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.
👋
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.
BBC News says it has authenticated a video that shows Alex Pretti kicking and damaging a vehicle used by federal agents nearly two weeks before he was fatally shot in Minneapolis. [Mediaite]
BREAKING: BBC Confirms Authenticity of Viral Video Appearing to Show Alex Pretti Kicking Agents’ Car 11 Days Before Shooting
After much speculation online, the BBC has confirmed the authenticity of new viral footage appearing to show Alex Pretti kicking an agent's car on Jan. 13 — 11 days before he was shot to death by Bord...
www.mediaite.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:42 PM
BBC News says it has authenticated a video that shows Alex Pretti kicking and damaging a vehicle used by federal agents nearly two weeks before he was fatally shot in Minneapolis. [Mediaite]
CNN says its news channel saw higher ratings after two people were fatally shot in Minneapolis this month.
CNN: Minneapolis shootings boosted TV ratings, website views in January
The network ranked first in cable among adults 25–54 during protest coverage and logged one of its top audience days of 2026.
thedesk.net
January 28, 2026 at 11:30 PM
CNN says its news channel saw higher ratings after two people were fatally shot in Minneapolis this month.
NEW: The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a request by Nexstar Media Group for a request of an earlier decision that allows a lawsuit brought by DIRECTV to proceed in a lower court.
Second Circuit rejects Nexstar appeal in DIRECTV lawsuit over sidecar stations
The court let stand its finding that DIRECTV plausibly alleged lost subscribers and profits tied to Nexstar’s fee practices.
thedesk.net
January 28, 2026 at 11:26 PM
NEW: The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a request by Nexstar Media Group for a request of an earlier decision that allows a lawsuit brought by DIRECTV to proceed in a lower court.
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, earned $201 billion in revenue during 2025, including nearly $60 billion during the last three months of the year alone.
The company cited advertising as its primary revenue generator.
The company cited advertising as its primary revenue generator.
Facebook parent Meta earns $201 billion in 2025, AI investments weigh on expenses
Meta said family daily active people averaged 3.58 billion in December, an increase of 7 percent from a year earlier, showing continued user growth across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
thedesk.net
January 28, 2026 at 9:29 PM
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, earned $201 billion in revenue during 2025, including nearly $60 billion during the last three months of the year alone.
The company cited advertising as its primary revenue generator.
The company cited advertising as its primary revenue generator.
CNN says two fatal shootings of Minneapolis residents in January drove higher ratings to its TV network and strong traffic to videos on its website.
CNN: Minneapolis shootings boosted TV ratings, website views in January
The network ranked first in cable among adults 25–54 during protest coverage and logged one of its top audience days of 2026.
thedesk.net
January 28, 2026 at 8:23 PM
CNN says two fatal shootings of Minneapolis residents in January drove higher ratings to its TV network and strong traffic to videos on its website.
Press release from CNN touts the network’s strong prime-time ratings and digital audience on the day Renee Good was fatally shot by immigration agents.
January 28, 2026 at 7:55 PM
Press release from CNN touts the network’s strong prime-time ratings and digital audience on the day Renee Good was fatally shot by immigration agents.
TEGNA is rolling out new smartphone apps for its local TV stations that offer personalized headlines, vertical news videos and interactive weather forecasts. The videos published through the app resemble TikTok-style content.
TEGNA refreshes smartphone apps with personalized news, vertical videos
The apps emphasize real-time updates, vertically oriented video and customizable local news and weather feeds to match mobile viewing habits.
thedesk.net
January 28, 2026 at 7:34 PM
TEGNA is rolling out new smartphone apps for its local TV stations that offer personalized headlines, vertical news videos and interactive weather forecasts. The videos published through the app resemble TikTok-style content.
AT&T grows its wireless business to serve more than 120 million customers, postpaid net additions increased during Q4 while prepaid customers fell by more than 100,000.
AT&T rakes in $33.5 billion during Q4, stock pops on strong forecast
AT&T posted a strong Q4 earnings report driven by higher interest in its wireless and fiber broadband products.
thedesk.net
January 28, 2026 at 6:49 PM
AT&T grows its wireless business to serve more than 120 million customers, postpaid net additions increased during Q4 while prepaid customers fell by more than 100,000.
Reposted by TheDesk.net
We have promoted Hootsuite for about a year across our editorial platforms, but we can no longer justify our partnership on account of the comments made by CEO Irina Novoselsky in recent days.
Comments made by Hootsuite CEO Irina Novoselsky about media coverage of U.S. immigration raids are not in line with our business or editorial values.
As a result, we have ended our affiliate contract with Hootsuite and will no longer promote their products on our platform or in our newsletters.
As a result, we have ended our affiliate contract with Hootsuite and will no longer promote their products on our platform or in our newsletters.
January 28, 2026 at 2:46 AM
We have promoted Hootsuite for about a year across our editorial platforms, but we can no longer justify our partnership on account of the comments made by CEO Irina Novoselsky in recent days.