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.
NewsNation to host town hall on artificial intelligence
“The Future is Now: A NewsNation Town Hall” will be moderated by Chris Cuomo from the network’s New York studio.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Facebook parent Meta signs AI licensing agreement with Newsmax
Newsmax is one of several right-of-center news outlets to ink a partnership with Meta Platforms in recent months; others include Fox News Media, the Daily Caller and the Washington Examiner.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
YouTube TV rolls out support for ESPN Unlimited
Subscribers can link their YouTube TV and ESPN accounts through the Sports section of YouTube TV settings.
Former FCC officials blast agency’s targeting of ABC
The group called the review unprecedented and accused the FCC of using its regulatory authority to pressure Disney and ABC over protected editorial decisions.
Sinclair names Gary Mertins, Sierra Horton as new station leaders
Local television broadcaster Sinclair, Inc. has appointed new leaders for station groups West Virginia and Georgia.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
MeTV reveals programming slate at San Diego Comic Con
The network previously confirmed plans to bring "The Wizard of Oz" back to broadcast TV in October; the announcement this week adds more details on that programming initiative and others.
OBS plans cloud-based, AI-ready broadcasts for 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles
Production plans include expanded use of first-person-view drones, point-of-view cameras, 360-degree replays, stroboscopic replays and microphones on officials and coaches.
ROAD TO #LA28
YouTube Premium to offer bundle with Peacock, NBC extends YouTube TV pact
Beginning in early 2027, Peacock Premium will be bundled with YouTube Premium in the United States, giving millions of subscribers access through the YouTube experience.
Phynd brings free streaming games to LG smart televisions
Players can access games without a console using a compatible Bluetooth controller or a smartphone-based virtual controller.
Hub: Smart TV operating systems increasingly shape content discovery
Roku powers the primary television environment for 37 percent of streaming viewers, followed by Fire TV at 17 percent.
DATA
Egyptian court sentences StreamEast operators to prison for piracy
The operators received prison sentences of two years, plus a financial penalty amounting to over $100,000, according to ACE.
Amazon to close linear Prime TV channel in Germany and Austria
The 24-hour channel launched in April 2025 as a scheduled showcase for movies, series and live sports available through Prime Video.