 IN THE NEWS |
| YouTube maintained the leading share of total TV viewing in May, while the largest monthly increases in share went to Warner Bros. Discovery and FOX, according to Nielsen’s latest Media Distributor Gauge report. WBD added 0.3 share points versus April to finish the month with 7.0% of total television usage, powered by TNT, up 69% with the NBA Playoffs. While NASCAR helped give FOX a bump of 0.2, the increase was primarily due to the continued growth of its FAST service, Tubi. Tubi achieved a platform-record 2.2% share of TV viewing in May, driven by a 25% increase among 18–24-year-olds, and accounted for nearly a third of FOX’s overall viewing total. YouTube gained 0.1 share point in May to represent 12.5% of total TV. NBCU moved up to third with 8.0% of television viewing, while Paramount fell to fourth after losing a full share point following the conclusions of the NCAA basketball tournament and The Masters. The Roku Channel hit a new platform-best in May with a 2.5% share of TV, boosted by double-digit gains among the 12-17 and 25-34 age demographics. |
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A shift towards ad-based services is occurring as consumers re-evaluate the cost of ad-free streaming, according to new VAB report, “Staying Current on Streaming: The Latest on Connected TV Behaviors.” The report notes that 26% percent of consumers have added a free streaming service in the past 12 months, while 24% plan to add a free streaming service over the next 12 months. Additional findings include:
· Consumers of all income levels and age brackets are gravitating towards ad-supported streaming. Two-thirds of adults prefer ad-supported streaming services and tiers over ad-free subscription services.
· FAST continues to grow – it is now used by one-third of the US population.
· Adoption of bundled streaming services is growing, with nearly half of households subscribing, or planning to subscribe, soon.
· Consumers spend an average of an additional 71 seconds engaging with interactive CTV ads vs. standard pre-roll.
“As audiences re-evaluate the cost of ad-free subscription streaming, consumers of all income levels and age brackets are finding value in ad-supported tiers and services,” said Jason Wiese, EVP, Strategic Insights & Measurement, VAB. “Viewers are balancing their spending in streaming by shifting towards advertising-based streaming services, watching more content through FAST channels and unlocking greater cost efficiencies through streaming bundles.”
Six weeks after Warner Bros. Discovery rebranded streaming service Max back to HBO Max, Paramount Global has changed the name of streaming service Paramount+ With Showtime to Paramount+ Premium. In an attempt to clarify matters, the company explained on the Paramount+ website, “Since we recently introduced a sampling of Showtime programming to the Essential plan, the Premium plan name reflects the broad and diverse offering across both plan tiers. Showtime programming remains an important part of Paramount+, and is still prominently represented on the service! In addition, the name of the Paramount+ with Showtime network on your cable, satellite, or live TV streaming (like Hulu with Live TV) will not be changing.”
Netflix has renewed “Bet,” based on the Japanese manga Kakegurui, for season two. The series follows students at an elite boarding school where underground gambling determines hierarchy.
Also greenlit for a second season at is Netflix’s “Ransom Canyon.” The Western drama stars Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. Meanwhile, YA hit “My Life with the Walter Boys!” will return to Netflix for a second season this summer. The series has already been renewed for a third run.
MarketCast has launched a monthly ranking of the top ads of the month over both linear and CTV channels. Ads featured in “MarketCast Breaking Ads” delivered standout performances that audiences remembered and correctly attributed to the advertiser, based on real-time data from MarketCast’s Brand Effect measurement solution. (Liberty Mutual nabbed two spots on the linear list – one for the long version, and one for the short version of LiMu Emu & Doug: Golf.) |
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| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
 How do you replace Joe Rogan? FOX is betting on Johnny Knoxville. The “Jackass” star has been tapped to host a new iteration of the game show Rogan fronted from 2001-06. “Fear Factor: The Next Chapter” (w/t) is set to premiere in the 2025-2026 season. “Johnny Knoxville is the champion of fearless entertainment,” said Michael Thorn, President of FOX Television Network. “His wild sense of humor, unmatched ability to push boundaries and take on the extreme makes him the perfect fit to lead this bold new reinvention of ‘Fear Factor’.” Rogan hosted the first version of “Fear Factor,” which aired on NBC from 2001-06.
Bunim/Murray Productions, has partnered with Alan Ritchson (“Reacher,” “Fast X”) on a new competition series, “Predator vs. Prey.” Ritchon will serve as host, game master and executive producer on the survival series.
Looking for love? The CW’s Fall slate will include six original movies based on Harlequin romance novels. Presented by CW Originals, Centinel Media and Bell Media, developed in association with Fremantle and produced by Neshama Entertainment, the dramas feature stars from CW series including “Gossip Girl,” “Walker: Independence,” and “The Flash.” The CW has teamed up with Fathom Entertainment to premiere the first of these movies, “Montana Mavericks,” in select theatres nationwide on August 26-27. “The CW has been building a passionate weekend audience of movie lovers, and this new slate of original films is for romance fans everywhere,” said Heather Olander, Head of Scripted and Unscripted content. “These feel-good stories, inspired by hugely successful blockbuster Harlequin novels, are the perfect blend of nostalgia and escapism.”
Telemundo Super Series “Dinastía Casillas” kicked off production this week in Mexico. “’Dinastía Casillas’ marks a bold new era for one of our most iconic franchises,” said Javier Pons, Chief Content Officer & Head of Telemundo Studios. “With a stellar ensemble of both returning and new talent, gripping storytelling, and the high production values our audience expects, this new chapter will not only reignite the passion of longtime fans but also captivate a new generation of viewers.” |
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| Cynopsis Top Women in Media
Setting the standard
Last year’s Luminary Honoree Bethenny Frankel went from the stage to the NYFW runway—where can recognition take you?
This is where leadership grabs the spotlight.
NOMINATE A LEADER |
| NEW & RETURNING SHOWS |
| “How to Get Away With Murder” starts streaming Tuesday, July 1 on Tubi. The Shondaland legal drama, which aired on ABC from 2014-20, has been available on subscription services; this is the first time it will stream for free.
“Irish Blood,” starring and executive produced by Alicia Silverstone, launches Monday, August 11 on Acorn TV.
Season two of A&E’s crime and investigation series “Homicide Squad New Orleans” premieres Thursday, July 17 at 9p.
Female-led “Vibe Check” makes its debut Monday, June 30 on Disney+. New episodes of the ESPN-produced sports studio show will debut Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5p.
All eight episodes of “Justice on Trial,” a new series from Judge Judy Sheindlin, will drop Monday, July 21 on Prime Video. The show explores eight landmark cases and asks – did the courts get it right? “Judges are people. Sometimes they get it wrong. Then what happens? When and how long will it take to get it right? I’ve put justice on trial,” said Judge Sheindlin.“ |
 Season four of Apple TV+ mindfulness series “Stillwater” kicks off Friday, August 1. The children’s show is based on the Zen book series by Jon J Muth.
Real estate expert and contractor Scott McGillivray (“Vacation House Rules”) and builder and home renovation expert Bryan Baeumler (“Battle on the Beach”) will oversee their next renovation competition in season two HGTV’s “Renovation Resort Showdown,” premiering Tuesday, July 22 at 9p. |
Today’ Premieres
Hulu: The Bear
Netflix: The Ultimatum: Queer Love
PBS: Human Footprint at 9p
Prime Video: Countdown |
| TECH |
| WPP and Vercel have expanded their strategic partnership to bring Vercel’s AI technologies, v0 and AK SDK, to WPP teams and their clients. According to WPP’s internal pilots and a network-wide Vercel v0 hackathon held earlier this year, the use of Vercel technologies in experience design processes has the potential to increase the development efficiency of the production of apps and websites by up to 25%. The expanded partnership will also give WPP priority access to new Vercel product releases, an advisory role in Vercel’s future roadmap, and provide targeted joint investment into new product development, integrations and innovation within WPP Open, WPP’s AI-enabled marketing services platform. “At WPP, we’re committed to providing our talent with the best tools and technologies available to unleash their creativity. The adoption of Vercel’s AI-powered tools will dissolve the traditional boundaries between functions, enabling our teams to move from prompt to prototype at speed,” said Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer of WPP. “This autonomy empowers our people to ideate, build, test and deploy groundbreaking digital experiences that champion creative craft and connect with consumers online, ultimately delivering superior results for our clients.”
While 92% of marketing leaders plan to increase their AI investments this year, just 2% fully trust AI-driven marketing decisions, according to a study from AdRoll and WBR Insights that surveyed marketers from mid- to large-sized brands and agencies across industries. Key insights include:
· 93% of marketers are already using generative AI, but most say it’s limited to “quick win” tasks like content and reporting.
· Trust gaps persist: 66% cite data privacy and 62% cite inconsistent output as major concerns.
· Strategic focus is shifting: Marketers’ top goals include improving operational efficiency (60%), customer loyalty (51%), and campaign ROI (45%). |
| COMING UP |
| HBO Original documentary “Billy Joel: And So it Goes” debuts Friday, July 18 at 8p. The two-parter features never-before-seen performances, home movies, and personal photographs, along with one-on-one interviews. |
 “The 2025 ESPYS Presented by Capital One” will be hosted by comedian Shane Gillis (“Tires”) on Wednesday, July 16, at 8p. The show airs on ABC and will stream live on ESPN+. “Shane is not only one of the top comedians today but also a huge sports fan, which made him an easy choice to host ‘The ESPYS,’” said Craig Lazarus, ESPN VP and “The ESPYS” executive producer.
The World Pride Ball 2025 presented by McDonald’s will make its television debut on LGBTQ+ streaming network Revry on Friday, June 27 at 9p and run through July. The voguing tournament-style ballroom dance battle followed the Capital Pride Honors Awards on June 5 and was part of the official post-awards after-party.
Heroes & Icons Network’s annual 4th of July marathon stunt “Rod, White & Blue: A Twilight Zone Celebration” runs Thursday, July 3 at 6a through Monday, July 7 at 6a. This marks the third year the programming event has resided on H&I; before that it aired for five years on the DECADES network. |
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| CYNOPSIS SCREENSHIFT
Confirmed speakers just dropped
Former FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, Samantha Rose (Horizon Media), Greg Stuart (MMA Global), and Helen Katz (Publicis Media) are taking the ScreenShift stage. Join media’s sharpest minds as they tackle the future of streaming, personalization, and AI.
One day. One stage. One powerful speaker lineup.
VIEW THE AGENDA |
| DISTRIBUTION |
| Allen Media Group streaming platform Local Now announced the launch of 23 news, sports and entertainment channels from Warner Bros. Discovery. Among the offerings are CNN Headlines and CNN Originals, sports channel Bleacher Report, Sweet Escapes, Welcome Homes, Crime Scenes, and Love & Marriage.
Philo has added five series to its standalone free streaming lineup: QVC, HSN, Cirque du Soleil, Dog Whisperer and Latin Nation.
Independent studio Wonder Project, producer of films and series for a faith and values audience, will be launching a new subscription offering exclusively available on Prime Video in the US this Fall. Subscribers will get early access to new original films and series produced by Wonder Project; at launch, the service will feature over 1000 hours of movies and TV series. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| ESPN will present Wimbledon, from the All England Lawn Tennis Club starting Monday, June 30. In addition to the television coverage on ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes and streaming on ESPN+, ABC will broadcast select live matches. The fortnight of daily marathon coverage from all 18 courts will culminate with the Ladies’ Championship and the Gentlemen’s Doubles Championship on ESPN on Saturday, July 12, and the Gentlemen’s Championship and the Ladies’ Doubles Championship on Sunday, For the third consecutive year, coverage will be presented by Barclays.
Tennis Channel won’t be missing out on the tennis tournament – “Wimbledon Primetime” will air every night starting at 5p most evenings. The programming block will typically run six hours and offer news, analysis, interviews, features and match-segment re-airs with a team that includes Hall of Famers Martina Navratilova, Jim Courier and Lindsay Davenport. |
| RATINGS |
| FOX News Channel’s breaking news coverage of the US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday led all of television in primetime with 4.9 million viewers and 898,000 in the 25-54 demo, according to Nielsen. ABC drew 2.8 million viewers and 714,000 in the demo, while NBC counted 2 million viewers with 468,000 among A25-54, and CBS had 1.6 million viewers and 281,000 among A25-54.
NewsNation reports that its live coverage of the missile strike delivered 200,000 primetime viewers and 41,000 among adults 25-54. At 10p, the network peaked with coverage of President Trump’s address to the nation which averaged 256,000 total viewers and 68,000 in the demo. The network was up +317% in weekend primetime total viewers and up +273% in the weekend primetime demo versus the same time period last year.
The NBA Finals averaged 10.3 million viewers, according to Nielsen, down 9% from the year prior. But advertising jumped 56%, to $288 million, reports EDO Ad EnGage.
Four episodes into its eighth season, MTV’s “Jersey Shore Family Vacation” had its highest ratings in four years. The installment was up +119% compared to the season’s average rating (0.658 versus 0.301) and up +118% for the average share (5.84 versus 2.68).
The CW’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race over the weekend was the most-watched Xfinity Series race from Pocono since 2020, with 1.12 million viewers, up 21% from the same weekend last year. The race peaked at 1.56 million total viewers from 6:00-6:15p. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Chris Maccaro, former CEO of Beachfront Media, has joined JWP Connatix as its Chief Revenue Officer. |
| IN MEMORIAM |
| Former teen idol Bobby Sherman died June 24 of cancer. He was 81. Sherman got his first big break as a series regular on “Here Come the Brides.” |
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This Day in History
1798 – President John Adams signed into law the Alien Friends Act, authorizing the president to deport any foreigner deemed “dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States.”
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
An episode of which procedural inspired the series “Route 66” (1960-64)? “Naked City” (1958-63). Kudos to: Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Wendy Holmes/Denver; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Johnny Jan-Mauiman Media/Maryland; Rev. Mark Wajda/Clermont, FL; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA; Paul Gluck-TUTV/Philadelphia
Today’s Trivia Question
On “Cheers” (1982-93), where had Sam planned to take Diane on their honeymoon? (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>>
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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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