Rough times for broadcast networks illustrate changing media landscape
Two milestones revealed this week illustrate the diminishing power of broadcast television in the media world — one fueled by the habits of young people and the other by their elders.
During June, viewers spent more time watching streaming services than they did for broadcast and cable television combined. That happened for the first time ever in May, by a fraction of a percentage point, but the Nielsen company said on Tuesday that gap widened considerably in June.
Also, for the third straight week, Nielsen said that Fox News Channel had more viewers in prime-time on weeknights than any of the main the broadcast networks ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox entertainment.
For years, the mantra of media executives was that streaming represented the future for in-home entertainment. Now, that future has clearly arrived.
In June, 46% of Americans' TV time was spent on streaming services, led by YouTube and Netflix. Cable television networks represented 23.4% and broadcast was 18.5%, for a total of just under 42%, Nielsen said. It was the first time broadcast TV had ever slipped below 20% of total TV viewing.
'It kind of felt like the right time,' said Brian Fuhrer, Nielsen's senior vice president for product strategy and thought leadership. 'A lot of people thought it would happen more quickly.'
The driving force in June was school ending for young people, meaning they had more time to watch TV, where Netflix series like 'Ginny & Georgia' and 'Squid Game' were big hits. Roughly two-thirds of people aged 6 to 17 watched streaming ahead of conventional TV, Nielsen said.
In June 2024, the numbers were roughly reversed — 47.7% of people were watching conventional TV in an average minute, with 40.3% logged on to a streaming service.
While the direction is clear, it's not a death knell for conventional TV. June and July are fallow months, and their viewing will increase when football season begins and original episodes of comedies and dramas return, Fuhrer said.
It's also not a strict either-or situation; media companies are doing a better job spreading their content out on different platforms to give viewers a choice, he said. The growth of YouTube, which many consumers can access for free and is a portal for "traditional" TV, has also fueled streaming services.
Fox News has occasionally eclipsed the broadcast networks in viewership before, but last week represented the seventh week it has done so in 2025, already more than 2024 and 2023 combined. It averaged 2.4 million viewers in prime time on weeknights last week, Nielsen said.
Fox News is also taking advantage of what is traditionally the least-watched time of the year for broadcast networks, when summer nights and barbecues keep people outside. The difference this year is it has won a few weeks outside of the summer, during President Donald Trump's inauguration week in January, for example.
Its audience — among the oldest of all television networks — tends to stay pretty steady throughout the year.
© Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Nikkei Asia
a day ago
- Nikkei Asia
Anime, Japan's cultural crown jewel, faces foreign invasion
Movie-goers wait in line to see "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" in Tokyo on July 18. The film rode a global anime boom to set a Japanese box office record. © Kyodo Douglas Montgomery is CEO of Global Connects Media and an adjunct professor at Temple University Japan. Unbelievable as it may seem, anime may be generating more headlines this summer than Trump's tariffs. Undisputed streaming champion Netflix reports that 50% of its global users now watch anime, the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 3 hosted a sold-out One Piece Night and "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" just shattered Japan's opening weekend record with a $38 million box office.
Kyodo News
2 days ago
- Kyodo News
"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" Double Theme Song by Aimer and LiSA, Single CDs Released!
Blockbuster movie "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" has released single CDs for its two theme songs, performed by Aimer and LiSA! This announcement was accompanied by comments from both artists, as well as messages from Go Shiina and Yuki Kajiura, who were responsible for the music production. Furthermore, it has been revealed that the music videos for both songs will premiere on the official YouTube channel. CD Release Confirmed for Two Theme Songs! "Demon Slayer," a manga from Koyoharu Gotouge and published by Shueisha's Jump Comics, has sold over 220 million copies of volumes 1-23. The anime adaptation is produced by ufotable. Its newest installment, the movie "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" premiered in Japan on Friday, July 18. Now, the movie's two theme songs has been released as single CDs on Wednesday, July 23 (Japan Time)! Aimer and LiSA, both of whom have previously performed theme songs for the "Demon Slayer" anime, are responsible for these new tracks. Aimer's "A World Where the Sun Never Rises" features lyrics by Hikaru Kondo, the general producer of the "Demon Slayer" anime at ufotable. Go Shiina, who composed the background music for the anime, handled the music and arrangement. This majestic theme combines a rich, grand orchestra with Aimer's powerful vocals. Meanwhile, LiSA's "Shine in the Cruel Night" was composed and written by Yuki Kajiura, also known for her background music in the "Demon Slayer" anime. This powerful track, another collaboration between LiSA and Yuki Kajiura, creates a grand and dynamic world view, echoing their previous successful theme songs for the series. Artist and creator comments were released alongside the singles. Comments from Artists and Creators Aimer's Comment: This song was lovingly entrusted to me by Go Shiina-san and Hikaru Kondo-san, who have been deeply involved with the anime "Demon Slayer." I sang with my own "total concentration," hoping my song could support the destiny of those who transform their individual sorrows into strength as they leap into the final phase. I hope this song reaches you, who are still fighting in a "world where the sun never rises." Go Shiina's Comment: This song came to life with the invaluable support of many, led by Aimer-san, and including lyricists, arrangers, performers, engineers, and staff. Witnessing Aimer-san's deeply emotional vocal recording alongside the visuals ignited my fighting spirit, compelling me to share this song without delay. Immerse yourself in Aimer-san's multifaceted voice, featuring up to 12 vocal layers. Her range, from the lowest to the highest notes, offers a kaleidoscope of expression. Additionally, I hope you enjoy discovering the various "Demon Slayer" themes woven throughout the song. LiSA's Comment: I am on my way to "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" alongside Yuki Kajiura-san, who has graced us with numerous songs for "Demon Slayer." To everyone who is fighting: I sang with prayers and wishes. This is "Shine in the Cruel Night." Yuki Kajiura's Comment: It is a profound honor to have co-created the theme song for "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" with LiSA-san. Given how deeply this song is connected to the story, we worked meticulously to ensure its alignment with the narrative while also crafting a piece that LiSA-san could deliver with immense power and emotion. My hope is that this music will both enrich the story and, as a song performed by LiSA-san, uplift your spirits." Music Videos for Two Theme Songs Set to Premiere on YouTube! Music videos for two theme songs are scheduled to premiere on YouTube in the evening of Thursday, July 24th! Moreover, leading up to these MV releases, a special event titled "Demon Slayer Anime Theme Songs MV Marathon" has been announced! This event, featuring a back-to-back showcase of music videos from past Demon Slayer series theme songs, will be held on YouTube starting at 7 PM (JST) on Thursday, July 24th. Aimer: " A World Where the Sun Never Rises" MUSIC VIDEO *Premiering around 7:45 PM (JST) on 7/24 (Thu) LiSA: "Shine in the Cruel Night" MUSIC VIDEO *Premiering around 7:50 PM (JST) on 7/24 (Thu) "Demon Slayer Anime Theme Songs MV Marathon" *Starting at 7:00 PM (JST) on 7/24 (Thu) Product Information The single CDs featuring the main theme songs will be released simultaneously on Wednesday, July 23rd (Japan Time)! The Limited Edition for both singles come with a mini poster featuring exclusive "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" artwork and are packaged in a three-sided case! Aimer's single "A World Where the Sun Never Rises" comes in a three-sided case with newly drawn artwork of the character "Shinobu Kocho," while LiSA's single "Shine in the Cruel Night" features exclusive artwork of "Giyu Tomioka." Both limited editions are luxurious packages that include a Blu-ray Disc containing the music video for each theme song. Release Information Aimer Single "A World Where the Sun Never Rises" Release Information Title: A World Where the Sun Never Rises Release Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 (Japan Time) Purchase CD Here "A World Where the Sun Never Rises" Now available for download and streaming on various digital platforms! Release Formats and Prices: • Limited Edition (CD+Blu-ray) / VVCL 2751-2752: ¥1,760 (tax included) Includes a mini poster featuring original anime artwork & comes in a three-sided case [CD Content] *The CD content is the same for both Limited and Regular editions. 01. A World Where the Sun Never Rises (Lyrics: Hikaru Kondo (ufotable), Music: Go Shiina, Arrangement: Go Shiina, Sachiko Miyano) 02. A World Where the Sun Never Rises -Instrumental- [Blu-ray Content] "A World Where the Sun Never Rises" Music Video • Regular Edition (CD only) / VVCL 2750: ¥1,430 (tax included) LiSA Single "Shine in the Cruel Night" Release Information Title: Shine in the Cruel Night Release Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 (Japan Time) Purchase CD Here "Shine in the Cruel Night" Now available for download and streaming on various digital platforms! Release Formats and Prices: • Limited Edition (CD+Blu-ray) / VVCL 2754-2755: ¥1,760 (tax included) Includes a mini poster featuring original anime artwork & comes in a three-sided case [CD Content] *The CD content is the same for both Limited and Regular editions. 01. Shine in the Cruel Night (Lyrics: Yuki Kajiura, Music: Yuki Kajiura, Arrangement: Yuki Kajiura) 02. Shine in the Cruel Night -Instrumental- [Blu-ray Content] "Shine in the Cruel Night" Music Video • Regular Edition (CD only) / VVCL 2753: ¥1,430 (tax included) About "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle" Synopsis Tanjiro Kamado – a boy who joined an organization dedicated to hunting down demons called the Demon Slayer Corps after his younger sister Nezuko was turned into a demon. While growing stronger and deepening his friendships and bonds with fellow corps members, Tanjiro has battled many demons with his comrades, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira. Along the way, his journey has led him to fight alongside the Demon Slayer Corps' highest-ranking swordsmen, the Hashira, including Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku aboard the Mugen Train, Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui within the Entertainment District, as well as Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji at the Swordsmith Village. As the Demon Slayer Corps members and Hashira engaged in a group strength training program, the Hashira Training, in preparation for the forthcoming battle against the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji appears at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. With the head of the Demon Corps in danger, Tanjiro and the Hashira rush to the headquarters but are plunged into a deep descent to a mysterious space by the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji. The destination of where Tanjiro and Demon Slayer Corps have fallen is the demons' stronghold – the Infinity Castle. And so, the battleground is set as the final battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and the Demons ignites. Cast Tanjiro Kamado: Natsuki Hanae Nezuko Kamado: Akari Kito Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hiro Shimono Inosuke Hashibira: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka Kanao Tsuyuri: Reina Ueda Genya Shinazugawa: Nobuhiko Okamoto Giyu Tomioka: Takahiro Sakurai Tengen Uzui: Katsuyuki Konishi Muichiro Tokito: Kengo Kawanishi Shinobu Kocho: Saori Hayami Mitsuri Kanroji: Kana Hanazawa Obanai Iguro: Kenichi Suzumura Sanemi Shinazugawa: Tomokazu Seki Gyomei Himejima: Tomokazu Sugita Akaza (Upper Rank Three): Akira Ishida ©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
Yomiuri Shimbun
2 days ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Memory Cafes Ignite Laughter, Connection for Dementia Patients
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Side by side on a sofa inside the National Comedy Center, Gail and Mario Cirasunda chuckled at a clip from the 1980s sitcom 'Family Ties' that was playing on a TV screen. The show's oldest daughter, Mallory, was introducing her unconventional artist boyfriend Nick to her bewildered television family. 'I think our daughter brought him home once. Maybe two of our daughters!' Gail said with a laugh over coffee and donuts later. 'Five daughters, two sons,' her husband Mario, 85, chimed in. 'Sometimes I'd wonder,' he smiled, shaking his head at the memories of the couple's own family antics over their 59-year marriage. Moments like this are what brought the Cirasundas to the comedy museum in western New York and the memory cafe taking place inside. The monthly events invite people with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory loss, and their caregivers, to spend time at the interactive museum. For visitors like Mario, who has dementia, and his wife, the scenes and artifacts from funny shows and comedians have a way of triggering shared laughs and connection, and, as comedy center staff have found, memories. Gail, 78, treasures the moments when Mario — who still vividly recalls his childhood route to school and the names of old friends — also recollects experiences from their shared life. A 1965 blind date after Mario got out of the Navy led to seven children, 24 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, careers and moves. However, memories made over a lifetime together have become increasingly elusive over the past several years, since about the time Mario started to get lost driving and forget whether he likes a particular food. At a recent memory cafe, the Cirasundas, from suburban Buffalo, and others spent the morning walking through the museum that was inspired by 'I Love Lucy' star Lucille Ball in her hometown of Jamestown. Gail kept a guiding hand on her husband's elbow as they smiled through Johnny Carson bits from 'The Tonight Show' in the center's late night studio, browsed standup comic George Carlin's personal notes and comedian Bob Hope's artifacts, and laughed out loud at a display of classic comedy props like the banana peel and pie in the face. During a break in the museum's restaurant, the 'Family Ties' video evoked scenes from real life. 'The moments are precious because he might not remember it,' Gail explained, 'but when you're there talking about it, you're remembering. Five minutes later, it's gone — but you had that moment.' The Alzheimer's Association estimates 7.2 million Americans over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer's dementia, and an even higher number of people care for an impacted friend or family member. Memory cafes have emerged around the world in recent years as a way to connect and support individuals and caregivers, and provide information and resources. Many of the more than 600 cafes regularly running in the U.S. — often meeting in libraries and community centers — bring in speakers and engage participants with physical activity, music and art, all of which are good for the brain, experts say. The National Comedy Center held its first one earlier this year. It seemed a natural fit after staff heard from patrons about the museum's impact on their loved ones. Spokesman Gary Hahn sees the center as a kind of time machine, with exhibits memorializing comedy from Vaudeville to viral memes that can transport visitors back, no matter their age. Even before the formal memory cafes began, a visitor told the center's staff that his wife with dementia seldom spoke — but would become more verbal while walking through the museum and laughing alongside him. 'There was a stimulation of the part of the brain, whether it's because of the nostalgia or the comedy, that had an impact on her,' said Journey Gunderson, the center's executive director. Shelia Kennison, an author and psychology professor at Oklahoma State University, said humor positively affects physiology in many ways. 'It takes most of your brain to process what's being said or being shown to you and then to find the humor, and then once that happens, it sets off this cascade of brain activity and physiological changes that affects the whole body,' said Kennison, who studies how humor is involved in cognition, memory and overall wellbeing. 'So it really is a whole brain workout and a whole body workout when you get that really funny joke that makes you laugh and slap your knee and rock back and forth.' Laughter has always been important to Gail and Mario Cirasunda, whose children often gave their father Peter Sellers' 'Pink Panther' movies as gifts so they could see him laugh. 'Keep a sense of humor in your marriage,' Gail's boss told her before she got married. Even through the challenges, she said, she's followed the advice.
