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| Wednesday December 4, 2024 |
 IN THE NEWS |
 In its annual ad-spending forecast, Dentsu offered a sunnier projection than it did last year, upgrading growth estimates for both its US and worldwide outlooks through 2027. Dentsu now estimates global ad spending will expand 6.8% this year, up 2.2 percentage points from its last release in December 2023. US ad growth is projected to rise nearly a point for this year. “Despite the current worldwide geo-political instabilities and economic outlook, in 2024 we can see how significant major political and sporting events are for creating positive growth in ad spend,” said Dentsu Global Practice President – Media Will Swayne.
“Stop using the word ‘cable.’” Those words of advice came from Kathleen Finch, Chairman and CEO, US Networks at Warner Bros. Discovery, during a keynote interview at Content London. “We should stop limiting ourselves to calling ourselves cable execs that make cable content,” Finch said. “That’s going away at some point, so what we all are is creatives. You make content, then you put it on these different places and the audience chooses to watch it whichever place they happen to prefer.” As for the future of cable, “It’s slowing, but not dead.” Finch announced in August that she is retiring at the end of the year. WBD Television Group Chairman and CEO Channing Dungey will replace her.
Almost half of advertisers now ‘”completely” or “mostly” trust AI ad tech to make decisions for their campaigns without human oversight, up from one in four last year. That’s according to Advertiser Perceptions’ second annual Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Advertising report. Key findings include:
· The use of AI technologies for advertising purposes is significantly up from 2023. Among the sample of advertisers who were at least familiar with AI or machine learning, 68% report currently using AI for advertising, up from 56% in 2023.
· Three in five advertisers using generative AI chatbots are using them to generate content, ahead of the share generating ad copy. Half of advertisers are using text-based gen AI for ideation and strategy, including for audience segments, general marketing plans, and campaign results and optimizations.
· Advertisers are most likely to measure the ROI of AI based on lift over a non-AI benchmark, whether in performance, awareness, or engagement.
· There’s been a shift in the importance of expanding knowledge of AI within companies. Learning more about AI is now “very important” to almost 2 in 3 advertisers, up from almost half a year ago.
· Last year, it was rare for advertisers who aren’t already using generative AI or performance optimization tools to say they completely or mostly trust AI ad tech to make investment and optimization decisions. Now, even those not using gen AI tools tend to trust AI ad tech to make decisions without human oversight. |
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| The ANA Educational Foundation will “Double the Impact” of every donation companies make to the ANA Educational Foundation’s University Membership Program. For every University Membership donation made by a company, AEF will provide a second membership to the university of their choice. “Building a strong talent pipeline is vital to the future of our industry, and our mission is to bridge the gap between brands and academia to make it a reality,” said Gord McLean, President, AEF. |
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| CES Daily Wrap-Up Newsletter
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| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
 “Bel-Air” will return to Peacock for a fourth and final season. The reimagining of 1990-96 sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” wrapped season three in September. |
| Playland (“Wolf Hall”) scored the rights for a TV adaptation of author Alan Moore’s fantasy novel The Great When. The book focuses on a young clerk who comes into possession of a book that is a supernatural counterpart to his home. |
 Sky Original comedy thriller “Sweetpea” will return for a second season on Starz. “Sweetpea” is produced by See-Saw Films and fanboy in association with Sky Studios. “‘Sweetpea’s’ unique take on female agency is a perfect complement to Starz’s slate of programming for women” said Alison Hoffman, President, Starz Networks. “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Sky Studios and Ella Purnell in bringing another season of this addictive series to US audiences.”
Three automotive series from Brenton Productions have been renewed for MotorTrendTV, including long-running shows “Two Guys Garage” and “Truck U,” while “Build for Off Road” scored a second season. |
| INSIGHT |
| There is more consolidation on the horizon, according to MoffettNathanson Research. MoffettNathanson estimates revenue from Warner Bros. Discovery’s live, linear cable TV networks will drop 13% in 2024 to $20.1 billion, and AMC Networks will dip 21% to $2.4 billion. Bucking the trend is Fox Corp., whose cable networks are projected to see revenues rise by 6% to $6.5 billion, due to the performance of news and sports content. “Given this backdrop, it is clear further consolidation is needed,” writes Moffatt analyst Craig Moffett, and suggests, “the most intriguing potential combination would be a combined bid from Comcast/NBCU RemainCo and SpinCo for all of Warner Bros. Discovery.” |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
 “Family Guy” is headed back to Adult Swim, airing back-to-back episodes on weekdays from 10p-11:30p, beginning in 2025. The animated series was canceled by Fox in 1999 due to low ratings, but reruns on Adult Swim brought the show back life in 2003. It’s popularity on cable helped prompt Fox to revive it in 2005, and the comedy is now its 23rd season. Adult Swim will host a three-day marathon of episodes every evening from 7p-5a beginning Wednesday, January 1. “Adult Swim is a huge part of ‘Family Guy’s’ early history, and we’re excited for the series to return to our lineup in 2025,” said Michael Ouweleen, president of Adult Swim.
“Baylen Out Loud,” a new series featuring Baylen Dupree, a 22-year-old with Tourette Syndrome premieres Monday, January 13 at 9p on TLC.
Season two of AppleTV+’s “Surface” launches Friday, February 21. New episodes of the psychological thriller will follow on Fridays.
Spy thriller “The Recruit” will return to Netflix on Thursday, January 30. The sophomore run will be comprised of six episodes, down from nine the first go-round.
Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity hosts a new monthly, long-form interview show for Fox Nation entitled. “Sean,” featuring interviews with a variety of guests, premiered Tuesday. |
Today’s Premieres
Bravo: Sold on SLC at 9p
Hulu: Light Shop
Netflix: Churchill at War; Tomorrow and I; The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On
Prime Video: Pop Culture Jeopardy! |
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| TECH |
| Channel 1 unveiled “First Cut” and “Prism,” two AI-powered solutions designed to streamline video production and distribution. First Cut enables teams to transform raw assets into platform-ready videos through an intuitive interface that provides editorial control, and Prism transforms existing content into a variety of formats customized for different platforms. “Media organizations constantly face the challenge of creating content quickly and cost-effectively while maintaining high quality and maximizing revenue,” said Adam Mosam, Founder and CEO of Channel 1. “Our AI systems empower enterprises to streamline production while maintaining editorial control. We’re excited to be partnering with major media companies to implement these tools and look forward to announcing these collaborations soon.” |
| COMING UP |
| Mockumentary special “Cunk on Life” drops Thursday, January 2 on Netflix. The show stars British actress and comedian Diane Morgan. |
 Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut will unveil the nominees for the 82nd Annual Golden Globes on Monday, December 9 on CBS. The awards ceremony takes place Sunday, January 5. |
| SPORTS UPDATE |
| TNT Sports’ networks and platforms will showcase Knockout Rounds of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup with multiple viewing experiences available for fans across TNT, truTV and Max. Viewers will see NBA 2K25 overlays such as the iconic Shot Meter, 2K Badges, official 2K camera angles and more, with split-second game insights powered by Genius Sports’ GeniusIQ. Quarterfinals action will tip off with a doubleheader on Tuesday, December 10, with the first game starting at 7 or 7:30p. |
| GOING GLOBAL |
| A+E Media Group Korea announced the global distribution and worldwide premiere of a new original scripted Korean series “The Witch,” based on the hit webtoon of the same name. Set to premiere Sunday, February 15 on a variety of platforms in the US, Europe and Asia, including A+E Korea’s Lifetime, this is the third webtoon from r artist Kang-full to be adapted into a scripted drama. His original webtoon, “Moving,” aired as a Disney+ original in 2023.
BBC Children’s and Education has commissioned “Gifted,” an action-adventure series for kids aged 8 to 12, adapted from Marilyn Kaye’s novels by screenwriter Emma Reeves (“The Worst Witch). The series, an international co-production between Glasgow-based producer Black Camel Pictures and Paris-based French producer Media Valley, has been commissioned by CBBC in association with NDR/ARD via One Gate Media in Germany, with additional support from Screen Scotland.
Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has announced “The Walsh Sisters,” a drama series inspired by five novels from Irish author Marian Keyes. The series will be produced by Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films International, in association with the BBC and Screen Ireland.
ITV Studios and Corus Entertainment are partnering to bring 80+ hours of lifestyle and entertainment content from the US and UK to Slice and the newly rebranded channels Flavour Network and Home Network.
Big Media has licensed 14 factual entertainment series to Times Brasil, a news and information pay-TV channel and a CNBC Exclusive licensee, which launched in Brazil last month.
Sphere Abacus has sold Stan Original drama series “Scrublands: Silver,” an Easy Tiger production in association with Third Act Stories, to streamer Sundance Now for the US and Canada to air in 2025.
BossaNova Media has acquired the worldwide rights to crime documentary “Bobby, Danny & Atlanta Tim: An American Serial Killer” through a new partnership with UK indie Revolutionary Leader.
Belgian production company jonnydepony’s sci-fi thriller “Arcadia,” which sold to 17 countries for its first season, has been ordered by all buyers for its upcoming second season.
GRB Media Ranch has licensed investigative docuseries “On the Case” to German companies Seven.One Entertainment (seasons 7 & 8) and Edel Motion (season 10). |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Blue Ant Studios has promoted Nick Solowski, previously Senior Director, International Sales & Acquisitions, has been promoted to the position of VP, International Sales. |
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This Day in History
1980 – Led Zeppelin announced the band was disbanding.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which comedy ran for a 13-episode first season, was canceled, then revived nine years later for an eight-episode run? “The Comeback” (2005 and 2014). Kudos to: Marni C. Gold/Hawthorne, NJ; David Rubinsohn-American Public Television/Boston; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Mark Selby-Melbar Entertainment Group/Toronto; Stephen Warren-Northeastern University/Boston; Greg West-WATC/Atlanta
Today’s Trivia Question
Which sitcom’s characters included an actress who pretends her daughter is her younger sister to keep people from knowing her age? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.) |
COUNSEL, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>
MLB NETWORK/SECAUCUS, NJ: Responsible for a variety of matters, including services agreements, production related agreements, talent agreements, software and other technology related agreements, licensing and programming agreements, third party rights clearances, distribution agreements, contract summaries, confidentiality, and general contract matters. Full info HERE
SENIOR INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN PROJECT MANAGER
BEACON MEDIA GROUP
NY/NJ
Seeking a diligent, organized, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as we manage Integrated Marketing Campaigns for a candy manufacturer. Responsibilities include ensuring client satisfaction, managing project timelines, and optimizing campaign effectiveness. If you’re proactive and enjoy collaborating with teams, we want to hear from you! Full info HERE
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MEDIA
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Proven track record of monetizing digital assets on various social media platforms. Work closely with our production team in creating content and comprehensive marketing plans to increase market share. Full info HERE
INTERNATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Create and execute sales strategies and proposals- generating new sales from past, current and future leads by networking, building relationships and identifying valuable sales opportunities. Manage existing accounts and excel at identifying clients’ needs. Requires a self-driven individual who is passionate about the sports and media industry. Full info HERE
NATIONAL SALES EXECUTIVE
CSI SPORTS
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
Looking for another self-motivated, highly disciplined National AD Sales Executive that enjoys the sales process from beginning to close. If you bring the enthusiasm and determination we will supply the opportunity to make this the best position you’ve ever had. Full info HERE
LEAD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >>
CASTIFY.AI/HYBRID: Expand our client base in the digital advertising industry and focus on business development, securing new clients and partnerships, and negotiating contracts with leading advertising brands and agencies as well as experience in the digital advertising sector, showcasing a proven track record of achieving targets and excelling in business development. Full info HERE
TV HOST >>
QVC/WESTCHESTER, PA: Credible while entertaining candidate w/exp hosting TV, digital, radio, spokesperson or live events. Masterful storyteller, enthusiastic & a love for products and shopping a must. Must be quick on their feet w/ability to improv & engage as well as have an elevated sense of style. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT REP: MPT NATIONAL CORPORATE SALES
MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION FOUNDATION
REMOTE
Call on current and prospective sponsors, providing high-quality customer service, in a manner consistent with standard industry practice, for the customer/client accounts for which they have cultivated or have been assigned as well as build sustainable, long-lasting relationships with existing clients. Full info HERE
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF AD SALES >>
HAYSTACK NEWS/NYNY, LA, CHICAGO: Responsible for developing large, meaningful partnerships to drive strategic and creative solutions for clients. You relish the opportunity to help advertisers build their brands by supporting the world’s most premium news publishers. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
INTERSECTION
LOS ANGELES, CA
Drive new revenue for our media around Los Angeles and beyond as well as building relationships with prospects and clients. Full info HERE |
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