Today's Media Pulse
Online video subscriptions top 2.2 bn, revenue eclipses pay‑TV
Omdia reports global online video subscriptions reached 2.24 billion at the end of 2025, a 17.6% year‑on‑year rise. Revenue grew 13.5% to $176 billion, overtaking pay‑TV's $170 billion for the first time. Growth is expected to slow to single‑digit in 2026 as operators shift focus from acquiring new users to monetising existing ones.
Project Hail Mary Tops J.J. Abrams Franchise Starter in Box Office Upset
Project Hail Mary, the new sci‑fi adaptation starring Ryan Gosling, has surpassed J.J. Abrams’ franchise‑opening film in domestic earnings during its third weekend, signaling a surprise box‑office upset and boosting Amazon MGM Studios’ theatrical ambitions.
Authors' Club Unveils 2026 Best First Novel Award Longlist
The Authors' Club revealed the longlist for its 2026 Best First Novel Award, naming Michael Pedersen, Anthony Shapland and Lucy Steeds among the debut authors. The list sets the stage for a major literary prize that could shape publishing decisions...
Creator Natalie Marshall Turns $500 Deal Into Multi‑Million‑Dollar Influencer Empire
Natalie Marshall transformed a modest $500 brand deal into a creator business worth multiple millions and launched Expand Co‑Lab, a creator‑led influencer marketing agency. Her rapid rise underscores how small partnerships can be scaled into full‑service agencies in today’s influencer...
Gulf Nations Contributing $24 Billion to Paramount's WBD Purchase
Paramount Global’s $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is being underpinned by a $24 billion financing pledge from three Gulf sovereign wealth funds, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund contributing $10 billion. The structure keeps each investor below the 25 percent ownership threshold,...
Savannah Guthrie Returns to "Today" Amid Ongoing Search for Missing Mother
Savannah Guthrie stepped back onto the "Today" anchor desk on Monday, her first appearance since her mother vanished on Feb. 1. The emotional return coincided with a 9% ratings lift for NBC’s morning show, underscoring how personal tragedy can intersect with...
SEC Lawsuit Over Musk's 2022 Twitter Takeover Heads to Trial
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Elon Musk have abandoned settlement talks and are preparing for a courtroom battle over Musk’s 2022 Twitter acquisition. The agency alleges Musk hid a 5% stake, costing shareholders more than $150 million, while Musk...
Instagram Leads March Updates; TikTok Slipping, Plan April
Instagram had more updates last month than any other platform. TikTok is losing its grip. And Mosseri finally said out loud what I've been telling you for years. Here's everything that happened in social media in March, and how you should move forward...
Paramount Seeks $24 Billion Sovereign‑wealth Equity to Fund Warner Bros. Discovery Bid
Paramount Pictures is negotiating equity commitments of roughly $24 billion from three sovereign‑wealth funds to finance its planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The news emerged as U.S. equity futures ticked higher and Treasury yields held near 4.34%, underscoring the deal’s...
What OpenAI’s TBPN Deal Reveals About Branded Entertainment’s Limits
OpenAI has acquired the daily tech‑talk show TBPN for a low‑hundred‑million‑dollar price, adding a platform that already generates over $30 million in ad revenue. The purchase gives OpenAI access to a roster of high‑profile tech leaders and a credible, audience‑first format...
EXCLUSIVE: SAVANNAH GUTHRIE RETURNS TO TODAY — BUT CROWD MUCH SMALLER THAN EXPECTED
Savannah Guthrie returned to NBC’s “Today” show after weeks of intense coverage about her mother’s disappearance. Although NBC prepared for a large crowd, the plaza was noticeably smaller, resulting in a quiet, respectful reception. Sources said security expected a surge,...
AMC Networks’ Shudder Service to Begin Streaming Bella Thorne Thriller ‘Find Your Friends’ on June 12
AMC Networks’ horror‑focused streaming platform Shudder will launch the Bella Thorne‑led thriller *Find Your Friends* on June 12. The indie film, directed by Iranian‑Greek American filmmaker Izabel Pakzad, follows a desert road‑trip that devolves into a tense survival story. *Find Your Friends* has...
Savannah Guthrie Returns to Today After 2 Month Absence
Savannah Guthrie, co‑anchor of NBC’s Today, returned on Monday after a two‑month absence prompted by her mother’s disappearance. She opened the broadcast with a heartfelt “It is good to be home,” while co‑anchor Craig Melvin and fellow hosts welcomed her...
Writers at Work Studio: Courses & Intensives
Writers at Work Studio announced an advanced four‑week “Craft of Writing on (and off) Substack” course slated for June 2026. The program targets 15 writers, emphasizing voice, edge, and storytelling to thrive in an AI‑driven publishing landscape. Participants receive weekly...
Coca-Cola Says ‘I’d Like to Buy America a Coke’ in America250 Campaign
Coca‑Cola has launched a year‑long America250 partnership to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday, anchored by a three‑minute anthem video titled “Drink In America.” The campaign rolls out limited‑edition bottles and the brand’s first collectible mini‑cans, each showcasing state‑specific artwork...
Beyond the Broadcast: Why Podcasts Are the New Home for Sports Fans
Podcasts are emerging as the primary relationship‑led platform for sports fans, complementing live TV and social media. Research shows 76% of sports podcast listeners remain loyal to athletes even after trades, and they consume longer, attention‑rich content. Broadcasters such as...
Callen Devises Product Hook For Hulu, Disney+ 'Drama'
Disney+ and Hulu launched “The Drama You Want” campaign, turning iconic series moments into tangible product‑like items sold on Facebook Marketplace. The initiative leverages influencers and a mix of OOH, AV, digital, and social media to boost visibility. Concurrently, Hulu...
India’s Financial Sector Spent Less on TV Ads in 2025 but Flooded the Internet
India’s banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector cut TV ad spend by 16% in 2025, ending two years of growth, while print ad space surged 64% over the 2021 baseline. Radio advertising rose 45% year‑over‑year, and digital impressions exploded...
Fact-Checking Is Crucial when the News Moves This Fast
PolitiFact and a network of international fact‑checking outlets mobilized quickly after the Feb. 28 U.S.–Israel strikes on Iranian targets, scrutinizing statements from President Trump and other officials. The organization debunked Trump’s claim that Iran could soon launch missiles to the United...
Meet the ‘Omni-Viewer’
Pearl TV’s recent OTA converter‑box survey shows that 80% of over‑the‑air viewers would purchase a low‑cost converter to keep free local TV after the FCC’s ATSC 1.0 sunset. The study also identifies a growing “omni‑viewer” segment—tech‑savvy antenna users who also subscribe...
Legacy Media Undermines Democracy by Mischaracterizing Dhillon
To understand the deep institutional failure of legacy media in protecting democracy, please read this. Then share it. https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/legacy-media-paints-harmeet-dhillon-as-plucky-underdog-fighting-woke-ideology/
Catch Up With Me at NAB
Radio World’s editor highlights two key events at this year’s NAB Show. Nautel’s Radio Technology Forum returns on Sunday, April 19 at the Westgate ballroom, drawing over 300 engineers for free, with a half‑credit toward SBE Category H recertification. The forum’s...
Monday Memo: Why Local Media Still Moves Communities
Steven Pinker’s concept of common knowledge highlights how societies coordinate when people know what others know. Local radio and TV stations act as the most efficient channels for creating that shared reality, especially amid fragmented digital media. The article argues...
Here’s What’s Coming to FOX One in April 2026
FOX One’s April 2026 lineup blends live sports, reality competition and weather coverage. The month opens with a Dodgers‑Blue Jays World Series rematch on April 6, followed by weekly UFL Friday football and Saturday Baseball Night in America. Mid‑month sees the...
How the FADA Collective Is Pushing Back Against Italy’s Broken Freelance Media Model
The FADA collective, founded in 2019 by Italian freelance journalists, is building a solidarity‑based network to counter the country’s broken freelance media model. With more than 100 members, the group runs a Slack‑driven platform, monthly skill‑share sessions, and a shared...
Graham Returns to Hot Talk 99.5 Morning Show
Leanne Graham has rejoined Dick Broadcasting’s WRNN Hot Talk 99.5 morning show in Myrtle Beach, teaming up with longtime host Joe Cats and producer DJ Slide. Graham originally left the station in 2021 and returns after a three‑year hiatus. Program director Charlie Steele...
Media vs Tech: Creators, Audiences, Communities Explained
This seems nitpicky but the words do matter: 1. TBPN is a media company. Creators made stuff, audience consumed it. 2. Beehive, Substack are tech companies. They make software that media company's, media people use. 3. An audience is when someone makes something...
Share Your Story Anonymously on Moneywise Podcast
Moneywise needs guests. That's the hardest part of the podcast. 1) we can anonymize your voice if needed 2) its so a wild experience. talking about things you've never talked about. very therapeutic. also, our audience...its not small. 20k downloads an episode. and...
Savannah Guthrie Returns to Anchor Today: "Ready or Not, Let's Do the News" / Coca-Cola Remakes Classic 1971 “Hilltop” Ad...
Savannah Guthrie announced her return to NBC’s Today show, resuming her co‑anchor duties after a personal hiatus. Coca‑Cola unveiled a refreshed version of its iconic 1971 “Hilltop” commercial, blending nostalgic messaging with contemporary visuals. The Writers Guild of America reached...
ESPN Absorbs NFL Talent, Except Scott Hanson, Adds Digital Shows
Additional nuggets in ESPN/NFLN deal 1) While almost all NFL Media TV talents became ESPN employees, Scott Hanson did not 2) ESPN plans to eventually populate NFLN with some digital shows (similar to what it's been doing on E2) + possible...
Big Tech and ESPN Poised to Host FanDuel Teams
Which Companies Will Next Carry FanDuel’s NBA And NHL Teams? (Amazon, Apple, ESPN?) https://t.co/k4dzzdTNfO via @TVAnswerMan
U.S. Creator Marketing Spending to Surpass $21B as Brands Move Beyond Social
U.S. creator marketing spend is projected to top $21.1 billion in 2026, more than double the 2022 level. Nano and micro‑influencers now command roughly half of that budget as brands chase audience relevance over sheer reach. Companies are repurposing creator assets...
Invincible S4 Episode 6 Streams on Prime Video Soon
Here's when you'll be able to watch the sixth episode of Invincible's fourth season on Prime Video. https://t.co/r9ISkLah8x
Curiosity and Clickbait Drive Paywalled Content's Millions
How exactly does a paywalled article with zero useful info if you don’t pay $100 get over 6 million views? What am I missing?
Open Influence Names Julie Levitas Greenhouse VP of Partnerships in New York
Open Influence has appointed Julie Levitas Greenhouse as Vice President of Partnerships in its New York office. Greenhouse brings more than 25 years of digital advertising and sales experience, most recently leading strategic sales for Everyday Health Group’s BabyCenter and...
Live on Apple Music Radio: New Music From 54 Ultra
Going live right now on Apple Music radio, tap into hear new music from 54 Ultra https://t.co/4bdr4A5q06
Weak Moderation Let Propaganda Videos Mislead Users
Remember when Twitter had some level of content moderation that might have prevented these propaganda accounts from spreading fake videos that encourage people to make decisions against their own interests
YouTube to Stream Coachella 2026 Across Seven Stages in 4K
YouTube will livestream both weekends of Coachella 2026, expanding coverage to seven simultaneous stages and delivering 4K resolution for the Coachella Stage, Outdoor Theatre, and Sahara. The platform introduces a 24/7 linear “Coachella TV” channel featuring archival performances, and enhances...
Morphic's Workflows Turn One Image Into Animated Video
Holy sh*t. Dropping one image in and watching it automatically predict 9 scenes, upscale every frame, animate them, and stitch together a compiled video 🤯 @Morphic just dropped ‘Workflows’. You bring the image. It handles everything after. Following closely 👀
USDA Staff Blocks Journalist Question to Scientist After Forum
I seldom share articles from "competitors" but this article from Joshua Baethge points to a typical USDA problem when a staffer won't allow a journalist to ask a question to a scientist after a public forum on an important topic....
My (Uninformed and Completely Speculative) Theory About Jeff Bezos and the Washington Post
In 2013 Jeff Bezos purchased The Washington Post, a move that sparked debate about billionaire motives in a shrinking newspaper market. While the acquisition offered prestige, a potential political shield, and a possible digital‑media upside, the paper has become a...
Pittsburgh TV Unveils New Traffic Reporter, Mystery Series
TV Talk: @WTAE names new morning traffic reporter + new @rickaroundhere made-for-TV special tonight on @WQED + Pittsburgher on @Jeopardy + @WQED adds mystery series, via @TribLIVE - https://t.co/RsgVJqQMoM https://t.co/i5riYi26x5
Seeking Confirmation: Does Twitter Downrank Links?
It looks like the "does twitter down rank links?" question should be fully resolvable with this. Do we have an answer yet?
Creator Economy Rocks Announces ‘HollyTube’, a Curated LA Immersion Bridging Hollywood, Creator Industry
Creator Economy Rocks unveiled “HollyTube,” a four‑day immersion in Los Angeles scheduled for May 18‑21. The program brings together ten hand‑picked leaders from Hollywood, the creator economy, and brand marketing for onsite studio, agency, and startup visits, plus private founder sessions....
AP Trims Staff as Big‑tech Revenue Soars, Newspaper Sales Plunge
NEW: AP plans staff cuts, restructuring amid broader business shift - Revenue from newspaper groups has fallen 25% in last 4 years, while revenue from Big Tech has increased 200% - Cuts will impact fewer 5% global staff https://t.co/D60ndpxjPX
Watch I’m A Celebrity 2026 Free Anywhere Online
Here's how to watch I'm A Celebrity 2026 online for free and from anywhere as Ant and Dec head to South Africa. Streaming guide and watch free with this info https://t.co/Y78KWBgJng
Kentucky Fanatics Extends Partnership With University of Kentucky, Adds NIL Component for Student-Athletes
The University of Kentucky has extended its partnership with Fanatics for 12 years, adding a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) component that grants select student‑athletes access to Fanatics’ influencer marketing platform. Through the Fanatics Creator Program, athletes can open affiliate...
A Better Twitter: Curated Stories, Trends, Voices, No Ragebait
Business idea: A Twitter where interesting stories, global trends, new discoveries, and famous voices get promoted -- and political ragebaiters get thrown into the void.
Meta's Ad Money Masks Massive Strategic Misses
$META is great at one thing, and it prints money like no other: ad targeting They are absolute dogshit at everything else. Worst capital allocators among Mag 7, and that is a list that includes $AMZN
Twitter's Algorithm Rewards Trash, Drowns Out Evidence
"The content that gets “engagement” on Twitter is mostly complete crap" Most social media sucks these days, but Twitter/X has taken the worst downturn. The reason is simple: The incentive structure and algorithm have been designed to amplify incendiary nonsense and throttle...
Algorithms Shouldn't Amplify Paywalled Content
It makes no sense that a paywalled article should be artificially boosted by the algo to help it go viral. Content producers need to adjust and do more than just post a link that’s paywalled. https://t.co/RUsG4LdE2m