Author:
Matthew Keys
Matthew Keys is the award-winning founder and editor of TheDesk.net, an authoritative voice on broadcast and streaming TV, media and tech. With over ten years of experience, he's a recognized expert in broadcast, streaming, and digital media, with work featured in publications such as StreamTV Insider and Digital Content Next, and past roles at Thomson Reuters and Disney-ABC Television Group.
Apple unveils new smart home gear, updated Apple TV 4K
The new Apple TV 4K starts at $300 — significantly higher than prior models, but Apple is promising streamers a lot in exchange, including new smart home features.
Netflix lands FIFA World Cup TV rights in Spain, Andorra
The deal makes Netflix the primary broadcaster of the competition in both territories, with live coverage of every match and additional programming produced specifically for Spanish audiences.
Bango: Clips attracting streamers to subscription video services
Forty percent of Americans surveyed said they would use their streaming services more frequently if those platforms offered short clips from television programs.
DATA
Fired WOOD-TV news directors win lawsuit against Nexstar
A jury upheld allegations of invasion of privacy, but rejected defamation claims made by Amy Fox and Stanton Tang over their 2023 firings from WOOD-TV.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Charter executives Adam Ray, Sharon Peters to depart amid management restructuring
The departures are part of a new restructuring that is aimed at growing Charter's broadband business, which has experienced higher churn in recent financial quarters.
FIRST ON THE DESK
TEGNA appoints Joan Barrett, Kate Morris, Brad Ramsey as Group General Managers
The three executives report to TEGNA CEO Patrick Paolini and will supervise local station general managers across two regions each.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Hub: Video games becoming social hubs for younger consumers
A new report from Hub Entertainment Research makes the case for video games as the next targeting ground for advertisers.
DATA
RTL Group: Adding older shows to YouTube increased TV engagement
The episodes generated 30 million YouTube views over 365 days, and led to a 123 percent increase in first-video views on RTL Plus.
FCC: One TV station, 4 radio stations offline after Hurricane Isaias
A TV station in Huntsville, Alabama was one of five broadcast stations knocked off the air by the storm.
CONTINUING COVERAGE
Gray Media to televise some St. Louis Blues games
The package, branded "Thursday Night Blues," will begin October 22 and run through mid-March, according to Gray Media.
ESPN to produce alternate telecasts for Super Bowl LXI
ESPN 2 will carry the "ManningCast," Pat McAfee will host a "Field Pass" alternate broadcast, and NFL Network will offer a NextGen Stats broadcast.
FCC urges Supreme Court to reverse lower court’s ruling on political ad rates
The dispute concerns a March 30 Public Notice extending the lowest unit charge benefit to qualifying political party advertisements and certain joint fundraising committees.
FIRST ON THE DESK