IN THE NEWS

Deal or no deal? National Amusements has ended merger discussions with David Ellison’s Skydance Media. The proposed deal called for Skydance to buy National Amusements for around $1.7 billion in cash, then merge Paramount into Skydance in a stock deal. “NAI is grateful to Skydance for their months of work in pursuing this potential transaction and looks forward to the ongoing, successful production collaboration between Paramount and Skydance,” read a statement from National Amusements. “NAI supports the recently announced strategic plan being executed by Paramount’s Office of the CEO as well as their ongoing work and that of the Company’s Board of Directors to continue to explore opportunities to drive value creation for all Paramount shareholders.”

Total television advertising revenue, excluding political spending, will dip 0.6% to $64.1 billion in 2024, projects GroupM. Revenues from CTV will rise 20.7% in 2024, and by 2029 will generate 51.1% of all TV revenue, according to the forecast, which includes some YouTube spending in TV totals. By the end of 2024, less than half of all U.S. households will be pay-TV subscribers, and linear TV revenue will fall 8.9%. Tack on political advertising and the picture is rosier – that segment is expected to surpass $15 billion during the 2024 Presidential election cycle. Retail media is expected to be the fastest growing segment again in 2024, up 22% to reach $47.9 billion in revenue.

On the local advertising front, Borrell Associates expects local to grow 3.2% for the year. That’s down 1.2 points from the company’s estimate last November. Since 3Q23 and continuing through the second quarter of this year, Borrell’s barometer survey has shown that a consistent 50% of SMBs consider it to be harder to sustain a small business than it was six months prior. Highlights of the survey include:
· Local advertising is forecast to reach $148.9 billion, up 3.9% from 2023.
· The largest growth is forecast for online listings, with local ad spend forecast to grow 8.1%, topping $20.4 billion.
· Targeted display advertising, driven by social media, is forecast to grow 6.2%, reaching $27.2 billion.
· Local broadcast TV advertising is forecast to grow 5.9%, to $9.9 billion.
· The steepest declines are pegged for yellow pages (-14.3%), untargeted banner advertising (-8.4%), print newspapers (-6.7%) and cable TV (-6.0%)
· Streaming video advertising among local buyers is growing far slower than initially predicted. The forecast calls for 3.9% growth this year, topping $23.3 billion.

Prime Video’s “The Boys” will wrap with upcoming season five. “Thrilled to bring the story to a gory, epic, moist climax,” posted series creator Eric Kripke. “Watch Season 4 in 2 DAYS, cause the end has begun!”.

Also coming to an end is Netflix’s “Arcane,” after its upcoming second season. The animated series is inspired by Riot Games’ League of Legends online game.

The Television Critics Association announced the nominees for the 40TH Annual TCA Awards. FX and Netflix each scored a TCA-best five nominations. Among those scoring nods were:
Program of the Year
“Baby Reindeer” – Netflix
“The Bear” – FX
‘Hacks” – HBO | Max
“Reservation Dogs” – FX
“Ripley” – Netflix
“Shōgun” – FX
Outstanding Achievement in Comedy
“Abbott Elementary” – ABC
“The Bear” – FX
“Girls5eva” – Netflix
“Hacks” – HBO | Max
“Reservation Dogs” – FX
“We Are Lady Parts” – Peacock
Outstanding Achievement in Drama
“Baby Reindeer” – Netflix
“Fallout” – Prime Video
“Fargo” – FX
“Ripley” – Netflix
“Shōgun” – FX
“True Detective: Night Country” – HBO | Max

When brand trust increases by just one point, the average consumer purchase intent increases by 33%, according to a new study from Vevo, MAGNA Media Trials and Initiative. Survey respondents stated that:
· Advertising is a key way for brands to create connections and build brand trust (76%). 48% named TV Ads as the preferred channel of engagement to communicate brand messages and build trust.
· Responsible media practices are the most effective way to build trust (65%). Placing ads next to/in content that is “reputable and safe to watch,” “supports diverse communities and creators,” and “representative of the world around me” are top examples.
· “No connection with me” is a key reason for brand distrust (38%), followed by “mishandled controversies,” “inauthentic” and “hard to find reviews.”

“Advancements within the digital advertising ecosystem have made performance marketing efforts both harder to execute and harder to measure – challenging brands to find ways to break through the crowded ecosystem and prove the value in their media spend across channels and environments,” said Kara Manatt, EVP, Intelligence Solutions, MAGNA. “With a thorough understanding of audiences and the ways in which to reach them, brands can effectively build brand trust through advertising.”

“CBS Mornings” co-host Nate Burleson has been enlisted to host CBS’ revival of “Hollywood Squares,” set to debut in January and air Wednesdays at 10p. Drew Barrymore will sit in the center square seat. The game show premiered on NBC in 1966 with Peter Marshall as host.

On the late night front, CBS renewed “After Midnight” for a second season. Hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, the show launched in January. “Taylor is a gifted comedian who brings a unique voice, energy and plenty of rizz to late night. I learned rizz is a real word thanks to the show,” said Amy Reisenbach, President, CBS Entertainment. “We’re excited for more of her daily smart takes about the dumbest things on the Internet.”

Bunim/Murray Productions is teaming with TOGETHXR (“Surf Girls Hawai’i”) to develop a docuseries focused on the lives of women athletes. Executive produced by TOGETHXR’s Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, the series will navigate the challenges and triumphs of world-class athletes. “We believe in the power of sport to tell stories that transcend the game. This series is an opportunity to showcase the incredible journeys of these phenomenal athletes, on and off the field,” said Bird and Rapinoe in a statement. “As athletes and partners who share a bond through our love of sports, we’re thrilled to team up with Bunim-Murray and TOGETHXR to bring these stories to life.”

During the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Disney Branded Television announced a lineup of new animated projects from its preschool and kids-focused slate. On the way are special “Prep & Landing: The Snowball Protocol” and short-form series “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Moon Girl’s Lab” and “Superkitties” Su-Purr Adventures.” “Big City Greens” was renewed for season five, and season two of “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” got a premiere date: Wednesday, August 14, on Disney+ and Disney Jr.

The Producers Guild of America’s healthcare initiative just got a big boost. Amblin Entertainment, Atlas Entertainment, Bad Robot Productions, Closer Media, and Fremantle are among the 20 companies who have just signed on to the PGA’s efforts to offer health insurance to qualified producers. The benefits initiative, announced in February, calls for companies and studios to pledge a production budget line-item contribution on eligible shows and movies

Paul Giamatti has joined the cast of Paramount+’s “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” in a recurring role. Turns out, he’s a fan. “Sometimes you’re lucky enough to discover that one of the greatest actors alive is also a huge ‘Star Trek’ fan, and meeting Paul was one of those miraculous moments for us,” said co-showrunners and executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau in a joint statement. “The sheer delight with which he dove in on ‘Starfleet Academy’ is only surpassed by the gratitude we feel about him joining our incredible cast.”

Carlos PenaVega (“Big Time Rush”) and Alexa PenaVega (“Spy Kids”) are set to star in “Love At the Kettle” (w/t), part of Great American Family’s holiday movie event, Great American Christmas. The PenaVegas will executive produce the film in Nashville, with Mario Lopez (“Once Upon a Christmas Wish”) co-producing.

The Banff World Media Festival is partnering with Paramount+ in Canada to launch the BANFF SPARK Accelerator for Women in the Business of Media: Producer Edition. The program, open to Canadian women, is aimed at working toward gender parity in the media industry by supporting growth, investment, scaling, and sustainability of established and mid-career women-owned media companies.

NEW SERIES

Two-part documentary “One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit” debuts Tuesday, June 25 at 9p on HBO. The show tells stories of some of the patients in Northwell’s Zucker Hillside Hospital in Queen, NY.

“Suicide Squad ISEKAI” premieres on Hulu on Thursday, June 27. The anime series is based on DC characters.

COMING UP

Jon Stewart, currently hosting the Monday edition of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” will also host special live episodes after the Presidential debates on Thursday, June 27 and Tuesday, September 10.

The 77th Annual Tony Awards will be available to stream live on Paramount+ only for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream the show live, but will be able to watch on-demand the day after the special airs.

TECH TALK

E.W. Scripps is streamlining the programmatic process for advertisers by adopting new tech solutions, OpenPass and Unified ID 2.0, via The Trade Desk “Scripps serves its audiences across the country with the sports and entertainment they love and with the high-quality, non-partisan news and information they are demanding in today’s often polarizing information landscape,” said Brian Norris, Scripps CRO. “As we connect advertisers with these engaged audiences, OpenPass and Unified ID 2.0 are important advancements to the programmatic buying experience.”

SaaS data management platform Optable announced a strategic partnership with ID5, the identity provider for digital advertising, aimed at providing publishers who have already deployed ID5 to increase addressability across their properties. Both agency and in-house advertisers will also now have the opportunity to execute data clean room based collaborations using the ID5 framework. “The adtech industry is shifting towards data collaboration as the go-to method for advertisers to connect with their key audiences while maintaining privacy standards,” said Mathieu Roche, CEO of ID5. “This collaboration with Optable streamlines addressability for both sides, acting as a bridge in the ecosystem. Additionally, it marks the first time ID5 has been integrated into a first-party identity resolution and data collaboration solution, setting an important precedent for future collaborations.”

Fox plans to leverage datafuelX’s SaaS platform, M3, to provide optimized data-driven linear media plans against advertisers’ advanced audience targets for transactions using Nielsen and VideoAmp. “Today, it is table stakes for buyers to have more precise advanced audience guarantees, and data-driven linear provides just that,” said Darren Sherriff, SVP, Sdvanced Ad Solutions at Fox. “With our trusted partner datafuelX, we are confident that M3 will provide us with the tools to optimize opportunities in this space.”

MyBundle launched a TV-based version of MyBundle Free TV, a FAST service designed for direct consumer downloads and also available as a co-branded service for its broadband/ISP partners. MyBundle Free TV is currently accessible with dedicated apps on Roku, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG and Philips SmartTV.

SPORTS REPORT

TNT Sports has reached a 10-year agreement with the French Tennis Federation to add Roland-Garros to its portfolio of sports rights in the US beginning in 2025. The deal will make Warner Bros. Discovery the largest global broadcast partner to Roland-Garros and bring fans the most comprehensive coverage of the event ever in the US, with TNT Sports exclusively presenting all live action from the Parisian Grand Slam in the US.

ESPN inked a multi-year contract with Shannon Sharpe that calls for the Super Bowl champ to expand his role on morning show “First Take,” as well as other ESPN programs.

Invicta Fighting Championships, the all-women mixed martial arts promotion, inked an exclusive US television rights deal with CBS Sports. Starting with the Invicta FC 55: Bernardo vs. Rubin on Friday, June 28, Invicta FC will air live on CBS Sports Network.

Telemundo is commemorating the two-year countdown to FIFA World Cup 26 with promotional activations across Telemundo and select NBCUniversal platforms anchored on an on-site production and fan experience at the USMNT match against Brazil airing today, June 12 at 6:30p. “For us, the World Cup is not just a sporting event, it is a defining cultural milestone, and this 2026 World Cup will make its mark for the sport in America, Latinos, and Telemundo,” said Eli Velazquez, EVP, Sports, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “From promotional spots to activations at Universal Theme Parks and programming takeovers, Telemundo kicks off the countdown to what promises to be the largest sporting event in the world.”

FloSports is launching an NCAA sports platform that will showcase its conference partners across the DI, DII, and DIII levels. FloCollege will package live stream events, sports data, editorial content and social programming to support teams and athletes across all divisions with a focus on DII and DIII programs.

GOING GLOBAL

Max is now live and available to watch in France and Poland, completing the first wave of European launches that began last month. Max is now available in 25 countries in Europe, spanning Iberia, France, Benelux, Nordics, and Central and Eastern Europe and 65 countries and territories in total globally. An enhanced HBO Max has also launched in the Netherlands, and will launch in Belgium on July 1, after an early access period.

Quintus Studios announced that A+E Networks EMEA has acquired docuseries “Beyond Borders” which was created through the company’s disruptive partnership content funding model.

Cineflix Rights has partnered with Canadian producer Go Button Media to co-finance and produce 60 hours of unscripted content in the history and science genres over the next three years. Super Channel returns as GBM’s Canadian domestic partner.

DeAPlaneta Entertainment and SUPER RTL, the German free-to-air Kids TV channel owned by media group RTL Deutschland, have signed a deal to distribute “Milo,” the preschool series co-produced by Fourth Wall (UK) and DeAPlaneta Entertainment.

Banijay Kids & Family announced Gulli (M6 GROUP) and RTVE have picked up new animated series “Froggie,” co-produced by Monello Productions and Pikkukala.

The San Antonio Brahmas/St. Louis Battlehawks UFL conference game on Fox drew 1.27 million viewers, up 50% over the comparable game last year. The 39 UFL telecasts are averaging 832,000 viewers across Fox, FS1, ABC, ESPN and ESPN+.

Fox’s “Baseball Night in America,” highlighted by the Dodgers win over the Yankees, ranks as the most-watched regular season MLB telecast on any network since 2022 with an average of 2.9 million viewers.

The first four episodes of the sophomore season of Adult Swim’s “Smiling Friends” averaged a .49 Live+3 rating among P18-34, a 70% rating increase over the season one average in the demo. Since the season three run of the network’s “Rick & Morty” in 2017, no other Adult Swim original series has delivered such a large season-over-season ratings increase in P18-34 audiences.

Basic Cable Top 10 for the week of June 3
P2+ AA (000)
Primetime
Fox News 2144
ESPN 1159
MSNBC 1156
HGTV 776
Hallmark Channel 734
TBS 616
USA 613
History 601
INSP 599
CNN 485
Total Day
FOX News 1307
MSNBC 759
ESPN 513
CNN 404
HGTV 399
Hallmark Channel 347
USA 320
TBS 314
INSP 306
History 301
Source: Nielsen

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Sarah Friar has joined OpenAI as Chief Financial Officer, and Kevin Weil has been named Chief Product Officer. Friar was previously CFO at OpenSquare, and Weil as President of Product and Business at Planet Labs PBC.

Nexstar Media Group named Lisa Taylor its SVP for Digital Advertising. Taylor joins from Amazon, where she has been Senior Business Development Manager for Amazon Ads.

Fremantle promoted Kevin Blanchette to Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications. Blanchette joined the company in 2018.

Outbrain appointed Greg Archibald as General Manager & Senior Vice President of Sales for the United States. Prior to joining Outbrain, Archibald served as SVP of Americas Media for InMobi.

Today’s Trivia Question
Joanna Kerns (“Growing Pains”) and Dan Lauria (“The Wonder Years”) played a married couple in which TV movie? (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.)