 IN THE NEWS |
 CBS News started another round of layoffs on Friday. “It’s no secret that the news business is changing radically, and that we need to change along with it,” said CBS News Editor in Chief Bari Weiss and CBS News president Tom Cibrowski in a memo to staff. “Some parts of our newsroom must get smaller to make room for the things we must build to remain competitive.” As part of the cuts, CBS News Radio is shutting down on May 22, and all positions on the team will be eliminated.
Starz also saw a round of layoffs. The cuts, affecting under 40 employees, or 7% of the workforce, come ten months after the company separated from Lionsgate.
Nielsen is delaying scheduled methodology changes to its The Gauge report, a monthly look at broadcast, cable and streaming TV viewership. What was expected to be a brief, one-week delay will now stretch until the fall, postponing the release of a recalibrated version. According to the Wall Street Journal, the report would have shown that streaming accounted for 41.9% of US TV viewing time in February, compared with 47.4% for linear TV, reversing recent The Gauge editions indicating streaming viewership had surpassed linear. “We will be pushing Gauge methodology updates to the start of the fall season, aligning with the additional promised improvements to our currency products,” wrote Chief Client Officer Peter Naylor in a note to customers. “We understand that there are diverging opinions on this among our broad client base, but we believe this is the best and least disruptive path for the industry.”
President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at clearing the airwaves for the annual Army-Navy Game, directing that no competing football broadcasts be scheduled during the matchup’s traditional slot on the second Saturday in December. The order calls on the FCC to review whether broadcasters’ public interest obligations should ensure the game remains a nationally protected service event. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr backed the move, calling the Army-Navy rivalry “a showcase of strength, bravery and national pride,” and emphasizing the importance of preserving a dedicated window for what he described as “America’s Game” each December.
Eight states filed an emergency motion on Friday seeking to slam the brakes on Nexstar’s integration of Tegna. Earlier last week, the state attorneys general had filed a suit to block Nexstar’s $6.2 billion takeover of Tegna, but the FCC and the Justice Department gave their stamp of approval. Nextstar and Tegna quickly declared that they had closed the transaction – but the legal fight isn’t over. “This merger is illegal, plain and simple, running contrary to federal antitrust laws that protect consumers,” stated California AG Rob Bonta. “Nexstar/Tegna is not a done deal. I will not let these corporate behemoths merge without a fight.”
Joining the battle against the Nexstar/Tegna deal is a coalition that includes Newsmax, DirecTV, the Communications Workers of America, and several state cable and broadband associations, which asked the FCC on Friday to immediately halt its approval of the deal. They argue the FCC has no legal power to waive the existing 39% audience cap – the combined company reaches over 80% of households – because Congress fixed that threshold in federal law. |
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CYNOPSIS SPORTS AWARDS
Last Chance to Get in the Game
From breakthrough content to fan-first innovation, the Cynopsis Sports Awards honor the best in sports media and marketing.
Final deadline: Friday, March 27
Don’t miss your chance to be recognized.
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY NOW |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Discovery Channel has greenlit six new series slated to premiere this year. “Jeff Dunham’s The Cars That Drove Us,” exploring the stand-up comedian’s car collection, launches Tuesday, March 31, followed the next day by “Conspiracies & Coverups,” exposing the truth behind conspiracy theories. What will be the seventh spinoff of “Naked and Afraid,” “Naked and Afraid: Global Showdown” (w/t), debuts Sunday, May 17. Also premiering that day is “In the Eye of the Storm: Chasers” (w/t), following teams of storm chasers and their encounters with extreme weather. Premiering in mid-2026 will be “Escape From Alcatraz” (w/t) following the 1962 prison escape, and investigation series “How to Catch a Dirtbag” (w/t).
Season three of “When Hope Calls: Brookfield” starts streaming Thursday, April 2 on Great American Pure Flix. New episodes will be available beginning April 5 on Great American Family and GFAM+.
Electric Entertainment’s free streaming service ElectricNOW announced it is getting an upgrade with new features and expanded content, including over 60 live channels, as well as its first scripted series. “The Poly Couple” drops Thursday, April 16, the same day as the debut of the upgraded ElectricNOW app. |
Today’s Premieres
Acorn TV: Mystery Road: Origin
Disney+: Lucky Luke
Disney Jr.: Magicampers at 9a
Netflix: Inside |
| PRODUCTION |
| Netflix and Warner Music Group (no relation to Warner Bros. Discovery) have inked an exclusive deal calling for the streamer make docuseries and films focused on the label’s artists and songwriters, past and present. Unigram will serve as the production arm for WMG’s longform programming. “We’ve seen how music inspires incredible fandom on Netflix so we’re excited to partner with Warner Music Group and the best-in-class artists they work with to bring even more indelible music storytelling to our members,” said Adam Del Deo, VP, Documentary Films & Series at Netflix.
Tubi as greenlit “R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead 2.” Inspired by R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour, the young-adult horror film is slated to debut on Tubi in October 2026. |
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CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2027
All Screens Lead Here
From linear to streaming to gaming and retail media, Convergent TV World connects the entire video landscape. Two days of real conversations, real strategy, and the people shaping what’s next.
March 2027 | The Times Center | NYC
REGISTER NOW |
| COMING UP |
| Kevin Hart is stepping into the hot seat. The comedian will be roasted during a televised ceremony at Netflix Is a Joke Fest on Sunday, May 10. Hart previously executive produced last year’s “The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady”; Shane Gillis set to host this year’s burn.
“Marty Supreme” starts streaming Friday, April 24 on HBO Max, and lands on HBO the following day at 8p. The film, starring Timothee Chalamet as a shoe salesman-turned-pool hustler, was released on December 25. |
| RATINGS |
| The premiere of Sky One’s “Saturday Night Live UK” at 10p drew a strong (for Sky One) 226,000 viewers and 3.2% of the available TV audience, according to numbers from overnights.tv. The show received mixed reviews, with The Guardian saying, “It could have been a lot, lot worse. And it could have been a lot better.” |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| AMC Networks has appointed Jason Baron as Senior Vice President of Direct Response Ad Sales. Baron most recently served as Senior Vice President of Direct Marketing Media and Podcasting Advertising Sales. |
This Day in History
1634 – The first tavern in Boston opened.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
In which sitcom did singer Mac Davis (“Baby Don’t Get Hooked on Me”) have a recurring role? “Rodney” (2004-06). Davis also guested on “King of the Il.” Kudos to: Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC
Today’s Trivia Question
Who played Willa in the first season of “The O.C.” (2003-07)? (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
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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