CBS’ legal team has launched a salvo in that $20 billion lawsuit. In a court filing, CBS said it plans to seek Trump’s personal financial information if the case proceeds to a discovery phase, along with data for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, the Trump Media & Technology Group and Truth Social, and Trump’s $TRUMP meme crypto project.

Ninety-four percent of consumers prefer contextually relevant ads over those based on browsing history, according to a survey from GumGum aimed at understanding consumer behaviors and preferences with video ads. Other findings include:
– 42% of respondents find ads related to their current interests are the most valuable type of advertising.
– Over one-third feel privacy is the most important factor of advertising experiences, while approximately one-third put relevance on a par with privacy.
– Almost 80% are more likely to engage with ads that match the content they are viewing.
– Over 55% said video ads that are contextually relevant – and short and concise – are memorable for them.

Survey results came from 3,000 consumers across the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

FuboTV is launching multicultural content bundles with international programming available in multiple languages. For starters, Zee Family, a suite of 18 linear entertainment channels from Asia TV USA, is now live on Fubo. “The launch of multicultural bundles is a natural next step in our Super Aggregation strategy, as we seek to serve all consumers with flexible content bundles featuring the content they want to watch at an appropriate price point,” said Todd Mathers, EVP, Content Strategy and Acquisition, Fubo. “These skinnier content bundles enable Fubo subscribers to build the content package that’s right for them.”

Comcast Technology Solutions announced the launch of Comcast MediaExpress, a centralized Video-On-Demand management and distribution service for premium content providers. “Now, more than ever, media and entertainment companies are looking for the most efficient ways to manage and distribute their short form and long form video across a highly fragmented landscape of digital destinations,” said Bart Spriester, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Streaming, Broadcast, & Advertising for Comcast Technology Solutions. “It’s a daunting task even for the most technically sophisticated programmers, broadcasters, and film studios, but it’s what CTS was built for. Comcast MediaExpress provides efficiency, scale, and reliability for their VOD distribution efforts, so even more of their creative energy can stay focused on content creation and monetization.”

Pay among content developers increased steadily in 2024, with executives capturing the largest raises. Among connectivity providers, compensation growth was moderate. Base salary increases were smaller than last year, but bonuses and long-term incentives pushed total compensation higher for management and salaried employees. That’s according to the Content & Connectivity Human Resources Association’s Annual Compensation Surveys, which also showed that content developers rewarded high-demand talent in market/audience research, media relations and broadcast operations with substantial pay raises. “Streaming continues to shape the compensation landscape for C2HR members,” said Parthavi Das, C2HR’s Executive Director. “The C2HR Compensation Surveys revealed that participants continued to reward talent with specialized skills necessary to excel in the fiercely competitive streaming market while simultaneously ensuring pay raises for all employees.”

Starting this fall, “Dr. Phil” will cease airing in broadcast syndication and will be available exclusively on Merit TV, the network launched by McGraw in April 2024. McGraw plans to enhance select episodes with new updates and original content.

“Climbing in Heels,” from Darren Star (“Sex and the City”) and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, scored a script-to-series commitment from Peacock. The proposed drama series is adapted from Goldsmith-Thomas’ upcoming novel of the same name following the rise of five ambitious secretaries in 1980s Hollywood. Star and Goldsmith-Thomas will co-write and executive produce the project.

Impact Network has set the cast for its first original scripted series, “Highly Favored,” which marks the Black-founded and operated network’s first series partnership with executive producer and showrunner Bentley Kyle Evans (“Martin,” “The Jamie Foxx Show”). Evans serves as executive producer, showrunner and director and his LA-based Harvest Studios produces the six-episode comedy series with executive producer Trenten W. Gumbs. Stars include Michael Colyar (“Martin”), KiKi Shepard (“It’s Showtime at the Apollo”), Anthony S. Goolsby (“Will Trent”), Chico Benymon (“Half & Half”), Rodney Perry (“Johnson Family Vacation”), and Melanie Comarcho (“Phat Tuesdays”). Colyar and Shepard also serve as producers.

Masterpiece’s “Miss Scarlet” has been renewed for a sixth season at PBS. The crime drama starts filming this month in Belgrade, Serbia.

The second season of HBO drama “The Last of Us” kicks off Sunday, April 13 at 9p. Five years after the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous than the one they left behind.

ID’s “A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read” premieres across three nights beginning Monday, March 17 at 9p. With the 2024 trial of Read, accused of killing her police officer boyfriend, ending in a mistrial, and a 2025 re-trial upcoming, the true crime series offers access to Read, her legal team, and other key voices in the case.

“Generations,” a Jewish-themed genealogy television series produced by the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, JewishGen, and JLTV, premiere Monday, March 3 at 9p. The first episode will feature actors Camryn Manheim (“The Practice”) and her son, Milo Manheim (“School Spirits”).

Docuseries “Pati Jinich Explores Panamericana” debuts Tuesday, April 29 at 9p on PBS (check local listings). The show highlights the Pan-American Highway, a symbol of connection and collaboration between countries from Alaska to Argentina.

“For the Win: NWSL,” following the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs and championship, has a debut date: Thursday, March 6 on Prime Video.

With over 25 years of marketing and digital leadership, DeLu has shaped the strategies of powerhouse brands like McDonald’s, Audi, Nissan, Kellogg’s, and Conagra. At ADT, he’s redefining marketing through data-driven insights, customer experience innovation, and strategic partnerships, driving growth in the smart home and security industry.

Listen in as DeLu shares his expertise on marketing transformation, digital evolution, and the future of customer engagement.

Don’t miss this keynote—register now!

Kartoon Studios has partnered with Samsung TV Plus to make Kartoon Channel! available on connected Samsung TVs. The lineup includes “Kidaverse: Roblox Rumble” alongside animation based on videogame franchises such as Super Mario Bros., Angry Birds, and Talking Tom and Friends. The channel also features Kartoon Studios’ originals and classics.

Adtech company Sabio announced a partnership with Sling TV for distribution of its Creator TV FAST channel on Sling Freestream. “Sling TV’s extensive reach and dedication to innovation make them an ideal partner to bring Creator TV’s unique programming to life,” said Joe Ochoa, VP of Creator TV.

ShotTracker, specializing in adaptive real-time data and AI-driven insights for teams, leagues, facilities and consumers, announced the addition or renewal of 17 partner schools. “We are proud to be leading the continued evolution and integration of technology into the college performance space,” said Davyeon Ross, ShotTracker co-founder and CEO.

Production has begun in Iceland on Nordic Blue crime drama “Hildur,” based on the best-selling novels by Satu Rämö about a surfing female detective who fights against time to confront a serial killer in the fjords of Iceland.

GRB Media Ranch has licensed five seasons of its signature series, “Untold Stories of the ER,” to Discovery USA as well as global rights for its wildlife docuseries “Wild Zambezi” to German broadcaster Quintus.

The 4 Nations Face-Off on Saturday averaged 2.3 million viewers through three games on ESPN platforms, with 4.44 million viewers tuning in for the US/Canada game.

Sunday’s episode of “Meet the Press,” featuring Kristen Welker’s interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, drew an average audience of 480,000 among A25-54, up 25% versus the year prior.

CBS Media Ventures’ new syndicated game show, “Flip Side” hit a series high the week of February 9, delivering 1.19 million total viewers. It holds the #4 spot among syndicated game shows with 998,000 total viewers for the season.

Season two of Apple TV+’s “Severance” premiered as the streamer’s #1 series ever based on the number of unique viewers from January 17-February 17. “The series has become an obsession for audiences all over the world and we can’t wait for people to continue to experience all the masterful twists and turns as the rest of the season unfolds,” said Matt Cherniss, Head of Programming at Apple TV

After three days of viewing on ABC, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and digital platforms, the February 12 episode of “Shifting Gears” hit a three-week high in total viewers (7.05 million), rising over the show’s initial Live+Same Day audience by +55%.

OWN reports its prime premiere ratings in 2024 grew by 3% among Women 25-54 and 6% among African American Women 25-54, according to Nielsen. Four returning shows saw season-over-season ratings growth with Women 25-54 from prior seasons: “Ready to Love” season 9 (+8%), “Belle Collective” season 4 (+8%), “Belle Collective season” 5 (+36%), and “Love & Marriage Detroit” season 3 (+4%).

Basic Cable Top 10 for the week of February 10
P2+ AA (000)
Primetime
Fox News 2993
TNT 1456
ESPN 1109
MSNBC 1084
HGTV 660
Fox Sports 1 585
Hallmark Channel 548
History 527
TBS 499
INSP 494
Total Day
Fox News 1975
MSNBC 619
ESPN 555
CNN 376
HGTV 358
TNT 354
Hallmark Channel 305
TBS 289
Food Network 265
Hallmark Mystery 257
Source: Nielsen

Marketing agency Brand New: A Collective is expanding their executive team by adding Sophie Jacoel as Managing Director. Jacoel was previously Group Director at 72andSunny.

Today’s Trivia Question
Which series, in addition to “The Apprentice” (2004-17), was hosted by a future US president? (Email answers to [email protected] and include your name, company and city. Answers limited to four per time zone.)