 IN THE NEWS |
Station owner Nexstar has been temporarily barred from combining its operations with Tegna, despite the companies having secured regulatory approval for their $6.2 billion merger – and closed the transaction on March 19. The setback stems from an antitrust lawsuit filed by DirecTV and a coalition of states, which argue the merger would raise consumer costs and weaken local competition. In his ruling, Judge Nunley of the US District Court for the Eastern District of California ordered Nexstar to keep Tegna operating as a separate, independently managed business and to ensure it remains a viable, competitive entity. Nexstar pushed back swiftly. “This transaction closed more than four weeks ago,” the company said Friday, adding it will appeal the decision and take its case to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
QVC Group has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it looks to restructure its business, accelerating a shift from traditional TV to live social commerce. The company framed the move as a strategic reset to support its “WIN Growth Strategy.” “QVC Group is uniquely positioned to compete and win in live social shopping, and we are seeing early momentum,” said President and CEO David Rawlinson. He pointed to gains over the past year, including becoming a top seller on TikTok Shop US, expanding across streaming platforms, consolidating QVC and HSN operations, forging new social and media partnerships, and adjusting sourcing to navigate tariff changes. With lender backing and a reworked capital structure, the company said it is confident it can execute on its growth plans.
Online platforms and personalities, especially those on the right, have overtaken television and traditional print outlets as regular news sources, according to a new Jordan Center/Ipsos poll that surveyed people who voted in the last presidential election. Conservative politicians, led by President Donald Trump, are the top news influencers. When politicians are excluded from the results, podcaster Joe Rogan is in the top spot, followed by Fox News personalities Greg Gutfeld and Sean Hannity, then commentators Ben Shapiro and Tucker Carlson. The top non-politician influencers among those who say they voted for Kamala Harris in 2024 are late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, and Jon Stewart.
But this isn’t a new trend. “Even in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sensationalist and polarizing voices in print and later on air were among the most influential in the political landscape – such as political satirist Mark Twain and populist Father Charles Coughlin,” noted Assistant Professor of Practice and Jordan Center Executive Director Steven L Herman. |
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| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| “Naked and Afraid: Global Showdown” throws survival all-stars from around the world into the wild, with no clothes, and a $200,000 reason not to tap out, starting Sunday, May 17 at 8p on Discovery Channel.
Great American Media’s “County Rescue” is back. The drama starts streaming Thursdays, beginning May 14 on Great American Pure Flix, and premieres on Great American Family and GFAM+ on Sunday, May 17 at 8p.
New preschool series “Dino Ranch: Island Explorers” starts streaming on Amazon Kids+ on Wednesday, April 22. The animated “Dino Ranch” spinoff launched in Canada on CBC, CBC Gem, and CBC Kids YouTube in November 2025. |
Today’s Premieres
CW: Sullivan’s Crossing at 8p
Hulu: 4×20: Quick Hits
ID: Hollywood Demons at 9p
Lifetime: Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out at 9p
Netflix: Funny AF With Kevin Hart
Prime Video: Kevin
Tubi: The Freak Brothers |
| PRODUCTION |
| Wonder Project and Luma have launched Innovative Dreams, a filmmaker-led production services company, R&D lab, post-production and visual effects firm, backed by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The studio brings together creators across a wide range of genres and budget levels, supporting projects from development through final delivery. The first project to utilize this new workflow, shot entirely on a virtual stage, is “The Old Stories: Moses,” a three-part companion special from the world of “House of David.”
Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton is launching a production company, Zero Doubt Creative, and has signed an exclusive, multi-year production and development partnership with Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse. Under the agreement, Zero Doubt Creative will collaborate with Wheelhouse Sports on all original entertainment and branded content.
Microdrama platform ReelShort and Endemol Shine Brasil have partnered for the Brazilian adaptation “Married at First Sight,” which premiered on April 18 on ReelShort. “Brazil has become one of the most mobile‑first entertainment markets in the world, and that shift is transforming how audiences consume content. In response, Endemol Shine Brasil is expanding its presence in this space,” said Nani Freitas, CEO at Endemol Shine Brasil.
UK’s Spirit Studios announced the launch of 10 Minute History, a digital channel delivering cinematic, story-driven history in tightly structured ten-minute episodes. This launch also forms part of Spirit Studios’ wider strategy to grow both its owned and operated channels, as well as third-party channels across its MCN, as the TV industry continues to shift towards a more YouTube-centric model. |
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| TECH |
| Attention company Lumen Research has teamed with Cint, the technology company behind research to prove what attention is worth. The partnership connects attention data with brand lift, giving advertisers a clearer view of how engagement drives outcomes. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| Inspired by the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope and a Villanova graduate, the next NCAA college basketball season starts on an international stage on Fox. Notre Dame and Villanova will meet in the Eternal City Tip-Off in Rome on November 1, 2026. “Villanova is honored to open the basketball season in Rome – a place deeply connected to our Catholic faith and tradition,” said Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, President of Villanova University. “This event is far more than a pair of games; it offers our student‑athletes and communities the chance to witness how sport can inspire unity, shared purpose and compassion – values Pope Leo XIV has so powerfully articulated.
The FIFA World Cup tournament offers massive visibility for advertisers, but it won’t automatically translate into attention, affinity, or action, according to research from Cint. Findings from the survey include:
· 65% of respondents say seeing primary sponsors alongside the World Cup leaves their impression of those brands about the same, and 45% are neutral on whether sponsorship makes them more likely to choose a sponsor over a competitor.
· 48% say they pay little or no attention to ads during live sports broadcasts.
· 55% say they are unlikely to rewatch a commercial they first saw during World Cup coverage, and 53% say they are unlikely to talk about a World Cup ad with friends, family, or on social media.
DAZN has entered a new global broadcast partnership with NASCAR Euro Series. The championship features a mix of established and emerging racers who compete on a range of circuits, from traditional permanent tracks to venues that test car control and race craft.
The Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN) and Spectrum struck a multiyear carriage agreement that will make MASN and its coverage of the Baltimore Orioles available to Spectrum customers in areas of southeastern Maryland and Virginia, and eastern North Carolina. |
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This Day in History
1968 – Pierre Elliott Trudeau became Prime Minister of Canada.
Today’s Trivia Question
What was Marisol’s job before she went undercover as a maid on “Devious Maids” (2013-16)? (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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