DirecTV has inked an agreement with Paramount Global to add a selection of Paramount’s linear channels and all 15 of the major-market CBS-owned-and-operated local broadcast stations to its offerings. DirecTV’s MyEntertainment “Genre Pack” now includes Paramount Global channels BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, MTV2, Paramount Network, POP, TV Land, and VH1, while MySports now includes CBS Sports Network and 15 CBS-owned and operated affiliate stations. A new pack, MyKids, has been added, featuring content from Nickelodeon, along with content from Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery and more.

DirecTV is also testing discontinuing satellite TV subscriptions for new customers, directing them instead toward streaming options. “DirecTV Satellite is not currently available in all areas,” DirecTV informs people attempting to sign up on its website for the satellite service. “Check your service address by entering the ZIP code of the address where you want DirecTV service. Want the same package without the satellite? Switch to DirecTV Streaming App now by selecting that option.” In a statement, the company explained, “In select markets this limited-time trial will increase awareness and adoption of our satellite-free streaming service, which has quickly become the preferred solution for new consumer customers.”

STARZ and Hallmark+ announced a new bundle available via Prime Video – just in time for Hallmark’s 13th annual “Christmas in July” programming stunt. In addition to holiday fare and Hallmark content like “When Calls the Heart,” subscribers will gain access to Starz series like “Outlander” and its prequel, “Outlander: Blood of My Blood,” premiering August 8. “The new STARZ bundle with Hallmark+ brings together two brands that have forged a strong connection with women, offering an expansive range of programming at a great value,” said Alison Hoffman, President of STARZ Networks.

FuboTV and Weigel Broadcasting announced a multi-year agreement for distribution of seven networks, MeTV, MeTV+, MeTV Toons, H&I, Catchy Comedy, Story Television and MOVIES!, as well as WCIU, The U, the home of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.

Acclaimed broadcast journalist Bill Moyers died June 26 at age 91. Among his many credits were PBS’ “Bill Moyers’ Journal,” “Moyers & Company,” and “Frontline,” as well as “CBS Reports.” He received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 2006 for “devoting his lifetime to the exploration of the major issues and ideas of our time and our country, giving television viewers an informed perspective on political and societal concerns.”

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences honored the winners of the News categories at the 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards. “We are proud to celebrate those who do the brave work of bringing truth to our nation’s screens,” said Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS. “Their commitment sets a high bar for future generations of journalists and documentarians.” For a list of winners, go here. Documentary winners will be announced tonight.

National CineMedia struck a deal with Vistar Media that has NCM expand in-theater video advertising inventory to programmatic buyers through Vistar’s supply-side platform. “Cinema advertising delivers the kind of audience engagement and measurable outcomes that other media channels strive to achieve – and this is where powerful brand storytelling comes to life,” said Manu Singh, Chief Data and Innovation Officer at NCM. “As programmatic ad spend continues to grow, we are focused on making cinema media buying as intuitive, data-driven, and effective as possible.”

Sabio’s Creator Television FAST channel is launching on Xumo Play. “Xumo’s commitment to offering high-quality, accessible content makes them an ideal partner for Creator TV,” said Joe Ochoa, Co-Founder and General Manager of Creator TV. “With their vast reach and user-friendly interface, we’re excited to bring our creators’ stories to a growing audience.”

HGTV has canceled “Farmhouse Fixer” after three seasons, according to a social media post from the renovation series’ host, Jonathan Knight. “Married to Real Estate,” “Izzy Does It,” and “Bargain Block” have also allegedly been axed this week.

Tastemade Smokehouse, Tastemade’s joint venture with Pluto TV, has launched on the Paramount Global FAST channel. Series include the likes of “All Up In My Grill,” “Wild Game Kitchen” and “Barbecue: Life of Fire.”

Universal Television struck a first-look deal with Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman’s Brownstone Productions, with two projects in development at Peacock. Comedy series “Pitch Perfect: K-Pop Idols,” following a struggling singer-songwriter who auditions to be a part of the first all-American K-pop group, is written by Joel Kim Booster (“Fire Island”), who executive produces alongside Banks and Handelman for Brownstone Productions and Paul Brooks and Scott Niemeyer for Gold Circle Films. “Crush,” a series co-produced by UCP and Universal Television, is inspired by the 1995 episode of “The Jenny Jones Show” titled “Revealing Same-Sex Secret Crushes.” Addison McQuigg (“Bloodline”) is writing and executive producing; executive producers include Banks and Handelman, Patrick Macmanus (The Girl From Plainville”) and Littleton Road, Elliot Page and Matt Jordan Smith for PAGEBOY Productions (“Close to You”) and Joshua Beirne-Golden (“Soft & Quiet”).

Banijay Branded Entertainment has partnered with brand production services specialists And So Production to align And So Production’s brands and clients seeking premium content, with BBE’s storytelling expertise. “There continues to be growing global demand from brands for premium content that deeply engages their audiences. Combining Banijay Entertainment’s expertise in premium storytelling with And So Production’s deep understanding of the luxury brand space, we are uniquely positioned to create impactful and powerful content to an expanding portfolio of brand clients,” said Carlotta Rossi Spencer, Global Head of Branded Entertainment Business Development, Banijay Entertainment.

Lion Forge Entertainment is teaming with TalesVision to adapt their short-form YouTube show, “Lostlings,” into a premium long-form series. Production on season one of the live-action YA mystery will begin this summer. TalesVision founders Tristan Tales and Luke Pounder will write and serve as showrunners. The series will be executive produced by Lion Forge Entertainment CEO and founder David Steward II, Lion Forge President and Chief Creative Officer Stephanie Sperber, and Executive Vice President Kirsten Newlands.

“Life After Lockup” returns to We TV on Friday, August 1 at 8p. The reality show spinoff follows seven former inmates and their significant others from “Love After Lockup” and “Love During Lockup.”

Boxing champion Laila Ali is hosting Food Network’s “Chef Grudge Match,” debuting Tuesday, August 12 at 9p.

NOVA series “Human,” documenting the story of the human species, premieres Wednesday, September 17 at 9p on PBS (check local listings). Paleoanthropologist Ella Al-Shamahi hosts the five-parter.

Hallmark Channel’s “The Chicken Sisters” is back for season two on Sunday, August 10 at 8p. The series is adapted from KJ Dell’Antonia’s novel of the same name.

Discovery Channel hopes to hook the viewers it reels in for its annal Shark Week stunt with five new and returning series the following week. First out of the gate on Sunday, July 27 at 8p is survivalist spinoff “Naked and Afraid: Apocalypse,” followed at 10p by “In the Eye of the Storm,” featuring real-life accounts of violent weather events. Monday, July 28 brings “Animals on Drugs,” exploring the strange side effects of human vices on wildlife, at 8p. A new season of “Mud Madness” kicks off Tuesday, July 29 at 8p, and “Deadliest Catch” returns Friday, August 1 at 8p.

Comedy Central announced the guest lineup for the second season of animated adventure comedy “Digman!”, returning Wednesday, July 9 at 10:30p. Just a few on the diverse list: Fred Armisen, Seth Meyers, Mark Hamill, Nathan Lane, Kate Winslet and Tatiana Maslany.

Classic wildlife series “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” will be featured on a MeTV programming block starting Sunday, July 6 at 7a. The series originally ran from 1963-88.

Sunday’s Premiere
AMC: Nautilus at 9p

June 30 Premieres
Bravo: The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys
Yahoo Finance: Morning Brief: Market Sunrise at 7a

July 1 Premieres
MHz Choice: The Lost
Netflix: Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 Bombers
TLC: My Big Fat Fabulous Life at 9p

July 2 Premieres
HBO: Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print at 9p
Netflix: Tour de France: Unchained
Paramount+: Dora

July 3 Premieres
Netflix: Countdown: Taylor vs. Serrano; The Sandman

July 4 Premiere
Netflix: All the Sharks

July 5 Premieres
Nat Geo: Investigation Shark Attack at 9p; Super Shark Highway at 10p

July 6 Premieres
Netflix: The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity
TLC: 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? at 8p

“With more than 80% of US internet users identifying as gamers, gaming is no longer a niche pastime relegated to teenagers in basements; it’s mainstream entertainment with the potential to become a dominant force in the digital advertising ecosystem,” said Zoe Soon, VP, Experience Center, IAB. “As brands look to meet their audiences where they play, it is critical that they are empowered to measure the metrics that matter.”

DoorDash and Wavemaker, a WPP Media brand, nabbed top honors at this year’s Hashtag Sports Awards. DoorDash earned Brand of the Year, while Wavemaker took Agency of the Year.

ViewLift announced its launch on Comcast’s Xfinity and Xumo platforms, making ViewLift-powered apps, including Monumental Sports Network’s Monumental+ and Altitude Sports’ Altitude+, available on Xfinity X1, Xfinity Flex, Xumo TV, and Xumo Stream Box. In tandem with the rollout, ViewLift has appointed Charles Mellilo as Chief Business Officer, where he will lead the company’s global business development and marketing efforts.

For Soccer has been named the Social & Digital Agency of Record for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. For Soccer will help shape the voice of NYNJ as the region prepares for the World Cup in 2026, spearheading digital strategy, storytelling, and community engagement across platforms.

Tunnel vision: TOGETHXR is expanding its partnership with TJ Maxx with Tunnel Fits presented by TJ Maxx, featuring three professional teams, with TJ Maxx as an official tunnel partner of the Indiana Fever, LA Sparks, and Washington Mystics. The campaign aims to elevate player visibility and authentic style through the lens of TOGETHXR’s home court content for all three teams, complete with a co-branded tunnel walk buildout and an extensive content series running on TOGETHXR platforms.

Friday Fun Fact
About 150 million hot dogs are consumed each July 4th.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
The pilot for which sitcom, which only lasted for four episodes, never aired due to protests from activist groups? “The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer” (1998), a UPN series focused on a Black English nobleman who became President Abraham Lincoln’s valet. Kudos to: Eric Dunefsky-Crossmedia/NYC; Tom Dempsey/NYC; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Today’s Trivia Question
Which year was the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show first televised? (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.)