News
The latest stories published on The Desk.
Return of fall sports helps ESPN studio shows gain viewers in September
ESPN’s weekday studio programming surged in September as the return of football and other fall sports fueled record-breaking audience gains across its lineup, according to data from Nielsen.
Fox leans into microdramas, takes equity stake in Holywater
Fox Entertainment has acquired an equity stake in Holywater, a production company that creates short-form scripted microdramas and vertical videos powered by artificial intelligence.
California passes unenforceable law on loud streaming TV ads
The measure, which was inspired by the federal CALM Act, included no penalties for streamers who violate the law.
Kimmel ratings slide after Charlie Kirk monologue controversy
Jimmy Kimmel's ratings high influenced by his temporary hiatus from ABC has largely come to an end, according to new Nielsen ratings released this week.
Nielsen: NFL games dominate TV ratings, ABC leads in prime-time
Football once again ruled American television during the week of September 29 through October 5, 2025, according to audience data released by Nielsen on Wednesday.
RATINGS
Spectrum News expands on Comcast’s Xfinity TV
TV subscribers in New York, New Jersey, Florida, California and other states have expanded access to regional Spectrum News channels.
Comscore forges measurement partnership with TiVo
Comscore and TiVo have announced a strategic partnership that will combine TiVo’s advanced program metadata with Comscore’s cross-platform audience measurement tools.
Groups accuse FCC Chairman Carr of weaponizing agency
Nearly two dozen civil rights and media advocacy groups have accused FCC Chairman Brendan Carr of violating the First Amendment by interfering in news operations.
Joaquin Duro named EVP, Sports and Head of Streaming at Telemundo
Comcast's Telemundo has promoted Joaquin Duro to Executive Vice President, Sports and Head of Streaming at the Spanish-language media company.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Proposed FCC rule will let broadcasters choose ATSC 1.0 shutoff date
A proposal to transition America's television broadcasters from the current digital standard to NextGen TV would allow television stations to decide when to shut off their current digital signals.
FCC chairman says vote coming on NextGen TV
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr is ready to discuss a possible switch from digital TV to NextGen TV, but there are more questions than answers about what this will mean for consumers.
Nexstar completes new transmission tower for WDVM
Nexstar Media Group has built a new transmitter tower for WDVM-TV, expanding the station’s over-the-air signal across the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.