Legal News
Policy-related stories involving the broadcasting, streaming, advertising, measurement and journalism industries. Includes public service journalism on press freedom issues, government agencies and international affairs.

Cumulus Media files for bankruptcy, announces debt restructuring
The plan would give debtholders full ownership of the reorganized company and provide $50 million in new convertible notes.

Court TV exposes identity of undercover officer during murder trial
Judge Richard Mrazik ordered the network to stop transmitting and later asked outlets to edit or remove archived footage containing the officer.
EXCLUSIVE

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.

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

Gray Media CEO: Optimistic FCC will approve local TV swaps, acquisitions
Gray Media CEO Hilton Howell, Jr. says the company is optimistic about its own business deals and those involving other broadcasters, saying the regulatory environment is favorable to consolidation.
FIRST ON THE DESK

California to probe Paramount bid for Warner Bros Discovery
Attorney General Rob Bonta said the deal has not cleared regulatory scrutiny and pledged a “vigorous” state review of the transaction.
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Nexstar CEO: TEGNA deal expected to close in late 2026, station sales possible
Nexstar has provided federal and state regulators with proprietary information about its proposed acquisition of TEGNA; it could be required to sell off some stations to close the deal.
FIRST ON THE DESK

FCC seeks public comment on TV sports rights deals
The FCC is probing whether sports rights deals with streaming services are chipping away at the ability to watch premium events on free broadcast TV.
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Lawmakers: Nexstar-TEGNA deal will raise cable fees by $135 million
The lawmakers said further consolidation would harm Black and minority communities by shrinking local newsrooms and reducing civic representation.
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FCC Chairman Carr says broadcasters should air “pro-America programming”
The initiative suggests PSAs, historical segments and daily patriotic features, though it creates no new mandates amid heightened FCC oversight of station licenses.

FCC gives Sinclair approval to acquire four TV stations
The FCC has approved the transfer of four broadcast licenses to Sinclair over an objection filed by DIRECTV.
FIRST ON THE DESK

FCC’s Gomez says Nexstar-TEGNA deal should get full panel vote
Gomez argued the deal conflicts with the 39 percent national ownership cap and shouldn't be scrutinized only by the Media Bureau.
FIRST ON THE DESK
