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Television
Big Data Boosts Sports Ratings
Nielsen’s new “big data plus panel” system blends traditional sampling with smart TV and streaming data, giving live sports like the NFL and college football higher viewership by capturing audiences previously undercounted.
Union
Sean Astin Reaffirms AI Protections
New SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin pledged to uphold safeguards against AI misuse, responding to controversy over virtual performer Tilly Norwood. He vowed to enforce protections, negotiate with agencies, and lean on public demand for human talent.
Film Festival
SXSW Marks 40 Years With Revamp
For its 2026 anniversary, South by Southwest will merge innovation, film and TV, and music into a single seven-day festival in downtown Austin, featuring themed clubhouses, a larger footprint, and an advance reservation system.
Digital
Streaming Giants Court Film and TV
At Madrid’s Iberseries & Platino Industria, executives from TikTok, YouTube, and Twitch stressed collaboration over competition, showcasing how their platforms can promote content and deepen audience engagement.
Broadway
Actors Rally Behind Equity Contract Fight
More than 1,000 actors, including top Broadway and Hollywood names, signed a letter backing Actors’ Equity in its push for stronger healthcare, paid time off, and safer conditions. The union has warned it may strike if demands aren’t met.
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