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.
LiveRamp and Unity Announce Expanded Partnership | Exclusive
LiveRamp and Unity have expanded their partnership, integrating LiveRamp’s RampID identifier into Unity Exchange, the company’s programmatic advertising marketplace. RampID is an interoperable, portable user ID that works across platforms, allowing advertisers to recognize and target the same users inside Unity games as they do in other digital inventory. This integration enables brands to fine‑tune in‑game ad audiences with data already used elsewhere. The move deepens data connectivity between mobile gaming and broader advertising ecosystems.
Reddit Pro Boosts Engagement and Adds Verification Badges
Are you using Reddit Pro? -> Reddit says publishers using its Pro Tools have seen post views grow by 46%, comments by 48%, and profile views nearly double since the tool's September launch Verification checkmarks added -> "In addition to...
Dubai Media Gaming Powered by Livewire Reveals New Insights
Dubai Media, in partnership with Livewire, released a report showing the UAE’s gaming ecosystem now hosts about 7.5 million players, with women comprising over 30% and Emiratis only 12% of the audience. The study highlights that gamers in the region generate...
'Santiago: The Camino Therapy' Secures Major Global Sales in 20 Territories
Ginger & Fed, the international sales division of Federation Studios, has finalized distribution agreements for the French feature film "Compostelle" across roughly twenty territories worldwide. The deal marks the film’s first major push into markets spanning Europe, Asia, and Latin...
The Hybrid Takeover: How Streaming and YouTube Are Reshaping French Television
French television is rapidly evolving as streaming giants and YouTube capture audience share previously dominated by free‑to‑air broadcasters. ARCOM’s new hybrid‑broadcast regulations require linear channels to integrate on‑demand libraries and monetize digital ad inventory, prompting networks like TF1 and France Televisions...
ITVX Hits 1bn Streams in 2026
ITV announced that its streaming service ITVX logged over 1 billion streams in 2026, reaching the milestone eight days earlier than the previous year. The growth was driven by strong performance of flagship events such as the Rugby Six Nations and...
Why France’s Private TV Bosses Are Defending Public Broadcasting
At a parliamentary inquiry hearing, heads of France’s leading private broadcasters—including TF1’s Rodolphe Belmer—presented a rare, unified defense of the nation’s public broadcaster, France Télévisions. They argued that public service media remains essential for cultural cohesion, journalistic independence, and market...
Is It Time to Resist Algorithmic Influences?
Algorithms now shape what users see, leveraging psychological biases such as default bias, variable rewards, and confirmation bias to capture attention. Studies show 81% of U.S. YouTube users watch recommended videos they wouldn’t otherwise seek, while algorithmic bias accelerates fake‑news...
FinTV's Squawk Box Flattens Cathie Wood Interview
Coming up on @thestreetpro Another Failure of Journalism * Yesterday's obsequious Squawk Box interview with Cathie Wood underscored the failure of FinTV journalism * Good god, man (host) - do your homework and stop bootlicking the egos of "talking heads" that have not...
Complex Strikes Multiyear Sports-Betting, Prediction Market Partnership With Fanatics
Complex announced a multiyear partnership with Fanatics to launch Complex Bets, an editorial vertical that will embed Fanatics Sportsbook and Fanatics Markets data into its content. The new offering will have a dedicated home on the Complex website, social channels, and...
"Wizards Beyond Waverly Place" Returns for One Last Spell This Summer on Disney+ and Disney Channel
Disney+ and Disney Channel will launch the final four‑part event of “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” this summer, marking the series’ last spell. Selena Gomez makes her directorial debut with the premiere while reprising Alex Russo across episodes. The revival follows...
How To Identify And Solve Click Fraud In Paid Media – Ask A PPC via @Sejournal, @Navahf
Click fraud can masquerade as normal performance issues, making it difficult for paid‑media managers to identify true waste. The article outlines a three‑step approach: audit placement and targeting settings, understand platform‑level fraud protections, and deploy mitigation tools when invalid clicks...
Hypermedia Advances Unified Programmatic Offering with Integrated Digital Revenue Function
Hypermedia, the UAE‑based digital out‑of‑home and retail media network, has launched an Integrated Digital Revenue Function that merges its DOOH assets with the programmatic expertise of DXTA Technology, its ad‑tech arm. Led by Head of Digital Sales Hicham Dergham and...
NPR, PBS Win Injunction Against Trump Funding Order
A federal judge in Washington, D.C. permanently blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order to cut federal funding for NPR and PBS, ruling it constituted unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment. The order, which sought to withdraw taxpayer support because...
Deutsche Telekom Expands FAST Line-Up on MagentaTV
Deutsche Telekom has expanded its FAST (Free Ad‑Supported Streaming Television) offering on the MagentaTV platform by adding six new channels, including romance‑focused Fabella, classic‑film hub MovieDome, and genre‑specific feeds for RTL’s Alarm für Cobra 11, Balko, Bauer sucht Frau, as well...
First-Ever "American Idol" Simulcast on ABC and Disney+ Surges Double Digits
ABC and Disney+ aired the first simultaneous broadcast of “American Idol” on March 30, 2026, pulling 4.86 million total viewers and a 0.42 rating among adults 18‑49. The episode posted double‑digit gains versus the same night last year (+11%) and versus the prior...
When the Machine Asks You to Stay
In late 2025 Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT would soon offer a verified‑adult erotica mode, promising to treat adults like adults. The rollout has been postponed twice, with OpenAI citing a focus on intelligence, personality and a more proactive chatbot....
AI Across the Advertising Value Chain: What the Latest Research Reveals
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every stage of the advertising value chain, from concept creation to media execution, according to new research by Madison & Wall. The study, presented by CEO Brian Wieser, Managing Director Luke Stillman, and Adobe’s Principal AI...
Here Are the 2026 Q1 Evening News Ratings
ABC World News Tonight solidified its dominance in Q1 2026, pulling 8.73 million total viewers and a 1.09 million Adults 25‑54 audience, marking an 11% quarterly increase. NBC Nightly News posted the strongest growth, up 12% in total viewers and 23% in the key...
Social-Media Roundup: ‘Passive’ Use, Slop Letter, Video Forecasts
The UK regulator Ofcom reports that while 89% of British adults use at least one social‑media platform, only 49% actively post, share or comment—a drop from 61% in 2024. Meanwhile, a coalition led by Fairplay has accused YouTube and Google...
IPA Announces Shortlist for the 2026 Innovation Award
The International Publishers Association (IPA) unveiled the shortlist for its 2026 Innovation in Publishing Award, highlighting six nominees that span AI-driven platforms, inclusive literacy tools, and novel marketing solutions. The award, launched in 2022 and presented biennially, seeks projects that...
Ofcom Research Finds Rise in Concern over Online Risks versus Benefits
Ofcom’s latest research, released after a landmark trial examining the harms of Meta and YouTube, shows a marked increase in public concern about online risks. The study finds that 68% of respondents now view digital platforms as more dangerous than...
US Titles Dominate VOD Catalogues Despite Strong European Production
New research from the European Audiovisual Observatory shows that U.S. titles dominate video‑on‑demand (VOD) catalogues across Europe despite a sizable European output. European works account for 46% of individual titles but only 32% of catalogue "presences," while U.S. titles represent...
Thursday Night Heats Up as "9-1-1: Nashville" And "9-1-1" Soar to Best Performance of the Season
ABC’s Thursday night lineup delivered record‑breaking ratings for its emergency‑services dramas “9‑1‑1” and the freshman “9‑1‑1: Nashville.” “9‑1‑1: Nashville” attracted 6.23 million total viewers across three days, a 55 % jump from its live‑plus‑same‑day high. “9‑1‑5” pulled in 7.33 million viewers, up 53 %...
Hulu's Critically Acclaimed Comedy Series "Deli Boys" Returns for a Second Season on May 28
Hulu announced that the critically acclaimed comedy series “Deli Boys” returns for a second season on May 28, 2026. The new season adds Andrew Rannells and Kumail Nanjiani as recurring guest stars alongside regulars Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, Poorna Jagannathan...
The $1.75 Million Betrayal
TikTok influencer Brenay Montague was sued by her former friend Akira Montague for alienation of affection after a public affair with Akira's husband, Tim. The NC jury found Brenay liable and ordered her to pay $1.75 million in damages. The case...
Fact-Checking Has to Go Where Misinformation Actually Spreads
Fact‑checking has traditionally measured success by article volume and citations, but the rise of private, fast‑moving channels like WhatsApp and community chats has upended that model. The commentary argues that fact‑checking must evolve from a standalone editorial product into civic...
Loveholidays Makes TV Debut with ITV Sponsorship
Loveholidays has entered television advertising by securing a sponsorship deal with ITV, marking its first major broadcast campaign. The partnership features a series of short idents that riff on classic film titles, blending travel messaging with pop‑culture humor. Launched ahead...
The Problem with Binding News and Prediction Markets
Prediction‑market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi have signed partnership deals with major news outlets such as CNN, CNBC, Dow Jones and Yahoo Finance, embedding real‑time betting data into editorial content. The agreements are opaque, with no disclosed financial terms, while the...
Pushed Out. Reinstated. Pushed Out Again.
A federal judge nullified the Pentagon’s October credential restrictions, ordering the reinstatement of seven *Times* reporters’ passes and restoring access for all journalists who had left. Instead of complying, the Pentagon redirected reporters to an annex, required escorts, and introduced...
BBC Announces Editor of Radio 4's Today Programme
Rebecca Keating, a veteran BBC journalist with nearly 20 years of experience, has been appointed editor of Radio 4's flagship *Today* programme, succeeding Owenna Griffiths. Keating previously served as assistant editor across several Radio 4 news shows and held senior roles on...
ESPN to Present WNBA Expansion Draft Friday, April 3
ESPN announced that Malika Andrews will host the WNBA Expansion Draft on Friday, April 3, from 3:30‑4 p.m. ET, broadcasting live from its Los Angeles studio. The draft will determine the inaugural rosters for the league’s two newest franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo,...
Globo Shifts Primary Distribution to SRT with Synamedia
Globo has completed a migration of its primary linear pay‑TV distribution to a fully IP‑based architecture using Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) over a managed backbone across Brazil. The transition leverages Synamedia’s Quortex PowerVu suite and virtualised Digital Content Manager, with...
In the Absence of Truth, Misinformation Becomes Harmful: Nepal’s Experience Shows Why Fact-Checking Matters in Crises
In September 2025, NepalFactCheck.org rapidly debunked a viral video falsely claiming a crowd was trying to burn the Pashupatinath Temple, helping to calm public panic during deadly Gen Z protests. Over the next two days the outlet cleared five high‑risk misinformation pieces...
Daniel Craig's 5 James Bond Movies Land New UK Streaming Home for an Easter Binge-Watch
All five Daniel Craig James Bond films—Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die—have been added to Amazon Prime Video in the UK, making them instantly available for an Easter‑long binge. Non‑subscribers can activate a 30‑day free trial to access the catalogue. At the same time,...
Louis C.K. to Headline the Hollywood Bowl May 5 as Part of Netflix Is a Joke Fest
Louis C.K. will headline the Hollywood Bowl on May 5 as part of Netflix Is a Joke Fest, a live comedy event tied to his upcoming Netflix special “Ridiculous.” The special, directed and executive‑produced by the comedian, launches globally this summer....
Next Radio 2 Breakfast Show Odds – Who Will Replace Scott Mills?
BBC Radio 2 confirmed that Scott Mills will leave the flagship Breakfast Show, prompting a betting frenzy over his successor. Vernon Kay, already hosting the mid‑morning slot, is the early favourite with odds of 6/4, followed by Gary Davies at 5/2...
Roku Launches $2.99 Ad‑free Howdy App, Targeting 125 M U.S. Households
Roku unveiled a standalone iOS and Android app for its $2.99‑a‑month ad‑free Howdy service, extending the subscription beyond Roku hardware to 125 million U.S. households daily. The move comes as Deloitte reports 68% of U.S. streaming subscribers now favor ad‑supported tiers,...
A Practical Guide to Joint Investigations: Lessons Learned From One Year of the Civic Journalism Coalition
The Civic Journalism Coalition, launched in February 2025 by EDRi, ECNL and Lighthouse Reports, has released a practical guide titled “Working the story together” to help journalists and civil‑society groups conduct joint investigations. Over the past year the coalition built...
Meta and Google Hit with $381 Million in Child‑Safety Verdicts, Shaking Creator Monetization
Meta and Google were ordered to pay a combined $381 million after juries found their platforms negligent in protecting children. The rulings threaten creator monetization, push brands toward safer influencers, and could trigger sweeping design changes across social media.
waipu.tv Adds Nicktoons
German streaming service waipu.tv is expanding its Perfect Plus tier by adding the children’s channel Nicktoons, effective April 1, 2026. The addition brings the package to more than 300 Full HD channels, including 20 dedicated family channels. Subscribers receive Nicktoons at...
HBO Original Comedy Special "Ramy Youssef: In Love" Debuts April 17
Award‑winning comedian Ramy Youssef’s third HBO Original comedy special, “Ramy Youssef: In Love,” premieres on April 17, 2026, streaming on HBO Max after a live broadcast from Chicago’s historic Hideout venue. The hour‑long show blends personal anecdotes about marriage, dog...
Basis Wants To Help Marketers Bring Agentic AI Into Media Planning
Basis introduced Compass, an agentic campaign‑planning platform that integrates directly with its DSP and other buying systems. The solution synthesizes advertisers' first‑party data and broader market signals to auto‑generate omnichannel media strategies and audience personas. Early adopter SMZ found the...
Basis Wants To Help Marketers Bring Agentic AI Into Media Planning
Digital‑ad platform Basis unveiled Compass, an agentic campaign‑planning tool that integrates with its DSP and other buying platforms. The solution synthesizes advertisers’ first‑party data with broader market signals to generate omnichannel media strategies, while allowing a conversational back‑and‑forth with the...
Meet Logan Marshall-Green, Who Plays Cal on Yellowstone Spin-Off Marshals
The CBS drama *Marshals*, a *Yellowstone* spin‑off, debuted on March 1 with Logan Marshall‑Green starring as Pete “Cal” Calvin, the leader of an elite U.S. Marshal team. The premiere attracted over 20 million multiplatform viewers, prompting a renewal after just two episodes for...
Post on Saturdays for 40% More Views
Most Threads creators think weekdays are the best time to post. We analyzed 20,000+ posts from 255 creators last month. Saturday averaged 2,912 views per post. That's 40% higher than Wednesday. Everyone takes weekends off. That's exactly why you shouldn't.
WaPo AI Denies Bezos Influence on Editorial Policy
Cheap fun department. I asked the WaPo's AI system if Bezos influenced its editorial policy. https://t.co/Sqkppejzx8
Social Media Amplifies Instant Narrative Spread Worldwide
FWIW - It's not the speed of the narrative change that is different today. That is always immediate. What is different today is the speed and breadth of the transmission of narratives. Thanks to social media it moves instantly...
Media Platform Fuels Extremists by Granting Them Attention
The #BrokenTimes loves to profile extremists, giving them what they crave: attention. The Women Who Believe Women Should Lose the Right to Vote https://t.co/aN0UVSJKMd
Scale Twitter Replies with Semi‑Automated Management
Serious q, how are you managing replies on your posts / threads? I can’t handle the volume at all. unless it’s semi-automated, it's simply impossible.