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TheDesk.net

@thedesk.net

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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: thedesk.net Send us tips/pitches: news@thedesk.net

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TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 8m

CBS says it will rebroadcast the September 11 benefit concert 25 years after it first aired on TV. "The Concert for New York City" will air on October 20 in prime-time on MTV, VH1, MTV2 and Logo.

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TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 1h

The Supreme Court has blocked an appellate court's earlier order that would have forced the FCC to reconsider its March rule on political ad rates charged to radio and TV broadcasters, one that favors Republican campaigns and causes.

Supreme Court blocks order forcing FCC ruling on political ad rates | TheDesk.net

The Supreme Court said federal law requires the FCC to resolve administrative challenges but does not establish a specific deadline for doing so.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 1h

CNN has signed a licensing deal with Google focused on artificial intelligence.

Google signs AI licensing partnership with CNN | TheDesk.net

CNN says it will receive compensation in exchange for providing Google with access to its content to train AI programs and features.

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TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 2h

New data released by the Washington Post this week reveals multi-million dollar donations to President Donald Trump's White House ballroom project made by major media/tech companies and executives. The largest 20 donors include Apple, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile and HP.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 2h

DIRECTV, Nexstar and California Attorney General Rob Bonta are heading back to court in mid-November.

Appeals court sets date for hearing over Nexstar-TEGNA injunction

A court date scheduled for mid-November will allow Nexstar, DIRECTV and state attorneys general to argue their case over an injunction issued in an antitrust lawsuit.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 3h

Netflix, AT&T, Facebook parent Meta Platforms and Comcast are set to release their latest financial earnings report next week. Get the full calendar on Monday by signing up for our free earnings e-mail alerts: thedesk.net/newsletters/

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 6h

FIRST ON THE DESK: A federal appeals court has scheduled a mid-November date to hear oral arguments on an injunction issued against Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA.

Appeals court sets date for arguments over Nexstar-TEGNA injunction

A court date scheduled for mid-November will allow Nexstar, DIRECTV and state attorneys general to argue their case over an injunction issued in an antitrust lawsuit.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 7h

Streamers in the United States and United Kingdom can now stream BBC News for free on YouTube.

BBC News launches live stream on YouTube in U.S., U.K. | TheDesk.net

Viewers in those countries, and a handful of others, will be able to watch live news from BBC News via YouTube for free.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 8h

Police in Southern California are investigating two drive-by shootings outside a Sinclair-owned TV station, both within the past week.

Police investigate shootings outside Southern California TV station

Police in Southern California are investigating a pair of drive-by shootings that occurred outside a local television station within the past week.

Reposted by TheDesk.net

Matthew Keys @matthewkeys.net · 18h

Timothy Burke, @bubbaprog.xyz, will be arraigned on charges under the superseding Grand Jury indictment on Wednesday, October 21, per court records.

Reposted by TheDesk.net

Matthew Keys @matthewkeys.net · 20h

#BREAKING: Shareholders approve Fox's $22 billion acquisition of Roku.

Shareholders of Fox, Roku approve $22 billion takeover deal | TheDesk.net

Acquiring Roku will substantially expand Fox's presence in connected television hardware, streaming distribution and digital advertising.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 21h

#BREAKING: A Maryland teenager is suing CBS News for $20 million after he was incorrectly identified as a vandalism suspect in the ongoing renovation blunders at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Teen files $20 million lawsuit against CBS News over vandalism story

The lawsuit claims defamation and invasion of privacy after the teen was wrongly identified as a suspect in the vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 23h

ESPN's new YouTube channel, called ESPN JV, is aimed at kids — the network wants to cultivate a new generation of sports fans while they're young, with the hope they become paying ESPN Unlimited subscribers as adults.

ESPN brings kid-focused sports shows to YouTube | TheDesk.net

The free channel is intended to introduce younger audiences to different sports, athletes and memorable sporting moments.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

CNN is launching its All Access membership program in Canada and the United Kingdom next week.

CNN All Access launches in Canada, UK on October 20

All Access in both countries will offer live programming from CNN's U.S. and International channels, along with video on-demand content.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

Will NASCAR races move from TNT Sports to CBS? Unlikely to happen this season, but NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell says he is meeting with Skydance executives about this possibility down the line...

Report: NASCAR mulls moving some events from TNT to CBS

TNT Sports currently holds rights to five NASCAR Cup Series races each summer — but moving some races to CBS could boost the visibility of the sport.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

Judge says President Trump can't ban CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from White House, issues permanent injunction while broader lawsuit moves forward.

Judge to Trump: Stop blocking news outlets from White House | TheDesk.net

The judge cited Trump's public statements criticizing the outlets' reporting as evidence that their editorial viewpoints motivated the decision.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

Some Americans admit returning to cable or satellite within a year of cutting the cord, mostly because they want access to local news and live sports, according to a new report released this week.

Parks: Cable cord-cutting isn't always permanent in broadband homes | TheDesk.net

Some sports and news fans ultimately restart their cable and satellite subscriptions, according to Parks Associates data — but the window to win back business is small.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

A former journalist-turned-political consultant has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a second time after he used a password to access a system used by Fox News and other media outlets, then stole and leaked unaired footage.

Grand jury issues new indictment in Timothy Burke's Fox News leaks case

The superseding indictment contains identical allegations of computer hacking and conspiracy against Timothy Burke, but resolves issues involving wiretapping claims.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

Netflix has laid off 6 percent of its global workforce, issuing pink slips to 1,000 workers as the streamer struggles with slower international growth.

Report: Netflix lays off 1,000 workers amid slower growth

Netflix executives attributed the decision to a need to prioritize staffing and financial resources while continuing to invest in growth opportunities.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

#BREAKING: Netflix has cut more than 1,000 jobs, or 6 percent of its global workforce, as the company addresses slowing subscriber growth in key markets, Wall Street Journal reports.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

DIRECTV's new multiview feature is built almost exclusively for sports — channel availability depends on what national sports are available at any given time.

DIRECTV takes on Fubo, YouTube TV with custom multiview perk | TheDesk.net

The new multiview feature is available on Roku and DIRECTV's own Gemini boxes, with support for additional platforms coming soon.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

Updated with comment from @freedom.press, which was part victory lap and part cautionary.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

A federal judge has issued an order that permanently bans President Trump and the White House from revoking the press credentials of CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO while a broader lawsuit against the administration proceeds.

Judge to Trump: Stop blocking news outlets from White House | TheDesk.net

The judge cited Trump's public statements criticizing the outlets' reporting as evidence that their editorial viewpoints motivated the decision.

Reposted by TheDesk.net

Matthew Keys @matthewkeys.net · 14/10/2026

Dumb. But true.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 14/10/2026

In their criminal complaint against a Saudi national accused of bugging OpenAI's offices, a FBI agent referred to the ChatGPT developer as a firm specializing in "super intelligence," then clarified it is the same thing as artificial intelligence.

Saudi man arrested for bugging ChatGPT developer offices | TheDesk.net

Prosecutors say Abdulrahman Alfozan installed a surveillance device on a smart TV in a conference rook used by OpenAi to discuss sensitive matters.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

Saudi national Abdulrahman Alfozan obtained a Master's from U.C. Berkeley last year; he has worked for a number of tech companies, including Facebook/Meta Platforms and Akamai. He was arrested for alleging bugging OpenAI's offices last week. Unclear if he wanted to whistleblow.

Saudi man arrested for bugging ChatGPT developer offices | TheDesk.net

Prosecutors say Abdulrahman Alfozan installed a surveillance device on a smart TV in a conference rook used by OpenAi to discuss sensitive matters.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

Hulu is rebooting "The X-Files."

Ryan Coogler's 'X-Files' reboot picked up by Hulu

Ryan Coogler's reboot of "The X-Files" has been picked up to series, Hulu said on Tuesday.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

#BREAKING: ChatGPT developer OpenAI says one of its employees was arrested by the FBI after planting a secret recording device in one of its offices.

Reposted by TheDesk.net

Matthew Keys @matthewkeys.net · 13/10/2026

A federal judge has scheduled a tentative trial date for December 7, 2026. If date holds, decision in the case expected before January 3, 2027.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

#BREAKING: Federal prosecutors in Florida have obtained a superseding indictment from a grand jury that once again charges Timothy Burke @bubbaprog.xyz with computer hacking and conspiracy in connection with the leak of unaired Fox News materials.

Grand jury issues new indictment in Timothy Burke's Fox News leaks case

The superseding indictment contains identical allegations of computer hacking and conspiracy against Timothy Burke, but resolves issues involving wiretapping claims.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

DIRECTV has become the latest to offer a custom multiview on its streaming TV platform, joining other sports-inclusive services like Fubo and YouTube TV in doing so. The perk is available now to Roku and Gemini box users; other platforms coming soon.

DIRECTV takes on Fubo, YouTube TV with custom multiview perk | TheDesk.net

The new multiview feature is available on Roku and DIRECTV's own Gemini boxes, with support for additional platforms coming soon.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

The Taliban has pulled the BBC's news programming from radio stations in Afghanistan, about four months after the BBC wrote about widespread famine and child trafficking in the country.

BBC accuses Afghan government of interrupting radio service | TheDesk.net

A Taliban official accused the BBC of violating unspecified laws; earlier this year, the outlet reported on famine and child trafficking in the country.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

Skydance never said it wouldn't raise prices if it was allowed to buy Warner Bros Discovery. Guess what happened this morning?

Skydance raises price of Discovery Plus in U.S. | TheDesk.net

The ad-supported tier is going up by $1, while ad-free streaming will cost $2 more. The service is bundled with Philo.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

Apple is playing catch-up to Google and Amazon in the war for the smart home — and it just released a bunch of new products to entice iPhone and iPad users into putting away their Alexa-powered stuff. thedesk.net/2026/10/appl...

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

Apple's new streaming TV device is $300.

Apple unveils new smart home gear, updated Apple TV 4K | TheDesk.net

The new Apple TV 4K starts at $300 — significantly higher than prior models, but Apple is promising streamers a lot in exchange, including new smart home features.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

I wanna a platform with some short clips and loooooooooooooong TV shows... New consumer research from Bango found most Americans are open to keeping a premium video app if it delivers highlights of their favorite TV shows. 🔗 in the comments...

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 13/10/2026

They were fired three years ago for writing and circulating a memo critical of their TV station's Pride Month coverage. Now, they're millionaires after a federal jury found in their favor against broadcaster Nexstar Media Group.

Fired WOOD-TV news directors win lawsuit against Nexstar

A jury upheld allegations of invasion of privacy, but rejected defamation claims made by Amy Fox and Stanton Tang over their 2023 firings from WOOD-TV.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 12/10/2026

#BREAKING: Two high-level Charter executives are leaving the company as part of a massive restructuring of its C-suite, focused mainly on growing broadband subscribers.

Charter executives Adam Ray, Sharon Peters to depart amid management restructuring | TheDesk.net

The departures are part of a new restructuring that is aimed at growing Charter's broadband business, which has experienced higher churn in recent financial quarters.

Reposted by TheDesk.net

Matthew Keys @matthewkeys.net · 12/10/2026

The FCC is fighting in court to modify a rule concerning political advertising rates, one that critics say favor Republican causes and deprives broadcasters of much-needed revenue.

FCC urges Supreme Court to reverse lower court's ruling on political ad rates | TheDesk.net

The dispute concerns a March 30 Public Notice extending the lowest unit charge benefit to qualifying political party advertisements and certain joint fundraising committees.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 12/10/2026

NEW: Now you can read court briefs and other source material directly from our articles — no separate PDF download needed. In full screen mode, choose between scrolling or a book-like, page-flipping experience. Check it out here: thedesk.net/2026/10/fcc-...

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 12/10/2026

The FCC is fighting in court to restore a rule that would require broadcast radio and TV stations to charge political campaigns the lowest-possible rate. Critics say it favors Republican causes and has the potential to deprive broadcasters of much-needed revenue.

FCC urges Supreme Court to reverse lower court's ruling on political ad rates | TheDesk.net

The dispute concerns a March 30 Public Notice extending the lowest unit charge benefit to qualifying political party advertisements and certain joint fundraising committees.

Reposted by TheDesk.net

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 11/10/2026

Which states protect sources? ✅ 42 states + D.C. have firm shield laws, protecting reporters from disclosing sources. 🟨 7 states have no shield laws, but court cases have set legal precedents that protect reporters, most of the time. 🛑 Wyoming is the only state that has no protections at all.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 12/10/2026

The FCC provided an update on the number of broadcast stations knocked offline by Hurricane Isaias: • 1 TV station • 4 FM stations • 0 AM stations

FCC: One TV station, 4 radio stations offline after Hurricane Isaias | TheDesk.net

A TV station in Huntsville, Alabama was one of five broadcast stations knocked off the air by the storm.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 12/10/2026

More hockey games are moving to free broadcast TV: If you live in St. Louis, you'll be able to watch around a dozen Blues games on KMOV Channel 32 this season.

Gray Media to televise some St. Louis Blues games | TheDesk.net

The package, branded "Thursday Night Blues," will begin October 22 and run through mid-March, according to Gray Media.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 12/10/2026

How many different ways can you present the Super Bowl? According to ESPN and Disney, at least six, including two different Spanish-language telecasts. Notably, no animation simulcast of Super Bowl LXI next year, at least not yet.

Reposted by TheDesk.net

Brandon Millman @brandonmillman.com · 09/10/2026

static.klipy.com

Star Wars Admiral Ackbar: It's a Trap!

Alt: Star Wars Admiral Ackbar: It's a Trap!

Reposted by TheDesk.net

@NewsJennifer (Jennifer Schulze) @newsjennifer.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

We've all heard the right wing claim about the *liberal media* but the truth is that right coded zillionaires own most of the media we consume. Just look at this list of what the Ellison's now own. It's astounding & very concerning. (h/t @thedesk.net)

a list of all the media properties now owned by david ellison.

shows all of the media logos.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 11/10/2026

Which states protect sources? ✅ 42 states + D.C. have firm shield laws, protecting reporters from disclosing sources. 🟨 7 states have no shield laws, but court cases have set legal precedents that protect reporters, most of the time. 🛑 Wyoming is the only state that has no protections at all.

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 11/10/2026

USA Today, the largest owner of local newspapers in the United States, has filed a lawsuit against ChatGPT's developers for alleged copyright infringement. A look at how giant USA Today is. Chances are good they own a local newspaper near you, if not several. 👀: thedesk.net/2026/10/usa-...

TheDesk.net @thedesk.net · 11/10/2026

The Justice Department is investigating ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, Fox News and CNN after four of the networks boycotted their participation in the White House press pool over the banishment of CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO last month.

Report: Justice Department probes TV networks over White House press pool boycott

ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and Fox News are the networks involved in the investigation, according to a report; four of them boycotted the White House press pool last month.