News
The latest stories published on The Desk.
Salem Media completes sale to WaterStone, ending public company run
WaterStone acquired all outstanding shares of Salem common stock for $1 per share; the closing ends Salem’s run as a publicly traded company after several decades.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Charter closes $34.5 billion acquisition of Cox Communications
Within a year, the combined company will take the Cox Communications corporate name while continuing to use Spectrum as the consumer-facing brand.
Scripps News launches direct-to-reporter audience initiative
The program allows audiences to contact Scripps News correspondents through dedicated text numbers and e-mail addresses.
Hearst Television, Dish Network avoid local TV blackout on satellite
The channels will remain on Dish Network through a new multi-year agreement reached Wednesday afternoon; financial terms were not disclosed.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Telemundo exec José Suárez among 7 dead in Kenya helicopter crash
Suárez led three local TV stations in Florida, and also worked at Telemundo outlets in California, Texas and Utah during his career.
WARC: Retail media ad market to top $200 billion as growth slows
The market is expected to reach $200.4 billion in 2026 and $223.4 billion in 2027; growth is slowing, with retail media expected to rise 11.5 percent in 2027 and 9.8 percent when Amazon is excluded.
DATA
Verizon outage keeps Maryland TV stations from subscribers
An ongoing service disruption involving Verizon's fiber optic network has led thousands of customers to lose access to local TV programming in the Delaware-Maryland border region.
ABC News Live expands programming slate with three new shows
ABC News Live is launching several new shows, including a celebrity interview program and a health and medical show, as it looks to reach more viewers with its free streaming nwes channel.
Audacy adds MeidasTouch podcast as political ad season accelerates
Audacy will handle distribution and ad sales for MediasTouch Network shows; its programs will continue to be available across podcast platforms and YouTube.
VAB: Ads run during TV news influence purchasing decisions
Consumers show strong purchase intent when they are exposed to ad spots aired during local and national TV news programming, according to new VAB survey data.
DATA
RedSquid TV, Bango partner on operator-controlled subscription platform
The partnership combines RedSquid’s operator-grade television platform with Bango’s Digital Vending Machine.
MS NOW moves forward with subscription offering
The subscription will cost $8 per month or $80 per year, priced slightly higher than comparable offerings from CNN and Newsmax.