, February 19 on Disney Channel. The special offers performances, backstage access, and footage from the concert. |
| DISTRIBUTION |
| Disney inked a multi-year deal with UK’s Sky that will have the Disney+ Standard with Ads package included in eligible Sky TV packages starting in March. In addition, a Disney linear channel will launch for Sky Cinema subscribers. |
| RATINGS |
| Telemundo delivered the most-watched Super Bowl in Spanish-language broadcast history with 3.3 million total viewers, up +47% over the previous record and ranking as the highest-rated non-soccer sporting event ever on Spanish-language TV, according to Nielsen. Bad Bunny’s halftime performance drove a record 4.79 million viewers, making it the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show ever on Spanish-language television.
“Puppy Bowl” reached 15.3 million viewers across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+ on Super Bowl Sunday, ranking as the #1 non-sports cable telecast of the day among key adult demos and achieving a 20% year-over-year increase in reach.
NBC’s “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon” drew 2.4 million viewers in its post-Olympics perch on February 6, according to Nielsen. That’s the show’s best number since it had an NFL lead-in on Thanksgiving 2024.
The latest season of HGTV’s “Ugliest House in America” attracted over 11.9 million viewers across linear and streaming and scored a .71 Live+3 rating among Women 25-54, the highest season rating for the demo in nearly four years.
Top 10 Broadcast Networks for the Week of February 2
P2+AA (000)
NBC 26420
ABC 2889
CBS 2138
Fox 1552
Telemundo 1412
Univision 1044
ION 533
CW 402
Me TV 523
Grit 296
Source: Nielsen
Basic Cable Top 10 for the Week of February 2
P2+ AA (000)
Primetime
Fox News 2633
ESPN 177
MS NOW 1095
CNN 753
USA 696
HGTV 658
TBS 541
Hallmark Channel 541
History 465
TLC 428
Total Day
Fox News 1725
MS NOW 680
USA 620
ESPN 571
CNN 527
HGTV 351
TBS 312
Hallmark Channel 266
Food Network 264
GSN 258
Source: Nielsen |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| BritBox International president Robert Schildhouse has been promoted to CEO of BBC Studios Direct to Consumer, which includes BritBox in North America and BBC Select.
OpenX has appointed Natalie Fisher-Brown as RVP EMEA to lead buy-side sales and account management. Fisher-Brown was most recently Global Head of Sales at WeTransfer.
Teads has named Nirali Jain as Managing Director for North America. Jain joins Teads from Innovid, where she most recently served as Vice President of Enterprise Sales.
The Tinopolis Group has appointed three new creative directors across its UK labels: Tammy Hoyle joins Firecracker as Creative Director, Yonni Usiskin has been named Creative Director of Mentorn, and Gill Brown is appointed Creative Director of Tinopolis Scotland. |
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This Day in History
1947 – French fashion designer Christian Dior debuted the “New Look.”
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
On “Full House” (1987-1995), where did the Tanners find Comet? A dog delivered puppies in the Tanners’ backyard, and they kept one. Kudos to: Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Karen Kelly-SPUH/Barnegat, NJ
Today’s Trivia Question
Which sitcom ran on NBC from 1983-84, then was revived and aired in first-run syndication from 1987-88? (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.) |
BROADCAST ENGINEER >>
HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY/HIGH POINT, NC: Ensure high-quality production environments and provide technical leadership to faculty, staff, and students in live and recorded productions and play a role in supporting the school’s mission to provide industry-standard production experiences for students and will have opportunities to contribute to the development of emerging media technologies. More info HERE
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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