 IN THE NEWS |
 “Ted Lasso” has been renewed for a fourth season by Apple TV+, with Jason Sudeikis reprising his role as Coach Ted Lasso. “’Ted Lasso’ has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fanbase all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief,” said Matt Cherniss, Head of Programming for Apple TV+. “Everyone at Apple is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Jason and the brilliant creative minds behind this show.” Jack Burditt (“Nobody Wants This”) will serve as executive producer under a new overall deal with Apple TV+. Sudeikis stars and executive produces alongside Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Jane Becker, Jamie Lee and Bill Wrubel. Brett Goldstein serves as writer and executive producer alongside Leanne Bowen.
Disney+ handed an early season three renewal for “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” The series, based on Rick Riordan series The Titan’s Curse, just finished production on season two.
The MTV Movie & TV Awards show, which didn’t take place last year, won’t happen in 2025, either. It’s not the only marquee music event shelved by Paramount Global as the company prepares to merge with Skydance Media – the MTV Europe Music Awards and the CMT Music Awards have also been put on ice. Last month, Paramount president Bruce Gillmer said in a company memo that the cancellation of events is part of an effort to “reimagine and optimize our events slate going forward.” The VMAs and the US Kids Choice Awards are expected to return.
President Trump signed an executive order on Friday aiming to dismantle federal agencies including the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America and other government-funded media outlets. Over 1300 journalists, producers and support staff were placed on administrative leave. “I am deeply saddened that for the first time in 83 years, the stories Voice of America is being silenced,” wrote VOA Director Michael Abramowitz in a statement. “VOA needs thoughtful reform, and we have made progress in that regard. But today’s action will leave Voice of America unable to carry out its vital mission. That mission is especially critical today, when America’s adversaries, like Iran, China and Russia, are sinking billions of dollars into creating false narratives to discredit the United States. The White House issued a statement calling VOA the “voice of radical America.”
Meryl Streep won the Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Personality and Christian Slater was recognized as Outstanding Lead Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program, at the 3rd Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, handed out on Saturday. For a complete list of winners, go here.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of viewers who watched live events on streaming services over the past year said they had some sort of issue (broadcast disruptions, failure to load, sudden drop in video quality, etc.) with the broadcast – with 27% reporting they encountered issues more than twice. That’s according to the latest data from CivicScience, which also found:
– 61% of those who pay for TV in some capacity say they have cut the cord on traditional cable/satellite TV in favor of streaming services, up from 56% in 2023. Growth has slowed, however, with this percentage only going up by a single percentage point from 2024.
– 58% report they’ve either canceled at least one video streaming service subscription already or intend to do so due to feelings of subscription fatigue. An additional 12% say they feel subscription fatigue but won’t cancel anything because of it, while 31% say they don’t feel any fatigue.
– One-third of US adult respondents say they are at least somewhat” likely to subscribe to a video streaming service this year specifically for live events (such as sports, awards shows, etc.), including 10% who are “very” likely to do so. |
 Tuff TV is coming back. Launched in 2009, the male-focused channel was shuttered in 2018 over distribution issues. In September, Tuff TV is relaunching on over-the-air and streaming platforms, featuring scripted and unscripted programming. “Original content is a driving force behind Tuff TV, and we have developed over 40 new projects and series comprised of movies, drama, reality and sports,” said owner Seals Media. “Our mission out the door is to distribute Tuff TV and its original content to every possible digital and streaming platform on the planet; our goal is to program up to 80 percent original and first-run programming by year two. We are ‘TUFF ENUFF,’ and will buck all current trends!”.
DirecTV for Business has added Tubi to its Advanced Entertainment Platform. |
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| SPORTS MEDIA AWARDS
Sports Media Awards Deadline Extended!
You asked, we listened—entries are now open until March 19 at 11:59 PM EST! But don’t wait—this is the final extension.
Take advantage of this extra time to showcase your best campaigns, innovative strategies, and industry leaders.
Submit your entry now before it’s too late! |
| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
| CBS Miami unveiled an AR/VR studio on Saturday. Beginning today, March 17, the NEXT Weather Team will integrate AR/VR technology into daily forecasts. “We are committed to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and delivering an unparalleled viewing experience,” said Kim Voet, President and GM, CBS Miami.
Jason Ritter (“Matlock”) has boarded the cast of HBO drama series “Lanterns,” based on the Green Lantern comic, in a recurring role. “Lanterns” is produced by HBO in association with Warner Bros Television and DC Studios. |
Today’ Premieres
Hulu: The Sabrina Soto Show
ID: A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read at 9p
Netflix: CoComelon Lane; Inside |
| COMING UP |
| Travel special “Off Road Confidential,” airing on NewsNation on Saturday, March 22 at 5:30p, showcases the beauty of Northern California. The special is hosted by food, culture, and travel expert Gabriel Ornelas. Check out the trailer here. |
DIGITAL OPPORTUNITIES
Maximize Your Impact at the 2025 Upfronts
The 2025 Upfronts are the ultimate stage for brands to showcase innovation and leadership in media. With branding, newsletters, eblasts, and custom content, Cynopsis offers unmatched opportunities to connect with key players in the industry.
New this year: Virtual Upfront Summaries! Share your presentation highlights during a 7-min live to Cynopsis’ 85k audience.
Contact Amy Abbey at aabbey@accessintel.com or 410.979.0171 to secure your spot and make your mark! |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| HBCU GO has been named the official streaming partner of the inaugural Black College Invitational Championship (BCIC), happening March 20-23 in Charlotte, NC. Sixteen men’s and women’s teams from the top four HBCU conferences will compete for the title of Black College Basketball Champion. |
| RATINGS |
 The season three premiere of AMC’s “Dark Winds” attracted 2.2 million premiere night viewers in Nielsen Live+3 ratings. On AMC+, the season three premiere was up more than 50% in viewership over season two, and doubled subscriber acquisition over the previous season.
Streaming viewership for season three of Paramount+ with Showtime’s “Yellowjackets” is up 39% over season two. The first episode of the new run, which debuted February 14, has drawn 4.7 million cross-platform viewers.
“Entertainment Tonight’s” Oscars broadcast, which aired the day after the Academy Awards, saw an 8% year-over-year increase in total viewership in metered market households and a 14% jump among W25-54.
The season premiere of Discovery Channel’s “Naked and Afraid” delivered over 1.5 million total viewers and was the highest-rated season premiere for the series in three years. The episode earned a 0.82 Live+3 rating among Adults 25-54. Among Men 25-54, the episode averaged a 0.81 Live+3 rating, driving it to rank as Sunday night’s #1 non-sports cable telecast in the demo. |
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This Day in History
1969 – Golda Meir became the fourth prime minister of Israel.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
This rather disturbing show aired on CBS and featured children, aged 3-to-12, fighting in three-round boxing matches live from Philadelphia each Saturday. Answer: “Kid Gloves” (1951). Kudos to: Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc.
Today’s Trivia Question
What was the catchphrase during Arnold Schwarzenegger’s season as host of “The Celebrity Apprentice” (2009-17)? (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.) |
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DIRECT RESPONSE >>
OPPORTUNITY MEDIA/NY(REMOTE/HYBRID): Seeking an energetic achiever with excellent written & organizational skills for role to assist in growing revenue for dynamic Direct Response Team: required: BA Degree, Min 2 yrs DR Experience. Wide Orbit Exp a +. 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
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VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC: Focus on FCC compliance, brand integrity for all current series and day-to-day business affairs for development and production. Strategize with management and outside counsel on business issues, and draft, review and execute various short-form business documents. Legal background and/or related media experience is required. 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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