 IN THE NEWS |
| So how did Fox fare this Upfront season? Fox News, sports and streamer Tubi contributed to “double-digit revenue growth in the Upfront for the second year in a row,” said Jeff Collins, President of Advertising Sales, Marketing and Brand Partnerships for Fox Corp. Much of the advertising growth came from consumer-products giants, pharmaceutical marketers and financial-services firms.
Paramount Global had a win in court against President Trump when a federal judge tossed out Trump’s suit against Bob Woodward, Simon & Schuster and Paramount Global. Trump was suing over Woodward’s use of recordings for his 2022 audiobook The Trump Tapes and book Rage. Trump claimed he had copyright and contract interest in the recordings, but a US District Court judge ruled otherwise. Paramount sold Simon & Schuster to KKR in 2023 but remained a defendant in the lawsuit.
Charter Communications announced its participation in the federal “Invest in America” Trump Accounts initiative. Charter will match the federal government’s $1,000 contribution for its employees’ children and plans to offer employees additional ways to direct their own pay into their children’s “’Invest in America’ Trump Accounts.” |
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| Cynopsis Top Women in Media
Be Part of the Celebration.
From rising stars to AI disruptors and esports pioneers, the Top Women in Media Awards honors the leaders shaping what’s next.
We’re looking for smart, thoughtful judges to help us do them justice.
APPLY NOW |
| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
| Production is officially underway on the fourth season of “Ted Lasso.” Principal photography begins Monday in Kansas City, the hometown of star and executive producer Jason Sudeikis, with additional filming set to take place in London. Jack Burditt (“Nobody Wants This”) has joined as executive producer under a new overall deal with Apple TV+. Executive producers alongside Sudekis include Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Jane Becker, Jamie Lee and Bill Wrubel. Brett Goldstein serves as writer and executive producer alongside Leanne Bowen. Julia Lindon will write for season four, and Bill Lawrence executive produces via his Doozer Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television. |
| NEW & RETURNING SHOWS |
 Season two of Apple TV+ stop-motion animated series “Shape Island” debuts Friday, August 29. The series shows kids that friendship can take many shapes.
“Naming the Dead,” an investigation series following the work of the DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit that uses genetic genealogy to help law enforcement crack cold cases, premieres Saturday, August 2 at 10p on National Geographic.
Dating show “Are You First?” (fka “Virgin Island”) debuts Monday, August 18 on Hulu and Disney+. Hosted by “The Bachelorette” alums Colton Underwood and Kaitlyn Bristowe, the show follows what it calls “the largest, hottest group of virgins ever assembled” as they look for love.
“America’s Most Wanted” and “America’s Most Wanted: Missing Persons” join the REELZ lineup on Sunday, August 3 at 9p and 11p, respectively. “From an ad sales perspective, ‘America’s Most Wanted’ is a powerful addition to REELZ’s primetime lineup,” said REELZ EVP and Head of Ad Sales, Scott Kohn “The landmark series reinforces the REELZ brand identity, centering around heroes, community, and real-world impact.”
ESPN Original series “The Kingdom,” documenting the history of the Kansas City Chiefs, kicks off Thursday, August 14. All six episodes will premiere on ESPN+ and Disney+, while episodes one and two will debut on ESPN at 9p. |
 “Futurama” is back for season 13 on Monday, September 15 at 8p on Hulu with all ten episodes. The show will also air weekly on FXX. |
 “Marvel’s Iron Man and His Awesome Friends” debuts Monday, August 11 on Disney Jr. (8:30a) and later that day on Disney Channel, with the first 10 episodes available on Disney+. The voice cast include John Stamos, Jackee Harry, Stephen Tobolowsky, Lauren Tom, and Gary Anthony Williams.
On tap at Food Network are new seasons of “The Great Food Truck Race,” premiering Sunday, August 3 at 9p; “Chef Grudge Match” on Tuesday, August 12 at 9p; five-part” Guy’s Grocery Games: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Legends” tournament on Wednesday, August 27 at 9p; and “Family Recipe showdown” on Thursday, August 28 at 8p.
“The Congregation: Bride of Christ” starts its sophomore run on Viaplay on Thursday, July 24 with two episodes. The true crime drama was inspired by the Knutby cult. |
Today’s Premieres
HGTV: Renovation Showdown at 9p
Hulu: Red Eye
Paramount+: Hip Hop Was Born Here
TLC: Welcome to Plathville at 10p |
| Cable & Broadband Standouts
And they’re off!
Nominations for Cynopsis’ Standouts are officially OPEN.
Who made the biggest impact in cable & broadband this quarter?
Tell us — your nominee might be our next rising star!
NOMINATE |
| COMING UP |
| Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” is adding Josh Johnson to the News Team hosting rotation with his debut tonight at 11p. The writer, stand-up comedian and actor began his tenure with “The Daily Show” in 2017 as a writer before joining the All-Star News Team in 2024.
Zeam Media announced a multi-day live-streamed comedy special, “Destination Comedy Starring Mike Young and Bret Ernst,” kicking off Tuesday, July 29. The show
will see comedian Young and Ernst embark on a road trip through Michigan. Fans will be invited to participate in the production, interacting with the stars, and sharing their thoughts via social media. |
| TECH |
Pause ads offer a new opportunity for advertisers, according to MAGNA Media Trials and DirecTV Advertising study “The Pause: Reaching TV Viewers During Can’t-Miss Moments.” The report notes that pausing is nearly universal across both streaming and linear TV and occurs across genres including live sports and scripted entertainment. Additional findings include:
· 81% of viewers say they pause to avoid missing what they’re watching. Pausing can also be an indication of co-viewing, as people reported pausing to wait for someone else to join them to watch together.
· A large majority of viewers across all age groups were receptive to ads while paused – including Gen Z (75%), Millennials (76%), Gen X (72%), and Boomers (59%)
· Most viewers don’t leave the room during a pause – more than one-third remain seated, and the majority stay paused for over 30 seconds |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| FOX Nation has signed on as exclusive broadcast partner for WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff and Chad Bronstein’s Real American Freestyle (RAF). The inaugural matchup event, “RAF01,” will take place on Saturday, August 30 in Cleveland, OH. FOX Nation has also secured the broadcast rights to the second event, which will take place this fall, with a venue to be announced at a later date.
The American Association of Professional Baseball (AAPB) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) are teaming to feature AEW talent at AAPB stadiums as part of a multi-market activation. AEW stars will participate in VIP first pitches, live game broadcast interviews, in-stadium autograph and photo sessions, and more. “AEW is one of the most recognizable brands in sports entertainment, and bringing their talent into our ballparks adds another layer of fun and fan engagement to the AAPB experience,” said Joshua Schaub, Commissioner of the American Association of Professional Baseball. “It’s bold, it’s different, and it’s a perfect fit for how we see the future of live sports.”
FOX Sports and AEG announced the dates and refined format for the 2026 College Basketball Crown. Now set for April 1–5, 2026 the tournament will once again take place at MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena, and air across FOX and FS1. This year’s format includes a newly streamlined eight-team field, featuring the top non-NCAA bid teams from the Big Ten, Big 12, and BIG EAST, plus two wild cards selected by committee. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Flora Kelly has been promoted to SVP of Research at ESPN. Kelly has been with the company since 2006. |
| IN MEMORIAM |
| Actor Malcolm Jamal-Warner died July 20 in a drowning accident in Costa Rico. He was 54. Jamal-Warner rose to fame on “The Cosby Show,” later appearing on “The Resident,” “Accused,” and “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson,” among others. “Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” read a statement from Fox Entertainment. “While his iconic roles – from comedic to dramatic – are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere.
Gary Smith, a producer of awards shows and specials, died July 18 at age 90. Smith won eight Emmy Awards for his work. |
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This Day in History
1959 – Cult classic “Plan 9 From Outer Space” was released.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which talk show preceded “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” in CBS’ late-night slot? “The Late Show With David Letterman” (1989-90). Kudos to: Phyllis McQuillan-MSG Networks/NYC; Ray Mendelsohn-FanDuel/Cincinnati; Faye Kulis-Disney/NYC; Greg Moloznik-Media Focus 49/Lakewood Ranch, FL; Debra Stephens Cook-Dark Horse Media/Tucson; April Iserat-TRG/Dallas; Dory Petrsrillo-Locality/Dallas; John Kukla-KDFW Fox 4/Dallas; Aaron Paquette-AccelerateSG/Fort Worth, TX; Jonathan Shrank-TheSoul Publishing/London; Mike Gutowitz-Streamlined Post/LA; Larry Hutchings/Nipomo, CA: Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA
Today’s Trivia Question
Which series was set to star Sam Neill, but he was replaced by Pierce Brosnan? (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.) |
VP SALES, NORTH AMERICA >>
All3MEDIA INTERNATIONAL/NEW YORK/HYBRID: Responsibility for covering format sales in the territory, liaising with the EVP Formats & Licensing as well as All3Media America, as well as Licensing finished program/tape sales in the United States and Canada. Also take ownership of and implementing the agreed sales strategies, reporting on progress and any issues preventing implementation. Full info HERE
SENIOR DESIGNER >>
REELZ CHANNEL/ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Responsible for the concept, design and execution of various motion graphics projects for on-air promo and sales presentations. Will be required to design and create graphics for social media, digital and print. Must be able to follow brand guidelines and expand and change the brand look when necessary. Full info HERE
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
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 5 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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