BIA: local ad growth flatlines in 2027 after midterm political surge
BIA Advisory Services says local ad spending will nearly match total U.S. market growth this year, fueled by midterm political dollars.
Bartlett, Authentic Brands launch $400 million creator venture OBSN
Steven Bartlett’s Steven.com is teaming with Authentic Brands Group to invest up to $400 million helping creators build lasting businesses. Named OBSN, the venture pairs Bartlett’s media playbook with Authentic’s brand-management expertise across more than 50 IP holdings.
Netflix, Amazon and YouTube form new streaming lobby in DC
Netflix, Amazon and YouTube launched the Streaming Access and Choice Alliance, led by trade group TechNet, to push “technology-neutral” policy as regulators eye live sports.
NFL’s Wednesday opener draws 25 million viewers, tops Trump convention
A Seahawks-Patriots Super Bowl rematch kicked off the NFL season on a Wednesday, drawing more than 25 million viewers across NBC and Peacock.
Target names ex-Hilton CMO Mark Weinstein to oversee Roundel, Target+
Target hired Mark Weinstein, who stepped down as Hilton’s global CMO on Sept. 10, as chief marketing and guest experience officer, reporting to CEO Michael Fiddelke. He will also oversee retail media network Roundel and marketplace Target+.
Mail Metro Media names David White head of creators
Mail Metro Media has appointed David White, formerly of creator marketing agency Whalar, as Head of Creators within its New Media division.
Fox News and MS NOW post demo gains as CNN slides across the board
Fox News grew A25-54 total day viewers by 13% week over week while MS NOW’s primetime demo rose 10%, both ahead of the Labor Day weekend.
NFL opener ratings fall 11% despite Wednesday move
The NFL moved its Week 1 opener to Wednesday, but Patriots-Seahawks drew 25.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, down 11% from last year’s Cowboys-Eagles game. The 18-49 demo was strong, the best for an opener since 2021.
NFL’s Melbourne game on Netflix draws 18.5 million U.S. viewers
The 49ers-Rams game from Melbourne averaged 18.5 million U.S. viewers on Netflix, per Nielsen, peaking at 21.3 million and matching last year’s Brazil game despite requiring a paid subscription this time.
Netflix, Amazon, YouTube form D.C. lobbying group over streaming sports costs
Facing bipartisan criticism over the cost and complexity of watching sports on streaming, Netflix, Amazon and YouTube launched the Streaming Access and Choice Alliance, a Washington lobbying group led by trade association TechNet, on Monday.
Comcast, Paramount Skydance weigh shutting down SkyShowtime in Europe
The SkyShowtime board told CEO Monty Sarhan it is weighing strategic options, including shutting down the platform, citing a competitive and challenging market.
Paramount and Netflix end animated film production pact
Paramount and Netflix mutually agreed to conclude their animated film agreement, originally struck between Netflix and Skydance Animation in 2023.
NFL Kickoff Game draws 25 million, tops Trump convention speech
Seahawks-Patriots Kickoff Game averaged over 25 million viewers on NBC and Peacock, NBC’s fourth straight year at that mark. Trump’s Fox News convention speech drew about 2.5 million, per Nielsen, despite his claim it beat the NFL.
Steven Bartlett, Authentic Brands launch OBSN to scale creator businesses
Steven Bartlett’s Steven.com and Authentic Brands are launching OBSN, a venture pairing creator media expertise with licensing and retail infrastructure to build businesses around top creators, backed by up to $400 million in planned investment.
YouTube’s ad chief maps Oscars sponsorship push for 2029 broadcast
Google’s Americas ad sales lead Sean Downey tells Variety that YouTube’s first Academy Awards broadcast will let brands build sponsorship packages around live ad space, integrated creators and awards-season content.
BritBox doubles down on period drama as rivals retreat
BritBox is raising its originals slate to 25 percent period drama, betting against industry wisdom that the genre is too costly for audiences.
Byron Allen’s Local Now adds 111 Gray Media stations
Local Now, Byron Allen’s FAST service, has added 111 free ad-supported channels carrying Gray Media’s local station coverage, expanding its lineup to nearly 600 channels spanning all 210 U.S. markets.
Grocery TV: 62% of shoppers buy after seeing in-store screen ads
Grocery TV’s 2026 In-Store Shopper Perception Report finds 62% of shoppers bought a product after viewing an in-store ad. Acceptance of front-end screens rose 23 percentage points since 2023, from roughly a third of shoppers to just over half.
IAS-Neuro-Insight study finds ad frequency cap of three lifts CTV brand impact
IAS and Neuro-Insight measured brain activity across 137 viewers watching CTV ads matched or mismatched to show tone and context, and repeated up to four times, to gauge frequency’s effect on brand impact.
Crooked Media hands SiriusXM exclusive global ad sales, distribution
Crooked Media signed a long-term deal giving SXM Media exclusive global ad sales for its podcasts, plus video, social, and live events, starting in May, while Crooked keeps editorial control and stays on other platforms.
Sony, Amazon weigh four Spider-Man scripts after Spider-Noir cancellation
Amazon’s Prime Video canceled its Emmy-winning drama Spider-Noir, and Sony Television is now weighing four new scripts from buzzy writers for its next live-action Spider-Man play.
Visa data: the ‘couch economy’ outlasted the pandemic that created it
Visa Business and Economic Insights finds U.S. online and in-app payment share rose from 48% in 2019 to 58% in 2026, with over 17% of cards holding active streaming subscriptions versus roughly 6% for cinema or concerts.