 IN THE NEWS |
WARC’s recently published Q2 2025 forecast update for Global advertising spend outlook 2025/26 shows global advertising spend growth downgraded to 6.2% for 2025 as mounting tariff pressures force key sectors to slash budgets. The analysis, based on data from 100 markets and over two million data points, reveals retail (-6.1%) and automotive (-4.0%) leading the cuts amid supply chain disruptions. Key findings include:
· Alphabet, Amazon and Meta capturing 54.7% market share outside China ($524.4bn), rising to 56.2% by 2026
· US ad market growth halved to +5.2% as Chinese retailers like Temu and Shein redirect spend to Canada, Australia and Europe
· Social media remains largest single medium at 25.8% of total spend ($298.3bn)
· Retail media fastest growing at +14.4% despite CPG brand pullbacks (in 2025 overtaking Linear TV spend for the first time)
· Video-on-demand (VOD) advertising downgraded from the 15.4% projected in March, now forecast to rise by 13.2%, while within this Netflix is due to see ad billings double this year due to the relative resilience of its ad tier during economic downturns
· 2026 outlook improves to 6.5% growth, reaching $1.23trn total spend.
“Trade tensions are forcing major sectors to rethink their ad strategies,” said James McDonald, WARC’s Director of Data, Intelligence & Forecasting, noting advertisers are front-loading budgets and reallocating spend geographically as “agility is the new imperative.” |
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| The House of Representatives voted 214-212 to cut $1.1 billion from the budget for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes funds to PBS and NPR. The Trump administrations and Republicans have accused the outlets of being liberal or politically biased. Next stop for the bill is the Senate.
With only 13 submissions, the Emmys’ Outstanding Talk Series category has been slimmed down to just three nominees. It’s all about the math – according to Television Academy rules, if a category scores between eight and 19 submissions, the number of submissions will be divided by four and rounded to the nearest whole number. Last year there were four nominees.
TransUnion research reveals optimal audience targeting can increase ROAS by up to 9X while poor targeting decisions can tank performance by 90%. The analysis, based on $1.5 billion in campaign spend from 25 brands across five industries, quantifies how multi-trait audience strategies perform beyond standard demographic assumptions. Takeaways include:
· Two optimal consumer traits delivered 3.6X ROAS upside
· Three optimal traits increased performance to 7.2X ROAS upside
· Mistargeted campaigns at the worst end saw -90% ROAS performance
· Performance gaps widened significantly as targeting became more precise
The Q4 2024 analysis, which examined real-world campaign data from brands with quarterly spend ranging from $5 million to over $100 million, sheds new light on the impact of audience composition on marketing performance. Making the best targeting decisions can have a compounding effect and impact the bottom line. But no pressure. |
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| NEW & RETURNING SHOWS |
| He is Scott Free, the worldwide celebrity sensation known as Mister Miracle, and he is the greatest escape artist who ever lived. But can he pull off the ultimate trick — and escape death itself? We’ll find out when a network is named for the greenlit adult animated series of “Mister Miracle,” announced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios. They also announced another adult animated series, “Creature Commandos,” is currently in production for a second season on HBO Max.
Five women who are ready to do anything in the face of extreme situations will comprise “RAGE” (“Furia”). Created and directed by Félix Sabroso and produced in Spain by Producciones Mandarina, the new HBO Original series will debut on July 11, and brings Carmen Machi, Candela Peña, Cecilia Roth, Nathalie Poza and Pilar Castro on screen together for the first time.
Bravo has renewed Andy Cohen-hosted “Watch What Happens Live” through 2027, and NBCUniversal has extended Cohen’s first-look deal through 2028. “After more than 20 years with Bravo, I’m full of intense gratitude that I get to continue living out my dream here,” said Cohen. “I’m excited to keep growing our successes across NBCUniversal’s incredible portfolio and, most of all, thankful that I, along with my team, get to keep doing what we love most.”
Also coming back for more is “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.” Netflix has picked up seasons six and seven of the talk show.
Purring over its reception at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, SundanceTV and Sundance will debut “The Furry Detectives: Unmasking A Monster” July 17 on SundanceTV. The true crime docuseries unpacks the 2018 event known in the Furry community as the “Furry Zoosadist Leaks.”
We TV unveiled the lineup of celebrity guest judges for season two of “Deb’s House”: Waka Flocka Flame, LeLee Lyons and Keke Wyatt will help Deb Antney search for the next R&B superstar.
The mouse that roared: “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+,” will continue the beloved Disney Jr. series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” starting July 21 on Disney Jr. From Disney Branded Television, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+” features Mickey and pals from the original global hit which aired from 2006-2016 and is still breaking records as a Top 3 series for preschoolers on streaming and over 5 billion views on YouTube, including for the iconic and now platinum hit song “Hot Dog!” song. |
 Prime Video has renewed the docuseries “Surf Girls” for a second season. The new five-part season, titled “Surf Girls: International,” will premiere this summer on Prime Video. |
Today’ Premieres
Apple TV+: Not a Box
The History Channel: The Proof Is Out There at 10p
Max: Super Sara
Netflix: Too Hot to Handle: Spain; Kings of Jo’Burg
Prime Video: Romcon: Who the F**k is Jason Porter?
Sunday’s Premieres
The History Channel: Hazardous History with Henry Winkler at 10p
Nat Geo: Underdogs at 9p
PBS: Patience at 8p; Grantchester at 9p
Prime Video: The Chosen |
| PRODUCTION |
| The History Channel and A+E Factual Studios announced event series “The Bible Revealed” (w/t). The 10-parter represents a return to one of the network’s most successful properties, “The Bible,” one of the highest-rated titles ever for The History Channel.
Starz has greenlit scripted series “Fightland,” set in the world of British boxing. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is executive producing through his G-Unit Film & Television. |
| TECH |
| MiQ and dentsu have formed a strategic partnership that positions MiQ as dentsu’s official Intelligence Partner. Dentsu will integrate MiQ Sigma, the company’s unified AI-powered programmatic advertising technology, to enhance planning and Next Gen performance. “Algorithms now shape how billions of people discover content, products, and brands – becoming the new gatekeepers of attention and influence more than ever before,” said Clive Record, Global President, Partnerships and Solutions, dentsu. “The Algorithmic Era signifies a fundamental change in the consumer journey, moving away from the traditional funnel towards individualized, non-linear paths. This shift requires a new set of Next Gen tools for brands to effectively navigate the evolving landscape – and MiQ is helping dentsu solve this.”
As Upfront negotiations play out, Prime Video is pacing to grow 30% this year, to $1.8 billion, said Michael Morton, media analyst at MoffettNathanson Research. “Amazon is starting to suck the oxygen from the room with the company’s encroachment in adjacent verticals wreaking havoc in the streaming ecosystem after flooding Prime Video ad inventory into the market with comparatively low CPMs,” said Morton in a note. Prime Video/Freevee is projected to gain another 22% to $2.1 billion in 2026.
Game on: Digital marketing agency Orange 142 released an in-game advertising best practices guide to help marketers navigate the $11 billion gaming advertising market projected for 2025 and that now rivals TV and social media for consumer attention. The guide addresses how brands can connect across mobile, PC, and console platforms without disrupting player experience, covers emerging trends to measurement techniques, explanations of rewarded video, native placements, and Twitch sponsorships, as well as:
· Understanding in-game formats from rewarded ads to dynamic product placements
· Matching ad types with campaign goals and gamer behaviors
· Ensuring brand safety while avoiding interruptive placements
· Embracing emerging tech like VR, programmatic delivery, and AI integrations
Speaking of, Samsung Ads has expanded its interactive advertising GameBreaks offering with four new titles joining its portfolio of branded CTV game experiences. Each game format is aimed at offering advertisers seamless brand integration, contextual relevance, and measurable performance at scale. “This expansion is about redefining what advertising can be,” said Michael Scott, Vice President, Head of Ad Sales & Operations, Samsung Ads. “With GameBreaks, Samsung Ads is pioneering a new model at the intersection of CTV, interactivity, and brand storytelling.”
LG Ad Solutions announced a partnership with AI platform Akkio to modernize ACR data access for advertisers. The collaboration transforms analysis of LG’s 1.45 terabytes of automatic content recognition data from a days-long process into minutes through natural language queries. Despite being one of TV’s most valuable datasets, tracking actual viewer behavior moment-by-moment, ACR’s complexity has historically made quick interpretation difficult. “Akkio allows our customers to ask questions of the data in natural, intuitive ways and get immediate answers…It’s how we modernize access to one of the richest behavioral datasets in the media,” said Julian Zilberbrand, Global Head of Data Solutions at LG Ad Solutions. |
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| VOICES OF IMPACT & WORKPLACE AWARDS
SPOTLIGHT ON PURPORSE
The newly reimagined Voices of Impact Awards shine a light on the leaders and cultures reshaping the media and broadband world for the better.
Recognition that resonates. Interested?
FIND OUT MORE |
| COMING UP |
 Duh duh duh duh…NBCUniversal is launching a multi-platform campaign to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” offering fans a variety of at-home engagement opportunities. Starting June 15, the full franchise streams on Peacock, alongside a new Spielberg introduction. On June 17, a 50th Anniversary Edition with a new documentary drops on digital and Blu-ray. NBC airs the original film June 20 with a special Spielberg intro. MLB tie-in with themed ballpark activations round out the cross-platform fan experience.
Unabashedly calling it a strategy to make “all boats rise,” Jenny Storms, Chief Marketing Officer, NBCUniversal Television & Streaming, said, “We want to celebrate 50 years of this enduring film that has captured the public imagination for generations by bringing it to audiences at home in all the ways they love to watch.”
Zackary Drucker-directed doc, “Enigma,” debuts June 24 on HBO. The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and chronicles the divergent paths of iconic pioneers April Ashley, Amanda Lear, and others.
“To Barcelona, Forever,” set five months after “To Barcelona, With Love,” premieres Saturday, June 14 at 8p on Hallmark Channel. |
 Netflix will launch “Off Road” globally on July 10th. The six-part unscripted reality series stars real life friends/actors Lior Raz (“Fauda”) and Rotem Sela (“The Baker & The Beauty”) traversing Central Asia.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will air February live from Crypto.com Arena in LA. The ceremony will broadcast on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Fan-favorite original series “Star Trek: Strange New World” has been renewed for a fifth and final six-episode season. Paramount+ announced that production will begin later this year, while the third season of the series is set to premiere with two episodes July 17 on Paramount+ in the US. Season four is currently in production. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
Nielsen’s new 2025 Global Sports Report reveals key growth drivers as the sports landscape evolves, with soccer sponsorships, women’s sports, and streaming fueling expansion. Key findings include:
· Soccer fans show higher brand receptivity, with 67% finding sponsors more appealing versus 54% of general population
· Women’s sports interest reaches 50% globally in 2024, up from 45% in 2022, with India and China leading engagement
· WNBA fanbase grew 31% in two years to 46.9 million, while 2024 regular season viewership jumped 201%
· Streaming unlocks older audiences, with fans 50+ who regularly stream sports growing 21% between 2022-2024
The report highlights FIFA World Cup 2026 opportunities, particularly in the US, where 62% expect soccer interest to grow. American soccer fans skew young and affluent—76% are Millennials or Gen Z, with 34% earning $100K+ household income.
In more sports research, this tied to women’s sports, Parity reveals basketball’s dominance and high athlete trust levels among American consumers. The research, surveying nearly 2,400 U.S. consumers examined sponsorship impact across the rapidly growing ecosystem. Some highlights:
· Women’s basketball leads with 63% of women’s sports fans naming it their top sport—higher than men’s basketball among male sports fans (51%)
· Trust in professional women athletes reaches new highs, with 68% of all sports fans trusting women athletes believe in products they promote
· Apparel, Health & Beauty, and Food & Beverage categories show strongest sponsor awareness and purchase influence
· Fans prefer athlete-forward partnerships over traditional team/league sponsorships, with 43% of women’s sports fans more likely to purchase from brands partnering with individual athletes.
“Fans don’t just watch—they believe in these pro women athletes. That authenticity is invaluable for brands,” said Leela Srinivasan, CEO of Parity. The research highlights emerging regional leagues gaining traction and emphasizes fans’ appetite for meaningful athlete partnerships beyond logo placement.
IMG has secured FIFA Club World Cup 2025 broadcast rights for inflight and cruise markets through a sublicense deal with DAZN. The agreement covers live coverage of 55+ matches and 115+ hours from the expanded 32-team tournament across Sport 24 channels globally.
Production company Box To Box Films has partnered with 100-meter Olympic gold medalist and six-time world champion sprinter Noah Lyles to launch a new production venture. Iconic Productions is focused on developing long-form, short-form and branded content that let “the fastest man in the world bring his unique perspective to the screen.” |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
The IAB announced a strengthening of its Centers of Excellence (CoE) appointing Cintia Gabilan as Senior Vice President, Centers of Excellence & Industry Initiatives, overseeing IAB Experience Center, IAB Media Center, IAB Measurement, Addressability & Data (MAD) Center, and the IAB Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC). Additionally,
· Angelina Eng has been promoted to Vice President, Measurement, Addressability & Data (MAD) Center and CoE Operations
· Collin Colburn has been hired as Vice President, Commerce
· Jamie Finstein has been hired as Vice President, Media Center
Production and distribution company, Electric Entertainment, has named Michael Johnson as Director, Streaming & Content Operations for ElectricNOW, the company’s OTT app and FAST channel.
Roku announced that James Kelm will join the company as Vice President Product, Advertising and Media. Kelm will be responsible for driving innovation in ad tech, enhancing audience targeting and measurement, and evolving streaming ad formats.
Francisco Robles has been appointed Executive Director at ad tech solution company, Next Millennium Media. Robles will focus on strategic partnerships, market reach, and retail media practices, with experience gained at such industry giants as The Trade Desk and Facebook. |
| IN MEMORIAM |
| Long-time HGTV executive Loren Ruch has died after battling acute myeloid leukemia. He was 55. “Throughout his three-decade career, Loren was the rare leader who lifted everyone around him,” wrote Channing Dungey, Chairman, Warner Bros. Television Group. “Known for his unwavering dedication, endless kindness, and unshakeable integrity, Loren built not only hit shows but enduring relationships, serving as mentor, advocate and true friend to countless colleagues across the television landscape. His impact stretched far beyond the screen. Loren was the connective tissue of every room he entered – the glue that bound teams, departments, and friendships. He possessed the rare gift of making people feel seen, valued, and inspired to do their best work.” |
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This Day in History
1971 – The New York Times began publishing the Pentagon Papers and set a precedent for press freedom and investigative journalism. This landmark moment involved the release of a secret government study on U.S. involvement in Vietnam, exposing government deception and fueling public opposition to the war.
Friday Fun Fact
Ultracrepidarians are people who voice opinions on subjects they know nothing about.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which western drama was set in Absaroka County, Wyoming? “Longmire” (2012-17). Kudos to: Lisa Fikeys-Nissan United/Chicago; David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA; Chris Geddis-Nexstar/NYC; Joel Dearing-Virtual News Center/Indianapolis; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Andy Nelson-Heartland Industries/Richland, IA; Erin Bowles-PBS/Boston; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Roger Furman-Sports Marketing Communications/Greentown, PA; Alex Mebane-Emmeboo/Brooklyn, NY; Dale Warshaw-KMSB/Tucson; Robert EG Black-Lemming Drops Studio/Glendale, CA
Today’s Trivia Question
In “Doogie Howse, M.D.” (1989-93), how old was Doogie when he graduated from medical school? (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.) |
EVP, COMMERCIAL & TECHNOLOGY TRANSACTIONS, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
A+E GLOBAL MEDIA/NY(HYBRID): Oversee the three major areas of commercial transactions (comprised of supporting the Distribution, Total Media Solutions and Global Content Sales divisions) and the adjacent areas supported by the attorney teams that principally support those divisions (including vendor management and privacy). 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
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER>>
ORIGIN/NY(HYBRID): Overseeing full time sales team of 2 remote sellers, an account director, a sales operations manager and sales strategist. Accelerating the adoption of award-winning suite of CTV ad formats. Ensuring we exceed our current targets and ultimately making sure we continue growing at the pace we are in an increasingly competitive market. 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
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DIRECT RESPONSE >>
OPPORTUNITY MEDIA/NY(REMOTE/HYBRID): Seeking an energetic achiever with excellent written & organizational skills for role to assist in growing revenue for dynamic Direct Response Team: required: BA Degree, Min 2 yrs DR Experience. Wide Orbit Exp a +. 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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