As we settle into 2026, this TVOT CONNECT is about listening—and about questioning — and checking in to hear about YOU.
We want to hear what you’re aiming to accomplish this year, what problems you’re trying to untangle, and what topics you want to spend more time on together. But we also want to examine the assumptions behind those goals. What’s changing? What no longer holds? What questions are we not asking enough?
This session is an opportunity to help shape TVOT CONNECT in 2026—not just by telling us what you want more of, but by engaging in the kinds of thoughtful questions that move conversations forward.
No presentations. No pitches. Just smart people listening closely, asking better questions, and helping define what’s worth paying attention to next in the television industry!
MODERATORS ARE:
Holly Leff-Pressman, Chief Client Engagement Officer, Screen Engine ASI (Co-Moderator)
Tracy Swedlow, Editor-in-Chief, ITVT/TVOT (Co-Moderator)
See you there!
November 20, 2025: How Will AI Expand the Art of Television?In this forward-looking TVOT CONNECT conversation, we explore how generative AI is reshaping not just TV production workflows—but the very art of television itself.
From AI-driven imagery and animation to entirely new forms of storytelling, creators are beginning to push past traditional boundaries and reimagine what television can look like, sound like, and feel like.
Joining us are pioneers working at the edge of this evolution: Minh Do, co-founder of Machine Cinema and Fantastic Day, whose work spans AI filmmaking, branded content, and the world’s first AI FAST channel, Fairground.tv; and Kevin Faus, a prolific Gen-AI creator and artist redefining visual language on Instagram and beyond.
Together, they’ll discuss how AI is expanding creative possibility, democratizing production, sparking new genres, and challenging long-held ideas about authorship, aesthetics, and the future of serialized storytelling. — TS
Speakers:
Minh Do, co-founder of Machine Cinema, a collective focused on AI and emerging tech in film and art, and Fantastic Day, where he is cofounder and head of AI, working with musicians, brands, and filmmakers to produce AI content. Minh is also a producer at Fairground.tv, an AI FAST channel with the goal of producing a 24/7 slate of AI content to distribute globally.
Brian Seth Hurst, Multidisciplinary Producer, Writer and AI Creator, Story Tech Immersive
Kevin Faus, Gen AI Creator and Artist – Instagram
Simon Applebaum, Host, Tomorrow Will Be Televised (Co-Moderator)
Holly Leff-Pressman, Chief Client Engagement Officer, Screen Engine ASI (Co-Moderator)
Tracy Swedlow, Editor-in-Chief, ITVT/TVOT (Co-Moderator)
Connected TV promises to do so much more for advertisers than traditional TV. From brand building to converting sales, CTV can truly deliver it all for an advertisers. So, how is doing in the fulfilling that promise? Join Justin Fromm, Head of Insights & Thought Leadership at Samsung Ads, Tracy Swedlow of ITVT, and Colin Dixon from nScreenMedia, as they discuss what’s going right and wrong with CTV’s full-funnel story. This is your opportunity to be seen, be heard, learn, and connect with your peers. So, join us for this free session.
The connected TV ecosystem is more complex than ever, making it harder for your content to be discovered. Sure, improving metadata with AI tools is a good start, but there’s much more to optimizing content for discovery. In this TVOT Connect session, we’ll discuss how to optimize content discovery across various video platforms with Ryan James, CEO and CoFounder of OTT Studio, and Steve Harnsberger, CoFounder and CEO of USAND LLC. We’ll cover how to cost-effectively attract new viewers, share best practices and challenges, and explore how AI is influencing content discovery. Best of all, this is your chance to get your questions answered, be seen, be heard, and connect.
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We had a great turnout and a fantastic discussion that was very lively. Thanks to the 3 main speakers, below, for contributing their time, insights and intelligence towards a very interactive discussion. We talked about regulatory issues, confusion in the market, consumer perspectives, pre-existing challenges, artificial intelligence and much more!
Only members get access to the full recording.
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION: When Netflix first launched its app in 2008, subscription video on-demand (SVOD) was an accurate description of the service. Today, SVODs offer live events and linear channels, and they run advertising. And what differentiates ESPN, Fox One, and Peacock from vMVPDs Fubo Sports and Sling TV Select? Where once the difference between SVODs and vMVPDs was clear, today it is anything but. In this TVOT Connect session, we will discuss the evolution of streaming services, their current direction, how viewers think about them, and how we should refer to them going forward.
SPEAKERs
Thursday – 2PM ET/11AM PT
We discussed whatever industry topics we wanted to discuss for the start of the TV Industry “Season.” Fantastic session.
We want to hear your latest insights, updates, member activities, new business and everybody will get an inside track on the upcoming TVOT NYC 2025 December 3rd. https://itvt.com/tvot
Be a TVOT CONNECT Member: https://tvotconnect.gumroad.com/l/TVOTConnect
Thursday – 2PM ET/11AM PT
The TV OS is perhaps the most important platform in the TV industry because, to a large extent, TV’s future runs through it. However, we rarely hear from content providers about what it’s like to deal with platforms like Roku OS, Samsung Tizen, and Amazon Fire TV. It should be a simple partnership—after all, the main purpose of the TV OS is to connect content providers with their audiences. Yet, the relationship is far from simple. In this TVOT Connect Live session, the following speakers will talk about their experiences working with TV OS providers:
Thursday – 2PM ET/11AM PT
Conversation. Connection. Contacts. Community.
TVOT CONNECT is a collaboration between nScreenMedia and ITVT/The TV of Tomorrow Show (TVOT) and is a TVOT 365 offering: https://itvt.com/tvot365
Maribel Lopez (Sr. Director & Head, PBS Digital Studios) and Jonathan Shrank (VP, Streaming & Content Partnerships, TheSoul Publishing) talked about content strategies on YouTube and other topics that touched upon AI, algorithms, monetization, data, influencers and distribution alternatives and more.
The meeting discussed the Looper Insights report on YouTube’s role in connected TV (CTV). Key points included YouTube’s free content and first-mover advantage were highlighted. The report showed 56% of industry execs are considering releasing premium content on YouTube. YouTube’s engagement metrics were lower than traditional TV, but its unbiased recommendation algorithm was praised. The discussion also touched on YouTube’s potential for commerce and its impact on traditional TV viewing habits.
Panelists were:
We investigated what’s really happening behind the screens—from smart TV OS dynamics to app visibility and viewer migration—and what it means for platforms, content creators, and advertisers alike.
Thanks to everybody who joined us for a WONDERFUL interactive discussion that got into the nitty gritty of the new IAB and Media Rating Council (MRC) Attention Measurement Guidelines and asked great questions (note: the Guidelines are open for public comment until July 12th). Incredible thanks to our amazing and expert guest speakers: Angelina Eng, VP Measurement, Addressability & Data Center, IAB, and Helen Katz, EVP, Research at Publicis Media!!
Join us for a dynamic and forward-looking conversation exploring how immersive 3D advertising is transforming the television experience—and viewer memory. In this engaging TVOT CONNECT session, we’ll hear from Ian Brookes, CEO of 3Rock Global, a pioneer in 3D ad innovation, and Cole Brown, Brand Manager at Smirnoff (Diageo), on how bold creative and cutting-edge tech are boosting brand recall and impact. Moderated by Tracy Swedlow, Editor-in-Chief, ITVT/TVOT and Colin Dixon, Chief Analyst, nScreenmedia, this session offers a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of 3- dimensional storytelling, connected TV, and the future of advertising.
Join us for a thought-provoking TVOT CONNECT session featuring Dave Davis, General Manager at Protege Media, moderated by Holly Leff-Pressman, Chief Client Engagement Officer at Screen Engine/ASI and joined by Sean King, Chief Revenue Officer of Veritone. Co-founders of TVOT CONNECT, Colin Dixon, Chief Analyst of nScreenmedia and Tracy Swedlow, Editor-in-Chief of ITV/TVOT, will present this session together. In this session, we’ll explore how AI is transforming the licensing of AUDIOVISUAL content for training data—and what it means for the future of ethical AI development in the TV industry. Get ready to dive into:
Whether you’re in content creation, legal, tech, or strategy—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
We’re diving into “Creator Television” and the booming world of content creators reshaping the TV landscape. From YouTube to FAST channels, creators are building empires, breaking the rules, and redefining what television means today.
Hear insights from an all-star panel:
Don’t miss this dynamic live discussion and community chat—only at TVOT CONNECT!
Join us March 20, 2025, for a no-holds-barred TVOT CONNECT debate on one of the hottest topics in streaming: Is bundling the future—or just another mess? Expect bold insights, sharp arguments, and a few surprises (possibly another company to be revealed) as industry experts go head-to-head on whether bundling saves consumers—or just makes things more complicated!
In the Pro corner!
Jon Giegengack, Principal, HUB Entertainment Research
Giles Tongue, VP, Marketing, Bango
In the Con corner!
John Bergmayer, Legal Director, Public Knowledge
Moderated by:
Tracy Swedlow, Editor-in-Chief, ITVT/TVOT
Colin Dixon, Chief Analyst, nScreenMedia
Date: March 20, 2025
Where: TVOT CONNECT (Live on Zoom)
Don’t miss this battle of perspectives!
FASTs present an intriguing opportunity and challenge for smaller content providers focused on specialty and fanforward content. On the one hand, FAST services represent an unprecedented opportunity to aggregate small regional viewers into a large national addressable audience. On the other hand, optimizing ad values in their channels and on-demand content through the services is problematic. In this session, we’ll discuss how content providers prosper in the FAST environment, how programmatic platforms are key to achieving success, and some of the gotchas to avoid or at least keep an eye on.
SPEAKERS (More to Come!)
*Recordings of sessions are for members only.
MAIN PAGE: https://itvt.com/tvot/connect
TOPICS DISCUSSED:
The key topics discussed in the meeting were: Interactive TV, shoppable TV, AI and its use in identifying products and generating creative, consumer engagement and adoption of shoppable features, the role of mobile devices versus TV screens in the shoppable experience, the potential for Walmart and other retailers to enter the shoppable TV space, and ideas for future TVOT Connect events and sessions.
We enjoyed a live, interactive TVOT CONNECT session featuring Nicole Jones, Chief Media Commercial Lead, KANTAR; Jim Mattson, Head of Brand Partnerships, The Take; Scott Solter, CRO of Adinteractive, and Peter Hamilton, Head of Ad Innovation at Roku, as they revealed how TV is transforming into a seamless shopping experience.
Missed the action at CES? Or want to dive deeper into the hottest trends shaping the future of television on a regular basis? The Community assembled together online (not all pictured on camera) Thursday, January 16, 2025, in a dynamic TVOT CONNECT CES De-Brief Session, where we broke down the biggest revelations and innovations from CES 2025! Speakers included Michael Nagle, CEO, Ashling Digital Inc.; Chris Pfaff, CEO, Chris Pfaff Tech Media LLC; Simon Applebaum, Host of “Tomorrow Will Be Televised;” Bobbi Schreib Schreib, Executive Strategy and Operations, Serel Media House, and Subhashish Dasgupta Dasgupta, Head of AI Commercialization, Kantar. Plus us: Tracy Swedlow, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of ITVT/The TV of Tomorrow Show and Colin Dixon, Chief Analyst of nScreenMedia, partners on TVOT CONNECT.
Topics We Covered:
Why Attend?
Get exclusive insights from industry leaders, connect with peers, and discover how these trends will redefine the TV landscape in 2025 and beyond as well as interact with the speakers and other attendees.
SUMMARY
The meeting discussed the challenges and strategies in the streaming industry, focusing on churn and loyalty. Justin from Samsung Ads presented data showing that for every active user, there were eight lapsed users, emphasizing the need to drive loyalty. Sara from Cineverse highlighted the importance of content quality and fan engagement in building loyalty. The discussion also covered the difficulties in obtaining comprehensive data for decision-making and the potential of ad-tier models to attract viewers. The session concluded with suggestions for future topics, including AI in media and the impact of platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION
Colin Dixon (nScreenmedia) and Tracy Swedlow (ITVT/TVOT) for a special end-of-year session on the sticky topic of Churn based on a new report from Samsung Ads called “Streaming’s Loyalty Crisis.” Visuals and data was available. Guests were:
Dive into the findings of the groundbreaking report that examines why viewers are leaving streaming platforms and what it takes to keep them loyal. This lively session will explore the challenges of churn, the evolving demands of audiences, and strategies for building long-term engagement in an increasingly crowded streaming landscape. Bring your questions—and your kvetches—for an interactive discussion with industry leaders tackling one of the biggest issues in the advanced TV world. Don’t miss it!
Membership (with Benefits): https://tswedlow.gumroad.com/l/TVOTConnect
TVOT Connect: Your Professional TV Industry Community
Are you passionate about the world of television? Imagine a vibrant community where your passion meets opportunity – introducing TVOT Connect, the ultimate membership destination for TV industry professionals like you!
Unveiling TVOT Connect: Connect, Learn, and Excel!
TVOT Connect isn’t just another platform; it’s your passport to a dynamic blend of social engagement, professional development, and top-notch education. Here, your industry insights are not only valued but celebrated! Join our exclusive community where knowledge flows, connections flourish, and careers thrive.
Unprecedented Member-Centric Approach
Experience the TVOT Connect difference – we put YOU first! Unlike ordinary social media, TVOT Connect’s spotlight shines on our members, their aspirations, and their journey in the industry first. Then, our unique live sessions commence with thought-provoking insights and, oftentimes, data from industry experts, followed by engaging discussions with you as an integral part. Your questions, opinions, and (goals) discoveries take center stage, fostering an environment of collaborative growth.
Want to Speak or Present to the TVOT Connect Community?
If you are interested in participating as a speaker by yourself or with others on a particular topics, please contact us at the email addresses, below, or using this form here.
What Goes On and Benefits for You!
Membership Is Accessible and Affordable
Individual Membership: $40 per month or $400 annually.
Corporate Memberships are available:
Please email us for details about all the benefits and pricing as well as speaking opportunities.
Contact: Tracy Swedlow (tracyswedlow@gmail.com) and Colin Dixon (colin@nscreenmedia.com)
Join the TVOT Connect revolution and embrace an era of unparalleled collaboration, expertise, and growth! Your future in the TV industry is greatly enhanced now. Sign up today to TVOT Connect!
SOUND ON! TVOT CONNECT…https://lnkd.in/gPPV5NdV We had an engaging discussion (that went over time) and fun talking about the challenges and opportunities of #AI in media, emphasizing the need for proactive #licensing to protect #copyrights. Dave Davis, General Manager at Protege, highlighted the acquisition of Calliope Networks by Protege and the evolution of licensing AI data. Sean King, Chief Revenue Officer from Veritone discussed their role in legal licensing of content for AI training. Holly Leff-Pressman, Chief Client Engagement Officer of Screen Engine/ASI, expertly moderated the discussion as a member of CONNECT. Thank you to my partner on CONNECT, Colin Dixon, Chief Analyst, nScreenMedia!
On Camera:
| Tracy Swedlow | Dave Davis | Holly Leff-Pressman | Colin Dixon | Bobbi Schreib | Sean King | Thomas Engdahl | Jeff Kreger | Robin Garfield | Brad Samuels | Darlene Bondanza | Simon Gentry | Carlos Sanchez | Raymond Holton | Kim Miller | Diogo Santos |
The conversation covered the complexities of attribution, the impact of #syntheticdata, and the legal landscape, including ongoing cases (there are 40 in motion!) and much more. The session concluded with a call for continued engagement and adaptation to the evolving AI landscape.
Join us next time by becoming a member of TVOT CONNECT! https://lnkd.in/gX79V-Jk