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The latest stories published on The Desk.
Disney, ABC sue FCC over probe that triggered license renewals
The FCC ordered early review of the stations’ broadcast licenses in April, years before they were set to expire; Disney says the move was retaliation over unfavorable programming.
NYSE warns Optimum of stock non-compliance
Optimum acknowledged receiving the letter last week, and said it will work to bring its per-share price into compliance to remain active on the NYSE.
Peacock launches membership program with Instacart Plus, NBC Shop perks
Peacock will offer a complementary subscription to Instacart Plus, discounts on NBCU Shop and Pizza Hut and other perks.
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Ex-FBI official Dan Bongino returns to radio with Cumulus-backed program
The program is separate from Bongino’s former nationally syndicated show, “The Dan Bongino Show.”
Antenna: Specialty subscription streaming services outpacing premium apps
Specialty services represented 13 percent of combined SVOD subscriptions, up from 12 percent two years ago.
DATA
TikTok parent ByteDance joins MPA to help fight AI-driven copyright infringement
The agreement covers models such as Seedance and Seedream, which are offered across different but related subsidiary businesses of TikTok.
Sinclair names Carol Kellum to role of MG in Omaha, Lincoln-Hastings
Kellum previously spent more than 19 years as General Manager of KTVO, serving Kirksville, Missouri and Ottumwa, Iowa.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Hearst Television promotes Joe Fortunato to Vice President, Revenue
Fortunato will help drive revenue growth across broadcast, streaming video, OTT/connected television, digital video, programmatic, social and branded content.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Paramount could relocate from California to Georgia over antitrust case
The Peach State is known for dangling generous tax breaks and other incentives to cultivate film and TV producers; shows like "Family Feud," "Beyond the Gates" and "Will Trent" are filmed there.
Paramount says states should settle lawsuit over Warner Bros merger
Paramount wants California AG Rob Bonta and eleven other state AGs to respect the authority of nearly 70 other jurisdictions that have approved its deal to acquire Warner Bros Discovery.
Ex-Detroit reporter Kim Russell loses appeal in discrimination case against Scripps
The reporter, Kim Russell, alleged pay disparities between her and a male colleague were proof of gender discrimination at the Scripps-owned outlet in Detroit.
Nexstar begins replacing TEGNA board after judge says structure violated injunction
Four of five current or former Nexstar executives appointed to TEGNA's Board of Directors have resigned, and the fifth will do so when a new Board is created, the company said in a court filing this week.
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