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Houston Declares Feb. 28 as “Dr. Harry Akinola Day” in Honor of Global Leadership Expert

By Media News
3 min read • Published March 19, 2026
By Media News
3 min read • Published March 19, 2026

A city proclamation from the mayor’s office, in partnership with Houston City Councilmember Edward Pollard’s office, honors Dr. Harry Akinola’s global influence in leadership and organizational excellence.

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / March 19, 2026 / The City of Houston has officially declared Feb. 28 as "Dr. Harry Akinola Day", recognizing the global leadership expert Dr. Harry Akinola for his contributions to leadership development, organizational transformation and community advancement. The announcement was made during the Ultra 2026 Global Leadership Summit, which brought together executives, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders from around the world. A representative with the office of Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard presented the recognition.

In the proclamation, Mayor John Whitmire praised Dr. Akinola’s impact, highlighting the importance of leadership innovation in strengthening communities, businesses and institutions. Speaking at the summit, Dr. Akinola said, "Leadership today requires clarity, adaptability, and the courage to rethink how organizations operate."

Dr. Akinola is a global talent and leadership executive with nearly two decades of experience shaping leadership systems, talent strategies and organizational transformation initiatives across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Central America and North America. He has served as a strategic partner to senior executives, helping organizations align leadership capability with long-term growth, operational transformation and evolving business models. His work has influenced major corporations, including JPMorgan Chase, Puma Energy and Standard Bank Group, where he supported leadership teams managing tens of thousands of employees worldwide.

In 2009, Dr. Akinola founded Ultrashift Inc., a global leadership and professional development platform. Through Ultrashift, he has convened and developed more than 10,000 leaders and professionals across more than 10 countries, connecting senior executives, founders and high-potential professionals through conferences, leadership labs, executive coaching programs and curated leadership experiences.

One of the platform’s flagship initiatives is the Ultra Conference, an international forum designed to equip leaders with practical frameworks for navigating complex organizational environments. The Ultra 2026 summit in Houston brought together leaders from diverse industries to explore leadership transformation, organizational agility and the evolving future of work.

Dr. Akinola advances his leadership and organizational work through two complementary initiatives. Through Ushift Growth Advisory, he works with organizations, founders, boards and senior leadership teams to strengthen leadership capability, organizational design, talent strategy and executive team effectiveness, helping institutions navigate complexity and translate strategy into sustained performance. Through Ultrashift Inc., a nonprofit leadership and community development platform, he convenes leaders, professionals and emerging changemakers through conferences, leadership programs and community initiatives aimed at advancing leadership development and community impact.

Additionally, Dr. Akinola’s contributions extend beyond the corporate sector. He has received honors from Fort Bend County and a United States congressional recognition for his efforts in leadership development and community advancement. In the proclamation, the city’s top-ranking officials also emphasized that initiatives like Ultra not only enhance organizational capacity but also help communities thrive.

He holds a Doctor of Management in Leadership and Organizational Development and multiple professional certifications, including SHRM-SCP, Certified Hogan Practitioner, and Certified NLP Practitioner and Coach. Dr. Akinola is also a professionally trained executive coach with more than 500 hours of experience guiding senior leaders and high-potential professionals across industries. In addition, he has authored five books on leadership, identity and personal development, contributing to global conversations on leadership effectiveness and personal growth.

With the proclamation of Dr. Harry Akinola Day by the City of Houston, this acknowledgment recognizes the growing importance of leadership development, organizational capability and civic engagement in shaping the future of communities and institutions. Speaking during the summit, Dr. Akinola said, "Through strong leadership, organizations and communities can not only navigate disruption but emerge stronger. This day serves as a reminder that investing in leadership is investing in the future."

About Evomah Communications
Evomah Communications is a Houston-based boutique strategic communications firm specializing in brand positioning, media relations, and high-impact event strategy. Founded by Ivy Okoro, the firm partners with entrepreneurs, executives, and organizations to elevate visibility, shape compelling narratives, and deliver culturally relevant, results-driven campaigns across local, national, and global markets.

For Media Inquiry:

Evomah Communications
ivy@evomahcommunications.com

SOURCE: Evomah Communications

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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media-news
media-news

Houston Declares Feb. 28 as "Dr. Harry Akinola Day" in Honor of Global Leadership Expert

By Media News
3 min read • Published March 19, 2026
By Media News
3 min read • Published March 19, 2026

A city proclamation from the mayor’s office, in partnership with Houston City Councilmember Edward Pollard’s office, honors Dr. Harry Akinola’s global influence in leadership and organizational excellence.

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / March 19, 2026 / The City of Houston has officially declared Feb. 28 as "Dr. Harry Akinola Day", recognizing the global leadership expert Dr. Harry Akinola for his contributions to leadership development, organizational transformation and community advancement. The announcement was made during the Ultra 2026 Global Leadership Summit, which brought together executives, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders from around the world. A representative with the office of Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard presented the recognition.

In the proclamation, Mayor John Whitmire praised Dr. Akinola’s impact, highlighting the importance of leadership innovation in strengthening communities, businesses and institutions. Speaking at the summit, Dr. Akinola said, "Leadership today requires clarity, adaptability, and the courage to rethink how organizations operate."

Dr. Akinola is a global talent and leadership executive with nearly two decades of experience shaping leadership systems, talent strategies and organizational transformation initiatives across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Central America and North America. He has served as a strategic partner to senior executives, helping organizations align leadership capability with long-term growth, operational transformation and evolving business models. His work has influenced major corporations, including JPMorgan Chase, Puma Energy and Standard Bank Group, where he supported leadership teams managing tens of thousands of employees worldwide.

In 2009, Dr. Akinola founded Ultrashift Inc., a global leadership and professional development platform. Through Ultrashift, he has convened and developed more than 10,000 leaders and professionals across more than 10 countries, connecting senior executives, founders and high-potential professionals through conferences, leadership labs, executive coaching programs and curated leadership experiences.

One of the platform’s flagship initiatives is the Ultra Conference, an international forum designed to equip leaders with practical frameworks for navigating complex organizational environments. The Ultra 2026 summit in Houston brought together leaders from diverse industries to explore leadership transformation, organizational agility and the evolving future of work.

Dr. Akinola advances his leadership and organizational work through two complementary initiatives. Through Ushift Growth Advisory, he works with organizations, founders, boards and senior leadership teams to strengthen leadership capability, organizational design, talent strategy and executive team effectiveness, helping institutions navigate complexity and translate strategy into sustained performance. Through Ultrashift Inc., a nonprofit leadership and community development platform, he convenes leaders, professionals and emerging changemakers through conferences, leadership programs and community initiatives aimed at advancing leadership development and community impact.

Additionally, Dr. Akinola’s contributions extend beyond the corporate sector. He has received honors from Fort Bend County and a United States congressional recognition for his efforts in leadership development and community advancement. In the proclamation, the city’s top-ranking officials also emphasized that initiatives like Ultra not only enhance organizational capacity but also help communities thrive.

He holds a Doctor of Management in Leadership and Organizational Development and multiple professional certifications, including SHRM-SCP, Certified Hogan Practitioner, and Certified NLP Practitioner and Coach. Dr. Akinola is also a professionally trained executive coach with more than 500 hours of experience guiding senior leaders and high-potential professionals across industries. In addition, he has authored five books on leadership, identity and personal development, contributing to global conversations on leadership effectiveness and personal growth.

With the proclamation of Dr. Harry Akinola Day by the City of Houston, this acknowledgment recognizes the growing importance of leadership development, organizational capability and civic engagement in shaping the future of communities and institutions. Speaking during the summit, Dr. Akinola said, "Through strong leadership, organizations and communities can not only navigate disruption but emerge stronger. This day serves as a reminder that investing in leadership is investing in the future."

About Evomah Communications
Evomah Communications is a Houston-based boutique strategic communications firm specializing in brand positioning, media relations, and high-impact event strategy. Founded by Ivy Okoro, the firm partners with entrepreneurs, executives, and organizations to elevate visibility, shape compelling narratives, and deliver culturally relevant, results-driven campaigns across local, national, and global markets.

For Media Inquiry:

Evomah Communications
ivy@evomahcommunications.com

SOURCE: Evomah Communications

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Topics:

media-news
media-news

Xiaoyan Chi Honored with Global Women Leadership Award, Delivered Keynote on Gender Bias in the AI Era

By Media News
7 min read • Published March 19, 2026
By Media News
7 min read • Published March 19, 2026

NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 19, 2026 / NGO CSW70 Forum Parallel Event, Global Women Leadership Summit & Impact Award Ceremony (UNCSW70), was held at the United Nations in New York. ifeng.com attended the event as a strategic media partner of the summit.

Nine major annual impact awards were presented at the ceremony, including the Global Women Leadership Award, Outstanding Achievement Award for Sustainable Development, Youth Leadership Award, Corporate Social Responsibility Award, Distinguished Women’s Charity Award, Women’s Cultural Influence Award, Award for Contribution to International Cooperation, Women’s Brand Influence Award, Women’s Brand Leadership Award and Women’s Innovation Achievement Award. The awards aim to recognize individuals and institutions that break down barriers, shape the future, and build an inclusive and equitable ecosystem.

Xiaoyan Chi, Executive Director and Senior Vice President of ifeng.com, was awarded the Global Women Leadership Award. She shared this honor with Ann Marie Davis, First Lady of the Bahamas, Dr. Padmini Murthy, a world-renowned public health expert, and Dr. Sarah Chardonnens, Professor of Educational Sciences and AI scholar at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.

Thomas Patrick Gehl, General Counsel of the World Women Organization (UNWWO) and Board Member of the Global Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation, served as the presenting guest.

The organizer’s citation for Xiaoyan Chi read: Leveraging her rich management experience in global marketing and media innovation, she has emerged as a leading figure in China’s digital media and marketing industry. As a staunch advocate of the "Business for Good" philosophy, she launched the "Influence and Aura" Global Women’s Influence Awards by ifeng.com, to promote female leadership through scholarships, recognition programs, and systemic advocacy.

She also pioneered the "Youth Bang" social design platform aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to promote university-enterprise cooperation, and founded the "Action League", a cross-sector philanthropic platform.

Through her work, Xiaoyan Chi continues to bridge media, marketing and social responsibility, promoting women’s leadership and global collaboration in the digital economy.

In addition, Xiaoyan Chi delivered a keynote speech entitled Harmony Without Uniformity: Women’s Perspectives in the Age of AI at the event. Citing the ancient Chinese concept of "harmony without uniformity", she incisively pointed out the risks of gender bias in the current development of artificial intelligence and stated from a practical perspective that "the world begins to change when women are seen".

In her speech, Chi first highlighted a core contradiction: women have become an undeniable economic force worldwide, yet still face enormous gaps in key fields. Citing data, she noted that women globally control approximately $32 trillion in consumer spending, and in China alone, over 624 million female internet users drive more than 10 trillion yuan in online consumption. However, women hold only about 13% of leadership positions in the technology sector, and at the current rate, it will take more than 130 years to fully close the global gender gap.

She attributed the root cause of the problem to the long-standing "default settings" in human society, illustrating with cases such as car safety test dummies modeled on male bodies and medical research long centered on male cases that similar biases are being carried into the AI era.

She cited a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study which found that facial recognition systems have an error rate of less than 1% for white men, but as high as 34% for dark-skinned women. "The root cause lies in unbalanced training data," she said, adding that "technology does not eliminate bias; it amplifies it."

So how can such biases be addressed? Drawing on her nearly two decades of observations in the media industry, Chi believed that many inequalities stem from long-standing "default settings", and that telling stories and sharing experiences can change these settings.

The real question of the AI era is no longer just what machines can do, but who is shaping these systems. "We need more perspectives, more experiences, and more women’s participation, because technology will shape the future, and those who shape technology will determine what kind of future we build."

Hosted by the World Women Organization (UNWWO) and co-organized by the Global Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation (GCSRF), the summit focused on three core themes: legal and financial justice, capital accessibility and investment power, and women leading the future economy. It aimed to advance gender equality in economic empowerment and accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Full Text of Xiaoyan Chi’s Keynote Speech

Harmony Without Uniformity: Women’s Perspectives in the Age of AI

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,

Standing here in New York today, I’m reminded of a famous line from a Chinese TV drama many people of my generation grew up with.

It said:

"If you love him, send him to New York – it is heaven.

If you hate him, send him to New York – it is hell."

As a child, I thought it was just about New York.

Later I realized it was about something deeper: The same world can look very different from different perspectives.

And that is why, in China, we have a saying written more than two thousand years ago: Harmony without uniformity.

True harmony does not mean everyone becoming the same.

It means different perspectives learning how to build a shared world together.

When we talk about women’s development today, I often ask a simple question: What are we really trying to eliminate – difference, or bias?

The answer is clear.

We are not trying to eliminate difference.

We are trying to eliminate bias.

Research shows something important.

Across the world, women are already a powerful economic force.

Globally, women control around 32 trillion dollars in consumer spending and influence more than 70 percent of purchasing decisions.

In China alone, more than 624 million women are active internet users, driving over 10 trillion yuan in online consumption.

In other words: Women’s development is not only a social issue.

It is also one of the largest economic opportunities in the world.

And yet the picture remains uneven.

Women represent about 42 percent of the global workforce, but hold only around 13 percent of leadership positions in technology.

According to the World Economic Forum, at the current pace it could take more than 130 years to close the global gender gap.

So we face a striking contrast: Women’s potential is enormous.

But progress remains slow.

Why?

Sometimes the answer lies not in ability -but in design.

Take a simple example.

Studies show that in car accidents, women are about 47 percent more likely than men to suffer serious injuries.

Not because women are weaker.

But because for many years crash-test dummies were modeled primarily on the average male body.

A similar pattern appears in medicine.

Research in the United States shows that when women suffer heart attacks, their mortality rate can be about 50 percent higher than men’s.

One reason is simple: For decades, many clinical studies were conducted primarily on male patients.

When women are absent from research, the default human quietly becomes male.

Today, this same question is emerging in one of the most powerful technologies of our time:

Artificial intelligence.

A study from the MIT Media Lab found that facial recognition systems had error rates below one percent for white men, but as high as thirty-four percent for darker-skinned women.

The reason was simple: The training data was not balanced.

And this raises a deeper concern.

If the technologies shaping tomorrow are built from narrow perspectives, bias can be written into algorithms – and multiplied at global scale.

Because technology does not remove bias.

It scales it.

So how do we change this?

As someone who has spent nearly two decades working in global media, my answer is simple: We make women visible.

Many inequalities are not created by bad intentions.

They grow out of long-standing default settings.

But when stories are told, when experiences are shared, those defaults begin to shift.

Over the past twenty years, through Phoenix New Media and the Phoenix Global News Network, we have had the privilege of telling the stories of many remarkable women.

And these stories have convinced me of one important truth: When women are seen, the world begins to change.

Which brings us back to that ancient Chinese idea: Harmony without uniformity.

For centuries, it was a philosophy about society.

Today, in the age of AI, it has become something more: A principle for how we design the future.

So the real question of the AI age is no longer only what machines can do.

The real question is Who shapes the systems.

More perspectives.

More experiences.

More women.

Because technology will shape the future.

Who shapes technology, will decide what kind of future we build.

Thank you.

Media Contact:

Contact Person: Zhenjie Zhao

Email: zhaozj6@ifeng.com

SOURCE: Phoenix New Media

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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Entertainment

How a Kelly Clarkson Tweet Sparked the Biggest Power Move in Music History

By Colby Droscher
3 min read • Published March 18, 2026
By Colby Droscher
3 min read • Published March 18, 2026

Left: Taylor Swift performs onstage during

Left: Erika Goldring/TAS24/Getty Images, Right: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

One tweet from Kelly Clarkson in 2019 helped spark one of the most audacious moves in music industry history — and Taylor Swift has been sending flowers ever since.

When Big Machine Label Group was acquired by talent manager Scooter Braun for around $300 million in June 2019, the deal included the master recordings of Swift’s first six studio albums. Swift said she learned about the sale the same day it was announced to the public, calling it her “worst case scenario.” She had tried for years to buy her masters outright and was denied.

To understand why, you have to understand what those six albums actually were. Swift signed with Big Machine at 15 years old. The recordings Braun now owned weren’t just catalog — they were her entire adolescence and young adulthood on tape. Taylor Swift was her at 16. Fearless was her at 18, winning her first Grammy. Red was her first major heartbreak processed in public. 1989 was the album that made her a global pop phenomenon. Reputation was her at her lowest, fighting back. She had tried for years to buy her masters outright and was denied each time. In her statement the day of the sale, she wrote: “This is what happens when you sign a deal at fifteen to someone for whom the term ‘loyalty’ is clearly just a contractual concept.”

Clarkson responded by posting a blueprint on Twitter. Her suggestion: re-record every song Swift didn’t own, release the new versions with fresh artwork, and give fans enough incentive to abandon the originals entirely. Make the old recordings worth less by making something better.

Kelly Clarkson tweet from 2019 suggesting to Taylor Swift that she re-record and re-release all of her material that she doesn't own

kellyclarkson // x.com

The story gets more complicated before it gets cleaner. Just over a year after the initial sale, Braun sold Swift’s catalog to private equity firm Shamrock Capital for over $300 million, netting roughly what he had paid for all of Big Machine, with Swift’s catalog doing most of the work. Swift said this was the second time her music had been sold without her knowledge. She also alleged Braun’s team demanded she sign an NDA preventing her from speaking negatively about him before she could even review the financials — a condition she refused.

So she re-recorded everything instead. Starting in November 2020, when her contract allowed her to legally begin, Swift launched the Taylor’s Version project. All four re-releases — Fearless, Red, Speak Now, and 1989 — debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. The originals steadily lost streaming ground. The plan worked exactly as Clarkson described.

The Reddit community r/todayilearned surfaced the flowers detail this week to 25,000 upvotes, with commenters drawing comparisons to Prince, who threatened a similar maneuver against Warner Brothers in 1999 — changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol to legally erode their ownership of it — but never fully executed the re-recording strategy.

Clarkson confirmed the flowers in an interview with E! News, noting Swift also sent a cardigan after the 1989 re-release. “She’s a very smart businesswoman,” Clarkson said. “If they’re going to find a loophole, you find a loophole. And she did it.”

In May 2025, Swift bought her master’s back from Shamrock Capital. She now owns the recordings, music videos, album art, and unreleased songs from her entire catalog.

Two Taylor’s Version albums remain unreleased: Reputation and her 2006 self-titled debut. The situation around both shifted significantly in May 2025 when Swift bought back her masters — removing the original commercial motivation for re-recording entirely. She disclosed that her debut is already fully re-recorded and she’s happy with it, but that Reputation remains barely started, the album too emotionally specific to a difficult period to easily revisit. Both may still come. Neither is imminent. Clarkson may be waiting on those last two deliveries for a while.

Topics:

Entertainment
Entertainment

I just found out what Michael B. Jordan’s father’s name is and I can’t stop thinking about it

By Colby Droscher
3 min read • Published March 18, 2026
By Colby Droscher
3 min read • Published March 18, 2026

Michael A Jordan with his song Michael B Jordan

Lexie Moreland/WWD // Getty Images

His name is Michael A. Jordan. The father. Michael. A. Jordan.

The internet found out this week and has not recovered. 

Tweet from CasaDupre that says 'just found out his das name is Michael A. Jordan n im crying

CasaDupre

 

The “B.” stands for Bakari — Swahili for “noble promise” — and it exists for exactly one reason: to distinguish him from his dad. Not a stage name. Not branding. His mother, after 89 hours of labor, told her husband she didn’t care what they called him. Dad named him Michael. The “B.” was the compromise.

There’s actually a two-layer confusion most people don’t know about. For years, fans assumed Jordan was named after basketball’s Michael Jordan. He wasn’t. His father named him after himself — Michael A. Jordan — with no basketball connection at all. Growing up in Newark, playing high school basketball, the teasing was relentless. “I got teased so much to the point where I almost changed my name,” he told CBS Mornings. Instead, he leaned into it. “I wanted to be great at something,” he said, “just to feel like I had my own identity.”

The name caused problems beyond the schoolyard. He once tried to order a pizza and couldn’t convince the place who he was. He drove down, slammed his ID on the counter, and walked out with two free pizzas.

Tweet from M0NDR12 that says 'He really has no choice but to name the kid Michael C. Jordan Now'

M0NDR12

He’s already said he’s breaking the cycle with his own kids. “I am breaking that circle right there,” he told Ellen DeGeneres in 2021. “He’s gotta walk in his own shoes.”

Michael A. Jordan — who goes by Tony — grew up in South Central Los Angeles, one of six children raised by a single mother. He joined the Marines in 1974 and got involved in the Pan-African movement. He worked nights as a JFK Airport supervisor, started a catering business, and was always at the dining room table reading. “My dad was very adamant about educating himself and giving us a sense of identity,” Jordan said.

Michael A. Jordan, Michael B. Jordan, Donna Jordan and Jamila Jordan-Theus at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California

Lexie Moreland/WWD // Getty Images

At Sunday’s Oscars, Jordan thanked him from the stage: “My dad came in from Ghana.” Michael A. flew in from West Africa to watch his son become the sixth Black man to win Best Actor — joining Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith.

There’s one more footnote. When Jordan joined All My Children in 2003, he was replacing a then-unknown actor in the same role. That actor was Chadwick Boseman. Two future Black Panther co-stars. Same soap opera character. Neither one was famous yet.

His mother started it all — a doctor’s receptionist once suggested she get the 11-year-old into modeling. “I was just thinking about college tuition,” Donna said. “Little did I know it was going to be job after job after job.” She has lupus. He made a cupcake with her to raise money for lupus research. He bought his parents a house in Sherman Oaks in 2015. The whole family walked the Oscars red carpet Sunday night.

Michael A. Jordan flew in from Ghana. His son won. Noble promise delivered.

Tweet that says 'There has to be a Michael Zachary Jordan in the year 2500'

whitleysdaughtr

 

Topics:

Entertainment
Entertainment

Binge-watching before bed could be triggering your insomnia: What the data shows

Binge-watching before bed could be triggering your insomnia: What the data shows
By Alan Lucks for Doctronic
6 min read • Published March 18, 2026
By Alan Lucks for Doctronic
6 min read • Published March 18, 2026

A senior woman watching a scary movie on the TV from bed.

Impact Photography // Shutterstock

Binge-watching before bed could be triggering your insomnia: What the data shows

That “just one more episode” promise rarely stops at one. Before you know it, three hours have passed, it’s after midnight, and you’re wide awake despite knowing you have an early morning.

You’’re not alone. Research shows that 61% of adults regularly binge-watch television, and the practice is increasingly linked to widespread sleep problems. What starts as harmless entertainment may be triggering a cascade of physiological changes that make quality sleep nearly impossible.

As streaming platforms make binge-watching easier than ever, understanding the connection between screen time and sleep disorders has become critical for protecting your health. Doctronic explores how viewing habits can impact your sleep quality.

Key Takeaways

  • More than 60% of adults regularly binge-watch TV shows, with the average session lasting 3-4 hours, often extending late into the night.
  • Screen exposure within two hours of bedtime suppresses melatonin production by up to 50%, making it significantly harder to fall asleep.
  • The psychological stimulation from dramatic or suspenseful content can keep your brain activated for hours after you stop watching, disrupting sleep quality even if you do fall asleep.

The Science Behind Screen Time and Sleep Disruption

Your brain doesn’t distinguish between natural and artificial light. When you watch TV late at night, your eyes absorb blue light from the screen, sending signals to your brain that it’s still daytime.

How Blue Light Sabotages Your Sleep

Blue light wavelengths have a powerful effect on your circadian rhythm—your body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles.

Studies show that exposure to blue light suppresses melatonin production by up to 50%. Melatonin is the hormone that signals to your body it’s time to sleep. Without adequate melatonin, falling asleep becomes significantly more difficult.

The closer to bedtime you watch TV, the more pronounced this effect becomes. Research indicates that screen exposure within two hours of sleep has the most dramatic impact on sleep quality.

The Psychological Stimulation Factor

Blue light isn’t the only culprit. The content you’re watching matters just as much as the screen itself.

Binge-watching typically involves:

  • Cliffhanger endings: Deliberately designed to keep you engaged and emotionally activated.
  • Suspenseful or dramatic content: Triggers stress responses and raises cortisol levels.
  • Emotional investment: Creates psychological arousal that persists long after you stop watching.
  • Narrative engagement: Keeps your brain processing story elements instead of winding down.

This combination of factors creates what sleep researchers call “cognitive arousal”—your brain remains active and alert when it should be preparing for rest.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that binge-watchers reported significantly more fatigue, poorer sleep quality, and increased insomnia symptoms compared to regular viewers who watched single episodes.

The Real Health Consequences of Binge-Watching Insomnia

What might seem like a harmless habit can have serious ripple effects throughout your health.

Short-Term Effects

In the days and weeks following regular late-night binge sessions, people often experience:

  • Daytime fatigue and exhaustion: Making concentration and productivity difficult.
  • Mood disturbances: Increased irritability, anxiety, and stress.
  • Weakened immune response: Sleep deprivation compromises your body’s ability to fight off illness.
  • Increased appetite and cravings: Sleep loss disrupts hunger hormones, leading to weight gain.

If you’re experiencing persistent tiredness despite getting what should be adequate sleep hours, your nighttime viewing habits could be the hidden culprit. Chronic fatigue should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.

Long-Term Health Risks

Chronic sleep disruption from regular binge-watching can contribute to more serious health problems over time:

Cardiovascular issues: Poor sleep quality is linked to increased risk of hypertension and heart disease. The same patterns that affect heart health during daylight saving time apply to chronic sleep deprivation from any cause.

Mental health challenges: Inadequate sleep exacerbates anxiety and depression symptoms. The relationship between mental health and lifestyle factors includes sleep as a critical component.

Metabolic dysfunction: Regular sleep disruption affects blood sugar regulation and increases diabetes risk.

Cognitive decline: Long-term sleep problems are associated with memory issues and increased dementia risk in later life.

Breaking the Binge-Watching Cycle

Understanding the problem is the first step. Implementing practical changes is how you reclaim your sleep.

Set Clear Boundaries

The most effective strategy is establishing firm viewing cutoffs:

  • Stop streaming 2 hours before bedtime: This gives your brain time to wind down and melatonin levels to rise naturally.
  • Use episode limits: Commit to watching only one or two episodes per evening rather than entire seasons.
  • Set app timers: Most streaming platforms and phones allow you to set viewing time limits.
  • Create a bedtime routine: Replace late-night viewing with calming activities like reading, stretching, or meditation. 

Optimize Your Viewing Environment

If you do watch TV in the evening, minimize the sleep disruption:

  • Reduce screen brightness: Lower settings decrease blue light exposure.
  • Use blue light filters: Enable night mode on your devices or wear blue light blocking glasses.
  • Maintain distance: Sit farther from screens to reduce light intensity reaching your eyes.
  • Choose content wisely: Opt for lighter, less stimulating shows in the evening rather than intense dramas or thrillers.

Improve Your Sleep Hygiene

Beyond reducing screen time, support better sleep with these habits:

  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
  • Maintain consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends.
  • Avoid caffeine after early afternoon.
  • Exercise regularly, but not close to bedtime.
  • Limit alcohol consumption, which disrupts sleep quality despite making you feel drowsy.

When Binge-Watching Becomes a Sleep Disorder

For some people, the connection between entertainment habits and sleep problems runs deeper than simple blue light exposure.

Recognizing Problematic Patterns

You may need professional help if you experience:

  • Inability to fall asleep for more than 30 minutes most nights.
  • Waking frequently throughout the night.
  • Feeling unrefreshed after 7-8 hours in bed.
  • Using TV as the only way to relax or fall asleep.
  • Experiencing significant daytime impairment due to poor sleep.

These symptoms may indicate insomnia disorder or other sleep conditions that require medical evaluation.

The Role of Underlying Anxiety

Sometimes excessive binge-watching is a symptom of anxiety or stress rather than simple entertainment. If you find yourself unable to stop watching despite knowing it’s affecting your sleep, or if you use TV to avoid anxious thoughts, addressing the underlying mental health concerns may be necessary.

Getting Help for Sleep Problems

If you’ve tried reducing screen time but still struggle with sleep, medical guidance can make a significant difference.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Seek professional help if:

  • Sleep problems persist for more than a month despite lifestyle changes.
  • Daytime fatigue affects your work, relationships, or safety.
  • You experience other symptoms like mood changes, difficulty concentrating, or physical health issues.
  • You suspect a sleep disorder like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome.

The Entertainment Industry’s Role

Streaming platforms aren’t ignorant of binge-watching’s effects. Many now include features designed to encourage healthier viewing:

  • Automatic playback delay between episodes.
  • Viewing time reminders.
  • Profile-specific viewing limits for children.

However, the business model still heavily incentivizes prolonged engagement. Ultimately, protecting your sleep health requires personal responsibility and boundary-setting.

Reclaiming Your Sleep in a Streaming World

Binge-watching has become a cultural norm, but that doesn’t mean it’s without consequences. The data clearly shows that our nighttime viewing habits significantly impact sleep quality, with ripple effects throughout our physical and mental health.

The good news? You have more control than you might think. By understanding how screen time affects your biology, setting intentional boundaries, and prioritizing sleep hygiene, you can enjoy your favorite shows without sacrificing the rest your body needs.

If you’ve been struggling with unexplained fatigue or sleep problems, your viewing habits might be the missing piece of the puzzle. Small changes—watching earlier in the evening, limiting episodes, or choosing less stimulating content—can produce meaningful improvements in sleep quality.

And remember: if sleep problems persist despite your best efforts to modify your habits, professional help is readily available. Quality sleep is too important to ignore.

The Bottom Line

Binge-watching isn’t just harmless entertainment—it’s a significant contributor to widespread sleep problems affecting millions of Americans. The combination of blue light exposure suppressing melatonin and psychological stimulation keeping your brain active creates a perfect storm for insomnia. By setting firm viewing boundaries, stopping screen time at least two hours before bed, and addressing persistent sleep issues with medical professionals, you can enjoy your favorite shows without sacrificing the restorative sleep your body needs.

This story was produced by Doctronic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Topics:

Entertainment
media-news

Helios Media Launches as a Dedicated Podcast Network – Powered by Radio America’s Three Decades of Syndication Reach

By Media News
2 min read • Published March 18, 2026
By Media News
2 min read • Published March 18, 2026

The Network Behind ‘The Dana Show’ and ‘Chicks On The Right’ Expands

WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2026 / Radio America – a spoken-word media network that serves 700+ radio stations across America – announced the launch of Helios Media: a dedicated podcast network built to develop, distribute, market and monetize the next generation of podcast content. Radio America has a proven track record in podcasting, producing successful shows including The Dana Show Podcast, Chicks on the Right, and 3 Martini Lunch.

Helios Media represents Radio America’s strategic expansion into the rapidly growing podcast space, providing creators with the infrastructure, reach, and support needed to thrive, grow and monetize their content in the competitive podcast landscape. This comes as "US podcast and online audio consumption reach record highs," according to recent reports.

"Helios Media is the natural progression of what Radio America has been building for decades – trusted content, powerful reach, and authentic voices that resonate with millions of Americans," said Mike Paradiso, President & CEO of Radio America. "With Helios Media, we’re giving creators the tools, the platform, and the audience to stand out in the competitive landscape of podcasting and digital media."

Paradiso, who oversaw Radio America’s transformation from an independent radio syndication company into a leading producer of multi-platform spoken word content, will lead a team of skilled strategists who have developed nationally syndicated media personalities (read team bios here).

While Radio America continues its leadership in radio syndication – home to popular shows like The Dana Show with Dana Loesch and The Chad Benson Show, Helios Media serves as a distinct brand, purpose-built for podcast development, distribution, marketing and sales, amplifying news, culture, and entertainment stories through voices that challenge the mainstream and speak with conviction.

Key offerings include:

  • Content Development

  • Audience Growth

  • Multi-Platform Distribution

  • Monetization Strategy

  • Branded Podcast Production

  • Public Relations

About Radio America: For over three decades, Radio America has been a national leader in spoken-word, personality-driven content creation, distribution, and sales. Its radio network and syndication infrastructure have made it one of the most trusted names in conservative and independent media. Helios Media builds on that foundation to bring Radio America’s reach and credibility to the podcast era. Learn more at Heliosmedia.us.

CONTACT:
Kenny Cunningham
Kenny@CunninghamCommunication.com

SOURCE: Radio America

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Topics:

media-news
media-news

#paid and Pinterest Announce Strategic Partnership to Power Creator-Led Commerce at the Moment of Decision

By Media News
3 min read • Published March 18, 2026
By Media News
3 min read • Published March 18, 2026

New Partnership Connects Brands With Consumers at the Point of Decision Through Creator-Led Media
 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA AND TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2026 / #paid, the leading creator marketing platform for brands and creators to partner on authentic, performance-driven campaigns, today announced a strategic partnership with Pinterest, the AI-powered visual search and discovery platform where inspiration turns into decisions.

As an official execution partner for the Pinterest Creator Partnership Program, #paid will help brands bring creator-led campaigns to life through content that feels native to the platform, adds value to the user experience, and drives measurable business outcomes via Idea Ads.

Unlike traditional social platforms built around entertainment and social validation, Pinterest is where people actively plan what comes next: what to cook, wear, buy, renovate, or book. In this environment, creators function less as influencers and more as trusted experts and guides who help consumers move seamlessly from discovery to action.

"Pinterest is where intent lives," said Ashley Riske, Head of Partnerships at #paid. "People don’t come to Pinterest to be interrupted, they come to decide. This partnership allows brands to show up through creators who are already shaping those decisions, with content that feels helpful, authentic, and genuinely additive."

Through this partnership, #paid will combine its proprietary creator-brand matching technology and opt-in "Handraise" workflow with Pinterest’s creator ecosystem to produce high-impact, platform-native content. Creators self-select into campaigns they are genuinely passionate about, and then create Idea Ads with paid partnership that blend expertise, inspiration, and utility for Pinners. Creators will produce Pinterest content inherently designed to be saved, revisited, and acted on.

The collaboration enables brands to activate creators across key verticals, from beauty and fashion to food, home, and lifestyle, producing scroll-stopping, evergreen content that supports the funnel from awareness to conversion. With Pinterest users increasingly shopping what they discover, creator content plays a critical role in bridging inspiration and commerce.

For brands looking to connect with consumers when they’re ready to decide, the #paid and Pinterest partnership offers a new blueprint for creator marketing: one rooted in expertise, authenticity, and performance.

For more information on how to launch your first Pinterest creator campaign, email partnerships@hashtagpaid.com or reach out to your #paid or Pinterest Client Partner.

Media contact

Allie Gonzales – Allie@NotablyPR.com

About #paid

#paid is a creator marketplace that connects vetted creators with the world’s most recognizable brands, like McDonald’s, Sephora, Samsung, and Disney. Together, creators and marketers collaborate and measure entire creator marketing campaigns in a centralized and integrated experience. The company empowers creators to do what they love, and brings trust to the creator ecosystem with proprietary technology solutions to large category problems, like fair pricing, algorithmic matching, and automated content usage rights that create true omni-channel creator marketing. The company is rated #1 for its customer support and managed services, and powers marketing teams and content creators from offices in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. For more information, visit hashtagpaid.com.

SOURCE: #paid

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Topics:

media-news
media-news

Helios Media Launches as a Dedicated Podcast Network – Powered by Radio America's Three Decades of Syndication Reach

By Media News
2 min read • Published March 18, 2026
By Media News
2 min read • Published March 18, 2026

The Network Behind ‘The Dana Show’ and ‘Chicks On The Right’ Expands

WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2026 / Radio America – a spoken-word media network that serves 700+ radio stations across America – announced the launch of Helios Media: a dedicated podcast network built to develop, distribute, market and monetize the next generation of podcast content. Radio America has a proven track record in podcasting, producing successful shows including The Dana Show Podcast, Chicks on the Right, and 3 Martini Lunch.

Helios Media represents Radio America’s strategic expansion into the rapidly growing podcast space, providing creators with the infrastructure, reach, and support needed to thrive, grow and monetize their content in the competitive podcast landscape. This comes as "US podcast and online audio consumption reach record highs," according to recent reports.

"Helios Media is the natural progression of what Radio America has been building for decades – trusted content, powerful reach, and authentic voices that resonate with millions of Americans," said Mike Paradiso, President & CEO of Radio America. "With Helios Media, we’re giving creators the tools, the platform, and the audience to stand out in the competitive landscape of podcasting and digital media."

Paradiso, who oversaw Radio America’s transformation from an independent radio syndication company into a leading producer of multi-platform spoken word content, will lead a team of skilled strategists who have developed nationally syndicated media personalities (read team bios here).

While Radio America continues its leadership in radio syndication – home to popular shows like The Dana Show with Dana Loesch and The Chad Benson Show, Helios Media serves as a distinct brand, purpose-built for podcast development, distribution, marketing and sales, amplifying news, culture, and entertainment stories through voices that challenge the mainstream and speak with conviction.

Key offerings include:

  • Content Development

  • Audience Growth

  • Multi-Platform Distribution

  • Monetization Strategy

  • Branded Podcast Production

  • Public Relations

About Radio America: For over three decades, Radio America has been a national leader in spoken-word, personality-driven content creation, distribution, and sales. Its radio network and syndication infrastructure have made it one of the most trusted names in conservative and independent media. Helios Media builds on that foundation to bring Radio America’s reach and credibility to the podcast era. Learn more at Heliosmedia.us.

CONTACT:
Kenny Cunningham
Kenny@CunninghamCommunication.com

SOURCE: Radio America

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Topics:

media-news
media-news

New to The Street Announces Full-Scale Media Coverage of Jacob Javits Center Events Through 2027

By Media News
2 min read • Published March 17, 2026
By Media News
2 min read • Published March 17, 2026

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 17, 2026 / New to The Street, one of the fastest-growing global financial media platforms, today announced it will provide comprehensive, multi-platform coverage of all major events hosted at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center through December 2027.

As part of this initiative, New to The Street will deploy its full media ecosystem – spanning national television, digital distribution, outdoor advertising, and investor engagement – to support exhibiting companies, sponsors, and participating brands before, during, and after each event.

The program is designed to transform traditional event participation into fully integrated media campaigns, delivering sustained visibility and measurable market impact.

"We are turning event presence into national exposure," said Vince Caruso, Co-Founder and CEO of New to The Street. "By combining long-form storytelling, television distribution, digital amplification, and investor access, we give companies the ability to extend their message far beyond the convention floor."

Integrated Media Coverage Includes:

Long-Form Executive Interviews
On-site interviews at Javits Center events and in-studio productions filmed at Hudson Yards studios, featuring CEOs, founders, and industry leaders.

National Television Distribution
Monthly broadcasts across Bloomberg Television (U.S., MENA, and Latin America) and FOX Business, reaching over 174 million households globally.

NewsOut Global Press Releases
Professionally produced and distributed video press releases amplified across a 5M+ subscriber ecosystem, including YouTube, LinkedIn, X, and other digital platforms.

Television Commercial Campaigns
Custom and remnant 30-second commercial placements across national networks and targeted New York market inventory.

Iconic Outdoor Advertising
Premium billboard placements across the Nasdaq MarketSite, Reuters Building, and NYC Financial District, delivering high-frequency impressions in the center of global finance.

Accredited Investor Events
Exclusive, invitation-only events hosted in Hudson Yards, NYC, connecting companies directly with:

Accredited investors

Institutional participants

Retail brokers and analysts

These events are strategically scheduled in advance of product launches, announcements, and key corporate milestones to maximize capital markets engagement.

A New Standard for Event Media

By integrating television, digital, outdoor, and investor access, New to The Street is redefining how companies leverage major conferences and trade shows – turning single-event exposure into ongoing, multi-channel market presence.

Participating companies benefit from:

Extended audience reach beyond event attendees

Enhanced credibility through national media exposure

Consistent messaging across multiple platforms

Direct access to capital and investor networks

About New to The Street

New to The Street is a 17+ year financial media brand broadcasting weekly as sponsored programming on Bloomberg Television and FOX Business, while operating one of the largest and fastest-growing business media YouTube ecosystems globally with over 5 million combined subscribers.

The platform specializes in long-form executive interviews, national television distribution, digital media amplification, and iconic outdoor advertising, delivering predictable and scalable exposure for public and private companies worldwide.

Media Contact:
Monica Brennan
Head of Communications
Monica@NewtoTheStreet.com

SOURCE: New to The Street

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Topics:

media-news

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