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:
Game 7s, Duke's Prime Video Deal, and a Conversation with Northwestern's J.A. Adande
In this episode of Sports Media Watch, hosts John Lewis and Armand Brody discuss the shifting landscape of sports broadcasting, from the decline of traditional studio shows to the rise of streaming and podcast platforms, highlighted by a conversation with former ESPN analyst and Northwestern professor J.A. Adande. They analyze the impact of strategic scheduling, such as NBC’s Kentucky Derby lead‑in to Game 7 of the 76ers‑Celtics series, and examine recent media deals—including ESPN’s lucrative NBA contract, the NHL’s strong ratings on ESPN/ABC, and Prime Video’s acquisition of three Duke men’s basketball games—while debating the implications for leagues, networks, and fans. Adande offers academic and insider perspectives on how these trends reshape the industry’s economics and content distribution.
Fox News Loses Its Grip as Conservative Media Anchor
"The split between Fox News and others in the right-wing echo chamber has underscored that the network no longer serves as the undisputed gravitational center of conservative media," @nataliekorach writes.
Debate Ignites Over Character.ai’s AI Tool That Rewrites Classic Novels
Character.ai has rolled out a “Books” feature that lets users insert themselves into, alter characters and change endings of public‑domain classics. The launch has sparked a fierce debate among writers, educators and cultural commentators about the ethical, educational and commercial...
X Launches AI‑powered Ad Platform Overhaul to Lure Back Advertisers
X (formerly Twitter) began a phased rollout of a rebuilt, AI‑driven advertising platform on April 30, the first full overhaul since the early 2000s. Powered by xAI technology, the new stack promises tighter targeting, higher relevance and better campaign performance...
Herald Sun Launches Sam Landsberger Sports Journalism Fellowship
The Herald Sun, Melbourne Press Club and the Western Bulldogs have launched the Sam Landsberger Sport Journalism Fellowship to honour the late award‑winning reporter. The six‑month program offers a four‑month stint with the Herald Sun’s sports team and two months...
F1 Sponsors Forgotten Within Weeks Despite Millions Burned, Study Finds
Brands are spending millions on Formula 1 sponsorship, yet most fade from memory within weeks, according to Honeycomb Strategy’s “Pit Stop to Podium” study of 19 sponsors at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. The research measured unprompted awareness immediately after the...
USA TODAY Co. AI Licensing Beats Ad Revenue in Q1 2026, Driving $18.8M Surge
USA TODAY Co. reported that AI licensing revenue of $18.8 million in the first quarter of 2026 exceeded its traditional advertising earnings, marking the first time AI services have become the larger revenue line. The surge helped lift net income to...
‘No Future’: Abbie Chatfield Ruled Out as Permanent at KIIS
Australian Radio Network (ARN) has ruled out podcaster Abbie Chatfield as a permanent host for KIIS FM’s breakfast slot, confirming she will remain a temporary presenter. The decision follows the cancellation of the Kyle and Jackie O show and a...
Meta Opens Ads AI Connectors Beta, Linking Campaigns to ChatGPT, Claude
Meta Platforms has rolled out an open beta of Ads AI Connectors, enabling advertisers to create, edit and analyze campaigns directly through external generative AI models such as ChatGPT and Claude. The connectors use a Model Context Protocol server and...
Live on MoneyFM 89.3 at 10:05 Am Discussing Money
Today I will be live on radio, MoneyFM 89.3 at 10.05am talking about Money 😃
NCIS Prequel Explores Young Gibbs' Early Career
TIL there's an ncis prequel series about a young whatever mark harmon's character is named
Eva Longoria and ‘House of the Spirits’ Showrunners on the Magic and the Realism That Brought Isabel Allende’s Beloved...
Eva Longoria teamed with Chilean creators Francisca Alegría and Fernanda Urrejola to bring Isabel Allende’s novel *The House of the Spirits* to Amazon Prime Video as an eight‑episode limited series. The adaptation, filmed across Chile’s diverse landscapes, premiered on April 29 after a high‑profile...
7plus Tops April BVOD Rankings as Audience Climbs 50%
Seven’s free streaming service 7plus led Australia’s commercial BVOD market in April, securing a 43.4% share of viewing. The platform’s audience swelled 50.5% year‑over‑year, delivering more than 3.6 billion minutes of content, with live streaming—particularly AFL matches—showing the strongest growth. Strong...
Sky Sports to Air W7F Tournament
Sky Sports has secured exclusive UK broadcast rights for the women’s World Sevens Football (W7F) tournament, scheduled for May 28‑30 at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. The third edition, and the first hosted in England, will feature eight Women’s Super League clubs—including...
Australia Wants Tech Giants to Fund Journalism – but Is It Too Little, Too Late?
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is advancing the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI), which would force Meta, Google, TikTok and other large platforms to negotiate commercial deals with Australian media or face a 2.25% levy on their local revenue. The scheme...
David Kendall, ‘Boy Meets World’ And ‘Growing Pains’ Producer, Dies At 68
David Kendall, a veteran writer, producer and director behind iconic sitcoms such as Boy Meets World, Growing Pains and Melissa & Joey, died at 68. He served as executive producer on Boy Meets World from season 2 through its finale and wrote 32 episodes of Growing Pains while shaping...
NBC Earns Most-Watched Kentucky Derby on Record
NBC reported that the 152nd Kentucky Derby attracted an average of 19.6 million viewers, a 12% increase over the previous year and the highest‑rated Derby on record. The race’s peak audience reached 24.4 million during the live quarter‑hour, while Peacock...
26 Years Ago Today “Party of Five” Aired Its Finale Episode: Reflecting on a Groundbreaking Drama
Today marks the 26th anniversary of the Party of Five series finale, which aired on May 3, 2000 and attracted over 10 million viewers. The FOX drama, which ran for six seasons, earned a 1996 Golden Globe and tackled heavy topics...
Kentucky Derby Sets Record with 19.6M Average Viewers
The Kentucky Derby averaged 19.6 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, up 11% over last year’s Derby audience That's the most-watched Derby in history. (We note here Nielsen's measurement changes as with other sporting events.) Viewership peaked at 24.4 million viewers from...
Short Netflix Window Demands Restraint on SVOD Strategy
By the way... 49 days to Netflix is 2 weekends too short. Going to SVOD is different than going to PVOD. And there are other open issues about the Narnia release in Feb. I'm not saying it won't lead to...
Royals Offer Hilarious Endorsement for Foul-Mouthed Closer’s Postgame Interview
Kansas City closer Lucas Erceg let an f‑bomb and s‑bomb slip during his postgame interview after a save against Seattle. Rather than issuing a standard apology, the Royals publicly embraced the profanity, posting a light‑hearted statement that the player “said...
Jimmy Kimmel Reignites Trump’s War on Disney
President Donald Trump and former first lady Melania have again urged Disney to fire Jimmy Kimmel, reviving a feud that began last year. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, announced a review of the broadcast licenses for Disney‑owned ABC...
Nova 100 Recognises CLINT STANAWAY in Melbourne Breakfast Update
Nova 100 officially renamed its flagship Melbourne Breakfast program to "Jase, Lauren & Clint," elevating co‑host and newsreader Clint Stanaway from an afterthought to a headline name. The rebrand launched on air this morning after sustained listener requests and aims...
Google’s March Core Update Shifted Visibility Away From Aggregators via @Sejournal, @MattGSouthern
Google’s March 2026 core update shifted search visibility away from aggregator and user‑generated content platforms toward first‑party brand sites, government domains, and original content creators. An Amsive analysis of over 2,000 domains using SISTRIX data showed YouTube losing the most visibility...
Ruth McKee’s ‘Wild Iris’ Tackles Suicide and Sex on a 42nd Birthday
Irish author Ruth McKee reveals how she sold her debut novel, Wild Iris, despite agents balking at its bleak premise. The book follows 42‑year‑old Eve as she teeters between suicide and a chance at love, a pitch McKee says was...
CBS News Ratings Slip as Bari Weiss’ Overhaul Sparks Internal Conflict
CBS News’ flagship programs have posted their lowest viewership in years as editor-in-chief Bari Weiss’ revamp fails to attract younger audiences. At the same time, veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi publicly accused Weiss of corporate meddling, highlighting a growing...
Apple TV Dominates with Unexpected High‑Quality Shows
Apple TV is the LeBron James of making high quality TV shows that I have no idea even existed
Dead to Me Debuted 2019, Dark Comedy About Revenge
📺 May 3, 2019: "Dead to Me" premiered on Netflix. The dark comedy, created by Liz Feldman and produced 30 episodes across three seasons, centered on the unlikely friendship between Jen (Christina Applegate), a recently widowed woman seeking revenge for...
SNL UK Airs a Skit About Mario and Princess Peach Living Together in Brooklyn
Saturday Night Live’s new UK edition aired a sketch featuring Mario and Princess Peach sharing a Brooklyn apartment. Host Aimee Lou Wood portrayed Princess Peach, while the sketch juxtaposed Mushroom Kingdom motifs with New York‑city stereotypes. The comedy leverages familiar...
6,000+ Women Enrolled in Free 30‑Day AI Challenge
6,000+ women joined the Women’s AI Challenge I started with 4 other creators 🤯 It’s 30 days and FREE You can still join. Link here: https://t.co/UTnXTcKWc7 https://t.co/gOwJSYXRfr
MLB's All‑Access Subscription Feels Like Joker Trap
I'm increasingly convinced MLB created this year's "all access" subscription system to turn me into The Joker https://t.co/ejXPFpQgLH
The Beast in Me's Claire Danes Lands Next Lead Role in Netflix Series That's a "Modern Romantic Epic"
Claire Danes will star and executive‑produce Netflix's upcoming series "Lovesick," a modern romantic epic adapted from the Israeli hit "The Best Worst Thing." The drama follows Annika, a breast‑cancer surgeon whose own diagnosis upends her life and intertwines with a...
Condemning #BrokenTimes for Irresponsible Conspiracy Promotion
This is wildly irresponsible of the #BrokenTimes. I won't link to it spreading a conspiracy theory, no matter the denials. https://t.co/jip58aBLYt
Dark Angel Finale Pits Transgenic Rebels Against Seattle Police
📺 May 3, 2002: Max (Jessica Alba), Logan (Michael Weatherly) and hundreds of genetically-enhanced transgenics were readying for war with the police and the military at Seattle's Terminal City in the series finale of “Dark Angel” on Fox. The science...
2026 BAFTA TV Awards to Stream on HBO Max Australia
The 2026 BAFTA Television Awards will be streamed live on HBO Max Australia, debuting at 4:03 am AEST on Monday, 11 May. The ceremony, filmed at London’s Royal Festival Hall, is hosted by comedian Greg Davies. Warner Bros. Discovery secured five nominations, including The...
Politico Brands Hunter Emails “Disinfo” Amid Repeated False Claims
FWIW: The original @Politico Gesellschaft story by serial Russia Hoax queen @NatashaBertrand asserted that Hunter's emails had "all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation ..." Her headline writers went with "disinfo," which conveys a more nefarious meaning. https://t.co/jR2wfaq25z
Dallas Finale Mirrors “It’s a Wonderful Life” Storyline
📺 May 3, 1991: The original “Dallas” concluded its 14-season run on CBS. The plot of the 2-hour finale entitled “Conundrum” mirrored that of the film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman) is taken on a journey...
HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION? Kicks Off New Season Tonight
Australian Network 10 has launched the 14th season of the comedy‑quiz show Have You Been Paying Attention? on May 4, 2026. Long‑time quizmaster Tom Gleisner returns alongside regulars Sam Pang and Ed Kavalee, with guest comedians Kitty Flanagan, Pete Helliar and Anne Edmonds...
Hotel Ends After Five Seasons on May 3, 1988
📺 May 3, 1988: “Hotel“, the Aaron Spelling-produced prime time soap opera based on Arthur Hailey’s novel of the same name, aired its series finale on ABC. The San Francisco-set series, starring Connie Sellecca and James Brolin, ran for five...
Washington Post Ukraine Chief Among Recent Layoff Victims
Be sure to read the story, but also the second tweet in this thread from @siobhan_ogrady, the Washington Post's Ukraine bureau chief who was caught up in the recent layoffs
Oh God, What Happened To The New Animal Farm, And Why?
Angel Studios, a production company led by a family of Latter‑Day Saints, released a new film adaptation of George Orwell’s *Animal Farm*. The version injects overt Christian and right‑leaning values, diverging sharply from the novel’s original anti‑totalitarian satire. Critics on...
YouTube Tests New Music Generation and Moderation Tools
YouTube is testing a new Studio feature that lets creators generate four royalty‑free instrumental tracks to replace copyrighted audio, aiming to cut content‑ID claims. The same rollout includes a bulk comment‑moderation tool that filters replies by conversational context rather than...
Nolan's “The Odyssey” Trailer Premieres on Colbert Tomorrow
The new trailer for Christopher Nolan's THE ODYSSEY will world premiere tomorrow night on @colbertlateshow, where Christopher Nolan will be a guest. https://t.co/k9Nk2MuemN
Build Scalable Verified Trust Amid Deepfake Crisis
Honestly, with deepfakes getting better and media trust declining,if you're an entrepreneur, building something that delivers verified trust at scale is one of the biggest opportunities of our era.
Instagram Tests Option to Swap Out Text in Someone Else’s Reels
Instagram is quietly testing a new "Swap" feature that lets users replace the on‑screen text of someone else’s Reel with their own copy. The tool, briefly described in a Help Center article that was later removed, appears designed to make...
39 Seasons on, Home & Away Just Pulled Off a Most Impressive Feat.
Australian soap Home & Away delivered an unexpected ratings coup in its 39th season, topping all entertainment programs on Seven for four consecutive nights. Monday’s episode attracted 1.011 million live viewers, a 5 percent increase over the same week in 2025, while...
‘Euphoria’ Season 4 On HBO May No Longer Be Impossible
While season 3 of HBO's *Euphoria* was long billed as the series finale, recent viewership data suggests a fourth season could still be viable. The season 3 premiere attracted 44% more viewers than season 2 despite mixed critical reviews, defying the typical 50%...
CEOs Welcome Extension of Commercial Broadcasting Tax Freeze
The Albanese government will extend the suspension of the Commercial Broadcasting Tax (CBT) for another two years, pushing the deadline to 8 June 2028. Free TV Australia estimates the measure will save the sector roughly $111.3 million Australian dollars (about $73 million USD). Industry...
Week 18 in TV Ratings
Week 18 of Australian TV ratings showed Seven dominating the week, driven by the long‑running drama Home & Away which broke the one‑million‑viewer mark and helped Seven win four entertainment nights. Seven News topped the news slot on Monday with 1.57 million viewers, while...
Airdate: The Revenge Club
The Revenge Club, a six‑part UK comedic thriller, debuts on Britbox on May 7 after a December run on Paramount+. The series stars Martin Compston, Douglas Henshall, Aimee Fifon Edwards, Meera Syal, Sharon Rooney and Chaneil Kular. It follows six strangers...