News
The latest stories published on The Desk.
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
Audiochuck hires Matt Shanfield to lead new TV, film division
The unit will develop original projects and acquire third-party content as Audiochuck expands into a vertically integrated studio model.
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.
Cumulus Media files for bankruptcy, announces debt restructuring
The plan would give debtholders full ownership of the reorganized company and provide $50 million in new convertible notes.
Philo CEO Andrew McCollum stepping down; Mike Keyserling to succeed
Philo CEO Andrew McCollum is leaving the company after more than a decade; COO Mike Keyserling is succeed him in the role.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Court TV exposes identity of undercover officer during murder trial
Judge Richard Mrazik ordered the network to stop transmitting and later asked outlets to edit or remove archived footage containing the officer.
EXCLUSIVE
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.
IAB updates Multi-State Privacy Agreement following new state laws
The revisions aim to simplify compliance for advertisers and ad tech partners by reducing contract friction and clarifying roles in data processing.
Researchers: Newsrooms gamble with reputation by partnering with betting platforms
University researchers warned partnerships between prediction markets and news outlets could further erode public trust in journalism.
EXCLUSIVE
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
Comcast co-CEO says Peacock focused on U.S., not global, growth
Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh said Peacock’s strategy centers on U.S. growth, with limited ambitions for global expansion despite rivals’ international scale.