Today's Media Pulse
Online video subscriptions top 2.2 bn, revenue hits $176B
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 for the first time as pay‑TV revenue fell to $170 billion. Growth is expected to slow to single‑digit rates in 2026, prompting operators to focus on monetising existing users.
Netflix’s Live-Action Assassin’s Creed Series Has Started Filming as Cast Is Officially Announced
Netflix has begun filming its live‑action Assassin’s Creed series, confirmed by Ubisoft. The show will be set in Ancient Rome during 64 AD and features a diverse cast led by Toby Wallace and Lola Petticrew. Produced by Emmy‑nominated creators Roberto Patino and David Wiener, the series was green‑lit in July 2025. It promises a high‑octane thriller that weaves historical events with the franchise’s signature parkour and intrigue.
CNN Analyst Goes Viral and They're Not Happy What This Shows
CNN data analyst Harry Enten aired an NBC poll showing 100 percent MAGA voters still back Donald Trump, directly challenging a media narrative of a fracturing base. The same poll indicated MAGA identification rose to 30 percent of the electorate, up two...
Finfluencers Drive Inclusion but Expose Consumers to Risks
At the FSCA Conference 2026 regulators warned that South Africa’s booming finfluencer market is a double‑edged sword. While creators are making finance more accessible and boosting financial literacy, many operate without licences and provide weak or hidden disclosures. The FSCA...
Shaping Supply: Is Curation the Antidote to Ad Wastage?
Connected TV (CTV) ad spend in the U.S. is set to near $38 bn this year, cementing its role as a core media channel. However, the rapid expansion of premium SVOD, FAST channels, and OEM interfaces has fragmented the supply, making...
A TikTok-Famous Model of New York City Heads to Museum Mile
Delivery driver Joe Macken spent two decades crafting a detailed balsa‑wood replica of New York City, comprising hundreds of thousands of miniature structures. The model went viral on TikTok, garnering over 10 million views and drawing widespread attention. In March 2026, the...
Report: World Cup’s Contribution to Ad Growth Weakening
World Cup 2026 will be the largest ever, but its contribution to global ad growth is weakening. WARC Media forecasts a $10.5 billion uplift, just a 1.1 % increase versus the 2022 tournament, indicating fragmented impact. Advertisers must now reach fans across...
The Stack: Ads, Accountability, and AI
Meta is under fire in the UK after the FCA uncovered 1,052 illegal high‑risk financial ads in a single week, many from previously flagged accounts. Whistleblowers allege Meta and TikTok deliberately amplified harmful, outrage‑driven content to boost engagement. Trust issues...
Kevin Hart to Be Roasted Live on Netflix From the Epic Final Night of Netflix Is a Joke Fest, Hosted...
Kevin Hart will be roasted live at the final night of Netflix Is a Joke Fest, held at Los Angeles' Kia Forum. The event is hosted by comedian Shane Gillis and will stream globally on Netflix on May 10, 2026....
LaLiga’s Anti-Piracy Campaign Secures 2,000+ Hospitality Convictions
LaLiga’s anti‑piracy drive has secured more than 2,000 convictions against hotels, restaurants and cafés since its launch in March 2019, averaging nearly one case per day. The league still has 317 investigations and 488 cases awaiting trial, underscoring the scale of...
Discovering a Missed Netflix True Crime Obsession
Is this a Netflix true crime series I missed What rabbit hole am I down?!
AI Crackdown Used to Push KOSA and Section 230 Repeal
They’re trying to ram through KOSA, a full Section 230 repeal, and a slew of other censorship and surveillance provisions under the guise of “cracking down on AI” and a tom of dumbass leftists are falling for it.
Ads of the Week: 10 Campaigns That Caught Our Eye, From Burger King to Uber
This week’s ad roundup highlights a wave of self‑aware campaigns, from Burger King’s decision to retire its iconic King mascot and crown the consumer, to Uber’s meta “Irish exit” spot featuring reality‑TV star Maura Higgins. Brands such as Ugg, JCPenney,...
Everyone Hates Ads on Social Media. Or Do They?
Researchers leveraged Meta's 14.5 million‑user no‑ads holdout to test whether Facebook users care about advertising. In a 2022 survey of 53,166 participants from 13 countries, the median amount users would accept to quit the platform was $31.04 for ad‑exposed users and...
Assess if Screenshot Faithfully Represents HamandCheese’s Comments
Read @hamandcheese's full comments to the @axios reporter below, and then see if you think this screenshot accurately or fairly reflects what he said. https://t.co/yiUivUlQpS
Why Comments Are the Real Secret Behind Every Viral Instagram Post
Instagram’s algorithm now prioritizes comment velocity over likes, saves or views when deciding which posts to amplify. Early‑hour comments act as a quality signal, prompting the platform to test the content with larger audiences. Creators can deliberately trigger this loop...
Inside the Stream – Ads Accepted, Sports Lead. Creators Match Premium TV
New Hub Entertainment research shows ad‑supported streaming is becoming more acceptable, especially among younger adults, with nearly two‑thirds of them indifferent to ads. Nielsen data confirms sports content leads this shift, giving leagues like the NFL leverage in licensing negotiations...
America’s Test Kitchen Puts Direct And Programmatic Access On Its Menu
America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) has launched direct and programmatic buying for its free ad‑supported FAST channels, allowing advertisers to purchase inventory as a standalone product rather than through genre bundles. The move follows a 30% year‑over‑year rise in streaming audiences...
Horror Novel ‘Shy Girl’ Canceled Over Suspected A.I. Use
Hachette Book Group withdrew the upcoming horror novel “Shy Girl” after The New York Times alleged the manuscript was largely AI‑generated. The Orbit imprint halted the U.S. spring release and removed the title from its UK catalog, where only 1,800 print copies...
Nord Anglia Education Unifies Regional Media Operations in Asia
Nord Anglia Education has named Omnicom Media Vietnam as its agency of record for media across 19 schools in Asia, shifting from school‑level to a centralized hub. The partnership covers integrated strategy, planning and buying for markets including Thailand, India,...
A World On Fire Needs More Climate Reporting — Not Less
Climate reporting in the United States is shrinking as legacy broadcasters slash dedicated teams and cut coverage, a reversal from the optimism sparked by the 2019 Covering Climate Now initiative. The 2024 election relegated climate to a single debate question,...
New Substack Launches Tonight—Sign up for Fresh Content
New Substack going out this evening. Lots of good stuff. You can sign up here: https://t.co/7l5OFpkdOm
TV Ratings (19/3/2026): Swans & Hawks Fly Seven To The Top Of The Ratings
Seven Network’s AFL broadcast of the Sydney Swans versus Hawthorn Hawks captured the top spot in the March 19 overnight ratings, drawing more than two million viewers and a national average audience of 727,000. The Hawks secured a 17‑point victory, playing...
Australia Post Poised To Deliver Media Account To Accenture Song
Accenture Song Media is expected to secure Australia Post's media account after a competitive pitch that also featured Wavemaker and Atomic212. The prospective contract expands beyond standard media planning, incorporating a business‑transformation component that aligns with Accenture Song's consultancy strengths....
Key U.S. House Committee To Review 1996 Telecom Act
On March 26, the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology will hold a hearing to evaluate the Telecommunications Act of 1996, marking its 30th anniversary. The session, chaired by Rep. Richard Hudson and attended by Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie,...
As Real As It Gets
Christian radio, long dismissed as niche, is now one of the fastest‑growing formats in U.S. broadcasting. Nielsen data show a 34.5% increase in average quarter‑hour (AQH) share for Contemporary Christian music among adults 25‑54 from 2022 to 2025, while streaming...
Radio Ink Helps Link Country Music and Motorsports At CRS
Radio Ink partnered with Beasley Media Group, Big Machine Records, and Performance Racing Network to stage “Full Throttle: Acoustic Social,” a live acoustic showcase linking country music and motorsports during CRS Week in Nashville. The event at Big Machine Distillery...
How Sporting Organisations Are Unlocking Fresh Audiences For Advertisers
Sporting organisations are reshaping fan experiences to create new advertising channels. The Sydney Swans introduced a Gen‑Z‑focused "Match Day Mingle" that combined social events with live AFL action, selling out both games and driving higher social media reach. Meanwhile, the...
A Country Countdown Icon Gets A Dedicated Streaming Hub
iHeartRadio has launched Bob Kingsley’s Countdown Classics, a dedicated streaming station that streams original episodes of the late broadcaster’s Country Top 40 countdown. The channel, created in partnership with the Kingsley Estate and the Country Music Hall of Fame, serves...
US Clears $6.2B Nexstar‑Tegna Merger, Redefining Local News
U.S. approves $6.2B Nexstar-Tegna deal that may reshape local TV news - The Washington Post https://t.co/DfLQnNI3On
Focus 360 Names Pettersen to Director Role
Focus 360 has hired Becky Pettersen as its new Director of Sales Planning, succeeding her five‑year tenure as VP/Director at Katz Media Group. Her role will oversee the company’s expanded campaign‑management dashboard, built on Counterpoint’s planning system and the Focus...
Don’t Look at the Ratings
Radio managers are moving away from hiding Nielsen ratings, yet the volatility of those numbers can distract talent. The article borrows coach John Wooden’s philosophy, urging broadcasters to focus on effort, fundamentals, and team chemistry rather than the scoreboard. By...
Emmys Reveal This Year's Top Comedy Series
#Emmys: Comedy Series "Abbott Elementary” “The Comeback” “Hacks” “Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat” “The Lowdown” “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” “Only Murders in the Building” “Spider-Noir” https://t.co/2H88L6PWu6 via @variety https://t.co/AofVVDpbRQ
Persil Dispenses with the Robots in Smart Series Ad
Persil has launched a new Smart Series advertisement that eliminates the robot characters that featured in previous spots. The social‑first campaign was produced by creative agency Lola Madrid. The ad pivots toward a more human‑centric narrative, aiming to resonate with...
Trump’s Army-Navy Order
President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Preserving America’s Game” that bars any college football contest from being scheduled against the annual Army‑Navy game. The order directs FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to work with...
Mr. Rogers Goes to YouTube
Fred Rogers Productions has teamed with Little Dot Studios to launch an official Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood channel on YouTube. The channel will host full episodes from the classic PBS series alongside clips, shorts, and curated compilations. Little Dot, which runs...
Davidson: It’s Time for Naked 2.0
AI and automation are driving down the cost of media execution, exposing a mismatch in traditional agency billing that bundles strategic thinking with operational work. The article argues for separating these functions: pricing execution on measurable outputs while charging a...
TikTok Expands #BookTok Bestseller Lists Across Europe and the UK
TikTok is extending its #BookTok bestseller rankings to six additional European markets, including Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. The new lists will combine TikTok’s engagement data with NielsenIQ BookData sales figures to produce monthly trend reports. The...
‘Audience There for the Taking’: Matthew O’Reilly on SCA’s Sydney Push
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) attributes its strong Survey 1 2026 ratings to a steady programming lineup and a laser focus on the 25‑54 demographic. Minimal changes from 2025 to 2026 allowed the network to double‑down on local breakfast shows and locally‑led...
Smooth Surges to Record Highs as Nova Builds Momentum
smoothfm recorded a historic 13.5% share in Sydney, cementing its position as the city’s top FM station. Nova Entertainment saw audience lifts in both Sydney and Melbourne, with Nova 96.9 adding 141,000 listeners and its breakfast slot rising to 8.4%...
Mainstream Media's Crazy Abuse of the Word Experts
This headline should go down in history as proof of the ludicrous way mainstream media uses the word "experts."
Legend Jason Bennett on His ABC Move, Seven & a Rookie Ricciardo
Veteran Australian sports commentator Jason Bennett has been ousted from Seven Network after a corporate rights reshuffle and is now leading the ABC’s new VFL broadcast. Bennett’s career spans two decades, three continents, and stints at Fox Footy, ESPN, and...
DOJ, FCC Clear Tegna‑Nexstar Deal, Forming Largest Local Broadcaster
Both the DOJ and the FCC have approved the merger of Tegna and Nexstar, a deal that would create the largest owner of local stations in the US. https://t.co/BcB7uDquKX
World Baseball Classic Delivers More than 10 Million in Title Game
The 2026 World Baseball Classic final between Venezuela and the United States averaged 10.78 million viewers on FOX and Fox Deportes, setting a new record for the tournament. Peak audience reached 12.15 million during the late‑night quarter‑hour, more than double the 2023...
Avid: Vast Majority of Oscar-Winning Films Used Its Editing and Sound Tools
Avid announced that 87% of this year’s Oscar‑winning films were edited or mixed with its Media Composer and Pro Tools platforms, covering categories from Best Picture to Best Sound. The data also shows eight of the ten Best Picture nominees,...
Explore X’s Regional Trending Tweets Feature
Didja know that X (née Twitter) has an area where you can see the most popular tweets by region or language? It's fascinating stuff to explore, as I demonstrate in this tutorial: https://t.co/8o4AIegPOv #x #twitter @X @twitter https://t.co/nEFlm1wDxd
Demanding AI Journalism Pause Over
Calling for a 6-month pause on AI journalism until we can realize that @kevinroose is not a credible journalist. An independent survey showed that 90%+ of my technical predictions are correct. How is that not credible? Calling on journalists to dismiss...
Can Journalism Survive AI? — with NYT CEO Meredith Kopit Levien
In this episode, NYT CEO Meredith Kopit Levien discusses how the Times has achieved record subscriber growth and revenue by investing heavily in original, independent journalism and expanding its newsroom to over 2,300 staff. She contrasts the Times’ strategy—long‑term subscription focus, tech‑enabled...
'The Five-Star Weekend' Is Coming To TV This Summer, & The Cast Alone Has Us Sold
Peacock is turning Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel *The Five‑Star Weekend* into a limited series that premieres on July 16, 2026. The show stars Jennifer Garner, who also serves as executive producer, alongside an ensemble cast that includes Regina Hall, Gemma...
The Death of Gatekeepers and the Rise of Sovereign Creators
The essay argues that generative AI is collapsing visual‑production costs by roughly 90%, instantly automating many entry‑level Hollywood VFX roles and exposing the inefficiencies of legacy studios. By decoupling creative vision from massive budgets, AI eliminates the need for gatekeepers...
Huge M&A Deals: Netflix’s Acquisition of AI Film-Tech Company InterPositive
In early March 2026 Netflix announced a landmark acquisition of InterPositive, an AI‑driven filmmaking startup founded by Ben Affleck, for up to $600 million, largely cash with earn‑out provisions. The deal gives Netflix immediate access to tools that can correct lighting,...