The cast for season 51 of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” includes returnees Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, Chloe Fineman, Mikey Day, Sarah Sherman, Marcello Hernández, Andrew Dismukes, frequent Trump impersonator James Austin Johnson, Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline. And finally, Kenan Thompson, for a record-breaking 23rd term. As previously reported, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, and Emil Wakim will not be back.

Automakers stepped on the brakes in August, with an estimated $84.4 million in national ad spend, down from $122.8 million the same month last year. The top five spenders were Lexus ($9.3 million), Kia ($8.8 million), Toyota ($8.6 million), Subaru ($7.7 million) and Volkswagen ($5.5 million), according to iSpot.tv.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is acquiring wireless spectrum from Dish Network’s debt-ridden parent, EchoStar, for $17 billion. The transaction also includes a long-term commercial agreement for EchoStar’s Boost Mobile subscribers to access SpaceX’s Starlink direct-to-cell service. “For the past decade, we’ve acquired spectrum and facilitated worldwide 5G spectrum standards and devices, all with the foresight that direct-to-cell connectivity via satellite would change the way the world communicates,” said EchoStar President and CEO Hamid Akhavan. “This transaction with SpaceX continues our legacy of putting the customer first as it allows for the combination of AWS-4 and H-block spectrum from EchoStar with the rocket launch and satellite capabilities from SpaceX to realize the direct-to-cell vision in a more innovative, economical and faster way for consumers worldwide.”

Paramount has named Kenneth R. Weinstein as its new Ombudsman for CBS News. Weinstein’s job is to serve as an independent, internal advocate for journalistic integrity. “At a time when trust in media is more important than ever, this new role reinforces our commitment to truth, trust, and accountability,” said Paramount President Jeff Shell. “Ken brings not only a wealth of advisory experience in media and beyond but also a calm, measured perspective that makes him exceptionally well-suited to serve as our Ombudsman.” Weinstein previously served as president and CEO of conservative think tank Hudson Institute and was President Trump’s nominee in 2017 to serve as US ambassador to Japan.

With a September 17 deadline approaching for ByteDance to sell TikTok’s proprietary algorithm to a US buyer, the platform highlighted its expanding European audience. The company reported that more than 200 million people across Europe use TikTok each month – nearly a third of the population across the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK, up from 175 million last year. Of course, TikTok’s deadline has been delayed three times, and the White House posted its first video last month – so another extension could be in the cards.

The succession battle for control of the Murdoch empire, including Fox Corporation and News Corp, has ended with Lachlan Murdoch holding the reins. Rupert Murdoch had applied to change the terms of his irrevocable trust to consolidate his eldest son’s control, a move his other children, James, Elisabeth and Prudence, fought in court. A settlement leaves Lachlan in charge, and his siblings with hefty buyouts.

Also headed for a second run is Netflix’s “Leanne.” The comedy, co-created and executive produced by Chuck Lorre, debuted July 31.

NBC will be strutting its stuff Tuesday, September 16 with “NBC Preview Presented by Access Hollywood,” a one-hour event showcasing the fall lineups of NBC and Peacock.

CBS daytime game shows “The Price Is Right” and “Let’s Make a Deal” return Monday, September 22 for seasons 54 and 17, respectively. On the scripted side, season 39 of “The Bold and the Beautiful” kicks off Monday, September 15, while sister soap “The Young and the Restless” is back for season 53 on Tuesday, October 7.

Canela Media has introduced AI-generated virtual host Diego to further gamify Club Canela. “Canela.TVaudience has proven to enjoy a gamified experience within our streaming ecosystem through Club Canela and we aim to continue to enhance connections with viewers and increase engagement utilizing this first-to-market AI-powered innovation,” said Oswald Méndez, CMO of Canela Media.

The Television Academy will award SMPTE, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), and Video Services Forum (VSF) an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Engineering, Science & Technology for the development of SMPTE ST 2110. “Standards are in the DNA of SMPTE, going right back to our founding in 1916, but still as relevant today in helping the industry bring content and amazing experiences to the world,” said SMPTE President Richard Welsh. “This Emmy recognizes the huge effort and innovation that happens, often in the background or out of public view, but is so essential to bringing all forms of media to audiences.” The honor will be bestowed during the 77th Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy Awards ceremony on October 14.

Nippon TV announced three new unscripted formats, including two debut formats from Gyokuro Studio, Nippon TV’s newly established in-house production studio: game show “Mega Catch,” reality format “Secret Little Assistant,” and “Big Bad Bluff.”

Blueprint Partners has launched Blueprint Studios London, a purpose-built facility designed to give sports and entertainment broadcasters, podcasters and rights holders what they need to deliver broadcast-quality shows at an accessible cost. “As video-first podcast formats become more complex, requiring full playback, graphics, telestration – everything you’re used to seeing on a linear channel’s coverage – producers need a facility that’s built to support them,” said Mark Anand, Chief Creative and Executive Officer of The Blueprint Group. “Blueprint Studios London delivers TV-grade production at a podcast-friendly access point.”

Jennifer Hudson has joined the list of performers for “Grace for the World,” a concert from Vatican City that will be live streamed globally on Disney+, Hulu, and ABC News Live on Saturday, September 13 at 3p.

Sinclair Ventures has names Craig Blank as Principal. In this newly created role, Blank will oversee Sinclair Ventures’ minority-owned investment portfolio. Previously, Blank served as Managing Director at Woodland Management and Partners Edge Fund.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Who did Tina Fey play as a guest star on “Girls5Eva” (2021-24)? A dream version of Dolly Parton. Kudos to: Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Today’s Trivia Question
Who was the first female cast member of “Saturday Night Live” to be upped from feature player to full cast member in her first season? (Email trivia@cynopsis.com with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Limit of four answers per time zone.)