News Brief
Quick stories from the technology, journalism and media industries, updated daily.
WBD to launch HBO Max in Germany early next year
News of the launch comes amid Paramount's aggressive takeover offers, and as WBD prepares to spin out its cable networks from its streaming business.
Bluesky logs 40 million accounts, will roll out “dislike” button
The platform, an alternative to X/Twitter, has been accused of stoking confirmation bias and failing to address problematic behavior.
Nexstar renews employment contract of founder, CEO Perry Sook
Sook's core annual salary is $3 million, with another $5 million in discretionary, performance-based bonuses.
AT&T asks court to block forthcoming NAD lawsuit over Luke Wilson ad
AT&T is seeking declaratory relief from a federal court in Texas over its Luke Wilson ad that challenges T-Mobile's marketing.
CBS, Veritone expand licensing agreement to include more shows
Paramount has expanded its licensing deal with Veritone to include distribution of clips from CBS Media Ventures titles.
ESPN expands animated sports broadcasting pact with Sony
ESPN has renewed its partnership with Sony’s Beyond Sports to continue producing animated alternate broadcasts through the 2025-26 sports season.
Frontier adds 133,000 broadband customers during Q3
Frontier reported higher consumer and business broadband sales during Q3, and says its merger with Verizon should be complete in Q1 2026.
EARNINGS REPORT
Verizon reaches deal to keep Nexstar channels on Fios TV
Verizon has reached an agreement with Nexstar that keeps its local channels and NewsNation on Fios TV for a few more years.
Circle City strikes deal to bring WISH-TV to Hulu, YouTube TV
The platforms will offer the local TV channel by the end of the year.
FCC Chairman Carr: Government shutdown has impacted agency in negative way
During an industry event, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the multi-week government shutdown is slowing some business at the communications regulator.
Gray Media promotes Nick Hasenecz to GM, WNDU South Bend
Gray Media has promoted Nick Hasenecz to serve as the General Manager of its South Bend, Indiana NBC affiliate, starting in December.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
MSNBC to rebrand as MS NOW in mid-November, executives confirm
The channel is one of several that is being separated from Comcast's NBC Universal next year.