 IN THE NEWS |
 Peacock is rolling out new vertical video features as it looks to stand out in the streaming pack. The updates include an AI-powered experience guided by a video avatar of “Watch What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen, launching this summer, along with AI-enabled real-time cropping of live events, set to debut in beta during NBA games this spring. The service is also introducing two mobile games built with Wolf Games’ Gen-AI gaming engine. Peacock is as proud as a you-know-what of AI innovations. “Your Bravoverse is a first-of-its-kind experience for NBCU content – pairing our deep Bravo library with agentic and gen AI to create a personalized experience at scale,” said Matt Strauss, Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group. “And as the first platform to offer vertical video across genres and gaming within the app, these latest enhancements on Peacock will help fans easily follow the action and go deeper into the content they love.”
Brendan Carr warned broadcasters their licenses could be a risk after Donald Trump took to Truth Social to accuse “sick and demented people” of deliberately misleading reporting on the war in the Middle East. “Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions — also known as the fake news — have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up,” Carr wrote on X. “The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not.”
Not so fast, responded Brian Schatz (D-HI). “This is worse than the comedian stuff, and by a lot. The stakes here are much higher. He’s not talking about late-night shows – he’s talking about how a war is covered,” posted Schatz.
Meanwhile, Will Creeley, Legal Director at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, noted that Carr himself wrote in 2019: “Should the government censor speech it doesn’t like? Of course not. The FCC does not have a roving mandate to police speech in the name of the ‘public interest.’” |
 Paramount has acquired Tyler Perry Studios’ 25% ownership stake in BET+ and is folding the service. BET+ content will be merged into Paramount+ starting in June. “We share the same ambition to expand the reach of BET content, and Tyler will continue to be a valued and important partner through his overall programming agreement,” stated a Paramount rep. Earlier this month, Paramount Skydance said it planned to combine Paramount+ and HBO Max into one service after the completion of the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
NBCUniversal is getting out of the first-run syndication business, canceling “Access Hollywood,” “Access Live,” “Karamo” and “The Steve Wilko Show.” “NBCUniversal is making changes to our first-run syndication division to better align with the programming preferences of local stations,” said Frances Berwick, Chairman of Bravo and Peacock unscripted for NBCUniversal, in a statement. The company will continue distributing its existing program library. The decision comes as more local stations shift toward programming such as local news to fill their schedules. |
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CYNOPSIS SPORTS AWARDS
Still Time to Make the Cut
The Cynopsis Sports Awards celebrate the work redefining sports media and fan experience. If your team delivered standout results, don’t sit this one out.
Deadline now extended to March 27.
Enter today before the clock runs out.
VIEW CATEGORIES & ENTER NOW |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
 Sketch comedy series “Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America,” from creator Larry David and Jeff Schaffer, has a start date: Friday, June 26 at 9p on HBO. The rotating cast includes “Curb Your Enthusiasm” cast members Jeff Garlin, J.B. Smoove and Susie Essman, and well as guest stars Barack Obama – whose Higher Ground produces the show – and Hader and Kathryn Hahn as Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln; Jon Hamm and Sean Hayes as the Wright brothers; and Jerry Seinfeld opposite David as Lewis and Clark. David chatted about the new limited series during a talk at SXSW on Friday. “On ‘Curb’ and on ‘Seinfeld,’ I was the boss. I’m used to being the boss,” said David. “And Obama is also quite used to being the boss.”
AMC’s “The Vampire Lestat” returns Sunday, June 7. In rock-and-roll centric season three, the Vampire Lestat goes on an electric multi-city tour while being haunted by “muses” from his past.
Peacock has renewed “Love Island USA” for an eighth season, set to launch Tuesday, June 2 at 9p. Season two of spinoff “Love Island: Beyond the Villa” premieres Wednesday, April 15 at 9p.
Season five of “Odd Squad” kicks off Monday, April 6 on PBS Kids. The series is designed to help children ages 5-8 build math, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. |
Today’s Premieres
A&E: Live PD at 10p
HBO: Born to Bowl at 9p |
| PRODUCTION |
| Jordana Brewster (“Fast & Furious”) has joined the cast of Prime Video drama series “Bishop,” opposite Joel Kinnaman, John Malkovich and Jennifer Jason Leigh. The thriller focuses on the hunt for a killer targeting San Francisco’s moneyed class.
Production has commenced in Pittsburgh on the fifth and final season of the Paramount+ drama “Mayor of Kingstown,” starring Jeremy Renner and Edie Falco. David Morse (“We Were Liars”) is onboard as a series regular. |
| CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2027
Every Screen. Every Player. One Place.
Convergent TV World brings together the full video ecosystem—from linear and streaming to gaming, retail media, and DOOH. Join brands, agencies, publishers, and tech leaders for two days of strategy, insight, and collaboration.
March 2027 | The Times Center | NYC
REGISTER NOW |
| COMING UP |
| Jack Black (“A Minecraft Movie”) is set to host NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” for the fifth time on April 4, one day shy of a year since his last “SNL” hosting gig. Musical guest will be Jack White, who last appeared on the show in 2023, and more recently on “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert.” |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| “Summer of ‘94” premieres Saturday, May 23 on Fox. The film chronicles the rise of the US Men’s National Team leading up to the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA.
All Sports News (ASN) has appointed Yunni Lee as Chinese-Language Sports Correspondent. Lee is producing original sports journalism in Chinese and English for broadcast television, digital, and streaming platforms across the All Sports ecosystem. |
| RATINGS |
| Italy’s defeat of Mexico at World Baseball Classic Pool Play on Wednesday averaged 1.7 million viewers on Wednesday for FS1, to rank as the most-watched non-USA WBC pool play telecast ever.
Hallmark Channel’s Loveuary stunt elevated Hallmark Channel to be the #1 most-watched entertainment cable network in Weekend Prime among Households and Women 18+ and #2 most-watched in Weekend Total Day with Households, Women 18+, Persons 18+, and Total Viewers, according to Nielsen Big Data Panel numbers for the month of February. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| AMC Networks has promoted Kim Kelleher to President and Chief Commercial Officer. The move follows recent senior leadership team promotions including Dan McDermott to Chief Content Officer and President of AMC Studios and Stephanie Mitchko to Chief Technology Officer and Global Head of Media Operations. The company also announced that CEO Kristin Dolan had joined its board of directors. |
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This Day in History
1830 – The New York Stock Exchange had its slowest day ever, with only 31 shares traded.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
The original cast of which series included Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman? “The Electric Company” (1971-77). Kudos to: Mitch English-KSA Entertainment/Orlando, FL; Scott Deaner-Horizon Media/Richmond, VA; Eric Emeric-Paramount Global/NYC; Shelly Schaeffer-JP Morgan/Ossining, NY; John Kukla-KDFW Fox 4/Dallas; Adam Leston-Weigel Broadcasting/Milwaukee; Eric Litt/Chicago; John Burshtan-Water Planet Productions/Denver; Dave Braxton-DaveBVO/Saratoga Springs, UT; Mark Selby-Melbar Entertainment Group/Toronto; Julie Martinez-JDA Media/Irving, TX; Andi Leston-Outdoor Sportsman Group/Waukesha, WI; Dan Whitford-WTTW/Chicago; Creed Heilskov-ImOn Communications/Cedar Rapids, IA; Dave Sikula-San Francisco University/San Francisco; Kerri Huyck/Kennewick, WA; Ray Giacopelli-MI7:Media Intel/Sonoma, CA; Melissa Friedman/LA; Squirrel Ripley-Dark Horse Media/Tucson
Today’s Trivia Question
In “Dynasty: The Reunion” (1991), why did Krystle try to kill Blake? (Email your answer to trivia@cynopsis.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
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 |
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