Headlines
Cumulus Media Takes 'Poison Pill' As Hostile Takeover Emerges
In a filing with the SEC, Cumulus Media announced its initiation of a “poison pill” defense plan to ward off a looming hostile takeover from a Singapore-based company owned by the billionaire behind the recent clearing house at legacy media brand Sports Illustrated.
NAB, Xperi Raise Concern Over HD Power "Ambiguity"
Here’s a fresh twist regarding the proposal that would allow more U.S. FM stations to increase HD Radio digital power levels.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Deal Digest: Alabama FM Four-Pack Sells For $1.25 Million
Kensington Digital Media has filed a $1.25 million deal to buy classic hits “102.5 The Q” WESP, “Rock 100.5” WJRL, adult R&B “Magic 93” WBBK, and country “B-105” WECB from Holladay Broadcasting of Louisiana.
Walmart’s Acquisition Of Vizio Is More About Consumer Insights
Walmart's acquistion of Vizio will provide insights into connected TV and retail media, two of the fastest growing ad supported channels.
SoCast Acquires Frankly Media’s Radio Digital Platform Services
Radio digital content platform provider SoCast has announced it is acquiring the AMP radio client business of competitor Frankly Media, a subsidiary of GameSquare.
CTV/OTT
Amazon Says No Changes To Ad-Streamer Freevee
“There are no changes to Freevee. Amazon Freevee remains an important streaming offering providing both Prime and non-Prime customers thousands of hit movies, shows, and Originals, all for free.”
FCC
FCC Reopens Review Of Proposal To Allow Digital FMs To Hike Their Power
There is a new twist in a proposal currently pending at the Federal Communications Commission, that if approved, could allow many FMs to increase their digital power.
FCC’s Gomez Says First Amendment Limits What Can Be Done About Growing Misinformation Threat
During a speech to The Media Institute, Gomez said one of her top media concerns is the growing threat of misinformation, but she said the role of the First Amendment cannot be overstated and that limits what the FCC can do.
FCC Chair Rosenworcel Proposes New Emergency Alerts for Missing and Endangered Persons
The proposal allow the FCC to add a new alert option to deliver critical messages over television and radio about missing and endangered persons
Verticals
Automotive TV Spending Drops 12.9% In January
Automakers spent an estimated $331.5 million on national television spending in January, down 12.9% from the $380.8 million spent a year ago.