 IN THE NEWS |
| Paramount says it has agreed to pay President Trump $16 million to settle a lawsuit over the editing of a “60 Minutes” interview with then-VP Kamala Harris. The money, minus Trump’s legal fees, will be paid to Trump’s future presidential library. Paramount also agreed to release written transcripts of future “60 Minutes” interviews with presidential candidates. While the lawsuit was largely dismissed by legal experts as baseless, Paramount is in the process of completing a multi-billion sale to Skydance Media that requires the Trump administration’s approval. A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team said in a statement, “With this record settlement, President Donald J. Trump delivers another win for the American people as he, once again, holds the Fake News media accountable for their wrongdoing and deceit. CBS and Paramount Global realized the strength of this historic case and had no choice but to settle.” The settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret.
The settlement exceeds the $16 million by Trump’s calculation, “We did a deal for about $16 million plus $16 million, or maybe more than that in advertising,” he told reporters. “So, it’s like $32, maybe $35 million.” No so, responded a Paramount spokesperson. “Contrary to some news reports or media speculation, Paramount’s settlement with President Trump does not include PSAs or anything related to PSAs. Paramount has no knowledge of any promises or commitments made to President Trump other than those set forth in the settlement proposed by the mediator and accepted by the parties.”
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association is looking to rise from the (almost) dead. The Ankler reports that two years after a deal was struck that called for the dissolution of the scandal-plagued association once the sale of its Golden Globes event to Penske Media Eldridge was finalized, the HFPA has voted to re-establish itself. That move calls into question the sale, which has yet to be approved by the California General Attorney. Claiming that irregularities in the process leading to the original vote had nullified the dissolution of the HFPA, the board voted to resume its control of the organization, and to remove Helen Hoeme as its president and director. Wrote Dr. Joanna Massey, who quit as a member of the group’s external board, in her letter of resignation, “Questioning the deal, reviving the HFPA and reinstating memberships – is, in my view, fundamentally flawed and legally without merit.”
The US Supreme Court will review Cox Communications’ appeal of a lower court’s decision that it was still liable for its users’ music piracy, despite an earlier decision to overturn the $1 billion jury verdict. The internet service provider was accused by music labels of not doing enough to deter piracy of their copyrighted music. “We are pleased the US Supreme Court has decided to address these significant copyright issues that could jeopardize internet access for all Americans and fundamentally change how internet service providers manage their networks,” said Cox spokesperson Todd Smith. |
 FilmRise, which is about to be acquired by Oaktree Capital Management, and Shout! Studios are merging to form content distribution platform Radial Entertainment. “We believe combining these companies under the Radial umbrella creates a world-class Film & TV media business,” said Oaktree Special Situations Managing Director Jared Frandle. “It’s an extraordinary combination that we believe brings the unique scale needed to compete and win in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital entertainment and streaming media.”
US homes now own an average of two smart TVs. While LG and Samsung dominate the field, Roku and FireTV continue to make headway in 2025, according to Hub Entertainment research study, “Evolution of the TV Set.” The study also found that Universal search features to find content across services have generally fallen short for users, hampered by usability challenges. New AI driven recommendations offer hope to help solve for content discovery – more than half of current AI users are interested in AI-powered TV enhancements to help them find and watch the shows they love. |
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| The new nationally syndicated game show “Scrambled Up,” has been cleared in more than 80% of the US for a fall launch. CBS Television Stations, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Nexstar Media Group, E.W. Scripps Company, Tegna, Weigel Broadcasting and Gray Television are among the station groups acquiring the word game. |
 No sooner had season four of “The Bear” dropped on Hulu, than it was renewed for season five. “’The Bear’ continues to be a fan favorite worldwide and their response to this season – as seen through incredibly high viewership – has been as spectacular as any of its previous seasons,” said John Landgraf, Chairman, FX. “Year-in and year-out, Chris Storer, the producers, cast and crew make ‘The Bear’ one of the best shows on television, and we are excited that they will continue to tell this magnificent story.”
Another one bites the dust at HGTV. “’Battle on the Beach’ did not get picked back up,” host Victoria Alison told her podcast listeners, “which is sad, because it was like adult spring break.” “Battle on the Beach,” which ran four for seasons, joins “Farmhouse Fixer,” “Married to Real Estate,” “Izzy Does It,” and “Bargain Block” in cancellation station.
Newsmax reports that in June, the news net’s A35-64 median income climbed to $100,800 in daytime, topping Fox News and CNN. Second quarter incomes jumped 43% over the same period last year. |
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| REMOW, focused on bringing Japanese content to global audiences, has launched FAST channel It’s Anime. “We developed It’s Anime to meet the expectations of today’s anime audience – passionate, engaged fans who want timely access to the latest series without barriers,” said Akira Ishii, CEO of REMOW. “This channel treats FAST as one of the premier destinations for top-quality anime.” The channel now live on Samsung TV Plus in the US and Canada. |
| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
 Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos”) will star opposite Patrick Dempsey in upcoming FOX drama “Memory of a Killer,” from Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment. The thriller follows a hitman with a double life.
Plus6Four Entertainment, South Pacific Pictures, and Dynamic Television announced the expanded cast for “Ms. X,” the crime dramedy commissioned by Warner Bros. Discovery’s free-to air network Three and BVOD service ThreeNow in New Zealand. Joining the ensemble are Dean O’Gorman ( “After the Party”), Simone Kessell (“Yellowjackets”), Robbie Magasiva (“Rescue: HI Surf”), Jonno Roberts (“La Brea”), and Oscar Kightley (“Time Bandits”).
Lion Forge Entertainment has entered into a first look deal with Ed Barnieh and his new London-based company Oware to identify and develop global kids & family and YA content. Lion Forge and Oware will partner on a slate of projects to develop, finance and sell to global buyers.
UK independent production company Expectation has partnered with creative studio Plegazoidvto create entertainment formats in the game show and reality space for networks and streamers in the UK, which will be co-produced with Plegazoid.
Silverlining Rights has brought together nine international funding partners to greenlight a fast turnaround, one-hour documentary from Emporium Productions. “Air India Flight 171 Tragedy: How Safe Is Your Plane?” investigates what might have led to the deadly crash.
All3Media International has partnered with Prime Video in the UK and Ireland on a new true crime title package from Story Films, which will debut on Prime Video UK this year. The five titles will each shine a light on a true crime story. Docs include “Honeymoon Murder: Who Killed Annie Dewani?”, “A Killer’s Confession,” “Hunting The Yorkshire Ripper,” “The London Railway Murders,” and “#FindBecky” (w/t).
ITV Studios and SIRASA TV have renewed of “The Voice Sri Lanka” and are teaming for the first-ever Asian commission of the physical game show “SIRASA Catchpoint.” |
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| NEW & RETURNING SHOWS |
| “The Faithful” debuts Sunday, March 22 at 8p on FOX. The Biblical event series will air in three, two-hour installments leading into the finale on Easter Sunday, April 5. The series, which begins production this summer in Rome and Matera, Italy, will air throughout the Easter and Passover season on FOX and the next day on Hulu. |
 Comedy Central’s “South Park” is on the move. Season 27 of the animated comedy, originally slated to premiere July 9, will now launch Wednesday, July 23 at 10p. The season two debut of “Digman!” follows at 10:30p.
Season six of “Buried in the Backyard” kicks off Saturday, July 12 at 8p on Oxygen, with an episode about a North Carolina town that made news with a double murder.
Telemundo’s “Top Chef VIP” is back for a fourth season starting Tuesday, July 29 at 7p. Carmen Villalobos returns as host.
“The Comeback” will return for a third and final season in 2026 on HBO and Max. The comedy starring Lisa Kudrow premiered on HBO in 2005 and returned for a second season in 2014.
Also returning for season three is Apple TV+’s “Invasion,” on Friday, August 22. The sci-fi drama follows an alien invasion through various perspectives around the world.
And it’s a trend: “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” returns for season three Thursday, August 6 on Disney+. The animated series has been renewed for a fourth season.
But wait, there’s more! A season three date has also been confirmed for Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt”: Thursday, September 18. Joining the cast are Joseph Sikora (“Power”) and Kyle Barry (“Polypore”).
The first batch of season four episodes of BET+’s “American Gangsters: Trap Queen” drops Thursday, July 10. Da Brat narrates the true crime tales.
Season seven of “Hudson & Rex” makes its US debut on Thursday, July 17 at 8p 0n UPtv. The Canadian procedural follows a K9 German Shepherd and his police department team.
Docuseries “Hip Hop Was Born Here,” executive produced and co-created by Hip Hop trailblazer LL COOL J and NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, is set to premiere Tuesday, July 22 on Paramount+.
The sophomore run of Netflix’s “My Life With the Walter Boys” launches Thursday, August 28. The YA series, based on the book by Ali Novak, has already been renewed for season three.
Nat Geo’s “Trafficked With Mariana van Zeller” returns for a fifth season on Saturday, July 19 at 9p. The investigative series racked up won four News and Documentary Emmys last season. |
Today’ Premieres
ABC: Bachelor in Paradise at 8p
Acorn TV: The Madame Blanc Mysteries
FYI: Jake Makes it Easy at 10p
Hallmark Channel: Christmas at Sea at 8p
Hulu: Such Brave Girls
ID: A Rendezvous with Death at 10p
NBC: Survival Mode at 10p |
| TECH |
| Attention, please: Integral Ad Science announced a strategic partnership with Snap Inc. and Lumen Research to bring customized attention measurement to Snapchat. Snap Attention Measurement enables advertisers to gain social attention metrics combining Lumen eye-tracking and IAS’s AI-powered media quality data to create a Snapchat attention score within the IAS Signal platform. “Advertisers are increasingly seeking deeper understanding into how consumers engage with their media,” said Lisa Utzschneider, CEO of Integral Ad Science. “Our new first-to-market partnership with Snap and Lumen Research creates a complete view of attention. It unifies real-world user data with media quality data to provide a holistic understanding of attention to drive media performance in a leading global social platform.” |
| COMING UP |
| “Drop” starts streaming exclusively on Peacock on Friday, July 11. The action film stars Meghann Fahy (“The Perfect Couple”) as a widowed mother whose blind date goes shockingly awry. |
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| DISTRIBUTION |
| FUEL TV, home to action sports on television, has partnered with Shout! TV to represent and distribute its five streaming channels across FAST platforms in the US and Canada. The agreement covers FUEL TV’s flagship channel as well as its four new vertical channels, SurferTV, PowderTV, SkateboardingTV, and BikeMagTV.
SBS Australia has pre-bought a new six-part original series from producer Big Media exploring royal estates through their historic and botanical wonders. “Royal Gardens,” currently in production, will air on SBS and SBS on Demand in early 2026. In addition, the series has also been pre-sold to ORF Group for its 3Sat channel in Austria. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| During “The 2025 ESPYS,” ESPN will honor athletes and sports leaders including Oscar Robertson with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage; Katie Schumacher-Cawley with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance; and David Walters and Erin Regan with the Pat Tillman Award for Service. “The ESPYS” will air live from The Dolby Theatre in LA on Wednesday, July 16, at 8p on ABC and stream live on ESPN+.
FloSports has struck a partnership with running brand Tracksmith and the run specialty retailer, Fleet Feet, to promote FloTrack’s coverage of the Wanda Diamond League. The partnership aims to drive awareness of FloTrack’s coverage through digital and in-person activations. Throughout the season, Fleet Feet will offer access to track and field events. In select markets, Olympian Matthew “Centro” Centrowitz, will host FloTrack’s alternate broadcast The Athlete’s Lounge from Fleet Feet locations starting with a special event at Fleet Feet in Chicago on July 19th during the Diamond League London event. |
| RATINGS |
| The season premiere of BET+’s “Tyler Perry’s Divorced Sistas” has become the most watched original series in the platform’s history. The drama has driven 415,000 new subscription starts, 178% more than any season one original series across third-party platforms and BET+, ranking as the third most successful series launch in platform history.
For the month of June, FOX News drew 3.1 million viewers in primetime, topping CBS (2.1 million viewers) and NBC (2.4 million viewers), according to Nielsen. In total day, FNC averaged 1.7 million viewers, up 27% year over year, its second highest rated June ever.
Meanwhile, ABC’s “World News Tonight with David Muir” was the #1 newscast across broadcast and cable in 2Q25 in Total Viewers (7.37 million), Adults 25-54 (1.01 million) and Adults 18-49 (700,000), by Nielsen’s count.
Basic Cable Top 10 for the week of June 23
P2+ AA (00)
Primetime
Fox News 2763
ESPN 906
MSNBC 902
HGTV 616
CNN 609
USA 533
Hallmark Channel 449
INSP 446
TNT 426
History 404
Total Day
Fox News 1776
MSNBC 572
CNN 453
ESPN 361
HGTV 341
USA 279
Hallmark Channel 271
GSN 257
Hallmark Mystery 256
TBS 249
Source: Nielsen |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Vantage has appointed Nick Hinsley as VP of International Operations. Most recently, Hinsley held senior executive roles at Lexer and Zitcha.
Lester Sanchez has joined VA Media as Channel Manager. Sanchez has held roles at Mattel, Nickelodeon, and Frederator Networks. |
| IN MEMORIAM |
| Actor Julian McMahon died July 2 after battling cancer. He was 56. McMahon was best known for TV roles on series including “Charmed,” “Nick/Tuck,” and “FBI: Most Wanted.”
Composer Mark Snow died July 4 at age 78. Among Snow’s numerous creations was the theme song for “The X-Files.” |
This Day in History
2005 – Suicide bombing attacks in the London transit system killed 39 people.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which year was the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show first televised? 1983. Kudos to: Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Matt Marini/Paramount; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/Kona, HI
Today’s Trivia Question
Which series ran on CBS from 1966-73, and was revived by ABC in 1988 for two seasons? (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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