TheDesk.net
@thedesk.net
Interesting stories that won’t waste your time. TheDesk.net covers the business of media (broadcasting, streaming) and tech. Posts by @matthewkeys.net, and probably others, too.
Read our stuff: https://thedesk.net
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Read our stuff: https://thedesk.net
Send us tips/pitches: [email protected]
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TheDesk.net
@thedesk.net
· Oct 17
Woah. Hello, Bluesky!
We're excited to be here.
May we introduce ourselves?
We cover business and policy matters involving the tech, media and telecom industries, how they're disrupting from within, and how they're influencing your lives — in a way that aims to not waste anyone's time.
👋
We're excited to be here.
May we introduce ourselves?
We cover business and policy matters involving the tech, media and telecom industries, how they're disrupting from within, and how they're influencing your lives — in a way that aims to not waste anyone's time.
👋
Reposted by TheDesk.net
The NFL says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. State Department to establish a public-private partnership promoting the game of American football in global markets.
Read more: media.nfl.com/news-and-rel...
Read more: media.nfl.com/news-and-rel...
January 30, 2026 at 5:45 AM
The NFL says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. State Department to establish a public-private partnership promoting the game of American football in global markets.
Read more: media.nfl.com/news-and-rel...
Read more: media.nfl.com/news-and-rel...
Reposted by TheDesk.net
Dave Chappelle and Jon Stewart are hosting a comedy benefit, with proceeds benefitting public radio stations in Ohio. [Inside Radio]
Jon Stewart, Dave Chappelle Team Up Public Radio Benefit.
Two titans of American comedy are joining forces for a conversational event benefiting public radio. The appearance featuring Jon Stewart and Dave Chappelle will take place at the Schuster Center
www.insideradio.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Dave Chappelle and Jon Stewart are hosting a comedy benefit, with proceeds benefitting public radio stations in Ohio. [Inside Radio]
Peacock continues to lose money as Comcast absorbs NBA rights agreement for streamer and NBC.
Comcast touts Peacock gains, though streamer still not profitable
Peacock grew to 44 million subscribers in 2025, driven by live sports including NFL coverage and the return of NBA games.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Peacock continues to lose money as Comcast absorbs NBA rights agreement for streamer and NBC.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the "partisan motivation" of daytime and late night talk shows will determine whether they are exempt from "equal time" rules.
But Carr's prior actions make clear that only his partisan motivations are the litmus test, not the content on TV.
But Carr's prior actions make clear that only his partisan motivations are the litmus test, not the content on TV.
FCC Chairman says "partisan motivation" will dictate equal time enforcement
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the agency will assess a talk show’s “partisan motivation” when deciding whether equal time rules apply to political interviews.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 8:23 PM
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the "partisan motivation" of daytime and late night talk shows will determine whether they are exempt from "equal time" rules.
But Carr's prior actions make clear that only his partisan motivations are the litmus test, not the content on TV.
But Carr's prior actions make clear that only his partisan motivations are the litmus test, not the content on TV.
Reposted by TheDesk.net
Tim Pool started his career by embedding himself with Occupy Wall Street protesters.
Numerous independent journalists embedded themselves with January 6 protesters.
Tim and the January 6 reporters were never charged. What's different about what Don Lemon did?
Not much, from what I can see.
Numerous independent journalists embedded themselves with January 6 protesters.
Tim and the January 6 reporters were never charged. What's different about what Don Lemon did?
Not much, from what I can see.
Don Lemon's arrest is a litmus test for news organizations and prosecutors alike: When does a journalist become a provocateur?
Don Lemon's arrest is a litmus test: Journalist or provocateur?
January 30, 2026 - Federal agents arrested Don Lemon over a Minnesota church protest, pursuing civil rights and religious freedom charges despite prior judicial skepticism.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Tim Pool started his career by embedding himself with Occupy Wall Street protesters.
Numerous independent journalists embedded themselves with January 6 protesters.
Tim and the January 6 reporters were never charged. What's different about what Don Lemon did?
Not much, from what I can see.
Numerous independent journalists embedded themselves with January 6 protesters.
Tim and the January 6 reporters were never charged. What's different about what Don Lemon did?
Not much, from what I can see.
Don Lemon's arrest is a litmus test for news organizations and prosecutors alike: When does a journalist become a provocateur?
Don Lemon's arrest is a litmus test: Journalist or provocateur?
January 30, 2026 - Federal agents arrested Don Lemon over a Minnesota church protest, pursuing civil rights and religious freedom charges despite prior judicial skepticism.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Don Lemon's arrest is a litmus test for news organizations and prosecutors alike: When does a journalist become a provocateur?
Actress Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," has died at the age of 71 following a brief illness. [ABC News]
Actress Catherine O'Hara dies at 71
O'Hara, known for iconic films like "Beetlejuice" and "Home Alone," has died.
abcnews.go.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Actress Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," has died at the age of 71 following a brief illness. [ABC News]
Charter added 44,000 Spectrum TV customers during the last three months of 2025, but the company continues to lose money on its TV and broadband services.
Charter sees rare growth in pay TV during Q4, but revenue down
Charter reported a rare period of growth in its pay TV business, but the company's ongoing broadband losses weighed on revenue.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Charter added 44,000 Spectrum TV customers during the last three months of 2025, but the company continues to lose money on its TV and broadband services.
Samsung said geopolitical issues, including tariffs imposed by the U.S., hammered sales of its smart TVs, phones, tablets and other consumer electronic devices during the last three months of 2025.
Moving forward, the company plans to focus on high-end devices.
Moving forward, the company plans to focus on high-end devices.
Tariffs squeeze sales of Samsung TVs, phones during Q4
Consumer electronics revenue faced pressure in Q4, with TV and appliance margins squeezed despite solid premium product sales.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 8:11 AM
Samsung said geopolitical issues, including tariffs imposed by the U.S., hammered sales of its smart TVs, phones, tablets and other consumer electronic devices during the last three months of 2025.
Moving forward, the company plans to focus on high-end devices.
Moving forward, the company plans to focus on high-end devices.
The NFL says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. State Department to establish a public-private partnership promoting the game of American football in global markets.
Read more: media.nfl.com/news-and-rel...
Read more: media.nfl.com/news-and-rel...
January 30, 2026 at 5:45 AM
The NFL says it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. State Department to establish a public-private partnership promoting the game of American football in global markets.
Read more: media.nfl.com/news-and-rel...
Read more: media.nfl.com/news-and-rel...
Disney and Amazon were the largest producers of new streaming shows and movies in 2025, according to a new report from content recommendation platform Reelgood.
Reelgood: Disney, Amazon added more streaming content in 2025
January 29, 2026 - Disney and Amazon produced the most streaming TV shows and films in 2025, according to new data from Reelgood.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 3:12 AM
Disney and Amazon were the largest producers of new streaming shows and movies in 2025, according to a new report from content recommendation platform Reelgood.
Reposted by TheDesk.net
The FCC on Thursday made it easier for foreign nationals and corporations to apply for new broadcast radio and TV licenses or renew existing applications after making financial investments in stations and ownership groups.
FCC approves foreign ownership rules for radio, TV stations
The changes clarify Section 310(b) standards and aim to streamline reviews and shorten application processing times.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 2:02 AM
The FCC on Thursday made it easier for foreign nationals and corporations to apply for new broadcast radio and TV licenses or renew existing applications after making financial investments in stations and ownership groups.
#BREAKING: Police in Sacramento have arrested the former general manager of the city's NPR member station CapRadio on allegations of embezzling more than $1.3 million from the radio broadcaster.
Former CapRadio GM Jun Reina arrested on embezzlement charges
Police in Sacramento have arrested the former general manager of two public radio stations licensed to the California State University system in that city.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 1:18 AM
#BREAKING: Police in Sacramento have arrested the former general manager of the city's NPR member station CapRadio on allegations of embezzling more than $1.3 million from the radio broadcaster.
Reposted by TheDesk.net
During the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, only one out of six people who watched NBC's coverage of the event did so on Peacock.
One out of six.
We've seen similar trends with other services like Tubi (Super Bowl) and YouTube (NFL week 1 game).
Spending real dollars for few digital viewers.
One out of six.
We've seen similar trends with other services like Tubi (Super Bowl) and YouTube (NFL week 1 game).
Spending real dollars for few digital viewers.
Comcast is still losing hundreds of millions of dollars on Peacock.
Comcast touts Peacock gains, though streamer still not profitable
Peacock grew to 44 million subscribers in 2025, driven by live sports including NFL coverage and the return of NBA games.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 11:35 PM
During the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, only one out of six people who watched NBC's coverage of the event did so on Peacock.
One out of six.
We've seen similar trends with other services like Tubi (Super Bowl) and YouTube (NFL week 1 game).
Spending real dollars for few digital viewers.
One out of six.
We've seen similar trends with other services like Tubi (Super Bowl) and YouTube (NFL week 1 game).
Spending real dollars for few digital viewers.
Comcast is still losing hundreds of millions of dollars on Peacock.
Comcast touts Peacock gains, though streamer still not profitable
Peacock grew to 44 million subscribers in 2025, driven by live sports including NFL coverage and the return of NBA games.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Comcast is still losing hundreds of millions of dollars on Peacock.
Charter will run a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl that reaffirms its commitment to a U.S.-based workforce.
The spot will air in nearly 60 markets where Spectrum offers TV and Internet service.
The spot will air in nearly 60 markets where Spectrum offers TV and Internet service.
Spectrum commits to U.S.-based workforce in Super Bowl ad
Charter will air a U.S.-focused TV spot during Super Bowl LX in nearly 60 markets where Spectrum provides service.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 11:31 PM
Charter will run a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl that reaffirms its commitment to a U.S.-based workforce.
The spot will air in nearly 60 markets where Spectrum offers TV and Internet service.
The spot will air in nearly 60 markets where Spectrum offers TV and Internet service.
Rock band My Morning Jacket has released an acoustic album called "Peacelands" exclusively on Bandcamp, with all proceeds going to the ACLU, Doctor's Without Borders and Rescue.
The album consists of acoustic versions of original music and covers of protest songs.
The album consists of acoustic versions of original music and covers of protest songs.
Peacelands, by My Morning Jacket
14 track album
mmorningjacket.bandcamp.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:14 PM
Rock band My Morning Jacket has released an acoustic album called "Peacelands" exclusively on Bandcamp, with all proceeds going to the ACLU, Doctor's Without Borders and Rescue.
The album consists of acoustic versions of original music and covers of protest songs.
The album consists of acoustic versions of original music and covers of protest songs.
Reposted by TheDesk.net
Why isn't "Heated Rivalry" ascending the Nielsen streaming charts?
Because it only has six episodes, which means it can't accrue the millions of "minutes viewed" like larger franchises — "Bluey," "Friends" and "Law & Order" — which have well over 100.
That's it. That's the answer.
Because it only has six episodes, which means it can't accrue the millions of "minutes viewed" like larger franchises — "Bluey," "Friends" and "Law & Order" — which have well over 100.
That's it. That's the answer.
January 29, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Why isn't "Heated Rivalry" ascending the Nielsen streaming charts?
Because it only has six episodes, which means it can't accrue the millions of "minutes viewed" like larger franchises — "Bluey," "Friends" and "Law & Order" — which have well over 100.
That's it. That's the answer.
Because it only has six episodes, which means it can't accrue the millions of "minutes viewed" like larger franchises — "Bluey," "Friends" and "Law & Order" — which have well over 100.
That's it. That's the answer.
#BREAKING: Apple earned $143.8 billion during its most-recent financial quarter, with strong iPhone sales and double-digit growth in its services sector like Apple TV, Apple Wallet and Apple Music.
Apple beats Wall Street expectations on strong iPhones sales during fiscal Q1
January 29, 2026 - Apple kicked off the start of its fiscal year with revenue spikes spurred by strong iPhone sales and double-digit growth in services.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 9:45 PM
#BREAKING: Apple earned $143.8 billion during its most-recent financial quarter, with strong iPhone sales and double-digit growth in its services sector like Apple TV, Apple Wallet and Apple Music.
Fox News ends the January measurement period as the most-watched cable news channel in America.
Nielsen data: Fox News is most-watched cable news channel in January
Fox News Channel extended its long-running leadership of the cable news landscape in January 2026, marking its 24th consecutive year as the top-rated network in the genre.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Fox News ends the January measurement period as the most-watched cable news channel in America.
Comcast continues to lose Xfinity TV and Xfinity Internet subscribers to competitors. Peacock added customers during it most-recent financial quarter, but still isn't profitable.
Comcast revenue weighed by ongoing losses at Xfinity TV, Xfinity Internet; Peacock grows
January 29, 2026 - Comcast posted mixed financial results for its fourth quarter (Q4), beating Wall Street expectations on overall earnings while narrowly missing revenue forecasts from the period.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Comcast continues to lose Xfinity TV and Xfinity Internet subscribers to competitors. Peacock added customers during it most-recent financial quarter, but still isn't profitable.
During a town hall event on CNN, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said he is surprised the names of the officers who fatally shot Alex Pretti have not been disclosed.
"It feels like a cover-up," he said. "I'm not gonna ignore the evidence that's in front of my face."
[Video: CNN]
"It feels like a cover-up," he said. "I'm not gonna ignore the evidence that's in front of my face."
[Video: CNN]
January 29, 2026 at 2:40 AM
During a town hall event on CNN, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said he is surprised the names of the officers who fatally shot Alex Pretti have not been disclosed.
"It feels like a cover-up," he said. "I'm not gonna ignore the evidence that's in front of my face."
[Video: CNN]
"It feels like a cover-up," he said. "I'm not gonna ignore the evidence that's in front of my face."
[Video: CNN]
Reposted by TheDesk.net
Super Bowl LXI will be the first NFL championship game aired on ABC in 21 years.
Immediately after Super Bowl LX next month, Disney-owned networks like ESPN and ABC will kick off a 24-hour programming block called "The Handoff," the first part of its year-long coverage of Super Bowl LXI, which will air on ESPN and ABC in 2027. [Sports Business Journal]
ESPN, ABC plan ‘Handoff’ initiative after Super Bowl LX
ESPN will air “NFL Primetime” on site at Levi’s Stadium just after Super Bowl LX, and then host Chris Berman will do a ceremonial handoff to Scott Van Pelt, who will be at So Fi Stadium for his normal...
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:38 AM
Super Bowl LXI will be the first NFL championship game aired on ABC in 21 years.
Immediately after Super Bowl LX next month, Disney-owned networks like ESPN and ABC will kick off a 24-hour programming block called "The Handoff," the first part of its year-long coverage of Super Bowl LXI, which will air on ESPN and ABC in 2027. [Sports Business Journal]
ESPN, ABC plan ‘Handoff’ initiative after Super Bowl LX
ESPN will air “NFL Primetime” on site at Levi’s Stadium just after Super Bowl LX, and then host Chris Berman will do a ceremonial handoff to Scott Van Pelt, who will be at So Fi Stadium for his normal...
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Immediately after Super Bowl LX next month, Disney-owned networks like ESPN and ABC will kick off a 24-hour programming block called "The Handoff," the first part of its year-long coverage of Super Bowl LXI, which will air on ESPN and ABC in 2027. [Sports Business Journal]
SCOOP: SiriusXM is speaking out against a proposal made by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr that would allow prisons to use cellphone jammers, saying the use of those devices will interfere with satellite-delivered emergency alerts.
SiriusXM says prison cellphone jammers may prevent emergency alerts
The company said indiscriminate jamming could interfere with licensed spectrum used by SiriusXM and wireless carriers.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 12:26 AM
SCOOP: SiriusXM is speaking out against a proposal made by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr that would allow prisons to use cellphone jammers, saying the use of those devices will interfere with satellite-delivered emergency alerts.