Headlines
Unpacking the Unexpected Record Political Ad Spending of 2024 with BIA and Steve Passwaiter
Get ready for the most expensive election season in history! With political ad spending projected to hit a staggering $11.1 billion according to BIA estimates, the 2024 races are shaping up to be a financial frenzy. Steve Passwaiter, the president...
Mergers & Acquisitions
Paramount CEOs Plan to Explore Paramount+ Partner Despite Skydance Offer
As Paramount Global controlling shareholder Shari Redstone mulls the terms of a merger between her conglom and Skydance, the network/studio/streaming service trotted out their best and brightest CEO troika this early AM in annual global stockholders meet to tout their hit parade of 14 billion dollar revenue earning franchises across all mediums, their assurance to cut $500 million in overhead, and maximize shareholder value and profits.
Paramount-Skydance Bid Slammed as Undervalued to Benefit Shari Redstone
The firm, which owns approximately 6.57 million shares in the media conglomerate, sent a third letter of opposition Monday
WGVT-LD Gainesville Bought By Hometown TV Network
Hometown TV Network, a Florida limited liability, and an affiliate of MARC Radio Group, has agreed to purchase low-power WGVT-LD Gainesville, Fla., from Budd Broadcasting Co. following FCC approval.
Television
FCC Media Bureau Opens LPTV Application Window for Class A Status
The filing window for qualified low power television stations to convert to Class A status pursuant to The Low Power Protection Act runs from May 31 2024 to May 30, 2025
FCC
FEC Chair: FCC's Political AI Disclosure Rule Will 'Sow Chaos'
The FCC is facing intense pushback from the Federal Election Commission regarding its proposal to introduce new regulations on artificial intelligence in political radio ads.
Law Firm Tells Stations to Save EEO Data "Just In Case"
The FCC’s Media Bureau recently announced that the order reinstating the EEO Form 395-B filing requirement for broadcasters was published in the Federal Register to become effective today, June 3, 2024.
CTV/OTT
Report: Viewers Continue To Watch More Streaming Content On Smart TV’s
Inscape's latest Market Trends Report found the continued adoption of streaming video on Smart TV's as viewers are watching less content from cable & broadcast TV.
Disney, WBD and Fox Brace for More Congressional Scrutiny
Congressmen Jerry Nadler and Joaquin Castro are sending a follow-up letter with additional questions as early as this week, TheWrap has learned
Verticals
Auto Sales Rise For 4th Month, But Interest Rates Mute Buying Activity.
Auto sales grew at an annual rate of 15.9 million in May, up from 15.8 million the prior month, according to Ward’s Intelligence.