News Brief
Quick stories from the technology, journalism and media industries, updated daily.
TDS to bring fiber Internet to 3,800 in rural Wisconsin
TDS Telecom says it is working to bring its all-fiber Internet service to more than 3,800 homes and businesses in rural Wisconsin.
Metronet brings multi-gig Internet to Beavercreek
Internet service provider Metronet says it is bringing multi-gig download and upload speeds to residents in Beavercreek, Ohio.
Spotify layoffs suggest slowdown in ambitious podcast business
Spotify's recent layoff announcement could signal a shift in its approach to podcasts and other forms on-demand audio.
Verizon sheds 88,000 pay TV subscribers
The loss of Fios TV customers was more than covered by customer growth at Verizon's broadband Internet services.
Murdoch abandons plan to combine Fox with News Corp
Rupert Murdoch has abandoned a plan to reunify the parent company of the Wall Street Journal with Fox Corporation.
Allen Media’s Local Now adds NBC News streams
Allen Media's Local Now has added NBC News Now and two other NBC News-produced streams to its free television service.
Samsung TV Plus could land on TCL TVs
TCL could become one of the first non-Samsung models to get access to Samsung TV Plus, according to a report.
Netflix execs say no intent to license content
Netflix won't license original programs to other streaming services as part of a broader revenue play, the company's new co-CEOs affirmed.
New service Level News brings C-SPAN to streaming masses
C-SPAN's Rachel Katz said the distribution deal with Level News is unique in that it's different from the type normally inked with satellite or cable operators.
DirecTV Stream price increase rolls out to customers
The majority of DirecTV Stream customers will see their bill increase by $5 on their renewal date, though some could pay $10 more, depending on the package.
Comcast, Cox end free Peacock Premium promotion
A promotion that gave Cox customers free access to the premium tier of Comcast's streaming service Peacock has come to an end.
Craig Ferguson to host new late night show
Craig Ferguson has struck a deal with Sony Pictures Television for a new program that will start airing later this year.