News
The latest stories published on The Desk.
Victory Plus shuts down after losing local sports rights
The shutdown ends a short-lived experiment in free ad-supported local sports streaming; many teams have signed deals with other platforms like DAZN and Prime Video.
NEW DETAILS
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
Fox News tops cable news in August, scores lead over broadcast networks in summer months
Fox News finished August as the top cable news network in total day and primetime, according to Nielsen data.
RATINGS
Apple TV partners with Yahoo Sports for altcasts of baseball, soccer games
The altcasts will promote Apple TV’s live sports packages and include direct links to the Apple TV app.
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.
FIRST ON THE DESK
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.
Orlando Magic expand TV reach via Hearst-owned WMOR
The Orlando Magic will expand their local television footprint during the 2026-27 NBA season through a new agreement with WMOR-TV in the Tampa television market.
Roku releases premium OLED smart TVs
The TVs are the first from Roku with a premium OLED screen, with a starting price of $1,000.
Parks Associates: Most streamers want live TV channels, too
More than half of U.S. Internet households prefer a video package that combines live television with their favorite streaming services, according to a new report.
DATA
Charter CFO Jessica Fischer to depart in October
Charter Communications this week said its Chief Financial Officer Jessica Fischer will be departing the company in mid-October to pursue another professional role.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
AdImpact: August brings $796.5 million in political ad spending to stations
The figure marks a 63 percent increase from July and 47 percent above August 2022 rates, according to the measurement firm.
DATA