News Brief
Quick stories from the technology, journalism and media industries, updated daily.
FCC hits Sinclair-operated stations with $9 million fine
The FCC announced a $9 million fine against more than a dozen television stations operated by Sinclair.
Disney can’t use Star branding in Brazil, judge says
A judge in Brazil says Disney's forthcoming streaming service "StarPlus" is too similarly named compared to Lionsgate's "StarzPlay."
SiriusXM launches new premium subscription plan
Satellite radio company SiriusXM Pandora unveiled a new premium subscription plan this week.
CBS ousts general managers at Los Angeles, Chicago stations
CBS has dismissed the general managers at two of its owned-and-operated local broadcast stations.
Locast adds channels from Pittsburgh market to free streamer
Locast has expanded to a 35th market, making local broadcast channels available to viewers served by the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.
Google offering new Chromecast devices with bundled HBO Max trial
The bundle costs $65 a month and includes three "free" months of HBO Max.
AT&T sells off its DirecTV subsidy in Latin America
AT&T has agreed to sell its DirecTV subsidy in Latin America to Grupo Wetherin, the company announced on Wednesday.
Verizon rolls out Fios TV app to Apple TV, Amazon devices
Verizon is bringing its Fios TV app to users of Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV devices, starting this week.
Philo suffers two outages in two days
An unknown technical error prevented customers of wallet-friendly streaming TV service Philo from accessing their favorite shows and movies.
New Sling TV interface lands on some Roku devices
Dish Network's streaming TV service Sling TV is rolling out a new look-and-feel for users of Roku Ultra devices.
Disney to raise price of ESPN Plus to $7 a month
Starting next month, Disney will raise the price of ESPN Plus to $7 a month or $70 a year.
FCC proposes fine against Gray over Alaska TV stations
Federal regulators are seeking a half-million dollar fine against Gray Television over its ownership of two television stations in Alaska.