Today's Media Pulse
Publicis resumes recommending The Trade Desk after fee dispute
Publicis has lifted its ban and is again recommending The Trade Desk to advertisers, ending a months‑long clash over alleged hidden ad‑tech fees. The dispute had driven The Trade Desk’s shares down roughly 13% and prompted the exit of its chief marketing officer. Both firms issued a joint statement confirming the reconciliation.
Also developing:
By the numbers: K-LOVE acquires Baltimore station in undisclosed deal
James Norton's "Perfectly Addictive" And "Twisty" Five-Star Drama Lands New Streaming Home
James Norton's four‑part drama "Playing Nice" has moved from ITV to Disney+ and ITVX a year after its original broadcast. The series, about two couples whose sons were switched at birth, earned five‑star reviews from Digital Spy and praise from Screen Rant, with an IMDb rating of 7.1/10. The cast includes Niamh Algar, James McArdle, Jessica Brown Findlay and Posy Sterling. Its addition to Disney+ expands the platform’s premium UK‑origin content.
A First Look at Adobe’s Experimental New AI Video Technology MotionStream
Adobe has unveiled MotionStream, an experimental AI video tool that lets creators steer generated footage in real time. The system uses cursors and sliders to adjust object movement, camera angles, and secondary effects as the video renders. Adobe claims the...
Peacock Has a Genuine Comedy Gem Right Now and the Internet Hasn't Found It Yet
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, a new Peacock sitcom starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe, premiered on Jan 18, 2026 and has earned strong critical praise. The 10‑episode first season airs weekly on NBC before moving to the streaming platform,...
Peermusic Signs Songwriter Eyelar, Forms Writer Development Joint Venture with 2-Tone Entertainment
Peermusic has signed Dutch‑born songwriter and recording artist Eyelar to a worldwide publishing deal and launched a writer‑development joint venture with 2‑Tone Entertainment. The agreement, coordinated by Peermusic’s UK and German divisions, covers future works, administers select back‑catalog titles, and...
Exclusive Clip: ‘Family Guy - A Few More Ways to Die in the West’
Fox released an exclusive clip from the upcoming “Family Guy” episode “A Few More Ways to Die in the West,” slated to air on April 12 from 8:00‑8:31 PM ET/PT. The clip features Peter Griffin, dubbed “Quiet Burp,” engaging in a comedic...
Local Ad Spend Forecast To Grow 8.1% This Year
U.S. local advertising is forecast to reach $184.5 billion in 2026, an 8.1% increase year‑over‑year. Digital media drives the bulk of growth, expanding 9.3% to $104.1 billion and representing 56.4% of the market. Traditional media still adds $80.4 billion, buoyed by $8.4 billion in...
Soccer Legend Tim Howard Stars In Jim Beam's World Cup Effort
Jim Beam has launched the "Home Field Advantage" campaign featuring retired U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The brand, official spirits partner of the U.S. Soccer Federation, aired a 30‑second ad that celebrates backyard barbecues, office...
Stream the 2026 USA CRITS Series Live on Velo
Velo will broadcast all eight races of the 2026 USA CRITS series live, beginning with the Sunny King Criterium in Anniston, Alabama on April 11. The six‑week Southeast circuit runs through May 23, concluding at the Winston‑Salem Cycling Classic. Five women’s D1...
Comics Information for Comic Creators
ComicScene.org has launched a free, comprehensive portal that aggregates essential information for comic creators, ranging from publisher directories to event listings. The site now features the Tara Togs Diaries series and a new ComicScene blog that curates nine years of...
Parkin Picks A Local Leader For Memphis’ ‘FOX 13’
Todd Parkin’s licensee continues to own Memphis’s FOX 13, a key station in the West Tennessee DMA. Recent reports indicate that several stations his group acquired are being transferred back from Rincon Broadcasting to Standard Media’s Community News Media LLC....
2026 ATX TV Festival Adds House Of The Dragon First Look, Bill Lawrence And Warren Littlefield Awards — See Full...
The 15th ATX TV Festival, running May 28‑31 in Austin, unveiled a packed lineup that includes an exclusive first look at *House of the Dragon* Season 3, a Bill Lawrence‑focused showcase where he receives the Showrunner Award, and the inaugural Creative Impact...
What Should ‘Jury Duty’ Present After ‘Company Retreat’? We Have a Few Ideas
Amazon’s hidden‑camera series "Jury Duty" returned for a second season under the title "Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat," moving the prank from a courtroom to a fictional hot‑sauce company’s cabin. The new setting preserves the original’s surprise factor while scaling...
Amagi Adds Agentic Automation To Amagi NOW To Speed Global Ops
Amagi has upgraded its Amagi NOW industry cloud platform with Agentic Media Operations, embedding reasoning agents powered by Amagi Intelligence. The new agents automate metadata enrichment, artwork generation, ad‑break identification, and multilingual localization, allowing broadcasters to scale content delivery without...
Coachella Chaos: Brands Bail, Hype Masks Planning Failures
Whaaaat is happening with Coachella: The brands back out because of rising costs? The brands over-invited and have to cut back on RSVPs? The brands never planned to go and just used this for hype? The creators weren't actually invited and are using this...
Weekly One‑Idea Episodes on The Options Trench
Thanks for the share 🐴 Erik and I actually release an episode every week. We're about 6 weeks into it. Each one is organized around 1 idea. It's a podcast and YT channel called The Options Trench 🫡
AJA Unveils ST 2110, openGear Additions Ahead Of NAB Show
AJA Video Systems announced a suite of new products and firmware updates designed to streamline the adoption of SMPTE ST 2110 across broadcast, production, post‑production, and pro‑AV workflows. The lineup includes the Bridge Live IP ST 2110 gateway, upgraded IP25‑R...
EVwire Hits 200 Simultaneous Visitors for First Time
I think this is the first time our EVwire website broke 200 real-time visitors 🥳 https://t.co/GojEDZTp8F
How the TheRealReal and Team One Made an AI Mini-Epic
The RealReal teamed with advertising agency Team One to create “L’ultimo Uomo Reale,” a short AI‑driven film that explores authenticity in a world of hyper‑real digital content. Directed by Sebastian Strasser, the piece mixes AI‑generated visuals, VFX, and CGI with...
Europe Should Regulate Big Tech Instead of Banning Kids From Social Media, Estonia Says
Estonia’s education minister Kristina Kallas warned the EU against banning minors from social media, arguing that regulation of large platforms is more effective. While France, Denmark and Greece are moving forward with age‑restriction bans, a POLITICO survey shows three‑quarters of...
Cancelled or Renewed? Status of CBS TV Shows
CBS has released an updated list of its primetime lineup, indicating which series are renewed, cancelled or still pending. The chart, linked to a public Google spreadsheet, details episode orders and status for current, upcoming and recent shows. CBS’s decisions...
Telemundo Releases New World Cup 2026 Spots As Countdown Hits 60 Days
Telemundo, the exclusive Spanish‑language home of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., released two new marketing spots as the tournament’s 60‑day countdown begins. The ads, part of the “Y Tú, ¿Con Quién Lo Vas a Ver?” campaign, feature...
Bundling for Independent Journalist Subscriptions Moves One Step Closer
Trustfnd, a startup targeting independent journalists on Ghost and beehiiv, introduced its first paid bundle in March, offering a 30‑day trial pass to three progressive newsletters for $8.50. The bundle, featuring Kat Tenbarge, Marisa Kabas and Katelyn Burns, generated roughly...
NAB Show: Bitcentral to Showcase Connected Media Workflows & Intelligent Automation
Bitcentral will exhibit its latest media‑workflow and automation suite at NAB Show 2026 in Las Vegas, occupying Booth W2823. The company will demonstrate Core News, Fusion and Central Control platforms, emphasizing flexible hybrid‑cloud strategies and AI‑driven automation. A centerpiece is...
Sheriff Country: Season Two; Amanda Arcuri & Ian Quinlan Promoted to CBS Series Regulars
CBS has promoted Amanda Arcuri and Ian Quinlan to series‑regular status for the second season of its drama Sheriff Country. The show, which follows Sheriff Mickey Fox in the small town of Edgewater, will feature expanded storylines around Skye Fox’s...
YouTube Is Raising The Price Of Avoiding Its Obnoxious Ads
YouTube is set to increase its subscription fees across the board, with the Light plan moving from $8 to $9 per month, Premium from $14 to $16, and the family tier jumping from $23 to $27. The hikes arrive as...
Disney Hires Notorious Lawyer to Suppress Critical CEO Biography
News: Disney and Bob Iger are engaged in a quiet war on an upcoming book that promises to reveal a VERY non-Disney version of its former CEO, and they’ve enlisted an infamous lawyer to bully the author. Details ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/mi9nJu2EgN
YouTube Premium Raises Prices for First Time Since 2023
YouTube Premium announced its first U.S. price increase since 2023, raising the core plan by $2 to $15.99 per month. The Premium Lite and Music tiers each climb $1, now costing $11.99 and $8.99 respectively, while the family plan jumps...
Grass Valley Bringing AMPP Alliance Integrations to NAB Show
Grass Valley is using the NAB Show in Las Vegas to demonstrate a growing suite of AMPP Alliance integrations that connect best‑of‑breed tools across live production, graphics, automation and transport. The open‑by‑design AMPP platform leverages public SDKs and the Media...
Amy Goodman’s 30‑Year Blueprint for Independent Journalism
Amy Goodman has spent 30 years staying true to her vision of what good journalism looks like—and she's created a blueprint for indie media in the process: https://t.co/TExp9NpWpM
Eternally Yours: CBS Orders Vampire Comedy Series From Ghosts Showrunners
CBS has ordered "Eternally Yours," a vampire‑centered comedy from the creators of the hit series Ghost. The show follows a 500‑year‑old vampire couple whose marriage has gone stale until their daughter’s human boyfriend shakes things up. Starring Ed Weeks, Allegra...
The Digital Signage Summit Turns 20: Two Decades Shaping Digital Signage Strategy
The Digital Signage Summit (DSS) marks its 20‑year milestone with a two‑day conference on May 20‑21 at Munich Airport, Germany. Originating in 2006 with just 40 attendees, the event has grown into the premier strategy forum for senior executives, technology...
Spotify
Spotify's new video controls allow you to disable Canvas videos, music videos, and other visual content for an audio-first experience. https://t.co/QGMHsz8LJP
Top Must‑Watch Shows and New Films This Weekend
From returning hit shows to a couple of intriguing new films, here's what you'll want to watch this weekend. https://t.co/rqdc5bjAwV
What’s New to Streaming This Weekend: April 10, 2026
This weekend’s streaming slate adds Hulu’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel “The Testaments,” continuing the Gilead storyline, and Tubi’s full three‑season run of the post‑apocalyptic series “Snowpiercer.” The Criterion Channel highlights a curated lineup of classic corporate thrillers, while Netflix...
Futuresource: Global SVOD Subscriptions Reach 2.2 Billion, Consumer Spending at $150 Billion
Futuresource Consulting reports that global streaming video‑on‑demand (SVOD) subscriptions have reached 2.2 billion, generating roughly $150 billion in consumer spending. The firm projects 2.6 billion subscribers by 2030, driven more by pricing discipline, bundling, distribution partnerships and strategic content investment than by pure...
Stephen King Thinks This Sci-Fi Anthology Series Is Scarier Than The Twilight Zone
Stephen King argues that the 1960s sci‑fi anthology *The Outer Limits* is scarier than Rod Serling’s iconic *The Twilight Zone*. In his book *Danse Macabre*, King calls *The Outer Limits* the best horror anthology ever on network TV, citing its clear...
Live From The Grand National: ITV Sport Production Ready to Give Viewers the Ride of Their Life
ITV Sport Production is gearing up for the Grand National, deploying a 50‑camera rig that includes drones, helicopters, and depth‑of‑field units to deliver crystal‑clear coverage of the world’s most‑watched steeplechase. The three‑day event, which attracts 500‑800 million viewers globally and peaked...
Two Big New Universal Movies Jumping to Netflix in May 2026
Universal will shift two high‑profile titles, *The Black Phone 2* and *Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie*, to Netflix US in May 2026 after four‑month Peacock runs. Each film will enjoy a 10‑month exclusive streaming window before returning to Peacock for the final...
Calamities: Prime Video Gives Straight-to-Series Order for Crime Thriller
Amazon’s Prime Video has green‑lit a straight‑to‑series order for “Calamities,” a Texas‑set crime thriller created by David Weil. The series follows a small‑town sheriff, a hit woman, an eager FBI agent, and a cartel sect after a violent drug deal....
‘MotoAmerica Superbike’ Moves To Vice TV for 2026 Season
MotoAmerica Superbike will air on Vice TV beginning April 18‑19, 2026, marking the series’ 50th anniversary. The partnership with V10 Entertainment brings nine Superbike rounds and a total of 20 races to the network, reaching an estimated 40 million U.S. households....
A Conversation With John Papola
John Papova, creator of the viral "Dad Saves America" video, sat down for a three‑hour conversation with Racket staff about the media’s slide toward propaganda and elitism. He argues that modern journalism schools, which transformed the field from a trade...
‘Family Feud’ Joins WVTM Birmingham Weekday Lineup
Hearst Television’s NBC affiliate WVTM in Birmingham is adding the Steve Harvey‑hosted *Family Feud* to its weekday lineup beginning Sept. 7. The game show will air at 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., sandwiched between a refreshed midday block featuring Tamron Hall, NBC...
Inside the Stream: Interview With Wurl’s EMEA GM on Sports and FASTs
Wurl’s EMEA general manager Keith Bedford told the Inside the Stream podcast that free‑ad‑supported streaming TV (FAST) offers a sizable, untapped opportunity for live sports. He highlighted early success stories where European broadcasters and sports rights holders have launched FAST...
Cinema Screen Quota Plan for Local Movies Splits Film Industry
Indonesia’s House of Representatives Commission VII is weighing a mandatory screen‑quota law to guarantee exhibition time for locally produced movies amid concerns that foreign blockbusters dominate cinema schedules. The proposal has split the industry: independent producers argue quotas would give...
Syracuse University Wants to Be Where the Creator Economy Goes to College
In September 2025 Syracuse University unveiled the nation’s first Center for the Creator Economy, a joint effort between the Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Whitman School of Management. The center does not grant a standalone degree but offers...
NAB 2026: Telos Alliance and Ip-Studio to Demonstrate STUDIO ZERO
Telos Alliance and ip‑studio are showcasing STUDIO ZERO, a fully cloud‑hosted virtual studio, at NAB Show 2026. First unveiled in 2023, the platform now bundles Telos’s VXs VoIP phone system, Axia Altus console, Infinity VIP intercom, Omnia Forza and Enterprise 9s processors...
Uma Thurman to Reprise "Captivating" Role in "Brilliantly-Executed" Spin-Off to Beloved Crime Drama
Uma Thurman is returning as Charley Brown for season 2 of the Paramount+ crime drama Dexter: Resurrection, a spin‑off that has already earned a 95% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 9.0/10 rating on IMDb. The series also announced veteran...
March Google Core Update Brings Modest Gains for News Websites
Google rolled out its March 2026 core algorithm update between March 27 and April 8, aiming to surface more relevant content. Sistrix data shows modest visibility gains for top news brands – The Guardian (+9.0 points) and Money Saving Expert...
The Creator Who Paid for the Product: Dan Lovatt on What Builds a Real Brand Partnership
Interior designer Dan Lovatt formalized a long‑term ambassadorship with COAT, a climate‑positive paint brand, after a year of buying and recommending the product out of his own pocket. The partnership, built on genuine product use, shared values and minimal briefs,...
Study Links Kids' Screen Time to Junk‑Food Cravings as AAP Guidelines Remain 2016 Standard
Researchers highlighted in an NPR‑backed interview say prolonged screen use triggers dopamine pathways that increase cravings for ultra‑processed snacks. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ most recent screen‑time guidance, published in 2016, still serves as the benchmark for parents.