the HOT List

A fresh retransmission consent accord between TEGNA and DirecTV could not be reached as the prior one lapsed. And, as is representative of nearly every carriage fee dispute, each side is blaming one another as viewers will be prevented from enjoying a bevy of programming in key markets across the U.S.

Mike Hulvey will work with longtime industry figure Erica Farber to ensure “a smooth and successful transition during the next few months;” her last day with the RAB will be April 30, 2024.

While respected analyst Brian Wieser doesn't have a rosy outlook for audio, including radio, for 2023 or 2024 when it comes to advertising growth, another report — courtesy of Deloitte — presents a potentially more promising forecast for the audio entertainment market. 

For the three months ending September 30, Spanish Broadcasting System saw lower year-over-year operating results. But, as the company explained late Wednesday with the release of its Q3 2023 report, there were two key reasons for the decline.

Influential advertising trends analyst Brian Wieser has just released his assessment of Q3 2023 ad trends. Guess what? "Strong advertising trends" in the third quarter will result in a better-than-expected full year 2023 and 2024, too. But, don't get too excited, broadcast media execs: the growth is nearly entirely thanks to Digital.

The TV station owner and direct broadcast satellite company have until Thursday to iron out a fresh deal. Should there be no new agreement come December 1, the impact on fans of college football and the National Football League this weekend could be enormous.

She holds a seat on the House Energy & Commerce Committee's Communications and Technology Subcommittee, which has direct oversight of the FCC, and served as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee for six years. Come January 2025, there will be no further efforts in Congress from Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.). 

Viewers of television stations owned by the company formerly known as Gannett are being warned that, if they are DirecTV subscribers, they could lose access to the channels as soon as late Thursday evening. The direct broadcast satellite company is already speaking out about the potential retransmission consent dispute.

Twenty-two days ago, $17 million was due from Audacy Inc. to cover an interest payment associated with a credit facility that commenced some seven years earlier. On Sunday, the company formerly known as Entercom entered into a fresh Credit Facility Amendment, stretching the due date of that payment and another lesser payment by another week. 

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel wants the Commission to tackle what she is calling billing practices by cable operators and direct broadcast satellite service providers DirectTV and Dish that are unfair to consumers.

A New York-based investment firm that says it emphasizes "business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation" is confirming its lead role in a shareholder group that seeks to acquire Broadcast Music, Inc., the music rights group known as "BMI."

U.S. businesses and consumers continue to express caution regarding spending on technology, with spots of more intensive interest around critical areas of new technology. This suggests more dollars will be invested in everything from information security and cloud computing to AI, a new survey from S&P Global Market Intelligence shows.

With the Ninth Circuit overruling a motion filed by Ed Stolz in his California federal district court case that attempted to block Larry Patrick from selling his FMs, the sale of all of his stations in a concurrent Nevada Bankruptcy Court case — which negated the FM sale — is now roaring toward the finish line. For KEXP, that will bring a Bay Area entry it's already discussing.

Looking at AI from a business lens and what it can do — "create capacity" — is a centerpoint of how Graham Media Group is using generative artificial intelligence in the right way, and ensuring the TV station owner doesn't run afoul of the law. That's a statement shared by the company's CEO during the closing Executive Super Session at Forecast on Wednesday afternoon in New York.

Artificial intelligence is already bringing new opportunities for broadcasters, in particular radio station owners. But, what could bring monetary benefits could also yield a mess of legal troubles, an esteemed panel of industry leaders shared on Wednesday afternoon at Forecast.