 IN THE NEWS |
| Digital and linear advertising rep firm Viamedia announced the acquisition of LocalFactor, a digital advertising company specializing in omnichannel programmatic advertising solutions. “By combining LocalFactor’s expertise in omnichannel, locally optimized-data-driven digital campaigns with Viamedia’s expansive linear TV and digital ad infrastructure, we are creating a powerhouse in localized advertising – offering brands unmatched precision and reach across all channels,” said Viamedia CEO David Solomon. LocalFactor founder and CEO Evan Rutchik has been named President & Chief Strategy officer of Viamedia, reporting to Solomon.
FCC chairman Brendan Carr warned that M&A deals could be jeopardized by diversity, equity and inclusion policies. “Any businesses that are looking for FCC approval, I would encourage them to get busy ending any sort of their invidious forms of DEI discrimination,” Carr told Bloomberg, adding, “If there’s businesses out there that are still promoting invidious forms of DEI discrimination, I really don’t see a path forward where the FCC could reach the conclusion that approving the transaction is going to be in the public interest.” Carr mentioned Paramount Global’s merger with Skydance Media as well as Verizon Communications Inc.’s acquisition of Frontier Communications Parent Inc. as deals that could be impacted.
What kinds of stories do Gen Z and Gen Alpha want to see? A new study from NRG (National Research Group) and Young Storytellers found that the young’uns are living more virtual lives than ever, and seek escapism in entertainment amidst a feeling of “permacrisis.” To be specific:
– 58% want “stories that help me escape from the real world”
– 59% want “stories that make me laugh”
– 55% want “stories with happy endings”
– 48% want “stories that feature clear heroes and villains”
When it comes to where they watch, the study found 70% of kids 6-12 use a smartphone every week, 74% say they use a TV and 72% a tablet. And they are often using second screens while watching something else. 68% of kids and teens say they use a second screen half of the time when watching TV shows; 63% do it while watching movies at home; 56% do it when playing video games; and 18% of teens (13-17) say that they typically use their phones while watching movies in theaters.
Animated comedy “American Dad!”, which has been airing on TBS since 2014, is likely returning to Fox for its 20th season, reports Deadline. TBS and Adult Swim will continue to serve as the linear home to past episodes of the 20th Television Animation series, through 2030.
Former Washington Post editor Phil Rucker, who joined CNN in January, has been tapped to head the network’s D.C. bureau. The move is a part of a “new structure for Washington as we continue to enhance and streamline the Global News operation,” wrote CNN Executive Editor Virginia Moseley in a memo to staff reported by TheWrap.
Reelz has launched its first direct-to-consumer app, Reelz+, featuring the live linear network with on demand access to programming. Tell your friends, urges Stan E. Hubbard. “Having Reelz and our hit program ‘On Patrol: Live’ affordably available through our own streaming app to anyone in the US elevates the network to a truly multi-platform experience,” said the Reelz CEO. “Fans can now enjoy ‘On Patrol: Live’ every Friday and Saturday night, and let their friends who don’t get Reelz know that there is a new way to get us.”
Mediaite is investing in a new video operation and YouTube channel, starting with a video version of SiriusXM’s daily “Dan Abrams Show” and twice-weekly “Spin Room,” hosted by Law&Crime’s Jesse Weber, along with other original shows.
Amazon Fire TV has hooked Outdoor Sportsman Group’s Game & Fish. The FAST channel was already on Samsung TV Plus and Plex. |
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SPORTS MEDIA AWARDS
Due to Popular Demand: Sports Media Awards Entries Extended One Final Time!
Great news! We’ve heard your requests and are excited to announce that the entry deadline for the 2025 Sports Media Awards has been extended until March 31st at 11:59 PM EST.
This is your last chance to showcase your outstanding work in categories such as:
Activation at a Live Event
Documentary Series
National Marketing Campaign
Mobile App
Webisode Series
…and many more!
Don’t miss this opportunity to have your achievements recognized among the industry’s best. Submit your entries before the final deadline on March 31st.
Enter Today |
| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
 “CBS Mornings” is moving from its state-of-the-art Times Square studio to its former home, the CBS Broadcast Center, amid a mandate from corporate parent Paramount Global to cut costs. The morning show relocated to Times Square in 2021, and is expected to return to West 57th Street in September. |
 Apple TV+ has renewed “Severance,” its most-watched series ever, for a third season. The drama’s season two finale dropped on Friday.
Actress/writer Raye Levine-Spielberg (“Merry Good Enough”) and writer/director JT Tsou (“Barbie: It Takes Two”) have launched Left No Ring Productions. Their company is looking to champion projects that highlight underdogs and marginalized communities.
Husband and wife Lizzy Caplan (“Zero Day”) and Tom Riley (“The Nevers”) will develop, produce, write and direct TV and film projects under their new banner, Westborn Pictures. “We couldn’t decide between starting this company or having another (human) baby,” joked the couple in a statement. “Ultimately we opted for the company, but have leaned into a ‘soothing nursery aesthetic’ for all office space.” |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Season six of “Great Performances: Now Hear This,” with host Scott Yoo, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Mexico City Philharmonic, premieres Friday, April 11 on PBS (check local listings). |
Today’ Premieres
ID: Hollywood Demons at 9p |
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! |
| RETAIL MEDIA |
| Pentaleap, focused on retail media technology, and Vantage are partnering to help retailers, marketplaces, and eCommerce platforms launch and scale their retail media networks. Vantage serves as a hub for retail media, unifying the various functions of running a retail media network, while Pentaleap’s ad server connects advertising platforms and retail media DSPs with real-time bidding. “Pentaleap + Vantage combine the most advanced ad serving tech and the most comprehensive unified retail media frontend, seamlessly working together to offer a superior alternative compared to all-in-one tools,” said Andreas Reiffen, Pentaleap. “By partnering with Vantage, we’re making it easy for retailers to implement and scale without requiring deep technical expertise.” |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| ViewLift announced the launch of the Root Sprts Stream app, delivering Seattle Mariners games and Root Sports programming to fans across the Pacific Northwest. ViewLift now powers streaming platforms for 11 US professional sports teams. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Emma Gladstone has been named Head of East Coast Business Development at Wheelhouse. Gladstone was part of the Wheelhouse founding team in 2018 and on the launch team for the company’s podcasting business in 2020.
Valeria Riccioli has been appointed Director of Content for The National News Desk at Sinclair. Riccoli previously served as Vice President of Talent at Newsmax. |
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This Day in History
1603 – Queen Elizabeth I died, after ruling for 44 years.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which male roommate on “The Big Bang Theory” (2007-2019) had not earned a doctorate degree? Howard. Kudos to: Michael Braff-WNYW/NYC; Bill Graff-TeleGraff Media/Plantation, FL; Michael Goodman-Radio One/Atlanta; Barbara Capella Loehr-Equal Opportunity Publications/Melville, NY; Nellie de Laurier- KMOS-TV/Missouri; Wendy Holmes/Denver; John Burshtan-Water Planet Productions/Denver; Creed Heilskov-ImOn Communications/Cedar Rapids; Barb Throm-Throm Media/St. Louis, MO; Dory Petsrillo-Locality/Dallas; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA: Ken DuBow-DuBow Media Distribution/LA; David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA.
Today’s Trivia Question
Patrick Duffy and Angela Lansbury guested on the same episode of which sitcom? (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.) |
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
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
DIGITAL MEDIA PLANNER/BUYER >>
BEACON MEDIA GROUP/ LYNDHURST, NJ: Management of paid social media campaigns, strong written & verbal communication skills, knowledge of various targeting methodologies, and basic understanding of traditional media. Familiarity with media planning and buying software. Proficient in website analytics tools. Experience in pixel implementation and conversion tracking. Full info HERE
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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