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.
DIRECTV begins offering Netflix Standard with some new sign-ups
New customers who buy a genre-pack and grab a Gemini Air device can get Netflix with Ads for 12 months at no extra cost.
Comcast launches latest Xfinity Member Celebration promo event
Comcast has launched the latest iteration of its Xfinity Member Celebration, a limited-time promotional event running through August 30 that provides existing customers with expanded access to premium channels and services.
Gray Media to offer Atlanta Braves games in Spanish
Gray Media has signed an agreement with the Atlanta Braves to air two of its upcoming games in Spanish across more than a dozen Telemundo-affiliated stations in the southeastern United States.
C-SPAN brings radio simulcasts to TV channels during summer lull
C-SPAN said its decision to air progressive and conservative talk shows is part of a tradition to bring radio simulcasts to its network when Congress is not in session.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Spectrum SportsNet LA expands into Cox markets after Charter deal closes
The channel brings locally-televised games from the Los Angeles Dodgers to Cox subscribers, who will soon have their pay TV package rebranded as Spectrum TV.
Survey: Live streaming now rivals sports as a multi-genre habit
Connected TV viewing is largely a shared, co-viewing experience, with viewers open to more ads during live content, according to a new survey by Magnite.
DATA
Gracenote: Global FAST channel count nears 2,200 as sports, news fuels expansion
The latest Gracenote Data Hub update tracks programming across six global SVOD services and more than 2,100 FAST channels.
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Parks Associates announces advisory board, Roku keynote at Future of Video 2026
The two-day executive conference will feature Parks Associates research from its “Streaming Video Tracker” and quarterly consumer studies.
FUTURE OF VIDEO
Salem Media completes sale to WaterStone, ending public company run
WaterStone acquired all outstanding shares of Salem common stock for $1 per share; the closing ends Salem’s run as a publicly traded company after several decades.
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Charter closes $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications
Within a year, the combined company will take the Cox Communications corporate name while continuing to use Spectrum as the consumer-facing brand.
Scripps News launches direct-to-reporter audience initiative
The program allows audiences to contact Scripps News correspondents through dedicated text numbers and e-mail addresses.
Hearst Television, Dish Network avoid local TV blackout on satellite
The channels will remain on Dish Network through a new multi-year agreement reached Wednesday afternoon; financial terms were not disclosed.
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