TheDesk.net
@thedesk.net
Interesting stories that won’t waste your time. TheDesk.net covers the business of media (broadcasting, streaming) and tech. Posts by @matthewkeys.net, and probably others, too.
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TheDesk.net
@thedesk.net
· Oct 17
Woah. Hello, Bluesky!
We're excited to be here.
May we introduce ourselves?
We cover business and policy matters involving the tech, media and telecom industries, how they're disrupting from within, and how they're influencing your lives — in a way that aims to not waste anyone's time.
👋
We're excited to be here.
May we introduce ourselves?
We cover business and policy matters involving the tech, media and telecom industries, how they're disrupting from within, and how they're influencing your lives — in a way that aims to not waste anyone's time.
👋
Sinclair has hired former CNN and KTLA morning news anchor Michaela Pereira to serve as the Executive Producer of its new "Amazing America" series.
Sinclair names Michaela Pereira as Executive Producer of Amazing America
November 25, 2025 - Sinclair has hired Michaela Pereira to serve as the Executive Producer of "Amazing America," the company’s digital content brand focused on uplifting stories.
thedesk.net
November 25, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Sinclair has hired former CNN and KTLA morning news anchor Michaela Pereira to serve as the Executive Producer of its new "Amazing America" series.
You, our readers, keep us going.
Thank you for another strong Q3.
We're blessed to have you. We don't take our readers for granted.
Thank you for another strong Q3.
We're blessed to have you. We don't take our readers for granted.
November 24, 2025 at 9:43 PM
You, our readers, keep us going.
Thank you for another strong Q3.
We're blessed to have you. We don't take our readers for granted.
Thank you for another strong Q3.
We're blessed to have you. We don't take our readers for granted.
Exclusive: Fubo has started selling subscriptions to Peacock while NBC-owned channels remain unavailable on the platform.
Scoop: Fubo sells Peacock subscriptions during NBC Universal dispute
November 24, 2025 - Fubo is selling subscription to Peacock during its dispute with NBC Universal over channels on its platform, The Desk has learned.
thedesk.net
November 24, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Exclusive: Fubo has started selling subscriptions to Peacock while NBC-owned channels remain unavailable on the platform.
Sinclair, Inc. has made an offer to acquire the E. W. Scripps Company and its 60 local television stations, plus multicast networks like Ion, Scripps News, Court TV and Laff.
Sinclair makes unsolicited bid for E. W. Scripps
November 24, 2025 - Scripps has made an unsolicited offer to acquire all outstanding share of Scripps as part of an effort to merge with the company.
thedesk.net
November 24, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Sinclair, Inc. has made an offer to acquire the E. W. Scripps Company and its 60 local television stations, plus multicast networks like Ion, Scripps News, Court TV and Laff.
Reposted by TheDesk.net
President Trump's post on social media this weekend appeared to oppose broadcast ownership rule reform, sending local TV stocks down on Monday.
A closer examination of his comments reveals he really wasn't speaking about local TV stations, but broadcast networks — an issue that isn't on the table.
A closer examination of his comments reveals he really wasn't speaking about local TV stations, but broadcast networks — an issue that isn't on the table.
Broadcast TV stocks dip after Trump opines about ownership rules
November 24, 2025 - President Trump appeared to side against reforming broadcast ownership rules in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.
thedesk.net
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
President Trump's post on social media this weekend appeared to oppose broadcast ownership rule reform, sending local TV stocks down on Monday.
A closer examination of his comments reveals he really wasn't speaking about local TV stations, but broadcast networks — an issue that isn't on the table.
A closer examination of his comments reveals he really wasn't speaking about local TV stations, but broadcast networks — an issue that isn't on the table.
CuriosityStream isn't just a subscription documentary service — it is starting to earn some serious money from licensing its content to AI developers, so they can train their large language models.
Wall Street analyst Laura Martin said more media companies need to adopt this strategy.
Wall Street analyst Laura Martin said more media companies need to adopt this strategy.
Laura Martin: CuriosityStream taps new revenue by licensing data to AI developers
November 21, 2025 - Media companies that own intellectual property and first-party data should be licensing that material to developers of large language models, a leading Wall Street analyst said on...
thedesk.net
November 22, 2025 at 2:54 AM
CuriosityStream isn't just a subscription documentary service — it is starting to earn some serious money from licensing its content to AI developers, so they can train their large language models.
Wall Street analyst Laura Martin said more media companies need to adopt this strategy.
Wall Street analyst Laura Martin said more media companies need to adopt this strategy.
#BREAKING: Fubo drops channels owned by NBC Universal after contract expires; both sides negotiating toward new agreement, but at odds over distribution fees.
Fubo drops channels from NBC Universal amid fee dispute
Disney-owned streamer Fubo has pulled channels from rival broadcaster NBC Universal, owned by Comcast.
thedesk.net
November 21, 2025 at 11:24 PM
#BREAKING: Fubo drops channels owned by NBC Universal after contract expires; both sides negotiating toward new agreement, but at odds over distribution fees.
Netgem is bringing Freely to existing smart TVs with a new device called PLEIO, which includes a voice-powered remote control and a game controller.
The Android TV gadget is the first device to support Freely on a standalone basis — no new TV needed.
The Android TV gadget is the first device to support Freely on a standalone basis — no new TV needed.
Netgem unveils PLEIO, first standalone Freely-capable device
Netgem has introduced the first standalone CTV device that brings the capabilities of Freely to existing TV sets in the United Kingdom.
thedesk.net
November 21, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Netgem is bringing Freely to existing smart TVs with a new device called PLEIO, which includes a voice-powered remote control and a game controller.
The Android TV gadget is the first device to support Freely on a standalone basis — no new TV needed.
The Android TV gadget is the first device to support Freely on a standalone basis — no new TV needed.
A federal judge has sided against a former CBS local TV executive who had numerous performance issues, then complained about not being paid out a performance bonus. thedesk.net/2025/11/audr...
Judge sides against ex-WJZ general manager in unpaid performance bonus case
Court records showed ongoing performance, professionalism and attendance issues documented by senior leaders and HR throughout 2021.
thedesk.net
November 21, 2025 at 1:09 AM
A federal judge has sided against a former CBS local TV executive who had numerous performance issues, then complained about not being paid out a performance bonus. thedesk.net/2025/11/audr...
New data from Antenna:
ESPN subscriptions have surpassed 3 million since August (nearly 2 million for ESPN Unlimited alone), and Fox One subscriptions have grown to more than 2 million during the same time.
Both products launched on the same day.
ESPN subscriptions have surpassed 3 million since August (nearly 2 million for ESPN Unlimited alone), and Fox One subscriptions have grown to more than 2 million during the same time.
Both products launched on the same day.
November 20, 2025 at 6:17 PM
New data from Antenna:
ESPN subscriptions have surpassed 3 million since August (nearly 2 million for ESPN Unlimited alone), and Fox One subscriptions have grown to more than 2 million during the same time.
Both products launched on the same day.
ESPN subscriptions have surpassed 3 million since August (nearly 2 million for ESPN Unlimited alone), and Fox One subscriptions have grown to more than 2 million during the same time.
Both products launched on the same day.
Major League Baseball games are coming to Netflix and NBC Universal/Peacock, while ESPN retains a limited window of games.
Playoffs will still be split between TNT Sports and Fox Sports, while the World Series will remain on Fox.
Playoffs will still be split between TNT Sports and Fox Sports, while the World Series will remain on Fox.
MLB inks multi-year TV deal with Netflix, ESPN, NBC Universal
November 19, 2025 - Major League Baseball will distribute regular-season games and special events on Netflix, NBC Sports and ESPN under a new three-year deal, the league announced this week.
thedesk.net
November 20, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Major League Baseball games are coming to Netflix and NBC Universal/Peacock, while ESPN retains a limited window of games.
Playoffs will still be split between TNT Sports and Fox Sports, while the World Series will remain on Fox.
Playoffs will still be split between TNT Sports and Fox Sports, while the World Series will remain on Fox.
Lionsgate has launched a new broadcast network called Moviesphere Gold, now available on digital television stations affiliated with Univision.
Lionsgate officially launches digital broadcast network Moviesphere Gold
November 19, 2025 - The channel pulls from the Lionsgate content library, and will operate through a partnership with Debmar-Mercury.
thedesk.net
November 19, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Lionsgate has launched a new broadcast network called Moviesphere Gold, now available on digital television stations affiliated with Univision.
A judge rejected Disney's request for a preliminary injunction against Sling TV over its ESPN-inclusive "Day Pass" feature.
Sling responded by dropping the price of Day Pass to $1 through the end of November.
Sling responded by dropping the price of Day Pass to $1 through the end of November.
Sling offers $1 Day Pass after judge sides against Disney in lawsuit
November 19, 2025 - On Tuesday, a federal judge denied Disney's request for a preliminary injunction, which would have forced Sling to stop offering the Day Pass while the lawsuit played out.
thedesk.net
November 19, 2025 at 4:58 PM
A judge rejected Disney's request for a preliminary injunction against Sling TV over its ESPN-inclusive "Day Pass" feature.
Sling responded by dropping the price of Day Pass to $1 through the end of November.
Sling responded by dropping the price of Day Pass to $1 through the end of November.
#BREAKING: Local TV broadcaster Nexstar will begin filing applications with the FCC this week to take over stations owned by TEGNA.
Nexstar readies FCC applications to acquire TEGNA stations
Nexstar this week will begin filing applications with the FCC to take over TEGNA's local TV stations.
thedesk.net
November 18, 2025 at 9:02 PM
#BREAKING: Local TV broadcaster Nexstar will begin filing applications with the FCC this week to take over stations owned by TEGNA.
Never forget: The CEO of Nexstar Media Group once said that the coronavirus pandemic would be good for his business because people would be stuck at home with nothing more to do than watch TV.
"I think advertisers see the value in that."
"I think advertisers see the value in that."
Nexstar Media executive says coronavirus good for business
The head of the largest owner of local television stations in the country says a viral outbreak of coronavirus in the United States could provide a boon for stations and advertisers.
thedesk.net
November 18, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Never forget: The CEO of Nexstar Media Group once said that the coronavirus pandemic would be good for his business because people would be stuck at home with nothing more to do than watch TV.
"I think advertisers see the value in that."
"I think advertisers see the value in that."
Broadcast TV saw higher interest in October primarily due to live NFL games on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, according to the latest "The Gauge" report from Nielsen.
Nielsen: Sports creates parity between traditional, streaming TV in October
NFL games and other sports helped lift broadcast TV's share of viewership during the measurement month of October, according to Nielsen.
thedesk.net
November 18, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Broadcast TV saw higher interest in October primarily due to live NFL games on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, according to the latest "The Gauge" report from Nielsen.
Streamers are increasingly turning to YouTube to look for new things to watch when other apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus can't deliver, according to a new consumer survey released this week.
Hub: Streamers turn to YouTube when traditional platforms underwhelm
Streamers are turning to YouTube when they can't find things to watch on other apps, according to a new consumer survey.
thedesk.net
November 17, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Streamers are increasingly turning to YouTube to look for new things to watch when other apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus can't deliver, according to a new consumer survey released this week.
#BREAKING: The E. W. Scripps Company says its corporate board will "protect the company...from the opportunistic actions of Sinclair" after the larger broadcaster purchased an 8.2 equity stake in Scripps, the first step toward a hostile takeover.
Scripps board will "protect the company" from "opportunistic" Sinclair
November 17, 2025 - Sinclair and Scripps have discussed a possible tie-up between the two companies, with Sinclair adding pressure through a large purchase of equity in its peer broadcaster.
thedesk.net
November 17, 2025 at 3:43 PM
#BREAKING: The E. W. Scripps Company says its corporate board will "protect the company...from the opportunistic actions of Sinclair" after the larger broadcaster purchased an 8.2 equity stake in Scripps, the first step toward a hostile takeover.
Fans are harassing professional sports athletes and coaches when they gamble on games and lose.
One pitcher received a Venmo request for $9,000 with the message: "I need you to send me that money, or I’m going to find your family." [New York Times]
One pitcher received a Venmo request for $9,000 with the message: "I need you to send me that money, or I’m going to find your family." [New York Times]
How sports betting is affecting NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL players
Players across sports leagues dish on threatening messages from fans, prop-bet worries and league education
www.nytimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Fans are harassing professional sports athletes and coaches when they gamble on games and lose.
One pitcher received a Venmo request for $9,000 with the message: "I need you to send me that money, or I’m going to find your family." [New York Times]
One pitcher received a Venmo request for $9,000 with the message: "I need you to send me that money, or I’m going to find your family." [New York Times]
This is not going to end well.
The Chairman of the FCC posted a screenshot of a Truth Social post from President Trump, urging NBC to "fire" late night talk show host Seth Meyers.
The Chairman of the FCC posted a screenshot of a Truth Social post from President Trump, urging NBC to "fire" late night talk show host Seth Meyers.
November 16, 2025 at 1:43 AM
This is not going to end well.
The Chairman of the FCC posted a screenshot of a Truth Social post from President Trump, urging NBC to "fire" late night talk show host Seth Meyers.
The Chairman of the FCC posted a screenshot of a Truth Social post from President Trump, urging NBC to "fire" late night talk show host Seth Meyers.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) says a trooper seen bumping into a South Carolina football player during a game has been relieved of his duties for the day.
The trooper confronted a group of players in the tunnel leading to the locker room, and it was caught on live TV. [ESPN]
The trooper confronted a group of players in the tunnel leading to the locker room, and it was caught on live TV. [ESPN]
A&M: Trooper who pointed at players sent home
Texas A&M said a state trooper who made contact with South Carolina players during Saturday's game has been relieved of his game-day duties.
www.espn.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) says a trooper seen bumping into a South Carolina football player during a game has been relieved of his duties for the day.
The trooper confronted a group of players in the tunnel leading to the locker room, and it was caught on live TV. [ESPN]
The trooper confronted a group of players in the tunnel leading to the locker room, and it was caught on live TV. [ESPN]
None of the 25 movies released by major studios in theaters over the last three months are considered "hits," the New York Times says.
That's because none of the movies hit $50 million in ticket sales during their first weekend run. [New York Times]
That's because none of the movies hit $50 million in ticket sales during their first weekend run. [New York Times]
25 Movies, Many Stars, 0 Hits: Hollywood Falls to New Lows
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:02 PM
None of the 25 movies released by major studios in theaters over the last three months are considered "hits," the New York Times says.
That's because none of the movies hit $50 million in ticket sales during their first weekend run. [New York Times]
That's because none of the movies hit $50 million in ticket sales during their first weekend run. [New York Times]
Reposted by TheDesk.net
It’s live on TV now.
Today, MSNBC becomes @ms.now: MS NOW – My Source for News, Opinion, and the World.
While our name has changed, who we are has not. You’ll find the same commitment to justice, progress, and the truth.
Same mission. New name.
While our name has changed, who we are has not. You’ll find the same commitment to justice, progress, and the truth.
Same mission. New name.
November 15, 2025 at 12:06 PM
It’s live on TV now.
Charter is giving its Spectrum Internet customers a free bump in download and upload speeds during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Spectrum Internet boosts download speeds for free during "Gig Week"
November 13, 2025 - Charter Communications is giving customers of its Spectrum Internet service faster download speeds during the busy Thanksgiving holiday.
thedesk.net
November 15, 2025 at 4:11 AM
Charter is giving its Spectrum Internet customers a free bump in download and upload speeds during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Donald Trump plans to file a frivolous lawsuit against the BBC next week, pursuing billions of dollars in damages because they apologized for editing his January 6 speech. [The Guardian]
Trump says he will take legal action against BBC, despite its apology
US president tells reporters he will sue the corporation for ‘anywhere between a billion and $5bn’
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 2:29 AM
Donald Trump plans to file a frivolous lawsuit against the BBC next week, pursuing billions of dollars in damages because they apologized for editing his January 6 speech. [The Guardian]