News Brief
Quick stories from the technology, journalism and media industries, updated daily.
Sony fires “Wheel of Fortune” announcer Jim Thornton
Sony Pictures Television has fired Jim Thornton, the announcer for its game show "Wheel of Fortune," following an internal investigation into his alleged behavior while on board a commercial flight earlier this year.
DIRECTV expands college football campaign with campus tour, championship giveaway
The sweepstakes coincides with the Super Bowl and will gift one lucky DIRECTV subscriber with a trip package valued at $30,000.
CBS schedules Judge Judy retrospective for September 22
CBS will mark the 30th anniversary of “Judge Judy” with a new 90-minute primetime special focused on the career and cultural influence of Judy Sheindlin.
Comcast Technology Solutions rolls out AI workflow tools for media companies
Comcast Technology Solutions (CTS) is introducing a new suite of AI-powered workflow applications for broadcasters, content owners, sports rights holders and operators as the company looks to turn artificial intelligence into practical production and content management tools. The applications build ... Read more
U.C. Davis to bring five football games to broadcast TV in Sacramento
Paramount's KMAX-TV has dethroned cross-town rival KCRA as the local home for U.C. Davis football games this upcoming season.
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Circle City inks deal for two Butler University basketball games
Circle City Broadcasting has inked a deal with Butler University to air two college basketball games on its CW Network affiliate in Indianapolis this season.
Jeff Corwin returns to national TV with Hearst wildlife series
The series will highlight the college’s work in wildlife biology, rehabilitation and conservation.
FCC appoints Hunter Deeley to Chief of Enforcement Bureau
The appointment is effective immediately; prior chief Patrick Webre is moving to the Office of Managing Director.
FCC raises regulatory fees on broadcast radio, TV stations
The agency is working to collect $416 million to support its annual operations.
LPTV group wants FCC to green-light 5G broadcasting
5G broadcasts could help local TV stations send their signals to wireless mobile devices.
Sony brings free streaming TV channels to PlayStation 5
The service, called "Live TV on PS5," offers more than 100 live channels and a growing selection of on-demand programming.
WRTV launches rewards program tied to DIRECTV dispute
A local television station has taken an unusual approach in its ongoing dispute with a pay television provider: Offering to compensate viewers who switch to a competing service.