 IN THE NEWS |
| iSpot has launched a business outcome solution, Outcomes at Scale, aimed at helping the buy and sell side gain rapid insights into performance and share a common metric that proves the value of investment. Paramount, a longtime customer and product collaborator of iSpot, is the first to integrate the solution into its ad sales and advanced audience product offering. “The ability to deliver automated outcomes seamlessly across platforms is incredibly transformative,” said Travis Scoles, EVP of Advanced Advertising at Paramount. “While traditional metrics like GRPs remain important, they often serve as proxies for impact. Delivering proof of performance at scale is the roadmap for the future of the industry.”
In early April, C-SPAN will become available on DirecTV’s new skinny streaming package, MyNews. The political affairs network’s two main channels are already available to DirecTV via Satellite and DirecTV via Internet subscribers. “DirecTV has been a strong and steadfast supporter of C-SPAN, providing our services to their customers since the launch of their satellite service in the 1990s,” said C-SPAN VP Peter Kiley. “We appreciate their longstanding commitment to our public service and are pleased to collaborate with them.
The Television Academy is launching a festival, “Televerse,” August 14-15 in LA, in partnership with networks, studios and tech companies. In addition to exhibits, discussions and premieres, the event will offer Emmy voters a chance to attend “for your consideration” panels with Emmy nominees.
Paramount Global and NBCUniversal are at odds over the rights to two planned spinoffs of hit Taylor Sheridan series “Yellowstone,” reports The Wall Street Journal. Under the terms of a licensing deal not set to expire until 2029, episodes of “Yellowstone” air first on Paramount Network and then stream exclusively on Peacock. NBCU maintains spinoffs of the series featuring the same actors and characters, fall under the deal, while Paramount disagrees, sources told WSJ. Two existing shows, “1923” and “1883,” feature the same family but are set in different eras. |
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| DIGITAL OPPORTUNITIES
Maximize Your Impact at the 2025 Upfronts
The 2025 Upfronts are the ultimate stage for brands to showcase innovation and leadership in media. With branding, newsletters, eblasts, and custom content, Cynopsis offers unmatched opportunities to connect with key players in the industry.
New this year: Virtual Upfront Summaries! Share your presentation highlights during a 7-min live to Cynopsis’ 85k audience.
Contact Amy Abbey at [email protected] or 410.979.0171 to secure your spot and make your mark! |
| PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT |
| Netflix has ordered “Age of Attraction,” a new dating format produced by Velvet Hammer Media (“Best Bite Wins”) that has singles search for soulmates without considering age. Sam Dean (“Love is Blind”) and David Friedman “Temptation Island”) will serve as showrunners. Jennifer O’Connell and Rebecca Quinn of Velvet Hammer will serve as executive producers, with Nick Alarcon as co-executive producer.
Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort Productions has inked a deal with 20th Television. Under the pact, the Maximum Effort team will develop and executive produce comedy, drama, limited and unscripted series for all linear networks and streamers, with an emphasis on platforms across Disney Entertainment Television.
Hallmark is still in the game, scoring a second partnership with the NFL for its “Countdown to Christmas” lineup. “The incredible success of last year’s partnership with the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs far exceeded our expectations,” said Hallmark’s Chief Brand Officer Darren Abbott. “We are thrilled to team up with the Bills this year for a new holiday movie.” Production is set to begin later this year in and around Buffalo, New York, including at the Bills’ Highmark Stadium. Skydance Sports serves as an executive producer. |
 There’s a new judge in town. Judge Daniel Mentzer will join Judge Yodit Tewolde and Judge Rachel Juarez for season 12 of syndicated courtroom series “Hot Bench.”
Studio Lambert has optioned the exclusive TV rights to Hallie Rubenhold’s new book, Story of A Murder: The Wives, the Mistress and Dr Crippen. Screenwriter Amanda Coe (“Black Narcissus”) is adapting the book for Studio Lambert for television.
Bloomberg has ordered a second season of “An Optimist’s Guide to the Planet with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.” In season two, Nikolaj continues his journey to find the world’s most visionary researchers, activists and entrepreneurs. Production on the new six-episode season is set to begin this May, with the premiere currently slated for 4Q25 release. Each episode will run on all of Bloomberg’s linear, streaming and digital platforms. Bloomberg also just launched “Quantum Marketing with Raja Rajamannar,” hosted by Mastercard’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.
Angela Jennings (“MasterChef Canada”) and Travis Farncombe (“A Translator”) have launched new production company, Skywild Pictures, focusing on premium, scripted television and film content. “Skywild Pictures is collaborating with the top writers and creators in the industry on a slate of bold, original content,” said Jennings. “Strategic and innovative partnerships – with both the creative community and commissioners – is the foundation of our company.
Felicity Huffman (“Criminal Minds”), Olga Petsa (“I Used to Be Funny”) and Eric Johnson (“Fifty Shades of Grey”) will star in Lifetime original movie “The 13th Wife: Escaping Polygamy.” The two-parter airs Monday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 1 at 8p. |
| TECH |
| Comcast Technology Solutions announced the launch of Comcast Media360, a service designed for broadcasters and content owners to consolidate their video management efforts, increase efficiency, and lower costs across legacy TV, online video/OTT, and social media platforms. “Broadcasters and content owners around the globe recognize the need to make their video operations less duplicative and more cost-efficient, but so many remain trapped by the complexity of their legacy back-end systems,” said Bart Spriester, SVP and GM of Streaming, Broadcast, & Advertising for Comcast Technology Solutions. “Comcast Media360 is designed to help them finally break free from the complexity of the past, lower costs, unify broadcast and streaming, streamline workflows, and expand distribution globally.” |
| NEW & RETURNING SHOWS |
| Prime Video’s “The Better Sister,” starring Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks, drops Thursday, May 29. The eight-part limited series is based on the book by bestselling author Alafair Burke.
Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock”) will guest star in the season 20 premiere of “Studio C,” airing Monday March 31 at 6p and streaming on the BYUtv app and BYUtv.org.
Streaming news channel Telemundo AHORA will debut “AHORA: Planeta Tierra,” a weekly program focused on environmental and climate news, on Saturday, March 29 at 11a. |
 New episodes of Pat Sajak’s “Final Spin” as host of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” kick off Wednesday, April 30 at 8p, followed by the 2025 “Jeopardy! Masters” tournament at 9p.
Brandon Studios, the entertainment studio and tech company, announced its first live streaming event on their SVOD app, BTV. The studio’s talk show, “Obsessed,” will allow fans to watch in real time on April 1 at 5p, and weekly thereafter on Tuesdays on Brandon TV for a communal viewing experience. |
Today’ Premieres
Apple TV+: Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series; Number One on the Call Sheet
Hulu: Mid-Century Modern
Netflix: The Lady’s Companion
Saturday’s Premieres
CNBC Sport: On the Record at 3p
Nat Geo: Wild: Wildlife Rehab at 10p
Sunday’s Premieres
Crunchyroll: The Unaware Atelier Meister
Paramount+: MobLand
PBS: Call the Midwife at 8p
SundanceNow/AMC+: The Last Anniversary |
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| SPORTS MEDIA AWARDS
Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities – Sports Media Awards
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– Exclusive Branding Opportunities – Own the spotlight with high-impact sponsorships.
– Engage with Industry Leaders – Connect with executives from top sports media brands.
– Custom Activation & Visibility – Stand out with unique integrations tailored to your brand.
Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to showcase your brand at the premier sports media event of the year.
Contact Amy Abbey for more details or to secure your spot! |
| SPORTS REPORT |
| nVenue, a provider of live predictive analytics solutions for fan engagement, announced a collaboration with the Women’s National Basketball Association that gives the WNBA access to nVenue’s analytics platform, while nVenue will gain access to the WNBA’s expertise in fan engagement as it develops innovative products and solutions for the WNBA gaming and media ecosystems. “Collaboration with nVenue’s industry-leading technology will continue to enhance how fans engage with WNBA games,” said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. “As the WNBA fan base continues to expand, nVenue will enable us to provide additional ways to reach audiences in an even more engaging and immersive way.”
ESPN is shutting down production of its L.A.-based edition of “SportsCenter” and soccer programming. Both will relocate to the network’s headquarters in Bristol, CT. The 35 impacted employees have the option to relocate to Bristol and keep their same jobs or accept similar roles. “Based on our current business needs, we are relocating the LA-based ‘SportsCenter’ and soccer studio shows to ESPN’s Bristol headquarters, including the limited number of employee positions related to these shows,” said ESPN in a statement. “The Los Angeles Production Center will continue to host ESPN’s NBA studio productions and provide office space to additional LA-based employees.” |
| DISTRIBUTION |
| DirecTV is adding Max Basic with Ads to its recently created MyEntertainment Genre Pack at no extra cost. The bundle offers over 40 channels as well as Disney+, Hulu Basic, and Max with Ads.
Spectrum TV Select video customers can now access NBCU’s Peacock for free, as part of a new multi-year distribution agreement. Spectrum TV Select customers will receive ad-supported Peacock Premium, which retails for $7.99 per month, included with their video package.
Outdoor Sportsman Group’s “Game & Fish TV” is now available on Amazon’s Fire TV. The FAST channel was already on Samsung TV Plus and Plex. |
| RATINGS |
| A buzzed-about episode of CBS warhorse “Survivor” drew a season high 4.5 million viewers, up 7% from the season average. In the season 48 installment, host Jeff Probst was brought to tears when one player risked his advantage by comforting a distressed competitor.
Telemundo World Cup Qualifier, Argentina vs. Brazil on March 25 averaged 1.34 million total viewers and 488,000 viewers A18-49. The game ranked as the #1 primetime program in the demo regardless of language across all broadcast and cable. Brazil’s 2-1 win vs. Colombia delivered an average of 1.2 million total viewers and 444,000 among A18-49.
Telemundo’s new sports show, “El Pelotazo,” premiered March 10, and has since grown week over week, averaging 277,000 total viewers and 79,000 among A18-49 during the week of March 17. |
| EXECUTIVE MOVES |
| Dan Hagen has been promoted to Global Chief Data and Technology Officer at Havas Media Network. He will be succeeded by Jamie Seltzer as the Global Chief Data and Technology Officer.
Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury announced the promotion of Karen Bonck to Executive Vice President, Partnerships and Current Programming. Bonck has served as SVP, Branded Integrations and Partnerships, since 2014.
Andrew Vrees, since 2021 the President and General Manager of WMUR-TV, the Hearst Television ABC affiliate in Manchester, New Hampshire, has been named Pesident and GM of WCVB-TV, the company’s ABC affiliate in Boston. |
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This Day in History
1866 – The first ambulance went into service.
Friday Fun Fact
In 1962, as an April Fool’s Day prank, Swedish TV claimed that placing nylon stockings over black-and-white TV screens would turn them into color. Many viewers tried it.
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which comedy series premiered on HBO Max in 2022, and moved to Starz in 2023? “Minx.” Kudos to: Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA; Aaron Paquette-AccelerateSG/Fort Worth, TX; Greg West-WATC/Atlanta; Andrew Goldman-Phanes Funding Group/NYC; Stephen Warren-Northeastern University/Boston; Heather Liskey-Horizon Media/NYC
Today’s Trivia Question
On “Man With a Plan” (2016-20), why did Andi hate pranks? (Email your answer to [email protected] and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.) |
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