Today’s Finale
Apple TV+: The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin

Saturday’s Premieres
A&E: 48 Hours to Buy at 11a; Property Virgins at 12p
Nat Geo: Border Security: Canada’s Front Line at 9p
Netflix: The Great Indian Kapil Show

Sunday’s Premieres
AMC: Parish at 10:15p
Showtime: A Gentleman in Moscow at 9p

Sunday’s Finale
AMC: The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live at 9p

IN THE NEWS

YouTube TV is on track to be the largest pay TV provider in the US by 2026, according to MoffettNathanson Research, with 12.4 million subscribers. “With traditional MVPD packages now fetching prices in excess of $100, we would argue the ease of YouTube TV (mobile viewing, no cable boxes or satellites, etc.) still presents a great value to those still watching linear television and a great entry point for younger consumers not conditioned for the traditional distribution models,” wrote Michael Nathanson. The analyst also forecast YouTube will see “slight profitability” in 2024 after years of net losses.

Unions representing film and TV writers and journalists fired off a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asking Congress to take action to protect their industry regarding artificial intelligence. “So far this year, our members have witnessed the impact of unregulated AI on their jobs,” says the letter. “Film and television writers won critical protections in their collective bargaining agreement, but their work continues to be used by AI developers without their consent.” Schumer has been vocal about the need to legislate AI.

There is a substantial gap in consumer understanding of the environmental impact of digital ads, according to research from non-profit Acceptable Ads Community. Among those surveyed for “Empowering User Choice for Sustainable Online Advertising,” 59% acknowledged some level of awareness of the carbon footprint of digital ads, but 61% underestimated their actual impact. Upon learning about the true environmental effects of digital ads, 67% of consumers expressed a desire for increased control and 66% expressed a heightened willingness to engage in proactive measures. “This research underscores a critical shift in consumer attitudes towards online advertising and sustainability,” said Terry Taouss, President of the Acceptable Ads Committee. “It is clear that internet users are not only ready, but eager for change. There is a significant opportunity for the advertising industry to meet this demand by embracing and promoting sustainable practices.”

The Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement revealed its priorities for H1 2024. And they are:
· Supporting innovations and improvements in measurement and currency development.
· Helping buyers to navigate change in currency and measurement.
· Building trust, quality and transparency and collaboration in identity resolution.
· Developing best practices for new ecosystems.
· Building capabilities and strategic roadmaps for content measurement.

“The TV and video marketplaces are changing rapidly, stimulating a wave of investment
and innovation,” said Jon Watts, Managing Director of CIMM. “The priorities we’ve
outlined today are intended to help the industry navigate change through meaningful
collaboration and cooperation, built on a foundation of insight, evidence and effective
planning.”

The Africa Channel has formed a partnership with Multimerica AdEx to offer relevant advertising across the CTV universe. “TAC365 CTV” blends TAC’s cultural programming, brand advertising, and the precision targeting of Multimerica’s AdEX Network to reach more than 95% of US CTV households. “There is a growing desire to buy CTV inventory at scale directly from diverse-owned companies, but it has been very difficult to do,” said TAC SVP of Sales & Business Development Dean Cates. “With this new offer we aim to help solve these challenges and fulfill this demand by placing brand messages where our audience lives on CTV.”

The ANA’s Alliance for Inclusive & Multicultural Marketing found that The Home Depot ranked as the most culturally inclusive brand in 2023, followed by Dove and the Ad Council. Diving in further, AIMM’s research found that among:
· Asian consumers: McDonald’s ranks as No. 1, with TD Bank at No. 2 and Lexus No. 3.
· Black consumers: Dove ranks No. 1, followed by Ulta Beauty and Nissan.
· Hispanic English-speaking consumers: AT&T ranks No. 1, followed by Modelo and Expedia.
· Hispanic Spanish-speaking consumers: Dish Latino ranks No. 1, followed by Corona and Walmart.
· LGBTQ consumers: Converse ranks No. 1, followed by Levi’s and TD Bank.
· People with disabilities: Dove ranks No.1, followed by Apple and Kohl’s.
· White Non-Hispanic consumers: The Home Depot ranks No.1, followed by USAA and JCPenney

“In the pursuit of growth, brands must recognize that connecting with diverse consumers is imperative,” said Bob Liodice, CEO, ANA. “Marketers should look to this substantial research to better engage diverse consumers and ultimately fuel sustainable brand and business growth.”

Who’s ready? Entries launching in just a few weeks…

We have Q1 2024 Standout nominations opening up in just a few weeks. Know someone that may be a fit? Previous Standouts hail from the New York Jets, Netflix, MLS, Spotify, ESPN, McDonald’s, Digitas, Microsoft, Tik Tok, and more. Mark your calendars for April 16th and get ready to shine among the stars!

VIEW PREVIOUS STANDOUTS

Netflix has ordered “The Beast In Me,” starring Clare Danes, and executive produced by Danes, Jodie Foster, Conan O’Brien via Conaco, and Howard Gordon (“Homeland”), who will serve as showrunner. In the limited series, Danes plays a grieving author who gets involved in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a real estate mogul. The studio is 20th Television.

CBS Media Ventures is teaming with Game Show Enterprises Studios to produce “Flip Side,” a new syndicated game show hosted by Jaleel White (“Family Matters”) that will launch in Fall 2024. The daily show will premiere first in syndication on stations including anchor group CBS Stations, then get a second run on Game Show Network. “‘Flip Side’ is a project that we have been developing for over a year for the syndication marketplace,” said Wendy McMahon, President and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures. “Bringing Game Show Enterprises Studios on as a creative partner was an intriguing proposition to us – it creates a new business model for a daily syndicated show and will boost the show’s exposure out of the gate with the second run on Game Show Network.”

Parody “The Real Bros of Simi Valley,” which ran for three seasons as a web series, is coming back to life as a movie for Roku. Returning to their roles for the Studio71 production are series co-creator Jimmy Tatro, Nick Colletti, Tanner Petulla, and Cody Ko.

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

AMC’s “Parish” will be missing something when it launches this Sunday at 10:15p: commercials. “Thanks to our long-time partners at Diageo and particularly the Crown Royal brand as the presenting sponsor for this great gift to the fans, the first episode of a new and highly anticipated Giancarlo Esposito series will run without interruption,” said AMC Networks CMO Kim Granito. Crown Royal does get a brief “presented by” spot ahead of the show. It’s a big night for AMC – the new crime drama follows the finale of “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” and in turn will be followed by a sneak peek at the upcoming second season of “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, The Book of Carol.”

FX’s “Welcome to Wrexham” is on the move. The docuseries from Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds has shifted the premiere of its third season from April 18 to Thursday, May 2 at 10p.

New reality show “The Barnes Bunch” premieres Friday, April 19 at 10p on WE tv. The series follows NBA champion and podcaster, Matt Barnes, alongside his fiancée, model and reality personality, Anansa Sims.

Season three of Taylor Sheridan drama “Mayor of Kingstown” debuts Sunday, June 2 on Paramount+. Jeremy Renner – recovered from a life-threatening snowplow accident 15 months ago – is back as Mike McLusky.

Comedy “Parlement,” following a young European parliamentary assistant after the Brexit referendum, premieres Tuesday, April 23 at 11:30p on TV5Monde USA, with English subtitles.

A&E’s “WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures” kicks off its third season on Sunday, April 14 at 8p. Starting April 21, new episodes will air at 9p following “WWE Rivals.”

Daily first-run talk show “Karamo” has been renewed for its third season in national syndication by NBCUniversal Syndication Studios. “With his direct no-nonsense approach, Karamo has established himself as one of daytime television’s most authentic and innovative hosts,” said Tracie Wilson, EVP, NBCUniversal Syndication Studios & E! News.

COMING UP

The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards will feature special appearances by Meryl Streep, Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne, GloRilla, Jared Leto, Jennifer Hudson, JoJo Siwa, Katy Perry, and more, with Green Day and TLC receiving the iHeartRadio Landmark Awards. The show airs Monday, April 1 at 8p on Fox.

Impact Network has proclaimed April as Impact Health Month, and is offering content, health education, and community-based health initiatives to aid the cause. The centerpiece for the month-long health-centered engagement is “The 5th Annual Pink Awards,” a TV event that brings breast cancer awareness center stage. In addition, Impact has partnered with Sandifer Networks to premiere its non-fiction series “UrbanMD TV,” focused on health issues facing the Black community.

FOX Weather is marking Good Friday with “America Recovers: Weathering with Grace,” airing tonight at 7p. The special will showcase correspondents returning to historic churches that were damaged by storms and how the communities are rebuilding.

HBO’s “Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion” debuts Tuesday, April 9 at 9p. The doc looks behind the curtain at the toxic environment at teen brand Brandy Melville.

STREAMING

FAST viewership has seen a 38% increase in the percentage of US adult streamers who watch FAST services, according to VAB report, “Advertising Accelerated,” a follow-up to a 2023 study. “Last year, we utilized our market intel and data-driven insights to make 15 bold predictions about the future of streaming, from cord cutting to the adoption of ad-supported streaming platforms to the future of FAST,” said Danielle DeLauro, EVP, VAB. “A year later, we’ve revisited these predictions and found that many not only came true but accelerated at a quicker rate and pace than we anticipated. The data is clear: ad-supported platforms are blazing the trail for category growth as viewers of all ages embrace new tiers and platforms. We are bullish and excited for 2024, believing there is meaningful room to grow.” Accelerated trends include the time spent with ad-supported streaming platforms, which more than doubled in less than two years. Through organic platform growth and the launch of new ad tiers, ad-supported streaming now reaches 80% of streaming adults, a growth trend previously identified that has accelerated +23% over previous year.

TCLtv+ struck a content deal with millennial-focused Insight TV. Two of its FAST channels, INFAST (Lifestyle) and INTROUBLE (Sports & Lifestyle) will join the streamer in North America beginning this month.

RETAIL MEDIA

The Home Depot introduced Orange Apron Media, its revamped retail media network. Formerly known as Retail Media+, the newly minted retail media network is aimed at embodying retail chain’s values, including excellent customer service, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative advertising solutions. “We are very excited for this new chapter of our retail media organization,” said Melanie Babcock, VP of Orange Apron Media and Monetization. “Retailers are continuously working to captivate customers at all stages of their shopping journey, and Orange Apron Media is at the forefront of this ever-changing digital advertising landscape, helping brands connect with customers closer to the point of purchase.”

SPORTS ROUNDUP

John Anderson, who has worked for ESPN since 1999, is leaving his job as “SportsCenter” anchor when his contract runs out in June. “I feel like it’s been a good run and the operation has changed,” Anderson said on his podcast, “Inside Wisconsin.” “It’s taken its toll and I still want to be able to do the best shows that I can and I don’t know in years that I have the stamina to go through it again.” Anderson added he “has some things in the fire,” and will focus on track and field events.

ESPN is “aggressively” pursuing retired Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce for a slot on the “Monday Night Football” panel, according to a report in The Athletic. It could be a tough tackle – Amazon Prime, CBS and NBC are also interested in Kelce, host of popular podcast “New Heights” with his brother, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce.

Fubo and the YES Network have agreed to a multi-year agreement that brings NY Yankees and Brooklyn Nets coverage to the streaming platform. “As Fubo is the only streaming platform to offer YES in its base plan, everyone in the family can enjoy the sports, news and entertainment content they love at an attractive price point,” said Todd Mathers, SVP, Content Strategy and Acquisition, Fubo.

Starting next year, the World Golf Competition and Corporate Traveler will gather amateur golfers from around the world and provide them with the opportunity to live the life of a professional golfer, with high-end travel and exclusive golf courses. The inaugural competition, teeing off in 2025 with a total prize pool of $5 million, will feature more than 300 total rounds of golf on over 200 different courses spanning 20 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

The LA Galaxy announced a collaboration between a Major League Soccer team and music video network Vevo. Through the partnership, 12 LA Galaxy players will curate an hour-long block of music video programming, personally introducing each of their chosen favorite music videos. The joint program will air ahead of LA Galaxy game days across the Vevo network, including the “Vevo Pop” channel and playlists on YouTube and the Vevo TV app.

GOING GLOBAL

The BBC is looking at $630 million deficit next year, according to its Annual Plan, up 40% from this year – and that means some changes are in store. “Our financial plan includes a transformative approach to savings to enable delivery of our strategic ambitions,” says the plan. “This will require a number of difficult decisions over the course of the year including one-off transformational costs. Ultimately savings will help to deliver reinvestment in our audience offering and set the BBC up to succeed as audience consumption patterns change.”

Global Gaming Market Hits $269B in 2025; Women Represent Half of Gamers

Enter today for just $299 to be recognized in this giant market of opportunity. Women who are making an impact in the industry and their business deserve recognition – whether in PR, marketing, HR, DEI, or sales – and we, at Cynopsis, want to honor the crème de la crème of female esports & gaming execs. Want to find out more?

VISIT THE SITE

Scott Lukas, who joined Horizon Media in September in the role of SVP, Human Intelligence within its WHY group, will now head the division. He replaces Sheri Roder as part of a planned transition.

Lee Desmond has been named President of Saatchi & Saatchi X. Desmond served as SVP, North American Shopper, Experiential and Retail Marketing at Mosaic North America.

The Brandtech Group has appointed Matthieu Bucaille as Global Chief Financial Officer. Bucaille was previously CEO of Lazard International.

Laura Zwahlen has joined NextRoll as Chief Revenue Officer. Zwahlen has held leadership roles at CoderPad, Pantheon Platform and LiveRamp.

Banijay COO Peter Langenberg is exiting his job at the company, but will remain in a consultant capacity. “While I step down from my role as COO, it’s not really goodbye, and I welcome the new challenge and opportunity to continue working with my brilliant colleagues, some of whom I now consider friends,” he said.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which History docuseries was narrated by Liev Schreiber? “America: The Story of Us” (2010). Kudos to: Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Today’s Trivia Question
On “Smallville” (2001-10), why did Lionel Luther have his parents murdered? (Email [email protected] 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.)