American multimedia conglomerate with dominant local TV station footprint
ABC has launched on-air appeals to viewers to weigh in with the FCC as the commission reviews The View’s status and ABC’s broadcast licenses amid broader diversity probes. The network argues the case centers on political speech rules and public-interest licensing.
The FCC has begun an early renewal review of Disney's ABC stations as part of a DEI probe, with Disney filing renewals under protest. The process could affect eight ABC-owned stations and precedes potential regulatory actions, including public-petition stages.
A coalition of 12 U.S. states has secured a 14-day pause on Paramount’s $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, pending a ruling on a preliminary injunction. The deal remains under antitrust review globally as regulators weigh competition, pricing, and content implications for theaters, networks, and streaming platforms.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr plans to vote at the August meeting to repeal the 39% cap on TV station ownership, adopting a case-by-case review. The move, backed by Nexstar and opposed by Democrats, seeks to expand local broadcasters’ reach while critics warn of risks to localism and competition.
Public health officials report rising cyclospora infections linked to contaminated produce. Authorities urge thorough washing and cooking to kill the parasite, advise peeling where possible, and caution against household cleaners on produce. New numbers reflect updates since yesterday’s briefing.
The CBS News program 60 Minutes is undergoing a major personnel shakeup. Nick Bilton has announced five new hires, including Ross Douthat and Norah O’Donnell, along with Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni and Trevor Phillips, to join as correspondents or contributors. The changes follow previous layoffs and leadership shifts under Bari Weiss’s editorship.
The Federal Communications Commission has voted 2-1 to remove the statutory 39% national TV ownership cap and replace it with case-by-case reviews of proposed mergers. Chair Brendan Carr has said the change will let broadcasters scale up and invest in local news; Democrats and press advocates say the commission lacks authority and will spur consolidation and legal challenges.