Legal News
FCC Chairman Carr defends trolling broadcasters in Senate hearing
Democratic senators accused Carr of coercing networks over programming and transactions, raising First Amendment and independence concerns.
Nexstar CEO says Trump, Congress favor broadcast deregulation
Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said he expects support from the Trump administration for the company’s $6.2 billion proposed merger with TEGNA.
Second Circuit allows DIRECTV lawsuit against Nexstar to proceed
The decision allows DIRECTV to move forward with claims of improper collusion against Nexstar over its handling of retransmission consent negotiations for White Knight and Mission stations.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Texas sues LG, other smart TV makers over personalized advertising
The lawsuits claim automated content recognition tracks everything displayed on smart TVs without clear consumer disclosure.
Gray Media acquiring Jackson TV station from Bahakel Communications
Gray Media says it has reached an agreement with Bahakel Communications to acquire its local television station in Jackson, Tennessee.
Kari Lake says USAGM to vacate studios, relocate to NASA building
USAGM will vacate its Washington, D.C. headquarters and relocate to a NASA-used building under cost-cutting ordered by President Trump.
EXCLUSIVE
Civil rights groups urge FCC to block TV station acquisitions
A coalition of civil rights groups urged the FCC to block broadcast station deals by Nexstar, Gray Media and Sinclair, citing excessive local TV consolidation.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC tosses Cincinnati Bell retrans complaint against Nexstar
The FCC dismissed Cincinnati Bell’s complaint alleging Nexstar failed to negotiate retransmission consent in good faith over WDTN and NewsNation.
FIRST ON THE DESK
NAD to send T-Mobile ad case to Federal Trade Commission
T-Mobile declined to participate in the NAD probe because of a lawsuit filed by AT&T against the group, a spokesperson said.
Echostar tells FCC it didn’t want to sell spectrum to AT&T, SpaceX
Executives said they abandoned plans to expand facilities-based wireless service over concerns the FCC could investigate or confiscate spectrum assets.
FIRST ON THE DESK
AT&T ending DEI programs to appease FCC Chairman Carr
AT&T says it will end its DEI roles, programs and references as part of a broader realignment of its business practices.
Voice of America moves forward with bureau, shortwave radio closures
USAGM plans to close several overseas news bureaus despite multiple legal challenges to its downsizing effort.