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
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 Sky Sports, ESPN and Netflix are adding podcast series to deepen engagement and open new sponsorship opportunities. The upcoming World Cup offers a strategic moment to launch multilingual, on‑demand podcast content that reaches mobile‑first audiences.
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...
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....
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...
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?
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...
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
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...
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
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...
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...
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....
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
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...
HBO Max's ER Recommendation May Hurt Crichton Lawsuit
every time i finish an episode of The Pitt and HBO Max suggests that i watch ER next, i think "that can't be good for them in the Crichton lawsuit"
Tires: Season Three; Netflix Adds Four to Cast of Comedy Series
Netflix has confirmed that its comedy series "Tires" will return for a third season. The upcoming season will feature four new recurring characters played by Rachel Blanchard, Garret Dillahunt, Anjelica Bette Fellini, and Matt Walsh. These additions join an existing...
Namco X Capcom Opening and Ending Theme Songs Will Appear on Digital Streaming Platforms on April 11
Composer Yuzo Koshiro announced that the opening and ending theme songs of the 2005 crossover RPG Namco X Capcom will be released on major digital streaming platforms on April 11. The tracks – “Subarashiki Shin Sekai” and “Itsuka Kitto, Tsuki no Shita de” – will use the original 48 kHz/24‑bit master sources,...
Get Weekly Reminders to Never Miss Modem Futura
If you listen to the Modem Futura podcast with Sean Leahy and myself but find yourself missing episodes, you can now sign up for a weekly reminder at https://t.co/tcR9TfPzS2
Why Live Sport Still Lands Harder Than the Clip Afterwards
Live sport offers a complete emotional journey that highlights cannot capture. While highlight reels show decisive moments, they omit pre‑game nerves, momentum swings, and the build‑up that give context to the climax. Modern fans juggle devices but still converge on...
Indianapolis Media Landscape: Beyond the Newspaper Monopoly
Isn't Indianapolis a "monopoly" newspaper town? Or would that be leaving out news sources like Craigslist, @X, @TikTok, @YouTube @facebook @LinkedIn?
Director, Podcast Partnerships (CPG & Retail)
Vox Media announced a senior hire for its Podcast Network, seeking a Director of Podcast Partnerships focused on consumer packaged goods (CPG) and retail brands. The role will drive revenue growth by leveraging Vox’s portfolio of high‑profile shows and talent...
Keyword Blocking Demonetized More Than Half Of Reuters’ Brand-Safe Stories
A joint study by Integral Ad Science (IAS) and Reuters found that over half of Reuters' brand‑suitable news pages would be demonetized by typical keyword blocklists, despite meeting IAS' Context Control Targeting standards. In the news section, 54% of URLs...
Director, Audience Growth
Lemonada Media announced a Director of Audience Growth role focused on expanding and monetizing its podcast portfolio across audio and video platforms. The position will own audience acquisition, manage key distribution relationships, and shape content strategy to drive revenue. Candidates...
Data Scientist, Media Revenue and Subscriptions
Apple Services is hiring a Data Scientist for its Revenue and Subscriptions team, focusing on Apple TV and Apple Music. The role will analyze the full subscription lifecycle—acquisition, conversion, retention, and engagement—using massive, privacy‑first datasets. Responsibilities include deep‑dive analytics, causal inference, A/B...
Mada Media Grants PHI Advertising Rights to Major Dubai OOH Portfolio
Mada Media signed a contract with PHI Advertising, giving the agency rights to install and monetize 19 out‑of‑home assets across three of Dubai's main road networks. The deal, sealed by CEOs Mansoor Al Sabahi and Naif Saleh Al Rajhi, underscores...
Why Stephanie March Left Law & Order: SVU
Stephanie March exited Law & Order: SVU after Season 5, explaining that her character, Assistant District Attorney Alex Cabot, had exhausted her narrative possibilities and felt redundant. The role was her first television job after college, and she sought fresh creative...
Fubo Says It Should Be Cash Flow Positive Starting in Fiscal 2027
Fubo, now combined with Hulu + Live TV, projected adjusted EBITDA of $80‑$100 million for fiscal 2026 and set a $300 million target by fiscal 2028, implying over 80% annual growth. The company expects to become cash‑flow positive in fiscal 2027 and achieve a net‑cash...
Podcast Ops Associate (3-Month Contract)
A three‑month contract Podcast Ops Associate will run day‑to‑day production for a leadership‑driven podcast, overseeing publishing on Substack, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, guest logistics, and analytics. The role is remote‑first with occasional in‑person support for Bay Area candidates, requiring 20‑30...
Annual NFL Rights Expected To Hit $15 Billion Or More
The NFL is projected to secure $15‑$16 billion in annual media rights, a jump of more than 50% that will pressure broadcasters and streaming platforms to reallocate budgets. Higher rights fees are expected to divert funds from scripted television and film...
The Supply Advantage: The Intelligence Infrastructure Driving 2026 Political Performance
Generative AI is reshaping how American voters consume information, creating a new frontier for political campaigns ahead of the 2026 midterms, which are projected to cost $10.8 billion with programmatic buying accounting for over half of digital spend. Campaigns face hidden...
MS NOW To Host White House Correspondents’ Weekend Event To Connect Reporters With Journalism Students
MS NOW, now part of Versant, will host its inaugural Future Correspondents’ Brunch on April 24, a day before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The brunch connects journalism students from Howard, Georgetown, George Washington and American universities with senior MS NOW reporters and...
Vox Launches America, Actually, a New Video-First Podcast Hosted by Astead W. Herndon
Vox announced the launch of "America, Actually," a video‑first podcast debuting on April 11 and hosted by veteran political reporter Astead W. Herndon. The series is built for YouTube, social video and audio platforms, offering immersive reporting, analysis and human‑focused...
Bic Reignites ‘Flick Your Bic’ Tagline for a New Generation
Bic is reviving its classic “Flick Your Bic” tagline with a new “Waxy Saxy” ad that positions the lighter as a romance‑spark for candle‑lighting moments. The 30‑second spot, created with Doner, modernizes the 1970s catchphrase while showcasing pocket, EZ Reach...
Savannah Guthrie Returns to NBC's 'Today' For the First Time Since Her Mother Went Missing
Savannah Guthrie returned to NBC’s "Today" on April 6, marking her first on‑air appearance since her 84‑year‑old mother vanished eight weeks earlier. She opened the broadcast with a brief acknowledgment of her absence before moving into the day’s news, displaying...