The Madison Has Been Renewed for Season 3
Paramount+ has renewed Taylor Sheridan’s drama The Madison for a third season. The series, originally pitched as a Yellowstone spinoff with Matthew McConaughey, was re‑imagined as a standalone starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell. Its March debut pulled 8 million viewers in the first ten days, the highest‑ever Sheridan launch on the platform. No plot or casting details for season 3 have been disclosed yet.
Taylor Sheridan’s ‘The Madison’ Renewed For Season 3 By Paramount+ Ahead Of Season 2 Debut
Paramount+ has officially renewed Taylor Sheridan’s drama *The Madison* for a third season, even before the second season has aired. The series, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, launched with eight million global views in its first ten days, marking Sheridan’s most‑watched...
Netflix’s ‘Lord of the Flies’ Enters 12 Emmy Categories, Positioning Young Cast for Potential Nominations (EXCLUSIVE)
Netflix and the BBC have entered their limited‑series adaptation of Lord of the Flies in 12 Emmy categories, ranging from Outstanding Limited Series to direction, writing, and casting. The campaign positions newcomer Winston Sawyer as the sole Lead Actor nominee,...
Super Channel Greenlights New Docuseries Offering Rare Inside Look at RCMP Investigations
Super Channel and Winnipeg‑based Farpoint Films have green‑lit *RCMP Files*, a 20‑episode documentary series that follows Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigators through historic Canadian cases. The series, produced in Winnipeg, will feature interviews with current Commissioner Mike Duheme and former...
New Video Frontiers 2026: What to Expect
VideoWeek’s New Video Frontiers 2026 conference kicks off tomorrow in London, gathering broadcasters, agencies, platforms and brands for two days of CTV, AI and ad‑tech discussions. Day 1 features a fireside on brand‑marketer pressures, Omdia’s CTV forecasts, AI‑powered ad‑trading infrastructure, and...
Audiences Increasingly Turning to Prime Video, Roku for Aggregation
A Hub Research survey reveals that 54% of U.S. viewers now subscribe to at least one additional streaming service through Prime Video’s digital subscriptions hub, up from 50% in 2025. Roku serves as an aggregation point for 26% of respondents,...
Nielsen: Move Along, Nothing To See Here (*)
Nielsen released its February "Gauge" report, but the data still relies on an outdated methodology that fails to capture true cross‑platform TV consumption. The report shows streaming outpacing broadcast and cable, a result the author argues is more a measurement...
Local TV Webcasts Get AI Boost From AccuWeather
AccuWeather unveiled ImmersiCast, an AI‑powered augmented‑reality weather system, at the 2026 NAB Show. Built on Unreal Engine, the platform projects real‑time 3D forecasts—rain, snow, lightning—over cityscapes, letting viewers watch storms unfold minute by minute. The company also introduced StoryTeller NewsPro,...
Blink49 Studios Pushes Into Microdramas (Exclusive)
Blink49 Studios announced the appointment of Tieren Hawkins as vice‑president of vertical content to spearhead a new microdrama division. Hawkins, who produced hits such as Forbidden Bonds that amassed over 150 million views on platforms like ReelShort, will lead the creation...
Calinos Entertainment Presents New Turkish Drama, Ugly, to the Global Market
Calinos Entertainment is launching the Turkish drama *Ugly (Çirkin)* to international markets after a strong domestic debut on Star TV. The series opened on March 29 and saw its ratings rise from 4.70 to 5.89 by the third episode, while...
FreeWheel’s AI-Driven Context Engine Enables Global Contextual Targeting Across Premium Video
FreeWheel launched Context Engine, an AI‑driven feature inside its Streaming Hub that automatically tags premium video content with contextual signals such as emotion, location and objects. The tool combines computer vision, machine learning and generative AI to process millions of...
Atresmedia Will Adapt Talpa Studios’ Hit Format, Caught in the Middle
Atresmedia has commissioned a Spanish version of Talpa Studios’ quiz show “Caught in the Middle” for Antena 3, with Fremantle Spain handling production and filming set to take place at Talpa’s international hub in the Netherlands. The format debuted in the...
Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+: Which Is the Most In-Demand OTT Service?
JustWatch’s first‑quarter 2026 data shows Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ still dominate the global OTT market, but their relative shares vary widely by country. In the United States Netflix leads with 19% of viewers, followed by Prime at 17% and...
Titan OS Positions Smart TV Homepage as Key Growth Driver
Titan OS announced that the smart TV homepage is becoming a primary growth engine for content discovery and user acquisition. At Stream TV Europe, the company highlighted its high‑impact video banners and discovery tools that drive app installs directly from...
Bundesliga Uses UK as Test Bed for Fragmented, Multi-Platform Rights Strategy
Bundesliga International is testing a fragmented, multi‑platform rights model in the UK and Ireland, combining pay‑TV, free‑to‑air, FAST and pay‑per‑view. The league keeps Sky for premium matches, while BBC iPlayer streams Friday games free, Amazon’s Prime Video offers Sunday matches...
Delayed Nielsen Gauge Confirms the Olympics Were Great for NBCUniversal (and Versant)
Nielsen’s delayed February Gauge data show NBCUniversal and its spin‑off Versant captured 13.1% of all TV usage, overtaking YouTube for the first time. The surge was driven by the Super Bowl and the 2026 Winter Olympics, which lifted NBCU’s share...
European Originals Thrive on Authenticity as Dubbing, AI and Co-Productions Reshape Market
European broadcasters are piloting AI‑powered dubbing to broaden reach while preserving the authenticity that drives global appeal. Sky Entertainment tested AI dubbing with lip‑sync adjustments on Italian dramas, offering viewers a choice between subtitles and dubbed versions. Industry leaders warned...
Open Broadcast Systems Unlocks IP Distribution for BBC World Service TV
Open Broadcast Systems announced that its low‑latency IP decoders have been chosen by BBC World Service TV for global distribution. The compact units support major IP video protocols—including SRT, RIST and Zixi—allowing flexible, reliable, and cost‑effective delivery to rebroadcast partners...
AITN: 5 News Transforms Video Discovery for Flagship News Programme
Independent Television News (ITN) has rolled out Moments Lab’s Video Discovery Platform, powered by MXT multimodal AI, to index the 5 News archive. The AI‑driven tool lets producers locate relevant footage in seconds instead of hours, cutting manual effort. Faster...
UK Regulators Open Inquiry Into Paramount/WBD Transaction
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has opened an inquiry into Paramount's proposed $31‑per‑share acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The CMA is seeking comments from interested parties, with written submissions due by April 27, 2026, before deciding whether to launch...
Appear Takes Its X Platform to the Edge
Appear announced the launch of Appear XM, a self‑hosted management console for its X Platform, aimed at simplifying operations across large, distributed broadcast deployments. The company also made its X5 edge appliance generally available, bringing broadcast‑grade AVC/HEVC encoding, Dolby audio,...
VodafoneZiggo Adds Low-Cost Broadband and TV Offer to Hollandsnieuwe
VodafoneZiggo is extending its budget mobile brand hollandsnieuwe into the Dutch fixed market, offering broadband and TV services over the Ziggo network. Customers can pick 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps speeds and a streaming‑based TV package with more than 50 channels. Introductory...
Mainstream Media to Launch FAST Channel AKIBA Anime
German broadcaster Mainstream Media is set to launch AKIBA Anime, a free‑ad‑supported FAST channel, in summer 2026. The service is built with peppermint anime, a leading German anime publisher, and will showcase titles such as Demon Slayer, Sword Art Online...
Gary Neville’s Media Group Buys Football YouTuber Mark Goldbridge’s Channels
Gary Neville’s sports media venture, The Overlap, has purchased Mark Goldbridge’s YouTube channels The United Stand and That’s Football, together reaching 3.7 million subscribers. The deal, reported to be a seven‑figure sum (roughly $2‑$5 million), marks The Overlap’s first acquisition since its...
Synamedia Targets Gen Z with Launch of GO Shorts
Synamedia unveiled GO Shorts, an AI‑driven short‑form module for its Go OTT platform, letting operators repackage existing libraries into personalized micro‑clips for Gen Z viewers. The technology identifies relevant snippets based on individual behavior and lets users jump to the full‑length...
YouTube Removes Belarusian State Media Channels
On April 3, 2026, YouTube terminated the channels of Belarusian state news agency BelTA and TV broadcasters ONT and STV, citing sanctions as the reason. Belarusian officials disputed the claim, saying the outlets are not sanctioned and warning that the takedown threatens...
Birla Studios Partners with Vi to Launch Mobile-First Acting Talent Platform
Birla Studios has teamed with Vodafone Idea to launch “Reel Se Real Star,” a mobile‑first platform that lets aspiring actors submit audition videos via the Vi app or web. The service removes the need for industry referrals and physical casting...
‘Zootopia 2’ Leads March Disc Sales, Though ‘Wicked: For Good’ Remains No. 1 for 2026
Disney’s *Zootopia 2* claimed the No. 1 spot on March 2026 physical‑media sales, topping the chart for three of the four weeks it was on shelves. The sequel’s strong debut helped Disney overtake other releases, while Universal’s *Wicked: For Good* retained the year‑to‑date...
Stan Commissions Docudrama Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money
Stan announced an eight‑part docudrama, Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money, spotlighting Gold Coast‑based OnlyFans agency Blue Rose Talent. The series follows women who dominate the top 1% of creators, earning up to $1 million a year with minimal work. Produced by...
Streaming Viewers Are OK with Double the Commercials as ‘Subscription Fatigue’ Sets In
A new MarketWatch survey finds that as streaming subscription fees climb, more viewers are willing to watch twice as many commercials in exchange for lower prices. The trend, labeled “subscription fatigue,” shows consumers prioritizing cost savings over ad‑free experiences. Respondents...
A New Study Shows Cord Cutters Are Cutting Back on How Much They Pay For TV
Americans are tightening entertainment budgets, with more than 40% of surveyed households cutting back on streaming subscriptions due to financial pressure. At the same time, three‑quarters of respondents express irritation over frequent price hikes from major platforms. Cord‑cutters now average...
David Ellison’s Nightmare: A-List Coalition Unites to Kill the AU$156B Warner Merger
Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, is pursuing a US$111 billion (AU$156 billion) acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the largest media merger in Hollywood history. More than 1,000 actors, directors and writers have signed an open letter on BlocktheMerger.com demanding the deal...
Carriage
Allen Media Group’s free streaming service Local Now has expanded its channel lineup by adding seven Scripps networks, including Ion, Ion Mystery, Ion Plus, Bounce XL, Grit Xtra, Laff More, and the newly launched Scripps Sports Network. The service, which...
Netflix Adds More Soccer
Netflix has signed a four‑year agreement to become the exclusive broadcaster of the CONCACAF Nations League Finals and Gold Cup in Mexico, covering the 2027 and 2029 editions of both tournaments. The deal expands Netflix’s live‑sports footprint beyond its U.S....
People
Josh Oshinsky has been hired by ESPN as Senior Director of Original Content Development. In his new role, he will guide multiplatform storytelling across flagship properties such as the "30 for 30" documentary series, ESPN Films, podcasts, and scripted projects....
Bizaar Studios Expands FAST Channel to Prime Video
Bizaar Studios announced that its ad‑supported FAST Channel for adult animation is now available on Prime Video in the United States and Canada. The channel, previously carried on Samsung TV Plus, Xumo Play, Plex and Hisense, launched in early 2025 with hundreds of...
The 'Burbs Renewed For Season 2 At Peacock
Peacock has ordered a second season of “The ’Burbs,” the Keke Palmer‑led comedy‑mystery that reimagines the 1989 Tom Hanks film. Season 1, consisting of eight episodes, premiered in February and was released all at once, receiving strong audience reception. The show...
Scripps News Hires NBC’s Jay Gray to Serve as Senior National Correspondent
The E.W. Scripps Company announced that veteran NBC journalist Jay Gray will join its streaming outlet Scripps News as senior national correspondent. Gray brings 22 years of experience covering breaking news on programs such as The Today Show and NBC Nightly News. His hire follows...
Cord Cutting Today: Roku Adds New Features as Streaming Prices Rise and Local TV Faces More Disruption
Roku quietly rolled out a new "Roku City" feature on its TVs and players, offering a more personalized channel guide while simultaneously deploying a critical bug fix that restored stability for millions of users. At the same time, Nexstar announced...
Is AUSTRALIAN NINJA WARRIOR Gearing up for a Big TV Comeback?
Australian Ninja Warrior is on the brink of a revival, with a deal expected to be signed within weeks to move the series from Nine to Network 10. Potential filming locations include Dreamworld on the Gold Coast and Melbourne, each offering...
We're Tracking Streaming Price Hikes in 2026: Netflix, Spotify, YouTube and Others
Streaming services across the U.S. are seeing a wave of price hikes through 2025‑2026, with major players like Netflix, YouTube Premium, Spotify, and Disney+ raising monthly fees by $1‑$4. Netflix’s ad‑free Standard and Premium plans now cost $20 and $27...
Pluto TV Adds a New Channel
Pluto TV has added Swerve Women’s Sports, a free, ad‑supported channel dedicated to live competitions, highlights, documentaries and original programming featuring female athletes. The 24‑hour linear channel covers football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics and more, aiming to capture the rapidly...
YouTube Boosts Creator Economy Focus at 2026 AUS CHILDREN’S SUMMIT
YouTube has joined the Australian Children’s Content Summit in Coffs Harbour as a Major Partner, marking its first formal involvement in the nation’s dedicated kids‑content event. The four‑day summit, running 24‑27 August 2026, will showcase leading family‑friendly creators alongside producers,...
Robert Corn-Revere: Fact Checking Without Facts
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is using the public‑interest licensing standard to threaten broadcasters that he labels as spreading "fake news," a stance that departs from decades‑old FCC precedent. Over the past year he has posted on social media that stations...
NAB 2026: OpenDrives Introduces Edge Hybrid Cloud-Edge Performance Accelerator
OpenDrives unveiled OpenDrives Edge at NAB 2026, a hybrid cloud‑edge performance accelerator designed for distributed video and rich‑media workflows. The system automates data movement between a central hub and edge sites, caching files locally for LAN‑speed access while syncing changes back...
LTN Appoints New Executives to Support IP-Based Distribution Growth
LTN announced the appointment of Mark Romano as Vice President of Multichannel Platforms and Edward Cox as Vice President of Sales & Business Development. Both executives bring more than two decades of experience from SES and other media‑technology firms. Their mandates...
Overlay Ads and the Streaming Ad Tech State of Play
IAB Tech Lab’s VP of Product Jill Wittkopp outlined the current state of streaming ad‑tech, focusing on overlay formats such as L‑bars, squeezebacks and corner overlays. The lab applied an 80/20 rule to distill eight ad experiences down to six,...
How Brands Should Respond to CTV Ad Fatigue Before Viewers Tune Them Out
Streaming platforms are rapidly expanding ad‑supported inventory, with Prime Video doubling its ad load, Netflix adding ad minutes, and Amazon rebranding its ad‑free tier. The U.S. CTV audience now exceeds 240 million, and projected ad spend is set to surpass $46 billion...
Jay Bilas to Fill Michael Malone’s Role on ESPN NBA Playoff Coverage
Jay Bilas will replace Michael Malone on ESPN’s NBA playoff broadcast team after Malone left for the University of North Carolina head‑coaching job, signing a six‑year, $50 million contract. Bilas, a longtime college basketball analyst who joined ESPN in 1995, will...
The End of MultiChoice as We Know It
Six months after Canal+ acquired MultiChoice, the South African pay‑TV giant is being reshaped under CEO David Mignot. A price freeze follows the loss of 2.8 million linear subscribers, and the underperforming Showmax service is being retired. The business now leans...