FIRST ON THE DESK
Five states added to antitrust lawsuit against Nexstar over TEGNA deal
Kansas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont have joined eight other states in seeking to block Nexstar’s acquisition of TEGNA on antitrust grounds.
Philo forges distribution deal with Versant for multicast channels
Three channels from Versant’s Free TV Networks are now available on Philo’s free programming tier.
Special Coverage: Media Earnings
Sinclair notes stronger political ad buys in Q1 as midterm budgets open
Sinclair reported a boost in Q1 revenue, driven largely by high sports viewership on its local TV stations that brought in sizable ad revenue.
Streaming News
Roku grows platform revenue to $1.13 billion during Q1
Roku kicked off the first three months of the year with a solid start, with the streaming company growing its subscription and advertising revenue to earn more than $1 billion during Q1.
Policy & Law
Five states added to antitrust lawsuit against Nexstar over TEGNA deal
Kansas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Vermont have joined eight other states in seeking to block Nexstar’s acquisition of TEGNA on antitrust grounds.
Radio & Television News
Philo forges distribution deal with Versant for multicast channels
Three channels from Versant’s Free TV Networks are now available on Philo’s free programming tier.
Sports Desk
CW Network strikes content distribution pacts with ESPN, Roku
The CW Network will offer its shows through The Roku Channel and live sports through ESPN Unlimited this year.
Advertising & Data
S&P: Local TV to earn $4 billion in political ad spending in 2026
Competitive races and early campaign spending are driving strong demand for local TV inventory in key battleground states.
Special Coverage: NextGen TV
NextGen TV backers set to demonstrate converter boxes at trade show
A group backing NextGen TV technology will showcase a handful of new converter boxes at a trade show in Nevada next week.
Europe & UK
CNN International to encrypt U.K. channel at end of April
CNN International is encrypting the feed available to residents and businesses in the U.K. and Ireland at the end of the month.
Best of TheDesk.net
Four years in, free streamer Fox Weather evolves into public safety resource
With wide distribution and a commitment to free, live coverage, the channel has become a trusted source before, during and long after climate emergencies.