News
The latest stories published on The Desk.
Scripps board rejects Sinclair acquisition offer
The Board of Directors for the E. W. Scripps Company has voted unanimously to reject an unsolicited offer made by Sinclair, Inc. last month.
Nexstar CEO says Trump, Congress favor broadcast deregulation
Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said he expects support from the Trump administration for the company’s $6.2 billion proposed merger with TEGNA.
Second Circuit allows DIRECTV lawsuit against Nexstar to proceed
The decision allows DIRECTV to move forward with claims of improper collusion against Nexstar over its handling of retransmission consent negotiations for White Knight and Mission stations.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Texas sues LG, other smart TV makers over personalized advertising
The lawsuits claim automated content recognition tracks everything displayed on smart TVs without clear consumer disclosure.
Gray Media acquiring Jackson TV station from Bahakel Communications
Gray Media says it has reached an agreement with Bahakel Communications to acquire its local television station in Jackson, Tennessee.
Kari Lake says USAGM to vacate studios, relocate to NASA building
USAGM will vacate its Washington, D.C. headquarters and relocate to a NASA-used building under cost-cutting ordered by President Trump.
EXCLUSIVE
Nielsen: TV usage skyrockets in November, YouTube share flat
Americans watched more than 100 billion minutes of TV in November, driven by Thanksgiving NFL games and strong broadcast viewership.
THE GAUGE
Apple brings Google Cast support to Android version of Apple TV app
Apple is hoping to draw more interest in its Apple TV streaming video service by supporting a cornerstone casting protocol commonly found on Android phones and tablets.
Fox affiliation moves to Sinclair-owned station in Chico-Redding
Broadcast television viewers in two Northern California markets are having to switch stations to watch national network programming from Fox.
Netflix taps Dani Dudeck as Chief Communications Officer
Her appointment comes as Netflix navigates a potentially transformative period tied to its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Spectrum News lands on Comcast’s Xfinity TV in several states
Charter has made good on its promise to bring its regional Spectrum News channels to Xfinity TV customers in several states.
Ampere: Holidays shoppers flock to streaming deals, but churn remains a problem
Ampere found most holiday-acquired subscribers cancel a service quickly, with few retaining customers long-term.
DATA