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The latest stories published on The Desk.
AT&T buys streaming platform ahead of global HBO Max launch
AT&T has acquired a technology startup that helps power some of its current streaming services.
A streaming TV recommendation tool finds an unexpected ally in cable TV companies
The Cohen brothers developed a tool to help customers break free from expensive cable TV packages. They didn't expect to find a partner in the cable companies themselves.
IN-DEPTH
Sinclair begins offering “radio” service over advanced TV signal in Seattle
Sinclair Broadcast Group rolled out a handful of music channels on its Next Gen TV signal in Seattle.
Pluto TV unveils new Comedy Central Animation channel
South Park, Beavis and Butt-Head, Daria and Drawn Together are available on a new Pluto TV streaming channel.
T-Mobile will ease marketing claims of “superior” 5G network
The agreement comes amid a suggestion from a national advertising board and a complaint from rival Verizon.
COVID relief bill brings harsher penalties for online content pirates
Operators of illegal streaming services could be hit with felony criminal charges under an amendment to the U.S. Copyright code.
Deal reached to restore TEGNA stations to DirecTV, AT&T U-Verse
The deal will allow AT&T to restore five dozen TEGNA-owned station to DirecTV and U-Verse.
TEGNA still negotiating with AT&T, DirecTV over local stations
TEGNA won't say how much money it's requesting for the channels, but AT&T says it amounts to the "largest rate increase" ever.
New law requires cable, satellite TV companies to disclose hidden fees
A new law requires cable and satellite companies to disclose all fees when a customer signs up for service.
Twitter will allow anyone to apply for verification next year
But that doesn't mean just anyone will get the coveted blue badge of recognition.
Theaters may slash Warner movie ticket prices
Some movie theaters may cut ticket prices for Warner Bros. movies to as little as $3 in retaliation for the studio putting its films on HBO Max next year.
Without Trump, cable news execs worried about ratings decline
CNN and MSNBC thrived on scandal during the Trump presdiency. Now that he's almost gone, executives are worried about the future of cable news.