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.
Skydance takes flight: Paramount closes acquisition of Warner Bros
The transaction combines Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros Pictures with television and streaming properties that include CBS, HBO, CNN, Paramount Plus and HBO Max.
NTSB releases preliminary report on KNBC helicopter crash
The helicopter's fuselage was badly damaged by fire after the aircraft impacted the side of a metal shipping container.
CONTINUING COVERAGE
Broadband groups want FCC to reverse deletion of TV ownership rule
In a petition, broadband and cable TV groups argued the FCC exceeded its authority by eliminating an ownership cap that was established by Congress.
NEW DETAILS
Sinclair joins Substack, launches “The National Press” newsletter
The initiative will involve at least three web shows and a daily e-mail newsletter featuring headlines from Sinclair's local TV newsrooms.
Ampere: Streamers bulking up content libraries with unscripted shows
Five of the top six U.S.-based streaming services beefed up their content catalogs with documentaries, reality shows and sports over the past four years.
DATA
Bango partners with LG’s telecom service on subscription management platform
LG Uplus will use Bango’s Digital Vending Machine to add global and local subscription services and bundles.
Braiden Bell lawyers up, asks Trail Blazers for another shot
A sports broadcaster who lost his job with the Portland Trail Blazers before it even began is asking the team to reconsider their decision and has hired a lawyer to handle publicity on his behalf.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Supreme Court rejects Nexstar bid to end DIRECTV retrans lawsuit
The decision leaves intact a 2025 appeals court ruling that revived DIRECTV’s case; the original case involves stations owned by White Knight and Mission.
NBC promotes Chris Wayland to succeed Valari Stabb as president of local TV business
NBC Universal has promoted its Boston-based television leader to oversee the entirety of its local television business upon the retirement of Valari Staab at the end of the year.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Fox News signs Karoline Leavitt as contributor
Former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is joining Fox News Media as a contributor, where she will provide political commentary and analysis across the company’s platforms.
Comcast begins issuing pink slips in some NBC Universal streaming business units
Most of the reductions are expected at Comcast’s European media operation Sky, though some U.S.-based NBC Universal employees will also be affected.
ChatGPT to begin displaying image-based ad spots
ChatGPT will begin rendering image-based advertising in the United States later this month; a handful of buyers are already committed to the project.