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.
IAB updates Multi-State Privacy Agreement following new state laws
The revisions aim to simplify compliance for advertisers and ad tech partners by reducing contract friction and clarifying roles in data processing.
Researchers: Newsrooms gamble with reputation by partnering with betting platforms
University researchers warned partnerships between prediction markets and news outlets could further erode public trust in journalism.
EXCLUSIVE
TEGNA pays $6,000 to settle FCC probe over public inspection files
TEGNA will pay $6,000 to settle an investigation over delayed public inspection reports related to one of its local TV stations.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Versant brings in $6.7 billion during 2025
Versant executives said 80 percent of its current revenue comes from pay TV providers that distribute its cable networks; MS NOW has seen strong viewership since its rebrand last year.
EARNINGS REPORT
Comcast co-CEO says Peacock focused on U.S., not global, growth
Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh said Peacock’s strategy centers on U.S. growth, with limited ambitions for global expansion despite rivals’ international scale.
The Roku Channels adds Apple TV to streaming marketplace
The integration includes Apple’s live sports slate, timed with the new Formula 1 season, which streams exclusively on Apple TV in the U.S.
Ampere: YouTube, TikTok are dominant platforms for video podcasts
Younger viewers drive growth, with those ages 18 to 34 being 24 percent more likely to watch, and 60 percent of video viewers also listening to audio podcasts weekly.
DATA
Optimum says FCC should review rule banning substitute broadcast signals during blackouts
The cable operator warned Nexstar’s proposed $6 billion TEGNA acquisition could drive higher retransmission fees and more blackouts for subscribers.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Starz will stop disclosing subscriber counts, CEO says
The company is pointing investors toward other metrics, including streaming-related revenue and operating profit.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Starz narrows financial loss to under $21 million during Q4
Starz reported lower revenue but sharply improved its financial loss during the fourth quarter (Q2) of 2025, the company's second consecutive full quarter since spinning out of Lionsgate last summer.
EARNINGS REPORT
Sinclair brings Katherine Doughtery to Fresno as VP, General Manager of Central California duopoly
Doughtery returns to Sinclair after serving in a sales leadership role at Nexstar's CBS affiliate in Portland.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Echostar weighing Paramount-WBD merger’s effects on Sling TV and Dish, CEO says
Both companies sell cable networks to Dish and Sling while expanding streaming offerings.
FIRST ON THE DESK