 IN THE NEWS |
| Paramount Skydance appears to be in no hurry to divest the cable networks it will acquire after its planned $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. “We believe in the assets that we’re buying and there’s no plans to divest or spin off a package of cable assets at this time,” Paramount Chief Strategy Officer Andy Gordon told analysts on Monday. “We actually think, given the brands that Warner Bros. is bringing to Paramount, there are a lot of opportunities to think about all the different aspects of what they can do, both on the linear side and the digital side.”
Streaming changes are on the horizon following the deal. Paramount+ and HBO Max will merge into a single platform, Paramount CEO David Ellison said during the company’s investor call. The combined service would have roughly 200 million subscribers. However, Ellison emphasized that the HBO brand will remain intact, citing its long-standing reputation for high-quality programming: “HBO should stay HBO.”
With Paramount seeking $6 billion in synergies with a WBD merger, Ellison addressed concerns about layoffs. “It’s important to note that the majority of our synergy target comes from non-labor sources,” he said. Such as? “Consolidating our spending technology stacks and cloud providers, including Paramount+ and HBO Max; realizing global efficiencies in procurement and business services; optimizing the combined real estate footprint and the broader corporate overhead; driving efficiencies in marketing; optimizing spending on agencies; and also migrating the combined company to a single enterprise resource planning, otherwise known as ERP system, and combining other IT systems across the company,” offered Ellison as “just a few” anticipated efficiencies.
Seventy percent of CTV advertisers expect to increase their spending by an average of 17% in 2026, according to a new survey from Advertiser Perceptions and Premion. Highlights include:
· Spend increases are driven by the ability to reach highly engaged, opt-in audiences (44%) and combine TV’s branding power with digital precision (40%).
· Among those increasing CTV/OTT ad spend in 2026, 25% of that funding is coming from overall ad budget growth, with the remainder reallocated from other channels, including linear TV, digital display, paid search and social media.
· As CTV becomes more deeply integrated into total video planning, integrated or hybrid teams now control 55% of CTV/Streaming TV budgets.
· More than eight in 10 CTV advertisers agree that CTV/Streaming TV drives performance across the full funnel – from awareness to conversion – and strengthens ad recall within integrated campaigns.
· 50% of CTV/OTT advertising is expected to be purchased programmatically in 2026.
The FCC has approved Circle City Broadcasting’s (CCB) acquisition of the local Indianapolis ABC affiliate from Scripps. The $83 million deal gives the Indiana television station owner, led by DuJuan McCoy, three stations, one more than permissible under FCC rules. The FCC determined that waiving the two-to-a-market cap would not harm competition in a market where Nexstar and TEGNA operate stations, and that forcing the sale of CCB’s WNDY-TV would likely lead to less local news in Indianapolis. |
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| CONVERGENT TV AWARDS
The Spotlight Is Ready
Just two days away from crowning the 2026 Convergent TV Awards winners. Finalists are set. The stage is ready. March 5. NYC. Live reveal.
Join us as we celebrate the innovators redefining convergent TV.
Grab your seat before it’s too late.
VIEW FINALISTS & JOIN US IN NYC |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
“Morning People,” a daily morning show from Spectrum News NY1 hosted by Pat Kiernan and Jamie Stelter, premieres Monday, March 9. Designed for a digital first audience, the show will be available on YouTube, or wherever New Yorkers consume their podcasts, as well as weekdays at 6a on NY1. “New Yorkers are eclectic,” said Alison Hellman, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Spectrum News. “From our bagels to our subway routes, we each have our own way of doing things. Now, all New Yorkers can connect with Pat and Jamie whether they’re listening on their commute, streaming on their phones, or watching TV. By prioritizing digital platforms like YouTube, a new generation will discover what makes them such an irresistible team.”
This just in! Pat Kiernan will be on hand for the Convergent TV World awards ceremony tomorrow in NYC. Register here to attend!
TLC’s “Welcome to Plathville” returns Tuesday, March 31 at 10p for season eight. The reality show follows a family in southeastern Georgia.
All eight episodes of new animated comedy “Kevin” drop Monday, April 20 on Prime Video. The series, written and produced by Aubrey Plaza (“Parks and Recreation”), is inspired by a cat caught in the middle of a real-life breakup.
“The City of Ours: A Crime Family Saga” debuts Thursday, March 5 on AMC+. The dynasty drama stars Sean Bean (“Game of Thrones”) as the head of a criminal empire. |
Today’s Premieres
ABC: RJ Decker at 10p
HGTV: 100 Day Dream Home at 8p |
| PRODUCTION |
| Fox has renewed “Best Medicine” for a second season. The series premiere delivered 12.6 million total multiplatform viewers, and the show currently stands as Fox’s second largest 7-day total multiplatform audience of the season to date, averaging 6.0 million P2+ viewers across its first five episodes. The dramedy’s 12-episode sophomore run will air during the 2026-27 season.
Banijay Media Germany is teaming with Diyar Acar to develop the football entertainment creator’s cross-platform format brands, marketing efforts, and local and international distribution. The partnership aligns with Banijay Entertainment’s efforts in sports and branded entertainment following the launches of divisions Banijay Sports and Banijay Branded Entertainment (BBE). |
 A fifth chapter of Disney’s “Zombies” franchise is officially on the way. The new Disney Channel Original Movie has been greenlit for Disney+ and Disney Channel, with production kicking off this spring in New Zealand. Franchise favorites Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly are back as executive producers. The official title will be revealed soon.
Fox News Media has signed businessman and entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis (“The Fixer,” “The Profit”) as a contributor. Lemonis will provide analysis on business and economic issues across the company’s platforms. |
| CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2026
3 Days. One Room. The Industry’s Decision-Makers.
Convergent TV World kicks off in NYC in just three days. Executives from Amazon Ads, Netflix, YouTube, Disney, Carat, Horizon, VAB, and beyond are gathering to tackle streaming, measurement, sports rights, and AI head-on.
This isn’t theory. It’s operational. Be in the room.
REGISTER NOW |
| TECH |
While 59% of marketers plan to increase OOH budgets in 2026, most are still allocating less than 5% of total media budgets to the channel, according to a survey from Accretive. Additional findings include:
· Brand awareness/reach, product launch, and driving foot traffic/store visits are the top three business objectives where buyers find OOH most effective.
· Foot traffic lift (24.2%) and brand search lift (23.3%) are now the leading metrics marketers use to evaluate OOH performance.
· 61.7% of marketers say OOH amplifies their social media campaigns more than any other channel.
· The channel’s path to growth is hindered by barriers such as limited quality and scale of inventory (49.2%), complexity of execution (41.75%), lack of internal expertise (40.8%), and a lack of standardized measurement (31.7%).
“The use of a unified data source, across formats and screens, is essential for efficient, impactful advertising,” said Craig Benner, CEO and founder of Accretive. “Yet, our latest survey confirms a frustrating reality that OOH is the only channel still operating without one, leaving even the most sophisticated marketers feeling confused and underserved.”
Creator platform Levanta announced it is unifying creator and affiliate programs across Shopify, Amazon, and Walmart, enabling brands and agencies to activate one program across marketplaces and DTC. “PPC costs are rising, tariffs are squeezing margins, and the brands that win are going to be the ones investing in creator content that drives real sales and visibility in AI-driven product discovery,” said Ian Brodie, CEO and co-founder of Levanta. “Expanding to Shopify’s app ecosystem means omnichannel brands no longer have to run separate programs across siloed platforms.”
Smartly announced an integration with Amazon DSP that enables advertisers to extend their Smartly video campaigns to Amazon’s premium CTV inventory. The Smartly integration with Amazon DSP is available globally, with additional features rolling out later in this year.
Criteo will be the first adtech partner integrating with OpenAI’s advertising pilot in ChatGPT Free and Go versions in the US. The integration will begin rolling out in the coming weeks as part of the ongoing advertising pilot in ChatGPT. |
| COMING UP |
| “Dead Silence: The Casey Pitzer Investigation,” a documentary from Criminally Obsessed, Sinclair’s true crime content vertical, revisits the death of 32-year-old Casey Pitzer in a small Ohio town. The 60-minute special will air on Saturday, March 7, at 7p across Sinclair stations and will also be available on Criminally Obsessed’s YouTube Channel. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| Monumental Sports Network (MNMT) will air the 53rd year of the Hoop Culture Capital Classic presented by Events DC on Saturday, April 4. The Capital Classic showcases the best high school basketball players in the DMV region versus the best players throughout the rest of the country. |
| RATINGS |
| NewsNation is reporting its strongest ratings month ever in total day viewership since expanding to a 24/7 cable news network. According to Nielsen Big Data, compared to February 2025, total day viewership rose 48%, to nearly 92,000 viewers. In the A25-54 demo, viewership increased by 40%, to 14,000 viewers. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| AI talent studio Xicoia has hired Mark Whelan as Head of Strategy and Operations. Whelan joins from Amazon Prime Video, where he led its social expansion across numerous territories.
Tracy Pitcher has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the WICT Network, effective April 7. Most recently, Pitcher served as Senior Vice President of Comcast Business for the Central Division. |
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This Day in History
1837 – Congress increased the number of Supreme Court Justices from seven to nine.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which TV movies, one about child pornography, and the other a Hallmark Hall of Fame film about an attorney who moves to his childhood home in Maine, had the same name? “Fallen Angel,” in 1981 and 2003. Kudos to: Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Phyllis McQuillan-MSG Networks/NYC; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
What caused Moesha to move out of her house on “Moesha” (1996-2001)? (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.) |
PRINT TRAFFICKER AND TECHNICAL COORDINATOR >>
FILM FEST DC/WASHINGTON, DC: Coordinate direct communication between print sources and the festival to ensure the on-time inbound and outbound delivery of all film materials and work with venue staff to deliver and test each film and KDM. Request and collect KDMs for all encrypted DCPs and maintain a spreadsheet that contains all the aspects of the film. Full info HERE
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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