Headlines
FCC Warns Of Rising Ransomware Risk
The Federal Communications Commission is warning broadcasters and other communications providers that ransomware and other forms of malware remain a growing threat to day-to-day operations, urging companies to take concrete steps now to reduce their exposure.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Station Sales Week Of 2/6
In a deal not yet filed with the FCC, Brian Adams and Robert Smith’s Bulldog Sounds LLC have announced they will acquire Hot AC “Q93.5” WQRW Wellsville NY from the estate of Robert Pfuntner’s Pembrook Pines Media Group with an LMA taking effect on Monday, February 2.
Lamar Acquires Cleveland Outdoor
Lamar Advertising Company (Nasdaq: LAMR) (“Lamar” or the “Company”), a leading owner and operator of outdoor advertising assets, announced today that it had acquired the assets of Cleveland Outdoor Advertising for cash.
FCC
Have a Federal Registration Number? Better Update It Now
Let’s state the obvious. The FCC’s use of mandatory Federal Registration Numbers was a bad idea from the start. It became monumentally worse today, when the FCC quietly announced that anyone whose Federal Registration Number contact information isn’t updated within 10 business days is subject to a $1,000 per day fine until it is updated, up to the current statutory maximum of $628,305.
NAB: Eliminating Ownership Caps `Protects Religious Broadcasters and Other Diverse Voices’
As the NRB 2026 Convention for religious broadcasters gets set to open on Feb. 17, the National Association of Broadcasters has issued a new blog post arguing that eliminating ownership caps will help religious broadcasters better carry out their mission.
Television
Free TV Networks OKs Multi-Platform Distribution Deals
Free TV Networks (FTN), now a division of NBCUniversal spin-off entity Versant, has signed off on a series of new multi-platform distribution agreements that include digital multicast and streaming distribution.
Radio
Radio’s ‘Invisible Dominance’ Highlighted Ahead Of Super Bowl.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s Patriots vs. Seahawks game, marketing agency DMR/Interactive asked industry executives a simple question: if radio bought a $10 million Super Bowl ad, what would the message be?
Radio Ranks As Most Trusted Medium Among Adult Women
When brand trust increases by just one point, the average consumer purchase intent increases by 33% according to a 2024 survey of nearly 5,000 U.S. consumers.
CTV/OTT
Why ad measurement is becoming the real battleground in OTT advertising
Broadcasters have spent the last decade dedicating more and more time trying to harness the power of addressable advertising on OTT. Over this time, dynamic ad insertion (DAI) has become a pivotal part of streaming monetization.