ESPN closes NFL Media deal following DOJ approval
It is unclear what, if any, concessions ESPN and the NFL made to the Trump administration to seal the deal.
Comcast touts Peacock gains, though streamer still not profitable
Peacock grew to 44 million subscribers in 2025, driven by live sports including NFL coverage and the return of NBA games.
Special Coverage: Media Earnings
Starz subscribers stable in Q3, but financial loss widens
If there was one bright spot in Starz’s third quarter (Q3) financial earnings on Thursday, it was this: The company didn’t lose very many subscribers.
Streaming News
Charter sees rare growth in pay TV during Q4, but revenue down
Charter reported a rare period of growth in its pay TV business, but the company’s ongoing broadband losses weighed on revenue.
Policy & Law
ESPN closes NFL Media deal following DOJ approval
It is unclear what, if any, concessions ESPN and the NFL made to the Trump administration to seal the deal.
Radio & Television News
Xumo starts selling ad inventory through OpenPath
Xumo has added OpenPath from The Trade Desk to provide more direct programmatic access to its connected TV inventory through FreeWheel.
Sports Desk
NBC: Super Bowl LX, Winter Olympic Games will stream in 4K
Comcast’s NBC Universal says it will offer its presentation of Super Bowl LX and the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in ultra high-definition.
Special Coverage: NextGen TV
APTS, PBS says NextGen TV transition should be voluntary, not forced
APTS and PBS warned a forced transition could burden stations and viewers without federal rebate support.
Advertising & Data
Cadent claims full directness across connected TV supply
The platform processes about 200 billion impressions daily and reaches over 125 million households.
Europe & UK
Google issues legal threat against Barb, Kantar Media over YouTube measurement
Advertisers face growing opacity as YouTube claims TV dominance while withholding detailed content-level data.
Best of TheDesk.net
Four years in, free streamer Fox Weather evolves into public safety resource
With wide distribution and a commitment to free, live coverage, the channel has become a trusted source before, during and long after climate emergencies.
