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.
Civil rights groups urge FCC to block TV station acquisitions
A coalition of civil rights groups urged the FCC to block broadcast station deals by Nexstar, Gray Media and Sinclair, citing excessive local TV consolidation.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC tosses Cincinnati Bell retrans complaint against Nexstar
The FCC dismissed Cincinnati Bell’s complaint alleging Nexstar failed to negotiate retransmission consent in good faith over WDTN and NewsNation.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Peacock’s Annie Luo hired by AMC Networks to lead streaming growth
Her appointment follows an assertion by executives in October that AMC was transitioning from a cable networks business into a streaming-first company.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Nielsen: Sports dominates on TV in early December; Hallmark pulls strong viewership with holiday films
Sports programming continued to boost traditional linear television networks during Nielsen's most-recent measurement week.
Ashleigh Banfield to end NewsNation show, will remain at network
Ashleigh Banfield is ending her true crime-themed news program at Nexstar Media Group and will transition into a full-time digital content role with the cable news outlet.
Arkansas public TV network to end partnership with PBS
Arkansas TV will drop its PBS affiliation in July after CPB’s defunding left the network unable to cover more than $2 million in annual dues.
Weigel to simulcast Regina Jones documentary across multicast networks
Weigel Broadcasting will premiere “Who in the Hell is Regina Jones?” as a multi-network event on February 16.
Comcast moves into gaming, brings Luna to X1, Xumo Stream Box
Comcast is making a push into gaming by partnering with Amazon to bring that company's gaming platform Luna to its X1 set-top boxes and Xumo Stream Box.
WARC: Midterm election, World Cup to boost ad spending in U.S. during 2026
WARC Media forecasts global ad spend will rise 8.9 percent to $1.19 trillion this year, with the U.S. contributing more than one third of total investment.
Pinterest acquires connected TV advertising firm tvScientific
Pinterest will acquire CTV ad platform tvScientific to extend its intent-driven advertising products into streaming video and strengthen outcome-based measurement.
Sling TV relaunches Weekend Pass as 3-Day Pass
Sling TV has relaunched its Weekend Pass as the 3-Day Pass, allowing anyone with $10 to buy short-term access to ESPN, CNN, TNT and other channels in Sling Orange.
Disney pulls plug on ESPN 3, shifts content to ESPN Unlimited
Disney has shut down ESPN 3 as it shifts its distribution strategy toward ESPN Unlimited, which carries all programming from ESPN’s cable networks and ESPN Plus.