 IN THE NEWS |
| Global advertising and marketing spending is projected to accelerate to 9.8% in 2026, as economic fears wane and the Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup and political elections in 40 countries propel growth, according to new research from media economist PQ Media. Analysts observed that many media segments are again mirroring TV’s even-year/odd-year growth swings fueled by international sporting events and federal and local elections worldwide. “Early pacing data in 2026 shows that brands are increasing their budgets for the even-year events, but also due to consumers continuing to purchase products despite rising costs,” said PQ Media CEO Patrick Quinn. “As we’ve observed since 2018, STM will continue to be the fastest growing of the 47 digital & alternative media we track, up 30.5% in 2025, as AI becomes more user-friendly, particularly for local small businesses, and includes more sophisticated measurement tools for global brands.”
Ninety percent of sports enthusiasts feel it is important for local sports to be shown on local broadcast TV, according to the 2026 Sports Survey from trade association TVB. Additional findings include:
· For sports enthusiasts, linear television is the preferred way to view sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, soccer, auto racing and tennis.
· Sports enthusiasts skew their linear sports viewing to the large TV screen while a high percentage of streamers use small screens.
· Three out of four sports enthusiasts watch sports on local broadcast TV at least twice a week.
· Broadcast TV news is the top choice for sports enthusiasts to watch/listen to the latest news on sports, with local broadcast TV streaming/websites the top digital choice.
ABC is working on a possible spinoff to “Dancing With the Stars,” reports Deadline. “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro” would be hosted by Robert Irwin, winner of season 34’s competition, and air this summer.
Netflix’s “His & Hers” gained over 800 million minutes in its second week of availability and finished with 2.24 billion minutes, taking over the #1 spot from “Stranger Things” the week of January 12, according to Nielsen Streaming Content Ratings. The season two finale of Paramount+’s “Landman” dropped on Sunday and helped push the show to a new weekly high of 1.77 billion minutes. |
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 Prime Video has renewed “Off Campus” for a second season, ahead of its season one launch in May. The romantic drama series, based on the books by Elle Kennedy, follows college hockey team members and the women in their lives. “’Off Campus’ captures the kind of emotionally charged, character-driven storytelling that truly resonates with our global Prime Video audience,” said Peter Friedlander, Head of Global Television, Amazon MGM Studios. “With its passionate fan base, rich source material, and an incredible creative team bringing Briar U to life, we knew that this series had the depth and momentum to continue beyond its first season.”
After five days of Olympic competition, US coverage is averaging 26.5 million viewers across NBC, NBCU’s streaming platforms, and Versant’s CNBC and USA Network – up 93% from the same period during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, according to NBC. Those numbers make it the most-watched Winter Games at this point since the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia.
Roku turned things around, handily beating analysts’ expectations for the fourth quarter. The company reported a quarterly profit of $80.5 million, versus a loss of $35.5 million for the same period last year, and net revenue of $1.5 billion, up 16% year-over-year. Platform revenue accounted for $1.2 billion of the total, a rise of 18%. “By expanding our platform monetization over the last two years, we’ve unlocked new growth engines,” said CEO Anthony Wood in a letter to shareholders.
David Boreanaz (“Bones”) has been cast as the lead in NBC’s reboot of “The Rockford Files.” The update comes from writer Mike Daniels, producers Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly and Universal Television.
Ryan Gosling will take his fourth turn as host of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” on March 7. Musical guest is Gorillaz. |
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| CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2026
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| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Crime drama “M.I.A.” makes its binge debut Thursday, May 7. The series follows a woman journeying through Miami’s underbelly.
Two new preschool series premiere next month on Disney Jr. “BeddyByes,” designed to support positive sleep routines for young children, premieres Monday, March 2, while fantastical adventure series “Magicampers” makes its debut Monday, March 23.
Season two of “Dinosaur” drops Wednesday, February 25 on Hulu. The Scottish series centers on an autistic woman living her paleontology dream.
Paramount+ has ordered “Made for March,” a docuseries chronicling the basketball seasons of the University of Kansas Jayhawks and the University of Michigan Wolverines as they make a bid for a national championship.
Video podcast “Crime & Justice with Donna Rotunno” launches Wednesday, February 18. Hosted by criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno, the FOX New twice-weekly show will air on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and wherever podcasts are found. |
Today’s Premieres
Discovery: Gold Rush Mine Rescue With Freddy and Juan at 9p
HBO: Neighbors at 9p
Netflix: The Art of Sarah; In the Mud; The Museum of Innocence
OWN: Belle Collective at 8p
Prime Video: Jesy Nelson: Life After Litte Mix
Sunday’s Premieres
AMC: Dark Winds at 9p
Discovery: Naked and Afraid at 8p; Filthy Fortunes at 10p
Food Network: Tournament of Champions: The Qualifiers at 8p
Fox: Family Guy at 9:30p
HBO: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver at 11p
HBO Latino: Like Water for Chocolate at 8p
History: American Pickers at 8p
Monday’s Premieres
Netflix: Reality Check: Inside America’s Top Model
TLC: Unexpected at 9p |
| TECH |
| Comcast Advertising and Adara are partnering to bring a deterministic-based measurement for TV and streaming to the travel & tourism industry at scale. The new solution connects Comcast’s video viewing data to Adara’s first-party booking data. “By partnering with Adara, our clients have a clear thread of data – from when a traveler first sees a TV ad and searches online, to booking and spending money on vacation,” said Dawn Williamson, Chief Revenue Officer. “This proves the campaign’s ROAS and helps optimize marketing plans based on geography, time of year, target audience and more.”
The IAB has released its Direct Buy Addendum v1.0, along with updates to its General Terms for Digital Advertising Agreements and Special Terms for Insertion Orders. The new, modular framework is designed to modernize and simplify direct digital advertising contracts, reduce legal friction, and provide a shared starting point for buyers and sellers transacting in the digital marketplace. Key highlights include:
· A New Modular Legal Framework for Direct Digital Advertising
· Reduced Legal Friction and Faster Time to Market
· Industry-Wide Collaboration and Public Input
“These updated terms reflect how digital advertising operates today, and reflect a clear realization that we need to move away from bespoke, custom addenda in the ecosystem,” said David Cohen, CEO, IAB. “This release simplifies outdated, fragmented contracts and replaces them with a shared foundation built by the industry, for the industry.” |
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| CYNOPSIS SPORTS AWARDS
Excellence Across Every Dimension of Sports Media & Marketing
From live coverage and documentaries to streaming platforms, marketing campaigns, data innovation, and leadership, the Sports Awards recognize the work shaping how fans experience sports.
Now accepting entries for 2026.
VIEW CATEGORIES & ENTER NOW |
| PRODUCTION |
| Banijay Entertainment announced “Who’s Guilty?”, a comedy-crime format created by Metronome, part of Banijay Nordic, for DR1. The development of “Who’s Guilty?” was supported by Banijay Entertainment’s investment initiative Creative Fund.
Blue Ant Media has greenlit four natural history series, commissioned by its global natural history brand, Love Nature: “Europe’s Wild Kingdoms,” “Superbeast,” “Aussie Snake Wranglers: Deadly Pursuit Season 2,” and “Wild Germany.” |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| Samsung TV Network will serve as the exclusive FAST home for select matches of Major League Volleyball. The collaboration officially launches Sunday, February 15 when Samsung TV Plus will livestream its first league matchup between the San Diego Mojo and Indy Ignite at 3p.
FOX Sports and World Baseball Classic announced the US broadcast schedule for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, which begins with Pool C play in Tokyo on Wednesday, March 4 ET. The remaining three pools – Pool A in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Pool B in Houston presented by Capital One; and Pool D in Miami presented by Capital One – will all begin on Friday, March 6.
AI-powered sports analytics platform ShotTracker has expanded their relationship with the University of Central Florida. UCF added Pulse, Scout, and MyVA to ShotTracker’s Helix system to increase the utilization of technology in the player development process, their scouting, and their game planning. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Sophie Leonard has been named Executive Vice President, Unscripted, FOX Television Network, overseeing all aspects of the network’s unscripted programming slate. Leonard joins FOX from Samphire Films, the production company she co-founded in 2024, where she served as Creative Director.
PubMatic has appointed John Petralia as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Most recently, Petralia served as Chief Marketing Officer for Enterprise at Coursera.
LTN has appointed three execs to head up its newly formed Technology organization: Michal Miskin-Amir as EVP and Head of Technology, Jonathan Stanton as SVP and Head of Infrastructure, and Bobby Bond as SVP and Head of Development. |
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This Day in History
1971 – Vice President Spiro Agnew struck three spectators with tee shots at the Bob Hope Desert Classic.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which sitcom ran on NBC from 1983-84, then was revived and aired in first-run syndication from 1987-88? “We Got It Made.” Kudos to: Andrew Goldman-Phanes Funding Group/NYC; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Dan Whitford-WTTW/Chicago; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
On “House of Cards” (2013-18), who killed Frank Underwood? (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.) |
MANAGER, MEMBER ENGAGEMENT AND ANALYTICS >>
TELEVISION ACADEMY/NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA:
Lead the execution of initiatives such as the Peer Circle program and Your Voice Matters, reviewing data to enhance program participation and ensure metrics are achieved; collaborate with the Senior Director of Engagement and Retention and stakeholders across marketing to manage delivery and optimization of the Member Benefits Perks newsletter. Full info HERE
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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