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.
Local Now renews deal for Warner Bros Discovery streams
The deal keeps free streaming channels like CNN Headlines, CNN Originals and WB At the Movies on the Allen Media-owned FAST platform.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Paramount settlement lacks structural remedies, ex-FCC nominee Sohn says
Her comments came a day after California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement resolving the state-led antitrust challenge to the merger.
WXIN brings Ray Cortopassi back to Indianapolis as host of “Indy Now”
Cortopassi spent more than two decades reporting and anchoring in Indianapolis; he most-recently worked at WGN-TV in Chicago.
DIRECTV launches FAST channel for “Military Makeover with Montel”
The launch expands DIRECTV’s work with programmers to turn content libraries into dedicated viewing destinations.
KPI: Political ad spending expected to hit $12 billion as midterm races heat up
Broadcast television remains the largest projected category at $4.88 billion for this year’s races, KPI said.
Sinclair to expand The National News Desk on local TV stations
Sinclair, Inc. is expanding the availability of its national news program "The National News Desk" on a handful of its stations across the country.
Paramount required to operate free streaming service under settlement over WBD merger
The condition was outlined Monday by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, whose office led the multi-state antitrust challenge.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Networks back CNN in opposing White House pool changes; lawsuit filed against Trump
ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News and NBC suspended their shared television pool coverage of presidential events after CNN was ousted from the White House press pool on Monday.
Sources: Disney won’t run ads in ad-free tiers, despite change to user agreements
A small tweak to a user agreement in some parts of the world had the Internet abuzz with rumors that Disney will start streaming ads in commercial-free tiers.
FACT CHECK
Paramount deemed too large to sue: States expected to settle lawsuit over WBD merger
The settlement does not require Paramount to sell major cable networks, but does require the company to commit to film releases and the installation of an independent oversight group for CBS News and CNN.
Cox Media Group to rebrand WRDQ as “Magic TV 27”
Cox Media is rebranding its independent station in Orlando around the local Magic basketball team.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters denied White House access
President Donald Trump said the ban was a direct response to negative coverage, but he did not single out a specific article or feature.