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.
YouTube TV to drop Tastemade, Court TV by end of September
The channels are being removed as YouTube TV focuses on highly-sought sports, news and entertainment-inclusive networks.
TV networks resume White House pool coverage after access dispute
The dispute began after the White House barred CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from covering Trump on White House grounds.
Weigel’s MeTV to mark “I Love Lucy” anniversary with marathon
MeTV will mark the 75th anniversary of “I Love Lucy” with a five-hour marathon in early October, the company said this week.
Judge hits pause on settlement between states, Paramount over Warner Bros acquisition
A federal judge declined to approve a settlement between Paramount and 12 state attorneys general over its acquisition of Warner Bros, saying she needs more time to deliberate on the matter.
Optimum renews carriage agreement with A+E Global Media
Optimum has reached a deal to continue providing A+E Global Media networks to its pay television subscribers.
Football, Fox News dominate Nielsen’s most-recent measurement week
Football programming led Nielsen’s TV rankings during the most-recent measurement week; ESPN and Fox News dominated cable with its evening programs.
RATINGS
Philo partners with New York Post’s Page Six on awards show
Philo and New York Post Media Group have reached a deal making Philo the exclusive streaming home of the 2026 “Virtual Reali-Tea Awards.”
Stingray’s TuneIn forges new distribution pact with Stellantis
The agreement will bring the TuneIn app into select future Stellantis vehicles.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Kevin Kiley campaign demands TV station remove political ad
The ad spot, produced by a pro-science political action committee, claims President Trump has endorsed Kevin Kiley, who is running to keep his Congressional seat.
BBC preparing TV, radio network closures as part of cost-cutting measure
The planned cuts are expected to include “audience-facing” closures as the broadcaster executes its strategy of deep, long-term expenditure reduction.
Antenna: Fall is best season for acquiring streaming subscribers
Streaming has developed a new version of the traditional fall TV season, with the last four months of a year being crucial for subscriber acquisition, according to Antenna.
DATA
New England Cable News relaunches under Spectrum News brand
Charter Communications has relaunched its recently-acquired regional channel New England Cable News (NECN) under the Spectrum News brand.