Headlines
Crystal Ball Time – What Are the Regulatory and Policy Issues Broadcasters Should Be Expecting to Deal With in 2026?
It’s the start of another year, so it is time to dust off the crystal ball and look at what we expect to be the big regulatory and legislative issues facing broadcasters in the new year.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Paramount Sues WBD For Details Around Netflix Deal, Plans Proxy Fight
In a major escalation, David Ellison’s Paramount said it intends to nominate directors for election at the Warner Bros. Discovery 2026 annual meeting to solicit against the approval of the Netflix transaction.
FCC
FCC Proposes Clearer Path For Navigating Foreign Ownership
The Federal Communications Commission is advancing a rulemaking that rewrites how broadcasters navigate foreign ownership review.
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: January 5, 2026 to January 9, 2026
Here are some of the regulatory developments of significance to broadcasters from the past week, with links to where you can go to find more information as to how these actions may affect your operations.
Supreme Court to Consider Landmark Case on FCC’s Authority to Issue Fines
The Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to consider fines imposed on Verizon and AT&T in two cases that could have a wide-ranging impact on the Federal Communications Commission’s ability to impose fines without a jury trial.
Television
Hawkeye Pact Sees Sinclair Yield To Hearst On Local News
“Viewers have more choices than ever, and we’re meeting that moment by delivering breaking news, credible journalism, and accurate 8-day forecasts at a time that fits their busy lives.”
Radio
Back To Life For An Upstate N.Y. AM?
According to an FCC filing, Hometown seeks to bring WIRY-AM in Plattsburgh, N.Y., back and to sell it to Mermel & McLain Management.
Media
Judge Details Why Nielsen’s Ratings Pricing Likely Crosses Antitrust Line
A federal judge is laying out in detail when she granted an early victory to Cumulus Media in its antitrust battle with Nielsen, blocking the ratings company from enforcing its disputed “Network Policy” and imposing a court-ordered pricing guardrail on Nielsen’s nationwide radio ratings while the case moves forward.