Today's Media Pulse
Online video subscriptions hit 2.24 billion in 2025, overtaking pay‑TV revenue
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, surpassing pay‑TV's $170 billion for the first time. Growth is expected to slow to single‑digit levels in 2026 as operators focus on monetising existing users.
Also developing:
How I Made This Pod: Chris Gayomali’s “SuperHuman” Investigation
Chris Gayomali’s latest GQ feature and iHeart podcast "SuperHuman" investigate the Enhanced Games, a new Las Vegas‑based competition where athletes use performance‑enhancing drugs to shatter records. The story stems from Gayomali’s earlier leg‑lengthening piece and involved roughly 40 interviews, producing an 8,000‑word draft before the podcast’s second episode aired. The Enhanced Games are set to debut on May 24, drawing attention from both the media and the sports community. Gayomali’s deep dive highlights the intersection of human augmentation, journalism, and the evolving landscape of extreme athletics.
Andrews Picks Up Third Programming Role at Audacy Wisconsin
After moving from iHeartMedia to Audacy in July, Brett Andrews has added the brand‑manager role for Milwaukee’s 99.1 The Mix to his existing duties. He already oversees programming at Mix 105.1 in Madison and serves as assistant brand manager for 103.7 KISS FM in Milwaukee....
Hub: Free Streaming Emerges as TV’s New Normal
Free ad‑supported streaming TV (FAST) has moved into the mainstream, with 55% of U.S. TV viewers having tried at least one FAST service. A February survey of 3,009 consumers shows 28% of FAST users watch daily, logging roughly 24 hours...
Gemini ‘Omni’ Video Model Shows up with some Early Demos
Google is testing a new video generation model called Gemini Omni, an apparent extension of its existing Veo system. Early demos showcase a chalkboard math proof and a detailed spaghetti dinner scene, both handling text and motion with surprising realism. The...
ATVA Urges FCC to Close “Affiliation-Swap” Loopholes Impacting Satellite Operators
On May 11, 2026 the American Television Alliance filed a petition with the FCC demanding an end to “affiliation‑swap” loopholes that let broadcasters sidestep ownership limits. The filing details a scheme where a broadcaster first acquires a network’s programming rights,...
'Atlanta Journal-Constitution' Chief Steps Down as Bold Goals Yield to Tough Realities
Andrew Morse is leaving his role as publisher and president of the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution after a three‑and‑a‑half‑year tenure. He launched a $150 million digital‑first plan that targeted 500,000 paying subscribers by 2026, but the paper has reached only about 101,000. The...
Andrew Morse Departs as AJC President and Publisher
Scoop: Andrew Morse is leaving Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he has served as president and publisher.
Former CNN Host Don Lemon on Turning a Profit with His Five-Person Media Network
Former CNN anchor Don Lemon has turned his five‑person Lemon Media Network into a profitable independent outlet, streaming twice daily and publishing a Substack newsletter. The venture, which now boasts over 10 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Threads,...
TikTok Announces New Ad-Free Subscription for UK Users
TikTok is launching a paid ad‑free tier in the United Kingdom, priced at £3.99 per month (about $5.07). The service will be available to users aged 18 and older over the next few months and promises not to use subscriber...
Fox Rakes in Nearly $4 Billion in Revenue During Fiscal Q3
Fox Corporation posted Q3 revenue of $3.99 billion, an 8.6% drop from the prior year, primarily because the network did not air a Super Bowl. Advertising revenue fell to $1.56 billion, reflecting the missing marquee event, while distribution revenue modestly rose. Despite...
Amelia Ryerse Signing Off From Baltimore’s 98 Rock
Baltimore’s 98 Rock veteran host Amelia Ryerse announced she will retire at the end of 2026 after more than two decades on air. Ryerse began at WIYY in 2003, co‑hosting the Mickey, Amelia and Spiegel morning show, later moving to afternoon...
EchoStar TV Business Struggles but Wireless Inches Up
EchoStar’s pay‑TV business continued to erode in Q1, shedding 366,000 subscribers and seeing revenue dip more than 10% to $2.29 billion, which pulled group revenue down 5% to $3.67 billion. The wireless arm, though much smaller, added about 16,000 net customers, lifting...
Fuzzy Math: For Fans, the NFL’s Free TV Share Is Closer to 33% Than 87%
The NFL touts that 87% of its games air on free, over‑the‑air TV, but regional blackout rules mean the average fan can only access about 33% without a subscription. While 237 of 272 regular‑season contests were technically on broadcast networks,...
NBCU Kicks Off Upfront Week With Sports, AI, and a ‘Fast’ Vin Diesel Surprise
NBCUniversal opened its 2026 upfront week with a two‑hour showcase that highlighted new ad‑tech tools, including the Performance Insights Hub and Live Total Impact, which delivered over 90 % lift for State Farm. The network emphasized its sports portfolio, adding a...
Fox Announces Fall 2026 Schedule
Fox unveiled its full fall 2026 primetime slate, pairing established hits with several new series. Weeknights feature game‑show hybrids like Celebrity Name That Tune and Celebrity Weakest Link, while Sunday night anchors the lineup with The Simpsons followed by three...
Pete Wicks Net Worth: How a Reality TV Star Built a £4M Brand While One Company Collapsed
Pete Wicks turned his seven‑year stint on "The Only Way Is Essex" into a diversified media business worth an estimated £3–4 million ($3.8–$5.1 million). He expanded into podcasting, live touring, publishing and brand deals, with the "Staying Relevant" podcast becoming a major...
X Launched An Ambitious Advertising Overhaul- Why Should Affiliate Marketers Pay Attention?
X, formerly Twitter, has rolled out its most extensive advertising platform overhaul, introducing a redesigned Ads Manager, AI‑driven Performance+ tools, and expanded contextual targeting. The revamp also adds tighter brand‑safety adjacency controls and greater transparency over ad placements. While the...
AnyMind Group Launches Exclusive Influencer Community in Thailand
AnyMind Group has launched the “AnyMind Exclusive Influencer Community” in Thailand, shifting focus from one‑off campaigns to long‑term creator development. The inaugural Bangkok event, partnered with health provider Iwelty, featured a wellness‑focused “Inside‑Out Retreat.” The program delivers training, data insights,...
NFL Adds More Broadcast Games in 2026, Fox Gains Slots
NFL now expected to have even more games on broadcast TV in 2026 than it did in 2025 Fox has been going hard after more of these available games, and gets two more standalone windows. Was making a push early on...
Eulerity Introduces Industry-First Paid-to-Organic Agentic Layer, Expanding Access to TikTok and Open AI in a Unified AI Marketing Platform
Eulerity unveiled an industry‑first paid‑to‑organic agentic layer that ties together paid media, organic signals and large‑language‑model interfaces such as TikTok and OpenAI. The new layer lets brands activate, optimize and scale campaigns across both traditional social channels and emerging AI‑driven...
Introducing Syrup Sound: A Sound Design Studio for Shows That Take Audio Seriously
Syrup Sound, a boutique audio post‑production studio, officially launched on May 7, 2026 after years of behind‑the‑scenes work for top podcast brands. Founded by veteran sound designer Gaëtan Harris, the firm offers end‑to‑end services from restoration to final mix, positioning itself as...
AI for Social Teams Survey + a Live Chat
The post invites social media teams to join a quick pulse‑check survey on how they’re using AI, from home‑grown tools to third‑party solutions. Respondents will receive a benchmark report showing how their AI stack compares with peers. Findings will be...
President Trump Decries Rising Cost of Streaming the NFL
President Donald Trump criticized the NFL’s shift toward streaming, alleging fans could be forced to pay $1,000 per game. The claim is far from reality; the league still broadcasts roughly 90% of games over the air and only 20 games...
Podcast Professionals Association Announces Inaugural Board of Directors
The Podcast Professionals Association (PPA) announced its inaugural five‑member Board of Directors, marking a governance milestone as the nonprofit enters a new growth phase. Founded in 2024, PPA now serves over 70 vetted podcast service professionals and has hosted 24...
Podcasting and Audio Officially Recognised in UK SIC 2026 Framework
AudioUK announced that the UK government will formally recognise "Podcast and other audio publishing activities" in the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2026 framework. The new dedicated SIC code replaces outdated categories that previously forced podcast firms into ill‑fitting classifications. The...
Beauty Creator Golloria George Signs With UTA for Global Representation
Beauty creator Golloria George, who boasts over 3.3 million TikTok followers, has signed with United Talent Agency for global representation across digital media, brand partnerships, and strategic business ventures. UTA will coordinate opportunities while George remains managed by Digital Brand Architects...
Monday Memo: AI Side Hustles
Jason Reddick’s *The Complete Guide to AI Side Hustles* shows broadcasters and podcasters how to turn their trusted voices into scalable revenue streams. By pairing AI‑generated audio with human nuance, talent can offer high‑trust services such as tourism guides, corporate...
Cameo’s TikTok Partnership Targets the Gap Between Creator Fame and Creator Revenue
Cameo has partnered with TikTok to embed its booking links inside TikTok Minis, allowing U.S. creators with 50,000+ followers to sell personalized video messages without leaving the app. The integration, months in the making, addresses the creator‑economy friction where TikTok’s...
Ofcom Partially Upholds Police Watchdog Complaint About BBC's Chris Kaba Doc
Ofcom partially upheld the police watchdog’s complaint about the BBC’s Panorama documentary on the Chris Kaba shooting, finding the broadcaster unfairly presented criticisms from former police officials while handling Sal Naseem’s comments appropriately. The regulator required the BBC to add the...
From Wire Services to Viral Clips: The White House Briefing Room’s Shift Toward Creator Media
The Trump White House has opened the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room to podcasters, bloggers and social media influencers, creating a dedicated “new media” seat. Within weeks, more than 12,000 creator applications were submitted, and outlets ranging from Breitbart...
Kathy Barnette Show Making Waves in Philly
The Kathy Barnette Show, produced by the Seed & Root Initiative, has expanded from a local Philadelphia program to national syndication through the Salem Radio Network and podcast downloads. Airing live Saturdays at 10 a.m. ET since January, the show now...
Creator Economy Event Calendar – May 10, 2026 – Cannes Film Market, The Podcast Show, and TikTok Shop Lead a...
A packed creator‑economy calendar dominates mid‑May 2026, spanning Cannes and multiple London venues. Highlights include the Cannes Creator Economy Summit on May 17, which explores how digital creators are reshaping film financing and distribution, and the two‑day Podcast Show (May 20‑21) that...
First Look at What’s Coming to Netflix in June 2026
Netflix’s June 2026 slate blends blockbuster licensed titles with a wave of original programming. The month opens with the full Creed trilogy and the 2006 Rocky Balboa film, while new library additions include Oscar‑winner Poor Things and the final season of...
NewGen Bolsters U.S. Talent Department With Two Senior Hires From Kinetic Group, Bad Moon Talent
NewGen, a creator agency, has bolstered its U.S. talent department by hiring Joowon Lee as Associate Talent Director and Mark Sharman as Senior Talent Manager. Lee arrives from The Kinetic Group with a roster that includes the Baka Bros, Jalon...
TikTok Nears $400M Settlement With DOJ Over Children’s Privacy Violations
TikTok is close to a $400 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice over alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The deal, reached under the Trump administration, contains no admission of wrongdoing and would channel the money...
Will Another ‘Miami Vice’ Remake Have Anything to Say?
The original "Miami Vice" TV series defined 1980s Miami culture, and Michael Mann’s 2006 film remake attempted a gritty, transnational crime story with a $150 million budget but fell short at the box office. Two decades later, a new remake is...
The Upfronts Are A Week-Long Metaphor for DIRECTV In New Ad Campaign
DIRECTV Advertising unveiled a week‑long, multi‑channel campaign during Upfront Week in New York, using out‑of‑home, digital video and experiential activations to illustrate its converged TV platform. The effort, created with TBWA\Chiat\Day LA and Starcom US, mirrors the industry gathering by...
Advertisers Are Still Selling the Myth of the Missing Black Father
A new study by the Moynihan Institute surveyed 51 Black fathers about 15 nationally‑aired TV commercials from 2016‑2021, revealing that most ads either omit Black fathers or portray them in narrow, stereotypical roles. Participants praised Denny’s, Oreo and Dove spots...
New Mutual‑follow Filter Slashes Bots, yet Still Flawed
I love @X's new feature to only allow "accounts you follow and who they follow" because it just cuts AI bot replies down to zero Problem is it doesn't always work for everyone it seems, this guy for example is followed...
AJC CEO Resigns After Missing 500k Subscriber Target
NEWS: Andrew Morse steps down as CEO of Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He had set a goal of 500,000 digital subscribers. It's up to 101K. "We set a very ambitious goal," Morse says. "It's still very achievable... What's changed is the timing." My story: https://t.co/HBFq0HUc2b
Five Minnesota Authors Debut Collaborative Medical Thriller "The Kill Code Collective"
Five Minnesota writers have released a joint medical thriller called "The Kill Code Collective," the latest project from the Minnesota Mystery Works collective. The novel, announced on May 10, 2026, blends forensic medicine with suspense and showcases a collaborative model...
New Fred Rogers‑Inspired Documentary ‘Friends and Neighbors’ Premieres
TV Talk: "Mister Rogers & Me" filmmaker back with a new doc infused with the wisdom of Fred Rogers, #FriendsAndNeighbors airing this week on @WQED - via @TribLIVE - https://t.co/GMxEZhO659 https://t.co/LWBnlRt49G
Tweets Easily Become Headlines Across Media Platforms
Always amazes me when tweets get picked up and quoted in news stories or IG posts (but maybe it shouldn’t be surprising) https://t.co/aMe6Yvw35Y
Brianne Howey Says Ginny & Georgia Season 4 Will Lean Into Austin’s Growth Spurt
Brianne Howey confirmed that Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia will incorporate the real‑life growth of Diesel La Torraca, who plays Austin, into season 4’s plot. The show’s creator Sarah Lampert reiterated there will be no recast, opting instead for tongue‑in‑cheek jokes. The move...
Media Buying Still Thrives Despite Doom Predictions
"This runs counter to the popular narratives right now: "media buying will be dead soon""
Fox Adds NFL Games; Netflix Poised for Remaining Slots
⚡️ Fox Adding NFL Games, but What Happened to YouTube? ⚡️ $FOXA So four NFL games remain to be licensed out, with at least two expected to go to Netflix and potentially one each to… https://t.co/RL3MGzkiDX
Live Accountability Interview Shows Press Power AI Can't Replicate
Incredible moment here. Timely accountability interview on largest live audience in news media (60 Minutes, likely ~10M viewers) asking direct questions grounded in prior reporting of NYT. Both highly trusted. This is a free and plural press at its best....
High CPA Doesn't Mean Cut Top‑Spending Ad
Most media buyers looking at this would turn off the top spending ad because the CPA is the highest.
Fox Secures Two Additional NFL Games Amid Tense League Relations
Fox Picks Up Two More NFL Games for Next Season amidst strained realtionship with the league https://t.co/QwCWHVgvvO via @WSJ
WNBA's Fragmented TV Deals Push Fans over $100 Monthly
NEW: Spoke with @WNBA Commish Cathy Engelbert for @SBJ about the league's U.S. new media rights deals. The league is airing games on Disney/ABC/ESPN, Comcast/NBC/Peacock, Paramount/CBS, Scripps/Ion and Versant/USA Sports, and fans have to pay more than $100 monthly to...