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 Star-Studded Comedy Drama The Four Seasons Confirms Season 2 Return Date with First Look
Netflix has set the release date for the second season of its comedy‑drama *The Four Seasons* for Thursday, 28 May. The eight‑episode run returns the original ensemble cast and continues the format of six friends navigating four separate vacations. Tina Fey, who co‑created the series, pens the sixth episode solo, marking her deeper involvement in the show’s storytelling. Promotional images reveal Erika Henningsen’s character Ginny still pregnant, confirming the baby storyline will unfold throughout season 2.
Tennis Channel Streaming Service Joins Amazon Prime Video Channels
Tennis Channel’s direct‑to‑consumer streaming service, launched in 2024, is now available through Amazon Prime Video Channels at $11.99 per month. The partnership expands the network’s reach beyond its own platform and follows similar moves by smaller streamers like Fox One....
Samsung TV Plus Adds Live Sports, Game Shows, and a 24/7 Dawson’s Creek Channel in March
Samsung TV Plus is expanding its free, ad‑supported lineup in March with live sports, new game‑show FAST channels, a dedicated Minor League Baseball channel, and a 24/7 Dawson’s Creek stream. The platform will broadcast MotoAmerica’s Daytona 200, Major League Volleyball matches and...
One Year of The Red Letter
The Red Letter marks its one‑year anniversary as a subscription‑based newsletter delivering independent, unbiased reporting. Backed by community contributions, it has pursued stories hidden from mainstream outlets, including closed‑door negotiations and private communications. The platform’s editorial freedom enables deep‑dive investigations...
Milano Cortina Paralympic Winter Games Hit STAN SPORT with Every Event Live
Stan Sport will broadcast every one of the 79 medal events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, offering live and on‑demand coverage starting March 6. The opening ceremony streams live on Stan Sport and will also be shown on...
Traffic to Top Tech Publications Has Plummeted Since 2024, New Analysis Shows
Organic search traffic to the United States' leading tech publications has plunged 58% since 2024, according to Growtika’s Ahrefs‑based analysis. Combined visits fell from a 2024 peak of 112 million to just 47 million in January 2026. The Verge suffered the steepest...
Salt Lake FMs Soar With New Dielectric Master System
Dielectric has installed its RingMaster broadband FM and manifold combiner system at Farnsworth Peak, creating a new master antenna that now supports 13 FM stations for Bonneville International and other broadcasters. The upgrade replaces a 40‑year‑old infrastructure that was not...
Overseas Executives Join Australian Producers at SCREEN FOREVER 40
Screen Producers Australia announced that four senior overseas executives will attend SCREEN FOREVER 40, the country’s flagship screen industry conference on the Gold Coast from 28‑30 April 2026. The delegation includes Sophie Green of Bankside Films, Antoine Nugou of Mediawan...
Matlock Sneak Peek: Henry Haber Debuts As A Fist-Bumping Lawyer Bro — Watch
CBS’s long‑running legal drama Matlock introduces Henry Haber as Hunter, a brash rookie lawyer who makes a fist‑bump entrance in Thursday’s episode. The sneak‑peek, released by TVLine, shows Hunter quickly winning over lead Olympia with confidence and a quirky salute....
PRIME VIDEO Tees up Rory McIlroy Masters Triumph in New Documentary
Prime Video unveiled the first‑look trailer and a 30 March premiere for *Rory McIlroy: The Masters Wait*, a feature‑length documentary chronicling the Irish golfer’s 14‑year pursuit of a Masters title. The film revisits McIlroy’s early heartbreaks, including his 2011 collapse, and builds...
The Real Shift In Spoken Word
A recent Edison Research chart shows podcasts and AM/FM radio each capturing roughly 40% of spoken‑word listening time, suggesting a tie. The author argues the metric is misleading because it excludes the rapidly growing video‑first podcast consumption on platforms like...
WPP Media Appoints Nancy Lan to Lead Mindshare Sydney Client Portfolio
WPP Media announced that Nancy Lan will lead Mindshare’s Sydney client portfolio, overseeing brands such as Unilever, IKEA, uBank and Blackmores. Lan arrives with more than two decades of leadership across Australia, Asia and Europe, including senior roles at Virgin...
Podcast Partner Manager, London
Spotify announced a Podcast Partner Manager role in London to lead relationships with video and audio creators across the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. The position focuses on attracting video creators to view Spotify as a primary distribution and monetisation...
Scripps to Acquire WTVQ for $15.8 Million
The E.W. Scripps Company agreed to buy Lexington’s ABC affiliate WTVQ for $15.8 million, creating a duopoly with its existing NBC station WLEX pending regulatory clearance. Scripps CEO Adam Symson said the deal will deepen market scale and fund more neighborhood...
Josh Elliott Poised to Join CBS Mornings Lineup
Status Scoop: Former “GMA” host Josh Elliott has eyed as a possible new host on “CBS Mornings.” I’m told in the coming weeks, several special guests will be rotating on the show, and Josh will likely be one of those...
Gayle's Pay Cut Revealed in Tonight's In The Room
Yes, Gayle took a pay cut… More in tonight’s In The Room. Subscribe here: https://t.co/aUkyssLXi7 @PuckNews
Query Critiques February 2026
The February 2026 edition of Query Critiques on The Shit No One Tells You About Writing offers two downloadable PDF critiques—one by Cw Notesmilleradams and another by Cece Notes Milleradams. Access is restricted to paid subscribers, though a seven‑day free trial grants temporary...
Democracy Suffers when Press Access to Pentagon Is Blocked
We all lose - democracy loses - when a free and plural press is restricted access to the Pentagon. Especially in times like this. 1/2 https://t.co/XG4fdBK6AH
Epstein Files Dominate TikTok, I Covered for Vanity Fair
I wrote about how the Epstein Files have taken over TikTok for Vanity Fair https://t.co/Qw347vWdTT
OffBall and Togethxr Team Up on a New Playbook for Sports Media
OffBall and Togethxr announced a strategic partnership that merges OffBall’s sports‑culture coverage with Togethxr’s women’s‑sports focus. Togethxr reported $30 million in 2025 revenue and profitability, while OffBall has more than doubled its revenue to approach mid‑seven figures. The deal gives each...
NFL's Free Over‑Air Access Sparks Broadcast TV Backlash
Why is the @NFL, the Most Broadcast Friendly League, Under Attack by Broadcast TV Advocates? "the overwhelming majority of NFL games ARE ON broadcast and, more importantly, EVERY single NFL game is available over-the-air in each team’s local market [for free]" $CMCSA...
Confusing Thumbnails? Get Free Hack Pack Now
This week’s thumbnails demand an explanation 🤔 Like… calling that tiny cube in the middle of nowhere a “hotel”? Get our free YT Thumbnails Hack Pack with 100 more top thumbnails: https://t.co/H5zQZBPsBe https://t.co/tj1CYZoUA6
‘The Hunger’ by Way of Bertolucci: Costume Designer Sarah Evelyn on ‘The Beauty’
Ryan Murphy’s FX/Hulu series “The Beauty” launches with a fashion‑forward, horror‑satire premise, starring Bella Hadid in a runway explosion that sets a visually daring tone. Costume designer Sarah Evelyn was tasked with translating Murphy’s eclectic references—from Bertolucci to “The Hunger”—into a contemporary...
Lawmakers Threaten Free Speech, TikTok Silences Critics
Appalling. I want people to understand how much worse it will get if these lawmakers are able to ram through bills like KOSA or chip away at Section 230.
T-Mobile Wants $8 Billion in Federal Funding to Expand 5G Coverage to 99 Percent of Americans
T‑Mobile has proposed tapping roughly $8 billion of unused BEAD broadband funds to add about 6,000 new macro‑cell sites and push 5G coverage to 99 percent of Americans. The plan would allocate the surplus while preserving over $13 billion for traditional fixed‑line projects....
Google Revamps Play Store Fees and Sideloading Rules
Google is overhauling its policies on alternative app store sideloading and in-app billing, as well as its fee structure in Google Play. These changes will be rolled out starting in June. https://t.co/zaX2n1nIq0
March Makeover: Save Up to 85% on Monoprice’s Streaming & Tech Essentials
Monoprice is running a March promotion offering up to 85% off a broad selection of streaming and tech accessories, including TV mounts, cables, and audio devices. Shoppers can also receive an extra 20% discount on select items using promo code...
LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM Locks in Season 4 Return Date on Netflix
Netflix has set the release date for Season 4 of the Emmy‑winning docu‑reality series Love on the Spectrum, slated for April 1, 2026. The show continues to follow autistic individuals navigating dating, mixing returning participants with new faces. Executive producers Karina Holden and...
Bendigo Viewers Face Long Wait for TV Return
Bushfires on Jan 9, 2026 devastated the Mount Alexander transmission site, cutting free‑to‑air TV for Bendigo’s regional viewers. Temporary transmitters restored only core channels at reduced power, leaving multichannels unavailable. Industry estimates a full rebuild will take up to six months...
Net Insight Nimbra Edge, Nimbra 400 Receive YouTube Live Encoder Verification
YouTube Live has added Net Insight’s Nimbra Edge software encoder and Nimbra 400 hardware appliance to its verified encoder list. The verification confirms compatibility with SRT and RTMP ingest, as well as sustained stability under fault conditions. Broadcasters can now stream...
KEXP Builds Around Human Power
KEXP, a Seattle‑based non‑profit radio station, is overhauling its audio playout and asset management infrastructure across nine studios. The legacy Dalet Galaxy system is being replaced by OrangeLogic’s cloud‑based OrangeDAM for digital asset management and Broadcast Radio’s Myriad 6 on‑prem playout...
NotebookLM Adds API for Automatic Cinematic Video Creation
When it gets an API Notebook LM will be the place to create automatic video shows. I'm close to doing that with the system I'm building, just need to copy and paste into it.
50 Years Ago Today: The 100th Episode of “The Waltons” Aired
On March 4, 1976, *The Waltons* aired its 100th episode, “The Firestorm,” marking a milestone for the Depression‑era family drama. The episode portrayed the Walton family rebuilding after a barn fire, underscoring themes of resilience and community that defined the...
Sporty’s Debuts ‘The Active Runway’
Sporty’s announced the launch of “The Active Runway,” a new Facebook hub that consolidates content from its multiple aviation platforms. The hub will deliver articles, videos, training tips, reviews, and commentary in a single, easily accessible feed for pilots. While...
Alan Carr and Bob Mortimer Stand Out in Last One Laughing Season 2's Hilarious Brand-New Trailer
The first trailer for Prime Video’s *Last One Laughing* season 2 spotlights Alan Carr and returning champion Bob Mortimer among a star‑studded UK comedy lineup. The unscripted format pits comedians in a locked room, forcing them to make each other laugh while resisting...
AI-Powered Search Is Fueling a Wave of Epstein Files Transparency Projects
The DOJ’s Epstein Files release, mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act, provides millions of pages, images, and videos but suffers from rudimentary search functionality. Volunteer engineers and newsrooms have deployed AI‑driven tools—such as Jmail’s Gmail‑style inbox and Google Pinpoint...
VCCP New Biz Machine Crushes All to Top $1bn in Billings
VCCP announced it ended 2025 with over $1.027 billion in new client media billings, topping the global creative‑agency rankings. The growth was driven by a landmark US win with telecoms giant Spectrum and major UK contracts for British Gas, Direct Line,...
New Literary Agency: Lingua Nova
Jaidree Braddix, former head of publishing at ARC Collective, has founded Lingua Nova, a new literary agency dedicated to nonfiction. The agency aims to represent a mix of emerging and established nonfiction writers, leveraging Braddix’s industry contacts. Lingua Nova enters...
Agencies Partner up to Represent Authors of Romance and More
The Gernert Company and Bookcase Literary Agency announced a partnership to jointly represent self‑published and debut authors of commercial fiction aimed at women, including romance. The collaboration pools the agencies’ editorial, sales, and rights expertise to broaden market reach. By...
Gayle King Inks New CBS News Deal to Stay at CBS Mornings
Veteran journalist Gayle King has signed a new multi‑year agreement with CBS News, confirming she will remain co‑anchor of the network’s flagship morning program, CBS Mornings. The contract, disclosed to The Wall Street Journal, comes after weeks of speculation about...
RAIN Time Travel: March 2016 Headlines
The March 2016 audio‑industry roundup highlights a surge in streaming growth, financing activity, and subscriber milestones. Spotify secured a $1 billion debt facility tied to an IPO and hit 30 million users, while Tidal celebrated three million subscribers amid legal disputes. SoundCloud launched...
Gayle King, Nate Burleson Remain on CBS Mornings Amid Revamp
Gayle King, Nate Burleson will stay with CBS Mornings even as CBS News readies strategy to make the AM program more competitive.... https://t.co/7qgPNWm3pG via @variety
Streamer Mometu Launches Short Film Showdown Competition
Mometu, a free ad‑supported streaming service for independent cinema, has launched the nine‑month Mometu Short Film Showdown. The competition curates up to 25 genre‑specific short films each month, streaming them for 30 days and returning 85% of generated ad revenue...
Curtis Sliwa Joins Larry Mendte for WOR Mornings
Curtis Sliwa, former WABC host and recent mayoral candidate, is joining iHeartMedia’s WOR 710 AM for a new morning drive show with veteran broadcaster Larry Mendte, debuting March 9 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. The program, titled “Curtis Sliwa and Larry Mendte...
LeGeyt Reiterates Need for Ownership Deregulation at NAB State Leadership Conference
Curtis LeGeyt, president and CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, used the NAB State Leadership Conference in Washington, DC to demand urgent deregulation of broadcast ownership rules. Speaking to roughly 570 local station leaders, he argued that antiquated limits...
TALKERS News Notes
SiriusXM announced that newly appointed New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks will host a Catholic‑channel program called “All Good Things with Archbishop Hicks,” taking over the slot previously held by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Louisville Public Media is expanding its lineup with...
StreamGuys Ups Its Streaming Game for In-Venue Sports Fans
StreamGuys is rolling out major upgrades to its Ultra‑Low Latency Streaming (ULLS) platform, adding native iOS support and dynamic pre‑roll ad insertion. The enhancements let fans in stadiums hear synchronized play‑by‑play commentary on mobile apps without the traditional broadcast delay....
Fairfield, Iowa Home To Palmeter’s ‘Life FM’ Sold
Bob Palmeter’s “Life FM” has sold its Fairfield, Iowa FM translator to a major religious broadcast ministry. The translator, which rebroadcasts Life FM’s programming to the Fairfield area, will now be controlled by one of the world’s largest faith‑based media...
Killing the Punchline
In this episode of Disinfo Detox, host Nolan interviews comedian, writer, and tech‑policy commentator Ron Placone. They dive deep into the controversy around Section 230, arguing that dismantling it would worsen online surveillance and give platforms even more incentive to censor...
‘The Crown’ Star Jared Harris Instructs Lawyers Over AI Podcast Deepfake: “A Perfect Example Of Concern Creatives Have Over Misuse...
Jared Harris, Emmy‑nominated star of *The Crown*, has instructed his lawyers to intervene after a new podcast used an AI‑generated deepfake of his likeness without permission. He called the unauthorized use a prime example of creative concerns over AI misuse,...