the HOT List

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas was cancelled. Did this put a chilling effect on potential dealmaking for broadcast media's biggest brokers? In this podcast, RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam Jacobson gets the answer from Bob Heymann, the Chicago-based Director for Media Services Group. LISTEN HERE

A quartet of U.S. Senators from both sides of the aisle have penned a pledge letter sent to their colleagues in the upper body of Congress that seeks their support for the expansion of U.S. Small Business Administration loan access to struggling local newspapers and radio and television stations. It comes after a cable TV advocacy group asked Congress to thwart such a move.

In a major decision that could greatly impact the future of broadcast media's cross-ownership rules -- and any further deregulation moves -- the FCC late Friday revealed that it will appeal the Third Circuit Appeals Court ruling that remanded its "modernization" effort. 

With distance learning now the only way students across the U.S. are attending schools, the subject of America's digital divide and access to high-speed internet in the home has risen. What if disadvantaged children can't easily access online classes? What if the lone computer in the home is needed by a parent or sibling? Neuhoff Media may have a perfect solution.

Imagine covering the COVID-19 pandemic in a territory where stay-at-home rules were based on the decisions of leaders overseeing 30 different counties -- all within the viewing area of one TV station. That's how TEGNA's WFAA-8 in Dallas has been serving its viewers, as we learn in the latest episode of the RBR+TVBR Coronavirus INFOCUS Podcast. LISTEN HERE

Six "artist and consumer rights groups" believe, based on "reports," that DOJ "could act any time" on the potential acquisition of iHeartMedia by Liberty Media. As such, these groups have written to both the Justice Department and the respective House and Senate Judiciary Committees in opposition of such a deal. There's one big reason they've expressed.

How can a local TV station weather the COVID-19 pandemic together with its audience, and local businesses that depend on foot traffic? Here's a lesson in how a broadcast media station can be an important business partner, courtesy of Michael Valentine, VP/Station Manager of TEGNA's flagship WUSA9 in Washington, D.C. — today's podcast guest. LISTEN HERE

To learn how Hawaii News Now is serving a statewide audience in the best way possible while ensuring the safety of its own team, RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson spoke with GM Katie Pickman for an exclusive look inside KGMB-TV and KHNL-TV in this new Coronavirus INFOCUS Podcast. LISTEN HERE

Many love New Orleans, and the stories we’ve been hearing about the novel coronavirus’ high impact on Louisiana is just devastating. How has this impacted TEGNA-owned CBS affiliate WWL-4, and its ability to deliver important news and information to its viewers? That's the subject of the latest RBR+TVBR Coronavirus InFOCUS podcast.

As broadcast media journalists risk their health to keep the news flowing, the spotlight has only briefly shone on the heroes who have made significant adjustments to how they do their work – and where. With this in mind, the RBR+TVBR Coronavirus InFOCUS podcast debuts today. Our first guest: Meredith Local Media President Patrick McCreery. 

The senior leadership team and members of the board of directors of The E.W. Scripps Company  are taking voluntary salary and fee reductions, effective immediately. The company will donate an amount equal to those cuts to a fund to support its employees affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

To help industry professionals deal with the psychological toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, Streamline Publishing Chairman Eric Rhoads has engaged experts through a video series he believes can help during these stressful times. In this episode, Rhoads speaks with Lee Milteer, an author and performance coach who has counselled and trained more than 1 million people in her speeches.

One year ago, Marshall Broadcasting Group filed a lawsuit against an entity it acquired three stations from for what it says are this company’s active efforts “to undermine” its TV trio. Now, it is selling the three television stations. Who's the buyer? That will certainly have people talking.

The NAB, News Media Alliance, National Newspaper Association (NNA) and America’s Newspapers have asked Congressional leaders to provide critical support to local news media in its next coronavirus relief stimulus bill. It follows outreach seen Wednesday from PEN America, Common Cause, and Free Press Action on behalf of nearly 50 organizations.

On Aug. 31, 1987, an independent station serving an Ohio city due south of the state capital signed on the air bearing call letters in honor of its owner and founder. He sold the station in 1994, and today it is the home of The CW Network's Columbus affiliate. The man who gave birth to the station, an owner of other radio and TV stations, has died at the age of 97.