Headlines
AI Is Reshaping Media Planning & Buying, But Humans Still Own The Wheel
Leaders from Hearst Television, E.W. Scripps, Dentsu, Viamedia and SureWaves told a TVNewsCheck Working Lunch Webinar last week that AI has already automated routine, labor-intensive work but it can’t replace the value-adding expertise people bring to the equation.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Zimmer Seeks Cap Waiver In Springfield To Close Mid-West Deal
After its president asked the FCC to abolish the radio ownership caps, Zimmer Communications seeks a waiver of the Local Radio Ownership Rule to complete its acquisition of four Mid-West Family stations in Springfield, MO, in an all-stock deal.
Television
FCC Opens The Door To Broadcast Consolidation. Will Local News Be Better For It?
In the latest episode of In the Vicinity, Tim Hanlon welcomes TVND founder and veteran newsroom leader Kirk Varner for an in-depth conversation about what comes next.
Radio
Nielsen, Cumulus Spar Over Injunction Enforcement
A courtroom win for Cumulus Media has not yet translated into relief on the ground. Even after the Second Circuit upheld a preliminary injunction against Nielsen in the companies’ antitrust dispute, enforcement is being held up, sending both sides back before the judge who granted it.
Media
Nielsen's $2B DoubleVerify Deal Puts Ad Measurement Independence to the Test
Consolidation could strengthen independent measurement, but it’s also raising concerns about who gets to be the arbiter of truth
FCC
FCC Explores Emergency Alert System Message Authentication
It weighs the rejection of CAP EAS messages that lack valid digital signatures
Newsmax preps lawsuit over FCC broadcast TV ownership vote
In an interview on Tuesday, Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy reaffirmed his commitment to litigation and said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was "not good for conservatives."
Verticals
Automotive TV Spending Increases 6.6% In July
Automakers spent $76 million in estimated national linear TV spending in July, up 6.6% over $71.3 million a year ago.