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The latest stories published on The Desk.
KQED lays off coronavirus reporters, other staff due to sponsorship decline
KQED has laid off 20 employees as the broadcaster struggles to raise much-needed sponsorship revenue during the coronavirus pandemic.
Amazon quietly drops anti-disparagement clause for future podcast feature
Amazon has quietly removed a requirement that podcasts not contain disparaging remarks as a condition for a show's inclusion in Amazon Music.
Reddit offers content moderators free Calm app subscription
Reddit is offering its volunteer content moderators an opportunity to unwind from the stress of 2020 with premium access to the meditation app Calm.
Fox launches global streaming services for news, business channels
Fox Corporation's cable news and business programming will soon be available to audiences in other countries, Fox executives announced on Tuesday.
Former Fox commentator Bill O’Reilly eyes New York radio show
The ex-Fox News pundit is expected to debut on New York's WABC-AM later this year.
AT&T executive said layoffs intended to benefit HBO Max
At a conference on Tuesday, finance executive John Stephens said AT&T's focus is on its blockbuster streaming service.
Philo insulated from effects of ViacomCBS merger for now
A blockbuster merger between Viacom Corporation and CBS Corporation will not impact Philo's ability to carry Viacom-operated cable networks for at least another year.
Sports-free budget TV services gain momentum as competitors raise prices
The high cost of sports and other programming means companies like YouTube TV might have to increase prices without adding channels or features.
Disney retires Fox branding from assets, revives Touchstone name
Disney is retiring the Fox brand from its film and studio assets acquired early last year.
Amazon to incorporate podcasts into Amazon Music, Audible
Amazon will incorporate free podcasts into its Amazon Music and Audible products.
HBO Max ad-supported tier adds extra wrinkle in Roku, Amazon negotiations
A cheaper, advertisement-supported version of AT&T's streaming service HBO Max will launch sometime next year
Comcast puts NBC Sky World News channel on indefinite hiatus
Comcast has halted plans to launch a new global news channel co-branded with its NBC News and Sky satellite properties, according to a source.