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The latest stories published on The Desk.
Trinity Broadcasting sues Dr. Phil for fraud following bankruptcy
Trinity Broadcasting has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Dr. Phil McGraw and his former media venture, Merit Street Media, of fraud and breach of contract.
Salem Media Executive Chairman Ed Atsinger to step down
Ed Atsinger III will step down as Executive Chairman at the end of 2025; Richard von Gnechten has been appointed Chairman of the Board.
Friend MTS receives award for anti-piracy technology
Friend MTS has received Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 Best Practices Technology Innovation Leadership Recognition, an award that highlights the company’s work in digital content security and anti-piracy technology.
DirecTV launches multiview channels on streaming platform
The new "Mix" channels allow subscribers to watch several sports, news and children's programming networks from a single screen.
Sling TV launches low-cost Sling Select package for $20 per month
The plan includes access to streaming versions of cable channels like Fox News, NFL Network and Vice TV.
Katz Media to handle TV ad sales for Get After It Media
Katz Media Group will handle all ad sales for Get After It Media and its slate of multicast networks, the companies announced on Tuesday.
YouTube gives streaming a lift over traditional TV in Nielsen report
Streaming continued to chip away at broadcast and cable television's share of time spent with TV in July, with the sector accounting for nearly 50 percent of all viewership that month.
THE GAUGE
Nexstar confirms plan to acquire TEGNA for $6.2 billion
Nexstar Media Group will acquire rival broadcaster TEGNA in a cash deal valued at $6.2 billion, the companies announced Monday.
DirecTV says it can’t broadcast NextGen TV signals to customers
In a letter to the FCC, a trade association that counts DirecTV as a member says the company can't juggle its ATSC 1.0 commitments with the reception and delivery of NextGen TV channels.
CNN unveils updated schedule for CNN Headlines streaming channel
CNN has rolled out a refreshed programming schedule for CNN Headlines, its free streaming channel dedicated to news, politics, business and sports stories.
Lack of funding causes NextGen TV emergency warning program to close
Congressional funding cuts will result in a major setback for the development of an advanced emergency warning notification system that is intended to be utilized over ATSC 3.0.
USA, Golf Channel to air sports events as “USA Sports”
The two channels will maintain separate schedules, but offer live athletic events under a singular brand name.