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Forbes
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
At Upfronts And NewFronts 2025, Ad Industry Navigates Uncertainty
UNSPECIFIED - Jimmy Kimmel provided his annual lacerating appearance at Disney's 2025 Upfront (2021 ... More Photo by Media Access Awards Presentedfor Easterseals) I say upfronts, you say NewFronts – let's not call the whole thing off, OK? Whatever tumult continues to envelop the TV/streaming advertising industry, there is something comforting about the media swallows returning to Capistrano/Manhattan for the formal kick off to the now perpetual scramble for ad dollars in the media industry. The historic shift of global political winds and our macroeconomic uncertainty are never far from anyone's thoughts these days. Yet in the media ad business, there is still a clinging notion of optimism that 'we'll figure this out.' To paraphrase a conversation I had with David Cohen, President of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, the alternative to being optimistic is pretty bleak and doesn't do much practical good for anyone, so why not cling to optimism? And in the midst of the accelerating decline in the linear TV business among cable subscribers and ratings, some lingering uncertainty might even be a good thing for media sellers and buyers. If you're a big brand, can you really afford to dramatically change things up right now? What if you cut back spending and your competitors don't? What if despite all the Trump turmoil the economic winds actually die down? Being innovative is one thing, but radical moves? For once the linear TV business might benefit from some marketplace jitters. What did the upfronts and NewFronts tell us about where we are in media advertising right now? Here's a few somewhat random takeaways. Warner Bros. Discovery announced that Max (nee HBO Max, adopted son of HBO Now) will once again be called HBO Max. It's been quite a branding journey for WBD's streaming efforts (remember CNN+? The streaming DC Universe?) but to the company's credit they poked a bit of fun at themselves, finally (one hopes) re-embracing an iconic brand in entertainment. 'It's not TV, it's HBO' once resonated meaningfully with audiences, and it still means a lot more than Max. Speaking of WBD, the company's content approach is heavily centered on its content library ('IP' for you marketing and legal eagles). WBD's newly labeled branded content studio, Storyverse, sells its main value in a concept the company called 'Newstalgia,' which sounds like a yearning for Walter Cronkite but is instead a means of linking brands with a host of well-known WBD brands and franchises from Looney Tunes to DC Comics. Stars are a tried and true upfronts strategy, and stars of every stripe were all over the upfronts and in parts of the NewFronts as well. They were the center piece of every presentation, and Netflix and Amazon take a back seat to no one in the traditional media world, rolling out big guns such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Momoa, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman and folks that played 'both sides' of the Big Tech-media company divide such as Candace Parker, Elizabeth Banks, Octavia Spencer, and John Cena. Even David Letterman was a double attendee, promoting the new Letterman TV for Samsung TV Plus and his role as a racing car team owner for Fox, the new home of the Indy 500. Hey, all is fair in the scramble for love, attention, and ad dollars. And how about that old canard, broadcast television? Don't look now but Samsung is starting the Samsung Television Network, which curates a mix of entertainment, news, and sports content entirely ad-supported and broadcast live 24/7 on Samsung TV Plus. Hmm…sounds familiar, no? And take a look at Fox's Tubi, its free a-supported on-demand and streaming service whose commercial load is noticeably creeping up (personal experience there) and beginning to resemble the linear TV world more than you'd think. Sports of all kinds are now the kings, queens, and even court jesters of the media world. Karen Kovacs, NBCU's President of Advertising Sales & Partnerships, noted to me in advance of the upfronts the centrality of sports for the NBCU presentation. Jimmy Fallon, of some note as a late-night talk show host, greeted the NBCUniversal upfront crowd with 'Welcome to the NBA – I mean NBC – upfront!' He wasn't far off as NBC rolled out John Tesh to accompany a full symphony orchestra for Tesh's fabled 'Roundball Rock,' the NBA on NBC theme song of the 1990s which the network is bringing back. NBCU had a live opera singer (in Italian of course) accompany its orchestra over a montage on the upcoming winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. And a troupe of dancers celebrated the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup to be broadcast on Telemundo. Disney announced its new ESPN stand-alone streaming flagship called ESPN (I guess Max was taken). And Jimmy Kimmel said, 'there are more athletes [at the upfront] than there were at the Knicks game last night.' Fox leaned heavily and unsurprisingly on NFL legends Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. And WBD, soon to be without the NBA, highlighted a range of somewhat less shiny sports programming from Roland Garros tennis to Big 12 and Big East college basketball. Beyond the games themselves, plenty of companies pitched their sports-adjacent or sports-related programming from the football-themed sitcom Chad Powers starring Glen Powell on Disney+ to the women's sports talk Vibe Check on ESPN. There may be a ton of controversy in the political environment around diversity policies, but for brands and publishers in constant search of audience scale there can't be any pullback in serving the increasingly diverse U.S. population. As more than one company noted in the last two weeks, the Latino population alone has accounted for 30% of the growth in the U.S. economy since 2019. Televisa Univision and NBCU's Telemundo are the 800-pound gorillas in serving that audience segment and Telemundo was prominently promoted at NBCU's upfront, although SNL's Marcello Hernandez did poke some fun at the overwhelmingly white audience noting that the 'energy in here is insane.' Beyond the established incumbents, a number of other companies pitched their value proposition to advertisers over the last two weeks. Canela Media is an entirely digital platform whose 'Futbol sites' (featuring soccer chatter) garner more social media users that those from Telemundo or Univision. LatiNation is another company seeking a place in the multicultural conversation. MediaCo is a new publicly traded company branching out beyond its Latino Estrella TV with its Hot97 property, the biggest name in HipHop radio. That brand is heading to the FAST channel world as well. RevryTV has solidified its place as a unique streaming destination for the LGBTQ+ community. Sheila Marmon, founder of a multiculturally-focused agency named Mirror Digital, noted that her company has been been at it for twelve years, pitching its value proposition of community-centered 'authentic storytelling.' It is harder than ever to be in the news business, with the algorithmic-driven fragmentation of audiences clinging to ever-narrower views of the world through their social media. The New York Times held its first NewFronts event in six years and highlighted the breadth of its 'lifestyle' brands in games, cooking, consumer products (the Wirecutter), and sports (The Athletic) as critical to supporting its core journalistic mission. As Tusar Barik, The Times's new SVP for Advertising Marketing told me, the Times provides advertisers 'a platform that connects all different parts of your life.' The company revels being 'at the center of culture' such as in SNL's recent sketch with Trump signing an executive order to make playing the Times's 'Connections' easier. Of course, for Good Morning America and The Today Show, produced by ABC News and NBC News respectively, it's hardly a revelation that advertisers love 'news' segments on cooking, travel, healthcare, parenting, and a panoply of lifestyle tips. Hey, if this stuff helps advertisers and helps support the mission of 'real' news, I'm in.
Tom's Guide
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I didn't know I needed Denzel Washington and Robert Pattinson in a Netflix heist — until I heard about this upcoming thriller
Every now and then, a movie announcement hits and makes you pause. Not because the premise sounds good (though this one definitely does), but because the cast is compelling. That was me when I first read that Denzel Washington and Robert Pattinson are teaming up for a Netflix heist thriller, as announced in the streamer's 2025 Upfront. I didn't even need the title. I saw those two names next to each other and thought: Wait…what? The movie in question is called 'Here Comes the Flood.' If that name doesn't already sound like a stylish, high-stakes thriller, I don't know what does. Netflix claims this thriller 'promises to keep you on the edge of your seat,' and I have high hopes it will based on the cast alone. Add Daisy Edgar-Jones into the mix, and you've got the kind of casting that makes me want to refresh Netflix's X account in hopes of a surprise first look. Sadly though, there's no release date yet. No trailer. Not even a first-look image. Just a few names, a genre, and a vague description, and somehow that's enough to have me all in. Here's everything we know about 'Here Comes the Flood' so far. We don't have many details right now, but Netflix Tudum did provide the casting update along with a small synopsis (which is likely to expand closer to the release date): 'Here Comes the Flood is an unconventional heist movie about a bank guard, a teller, and a master thief in a deadly game of cons and double crosses.' Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson and Daisy Edgar-Jones seem to be gearing up for an intense heist based on this description alone. The three stars — known for everything from 'The Equalizer' to 'The Batman' to the standalone sequel 'Twisters' — are set to lead a story that will probably be full of deception. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Fernando Meirelles and written by screenwriter Simon Kinberg, 'Here Comes the Flood' already sounds like it could be a very twisty heist thriller. Meirelles isn't just directing as he's also producing alongside Kinberg and Audrey Chon under the Genre Films banner. Samson Mucke will executive produce. Given the filmmaker's track record, I have a lot of faith in 'Here Comes the Flood.' He's proven time and again (whether it's the intensity of 'City of God' or the quiet tension of 'The Two Popes') that he knows how to craft stories that are both gripping and emotionally layered. Kinberg is no stranger to conflict-driven storytelling either. Best known for writing 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' and several entries in the 'X-Men' franchise, Kinberg has a knack for crafting sharp dialogue, emotional tension and explosive action. His work often centers on complex relationships, making him a natural fit for a stylish heist thriller. As far as Netflix thrillers go, this one could be especially slick. Of course, I don't want my expectations to be too high considering we really don't have many details to go on. But the streamer seems to be pretty consistent in the genre, and even if the story is weak, I'm confident the cast will more than make up for it. In other words, we don't know when the vault opens, but we're already circling the block. With this level of talent behind and in front of the camera, 'Here Comes the Flood' could end up being a really exciting Netflix thriller. For now, you can stream the best thrillers on Netflix for some solid entertainment, or check out our general guide on the best Netflix movies.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Charlize Theron Appears At Netflix Upfront Following Injury On Set Of ‘Apex': 'My Cute Boot Is Hiding A Fractured Toe'
Charlize Theron took the stage at Netflix's 2025 Upfront 'fresh off the mountain' from filming Apex, where she was injured on the set. The star joked about hiding her fractured toe during filming on the film's set in Australia. More from Deadline 'Building The Band' Gets Premiere Window On Netflix With Late Liam Payne Featured As Judge Everything We Know About 'My Life With The Walter Boys' Season 2 So Far Netflix Releases NFL Christmas Gameday Schedule With Cowboys Vs. Commanders & Lions Vs. Vikings 'God, I miss early mornings in the wilderness, birds chirping, extremes babbling, and the leaves rustling as a serial killer waits for me,' Theron jokingly set at the Netflix event. 'It's actually a miracle that I'm here today. Apex only wrapped like a week ago, so I'm fresh off the mountain. I still have some Australian dirt under this pretty manicure, and my cute boot is hiding a fractured toe.' Theron noted that filming Apex 'was one of the most incredible experiences' of her life, adding, 'We shot in beautiful locations, deep in gorgeous and stunning rivers in Australia, is no man's land, literally no like no man's land.' The Oscar-winning star says she 'did some stunts and action without awareness,' adding that Apex gave her the opportunity 'to outdo the action that I did in Old Guard 2, which is coming out in a couple of weeks.' 'But you know, back to me almost dying, I'm really proud to share a little of this mammoth movie that I got to work on,' she said. 'And I have to say, I was very lucky to work alongside the very talented Taron Egerton.' Apex follows a rock climber who finds herself being hunted in the wild. Baltasar Kormákur directs the film with a script from Jeremy Robbins. Theron stars alongside Taron Egerton and Eric Bana. Best of Deadline Where To Watch All The 'Mission: Impossible' Movies: Streamers With Multiple Films In The Franchise Everything We Know About 'My Life With The Walter Boys' Season 2 So Far 'Bridgerton' Season 4: Everything We Know So Far
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jimmy Kimmel Compares Peyton and Eli Manning to the Menendez Brothers, Elicits Groans from the Audience
Jimmy Kimmel made his feelings known about Peyton and Eli Manning's musical talents — or lack thereof! While delivering a monologue-turned-roast at Disney's 2025 Upfront on May 13, the late night host joked about the former pro-athletes' musical opening number. The Mannings — who were promoting the upcoming series Chad Powers, starring Glen Powell and inspired by Eli's character of the same name for his ESPN docuseries Eli's Places — started the show by singing an elaborate song where they used word play to insert their last name into a few of Disney's hit ABC shows, highlighting High Potential, Abbott Elementary and Paradise during the routine. The actors who star on those shows mentioned, including Kaitlin Olson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Sterling K. Brown, joined the two onstage to play along and jokingly shut down any possibilities of the NFL greats joining their series. To wrap up the event, Kimmel, 57, took to the stage with a round of roasts, which included rival networks like CBS and NBC, as well as commentary on the Mannings' opening number: "I do want to thank the Manning brothers for finally answering the question, 'What if two jars of mayonnaise could sing?' The answer is, they can't," Kimmel said. "That was worse than what the Menendez brothers did," he added, as audience members groaned. "Too soon or too late?" The comedian ended his monologue with another jab towards Peyton and Eli, joking that the brothers would be singing another song if advertisers didn't give them more money. "Do give us money before we send them out again," he said, referring to the Mannings. Kimmel's joke came on the same day that Lyle and Erik were resentenced to 50 years to life in prison, which makes them immediately eligible for parole. The brothers were serving a life sentence without parole for the 1989 murders of their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez in their $5 million Beverly Hills home, but have long claimed the murders were committed in self-defense after years of sexual abuse by Jose. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The late night host's roasts weren't just reserved for the Mannings. He made a jab at NBC over the network's new portfolio of NBCU cable channels called Versant, saying it "sounds like something you subscribed to by accident." He even commented on his own network's lack of new shows. He pointed out that the only new show for ABC is a spinoff of another. "Which begs the question: What are we doing here? We risked our lives flying into Newark for this?" he teased. He closed his remarks with a heartfelt plea to advertisers to support a news show from the rival network, CBS. "I know it's not part of our multi-platform, but support 60 Minutes — they deserve it. You have the power, because you have the money. Support journalism. It's important, and it doesn't work without you." Read the original article on People
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'What the actual f**k': Travis Kelce's bizarre new hairstyle sparks outrage among Taylor Swift fans
Travis Kelce debuted a striking new hairstyle at the Amazon MGM Studios (Getty Images) Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce turned heads at the Amazon MGM Studios 2025 Upfront event held at the Beacon Theatre in New York City—not just for his outfit, but more so for his bold new hairstyle. While Kelce has often made waves for his off-field fashion statements, this time it was his hair that stirred a storm, especially among Taylor Swift 's passionate fanbase. A bold hairstyle choice that stirred controversy among Swifties Travis Kelce appeared alongside his brother Jason Kelce, wearing a gray blazer over a graphic T-shirt and matching trousers. However, it was his hairstyle that became the center of discussion online. Swifties quickly flooded social media with their unfiltered opinions, and many were far from pleased. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo One fan tweeted bluntly, "Travis what the actual f**k are you doing," encapsulating the surprise and dissatisfaction from many. Another added, "What up with that hairdo?"—pointing to the divisiveness of the look. A third chimed in with, "I'm just glad we're not doing the mustache and feathered bowl cut this season," referencing some of Kelce's past grooming choices that also drew attention. Not all criticism — some fans came to Travis Kelce's defense Despite the criticism, there was no shortage of praise from others who appreciated Kelce's ever-evolving style. One supportive fan commented, "Travis always looks good, whatever hairstyle or facial hair he is wearing. He is an athlete and always jobfull." Another wrote, "It looks much better styled this way," while one simply concluded, "He looks really good." Clearly, Kelce's look has become a talking point among both football fans and pop culture enthusiasts, showing just how much attention he's garnered since his relationship with Swift became public. Before his red carpet appearance, Kelce was spotted in Philadelphia with Taylor Swift over the weekend. The couple dined at Talula's Garden, a popular spot in the city. Kelce opted for a casual beige half-sleeved shirt, while Swift wore a flowing floral maxi dress with a chic black purse. It marked one of their few public outings in recent months. Also Read: What's going on with Travis Kelce? Mysterious offseason shift alarms NFL fans The couple had last been seen together in March in New York, maintaining a low profile throughout the offseason. Reports suggest that external factors, including Blake Lively's legal drama with Justin Baldoni, might have influenced their decision to keep things under wraps. While fans may continue to debate his hairstyle, Kelce remains unapologetically himself—on and off the field. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings. Catch Lovlina's story unfold on Game On. Watch here!
