A+E has launched the A+E Digital division, led by the newly appointed General Manager of Digital Platforms, Ann McGowan. The initiative aims to further expand the company’s digital footprint, diversify its business model, and deliver innovative and engaging experiences. First up: The relaunch of History.com, enhancing the site with robust editorial and short-form content, along with premium advertising opportunities.

The elimination of DEI programs has many diverse and multicultural Americans concerned about the impact on professional opportunities, workplace policies and culture, as well as about which brands they will support, reports Tasha Mitchell, Marketing and PR Manager at Horowitz Research. Mitchell reviews the impact of diminished DEI efforts in Cynsiders.

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has pledged to invest $1 billion to produce series and movies in Mexico over the next four years. Speaking at President Sheinbaum’s press conference on Thursday, Sarandos said, “At Netflix we share your vision of a vibrant, prosperous Mexico full of growth and opportunity. And we want to play our part in making it a reality.” Noting that Netflix produced its first series outside the US, “Club de Cuervos,” ten years ago, Sarandos said, “It paved the way for our programming strategy, which is all about local production.”

Discovery Channel has high marks for its freshman class, ordering second seasons of five series that debuted in 2024. Set to return this year are “Expedition Files,” “Hustlers Gamblers Crooks,” “In the Eye of the Storm,” “The Last Woodsmen” and “Mud Madness,” all top three cable series among Men 25-54 in their respective timeslots, excluding news and sports, with each reaching at least 8.5 million viewers. “This success reinforces our commitment to finding interesting subcultures and fascinating people who have extraordinary stories to tell,” said Howard Lee, Chief Creative Officer of US Networks and President of Discovery Networks.

Also getting a second season pickup is NBC’s “Happy’s Place.” The comedy starring Reba McEntire has delivered 54% more viewers to its Friday 8p timeslot this season, and its pilot episode has drawn 17.6 million viewers so far across platforms.

And Hulu has renewed “Paradise” for a sophomore run. The Dan Fogelman (“This Is Us”) drama starring Sterling K. Brown debuted on January 26.

Netflix has ordered an action thriller series starring Omar Sy (“Lupin”), set in the universe of the “Extraction” films. Glen Mazzara (“The Walking Dead”) is the showrunner, and executive produces with Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, Scott Nemes and Chris Castaldi for AGBO, Sam Hargrave, Eric Gitter and Peter Schwerin. “Audiences are in for a thrill as we delve deeper into the ‘Extraction’ universe,” said Peter Friedlander, VP, Scripted Series, Netflix. “With Omar Sy leading the charge, our collaboration with the Russos, alongside Glen Mazzara, fans can expect even more of the high-octane adventures they love from the ‘Extraction’ franchise.”

“Avatar: Seven Havens,” a new series from creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, is in the works for Nickelodeon. Set in the world of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” the 2D-animated series centers around a young Earthbender who discovers she’s the new Avatar. The series is in production under the Avatar Studios banner from Nickelodeon Animation in Burbank.

Blighted homes in Detroit have a shot at revival in HGTV’s newly greenlighted series, “Condemned.” During eight episodes, a property investor/rehabber and her builder father tackle Motor City houses that are destined for the wrecking ball. The renovation series is slated to premiere in summer 2025.

BBC Factual has commissioned factual production company Wildstar Films to produce “Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges” (w/t), a one-hour documentary special for BBC One and iPlayer exploring the Maha Kumbh Mela Festival in Northern India.

Another Apple TV+ series, “Murderbot,” makes its debut Friday, May 16 with two episodes. The sci-fi series/comedic thriller stars Alexander Skarsgard (“Succession”) as a robot forced to complete a dangerous assignment.

President Trump issued an executive order that places independent regulatory agencies, including the FCC and the Federal Trade Commission, under his control. “All executive departments and agencies, including so-called independent agencies, shall submit for review all proposed and final significant regulatory actions to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Executive Office of the President,” reads to order. The Director of the Office Management and Budget, Russell Vought, a co-author of Project 2025, is empowered to “adjust” the agencies’ funding, if doing so would advance Trump’s policies. In response, the Center for Democracy & Technology said the order “subverts the very purpose of independent agencies, which is to operate as experts on specific topics without being subject to politics.”

The Federal Trade Commission is launching an inquiry into “censorship” by big tech. “Tech firms should not be bullying their users,” said new FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson in a statement. “This inquiry will help the FTC better understand how these firms may have violated the law by silencing and intimidating Americans for speaking their minds.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren wants the Department of Justice to take a close look at Disney’s acquisition of Fubo. “Disney’s proposed acquisition of Fubo appears to allow Disney to simultaneously circumvent the lawsuit while gobbling up a competitor,” she wrote to the DoJ. “This proposed acquisition raises significant concerns under antitrust law, would give Disney increased market power and incentives to increase costs for viewers, and should be regarded as another data point in Disney’s history of anticompetitive behavior.” Fubo’s antitrust lawsuit against Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery ended when Disney announced it was combining Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.

Hulu’s “Matteo Lane: The Al Dente Special” drops Friday, May 16. The comedian shares a glimpse into his travels, unique family background and friendships.

Two new Lifetime movies premiere this spring. First up is “Taken at a Basketball Game,” premiering Saturday, March 15 at 8p, inspired by the true story of a father’s search for his abducted teenage daughter. Thriller “Wife Stalker,” based on the book The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine, debuts March 29 at 8p.

AXS TV honors Nirvana’s Dave Grohl in the Dave Grohl Sunday Marathon, an all-day lineup of performances, live shows, interviews on March 9 at 4p.

“American Masters – The Disappearance of Miss Scott,” a documentary centered on the jazz virtuoso’s life, premiere today, February 21 at 9p on PBS (check local listings). The film features excerpts from Scott’s unpublished autobiography voiced by Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Abbott Elementary”).

The Honda NHL PreGame on Saturday, March 1 at Ohio Stadium includes attractions featuring 15 partners. The free festival takes place from 12p-5p.

The New Jersey Devils will host their Jersey Rocks Night presented by Prudential Financial on February 22, when they face off against the Dallas Stars for a 6p contest at Prudential Center.

UTR Sports announced the launch of the Engage API, which will enable data sharing with partners and allow users to sync their profiles and ratings on third-party apps. The Engage API allows players to access their UTR, UTR-P, and Color Ball Ratings and post pickleball and tennis results from apps for a comprehensive view of their performance across platforms.

PBS Distribution has bought the North American rights for detective series “Bookish” from Eagle Eye Drama. Series creator Mark Gatiss (“The League of Gentlemen”) stars in the titular role as an unconventional antiquarian bookshop owner.

Seven.One Studios International has secured deals for multiple unscripted titles, among them “Real Men,” “4 Ristoranti,” “The Taste,” and “Buying Blind.”

The Warner Bros. International Television Production slate includes “Inside Therapy,” “Foul Play,” “First Dates Beach Club,” “MILF Manor,” “True Love,” “Last Bite Hotel,” and “Survive the Raft,” among others.

OneGate Media has picked up the global distribution rights to docuseries “FC Hollywood.” The show first aired on Germany’s ZDF Mediathek.

Netflix’s “The Night Agent” topped the Nielsen streaming chart the week of January 20 – the drama’s second season premiered January 23.

Media agency Acadia has appointed Patrick Petriello to the new post of Director of Retail Marketplace Strategy. From 2013-23, Petriello was Director, Amazon Strategy at Tinuiti.

Bunim/Murray Productions has promoted producer Jesse Daniels to Senior Vice President, Development and Current. Daniels has been with Bunim/Murray since 2017.

Digital-first factual content company Quintus Studios has appointed Fred Gillingham as Development and Production Executive. Previously, Gillingham held freelance roles at broadcasters and publishers including Al Jazeera Media Network and Insider.

Friday Fun Fact
Finland has more saunas than cars.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which series, in addition to “The Apprentice” (2004-17), was hosted by a future US president? Ronald Reagan hosted 21 episodes of “General Electric Theater”/”Death Valley Days” (1952-70). Kudos to: David Rubinsohn-American Public Television/Boston; Michael Braff-WNYW/NYC; Jackie Howell-Nexstar WCMH-TV/Columbus, OH; Jordan Bienstock-E.W. Scripps/Atlanta; Monte Wehrkamp/Epsilon; Tony Wilkins-KGAN-QGAN-TV/Cedar Rapids, IA; Dan Whitford-WTTW/Chicago; Lewis Cosby/Knoxville, TN; John Kukla-KDFW-Fox 4/Dallas; Darren Wadyko-Margate and Chandler/LA; Larry Hutchings/Pismo Beach, CA; David Garber-Loyola Marymount University/Playa Vista, CA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Today’s Trivia Question
“The Yogi Bear Show” (1961-62) was a spin-off of which series? (Email answers to [email protected] and include your name, company and city. Answers limited to four per time zone.)