Viewpoint: Why cancelling Jimmy Kimmel threatens democracy
The Trump administration is escalating its crackdown on dissent, using Charlie Kirk’s assassination and other flashpoints to justify a sweeping authoritarian project.
Opinion
Thoughtful columns and commentary pieces.
Viewpoint: Should Nielsen still have influence over the TV industry?
Anyone who has worked in television for more than a minute or so learns that there are three sets of numbers that you have to care about: Your paycheck, corporate earnings and ratings.
Viewpoint: At Netflix, can artificial intelligence and creativity mix?
Netflix is now using generative AI – but it risks leaving viewers and creatives behind
Viewpoint: MS NOW is an underwhelming, confusing cable news brand
In his latest column, Kirk Varner questions why brand consultants weren’t advised, and notes this isn’t the first time an NBC property went through a troublesome brand identity refresh.
Viewpoint: What does Sinclair’s “strategic review” really involve?
Sinclair CEO Chris Ripley says the company is exploring “strategic opportunities” for its Broadcast division and may separate its Ventures arm, sparking speculation over possible buys and restructuring.
Viewpoint: Injured journalists reveal press freedom threat in Trump’s America
The video of a Los Angeles police officer shooting a rubber bullet at Channel Nine reporter Lauren Tomasi is as shocking as it is revealing. In her live broadcast, Tomasi is standing to the side of a rank of police in riot gear. She describes the way they have begun firing rubber bullets to disperse protesters angry with US President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants. As Tomasi finishes her sentence, the camera pans to the left, just in time to catch the officer raising his gun and firing a non-lethal round into her leg. She said a day later she is sore, but otherwise OK. Although a more thorough investigation might find mitigating circumstances, from the video evidence, it is hard to dismiss the shot as “crossfire”. The reporter and cameraman were off to one side of the police, clearly identified and … Read more
Social banter between brands gets people buying
The line between entertainment and advertising is increasingly blurred thanks to social media. People no longer just consume content, they experience it – laughing, sharing and commenting. And brands have caught on.
Viewpoint: When Nexstar and Network cross paths
Nexstar’s demand that its local news stations run segments promoting media deregulation feels a bit like the 1970s-era film “Network” come to life, writes Kirk Varner.
Viewpoint: Is the Signal app really that secure?
Signal is in the news because of a security failure; whether or not the app is “secure” depends mostly on how you use it, and why.
Viewpoint: Lawsuit filed by Voice of America journalists to determine broadcaster’s fate
While dictatorial countries celebrate its demise, VOA journalists are continuing its mission — now in the courtroom, instead of on the air.
Viewpoint: BBC scandal involving Gaza documentary erodes public trust
The blunder added further fuel to criticism against the public broadcaster and overshadowed what was otherwise an important film.
Viewpoint: When it comes to local TV news, waste no opportunity
There are many chances to engage with local news audiences — and TV stations cannot afford to pass them up.
Viewpoint: Can TEGNA’s latest corporate hire save the company?
Kirk Varner wonders if a new C-suite appointment can steer TEGNA in the right direction, or if rockier times for the broadcaster are ahead.
Viewpoint: Can local TV news still matter?
In his inaugural column for the website TVND, semi-retired TV news veteran Kirk Varner makes the case that local TV news matters now more than ever.
Viewpoint: How online brain rot is undermining good storytelling
“Modern media and technology constantly remind us to preserve our memory and protect our history. However, memory is paradoxical in that it involves forgetting and absence with every act of remembrance.”
Viewpoint: CNN and the journalism sausage factory
The defamation trial involving CNN, its star host Jake Tapper and American veteran exposed how the American news hot dog is made.
Mainstream media continues to face a credibility crisis
The media is the least trusted institution of 10 civil and political institutions in the U.S., recent polls show – even worse than Congress.
Viewpoint: Is Bluesky really the better social platform?
Bluesky’s decision to implement a “hard block” and associated block leaderboard compound the confirmation silo issues that plague other social platforms.
What does Bluesky’s surge in popularity mean for journalism?
Reporters and editors are fleeing the unfriendly waters of X/Twitter for the level-headed Bluesky — is that a good thing?
Viewpoint: Is the DOJ’s request that Google spin off Chrome pointless?
The DOJ’s request that Google spin off Chrome might actually do more harm than good to small publishers who rely on ads and traffic.
Congress should force AM radio broadcasters to serve the public interest
If lawmakers are going to require automakers to install AM radio receivers as a “safety feature,” they also need to ensure AM radio broadcasters are undertaking the responsibilities of their license.
DirecTV’s dispute with Disney feels different because it is different
For years, carriage disputes have centered around fees paid by cable and satellite companies to programmers. Now, distributors are redrawing the battle lines.
Viewpoint: YouTube TV carrying C-SPAN makes no sense
C-SPAN’s own business decisions are keeping the network from being offered on streaming TV platforms.
Viewpoint: The recent failures of Google Search reveal its imposter syndrome
Google’s algorithm changes were meant to be “helpful,” but wound up negatively impacting small publishers — including us. Charles Benaiah suggests this could be Google’s big undoing.
Viewpoint: Can you spot the Parisian hub?
TCL is using real voice actors to record dialogue for AI-produced characters. Why didn’t the company go all the way?
Viewpoint: TV companies will always find a way to circumvent regulations
Charles Benaiah argues that local marketing agreements between TV stations stand as proof that companies will always try to find a way to circumvent the rules.
Viewpoint: Why Roger Goodell is the next Brandon Tartikoff
“The NFL is so important, its scraps are like saffron,” Charles Benaiah writes.
Viewpoint: Hey, what’s the big idea?
Charles Benaiah: “I grew up wanting to be Brandon Tartikoff. To me, he was a genius.”
Viewpoint: Flushed! An open letter to Spotify’s Daniel Ek
Spotify gets 30 percent less now from each user than they did in 2016. They’re still asymptotic to profitability.
A quick guide to the dispute between DirecTV and Nexstar Media Group
Nexstar and DirecTV have been locked into a weeks-long dispute over fees for local ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and CW stations on DirecTV satellite and streaming.
Disney nearly bought Twitter, but trolls stood in the way
Trolls and extremism gave Disney CEO Bob Iger pause on the company’s planned acquisition of Twitter.
DirecTV to carry NFL Network, NFL RedZone on satellite, streaming
The agreement marks the first time NFL Network and NFL RedZone have been offered across DirecTV’s platforms.
How to cancel or change your Peacock subscription on any device
Starting June 26, Comcast will begin charging customers for access to Peacock Premium. Here’s how to cancel your service, so you don’t get charged.
How to cancel or change your Peacock subscription on any device
Starting June 26, Comcast will begin charging customers for access to Peacock Premium. Here’s how to cancel your service, so you don’t get charged.
2023 NBA Finals to be widely available on streaming services
There are plenty of cheap and free ways to stream the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat during the 2023 NBA Finals without cable.
New Verizon plans to offer discounts to teachers, first responders
Nurses and members of the military can also get single-line and multi-line discounts on Verizon’s new My Plan service tiers.
Comcast drops NFL Network, NFL RedZone from Xfinity TV
Comcast has pulled NFL Network and NFL RedZone from its Xfinity TV service less than three months before the start of pre-season football.
Here’s all 400+ live channels offered on Sling Freestream
The service has been adding new channels at a steady rate since the Sling Freestream brand launched in February 2023.
2023 NFL Draft to be widely streamed online
The football event will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network, and widely available on streaming services.