Hot List: Pre-Game Reading on TVs Biggest Day
"It’s ridiculous for a country to get all worked up about a game—except the Super Bowl, of course. Now that’s important." —Andy Rooney
It’s Super Bowl Sunday in America! Finally, a day to take our collective minds off the political squalor, the impact of AI on society and oh wait, never mind. The super reach of the Super Bowl allows us all to see anecdotes of America as we are these days:
Eating too many wings and 7 layer dip, while talking about Ozempic.
Watching an AI “attack ad” about advertising go over 100 million American heads, while the tech guy in the room proclaims its brilliance and tries to explain what it all means.
Complaining about people being sensitive snowflakes, while tuning into an alternate MAGA halftime show.
Witnessing our movie star heros pitch us products while saying things like “How much do you think Uber had to pay George Clooney?” and “That wasn’t even that funny” and “I can’t believe they are allowed to dance like that on TV”
Kind of pretending to care about the game, but talking the entire time. Except those small moments when its awkward and quiet and you’re stuck there, trying to focus knowing you don’t care.
And the clear winner in all of this? The NFL and NBCUniversal, which has Olympics, Super Bowl and NBA All Star Weekend tied up in a bow over a couple of weeks to rake in billions of dollars on trillions of TV ad impressions. Well played, Cabletown.
Us? We’re just excited to see YOU in NYC March 11th at Marketecture Live III where we’re programming a slot of firesides and keynotes where no acronyms are allowed. 25% off tickets using code TVREV.
Prime Video Takes Crown In Global Streaming 2026 Sports Rights [MediaPost]
TL;DR: According to Ampere Analysis, global streaming platforms will spend about $14.2 billion on sports rights this year, with Amazon Prime Video capturing a 27% share — overtaking long-time leader DAZN.
Nielsen Makes A Play To Better Measure Co-Viewing During The Super Bowl [AdExchanger]
TL;DR: Nielsen is piloting a new measurement approach to better capture simultaneous, multi-person viewing, especially during events like the Super Bowl, to reflect household behaviors.
Some Brands Aren’t Spending Like YouTube Is the New TV [WSJ]
TL;DR: Even though YouTube is the most-watched video platform on U.S. TV screens, major brands still fund it like a digital channel, not a TV one, with production and media budgets far below traditional broadcast and streaming.
CTV’s next phase depends on transparency, measurement, and orchestration [EMARKETER]
TL;DR: new eMarketer analysis argues that for CTV to unlock its full potential, the industry must deliver better cross-platform measurement, clearer data transparency, and orchestration tools that link exposure to outcomes.
Netflix–WBD deal faces bipartisan skepticism over its impact on the CTV ad market [EMARKETER]
TL;DR: Lawmakers from both parties are questioning the proposed Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, focusing on how it might affect competition and pricing in the CTV ad market.
Samsung TV Plus opens up to Amazon DSP across Europe [Advanced Television]
TL;DR: Samsung TV Plus is now offering its CTV inventory programmatically via Amazon DSP across key European markets, giving advertisers more direct access to scale and first-party signals.
Hanlon’s Local Links:
‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ To End After 7 Seasons - Nellie Andreeva [Deadline]
Braves Will Have New Broadcast Plan; Could Gray Media Be New TV Partner? - Ken Sugiura [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]
Newsmax CEO Ruddy Gets His Cage Match With NAB, With Cruz Announcing 39% Cap Hearing - Ted Hearn [Policyband]
Station Groups Seek Routes Around An M&A Lull - Janet Stilson [TVNewsCheck]
N.F.L. Eyes New TV Deals Before The Old Ones Even Expire - Ken Belson/John Koblin [New York Times]
FCC Approves Transfer Of Five TV Station Licenses To Sinclair - Matthew Keys [TheDesk.net]
Should Broadcasters Produce News That Looks More Like YouTube? - Tom Sly [TVNewsCheck]
