TV/Cable News

As investors take the day off to observe Passover or Good Friday, ahead of the Easter holiday, several media companies are readying their financial data for the upcoming release of their quarterly earnings results. Among the companies setting dates are The E.W. Scripps Co., Gray Television, and Meredith Corp.

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on Tuesday collectively gave its nod to a fifth order of business on its Executive Session agenda, and the NAB is pleased. S.3405, the “Low Power Protection Act,” is heading for a floor vote by the upper body of Congress. What happens now for the LPTV Broadcasters Association? 

Though they share one thing – the lack of a traditional paid cable or satellite TV subscription – "Cord Cutters" and "Cord Nevers" in the U.S differ in a host of ways, including their tastes in streaming video platforms and shows. That's just one of the key finding from a new "Cord Evolution" study from GfK MRI.

As Discovery's C-Suite sees it, "The new leadership team draws on a diverse set of leaders from both organizations, provides continuity and creates a flatter organizational structure to drive creativity, accountability and collaboration."

Following rumors late Sunday that a deal was imminent, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tribune Media Co. have reached a deal that will see Sinclair acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Tribune for $43.50 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.9 billion. Sinclair will also assume approximately $2.7 billion in net debt.

Broadband iTV, Inc., which considers itself a pioneer of video-on-demand technology, has filed a patent infringement action against a trio of cable television service providers. The action, made Monday with the U.S. International Trade Commission, involves four BBiTV patents.

"We interrupt this programming to inform you of threats of law enforcement and for your help in apprehending dangerous suspects." That's a message broadcast media could soon be required to air, thanks to a proposal that would empower local law enforcement with FCC-mandated "Blue Alerts."

Diamond Sports Group, a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, has revealed who will now hold the role of Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Bally Sports+, its new direct-to-consumer (DTC) sports division.

DISH Network shares climbed 1.6%, to $65.02, on Friday after surging some 2.5% on an early morning report that it and Amazon may be exploring a deeper partnership ... or perhaps a merger.

The sports-first live TV streaming platform has added more free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels to its consumer offerings. The addition is part of a strategy to further grow its content — and ad revenue — by expanding distribution of FAST channels on its subscription service. Fubo TV plans to add more than 100 additional FAST channels by the end of 2022.

The licensee of a Class A television station in Chicago that challenged a FCC Media Bureau dismissal of a Displacement Application to change the station's digital dial position from Channel 4 to Channel 41 has been thwarted in its efforts to get the Commission to change its mind.

It's now approved for the treatment of moderate to severe eczema; ulcerative colitis; and ankylosing spondylitis. It's already used for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Informing consumers about its potential benefits has taken this pharmaceutical brand to viewers via a new Spot TV campaign — one that tops the latest Media Monitors report.

Last week RBR+TVBR reported on a proposal from computing giant Microsoft to use TV white space to provide wireless broadband services in rural areas. Specifically, Microsoft wants the FCC to reserve a vacant UHF white space channel in every market nationwide, following the post-auction repack of broadcast television stations. The NAB is less than thrilled, and issued a statement on the matter Tuesday. We also have some thoughts on the matter, via a RBR+TVBR OBSERVATION.

There's very little one can compare between Springfield, Mass., and Wichita, Kan. That said, Gray Television owns and operates broadcast television stations in each of these markets. And, in each of these markets, Gray has a new General Manager in place.

Multicultural millenial-focused FUSION TV has joined with more than 60 other leading companies, public interest groups and associations in launching a non-profit organization focused on breaking down barriers of entry for underrepresented content creators and those working behind the scenes in media and entertainment.