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The latest stories published on The Desk.
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.
Ampere: YouTube, TikTok are dominant platforms for video podcasts
Younger viewers drive growth, with those ages 18 to 34 being 24 percent more likely to watch, and 60 percent of video viewers also listening to audio podcasts weekly.
DATA
Optimum says FCC should review rule banning substitute broadcast signals during blackouts
The cable operator warned Nexstar’s proposed $6 billion TEGNA acquisition could drive higher retransmission fees and more blackouts for subscribers.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Starz will stop disclosing subscriber counts, CEO says
The company is pointing investors toward other metrics, including streaming-related revenue and operating profit.
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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
Echostar weighing Paramount-WBD merger’s effects on Sling TV and Dish, CEO says
Both companies sell cable networks to Dish and Sling while expanding streaming offerings.
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Dish, Sling TV parent swings to steep financial loss during Q4
Echostar swung to a steep loss during Q4 primarily attributed to lower pay TV earnings and stronger competition on the broadband side of the business.
EARNINGS REPORT
The WICT Network names Tracy Pitcher to President, CEO roles
Pitcher succeeded Maria Brennan and will start in the role in early April, coinciding with a relocation of The WICT Network's headquarters to Arlington.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Paramount CEO says Paramount Plus, HBO Max will merge
CEO David Ellison indicated Paramount Plus’ technology could power the unified platform, with HBO Max content folded into a single streaming stack.
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
C15 Studio renews deal with Formula 1 for free streaming channel
C15 Studio renewed its multi-year deal with Formula 1 to operate the U.S.-based FAST Formula 1 Channel, adding live rights to the 2026 F1 Academy Series.