 IN THE NEWS |
| Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have approved the proposed $31-per-share sale to Paramount Skydance, a move Paramount described as “another important milestone” toward closing the deal. At the same special meeting, however, investors overwhelmingly rejected a potential $800+ million golden parachute package for CEO David Zaslav, siding with the recommendation of proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services. The merger still faces one key hurdle: approval from federal regulators.
TV is no longer acting like an awareness channel – it is triggering immediate action across devices, according to tvScientific’s 2026 Consumer Trends Report. Data shows:
· 65% of consumers have made a purchase after seeing a TV ad.
· 68% actively look up products they see in ads in real time.
· 78% are on a second screen while watching.
· 91% of Gen Z use social while watching TV and show a clear preference for more personalized and interactive formats.
· 42% of those surveyed said seeing a brand on TV makes them trust it more. |
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| On the heels of a presentation in NYC (Nick Jonas in the house!), Vevo shared its approach to the 2026 Upfront season. The music video network is rolling out new offerings like “Artist Franchise” and “Attention Guaranteed” under Vevo Evolve, its data-driven solutions suite. It’s also tapping into YouTube’s Instant Reserve program, giving brands access to premium music video inventory while allowing those buys to count toward broader YouTube commitments. Said Rob Christensen, EVP, Global Sales, “It’s about giving partners the ability to move seamlessly between premium, scaled media, and bespoke programs that drive real connection.”
Fox has renewed “Fear Factor: House of Fear” for a second season. The reality competition’s premiere delivered 16.5 million viewers, ranking as broadcast’s number one debut of the season.
Expectations for inclusive storytelling are evolving beyond representation alone. Today’s gold standard is less about what’s visible on screen and more about what’s felt—authenticity, care, and a deep respect for the people whose stories are being told. There may be no better example of that than critically acclaimed Netflix hit “Love on the Spectrum.” Karina Holden, co-creator and executive producer of the docuseries, talks about reshaping unscripted TV, in Cynsiders.
Buoyed by NBCUniversal’s “Legendary February,” Peacock is nearing profitability. More than 225 million Americans tuned in across the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, Super Bowl 60, and the NBA All-Star Game, said Comcast Co-CEO Mike Cavanagh. “That scale drove record advertising sales – roughly $2 billion over 17 days – and accelerated Peacock’s momentum.” The platform added two million net new subscribers in the quarter, with revenue up more than 70%, putting it on track to approach profitability next quarter.
Banijay Kids & Family has struck a global deal with Cloudco Entertainment to manage the Care Bears YouTube presence. The company will oversee content strategy, optimization, audience growth, rights management, and brand development. The Care Bears library will also be integrated into Banijay’s ZeeKay YouTube network, expanding its digital reach. |
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UPFRONTS
Position Early. Win the Upfront.
The most valuable Upfront conversations happen before presentations begin. The Cynopsis Upfront Package ensures your brand is seen, trusted, and remembered across the full cycle.
Lead the conversation from the start.
Discover the 2026 Upfront Package.
REACH OUT TODAY |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Apple TV’s “Star City” makes its debut Friday, May 29 with two episodes. The new space race alt-history drama expands the world of “For All Mankind.”
Season 22 of Discovery hit “Deadliest Catch” kicks off Friday, May 8 at 8p. The season will pay tribute to crew member Todd Meadows, who joined the show as a deckhand in May 25 and died the following February in a fishing accident.
HBO Max’s “On the Roam” returns for season two on Thursday, May 14. The docuseries follows Jason Momoa as he travels the country chasing art, adventure, and friendship through the lens of craftsmanship.
“The Chi” is back for its eighth and final season Friday, May 22. New episodes will drop weekly on Paramount+.
“Front Office Sports Tonight,” a 30-minute, nationally syndicated daily show, is set to launch Monday, September 14. The program, cleared in over 85% of the country, will broadcast on stations owned by FOX, Hearst, Nexstar, Sinclair, Gray, Scripps, Sunbeam, American Spirit, and Lockwood.
PAVE Studios announced the launch of Rewind, a new brand for creators and fans obsessed with history. The first Rewind show to premiere (video on YouTube as well as audio across podcast platforms) will be “Hidden History” on Monday, May 11. |
Today’s Premieres
Apple TV: My Brother the Minotaur
Netflix: If Wishes Could Kill
Prime Video: New Bandits
Sunday’s Premieres
Food Network: 24 in 24: Chef Standing at 8p
Fox: Bob’s Burgers at 8:30p |
| TECH |
| DirecTV is expanding into virtual reality, bringing live TV, sports, movies, and on-demand programming to Meta Quest. The experience is now available through the Meta Horizon Store and Meta Horizon TV and is accessible to all Meta Quest users, not just DirecTV subscribers.
Vitrina has launched VIQI, an AI platform trained on the dealmaking and business dynamics of the film and TV industry. Designed to function like a virtual insider, VIQI answers questions, connects insights, and surfaces opportunities across companies, talent, and projects, powered by a mapped view of the entertainment ecosystem. “Entertainment has never lacked information; it’s lacked clarity,” said Atul Phadnis, Founder and CEO of Vitrina. “VIQI was built to reflect how the industry actually works, helping professionals connect dots that are usually scattered across trades, databases, and personal networks.”
DoubleVerify has secured Media Rating Council (MRC) accreditation for TikTok Video Viewability, making it the first measurement provider to earn the designation. The accreditation covers DV’s direct measurement and reporting of video ads delivered within the TikTok mobile app, including impressions, viewable impressions, and related viewability metrics, along with advanced filtering for sophisticated invalid traffic (SIVT).
XR (Extreme Reach) announced a first-of-its-kind solution for paying AI-generated performers in ads, aligned with the new the 2025 SAG-AFTRA Commercials Contract. “AI is going to fundamentally change how celebrities and synthetic talent are portrayed in advertising, and agencies, brands, and talent agents must be ready to support this shift,” said Tim Hale, Managing Director, XR Pay. “The rules around Digital Replicas and Synthetic Performers are new territory for everyone in advertising and XR is here to help our brand and agency clients navigate this complexity.” |
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| CYNOPSIS SPORTS AWARDS
The Finalists Are In
From breakthrough campaigns to game-changing platforms, the Cynopsis Sports Awards finalists represent the best in sports media today.
Now it’s time to see who takes home top honors.
Winners announced live on June 4.
VIEW THE LIST |
| PRODUCTION |
| Scarlett Johansson, who starred in the 2007 film “The Nanny Diaries,” is executive producing a television adaptation in the works at Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, reports Deadline. The show is based on the 2002 bestseller by Emma McLaughlin that follows a writer who takes a job as a nanny for an ultra-wealthy family.
Apple TV has ordered a comedy series from 20th Television, starring Elizabeth Banks (“Miniature Wife”) as a divorced woman forced into an alliance with the son of her father’s girlfriend. Banks is also among the executive producers.
A “Clueless” sequel series, with the 1995 film’s star Alicia Silverstone attached to star and executive produce, is no longer in development at Peacock, reports Variety. But don’t totally bug – the project is expected to generate interest from other buyers.
TIME Studios and Piers Morgan’s Uncensored are teaming to co-produce and distribute a longform series hosted by Piers Morgan. The show, featuring conversations with figures across sports, politics, global affairs, business, and culture, is set to debut this summer.
VGTV has commissioned ITV Studios Norway to produce a new season of hot reality dating format “Love Island,” for a new Norwegian version of the show.
London-based BossaNova Media has greenlit “history mystery” series “Ruins Rise And Fall.” Produced by Like A Shot, the show uses immersive 3D-CGI to reanimate ruins from around the ancient world.
ITV has ordered thriller “First Woman,” starring Andrea Riseborough (“Goodbye June”) and Ashley Walters (“Adolescence”). The six-parter follows the disappearance of an astronaut. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| The WNBA released its 18-game preseason schedule for 2026. In addition to four national broadcasts on ION, every preseason game will be available on WNBA League Pass. ION is the only TV network airing preseason games nationally, with four broadcasts scheduled. Preseason action tips off Saturday, April 25.
FuboTV is developing its market-first user-configured Multiview feature for the Fubo streaming service on select LG TVs. “Multiview, one of our fan-favorite features, is expected to arrive on LG TVs in time for football season,” said Isaac Josephson, SVP, Product Management, Fubo. “With Multiview on Fubo, LG consumers will be able to personalize their own streaming experience, no matter what type of content they want to watch.” |
| COMING UP |
| Fox News will air a special White House Correspondents’ Dinner edition of “Fox News Saturday Night” on Saturday, April 25 at 9p. Taking place at the Washington Hilton, the two-hour special will feature Jimmy Failla as he speaks with attendees making their way into the event.
The fifth annual “Las Culturistas Culture Awards” is set for Wednesday, June 17 at 9p, simulcasting on Bravo and Peacock. The variety special celebrating culture’s most iconic moments will be hosted by comedians Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang of the “Las Culturistas” podcast.
Documentary “Kyle Larson vs. The Double,” following the NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson’s two-year quest, premieres Thursday, May 21 on Prime Video. |
| RATINGS |
| Top 10 Streaming Programs for the Week of March 23 |
Top 10 Broadcast Programs for the Week of April 14
P2+ AA (000)
ABC World News Tonight 8.175
Tracker (CBS) 7.50
Marshals (CBS) 7.381
60 Minutes (CBS) 6.689
NBC Nightly News (NBC) 6.441
George & Mandy’s First Marriage (CBS) 5.878
ABC World News Tonight Sunday 5.775
NBC Nightly News 5.586
Survivor (CBS) 5.288
NBA Playoffs (ABC) 5.212
Source: Nielsen Big Data + Panel, Live + Same Day |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Razorfish has appointed Renee Borkowski as EVP, Transformation. Borkowski was previously Managing Director at Accenture Song.
Channel Factory has named Colleen Liguori as Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Woo Kim has joined as Global Chief Financial Officer and Eren Pamir has transitioned from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Business Officer. |
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This Day in History
1920 – Polish troops attacked Ukraine.
Friday Fun Fact
The shortest war in history, the Anglo-Zanzibar War, lasted 38 minutes.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which sitcom ran on a broadcast network from 1984-85, then was revived for first-run syndication in 1987? “Charles in Charge.” Kudos to: Tom Boyd-WGN/Chicago; Aaron Paquette-AccelerateSG/Fort Worth, TX; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Joel Dearing-Virtual News Center/Indianapolis; Anne Thompson-Canvas Worldwide/Atlanta; Corey Lambert/NYC; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
Which TV character’s work included photographing the cover of a Carly Simon album? (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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