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.
AIDC2026: Does ABC Draw upon the Same Hosts, or Is It Nurturing New Talent?
At the Australian International Documentary Conference, ABC executives defended using well‑known documentary hosts to draw audiences while also emphasizing a push for fresh faces. Kelrick Martin highlighted the network’s commitment to Indigenous talent, citing Miranda Tapsell’s recent presenter role. Jo Chichester pointed to Annabel Crabb’s alignment with a democracy‑focused series, and Kalita Corrigan praised Shaun Micallef’s ability to make polarising topics entertaining. The panel underscored social media as a key source for discovering new hosting talent.
Toure Show—America Is The Iran War Villain
In this episode of the Toure Show, the host argues that the United States and Israel are the primary aggressors in the ongoing Iran war, highlighting the recent appointment of Mojtaba Khomeini as Iran's new supreme leader and the U.S....
‘Silly Stories for Kids’ Podcast Is Winning over Children Globally
Australian‑made children’s podcast “Silly Stories for Kids” has amassed 2.47 million listens and 1.37 million downloads in the past 30 days, generating over 21.8 million listening minutes. The audience is now dominated by North America, which accounts for 52 % of listeners, while downloads...
Henry Winkler Had Four Firm Rules About Playing Fonzie On Happy Days
When Henry Winkler was cast as Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli on Happy Days, he imposed four personal rules—no combing hair, no gum, no military‑style belt, and no cigarettes—to avoid a clichéd 1950s tough‑guy look. By rejecting those props he invented a...
Winx Club & Friends SVoD Channel Launches on Prime Video
Rainbow's studio has launched its first themed subscription video‑on‑demand (SVoD) channel, Winx Club & Friends, on Amazon Prime Video. The channel is live in the UK, Italy, France, Finland and Sweden and bundles flagship series such as Winx Club, Huntik,...
On Air Fest 2026 - In The Age Of AI The Story Is What Matters
On Air Fest 2026’s second day highlighted that storytelling remains the heart of podcasting, even as AI tools infiltrate production and distribution. Panels featured creators like Phillip DeFranco, Wyclef Jean, and Arielle Nissenblatt discussing authenticity, AI as an amplifier, and the rise of...
Conservative Media Figures Urge Court for Washington House Press Passes
Three conservative media figures—radio host Ari Hoffman, podcaster Brandi Kruse and Discovery Institute correspondent Jonathan Choe—were denied Washington state House press passes and have filed an emergency lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order for the final 72 hours of the...
What Shawn Hatosy Learned About ‘The Pitt’ After Directing His First Episode
Shawn Hatosy, known for playing Dr. Abbott on the Canadian series The Pitt, made his directorial debut with episode nine of season two, navigating a storyline that places Abbott in a SWAT team. The actor‑turned‑director stepped in after a scheduling...
TV Wiped Out in Latest Vic Gov Ad Spend Figures
Victoria’s government advertising has dramatically shifted away from television, with TV accounting for just 9.4% of the $103.2 million media budget in 2023‑24 – roughly $9.7 million. The TV share fell from a peak of $32.4 million in 2020‑21 to half that amount...
Scott MacFarlane Quits CBS, Citing Frustrations with Bari Weiss
Why did CBS News Justice correspondent Scott MacFarlane decide to exit the network? He didn't say in his farewell note to colleagues. But, privately, he had been more candid about his frustrations under Bari Weiss. Details in @get_status: https://www.status.news/p/scott-macfarlane-cbs-news-exit-bari-weiss
Judge Seeks Orders
Judge Friedman asked both NYT and DOD to submit proposed orders for a summary judgment ruling. The gov't declined, saying the press policy is "constitutional and not arbitrary and capricious." The NYT submitted a proposed order to strike parts of...
Craig Carton Had to Be Separated From ‘Douchebag’ Phil Mushnick
Former WFAN host Craig Carton revealed on his show that he nearly punched New York Post columnist Phil Mushnick after seeing him at a June 2024 banquet honoring gambling‑addiction counselor Arnie Wexler. Carton, a recovering gambling addict, said Mushnick’s presence...
AEW Set for International, FAST Growth
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is expanding its digital footprint by teaming with streaming technology firm Kiswe to launch MyAEW, a subscription‑based platform that includes a free FAST channel called Watch AEW. The channel streams on Android TV, Apple TV and...
Countdown to World Cup
Fox Sports announced an aggressive 2026 FIFA World Cup broadcast plan, featuring 70 matches on the Fox broadcast network and a total of 340 live hours across its platforms. The schedule includes 21 primetime games on Fox and 19 primetime...
Optimum Launching New Net
Optimum is set to launch a new network called In2 TV next month, bundling News 12 original series, mystery documentaries, cultural stories and exclusive sports. The channel will be carried on all video customers subscribed to Optimum's Basic package and...
Philo’s New Plans
Philo, under new CEO Mike Keyserling, unveiled two refreshed subscription tiers this month. The $25‑per‑month Essential plan bundles over 70 live TV channels, 120 FAST channels, video‑on‑demand and unlimited DVR storage, plus a 7‑day free trial. The former Core plan...
Versant’s DTC Investment
Versant announced a multi‑brand direct‑to‑consumer push, unveiling an MS Now streaming service, a Fandango AVOD platform, and a CNBC DTC product aimed at retail investors. CFO/COO Anand Kini emphasized that the rollout will rely on existing video‑playback, commerce, and brand infrastructure, keeping...
Viral Fame Now only Pays Through Traditional Media Gigs
We're going back to the days when the only way to profit from being viral online was to spin it into some sort of traditional media job :/
Netflix Passes on NRL Broadcast Rights as ARLC Seeks $4b Deal
Netflix confirmed it will not bid for the National Rugby League broadcast rights as the Australian Rugby League Commission pursues a package valued at over $4 billion. The league aims to finalize a deal within three months, targeting both traditional broadcasters...
What Is Nickelodeon's Iconic Green Slime Made Of And Is It Edible?
Nickelodeon’s signature green slime originated on the 1980s show *You Can’t Do That on Television* and later became a staple of *Double Dare* and the Kids’ Choice Awards. Early recipes combined gelatin, food coloring, oatmeal and even shampoo, while the...
‘The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins’ Pilot Ratings Jump More Than 100%, Reaching Nearly 13 Million Viewers Since Premiere...
The pilot of NBC’s new sitcom “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” attracted 5.8 million live viewers and has since amassed nearly 13 million across broadcast, Peacock and other digital platforms within 50 days—a growth of more than 100%. The strong...
Where to Watch the 98th OSCARS® AWARDS Live and Free in Australia
The Seven Network will broadcast the 98th Oscars live and free across Australia, continuing its exclusive rights deal through 2028. Coverage starts early with Sunrise linking to Hollywood at 5:30 am AEDT, followed by the Red Carpet at 9:30 am and the...
Talent Agent Ari Emanuel Launches His Own Podcast, ‘Rushmore’
Ari Emanuel, longtime Hollywood talent agent, debuted a new video podcast called “Rushmore.” Co‑hosted with music‑manager Ben Persky, the show invites two high‑profile guests to debate which figures, products or moments belong on a “Mount Rushmore” of various categories. The...
ABC Launches ‘Most Trusted News’ Campaign via Leo – Just Don’t Mention the War
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has launched the "Keep Asking" campaign with Leo Australia, branding itself as the nation’s most trusted news source. The rollout follows a swift correction of an analysis piece that mistakenly claimed the United States bombed...
Somebody Feed Phil Shifts to YouTube via Banijay
Phil Rosenthal’s ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ Moving From Netflix to YouTube - under new Banijay deal https://t.co/tP88pTFrSk
Thursday TV Ratings 3/5/26: 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Nashville Rise for Crossover, SVU and Matlock Also Rise, The Hunting Party Nears...
Thursday night television on March 5, 2026 saw modest gains for several procedural dramas. ABC’s 9‑1‑1 rose to a 0.33 rating with 4.20 million viewers, while its spin‑off 9‑1‑1: Nashville climbed after a crossover, reaching a 0.24 rating and 3.41 million viewers....
X Shares Data on Women’s Usage Trends
X released new data on women’s usage trends for International Women’s Day, highlighting that pop culture and leisure dominate female conversations, with millennials forming the core demographic. The report also notes a surge in interest around women’s sports, including a...
TikTok Showcases 8 Women Creators for Women’s History Month
On International Women’s Day, TikTok spotlighted eight female creators as part of its Women’s History Month campaign. The platform highlighted how women are driving trends, noting 5.7 million posts across community tags such as #WomenInSTEM and #WomenInFashion. TikTok reported that 64 %...
A War; A Suicide; A Murder; A Suspicious Death And A Spy? Putin's Myriad Ties To Epstein
In this episode, host and analyst Misha dissect the chaotic state of Russian foreign policy, highlighting Putin's erratic leadership, the murky Russia‑Iran coordination, and the fallout from recent Iranian unrest. They then pivot to the tangled web of Jeffrey Epstein’s...
Gary Bettman’s Heated Rivalry Fantasies
The NHL reported a roughly 30% jump in viewership this season, signaling a resurgence in hockey’s cultural relevance. Commissioner Gary Bettman praised the surge, emphasizing that sports content remains the most valuable media asset. He warned that the league faces...
‘Somebody Feed Phil’ Moving To YouTube In 2027 As Phil Rosenthal Inks Strategic Global Deal With Banijay
Phil Rosenthal’s culinary travel series *Somebody Feed Phil* will transition from Netflix to a dedicated YouTube channel in 2027 under a strategic global deal with Banijay. The agreement also includes a slate of short‑form content and explores AVOD and FAST...
Snapchat Adds New Tools to Help Brands Tap Into India’s Cricket Season
Snapchat unveiled a Cricket in a Snap ad suite to let brands ride India’s cricket frenzy, featuring a Live Sports API, AR fan zones, surface‑tracking lenses and sponsored stickers. The platform now exceeds 250 million Indian users, with cricket emerging as...
Amazon Adds New Features to Alexa+ & The Kindle Scribe
Amazon has upgraded its Kindle Scribe line with generative AI tools that summarize, refine, and search handwritten notes. The devices are thinner, lighter, and up to 40% faster, with a new Colorsoft color e‑ink variant. Integrated Alexa functionality lets users...
Casting News: 1923 Star Joins Joshua Jackson's HBO Max Pilot, Baywatch Reboot Adds Brooks Nader, And More
Julia Schlaepfer, known for Paramount+’s "1923," has been cast as Liz in Greg Berlanti’s HBO Max pilot "How to Survive Without Me," joining Joshua Jackson, Kaley Cuoco and Ray Romano. Fox’s Baywatch reboot adds swimsuit model Brooks Nader as lifeguard...
ChatGPT More Likely To Criticize Brands Near Purchase
BrightEdge research finds Google’s AI Overviews generate 44% more overall negative brand sentiment than OpenAI’s ChatGPT, yet ChatGPT concentrates criticism 13 times more heavily when shoppers are near purchase. Negative mentions appear in roughly 2.3% of Google AI queries and...
An Amish Avatar and an A.I. Monk Are Pitching Supplements on Social Media
An AI‑generated Amish avatar named Melanskia, with over 300,000 Instagram followers, is promoting the dietary supplement Modern Antidote without disclosing her synthetic nature. The avatar is operated by entrepreneur Josemaria Silvestrini, who uses AI tools to create realistic video content...
Megyn Kelly Rips ’60 Minutes,’ Bari Weiss for ‘Bulls–T’ Edits to Pete Hegseth Interview: ‘Not Fair and Balanced’ | Video
Megyn Kelly accused CBS's "60 Minutes" and editor-in-chief Bari Weiss of editing Pete Hegseth's interview to make his response appear more pro‑Israel. She claims the original segment, which addressed criticism from right‑wing commentators, was altered and a voice‑over was added...
Why Lukas Gage Was Fired From Mad Men (And The Nickname It Earned Him)
Lukas Gage was cast as a 15‑year‑old in AMC's *Mad Men* but was dismissed after producers saw his large upper‑body tattoo, which clashed with the show’s 1950s aesthetic. The incident earned him the on‑set nickname “tattoo boy” and a consoling...
People Spent Less Time on Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn Last Year. Here's Why
Buffer’s 2026 State of Social Media Engagement study, analyzing 52 million posts and 191,000 monthly users, found engagement rates on Instagram, LinkedIn and Threads fell in 2025 compared with 2024. While overall post volume doubled across most platforms, half of the...
‘Entertainment Tonight’ Names Emily Curl As New York-Based Correspondent
Entertainment Tonight announced that Emily Curl will serve as its New York‑based correspondent, starting March 9, 2026. Curl brings a digital‑first background from iHeartRadio and experience with E! News, having interviewed top music and film talent. The move adds to...
The Case for a Radio Dashboard
Radio stations are increasingly adopting unified data dashboards to consolidate ratings, streaming metrics, advertising sales, and digital analytics in a single view. Historically, these data points lived in separate systems or spreadsheets, forcing staff to juggle multiple tools. Today, SaaS...
YouTube Premium Lite: Is It Worth the $7.99/month?
YouTube introduced Premium Lite at $7.99 per month, adding background playback and offline video downloads to its ad‑reduced offering. The plan still shows ads on Shorts and music videos, but eliminates most pre‑roll and mid‑roll interruptions. Full YouTube Premium, priced...
Noah Beck Joins Fox’s ‘Baywatch’ As Series Regular
Noah Beck, known for Tubi’s hit YA romance series Sidelined, has been cast as series regular Luke in Fox and Fremantle’s Baywatch reboot. The character is a rookie lifeguard and the youngest in a firefighting family, positioned as a mentor‑mentee...
YouTube Is Now the World’s Largest Media Company, and It Is only Getting ...
YouTube became the world’s largest media company in 2025, posting $62.3 billion in revenue, edging out Disney’s $60.9 billion. The platform’s dual‑revenue model—advertising and subscriptions—delivered over $40 billion from ads and about a third of revenue from YouTube TV, Premium and NFL Sunday...
This INSIGNIA 55″ 4K Fire TV Just Dropped Under $200
Amazon’s Insignia brand has launched a 55‑inch 4K UHD TV for $199.99, a $150 discount from its usual price. The set features built‑in Fire TV OS, Alexa voice control, Apple AirPlay, and access to major streaming services. With a modest...
Michiel Huisman Joins Taylor Schilling In ‘What The Dead Know’ NBC Pilot From Wolf Entertainment
Michiel Huisman has been cast opposite Taylor Schilling as NYPD detective William Grant in NBC’s new crime‑drama pilot “What The Dead Know.” The series, produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, adapts former NYC death investigator Barbara Butcher’s memoir and follows Schilling’s hyper‑vigilant investigator Ava Ledger...
Dailyfly Spins Its Two Radio Properties
Dailyfly, the operator of a free daily news service for the Lewis‑Clark Valley, is selling its two radio holdings. The assets include a 100 kW Hot Country FM station serving Lewiston, Idaho from a Clarkston, Washington tower, and a Class B AM...
CASTING | New Mystery Quiz Show Searches for Aussie Contestants
Australia’s major commercial networks are launching a new mystery quiz show, and casting is now open for everyday Australians over 18. Producers promise large cash prizes, full travel and accommodation, and a shoot at an undisclosed exciting destination. The format...
Can Curated Journalism Scale in Spanish? Inside Página Internacional’s Strategy
Página Internacional, launched in November 2025, is a Spanish‑language outlet that curates and translates top international journalism for a Spanish audience. Inspired by Courrier International and Internazionale, it aggregates content from about 500 sources, publishing 30‑45 foreign pieces and 60‑75...
Wonkybot Kids YouTube Hub Launches, Debuts Animated Series 'BLISS'
Wonkybot Entertainment has launched Wonkybot Kids, a dedicated YouTube hub for its growing family‑focused animated slate. The rollout is anchored by the preschool series BLISS, which premiered on March 6 across its own channel and the new hub. The move marks...