FIRST ON THE DESK
Fox News seeks appeal in Gavin Newsom defamation lawsuit
Attorneys for Fox News argues the case should be dismissed because Newsom has not met the “actual malice” standard required for public officials.
TransUnion, Google bring YouTube measurement to attribution platform
Marketers can compare YouTube performance against other channels within a unified attribution framework; U.S. Bank participated in an early pilot.
Special Coverage: Media Earnings
Versant platform revenue increases during Q1, total revenue slips
Versant’s first-quarter profit fell as TV distribution and ad revenue weakened, though growth at Fandango, GolfNow and content licensing softened the decline.
Streaming News
Google says Chromecast support will continue after erroneous reports claim otherwise
Google will continue supporting its Chromecast devices with security updates, despite a support page indicating otherwise.
Policy & Law
Cox Media to pay $880,000 to settle FTC probe over AI-powered targeted ad tool
Cox Media has agreed to settle a Federal Trade Commission probe over its marketing of AI-powered tools used to monitor conversations and deliver targeted ads.
Radio & Television News
DIRECTV, broadband groups ask FCC to block Scripps acquisition of Inyo stations
DIRECTV and several broadband groups have filed a petition with the FCC seeking to block the E. W. Scripps Company from acquiring several Ion affiliates it previously divested.
Sports Desk
AT&T rolls out domestic eSIM product for international travelers to U.S.
AT&T is rolling out a new eSIM product that is tied to international travel associated with the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament.
Advertising & Data
Cox Media to pay $880,000 to settle FTC probe over AI-powered targeted ad tool
Cox Media has agreed to settle a Federal Trade Commission probe over its marketing of AI-powered tools used to monitor conversations and deliver targeted ads.
Special Coverage: NextGen TV
Appeals court sides against LG in NextGen TV patents lawsuit
The patent issue involving LG comes as federal regulators consider a nationwide transition to NextGen TV by the end of the decade.
Europe & UK
Comcast’s Sky News launches paid podcast offering
The subscription supports Sky News’ broader shift toward a digital-first business under its Sky News 2030 initiative.
Best of TheDesk.net
Four years in, free streamer Fox Weather evolves into public safety resource
With wide distribution and a commitment to free, live coverage, the channel has become a trusted source before, during and long after climate emergencies.