 IN THE NEWS |
| YouTube accounted for an estimated 24% of US CTV streaming minutes as of April 2025, according to MoffettNathanson Research. Factor in minutes viewed on YouTube TV and the total is 28%, versus 15% for runner-up Netflix. In 1Q25, YouTube had 27% total share and Netflix, 17%. “Just four years ago, Netflix was the undisputed leader, commanding 26% of all streaming minutes,” said media analyst Michael Nathanson, co-founder of MoffettNathanson. “We agree with [YouTube CEO] Neal Mohan and believe this trend will only accelerate as YouTube continues to invest in both GenAI and its creator ecosystem.” |
 CBS can continue to distribute “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” as its legal battle with Sony Pictures Television grinds on. A judge sided with Sony last month, deciding Sony was no longer obligated to provide episodes to its long-time distributor, CBS, but that order has been temporarily paused, and CBS can continue to distribute the game shows during its appeal. Sony terminated its distribution deal with CBS in August, claiming CBS had entered into unauthorized licensing deals for the shows and then paid itself a commission.
The New York Times and Amazon struck a deal that has the Times licensing its editorial content to Amazon for use in AI platforms. It’s the first time the paper has agreed to a licensing arrangement with a focus on generative AI. The goal, said the companies, is to bring additional value to Amazon customers and bring Times journalism to wider audiences. “The deal is consistent with our long-held principle that high-quality journalism is worth paying for,” said Meredith Kopit Levien, the chief executive of the Times, in a note to staff. “It aligns with our deliberate approach to ensuring that our work is valued appropriately, whether through commercial deals or through the enforcement of our intellectual property rights.” |
 Disney+ is giving fans more reasons to tune in with the launch of a new, always-on Perks program, offering rewards ranging from access to one-of-a-kind experiences and limited-time sweepstakes, to savings and special discounts. And beginning June 2, Hulu will debut its first suite of offerings, complementing the Disney+ program. Last year, Disney+ introduced the first subscriber Perks program in streaming; this launch expands the current offering into an always-on program, with additional international rollouts to follow later this year.
YouTube is streamlining its process for reviewing content monetization eligibility. “To improve the accuracy of our yellow icon decisions and get your videos monetizing faster, we are experimenting with automatically sending videos that receive a ‘Limited or no ads’ rating for an additional review that may be completed by a human,” posted the company in its help center. “Additional reviews aim to improve the stability and accuracy of monetization assessments, reducing the need for appeals and providing more confidence in your video’s monetization status.” While a “minority of videos” may still take a day to review, the result will be a more accurate decision, said the company.
Three in four advertisers agree that creator programs are ideal for reaching younger audiences, according to Advertiser Perceptions’ 2025 Creator & Influencer Marketing Report, which offers insights into perceived benefits, pain points and drivers of investment. Key findings include:
· 48% of respondents said the main objective for using creator/influencer marketing was to increase product consideration.
· Platforms and creators are highly influential and involved in structuring advertiser programs.
· Finding the right influencers, creative quality control and difficulty proving ROI remain the top challenges associated with paid creator programs. 70% of advertisers think that AI is making it easier to find the right creators to work with.
· Social video posts/stories/shorts remain the most used formats, followed by mid-form video (3-10 minutes) and live streaming video. |
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| FuboTV announced the availability of programmatic pause ads, powered by ClearLine, Magnite’s self-service buying solution. Fubo first launched pause ads last year as part of a suite of interactive CTV ad units. The ad format appears a few seconds after a viewer presses pause during the content stream. When the user resumes the stream, the pause ad disappears. The pause ads can be outfitted with a QR code for additional engagement opportunities. “The excitement around interactive ad formats like pause ads has only increased and now brands have more flexibility to activate against our robust lineup of live sports, news and entertainment content,” said Jennifer Hess, VP, Global Ad Operations, Fubo. “Programmatic pause ads for CTV are a game changer.”
Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon’s Prime Video now make up 92% of available sports programming on streaming, per a new analysis from Nielsen’s Gracenote. Netflix outpaced all tracked services in total catalog growth during Q2, increasing available content by 18.2%, followed by Apple TV+ (3.7%), Amazon Prime Video (3.2%), Disney+ (1.6%) and Paramount+ (1%). Currently, Netflix offers 20.1% of the TV shows, movies and sports programs available on major streaming services, up from 17.9% in the previous quarter. Drama remains the dominant genre across the services, but documentaries account for nearly 33% of TV shows across the five services. |
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| Paramount Global has offered President Trump $15 million to settle his lawsuit against CBS News, reports The Wall Street Journal, but the Trump team is holding out for more. A source tells WSJ that Trump wants north of $25 million and an apology for what the lawsuit alleges was a deceitfully edited “60 Minutes” interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Paramount’s planned $8 billion merger with Skydance Media requires a federal review, and it has been suggested that a settlement could expose company directors and officers to liability in potential shareholder litigation for bribing a public official. So far Trump has nabbed $25 million from Meta and $10 million from X to settle lawsuits stemming from suspensions of Trump’s accounts after the January 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol, and $15 million from Disney to settle a defamation lawsuit against ABC News – amounts in line with Paramount’s reported offer.
Prime Video has launched a marketing initiative spotlighting women-led storytelling. The effort, which includes merchandising, curated carousels, multi-title AV assets, social storytelling, and press and influencer events, reflects new research that shows viewers seek emotionally resonant, personalized entertainment, especially among women 18–34 and 35+, the initiative’s dual core audiences. “This campaign shines a spotlight on the stories, creators, and characters that speak to women in powerful, personal ways,” said Sue Kroll, Head of Marketing, Amazon MGM Studios. “From exclusive new trailers and curated carousels to immersive experiences and cultural moments, we’re showing up with intention, inviting women to see themselves on screen, in every genre, every mood, and come every day to experience it on Prime Video.”
The season six finale of historical drama series “The Chosen” will be released as a feature film exclusively in theaters on March 12, 2027, and the premiere of season seven will have a theatrical run starting March 31, 2028. Both are being produced as a big screen experience. Season six will be available to stream on Prime Video prior to the theatrical debut of the finale, while season seven will stream on Prime Video following the premiere’s theatrical. Season five makes its debut on Prime Video June 15. Theatrical releases of Seasons 3 through 5 have grossed more than $140 million worldwide.
Peacock has canceled “Laid” after one season. The comedy debuted in December with all eight episodes. |
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| TOP WOMEN IN MEDIA
What It Means to Be a Top Woman in Media
It’s more than a title—it’s a moment of visibility, validation, and inspiration.
The Top Women in Media Awards recognize women across the industry who lead with purpose, elevate those around them, and redefine what success looks like in every corner of media.
As one past honoree put it:
“It’s not just an award. It’s a reminder that your work is seen—and it matters.”
Whether you’re a mentor, a strategist, a creative force, or a rising star, now’s the time to tell your story—or spotlight someone who should.
Submit your nomination today. |
| PRODUCTION |
| Paramount+ with Showtime has renewed “The Chi” for season eight. The drama’s season seven debut drew two million cross-platform viewers in its first seven days, up 2% from last season.
Meryl Streep is taking another spin on Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.” The news broke in a X post that read, “Gird your loins, Meryl is returning for Season 5! That’s all.”
Julia Garner (“Ozark”) will star opposite Anthony Boyle (“Say Nothing”) in “The Altruists,” a Netflix series about Caroline Ellison and Sam Bankman-Fried and the cratering of cryptocurrency exchange FTX.
Eclipse TV is producing and distributing “Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame 2025,” celebrating the sports, business and entertainment nominees who attended The Clubs in their youth. The one-hour special will air on NBC, ABC and CBS owned stations, Gray, Sinclair and Nexstar stations in the June 7 – July 20 window. |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Prime Video true crime docuseries “Romcon: Who the F**k is Jason Porter?” premieres Friday, June 13. The two-parter exposes the dark side of dating in Toronto. |
 Also debuting on Friday, June 13 – but not likely to be on the same watch list – is preschool series “Not a Box.” Apple TV+’s animated show was inspired by the children’s picture book by Antoniette Portis.
Season four of Disney Jr.’s “Spidey and his Amazing Friends” kicks off Monday, June 16 at 8a, and later that day on Disney Channel. The series is the #2 streaming series for kids and boys 2-5, drawing 2.3 billion views across Disney Jr. and Marvel HQ YouTube channels and 896 million hours streamed globally on Disney+ to date.
Prime Video prequel “The Terminal List: Dark Wolf” launches Wednesday, August 27 with three episodes, followed by new episodes weekly. |
Today’ Premiere
WE tv: Mama June: Family Crisis at 8p
Saturday’s Premieres
Lifetime: The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy at 8p
Prime Video: Good Boy
Sunday’s Premieres
A&E: Duck Dynasty: The Revival at 9p
Acorn TV: Relative Secrets
Food Network: BBQ Brawl at 9p
HBO: The Mortician at 9p
History Channel: The Mega-Brands That Built America at 9p |
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| SPORTS REPORT |
| FOX Sports announced select games from the network’s 2025 college football schedule. Week 1 kicks off with a showdown between Texas and reigning national champion Ohio State on Saturday, August 30 at 12p, while Week 2 features Iowa versus Iowa State in their annual Cy-Hawk Trophy rivalry on Saturday, September 6 at 12p on FOX.
ESPN+, ESPNU and ESPN Deportes will combine to present 29 matches of The Soccer Tournament (TST), the 7-v-7, $1-million winner-take-all world soccer championship, beginning Wednesday, June 4.
Navio Networks has signed a deal to be the exclusive Sales Agency of Record for Anthem Sports Group, overseeing all advertising operations across ASG’s FAST and CTV platforms. |
| TECH |
| Nielsen and FOX Television Stations agreed to a multi-year renewal deal for local TV measurement across 18 of FOX’s owned and operated local markets. Included in the deal is Scarborough, providing insights across FOX’s Local CTV apps. Nielsen will also serve as provider for local advanced audiences. “We’re committed to helping advertisers navigate the evolving media landscape with solutions that go beyond outdated metrics,” said Patrick Paolini, Fox Television Stations EVP Sales. “Nielsen’s Advanced Audiences are a key step forward, and we will continue to push for measurement tools that are not only more accurate but also faster and better aligned with how people actually watch content today.”
Cadent, the predictive advertising company, announced the availability of advanced supply category targeting within the Cadent Ad Manager. By unifying Jounce’s supply categories with bid-stream data, Cadent empowers advertisers with control over supply categories directly in the Cadent Ad Manager. “Cadent is committed to delivering innovative solutions that give our customers more control and transparency in their advertising strategies,” said Eoin Townsend, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Cadent. “This expanded partnership with Jounce Media is a perfect example of that. As one of the first DSPs to introduce Advanced Supply Category targeting, we are providing advertisers with more precise control over their inventory choices.”
illumin Holdings announced the launch of its Forecasting tool, aimed at giving marketers a clear, data-driven view of campaign potential before launch. illumin allows marketers to plan across multiple tactics and channels simultaneously while maintaining control at the granular level. “With illumin Forecasting, we’re giving marketers the power to forecast with clarity and control – from the individual element to the entire campaign,” said Rachel Kapcan, Chief Product Officer at illumin. “It introduces a new level of flexibility and foresight to the planning process.”
Uber Ads Manager, Uber’s restaurant advertising platform, now provides increased access to data-driven insights with a redesigned interface. “This is about enabling restaurants to more effectively reach ready-to-purchase customers and drive stronger results, truly on their own terms,” said Jennifer Shuraleff, Director, United States & Canada Sales, Uber Advertising. |
| THINK FAST |
| NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises announced the launch of the Caso Cerrado FAST channel, featuring more than 800 hours of the courtroom show starring Dra. Ana María Polo. The channel is now free for US audiences on Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Prime Video, Fubo, Fire TV, Freevee, Google TV, LG channels, TCL, Comcast, Plex, and Xumo. |
| COMING UP |
| The original cast of “Hamilton” will reunite for an anniversary performance at the 78th Annual Tony Awards, airing Sunday, June 8 at 8p on CBS. The smash Broadway play debuted off-Broadway in 2015.
Al Roker, weather and feature anchor of NBC News’ “Today,” and filmmaker Jon Else will receive Lifetime Achievement honors at the 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards. Roker will be recognized during the News ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, while Else will pick up his trophy at the Documentary ceremony on Thursday, June 26.
“Jim Thorpe: Lit by Lightning” kicks off Monday, July 7 at 8p on The History Channel. The two-hour doc follows the life and legacy of the legendary Olympian and explores what it means to be an American through the intersection of identity and sport.
“State of Silence,” a documentary exploring press freedom in Mexico, makes its broadcast television premiere Saturday, May 31 at 8:55p on Telemundo.
AXS TV is airing 2021 rock doc “Triumph: Rock & Roll Machine” on Saturday, June 7 at 3p and Monday, June 9 at 9p in honor of the band’s 50th anniversary. |
| DISTRIBUTION |
| “Tulipop Tales,” the animated preschool series from Iceland’s Tulipop Studios, will premiere next month on Tinypop, Kidoodle.TV and Zone·tv.
CAKE has signed a deal for Korean animated adventure series “Bubblegem.” The show is produced by Campfire Aniworks for EBS Korea and Chinese streamer Tencent Video and Mentari TV in Indonesia. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| David Zagin announced his exit as President of Distribution at A+E Global Media, and the launch of his consulting practice, DZagin, LLC. “I’m deeply grateful for the relationships, challenges, and growth over the years, and excited for what’s ahead,” said Zagin.
Dentsu Americas has bolstered its Media Practice leadership team with the additions of Grant Ogburn, formerly Global Chief Growth Officer at UM Worldwide, as Chief Growth Officer; Solange Claudio, previously President at Marketing agency FKA, as Chief Operations Officer; and Jason Kodish, most recently Chief Data Officer at Syndesis Health, as Chief Data and Analytics Office.
Brian Danzis has been promoted to Global Chief Revenue Officer at contextual advertising company Seedtag. Danzis joined Seedtag in 2022 to spearhead North American operations. |
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This Day in History
1806 – Future US President Andrew Jackson killed slave trader Charles Dickinson in a duel that originated with an argument over a horse.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which TV movie followed four game show-winning couples on vacation? “Three on a Date” (1978).
Today’s Trivia Question
Who played Bob Newhart’s character’s wife in the comedian’s third sitcom? (Email your answer to trivia@cynopsis.com and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.) |
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DIRECTOR, AD MARKETING & SALES >>
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