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.
Bango: Consumers warm to possible Paramount-HBO Max bundle
Nearly half of American shoppers are willing to purchase a bundle that pairs Paramount Plus with HBO Max, according to fresh data from Bango.
FIRST ON THE DESK
WARC: Global ad spending forecast to hit $1.34 trillion, fueled by social, streaming buys
Social media, search and retail media will account for more than two-thirds of global ad spending this year, WARC said.
DATA
Seals Media names Allyson Meyers as President, promotes John Cobb to content leadership role
Both executives will play roles in the planned relaunches of Tuff TV and MotoWorld Network.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Ratings: 60 Minutes loses half of CBS NFL audience
CBS scored the highest sports, news and scripted series ratings of any broadcast network during Nielsen's most-recent measurement week, but it struggled to retain viewers for "60 Minutes."
RATINGS
ESPN to stream Super Bowl LXI on Disney Plus
Disney will offer Super Bowl LXI via Disney Plus in dozens of countries, with Spanish-language broadcasts also available in Latin America.
ABC News rolls out vertical video clips within mobile app
The vertical video clips are available via a dedicated button within the ABC News app for smartphones.
Disney Plus sees strong uptake in ad buys against UK service
More than 50 Disney Plus sponsorships have been activated in the UK, with additional sponsorships planned.
ITVS, Kanopy launch funding and distribution partnership for independent films
Kanopy will license educational and public library streaming rights directly from filmmakers under a presale model.
NewsNation sets midterm election town hall with Chris Cuomo, Stephen A. Smith
The town hall will use new polling from Decision Desk HQ and “The Hill” to guide the discussion.
TikTok opens third-party ad network to U.S. advertisers
TikTok is opening its advertising network of nearly 400,000 third-party apps to U.S. advertisers.
WNBA playoffs average record 1.3 million viewers in first round
The first round of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs averaged 1.3 million viewers across 10 games, making it the league’s most-watched opening playoff round.
RATINGS
Skydance CEO voices support for CNN lawsuit against Trump
At a town hall, Skydance CEO David Ellison said he will not interfere with CNN or CBS News editorial decisions following the Paramount-WBD merger.