Exclusive
Exclusive reports from Matthew Keys and The Desk.

ATVA criticizes Nexstar’s takeover of Phoenix TV station
The ATVA says Nexstar's plan to take over a Phoenix TV station is further proof the company is willing to sidestep federal ownership rules.

Gray reaches tentative deal to renew NBC affiliations
Gray quietly removed the NBC peacock from dozens of its TV station logos while both sides were working toward a new deal.

News director who wrote anti-gay memo joins Christian radio station
Stanton Tang has joined religious-oriented WCSG Radio after being fired by WOOD-TV for orchestrating a controversial memo earlier this year.

DirecTV asks local TV stations to intervene in TEGNA dispute
Exclusive: A DirecTV executive sent a letter to some general managers of TEGNA-owned stations, asking for their help in an ongoing business-related dispute.

TEGNA rejected extensions to prevent blackout, DirecTV exec says
Exclusive: TEGNA rejected a temporary deal that would have kept local stations on DirecTV through the Super Bowl weekend, an executive said on Friday.

TEGNA could lose more in battle with DirecTV over affiliate fees
Both sides have until prime-time to reach a new or temporary deal before TEGNA's 60-plus channels are pulled.

Minority groups rally around WADL owner, urge FCC to approve sale to Mission
Exclusive: Two civil rights groups and the owner of WADL-TV have sent letters to the FCC urging the agency to approve the station's sale to Mission Broadcasting.

Analyst thinks Warner Bros Discovery should buy Paramount
Laura Martin with Needham cautioned mega mergers between large media companies was unlikely as long as Democratic lawmakers are in power.

Police: Recount editor Slade Sohmer discussed abusing children online
A 24-page police affidavit claims former SiriusXM host Slade Sohmer admitted to sexually abusing children through online programs.

Florida journalist will appeal judge’s refusal to return items seized by FBI
A Florida journalist intends to appeal a lower court's unfavorable ruling that rejected his request for the return of items seized by the FBI.

WADL owner Adell preparing lawsuit against Scripps over CW
Kevin Adell says he is prepared to sue Scripps for "tortious interference" after Scripps and Nexstar announced an affiliation deal for the CW Network in Detroit.
