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The latest stories published on The Desk.

CNN falls behind Hallmark Channel in holiday ratings battle
CNN fell to fourth place in the ratings last week, falling behind Fox News, MSNBC and the holiday-themed Hallmark Channel.

Report: Comcast in “advanced talks” to acquire streaming service Xumo
Comcast is in advanced discussions to acquire streaming TV service Xumo, according to a news report.

Sling TV raises prices for just the second time in its history
The Dish Network-owned live streaming service will now offer its slimmest package of pay TV networks for $30 a month, a $10 increase from its base price when it launched nearly five years ago.

Vidgo relaunches with ESPN, Fox channels for $40 a month
A live streaming television service has re-launched with an expanded offering that mirrors that of other over-the-top services.

Sacramento’s KCRA-TV loses two reporters in one month
Two KCRA-TV reporters announced their intentions to leave the highly-rated Sacramento station less than a month apart, and for different reasons.

Reuters to pull plug on standalone TV app
Reuters will sunset its television-centric app less than five years after introducing it and will fold TV content into its existing website and standalone news app.

Group representing California freelancers file lawsuit over “gig economy” bill
Two groups representing freelance workers in California have filed a federal lawsuit that challenges a new initiative that reclassifies certain freelance journalists and photographers as employees.

Nexstar to shut down regional cable news channel Chicagoland Television
Chicagoland Television, a regional cable news channel that has aired news and public affairs programming to the Chicago metropolitan area, will cease production by the end of next year.

KHQ-TV, KFBB suffer cyber attack affecting news operation
A Washington state television station was hit with a crippling cyber attack that had effects on other stations within the company.

After merging with Tribune, Nexstar issues Christmas pink slips
Dozens of people have been laid off at stations that were acquired from Tribune Media, according to sources.

PBS moves closer to YouTube TV launch with official artwork
PBS was supposed to launch on YouTube TV this month, but financial complications and other setbacks have pushed back the date indefinitely.

Media Wrap-Up: Bingeable ads on Hulu, AT&T TV gets national launch date
Hulu is rolling out ads targeted at binge watchers; Vudu offers replacement rentals for bad movies; AT&T could shut down AT&T TV Now.