This Week's Handful of Must-See Headlines

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Streaming

Holiday Highs: December Sees Rise in Streaming Viewership
In December, streaming made up 43.3% of total TV watch time, with YouTube and Prime Video hitting new records. Traditional broadcast and cable saw declines in scripted dramas and news, but sports boosted viewership.

Measurement

MRC Approves: Nielsen’s New Measurement System
Nielsen's "Big Data + Panel" TV measurement system has earned accreditation from the Media Rating Council, becoming the first to gain approval for this hybrid approach. It combines data from 75 million digital devices with a 100,000-person panel for more accurate audience measurement.

International

Promoting French Cinema: Local Companies Launch New Fund
French companies Accor, Vranken-Pommery Monopole, and BNP Paribas have launched a three-year fund to promote French film and TV globally, managed by Unifrance. The fund will support talent initiatives, events, and help cover rising travel and hospitality costs.

DEI

150 Diverse Films: Inclusive List Celebrates 2023
Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative unveiled the 2023 Inclusive List, showcasing 150 films from 2019 to 2023, including The Woman King, A Thousand and One, and Barbie, for their diverse representation. The report also honors directors and editors prioritizing inclusivity.

Sports

Streaming Sports: Xfinity Introduces New Slimmed-Down Bundle
Listen up, sports and news fans—Comcast Xfinity has launched the $70/month Sports & News TV bundle, which includes major networks, cable channels, Peacock, and cloud DVR. The package offers a focused live TV experience in the post-venue pay-TV era.

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