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The latest stories published on The Desk.
ITVS, Kanopy launch funding and distribution partnership for independent films
Kanopy will license educational and public library streaming rights directly from filmmakers under a presale model.
NewsNation sets midterm election town hall with Chris Cuomo, Stephen A. Smith
The town hall will use new polling from Decision Desk HQ and “The Hill” to guide the discussion.
TikTok opens third-party ad network to U.S. advertisers
TikTok is opening its advertising network of nearly 400,000 third-party apps to U.S. advertisers.
WNBA playoffs average record 1.3 million viewers in first round
The first round of the 2026 WNBA Playoffs averaged 1.3 million viewers across 10 games, making it the league’s most-watched opening playoff round.
RATINGS
Skydance CEO voices support for CNN lawsuit against Trump
At a town hall, Skydance CEO David Ellison said he will not interfere with CNN or CBS News editorial decisions following the Paramount-WBD merger.
Skydance takes flight: Paramount closes acquisition of Warner Bros
The transaction combines Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros Pictures with television and streaming properties that include CBS, HBO, CNN, Paramount Plus and HBO Max.
NTSB releases preliminary report on KNBC helicopter crash
The helicopter's fuselage was badly damaged by fire after the aircraft impacted the side of a metal shipping container.
CONTINUING COVERAGE
Broadband groups want FCC to reverse deletion of TV ownership rule
In a petition, broadband and cable TV groups argued the FCC exceeded its authority by eliminating an ownership cap that was established by Congress.
NEW DETAILS
Sinclair joins Substack, launches “The National Press” newsletter
The initiative will involve at least three web shows and a daily e-mail newsletter featuring headlines from Sinclair's local TV newsrooms.
Ampere: Streamers bulking up content libraries with unscripted shows
Five of the top six U.S.-based streaming services beefed up their content catalogs with documentaries, reality shows and sports over the past four years.
DATA
Bango partners with LG’s telecom service on subscription management platform
LG Uplus will use Bango’s Digital Vending Machine to add global and local subscription services and bundles.
Braiden Bell lawyers up, asks Trail Blazers for another shot
A sports broadcaster who lost his job with the Portland Trail Blazers before it even began is asking the team to reconsider their decision and has hired a lawyer to handle publicity on his behalf.
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