IN THE NEWS
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ABC News has agreed to give $15 million to Donald Trump’s future presidential foundation and museum to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by the now-president elect. During a televised interview in March, anchor George Stephanopoulos had asked Representative Nancy Mace, who has spoken publicly about being raped as a teenager, why she supported Trump after he was found liable for rape. But while a jury had found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, it did not find him liable for rape. “We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing,” said a spokeswoman for ABC News on Saturday. ABC News will pay also pay Trump $1 million for his legal fees.
A US District Court rejected a request by Fox Corporation, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery to toss Fubo’s antitrust lawsuit over the trio’s joint venture sports streaming service, Venu Sports. Fubo is arguing that distribution of sports-only channels through a streaming service backed by broadcasters would likely cause it to go bankrupt, since pay TV services like Fubo are required to carry both sports and non-sports networks, driving up prices. Fubo won a temporary injunction in August, preventing Venu Sports from launching in time for football season.
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“Malcolm in the Middle” is getting a four-episode revival on Disney+, from series creator Linwood Boomer with original cast members Frankie Muniz, Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarak reprising their roles. 20th Television and New Regency are producing for Disney Branded Entertainment. “’Malcolm in the Middle’ is a landmark sitcom that captured the essence of family life with humor, heart and relatability,” said Ayo Davis, President of Disney Branded Television. “Its hilarious and heartfelt portrayal of a lovably chaotic family resonated with audiences of all ages, and we’re so excited to welcome the original cast back to bring that magic to life again. With Linwood Boomer and the creative team at the helm, these new episodes will have all the laughs, pranks, and mayhem fans loved — along with a few surprises that remind us why this show is so timeless.” The comedy aired on Fox from 2000-2006.
YouTube is the platform used most often by American teens, according to a Pew Research survey conducted this fall that found nine out of ten teens use the platform. About 60% said they use TikTok and Instagram, and 55% cited Snapchat. Just 17% of teens said they use X, down from 23% in 2022. Overall, 73% of teens said they go on YouTube daily, making YouTube the most widely used and visited platform. This share includes 15% who describe their use as “almost constant.”
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“Sesame Street” is on the move, following the decision by Warner Bros. Discovery not to renews its deal for new episodes. Max will continue to license episodes of the children’s program through 2027, but the upcoming 55th season will be the last to premiere on the streamer, thanks to a shift in programming strategy. “It has been a wonderful, creative experience working with everyone at ‘Sesame Street’ on the iconic children’s series, and we are thrilled to be able to keep some of the library series on Max in the US,” said a spokesperson for Max. “As we’ve launched Max though and based on consumer usage and feedback, we’ve had to prioritize our focus on stories for adults and families, and so new episodes from ‘Sesame Street,’ at this time, are not as core to our strategy.” “Sesame Street” launched on PBS in 1970, aired on HBO from 2016-2020. In 2019, Sesame Workshop signed a five-year deal that landed the series on Max. |
Hallmark has reversed its decision to move “The Way Home” exclusively to Hallmark+ for its third season. Responding to fans unhappy about having to buy a streaming subscription to watch the popular drama, the company has set a January 3 premiere date for the show on Hallmark Channel, with the show available for streaming the following day.
María Elena Salinas, who joined ABC News in 2022, has left the building. “Today is my last day at ABC News. It’s been a ride,” Salinas wrote on a Friday Instagram post. “Leaving with great memories of the multiple stories I was able to work on in the almost 3 years I worked as a contributor, highlighting Latinos.” Before joining ABC News, Salinas spent 36 years at Univision.
Netflix is making video game “Squid Games: Unleashed” accessible to non-subscribers. “’Squid Game is Netflix’s most watched series ever, and we want everyone around the world to be able to take part in its return by making ‘Unleashed’ available to everyone, which is a first for Netflix Games,” said Alain Tascan, President, Games at Netflix. “’Squid Game: Unleashed’ is all about playing with (or against) your friends in the iconic games from the series like Glass Bridge and Red Light Green Light, so we’re inviting everyone into the chaos this holiday season.”
The first episode of Peacock drama “The Day of the Jackal” will get a linear airing Monday, December 30 at 10p on NBC. The series, starring Eddie Redemayne as a hit man, has already been renewed for a second season.
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PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
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OWN has handed “Belle Collective” an early renewal for season six. Viewership for the current season of the reality show, which follows a group of entrepreneurs from Jackson, Mississippi, rose 25% among W25-54 versus the prior season, ranking as the number two cable program on Friday nights with African-American Women 25-54, according to the network. |
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RATINGS
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Thursday’s NFC West game between the Rams and 49ers attracted 12.29 million viewers to Prime Video, a +54% viewership increase over the comparable game from a year ago. |
This Day in History2009 – Sci-fi thriller “Avatar” was released.Answer to Our Last Trivia Question What was the first series to be shown on The Disney Channel? Answer: “Good Morning, Mickey.” Kudos to: Justin Pierce-JP Consulting Group/LA; Gerry Bixenspan-TV Marketing Inc./NYC; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/LA
Today’s Trivia Question Carol Burnett and Carroll O’Connor guest starred as a married couple on which series? (Email [email protected] 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)
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VICE PRESIDENT, POLITICAL SALES >>NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC./WASHINGTON, DC: Lead the company’s political advertising revenue across its dynamic portfolio of broadcast stations. Responsible for developing sales strategies tailored to the fast-paced, high-stakes political advertising market. You will possess an understanding of the political advertising landscape, and the ability to forge strong relationships with campaigns. Full info HERE
COUNSEL, LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS >>MLB NETWORK/SECAUCUS, NJ: Responsible for a variety of matters, including services agreements, production related agreements, talent agreements, software and other technology related agreements, licensing and programming agreements, third party rights clearances, distribution agreements, contract summaries, confidentiality, and general contract matters. Full info HERE
SENIOR INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN PROJECT MANAGER BEACON MEDIA GROUPNY/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 SPORTSJERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEYProven 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 SPORTSJERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEYCreate 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 SPORTSJERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEYLooking 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
LEAD BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >> CASTIFY.AI/HYBRID: Expand our client base in the digital advertising industry and focus on business development, securing new clients and partnerships, and negotiating contracts with leading advertising brands and agencies as well as experience in the digital advertising sector, showcasing a proven track record of achieving targets and excelling in business development. Full info HERETV 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 HEREACCOUNT REP: MPT NATIONAL CORPORATE SALESMARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION FOUNDATIONREMOTECall 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 HERESENIOR 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 HEREACCOUNT EXECUTIVEINTERSECTIONLOS ANGELES, CADrive 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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