American multimedia conglomerate and largest U.S. television station operator
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.
Infections linked to Cyclospora have risen across several states, with authorities tracing a possible tie to contaminated lettuce. Health officials urge thorough washing and cooking to kill the parasite and advise peeling fruits where possible. Experts highlight safer fruit choices and the limits of washing against the parasite.
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.