 IN THE NEWS |
They came in soaked – and left smarter. Yesterday marked the rain-drenched kickoff of Convergent TV World at the Times Center, where a very wet New York City crowd gathered to talk about the future of TV. Just a few notable quotes from the first day:
· “Break the walled gardens down. Stop watering them!” – Tanya Zvonkin, SVP National Video Investment at Canvas Worldwide
· “Fragmentation helps and hurts us – because there are so many opportunities, but what’s the most impactful?” – Carrie Drinkwater, Chief Investment Officer at Carat US
· “Creators are the new Hollywood.” – Tara Walpert Levy, VP Americas at YouTube
· “An outcome for a brand is going to be different based on the brand that you’re talking to.” – Doug Brodman, Senior Director, Advertising Sales, US & Canada at Netflix
Asked about CNN employees who are concerned about their future at the network after Paramount acquires Warner Bros. Discovery, CEO David Ellison praised CNN as an “incredible brand” to CNBC’s David Faber. “We absolutely believe in the independence that needs to be maintained obviously for those incredible journalists,” he said on Thursday. One change Ellison does expect is a swing from linear to streaming, noting, “CNN and CBS News are brands that we also really want to be a part of transitioning to streaming so that consumers have the choice.”
While advertisers have unprecedented access to sophisticated data, analytics and measurement tools, confidence has not advanced at the same pace, according to a study from CIMM and 4As, The Paradox of Plenty: Advertisers’ Perspectives on the State of Measurement. The challenge is not a lack of data or data integrity, but the complexity of reconciling multiple systems, the report found – advertisers try to analyze and synthesize a broad set of data inputs measuring the effectiveness of their campaigns, yet still struggle to clearly explain, defend or unify results with full confidence. “Advertisers are navigating real challenges around comparability and identity in an increasingly fragmented environment,” said Jon Watts, Managing Director, CIMM. “Encouragingly, they don’t see those barriers as insurmountable. They’re not looking for a single source of truth, but clarity about how different truths relate. The opportunity now is alignment: shared definitions, greater transparency and interoperable systems that make measurement more actionable and trustworthy.”
Netflix launched Season 4 of its original series “The Lincoln Lawyer” the week of February 2. With 10 new episodes available, the series racked up two billion viewing minutes to top Netflix’s Streaming Top 10. New episodes accounted for 81% of the series’ total. “Bridgerton” landed at #2 spot with 1.81 billion viewing minutes on Netflix. |
 |
| ABC has renewed Ryan Murphy dramas “9-1-1” and “Nashville” for tenth and second seasons, respectively, and “High Potential” for season three.
Aaron MacLean has joined CBS News as a national security analyst, columnist at The Free Press, and host of the podcast “School of War.” The Marine veteran and former Naval Academy faculty member will provide analysis on global conflicts. |
CYNOPSIS SPORTS AWARDS
Help Decide What Defines the Future of Sports Media
The 2026 Cynopsis Sports Awards are assembling an elite panel of industry leaders to evaluate the year’s most innovative work across sports content, platforms, marketing, and technology.
If you’re a senior executive in sports media, advertising, streaming, or brand strategy, we invite you to lend your expertise and help recognize the work shaping what’s next.
APPLY TO JUDGE |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| The cast of the canceled Food Network show “The Kitchen” will reunite for a special episode. Host Jeff Mauro shared the news during cohost Katie Lee Biegel’s podcast “All On the Table,” saying the group is getting back together to make one more episode, which will likely air this month.
Brazilian series “Anderson Spider Silva” will drop tomorrow, March 7 on Paramount+. The series chronicles MMA legend Anderson Silva’s journey from a challenging childhood in Brazil to becoming a world-class fighter.
The Wonder Pets are back in season two of “Wonder Pets: In the City,” premiering Friday, March 20 on Apple TV. The 13-episode season celebrates teamwork, friendship, and embracing each other’s differences.
“Evil Lives Here: My Child the Killer” kicks off Tuesday, March 31 on ID. The series explores the stories of parents whose children commit shocking crimes.
“Our New World,” a two-parter from PBS, debuts Wednesday, April 1 at 10p. The show explores how global warming is transforming ecosystems.
“The Other Bennet Sister” debuts Wednesday, May 6 on BritBox. The series spotlights Mary Bennet, the often-overlooked middle sister from “Pride and Prejudice.”
Paris Hilton is launching a new YouTube series, “Back in Business,” on Monday, March 9. The show, spotlighting women entrepreneurs, is produced by Hilton’s 11:11 Media.
On Friday, March 13, Apple TV+ will premiere docuseries “Twisted Yoga.” The three-parter follows young yoga students from around the world who traveled in search of spiritual meaning but ended up under the influence of Romanian yoga leader Gregorian Bivolaru. |
Today’s Premieres
History: The Proof Is Out There at 10p
Hulu: Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese
Netflix: Still Shining; Boyfriend on Demand; The Dinosaurs; The TikTok Killer; Hello Bachon
Starz: Outlander at 8p |
| PRODUCTION |
| Paramount+ is stepping further into reality TV with dating series “Making Love” (w/t). The show, set for a 2027 release, comes from Kinetic Content (“Love Is Blind,” “Married at First Sight”). “’Making Love’ is an amazing and completely original opportunity for our participants to find the love they’ve longed for,” said Chris Coelen, Executive Producer and CEO of Kinetic Content.
Netflix has ordered drama series “Alexander” from “Heated Rivalry” creator Jacob Tierney. Jason Bateman will serve as one of its executive producers on the show, which will explore the teenage years of Alexander the Great and his relationship with the philosopher Aristotle.
Netflix has also given a formal series order to “I Suck At Girls,” a comedy series from Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker, and Bill Lawrence. Based on Halpern’s autobiography, it follows three awkward high school sophomores navigating teenage romance and identity, with Halpern and Schumacker serving as showrunners. Filming starts this summer.
AMC is developing a new series, “The New Gothic.” The drama comes from Hilarie Burton Morgan, who is writing the project with longtime collaborator Nick Gray and producing it through Mischief Farm, the company she runs with her husband, actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan. |
 |
CONVERGENT TV AWARDS
2026 Winners Unveiled.
The 2026 Convergent TV Awards winners have been revealed. At Convergent TV World in NYC, we celebrated the leaders, teams, and platforms redefining cross-screen innovation.
See who took home top honors — and what’s shaping what’s next.
VIEW THE WINNERS |
| TECH |
| Shudder has launched a redesigned app across six countries, offering improved video, customizable profiles, offline downloads, and enhanced discovery tools. The upgrade combines fan feedback with a new technology platform for a better horror streaming experience.
Netflix has acquired InterPositive, an artificial intelligence company founded by Ben Affleck that develops creative tools designed for filmmakers. The company’s 16 employees will join the streamer’s workforce. Affleck will also serve as a senior advisor. Netflix says the technology is meant to help improve the quality of films and shows rather than cut costs or replace workers.
Chalice AI has partnered with LiveRamp to bring its Growth Scored Audiences to LiveRamp’s marketing platform. The partnership allows brands to target households based on predictive scores that estimate which audiences are most likely to drive real business results. Instead of relying on traditional audience segments, Chalice uses first-party data to assign each household a “growth score” based on its potential impact, which update as new data comes in.
AI startup Luma has launched Luma Agents, a new platform for ad agencies, marketing teams, and studios to handle creative work across text, image, video, and audio. Powered by Luma’s Uni-1 model, the agents coordinate with other AI systems to plan and generate content. |
| COMING UP |
|
Great American Media will premiere two new romantic comedies this summer. “Meet Me in the Margins” starts streaming Thursday, June 18 on Great American Pure Flix, followed by its linear premiere on Great American Family and GFAM+ on Saturday, June 20 at 8p. “Prince In Paradise: A Royal Wedding” begins streaming on Great American Pure Flix, Thursday, July 30 and airs on Great American Family and GFAM+, Saturday, August 1 at 8p.
Allison Sweeney stars in and executive produces “Sugar and Vice: A Hannah Swensen Mystery,” airing Saturday, March 7 at 8p on Hallmark Channel.
|
| SPORTS REPORT |
| ESPN, Disney, Pixar, and the NHL are teaming up for “Inside Out Classic,” a real-time animated NHL game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers on Sunday, April 5 at 7p. Streaming on ESPN+, Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney XD, the broadcast features “Inside Out” characters skating alongside NHL players, using advanced tracking technology.
Prime Video will stream 21 New York Yankees games exclusively during the 2026 season for Prime members in New York, Connecticut, northern and central New Jersey, and northeast Pennsylvania. Seventeen games will air on Wednesday evenings starting April 8. Fans can watch live on Prime Video via mobile, Fire TV, smart TVs, and other compatible devices, or on MLB.TV outside the home region.
NHL on TNT will celebrate Hockey Day in America and International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, with a doubleheader and features that highlight players of all ages driving the sport’s growth. Studio coverage starts at 1:30p. Youth players will also be on hand to showcase the next generation of talent.
TNT Sports has secured exclusive US. rights to all major FIBA men’s and women’s tournaments. Coverage starts Wednesday, March 11 with the Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, featuring top USA players and Olympic gold medalists, and continues through events like the 2027 World Cup and 2029 EuroBasket. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Nancy Hall has been named CEO of WPP Media US, leading the organization’s data, technology, creativity, and media operations. She joins following roles at Mindshare, Epsilon Conversant, and IPG’s Matterkind, focusing on client growth and AI-enabled solutions.
Frank Biancuzzo, president of Hearst Media Production Group since 2021, who expanded HMPG’s original content and global reach, will retire mid-2026 after 40+ years in TV.
Tenetic appointed Dr. David Algranati as Chief Research and Production Officer to oversee research, operations, and data processes.
Nate Turner has joined Channel Factory as Head of Political and Advocacy Sales, leading performance-driven advertising for campaigns and advocacy groups across YouTube, Connected TV, and social platforms.
Keynes named TJ Hunter as Chief Marketing Officer to lead growth and innovation in the CTV advertising market. Hunter brings over a decade of experience building and scaling marketing teams in ad tech.
Ankler Media appointed Tucker DeSaulnier as Senior Director of Social & Audience Strategy. Based in LA, he will lead social campaigns, grow audiences, and drive partnerships across editorial, events, video, and podcasts. |
|
This Day in History
1810 – With smallpox a public health threat, the Illinois Territory passed the first state-level vaccination legislation.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which series was the first spinoff of “M*A*S*H” (1973-84)? “AfterMASH” (1983-85). Kudos to: Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Jim Seifert-Denver, CO; Matt Marini-Paramount/NY; Alfred Hopton-Capstone Communications/Huntsville, AL
Today’s Trivia Question
Which actress kept her role on a soap opera while also starring on a 1990s sitcom on a different network? (Email your answer to smsloane17@gmail.com and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone – a limit of four answers per time zone.) |
EXECUTIVE >>
TBS INTERNATIONAL/LOS ANGELES, CA: Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of entertainment and media agreements, with a primary focus on unscripted television, format licensing, and intellectual property distribution. Handle development, production, and co-production agreements, including situations where TBS is designated as the production entity providing production services. More info HERE
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
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 |
|
|
