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The latest stories published on The Desk.
Amagi: FAST streamers begin to embrace artificial intelligence for workflows
Media companies are increasingly using AI tools for metadata, captioning, translation and other high-volume content management tasks.
Judge pauses Cumulus lawsuit against Nielsen amid bankruptcy case
The ruling halts both Nielsen’s counterclaims and Cumulus’s antitrust claims while the broadcaster’s restructuring proceeds.
Nielsen to delay “The Gauge” report after streamers complain over metrics
Early results suggested broadcast and cable viewing rose in February due to the Super Bowl and Winter Olympic Games.
NBC pulls plug on “Access Hollywood,” other first-run syndicated shows
NBC Universal will continue distributing archived content in syndication even as it winds down a business model once central to daytime television.
Peacock to launch AI-driven vertical video, gaming features
Comcast is adding new artificial intelligence and mobile-focused features to Peacock to deepen engagement with entertainment and sports fans.
Fox News correspondent backs Voice of America during awards reception
Griffin criticized cuts to VOA’s language services, saying the reductions have weakened the United States’ ability to broadcast information to countries like Iran.
Court TV finalizes layoffs; Matt Johnson, Julie Grant depart network
Several anchors and staff members were let go as the network reduced its live programming lineup and shifted operations from Atlanta to New York.
Salem Media Group sells Texas headquarters, stops using private jet
The sale comes amid financial challenges, including a $35 million loss in 2025 and impairment charges tied to underperforming investments.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Looper survey: Streamers set to dominate sports media rights
Amazon’s Prime Video ranked as the platform most likely to lead sports streaming, followed by YouTube and Netflix.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Starz adopts “poison pill” to keep litigious mogul Byron Allen at bay
Starz adopted a shareholder rights plan that dilutes ownership if any investor acquires more than 17.5 percent of the company’s stock.
Salem Media posts $35 million financial loss amid lower revenue in 2025
Higher impairment charges and continued pressure on broadcast advertising weighed on the broadcaster’s overall financial results.
EARNINGS REPORT
Gray Media says stations dropped from Dish over unusual demand
The broadcaster claims Dish violated federal “good faith” negotiation requirements tied to retransmission consent agreements.
CARRIAGE DISPUTE