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| Tuesday December 23, 2025 |
| Cynopsis is taking a holiday break – we’ll be back bright and early on January 5. Wishing you all the best this season! |
 IN THE NEWS |
| Paramount and Netflix saw double-digit month-over-month growth in Nielsen’s November 2025 Media Distributor Gauge. Paramount rose to number three on the chart, with its CBS affiliates and Paramount+ each climbing over 18%. Hallmark saw a 28% viewing gain in November, for the highest percentage viewing increase of the month. But YouTube and Disney retained the top two rankings with 12.9% and 10.5% of TV, respectively. YouTube’s share of TV remained unchanged month-over-month, while Disney dropped 0.9 share points, largely due to ABC affiliates and ESPN declines attributable to the carriage interruption from the YouTube TV dispute. |
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| Nielsen and Roku have expanded their long-term strategic partnership to incorporate Roku data in Nielsen’s advanced campaign measurement and outcome solutions. As part of the expanded multi-year strategic partnership, Nielsen will continue using Roku’s large-scale TV data as input to its Big Data + Panel measurement for both Linear and Streaming Ratings. Roku will gain access to Nielsen’s Streaming Platform Ratings, said Ameneh Atai, GM, Audience Measurement at Nielsen. “At Nielsen, we continue to see a move towards ad-supported streaming services, with The Roku Channel a leader in the category,” noted Atai. “This strategic partnership brings together Nielsen’s strength and expertise in streaming measurement with Roku’s category leadership positioning to provide a solution that addresses a timely industry need: granular insights and analytics that marketers need to grow their brand as well as drive results.”
Paramount says billionaire Larry Ellison will personally guarantee all $40.4 billion of the equity he is putting up to finance the company’s $108 billion hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. WBD’s board has rejected Paramount’s past bids, questioning the legitimacy of the deal’s proposed financing, and accepted an offer from Netflix. Ellison, father of Paramount CEO David Ellison, also agreed not to revoke his family trust, which could have complicated the deal. Additionally, Paramount raised its breakup fee should the deal fall through to $5.8 billion, matching Netflix’s terms.
Allen Media Group has entered a strategic partnership with Infillion to bring Infillion’s interactive video and programmatic ad technology to AMG’s digital portfolio, advancing the company’s ongoing digital transformation. “Partnering with Infillion brings a more efficient, engagement-driven ad experience to streaming,” Byron Allen. “This technology strengthens the value we deliver to advertisers while advancing our mission to serve communities with quality, localized content.”
CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss defended her decision to pull a planned “60 Minutes” segment on the Trump administration’s deportation of migrants to El Salvador’s CECOT prison, saying the piece was “not ready” and lacked new reporting. Correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi accused the network of political interference, noting the segment had cleared standards and legal review. The last-minute move drew criticism amid heightened scrutiny of CBS following its $16 million settlement with President Donald Trump and questions over corporate pressure tied to Paramount Global’s Skydance merger.
As the 2025 TV season wraps, Warner Bros. Discovery reports its portfolio of cable networks captured nearly 30% of viewing among Adults 25-54 and averaged more than 142 million monthly viewers. WBD owned four of the year’s top 10 ad-supported cable networks — TNT, TBS, Food Network, and TLC — and delivered eight of the top 10 unscripted freshman or limited series, led by TLC’s “Baylen Out Loud.” “Our networks create the shows fans love,” said WBD’s Chief Creative Officer-US Networks Howard Lee.
Over at Telemundo, the network notes it delivered the top Spanish-language specials, including “Miss Universe,” and dominated primetime reality with “La Casa de los Famosos,” “Top Chef VIP,” and “Exatlón.” Telemundo also ranked #1 on Sunday primetime and maintained daytime leadership with strong growth among Adults 18-49.
Streaming reached its highest-ever portion of total TV viewership during Q3, accounting for 75% of viewing time compared to 25% for linear television, according to Samsung Ads report, “State of CTV.” Additional insights include:
· 50% of FAST users report watching five or more days per week, including 38% of viewers aged 18–24.
· Viewers say FAST provides better ads, easier content discovery, and more of what they love. |
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| CONVERGENT TV WORLD 2026
Insight for the Next Phase of Converged Media
As convergent TV accelerates, clarity matters more than ever. Laura Martin, Senior Media and Internet Analyst at Needham & Company, anchors Convergent TV World with a keynote on AI adoption, investment shifts, and the future of measurement—joined by top voices shaping cross-screen strategy.
Register before Jan. 9 to lock in $500 in savings.
VIEW THE PROGRAM |
| NEW & RETURNING SERIES |
| “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr”. returns to PBS for its 12th season on January 6. Ten new episodes follow Gates and his team as they use genealogical research and advanced DNA analysis to uncover the family histories of 20 guests, including Darren Criss, America Ferrera, Kristin Chenoweth, Lizzo and Spike Lee. |
Today’s Premieres
CBS: Kennedy Center Honors at 8p
Netflix: King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch
December 24
Hulu: Made in Korea
Magnolia Network: Fixer Upper: Fireplace at 8a
Netflix: Tom Segura: Teacher
December 25
ABC: Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade at 10a
AMC+: Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale
Netflix: Stranger Thin
December 26
Netflix: Cashero
HGTV: Junk or Jackpot? at 9:30p
BritBox: Nightsleeper
December 27
Peacock: The Copenhagen Test
December 28
Fox: Animal Control at 8p
HGTV: Celebrity IOU at 9p
December 29
Magnolia Network: Maine Cabin Masters at 9p
Netflix: Members Only: Palm Beach
December 30
AMC+: Wolf
Magnolia Network: Building Outside the Lines at 8p
Netflix: Evil Influencer: The Jody Hildebrandt Story
Netflix: Ricky Gervais: Mortality
December 31
Netflix: Stranger Things
January 1
Fox: Hell’s Kitchen at 8p
TLC: The Cult of the Real Housewife at 8p
A&E: Crime In Progress at 10p
Hulu: Red Eye
Netflix: Dr. Seuss’s Red Fish, Blue Fish; Love From 9 to 5; My Korean Boyfriend; Run Away; Time Flies
BritBox: Shetland |
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| CONVERGENT TV WORLD AWARDS 2026
Ring in the New Year With Recognition
Pop the champagne—then hit submit. Your innovation deserves the spotlight, and this is your final chance to make it official. From cross-screen creativity to advanced data strategy, the Convergent TV Awards honor the work moving the industry forward.
Final deadline: Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 11:59pm ET.
ENTER NOW |
| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
| Hallmark is returning to the Biltmore Estate with a new original film set for 2026’s Countdown to Christmas. Holland Roden and Niall Matter will star as acquaintances whose romance spans the Gilded Age and present day, while Jonathan Frakes reprises his role from 2023’s “A Biltmore Christmas.” Directed by Dustin Rikert and written by Marcy Holland, the film begins production next month on location in Asheville, North Carolina. “When ‘A Biltmore Christmas’ premiered, it immediately became a fan favorite and an instant classic,” says Michelle Vicary, Hallmark Media’s head of programming.
Disney+’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” has cast Holt McCallany in Season 3 as the Titan Atlas, a major villain freed to lead Kronos’ forces. McCallany will appear in six episodes. Season 3 adapts The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan. David Costabile joins as Dr. Thorn, while Jesse L. Martin plays Annabeth’s father, Frederick Chase. Season 3 is currently in production in Vancouver. |
| COMING UP |
| Turner Classic Movies will honor the life and career of filmmaker Rob Reiner with a special programming tribute on January 28. The look back at Reiner’s popular films will begin with “The Princess Bride” at 8p, followed by “When Harry Met Sally” at 10p, “Stand by Me” at 12a and “This is Spinal Tap” at 1:45a.
Family Movie Classics will get “All Shook Up” on January 8 as the network celebrates Elvis Presley’s birthday with a movie marathon that includes “Blue Hawaii,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “Girls! Girls! Girls!”, “Paradise – Hawaiian Style” and “Charro.”
Following PBS’s debut in the Nielsen Streaming Top 10, the free streaming window for the 12-hour Ken Burns documentary series “The American Revolution” has been extended through December 31 on PBS.org and the PBS app. The series, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, will then move to PBS Passport and the PBS Documentaries Prime Video Channel. PBS will also rebroadcast the series over six consecutive Fridays from January 9 through February 13, with additional airings tied to the country’s 250th anniversary, including runs from April 20–May 5 and a marathon June 27–28, leading into July 4, 2026.
Following its Love of a Lifetime slate this past fall, which reached 5.6 million Total Viewers, Lifetime announced the premiere date for “Toni Braxton’s Breathe Again,” the second film in the network’s multi-picture partnership with Braxton (“He Wasn’t Man Enough”). The film debuts Saturday, January 24 at 8p. |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| Prime Video’s “Game of the Season” delivered a massive win Thursday night as the Rams-Seahawks thriller ended with a dramatic overtime two-point conversion, averaging 15.36 million viewers — up 39% from last year’s comparable game. With one Christmas night matchup remaining, the 2025 Thursday Night Football season on Prime Video is on pace to become the most-watched in the franchise’s 20-year history, averaging 14.96 million viewers and posting a third consecutive year of double-digit growth. The season has driven gains across all key demographics, attracted audiences nearly seven years younger than linear NFL broadcasts, and fueled strong growth for “TNF Tonight” and “TNF Nightcap.”
Fubo Sports Network is celebrating its commitment to combat sports with “Merry Fistmas,” a week-plus fight marathon running December 22–31. The event features top fights and highlights from Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, Bellator, Glory Kickboxing — including appearances by UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira — the Professional Fighters League, Claressa Shields bouts, and more. As part of the lineup, Fubo Sports Network will livestream the Rajadamnern World Series Muay Thai 80th anniversary special on December 27 at 6a, a five-hour event featuring three title fights.
iHeartMedia announced a long-term, multiplatform partnership with veteran sports media personality and best-selling author Jon “Stugotz” Weiner. Beginning in January 2025, Stugotz will host a new weekday afternoon show on FOX Sports Radio, airing Monday through Friday from 3-5 p ET on more than 270 stations nationwide and streaming on iHeartRadio. |
| GOING GLOBAL |
| Britain’s Channel 4 has tapped Jimmy Kimmel to deliver its Alternative Christmas Message, citing a year dominated by U.S. politics. Channel 4’s alternative broadcast, which has aired since 1993 opposite the monarch’s message on BBC One and ITV, airs Christmas Day at 12:45p ET.
Ant and Dec have signed a new three-year deal with ITV, extending a partnership that will reach 30 years by the time the contract ends. The duo will front new seasons of “Britain’s Got Talent,” “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”, “Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win,” and “I’m a Celebrity South Africa,” while continuing to produce content via their company, Mitre Studios. ITV emphasized the pair’s streaming power, noting their shows have been streamed 688 million times on TTVX. |
| IN MEMORIAM |
| Craig Tennis, the former head of talent coordinator on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” died at 85. Notable names booked during his six-year stint included Billy Crystal, Freddie Prinz and Tiny Tim. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Bill Bracken has joined Dick Clark Productions as EVP of Production. The Emmy-winning producer’s credits include “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” and “The NAACP Image Awards,” among others.
Adrienne O’Hara has been named EVP and Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer of Discovery Global ahead of the company’s split from Warner Bros. Discovery. O’Hara, who most recently served as SVP of Communications and Engagement at Gap Inc., will start on January 7. |
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This Day in History
1950 -The NFL Championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cleveland Browns was the first coast-to-coast televised NFL title game.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
A holiday episode of which series featured a Hanukkah party at a bookstore and a city-wide blackout? “The Ghost and Molly McGee” (2021-24). Kudos to; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Tom Moore- Kalt Productions/LA; Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC
Today’s Trivia Question
What was the name and year of the first animated Christmas special made specifically for TV? (Email trivia@cynopsis.com 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.) |
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
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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