In 2024, the U.S. saw a drop in scripted TV shows, with the number of scripted series falling by 24% to 481.

Local TV stations are upping distribution fees they charge to pay TV providers because of nonstop cord-cutting. The bottom line is that ad revenues continue to drift lower.

The Dow Jones U.S. Broadcasting & Entertainment Index closed down 12% to 1,010.97 since April 2, while the Dow Jones U.S. Media Agencies Index fell 11% to 385.41 and the U.S. Media Index lost 12% to 702.11.

Fresher original programming continues to improve on FAST channels. More than 70% of FAST channel programming was made in 2010 or later, 34% since 2020 and 36% from 2010-2019, notes Tim Cutting, chief revenue officer of Nielsen's Gracenote.

Apple TV+ will offer a promotion for new and returning subscribers for $2.99 a month for the first three months through April 24 (down from its regular price of $9.99 a month).

China is mulling a ban on U.S. theatrical films distributed in its theaters. China now represents a significant but not overwhelming proportion of international business (10%) for U.S. movie studio revenues.

Last week's wild stock market ride meant tension and drama for many TV network hosts - but it was calm at some conservative-leaning cable TV networks, with messaging on how President Trump was keeping his campaign promise.

For the second time in a row and possibly for the near future, a Television Critics Association meeting held in the summer and the winter isn't happening. Its July/August summer event, which happens before the fall season start has been cancelled.

Michael O'Leary, president/CEO of Cinema United, a trade group that represents major theater owners, said the movie-studio world needs to revert back to a longer exclusive period for theaters.

For some hard-pressed linear TV networks, the good news is that the NFL again helps to keep it viable.