 IN THE NEWS |
 Jeff Shell is out as president of Paramount Skydance after less than a year on the job. The move comes after the company reviewed allegations from gambler and self-described fixer RJ Cipriani, who claims Shell leaked confidential information tied to Paramount deals. Paramount said in a statement that “the facts demonstrated that these allegations do not establish a securities law violation.” Shell has filed a countersuit accusing Cipriani of defamation and extortion, and Paramount Skydance said he is leaving his roles as president and board member to focus on the case. The exit marks another high-profile departure for Shell, who was ousted as NBCUniversal CEO in 2023 following an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. |
 AMC Networks is rebranding as AMC Global Media, signaling a sharper focus on its evolution into a streaming-led, global content enterprise. “Our new name reflects the ongoing transformation of our business into a global media and studio-driven company, with streaming out front as our leading source of domestic revenue,” said CEO Kristin Dolan. “AMC Global Media produces and curates high-quality content and delivers it to audiences worldwide across a range of platforms and partnerships.” The company’s portfolio includes streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, HIDIVE and All Reality; cable networks AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV and We TV; film distribution label Independent Film Company; and AMC Studios.
Chatbots are reshaping how Gen Alpha (13–14) discovers entertainment, according to a new Gracenote report. “TV Search and Discovery in the AI Era” found that 49% of this group turn to AI chatbots for TV and movie recommendations – outpacing streaming and cable interfaces (41%) and traditional search engines (11%). The shift goes beyond teens: 57% of all respondents said chatbots are already, or could soon become, their go-to source for deciding what, where, and when to watch.
Nexstar is asking a California federal judge to order DirecTV and the attorneys general of the eight states – California, New York, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Virginia – that are seeking to block the Nexstar/Tegna merger to post a $150 million bond to cover losses it says it will incur if the merger is further delayed. The request comes as the court considers whether to extend a temporary block on the deal. Regulators argue the deal would harm competition across dozens of local TV markets, while Nexstar contends the combined company – set to become the nation’s largest local TV station owner, reaching more than 80% of US households – would benefit viewers.
Paramount is launching its own publishing imprint, Paramount Global Publishing. The imprint – operating under the company’s Products & Experiences division – will develop publishing content inspired by its portfolio of brands and franchises as well as generate new IP. “Stories that originate on the page have a unique power to build immersive worlds, create compelling characters and forge deeper connections with fans,” said Josh Silverman, President, Global Products & Experiences, Paramount. “With the launch of Paramount Global Publishing, we’re expanding the reach of our most beloved franchises while also introducing original stories to audiences around the world.”
BBC Studios is launching a streaming service for airlines. Developed with Panasonic Avionics, BBC Player will feature the BBC’s factual, entertainment, documentaries and children’s content. “For years our industry has talked about services like streaming and OTT, but, until now, there has not been a robust, reliable and true solution to deliver these kinds of services to aircraft,” said Andy Masson, SVP, Panasonic Avionics. “By delivering the world’s first fully rights-cleared streaming platform developed for airlines, Panasonic Avionics and BBC Studios are significantly enhancing the onboard entertainment experience.” The service will launch later this year.
Wanna bet? Fox Corp. is bringing prediction market Kalshi into the fold, integrating its data across FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, FOX Weather, and the FOX One platform. Through the sponsored deal, Kalshi’s real-time data will power both linear and digital coverage, adding a data-driven layer to reporting on politics, the economy, weather, and culture. Kalshi will also collaborate with FOX’s data and production teams to enable seamless, on-screen visualizations. The platform is already collaborating with CNN and CBS.
It’s a date: The 99th Oscars ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027, and the 100th ceremony has been slated for Sunday, Marcy 5, 2028, announced the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC. SAG-AFTRA has also set dates for its 2027 and 2028 awards ceremonies, streaming live on Netflix Sunday, February 28 and Sunday, February 20, respectively. And the Producers Guild of America also got in on the action, with its 2027 and 2028 awards presentations scheduled for Saturday, February 27, 2027, and Saturday, February 19, 2028.
Great American Media is partnering with Minivela, a vertical short-form platform serving US Hispanic and Latin American audiences, to develop, distribute, and market microdramas. The collaboration will support the launch and growth of Pure Flix Familia, a new Spanish-language and bilingual hub focused on faith- and family-driven storytelling, debuting later this year. The companies will also work together on brand integrations and advertiser partnerships, creating new opportunities and distribution for marketers to connect with audiences.
Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) announced a strategic partnership with content distributor Merzigo to expand HMPG’s digital presence on YouTube and Facebook. Merzigo will collaborate with HMPG to optimize and scale a curated selection of series and channels from HMPG’s programming portfolio. “HMPG’s content library is uniquely positioned for growth across social and digital video platforms. Through this partnership, we will expand our reach, engage new audiences, and scale our programming in meaningful and measurable ways,” said Frank Biancuzzo, president of HMPG. |
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This is where relationships grow, recognition extends beyond awards and careers accelerate.
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| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Peacock crime drama “M.I.A.” premieres Thursday, May 7. The series follows a woman who, after her family’s drug-running business ends in tragedy, embarks on a journey through Miami’s underbelly. |
Today’s Premieres
HBO Max: Hacks
Netflix: Bandi; Big Mistakes
Peacock: The Miniature Wife
Sundance Now: Original Gangsters With Sean Bean |
| TECH |
| For buyers and planners, and really anyone in media right now, AI is becoming part of daily workflows, but often without a shared language. Cynopsis alum Robbie Caploe has created a practical glossary, part of her Substack on LLM Advertising, to clarify the terms that are showing up most often and how they are being used in planning, buying, and decision-making.
Microsoft and Publicis Groupe are expanding their strategic partnership to build a full-stack marketing solution that unifies legacy systems, AI agents and identity-based data to accelerate marketing outcomes as more companies move to agentic AI. “Ten years ago with Microsoft we co-created Marcel, marketing’s first AI platform,” said Arthur Sadoun, CEO, Publicis Groupe. “Now we’re partnering again to shape the industry, this time as our clients confront the dynamics of the agentic era.” |
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PROGRAMMATIC AI
Turn AI Into Action—Then Lock in Your Stay
Join Programmatic AI to learn how top teams are actually applying AI across planning, buying, and performance.
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Reserve your room before they’re gone.
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| THINK FAST |
 Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is partnering with Fuse Media to launch Fluffy TV, a family-friendly FAST channel. Programming will include stand-up specials, comedy films, sketch, series, and originals, starting in June 2026. “Gabriel Iglesias is one of the top, most beloved comics in the world,” said Patrick Courtney, Chief Business Officer, Fuse Media. “Fluffy TV brings that spirit into FAST, creating a widely appealing channel where audiences can come together for comedy that feels inclusive, joyful, and authentic.” |
| COMING UP |
| Telemundo will host a fan celebration for its broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Live music special “El Mundial Es Nuestro” airs Sunday, June 7 at 9p.
MeTV stunt The Month of Mayberry kicks off Sunday, May 3 at 2p with “Return to Mayberry,” the 1986 made-for-TV movie that reunited the original cast of “The Andy Griffith Show.” Starting Monday, May 4, the network will present four weeks of back-to-back episodes of the series, Monday-Friday at 8p and 8:30p.
Antenna TV is offering another May stunt – a Mother’s Day marathon of “One Day at a Time.” Episodes of the 1975-84 sitcom will air for 24 hours, starting at 5a on May 10. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| MotoAmerica is bringing the 2026 Superbike Championship to VICE TV in collaboration with V10 Entertainment. Coverage of motorcycle road racing kicks off live at Road Atlanta April 18–19, for the first round of the Superbike season. |
| RATINGS |
| The CW’s airing of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Race at Rockingham delivered 1.165 million Total Viewers, up +11% compared to last year’s Rockingham race.
Basic Cable Top 10 for the Week of March 30
P2+ AA (000)
Primetime
Fox News 2763
TBS 1672
ESPN 1656
MS NOW 1260
TNT 1125
CNN 810
HGTV 628
History 534
Food Network 513
Discovery 48
Total Day
Fox News 1726
MS NOW 752
ESPN 646
CNN 598
TBS 570
TNT 393
HGTV 352
Food Network 272
Hallmark Channel 269
GSN 262
Source: Nielsen Live+SD |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| BossaNova Media, the content creation, financing and distribution company, has appointed Francesca Johnson to the role of Head of Acquisitions and Iona Hopper to the newly created role of Acquisitions Manager. Most recently, Johnson served as EVP of Content at Anyway Content, while Hopper has spent nearly four years at DCD Rights as part of the acquisitions team. |
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This Day in History
1909 – Congress passed the Payne-Aldrich bill, lowering tariffs on some goods entering the country but raising them on others, causing a major split in the Republican Party.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
In what year did season three of “Twin Peaks” premiere? 2017, on Showtime. Kudos to: Pete Hazell-Warner Bros. Discovery/London; Charle Conner-KOKI Fox 23/Tulsa; Aaron Paquette-AccelerateSG/Fort Worth, TX; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Production Group/LA; Rev. Mark Wajda/Clermont, FL; Becca Vesperino-FatShiba/NYC; Joel Dearing-Virtual News Center/Indianapolis; Lorri Shilling/El Segundo, CA; Rosemary Cunningham-MeTV/Chicago; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC
Today’s Trivia Question
Which short-lived series focuses on a San Francisco police detective who is investigating a vampire he thinks is a mobster? (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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