American television host, comedian and writer
The Kennedy Center has named Bill Maher the Mark Twain Prize for Humor, as legal battles over the venue’s leadership and a planned two-year closure unfold. Trump’s influence on the center’s governance has dominated the narrative, with a gala featuring Maher and other celebrities taking place as the center navigates the controversy.
Ofcom has found 26% of UK viewers now turn to Netflix first when choosing what to watch, narrowly ahead of the BBC on 25%, while ITV is first for 15%. YouTube viewing has surged: TV viewing of YouTube has doubled since 2022 to 19 minutes a day and total daily YouTube time is 41 minutes. Traditional broadcasters’ weekly reach has fallen to 70%.
SpaceX plans to build a terrestrial cellular layer using EchoStar spectrum alongside its Starlink satellite network, aiming to challenge AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The move follows a wave of satellites and small base stations, promising better coverage and higher bandwidth.
The BBC has confirmed that Top Gear is returning after a hiatus following Freddie Flintoff’s crash. Ed Havard says the show is coming back and details on hosts will be announced soon. Previous presenters and safety concerns are revisited as the channel readies a new run.
Dolly Parton has died at 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Tributes pour in from fans and fellow artists. Her career spans decades, with chart-topping hits and philanthropic work. She shaped country and popular music while maintaining a unifying, resilient public persona.