 IN THE NEWS |
| Google is removing AI-generated YouTube videos featuring Disney characters, following a cease-and-desist letter from Disney that accused Google of infringing on its copyrights. “We have a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with Disney, and will continue to engage with them,” said a Google spokesperson. “More generally, we use public data from the open web to build our AI and have built additional innovative copyright controls like Google-extended and Content ID for YouTube, which give sites and copyright holders control over their content.” Disney’s letter to Google came the same day it announced a deal with Google rival OpenAI for use of its characters and IP.
Want to watch “Friends” 24/7? Select HBO Max users can now access curated channels, leading them to feeds of series like “Friends” and “Sex and the City” and franchises like “Harry Potter,” as well as categories such as “True Crime” and “World of Westeros.” “The experience is designed for moments when users want a steady stream of fan favorites, without having to decide what to watch next,” said Liesel Kipp, EVP, Product, WBD. “It offers another effortless way to explore and discover the iconic, robust library HBO Max has to offer.”
Apple TV has renewed “Down Cemetery Road,” starring and executive produced by Emma Thompson, for a second season. The detective series is the second collaboration between author Mick Herron and Apple TV, following spy drama “Slow Horses.”
Ashleigh Bamfield is stepping away from her role producing and hosting NewsNation’s nightly live television true crime program “Banfield” to lead the network’s true crime digital vertical. As part of the new agreement, content from Banfield’s podcast, “Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield,” will be made available on NewsNation. “Ashleigh is truly one of the best at what she does – her storytelling and credibility make her the perfect partner as we build a digital destination for true crime fans while keeping her voice central to our on-air coverage,” said Michael Corn, President of Programming & Specials. Banfield will anchor her final show in January, after which a slate of rotating anchors will helm the 10p hour until a permanent host is announced.
LGBTQ+ ice hockey drama “Heated Rivalry” has been renewed for a second season by Canada’s Crave. HBO Max scored rights in the US and Australia. |
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| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| ID’s “People Magazine Investigates” returns Monday, January 12 at 9p on ID. The true crime series features reporting and interviews from People. |
Today’s Premieres
Netflix: The Creature Cases
Peacock: The Rise |
| INSIGHT |
| Pinterest’s announcement last week that it plans to acquire CTV performance advertising platform tvScientific came as a surprise to many, but it’s a smart strategic play, says Dan Larkman, CEO and Founder of Keynes Digital. What does the deal signal about broader shifts in the CTV landscape? Larkman shares his perspective. (For the complete interview, go to Cynsiders.)
How is consolidation reshaping the CTV market, and what does this acquisition signal for the future trajectory of CTV platforms?
I think there’s a lot of talk about consolidation right now, and for good reason. Everyone wants CTV. MNTN going public set a price for CTV companies, and we’ve seen that reflected in recent investments and acquisitions. tvScientific completed some investments right before its IPO, and its acquisition by Pinterest sends a fascinating signal to the rest of the industry.
To me, this is a sign that the market believes in CTV in the long term. You’re seeing brand investment go up, and now you’re seeing the market react to that brand investment. Consolidation is happening because the category has proven itself. Big platforms want in, and they’re not just testing, they’re buying.
Right now, it feels like a race, especially heading into the end of the year, and moves like this show who’s trying to get out in front of it. All of this tells me that everything is trending up and to the right for CTV.
How are shifts in marketing budgets reshaping performance expectations and investment priorities within the broader CTV ecosystem?
When I talk to brands today, especially DTC brands, the conversation has changed. A lot of budget has moved toward TikTok shopping, where performance is really front and center. That shift has raised expectations everywhere else. Brands want performance, data, and proof.
That’s why CTV is in such an interesting position right now. Platforms that can deliver performance and leverage strong data are going to win. And that’s also why acquisitions like Pinterest and tvScientific make sense; it’s about meeting where budgets are going and where expectations are headed. The market is reacting because brands are investing, and that momentum is only continuing. |
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| CONVERGENT TV WORLD AWARDS 2026
Last Call for Entries This Friday
Your innovation deserves the spotlight. From cross-screen creativity to cutting-edge data strategy, the Convergent TV Awards honor the work moving the industry forward. Submit before Friday—your last chance is this December 19 at 11:59pm ET.
ENTER NOW |
| COMING UP |
| “Mario Lopez Presents: Chasing Christmas” premieres Sunday, December 21 on Great American Pure Flix. The film follows a morning host and an artist as they race to find the season’s hottest toy. |
| DISTRIBUTION |
| Slovakia’s PBS channel Slovak Television and Radio has licensed quiz show format “On the Right Track” for a remake. The series is in its 36th season in Sweden. |
| RATINGS |
| ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” on December 8 delivered 20.4 million viewers, ESPN’s highest “MNF” Week 14 audience on record (2006-present), and up 9% year-over-year. The game aired across ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes and the ESPN App, with the “Monsters Funday Football” alternate-presentation available across ESPN2, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney+ and NFL+.
“Stranger Things” re-watch activity continued the week of November 10 as the show headed for its series finale, topping the billion-minute mark for the first time since August 2022. The week’s other billion-minute title was Netflix film “Frankenstein,” which drew 1.11 billion viewing minutes and placed #2 overall and #1 in movies. |
| The 2025 MLS Cup presented by Audi delivered record-breaking 4.6 million multi-platform viewers on December 6. It was the youngest MLS Cup audience ever, with 70% of Apple TV viewers under 45. |
This Day in History
1925 – Madison Square Garden formally opened, with an NHL game.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which 1961-66 sitcom was based on a comic strip? “Hazel.” Kudos to: Alan Dorfman-Super Impulse/Bristol, PA; John Kukla-KDFX Fox 4/Dallas; Andrew Goldman-Phanes Funding Group/NYC; Mark Seby-Melbar Entertainment Group/Toronto; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA; Tom Moore-Kalt Production/LA; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA
Today’s Trivia Question
What was the first live televised sporting event? (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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