 IN THE NEWS |
| Older viewers are fueling much of the growth in influencer content, according to data from Ampere Analysis – among 55–64-year-olds, weekly viewing of influencer content in the US has jumped from 44% in 2020 to 54% in 3Q25. “The biggest surprise in our latest data wasn’t how popular influencer videos have become – it is how rapidly this trend has extended to older audiences,” said Annabel Yeomans, Senior Research Manager at Ampere Analysis. “As viewing habits diversify and platforms like YouTube and TikTok become part of living-room viewing, the lines between social and traditional platforms are blurring. Streaming services are increasingly partnering with influencers – an approach that first attracted younger viewers and is now gaining traction among older audiences.”
Total linear core TV ad revenues are expected to slip 7% from 2024, to $55.2 billion this year. MoffattNathanson Research projects a decline of 6%, to $51.6 billion next year, and an 8% dip, to $47.9 billion in 2027. It’s estimated AVOD streaming will rise by 15%, to $16.1 billion. As for connected TV, “CTV is still growing, but the category is clearly decelerating, from outsized double-digit gains in recent years to a mid-teens trajectory going forward, as the easy lift from linear-to-CTV budget shifts fades and linear holds a floor thanks to sports and news,” wrote Michael Nathanson, media analyst/cofounder of MoffettNathanson.
E.W. Scripps is blocking a takeover attempt by Sinclair by adopting a limited-duration shareholder rights plan. The “poison pill” is intended to “protect shareholders from coercive tactics and to provide the board with time to thoroughly evaluate the offer and any other potential strategic alternatives,” said Scripps. Last month, Sinclair filed a disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealing that it had purchased an 8.2% stake in its smaller rival. Sinclair reaches about 40% of US households through 185 stations across 85 markets. Scripps operates more than 60 stations in over 40 markets. |
 Omnicom Media Group will lay off over 4,000 employees in the wake of its just-completed, $13 billion acquisition of rival Interpublic Group. Post-layoffs, about 85% of jobs will be client-focused, while 15% will be administrative, said the company. Creative networks DDB, FCB and MullenLowe have been eliminated. Omnicom Media will be headed by Florian Adamski, former Omnicom Media Group CEO, and will include six major media agency brands from the merged portfolio: OMD, PHD, Hearts & Science, UM, Initiative and Mediahub. Troy Ruhanen will head the combined company’s creative agency operations as CEO, Omnicom Advertising.
“Wicked: One Wonderful Night” will have an encore presentation on New Year’s Eve at 8p. It replaces a Snoop Dogg special, slated to air live on NBC at 10:30p, that was canceled last month due to Snoop Dogg’s 2026 Winter Olympics commitments. The “Wicked” special on November 6 drew 3.6 million Live+3 viewers. |
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| CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2026
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Convergent TV World 2026 is here. Check out the new site and sizzle reel to see what’s in store. Debuting this year: Hosted Buyer meetings, complimentary VIP Passes for qualifying marketers and agencies, live Reverse Pitches, buyer Q&As, Exchange groups, and the Convergent TV Awards. It’s where the entire video ecosystem comes together.
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| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| Season two of Tubi comedy “Big Mood” is set to launch in 2026. Returning cast members include Nicola Coughlan (“Bridgerton”), Lydia West (“It’s A Sin”), Robert Gilbert (“Big Boys”), Eamon Farren (“The Witcher”), Niamh Cusack (“In The Land Of Saint and Sinners”), Amalia Vitale (“Smoggie Queens”), Luke Fetherston (“Picture This”), Rebecca Lowman (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Stephen Sobal (“Love Sick”), and Kate Fleetwood (“Wheel of Time”). |
 Australian series “The Artful Dodger” will be back for season two on Tuesday, February 10 on Disney+ and Hulu. “We’re immensely proud to be bringing quality Australian storytelling to the world stage and to have further elevated the production with intricate new costuming and sets that take audiences even deeper into the adrenaline-pumping world of ‘The Artful Dodger,’” said Kylie Watson-Wheeler, the Walt Disney Company Australia and New Zealand Senior Vice President and Managing Director.
Also back for a sophomore run: “Drag Race España: All Stars,” on WOW Presents Plus. World of Wonder and Spain’s Atresmedia produce the competition in collaboration with Buendía Estudios. |
Today’s Premieres
Bravo: Vanderpump Rules at 9p
E!: Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane at 10p
HBO: Hard Knocks: In Season With the NFC East at 9p
HGTV: Fixer to Fabulous at 8p
Paramount+: 5-Star |
| PRODUCTION |
| Production is underway on the new Starz “Power” prequel series, “Power: Origins.” Joining the cast in recurring roles are Jennifer Ferrin (“Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin”), Lizzy DeClement (“New Amsterdam”), Lenny Platt (“The Hot Zone”), Armani Gabriel (“Blue Bloods”), Everett Osborne (“Why Did I Get Married Again”), and Jason Dirden (“American Soul”).
Shannon Ryan is joining Spectrum News as a Washington, DC reporter. Ryan will report on New York’s Congressional delegation and on issues of importance to New Yorkers for Spectrum News NY1 and Spectrum News 1 New York.
Holiday shopping used to be predictable. This year, Gen Z, millennials, and a growing group of “new frugals” are shifting long-held behaviors. Kristen Whitmore, VP of Insights, Lotame, explains why growth belongs to the brands reading the signals, in Cynsiders. |
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| CYNOPSIS PARTNER REPORT
The State of Audience Data Is Changing—Fast
Broadcasters and streamers are relying on outdated metrics while viewer expectations accelerate. This new report with Omeda uncovers where the gaps are—and how first-party data is helping top performers personalize content, strengthen engagement, and unlock new revenue.
Get the insights shaping TV’s next chapter.
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| TECH |
| Becausal, focused on causal AI-based CPG and retailer audience intelligence, announced the launch of its closed beta program for its CPG Data Store, a freely searchable dataset of CPG purchase and transaction data across major US retailers. After incorporating initial feedback from early adopters, the Becausal CPG Data Store beta program is now available for more agencies and CPG brands, offering deterministic, multi-sourced purchase data on three million consumers. “The CPG Data Store opens up a new era of transparency and audience intelligence for CPG marketers,” said Chuck Ennis, Chief Commercial Officer at Becausal. “Whether you’re a retailer looking to own more of the consumer’s monthly share of spend or a brand optimizing category performance with conquesting or reengaging lapsed buyers, this is an extremely powerful data asset and self-serve portal that we put directly in the hands of the users for smarter decision-making.” |
| HOLIDAY |
| AMC Networks is featuring “Best Christmas Ever’s TwELFth Days of Giveaways,” now through Friday, December 12, when AMC will feature a back-to-back 8-hour marathon of “Elf” in partnership with Warner Bros.
HBO Max has launched the “Always The Season” in-app collection, including curations such as “The Best of 2025,” “This Years Hidden Gems,” “Annual Watch Parties,” “That Time of Year,” and the “Most Meme’d” collection.
“The Carol Burnett Show” debuts on FETV with a “Ring in the Laughs” New Year’s Day marathon, joining the regular slate on Saturday, January 3. The 1967-78 variety show will air nightly at 12:50a in its original, uncut format.
VA Media’s owned & operated YouTube Channels are offering curated, full-length, and free movies and series, documentaries, specials. Channels include Holiday Movie Central, Luxury Living, and Documentary Central.
Among the holiday specials on Telemundo are “Navidades en Rockefeller Center” on Wednesday, December 3 at 9p; “Mañanitas a la Virgen de Guadalupe” on Thursday, December 11 at 11:45p; and “Al Rojo Vivo Edición Especial: Adiós 2025” on Wednesday, December 31 at 7p. |
| DISTRIBUTION |
| French animation company Xilam Animation has launched on Toon Box, a kids safe streaming app featuring over 1,000 pieces of content from across its library and new series. Aimed at children aged 3-10 years old, the subscription-based and ad-free app is currently rolling out across 11 territories (the UK, the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Mexico, Brazil, Australia) and will initially be available on iOS before also launching on Android devices next year. |
| RATINGS |
| Spectrum News was the most-watched news network among Spectrum households in November, averaging 2 million daily viewing households across its linear and digital platforms, according to Nielsen.
With competition from football and baseball, for the second time in October, no shows crossed the one billion minute threshold on Nielsen’s streaming chart the week of October 27. However, Netflix’s “Nobody Wants This” came close, taking the #1 spot with 919 million minutes following the launch of its second season on October 23. Season 2 accounted for 83% of the 919 million minute total, and adults 35-64 contributed 58% of watch time. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
 John Halley, President of Ad Sales at Paramount, is leaving the company. He will serve in an advisory capacity through the end of March. The move comes under the watch of Jay Askinasi, who became Chief Revenue Officer last month.
OUTFRONT Media has appointed Stacy Minero as Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, and Abhi Vyas as Vice President, Performance Marketing. Minero was most recently Global Marketing Director, Unreal Engine & Creator Marketplaces, while Vyas joins from Verizon, where he was VP, Performance Marketing. |
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This Day in History
1939 – New York’s La Guardia Airport began operations.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which 1995-2001 spinoff series lasted longer than the show from which it was spun? “Xena: Warrior Princess” (1995-2001), which started on “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” (1995-99). Kudos to: Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
Which TV-movie centered on an Air Force lieutenant who is tricked into believing World War II isn’t over? (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.) |
DIRECTOR OF PERFORMANCE MARKETING >>
ATHLETE TO ATHLETE/SANTA MONICA, CA: Lead the performance marketing team across Meta Ads and new paid digital channels (TikTok, YouTube, Google, etc.) as well as build and execute a roadmap for channel expansion and profitable scale. Develop and run structured testing frameworks. Partner with Creative Strategist on ad briefs, testing priorities, and creative feedback loops. Full info HERE
SENIOR MANAGER, TRAFFIC >>
INSP, LLC./CHARLOTTE, SC: Oversee the Traffic staff and manage and monitor the day-to-day operations. Responsible for the prompt and accurate execution of broadcast logs for three networks. The manager assumes a leadership role within our Network Operations and consistently looks to streamline processes and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Traffic department. Full info HERE
MANAGER, DISTRIBUTION MARKETING >>
INSP, LLC./INDIAN LAND, SC: Develop and manage B2B and B2C campaigns in partnership with multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), virtual MVPDs (vMVPDs), and streaming platforms to increase viewership, drive tune-in, and support carriage initiatives. Execute marketing strategies. Strong multi-tasking skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities. Full info HERE
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
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
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
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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