Headlines
FCC Advances EAS Reform, DIRS Update, Broadcast Rule Repeal
As expected, the FCC advanced several items impacting broadcasters at its August Open Meeting, including reform of the Emergency Alert System, modernization of the Disaster Information Reporting System, and the elimination of nearly 100 broadcast rules.
BIA
Nexstar Again Tops Station Groups As Consolidation Prospects Grow
A leaner Top 25 Station Group ranking this year sees groups holding steady positions on the eve of likely deregulation and an M&A flurry to follow.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Deal Digest: Randy Michaels, Gary Baxter, EMF Among This Week’s Buyers.
Gary Baxter’s G Baxter Entertainment has filed a $1 million deal to buy sports “ESPN Central Texas” KRZI (1660) and classic country “Kicker 1590” KBHT from M&M Broadcasters.
Paramount Skydance Merger Finally Closes
Paramount Global and Skydance Media have finally reached the end of their long and winding merger road, announcing the close of their $8.4 billion combination and opening a new chapter for Hollywood.
ESPN, NFL need Trump administration to approve massive media deal
It was a footnote to the reporting regarding a deal being done. It could, in time, become a headline.
Television
Point/Counterpoint: 5G Broadcast vs. NextGen TV
Industry veterans Preston Padden and Mark Aitken share their views on which standard should drive future of U.S. television
Radio
Study: Radio & Podcasts Beating Digital Giants in Ad-Driven Action
With some of the broadest reach among ad-supported media, AM/FM and podcast ads continue to stand out as top performers in driving consumer action, outpacing digital platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube in both engagement and conversion metrics.
Verticals
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Winning Ad Campaigns A Matter Of Geography.
Retailers depend on promotional events to drive sales, whether it’s traditional campaigns like Black Friday and back-to-school sales or more specialized limited-time offers and pop-culture tie-ins.