 IN THE NEWS |
| A federal appeals court on Friday upheld the sell-or-ban law that calls for TikTok to shed its Chinese ownership. “The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States,” wrote Judge Douglas Ginsburg for the court. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.” TikTok has until January 19 to be sold off from its Beijing-based owner ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban, a deadline may be extended by 90 days if there is “significant progress” toward a sale. However, President elect Donald Trump has said he will save TikTok, which could mean brokering a sale, or instruct his attorney general not to enforce the law.
Things are looking up for 2024 ad spend, writes industry analyst Brian Wieser, Principal, Madison and Wall. Weiser has revised his US ad-spending growth estimate for 2024 to 9.0%, excluding political advertising, versus the 4.3% he forecast in September 2023. It’s a different story for 2025. Wieser projects 4.5% growth, down from 5.3%. “Looking towards next year with some (but far from all) clarity about the incoming presidential administration, it seems highly likely that its policies could have a significant impact on the US advertising industry,” wrote Weiser. |
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| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
| A&E and WWE are expanding their programming partnership to include the debut of “WWE LFG (Legends & Future Greats),” a competition series that features in-ring matches along with a behind-the-scenes look at rising talent vying for a WWE contract while being mentored by WWE Legends such as Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Undertaker, Shawn Michaels and Booker T. Also on the way is “WWE’s Greatest Moments,” a series reliving the events that have shaped WWE history. “Literally filled with blood, sweat, and tears, there’s never been a series that combines in-ring action, behind-the-scenes reality, high-stakes drama, and some of WWE’s greatest icons all in one package. From total unknowns to legends, ‘LFG’ will give viewers a raw, ground-up, 360-degree view of what it truly takes to make it in the WWE,” said Rob Sharenow, President of Programming, A+E Networks. “Our collaboration with WWE has clearly struck a chord with audiences, and we’re excited to continue producing premium content that resonates with a diverse viewership.”
LatiNation Media, the network for 18+ Latino audiences, and The Shade Room, covering Black culture and entertainment, have struck an exclusive partnership to co-produce and distribute custom content. The partnership will focus on co-producing lifestyle, travel, sports, and entertainment programming designed to resonate with the multicultural and multi-identity audiences. The technology of virtual product placement company Mirriad will enable seamless integration of brands into the content, offering advertisers a non-disruptive way to connect with audiences.
Silent House Productions will return to produce the SAG Awards, with John Brockett onboard again as executive producer. along with Silent House Productions’ Baz Halpin, Mark Bracco and Linda Gierahn. The 31st SAG Awards are set to stream on Netflix Sunday, February 23 at 8p.
Casting Notes: Added to the cast of Paramount+ with Showtime’s upcoming Guy Ritchie crime drama are Paddy Considine (“House of the Dragon”), Joanne Froggatt (“Downton Abbey”), Lara Pulver (“Da Vinci’s Demons”), Anson Boon (“Pistol”), Mandeep Dhillon (“CSI: Vegas”) and Jasmine Jobson (“Top Boy”). Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren are set to lead….Mark Eydelshteyn (“Anora”) landed the male lead in season two of Prime Video’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” |
| STREAMING |
| Max is expanding its Turner Classic Movies hub initiative, adding new classic movies showcased in curations throughout 2025. “At Max, we pride ourselves on our strong dedication to a robust library of fan favorite and classic films,” said Royce Battleman, EVP, Content Acquisitions, Warner Bros. Discovery. “Our latest expansion of TCM titles brings in even more timeless stories and invites viewers to relish in iconic cinematic moments on the platform.”
Grammy winner and actor Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (“Setup”) and his G-Unit Film & Television and Lionsgate are launching the 50 Cent Action Channel on The Roku Channel on Tuesday, December 10. Curated by 50 Cent, the FAST channel will offer his favorite movies and TV shows from Lionsgate’s library, along with the series “Power,” which he produced. “Roku’s reach and success in the free TV space make them the perfect launch partner for 50 Cent Action,” said Jackson. “My channel created in partnership with Lionsgate will deliver exactly what my audience loves to watch all in one place. We’ll be number one in no time.” |
| NEW & RETURNING SHOWS |
| Paramount Network will run linear airings of the first season of “Yellowstone” prequel “1923” beginning Sunday, December 8, immediately following new episodes of “Yellowstone.”
Season three of Prime Video’s “Reacher” is set to premiere Thursday, February 20 with the first three episodes. Subsequent episodes will drop weekly through March 27.
Also coming back for a third season on Prime Video is “The Wheel of Time,” on Thursday, March 13. The show is based on the best-selling Robert Jordan fantasy book series of the same name.
Preschool series “Wonder Pets: In the City” hits AppleTV+ on Friday, December 13. The new series is inspired by the “Wonder Pets!” (2006-18) series from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. |
Today’s Premieres
Fox: The Real Full Monty at 8p
Netflix: The Great British Baking Show: Holidays
Paramount+: Pulisic |
| COMING UP |
 “Joker: Folie a Deux” will make its global streaming debut on Friday, December 13 on Max. The film will premiere on HBO linear on Saturday, December 14 at 8p. The film’s theatrical run started October 4.
“Concave,” released in theaters on October 25, will hit the small screen Friday, December 13 on Peacock.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, “Shaking It Up: The Life & Times of Liz Carpenter” will premiere on public television stations starting March 1, focused on the legacy of the women’s rights leader.
Family Entertainment Television will wrap 2024 and ring in 2025 with FETV’s Fond Farewells, featuring series finales on December 31, and FMC’s “Singin’ in the New Year” stunt, with musicals from December 31 through January 2, including “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” and more. |
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| SPORTS REPORT |
| ESPN announced on Friday that Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss is taking an extended break from “Sunday NFL Countdown” to deal with a health issue. The sports net said Moss has their “full support” and can return when he’s ready.
Select National Collegiate Hockey Conference college hockey games will appear free, over-the-air on Gray Media’s television stations and over-the-air broadcast sports networks starting Friday, December 13 at 7p. “Hockey is a fan favorite in many of our local markets,” said Sandy Breland, COO of Gray. “We are pleased to bring this top-notch conference and highly ranked teams to local viewers.”
The Cowboy Channel, recently acquired by western sports brand Teton Ridge, will cover the 66th Wrangler National Finals Rodeo through December 14 in Las Vegas. |
| GOING GLOBAL |
| WildBrain inked a partnership with Paramount to bring “Sonic Prime” to Nickelodeon. The agreement will see 22 half-hour episodes and one hour-long special come to Nickelodeon in the US and Australia on December 7, followed by Italy on December 23. The series will then launch in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the UK and Ireland in 2025. |
| RATINGS |
 Prime Video’s “Cross” drew 40 million viewers in its first 20 days, reports Amazon, making it the streamer’s third most-watched premiere of the year, after “Fallout” and “The Lord of the Rings: Power.”
Hallmark Channel’s “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” ranked as the #1 most-watched entertainment cable program on Saturday among Households; Total Viewers; Women/Persons 18+, 25-54, 18-49 and 18-34. Hallmark Channel was the #1 most-watched entertainment cable network in Weekend Total Day among Households; Women/Persons 18+; Total Viewers; Women 25-54 and 18-49.
The release of the back half of season four propelled “Outer Banks” to the top of Nielsen’s streaming chart the week of November 4, with 1.23 billion minutes of viewing. “The Diplomat” ranked second with 1.22 billion minutes, followed by “The Lincoln Lawyer” with 1.11 billion minutes. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Newsmax has named Tim Gaughanmas Vice President, News Operations. Gaughanmas spent over a decade at Fox News Channel where he served as Vice President of Newsgathering, as well as Vice President of Affiliate Services; Baghdad Bureau Chief; Assignment Manager and Director of Domestic Newsgathering during his tenure. |
| IN MEMORIAM |
| Thom Christopher has died at age 84. The Daytime Emmy-winning actor was best known to soap opera fans for his memorable portrayal of a mob boss on “One Life to Live.”
Steve Mensch, President and Manager of General Operations for Tyler Perry Studios, was killed in a plane crash on December 6. He was 62. Mensch was the pilot of a single-seat plane that crashed on a road in Florida shortly before 7p. |
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This Day in History
1979 – Thanks to a global vaccination program, smallpox was officially declared eradicated.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Richard Winters is the main character in which miniseries? “Band of Brothers” (2001). Kudos to: Tim Galier-Ampersand/LA; David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Jason Brist/Chicago; John W Burshtan-Wild Planet Productions/Denver; Alfred Hopton-Capstone Communications/Huntsville, AL; Wendy Holmes/Denver; C.J. Bottitta-Big Picture Productions/Apex, NC; Kathryn Tesoriero-GroupM/NYC; Matthew Laramee-Southern New Hampshire University/Manchester, NH; David Rubinsohn-American Public Televsion/Boston
Today’s Trivia Question
Which short-lived 1990s sitcom centered on an ex-con who shot her unfaithful husband in the butt? (Email your answer to [email protected] and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. A limit of four answers per time zone.) |
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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
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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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