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.
Charter to close Cox acquisition on Thursday
Charter and Cox are expected to formally close their $34.5 billion merger on paper this Thursday, sources told The Desk.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Viaplay upgrades Allente pay-TV platform across Nordic markets
The new interface is powered by 3SS and combines traditional live TV viewing with on-demand content and third-party apps like HBO Max and Sky Showtime.
Lionsgate Play Asia taps Nagra for streaming content protection
The two companies are looking for ways to protect Lionsgate Play's intellectual property in key markets like India while still allowing the service to scale its operations.
ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen dies at 93
Rasmussen co-founded ESPN in the late 1970s from a building in Connecticut, influencing worldwide sports broadcasting for decades.
Breezeline to point Internet subscribers to new DIRECTV bundle
Breezeline has formed a new relationship with DIRECTV that will give its Internet customers another option for live TV without a satellite dish.
Peacock moves forward with pre-NFL price increase
Like clockwork, Peacock is raising the price of its streaming service just in time for the NFL's regular season.
Video of Fox anchor Taryn Asher cursing out colleague surfaces after firing, lawsuit
The leaked video resurfaced after two publications, including Fox-owned TMZ, published clips of it this week.
NEW DETAILS
Disney, ABC sue FCC over probe that triggered license renewals
The FCC ordered early review of the stations’ broadcast licenses in April, years before they were set to expire; Disney says the move was retaliation over unfavorable programming.
NYSE warns Optimum of stock non-compliance
Optimum acknowledged receiving the letter last week, and said it will work to bring its per-share price into compliance to remain active on the NYSE.
Peacock launches membership program with Instacart Plus, NBC Shop perks
Peacock will offer a complementary subscription to Instacart Plus, discounts on NBCU Shop and Pizza Hut and other perks.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Ex-FBI official Dan Bongino returns to radio with Cumulus-backed program
The program is separate from Bongino’s former nationally syndicated show, “The Dan Bongino Show.”
Antenna: Specialty subscription streaming services outpacing premium apps
Specialty services represented 13 percent of combined SVOD subscriptions, up from 12 percent two years ago.
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