Upper Body Of Congress OK’s 2020 Funding, STELAR Bills
The U.S. Senate midday Thursday passed the omnibus spending bill that includes STELAR legislation and incorporates reforms to end hidden cable fees. These reforms will go into effect six months after President Trump signs the bill into law, unless the FCC grants a six-month extension.
HD Radio Parent To Merge With Tivo
Under the terms of the merger agreement, the shares of TiVo and Xperi stockholders will be converted into the shares of the new parent company based on a fixed exchange ratio of 0.455 Xperi share per existing TiVo share. Upon completion of the merger, Xperi stockholders will own approximately 46.5% and TiVo stockholders will own approximately 53.5% of the new parent company on a fully diluted basis.
Three More Years Of Scripps Leadership For Symson
Prior to becoming CEO in August 2017, Adam was Scripps’ COO, overseeing the company’s broadcast TV, radio and digital media divisions. Now, he's guaranteed at least a 5 1/2 year tenure overseeing the owner of 60 broadcast television stations in 42 markets; the Bounce and Court TV digital multicast networks; podcast company Stitcher; and streaming measurement and tech provider Triton.
A VOD Pioneer Slaps AT&T With A Patent Infringement Suit
A company that considers itself to be one of the pioneers of video-on-demand technology has filed a patent infringement action against AT&T -- an action that involves four patents covering streaming media innovations specifically tied to VOD services using the set top box and mobile app technology.
With STELAR Done, An ‘Outdated Law’ Is Sunset
The federal government's FY2020 Appropriations Act needs Senate approval by the end of the week to avert a shutdown, and it is likely. As such, STELA legislation championed by the House Energy & Commerce Committee is set to become law. Retiring Committee Ranking Member Greg Walden is pleased.
Apollo/Cox Media Group Deal Is Formally Done
Cox Enterprises on Tuesday officially completed the sale of its portfolio of television and radio stations; Dayton, Ohio multimedia assets; and its affiliated CoxReps and Gamut national advertising businesses to a new media company with a familiar name: Cox Media Group. This solidifies the role of Steven Pruett as Executive Chairman.
‘STELAR’ Bills Included In Approved House ’20 Appropriations Plan
In a largely anticipated move, provisions related to the soon-to-sunset Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization (STELAR) have been included in what's formally titled the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020. It passed the House on Tuesday and now needs Senate approval by Friday to avoid a government shutdown.
SBS To Undertake Recapitalization
Spanish Broadcasting System on Monday afternoon confirmed that it has received a letter from "a recognized multinational financial services broadcast lender" stating that it is "highly confident of its ability" to arrange secured debt financing for SBS in an amount of $300 million.
Shell World: NBCU Selects Steve Burke’s Successor
An announcement made just before 9am Monday (12/16) confirmed rumors that CEO Steve Burke would be exiting. At the same time, it revealed who would be filling his shoes.
Tom Joyner Says Farewell To Radio
He first found fame as a "Fly Jock" in an era long before multi-market satellite-delivered live shows and is today one of the most renowned African American hosts to ever sit behind a microphone. At 10am Friday, "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" came to its end, with Joyner officially heading into retirement.
Townsquare Codifies Its C-Suite Pay Plan
Townsquare Media on Dec. 9 agreed to amend the employment agreements agreed to by its CEO, Bill Wilson; CFO, Stuart Rosenstein; and Local Media COO Erik Hellum. The company that focuses on small and mid-sized markets also said yes to an amended agreement with former CEO and current Executive Chairman Steven Price.
U.S. Advertising: ‘Past the Tipping Point’
While conventional wisdom might have assumed that TV’s loss was digital’s gains, the more accurate story -- courtesy of Wall Street analyst Michael Nathanson -- is that digital is being fueled by "an army of small and medium-sized advertisers" who have benefited from the efficient targeting capabilities of Facebook and Google.
A Record-Setting Fine Is Proposed For Boston Radio Pirate
In a historic move that cements the Pai Commission as one that will not tolerate unlicensed radio broadcasters, the FCC proposed a $453,015 fine against an individual determined to be the operator of a Boston-area pirate radio operation.
Now comes enforcement, which could be difficult.
Boston Broadcast Buccaneer Gets $150K+ Proposed Fine
The FCC has proposed the maximum allowable fine by law be handed to a Boston-based operator of a pirate radio station calling itself "Radio Concorde." It was the second, and lesser, penalty of the day to a Bay State buccaneer. But, will the individual behind the unlicensed operation comply, or thumb its note at the FCC?
MMTC Calls Out ‘New Assertions’ Raised On FCC EEO
The FCC’s EEO Compliance and Enforcement Notice of Proposed Rulemaking saw 82 Broadcasters join together in the Nov. 4 submission — through Womble Bond Dickinson attorney John Garziglia — of Reply Comments. Now, the MMTC has a lot to say. It made its thoughts known in a 22-page letter to the FCC's five decision makers.