Headlines
WARC: Marketers Cooling on 2026 Outlook Amid Budget Pressure, Other Factors
Marketer optimism for 2026 is easing as shrinking budgets, uncertainty over U.S. trade policies, rapid AI adoption and the dominance of digital channels weigh on planning, according to the latest Voice of the Marketer report from the World Advertising Research Center (WARC).
Mergers & Acquisitions
Deal Digest: Cumulus Spins Bloomington AM; iHeart Buys Birmingham Translator.
The Joseph J. Vavricek Irrevocable Trust has filed a $1.8 million deal to buy out the 32% stake of G.I. Family Radio/ Legacy Communications held by Alan and Joanna Usher.
Paramount Calls WBD Sale Process "Tilted And Unfair" In Letter To CEO David Zaslav
Paramount is calling foul in the Warner Bros. Discovery sale process, accusing the company of running an unfair process that it thinks might favor Netflix.
Television
Network O&Os Are From Venus; Affiliates Are From Mars
The distinction between owned-and-operated stations (O&Os) and network affiliates has never been more consequential — and with the FCC signaling openness to loosening ownership rules, it may soon determine which stations thrive and which struggle.
Radio
Momentum Continuing To Build For Saga, CEO Tells Investor Conference.
At least a decade late to the digital party, Saga Communications is now benefitting from a digital transformation, CEO Chris Forgy said Wednesday.
CTV/OTT
Broadcasters See More Potential in Programmatic Advertising
Among trends identified by Allan Nicholson, senior director of advertising solutions and strategy at Harmonic, is the move by some broadcasters to enable programmatic buy-in—also known as programmatic advertising, using automated, data-driven techniques for buying and selling ad slots—on linear broadcast platforms.
FCC
FCC Closes More Than 2,000 Inactive Proceedings
The Federal Communications Commission said it has closed 2,048 inactive proceedings, the largest number of dormant dockets ever terminated in a single proceeding by the regulator.
FCC Targets Virginia Restaurant in Pirate Radio Crackdown
The FCC’s ongoing hunt for pirate radio broadcasters has hit a surprising new location – a restaurant in Williamsburg, VA.