News Brief
Quick stories from the technology, journalism and media industries, updated daily.
Estrella TV sees strongest ratings in 5 years
MediaCo says its Spanish-language broadcast network Estrella TV experienced its strongest ratings in five years, based on Nielsen viewership data released this week. The network reported a 51 percent increase in its Monday through Sunday prime-time audience among adults 18–49 ... Read more
Report: The Trade Desk holds talks with OpenAI on advertising pact
The discussions follow a difficult year for The Trade Desk, whose stock had fallen roughly one-third amid slowing growth and rising competition.
Hearst Media Production Group President Frank Biancuzzo to retire
Frank Biancuzzo, the President of Hearst Media Production Group, will retire from the company in mid-2026, concluding a television career that spans more than four decades.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Washington Post picks Veritone for content licensing, archiving
Executives said the agreement expands revenue opportunities while maintaining editorial oversight and brand protection for the Post.
Scripps acquiring ABC affiliate in Lexington from Morris Network
The deal will create a new market duopoly between the region's ABC and NBC affiliates.
TEGNA pays $6,000 to settle FCC probe over public inspection files
TEGNA will pay $6,000 to settle an investigation over delayed public inspection reports related to one of its local TV stations.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Versant brings in $6.7 billion during 2025
Versant executives said 80 percent of its current revenue comes from pay TV providers that distribute its cable networks; MS NOW has seen strong viewership since its rebrand last year.
EARNINGS REPORT
The Roku Channels adds Apple TV to streaming marketplace
The integration includes Apple’s live sports slate, timed with the new Formula 1 season, which streams exclusively on Apple TV in the U.S.
Starz narrows financial loss to under $21 million during Q4
Starz reported lower revenue but sharply improved its financial loss during the fourth quarter (Q2) of 2025, the company's second consecutive full quarter since spinning out of Lionsgate last summer.
EARNINGS REPORT
Sinclair brings Katherine Doughtery to Fresno as VP, General Manager of Central California duopoly
Doughtery returns to Sinclair after serving in a sales leadership role at Nexstar's CBS affiliate in Portland.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
TEGNA ad revenue climbs 4 percent during Q4; distribution income dips
Executives at TEGNA say the company's deal to be acquired by Nexstar should cross the finish line by the second half of this year.
EARNINGS REPORT
TV5 Monde inks deal with Plex to offer three streaming channels
TV5 Monde has signed a distribution agreement with Plex to launch three FAST channels in several territories.