|
|
| Tuesday September 23, 2025 |
 IN THE NEWS |
| Jimmy Kimmel, whose late-night show was suspended “indefinitely” last week, is returning tonight. “Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation at an emotional moment for our country,” said a statement from Disney. “It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive. We have spent the last days having thoughtful conversations with Jimmy, and after those conversations, we reached the decision to return the show on Tuesday.”
Over 400 artists had signed an ACLU letter denouncing government threats to freedom of speech in the wake of ABC’s controversial Kimmel decision. Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Jean Smart and Selena Gomez were among those who agreed, “Regardless of our political affiliation, or whether we engage in politics or not, we all love our country. We also share the belief that our voices should never be silenced by those in power – because if it happens to one of us, it happens to all of us.”
The suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” sparked questions about broadcasters’ First Amendment rights and the influence of those in power, wrote Curtis Leyget, President of the National Association of Broadcasters, in a blog post – but, he added, government pressure on the media “has come from both sides.” Leyget noted that during the Obama administration, journalists “decried the use of the Espionage Act to investigate reporters and demand their confidential sources,” while under Biden, “reporters faced growing barriers to access, and local affiliate stations were targeted based on the actions of cable news networks.” “Today, we continue to see veiled threats suggesting broadcasters should be penalized for airing content that is contrary to a particular point of view,” wrote Leyget. “The First Amendment makes clear that broadcasters – not the government – bear the responsibility for editorial decisions.” |
 Netflix and AB InBev are cracking open a major partnership, mixing entertainment and refreshment in co-marketing campaigns that span Netflix’s global and regional hits. The two will team for consumer activations, title integrations, collectible packaging, digital promos, and more, as well as live events like the streamer’s 2025 NFL Christmas Day games and the 2027 Women’s World Cup “We’re always looking for creative ways to build our brand and connect with fans,” said Marian Lee, Chief Marketing Officer at Netflix. “The popularity of our titles allows us to pierce the cultural zeitgeist in ways few others can, and a great partnership can make that even better.”
Matt Frucci has been named executive editor of “NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas.” He succeeds Meghan Rafferty, who has jumped to Versant to serve as VP of new standards. Frucci will continue as EP of NBC News Now’s “Top Story.” |
 |
| CYNOPSIS SCREENSHIFT
Where Passion Meets Revenue.
How do you turn storytelling into lasting engagement and brand dollars? At ScreenShift 2025, leaders like Jen Kavanagh, SVP, Media & Marketing, Philadelphia Eagles, share strategies that win both fans and advertisers.
Reserve your pass now — prices increase 9/26.
REGISTER NOW |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| “Red Alert,” a docuseries focused on people impacted by the Hamas October 7 attacks on Israel, will premiere two years to the day later on Paramount+. The four-parter “highlights Paramount’s continued commitment to storytelling through artistic excellence and accuracy,” said Paramount Chairman and CEO David Ellison.
NBCUniversal Local’s series “The Swift Effect,” covering Taylor Swift’s economic and brand power, will begin its second season Thursday, October 2 on Peacock and the NBC-owned stations’ FAST channels (10:30p and 11:30p) to coincide with the release of Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
“Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?” starts streaming Monday, September 29 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+. The docuseries investigates the 2011 death of Ellen Greenberg, a 27-year-old Philadelphia schoolteacher found dead in her apartment. |
Today’s Premieres
Discovery: Homestead Rescue at 8p; Hustlers Gamblers Crooks at 9p
Fox: Murder in a Small Town at 8p
FX: The Lowdown at 9p
Netflix: Crime Scene Zero |
| CABLEFAX MOST POWERFUL WOMEN
Deadline Extended.
You asked—we listened. Nominations are now open until 9/26. Celebrate the women setting the agenda in programming, operations, marketing, technology, and beyond. Don’t let these game-changers go unrecognized—nominate today.
NOMINATE NOW |
| TECH |
| Guideline and NBCUniversal are expanding their partnership to strengthen NBCUniversal’s data-driven strategies across ad sales. NBCU will leverage Guideline’s suite of tools, including Forward Booking Intelligence and Placement Depth, to get a holistic view of the ecosystem with insights around shifting ad investments, pricing trends and advertiser demand. “We’re excited to expand this relationship and proud to see how NBCUniversal has enabled strong use cases for the product advancements we have delivered,” said Vincent Mifsud, CEO at Guideline. “This partnership ensures that NBCUniversal has access to the most accurate, timely, and granular ad intelligence, which not only reflects where the market is today but also helps understand where it’s going.”
Sabio’s Creator Television has entered into a partnership with content studio Madcool Media to produce culture-driving original series for Creator TV, with a focus on comedy, entertainment, and unscripted. “We’re excited to partner with Madcool Media, who shares the same passion for elevating diverse creator voices,” said Charlie Ibarra, Co-Founder and Head of Content, Creator Television. “Through this studio partnership, we can expand our ability to provide creators with the production support and creative tools they need to bring their stories to life – while also delivering fresh, culturally resonant content that drives real value for advertisers.” |
| PRODUCTION |
| Danica McKellar (“A Royal Date for Christmas) and Jesse Hutch (“Homestead”) are set to star in “Have We Met This Christmas?”, debuting in December as part of Great American Media’s Great American Christmas event. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| FedEx, Rolex and Rocket Mortgage were the most recognized official PGA sponsors throughout the 2024 season, according to MarketCast’s Sponsor Breakthrough study across professional sports leagues. Sixty percent of fans associated FedEx with PGA as an official sponsor, ranking seventh overall across leagues. |
| COMING UP |
| Pluto TV announced the launch of its “House of Horror” campaign, featuring new and returning horror content. A new content deal with Lionsgate brings horror franchises such as “SAW, “and “The Grudge,” along with cult classics like “American Psycho.”
DirecTV is rolling out on Vizio Smart TVs. Customers will be able to access the DirecTV app directly on their Vizio devices.
Three new Lifetime Ripped from the Headlines movies are set for fall. Kicking off the trio on Saturday, October 4 is “Surviving My Father: The Rachel Jeffs Story,” followed on October 11 by “Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story,” and “Taken At a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie” on October 25.
A24’s “Sorry, Baby” debuts on HBO on Thursday, October 30 at 8p. The film was released in theaters in June.
Hallmark Channel and Sixthman are teaming again for Hallmark Christmas Cruise 2026, sailing October 23-27, 2026, from Miami, FL to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. |
| RATINGS |
| Prime Video’s “TNF on Prime” averaged 16.45 million viewers on Thursday, up +23% versus last year’s Patriots/Jets game, and +10% over the streamer’s Bills-Dolphins 2024 season opener.
Food Network’s “Halloween Baking Championship” returned to more than 2.2 million P2+ cross-platform viewers, posting a 0.51 P25-54 / 0.77 W25-54 Live+3 rating. Ratings growth for both demos versus prior six-week timeslot benchmarks was +82% and +114% respectively. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| A+E Global Media has named Brian Weiss Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development for the Global Content Sales Team. Weiss joins A+E Global Media from TEGNA, where was Vice President, Entertainment Programming & Networks.
DoubleVerify’s Chief Growth Officer, Steve Mougis, will become Global Chief Commercial Officer in January 2026, and Gian LaVeccia been promoted to Chief Revenue Officer, where he will lead DV’s Sales team globally. Additionally, Joris Stevens is returning to DV as SVP of Global Account Management. |
|
This Day in History
1891 – Vocational school Troop College (later CalTech) was established in Pasadena, CA.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
On “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-77), why did Rhoda want to join The Better Luck Next Time Club? To take advantage of discounted charter flights to Paris. Kudos to: David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Laurie Ulster-Audible/NYC; Mike Gioscia-NBCUniversal/NYC; Rev. Mark Wajda/Clermont, FL; Phyllis McQuillan-MSG Networks/NYC
Today’s Trivia Question
How many cast members in “The Love Boat” (1977-86) appeared in the first pilot movie for the eventual series? (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.) |
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER>>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC:
Oversee daily sales pipeline operations focused on national sponsorships, integrations, and branded content tied to unscripted programming. Manage and coach the Business Development team, drive outbound activity, shape proposals and pricing, and lead CRM strategy, reporting, and optimizations via Salesforce. Full info HERE
MANAGER, CONSUMER INSIGHTS & BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE >>
SESAME WORKSHOP/NEW YORK, NY:
Support the Research & Insights team in understanding the behaviors, motivations, and needs of children, educators, and caregivers—especially as they interact with TV shows, digital content and experiences. This role will help execute research initiatives that inform content strategy, digital product development, marketing, and audience engagement. Full info HERE
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER >>
NTD/WASHINGTON, DC:
Pitch story ideas and write scripts/segment outlines as well as research guests and interview topics. Book guests and coordinate interviews. Help with logistics and sometimes field production. Support shoots and ensure production runs smoothly. Review footage and work with editors to shape final episodes. Write headlines, teasers, and social posts. Full info HERE
INTEGRATED MEDIA PLANNER >>
VLADIMIR JONES/DENVER, CO:
Responsible for preparing and implementing client media plans of all types for existing and prospective clients. This includes audience identification, research, development, presentation and purchasing of media plans & buys as well as an expert at understanding emerging trends and best practices across the omni-channel media world. Full info HERE
MOTION DESIGNER (FREELANCE) >>
LONG STORY SHORT/WASHINGTON, DC: Collaborate closely with our creative team to develop high-quality motion graphics for a variety of projects. Deliverables could include lower thirds, kinetic text, full-screen visuals, logo animations, infographic animations, bumper/intro sequences, social media graphics, and event or presentation graphics. Full info HERE
DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATION >>
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY/HOLLYWOOD, CA: Responsible for all HR functions and oversight of administrative and management needs. This strategic role is charged with operating from a customer service driven viewpoint that prioritizes employee satisfaction as well as enforce legally compliant policies, increase efficiency by implementing administrative and record-keeping best practices. 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 |
|
|
