NHL RATINGS GET A POST-OLYMPIC BOOST
Some hockey fans were concerned that the NHL’s 20-day break during the Winter Olympics might have a negative impact, but they probably weren’t counting on the USA men’s and women’s teams taking home gold medals. That excitement has carried over to the league’s regular season games, where viewership has increased significantly. For the first eight nationally televised games since the season resumed, ratings are up an average of 23% versus before the Olympics. (The Big Lead: February 26, 2026)
TV IS STILL THE MVP
Trade association TVB has released its 2026 Media Comparisons Study, and television still has greater reach than any other medium. It’s also the media platform with which people spend most of their viewing time. And in a world where trust in news media continues to erode, Local TV news remains the most trusted news source (the stations’ websites and apps are most trusted in digital). Television ads also continue to be effective in generating upper-funnel awareness that drives consumers to do additional product research online. (TVB: February 26, 2026)
LONG-FORM CREATORS SHIFT TO TV
As mega video creators like Mr. Beast score lucrative production deals with streaming platforms, other hugely popular long-form creators are looking to take their content to the next level. Differing from influencers, content creators like Dude Perfect and Kinigra Deon create long-form, episodic, TV-like videos. Creator growth platforms such as Spotter are counting on this to be the next big advertising opportunity, building networks of creators and recently hosting showcase events similar to traditional upfronts. (Digiday: March 9, 2026)
COLLEGE SPORTS DRIVE STREAMING SUBSCRIPTIONS
The NCAA’s upcoming March Madness games will be carried by broadcast and cable networks, but individual teams’ and conferences’ regular-season games for any sport are often locked up by streamers. This makes game availability a factor when viewers decide on a streaming subscription, per a report from marketing analytics company Big Chalk. Nearly two-thirds of all college sports fans cited sports content as a factor, with 15% calling it one of their highest considerations. Lower-profile sports like track & field and lacrosse still make a difference, since they’re less likely to be carried by a major linear network. (Big Chalk: March 13, 2026)
THIS WEEK IN VIDEO HISTORY
March 15, 1977 – Come and Knock on Their Door
Three’s Company began its eight-season run nearly 50 years ago with the pilot episode “A Man About the House” (also the title of the British series on which the show was based). For the handful of you who may not know, the premise of Three’s Company is that two young women in need of a roommate take in a male gourmet chef… Much to the chagrin of their nosey landlord, Mr. Roper. It was a hit with audiences, drawn to its wacky misunderstandings, physical comedy, and risqué (for its time) humor. Relive the opening credits in all its ‘70s San Diego glory.
