Today's Media Pulse
Nexstar CEO warns big‑tech dominance threatens local broadcasters
Nexstar Media Group’s chief says platforms like YouTube now capture one‑eighth of U.S. TV viewing and TikTok delivers news to a quarter of young adults, eroding local TV audiences. He notes that five digital firms are projected to control 65% of a $260 billion advertising market by 2026, and points to the Nexstar‑TEGNA merger covering over 130 communities as a defensive move.
The Psychology Behind Likes, Shares, And Comments: How To Tap Into Human Behavior
The article explains that social‑media engagement—likes, comments, shares, and saves—is rooted in human psychology, especially dopamine‑driven reward loops. It breaks down what each interaction type signals and why algorithms prioritize content with higher engagement. Practical tactics are offered, such as sharing relatable stories, validating audience opinions, providing genuine value, using strong video hooks, and maintaining a consistent posting schedule. By aligning content with these behavioral triggers, creators can boost visibility and drive more clicks.
UK Broadcasters Attract “Sizeable Audiences on YouTube” Says Barb
Barb’s 2025 report shows YouTube viewing on UK TV sets climbing sharply, with half of children aged 4‑15 and 20% of over‑55s tuning in weekly. YouTube now accounts for 54% of its UK viewership via television, surpassing any single channel’s...
CBS Censors Colbert Using Outdated FCC Rule
CBS lawyers told Colbert he couldn't interview a Senate candidate. Couldn't show a photo. Couldn't show a drawing. Couldn't tell the audience it was happening. Based on an FCC rule that hasn't actually been changed. New piece on what CBS...
Audion Launches Cross-Platform AI, Podcasting’s Top Sports Networks, & More
Audion unveiled Audion AI, an artificial‑intelligence agent that aggregates podcast performance data across Spotify, Deezer, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Amazon Music, then fuses it with the company’s own campaign and brand‑lift metrics to automate ad activation. The launch coincides with a...
CDN Netskrt Discloses Network Capacity, Revenue, and How It Adds Capacity Profitably
Netskrt Systems disclosed its network capacity, revenue metrics, and profit‑driven scaling strategy. The company operates a software‑defined CDN with about 65 Tbps steady‑state capacity, aiming for 150 Tbps by 2026 while keeping invested capital near $30 million. Its capital‑to‑revenue ratio is projected to...
A New Partnership Expands Free Digital Access to The Boston Globe at More than 40 Libraries
The Boston Globe has teamed up with the Minuteman Library Network to grant cardholders a free 72‑hour digital pass to Globe.com, its e‑paper and a full archive. The partnership, which covers more than 40 libraries in the Boston area, allows...
Phil Hoffman to Lead New Mexico PBS
Phil Hoffman will assume the role of General Manager and CEO of New Mexico PBS on April 1, 2024, following the retirement of Franz Joachim on March 31. He will serve as co‑GM starting March 24 to ensure a smooth transition. Hoffman brings extensive...
Making Authenticity a Competitive Edge for Publishers
Publishers face a surge of AI‑generated content, with 50% of new web articles and one‑third of YouTube Shorts now created by algorithms. Advertisers are moving away from sheer volume metrics toward outcomes that require verified, engaged audiences. The article outlines...
Ali Breland on Why It’s Important to Cover the Online Far Right
In this episode, Ivan L. Nagy talks with Atlantic staff writer Ali Breland about the growing entanglement of the online far‑right with mainstream politics under Trump. Breland explains how figures like Nick Fuentes, Andrew Tate and the viral “Clavicular” streamer illustrate a shift...
Janice Min on Hollywood’s Crisis; Reed Duchscher on the Creator Boom
Janice Min, publisher of The Ankler, paints a bleak picture of Hollywood, likening Los Angeles to a "Detroit vibe" as media consolidation squeezes the advertising pool. In contrast, Reed Duchscher, founder of Night, announced a $70 million raise to expand his agency...
Sports, Influencer and Media Buying Capabilities to Drive M&A This Year
Moore Kingston Smith forecasts a modest rebound in UK media and marketing M&A in 2026 after a 23% drop to 301 deals in 2025, the slowest since the pandemic. Buyers are prioritising capability‑driven targets—especially sports, influencer, and media‑buying agencies that...
ASA Rules on Virgin Media Advert Following BT Complaint
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled on Virgin Media’s September 2024 TV spot that claimed the company was “Awarded Best Broadband Experience.” While the ASA concluded the claim was not misleading about technology, it found the advert failed to provide verifiable...
KCBX Names Chris McBride GM
Chris McBride has been appointed General Manager of KCBX Central Coast Public Radio, taking over from Frank Lanzone, who led the station for 45 years. McBride joined KCBX in 2023 as development director and later served as assistant GM, bringing a background...
Vegas PBS GM Mare Mazur to Retire
Mary Mazur, who has led Vegas PBS as president and general manager since early 2021, announced she will retire later this year. During her tenure, the station deepened its role as an educational partner for the Clark County School District...
How YouTuber Johns Hopkins Brings Stories of Baltimore History to WYPR
Johns Hopkins, a historian‑producer for Baltimore Heritage, launched the YouTube series “Five‑Minute Histories” during the pandemic, amassing nearly 400 videos and 18,000 subscribers. The series, despite its name, averages six‑minute episodes. WYPR partnered with Hopkins to reformat the stories into...
Video Blogging Guide: How to Start a Vlog That Grows Your Brand in 2026
Neal Schaffer’s 2026 guide shows that anyone can start a vlog using just a smartphone, focusing on niche selection and consistent publishing. It outlines essential equipment, platform choices, and a step‑by‑step workflow for planning, filming, editing, and optimizing videos. The...
Elbowing In
The episode examines a lawsuit filed by three right‑wing media figures—podcaster Brandi Kruse, talk‑radio host Ari Hoffman, and Discovery Institute fellow Jonathan Choe—seeking permanent press passes and a revamp of Washington’s statehouse credentialing rules. It outlines how the Capitol Correspondents Association ceded credentialing...
Convene to Envision Shared Futures Through Art and Storytelling
AL.com teamed with the Birmingham Times to launch the Beyond the Violence series, which evolved into the Birmingham Dreams event. The free gathering, facilitated by poet laureate Salaam Green, blended poetry, music, and community storytelling in a historic theater. Attendees—including...
Guardian, January 2026
Publishers are warning that AI‑powered search summaries and chatbots could dramatically shrink the traffic that traditionally drives their advertising revenue. Major search engines, led by Google, are testing features that present condensed article excerpts directly in search results, bypassing the...
The Fix, January 2025
Reuters Institute’s 2026 Trends Report, released in January 2025, highlights three core observations shaping the future of news. First, digital subscription models are accelerating faster than traditional advertising revenue. Second, artificial intelligence is becoming integral to newsroom operations, influencing both...
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: February 9, 2026 to February 13, 2026
The Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on media ownership in the digital age, zeroing in on the FCC’s 39% national TV ownership cap as the Nexstar‑TEGNA merger moves forward. FCC Commissioner Gomez publicly objected to an investigation of ABC’s...
Special Report – The Future of Media Buying
AI is reshaping media buying as Meta and Google report massive ad‑revenue growth driven by proprietary AI tools. The surge forces agencies and publishers to confront a widening data and automation advantage held by big‑tech. Publicis suggests agencies can stay...
January CDP Index: High-Dollar Gifts, New Donors Fuel Standout Year for Membership Revenue
Public media organizations saw a 42% jump in membership revenue in 2025 versus 2024, driven by higher‑value gifts and a surge in new donors. The High‑Dollar Gifts Index rose 88%, indicating far more $500+ contributions, while the New Donor Index...
How The Baltimore Banner’s Embrace of DC Sports Fits with Its Editor’s Civic-Minded Mission
The Baltimore Banner announced it will add beat coverage of the Washington Nationals and the Washington Commanders, extending its reach beyond Maryland into the DC metro area. The move follows the Washington Post’s abrupt elimination of its sports department, which...
FCC Approves Reassignment of UEN-TV License Within Utah University System
The FCC approved a pro forma reassignment of the UEN‑TV (KUEN) license from the Utah Board of Higher Education to the University of Utah on Dec. 4, placing the station under PBS Utah’s oversight. No money changed hands in the transaction....
Spotify Q4 Report Exceeds Expectations; Stock Bounces
Spotify's Q4 2025 earnings beat expectations, driving a sharp rebound in its stock price. Revenue grew 13% YoY to €? and gross margin hit 33.1%, delivering €1.17 billion in net income and EPS of €4.43, well above forecasts. Monthly active users rose...
You’ve Got Jmail
The episode explores Jmail, a web tool that lets users browse Jeffrey Epstein’s email archive in a Gmail‑like interface, created by AI programmer Luke Igel and developer Riley Walz to make the massive DOJ data dump hyper‑legible. Igel discusses how AI enabled...
A Tale of Two Lists: Top New and Existing Podcasts of Q4
The episode examines Edison Research’s latest podcast metrics, contrasting the Top Ten New Podcasts of 2025 with the broader Top 50 Podcasts of Q4, which includes stalwarts like The Joe Rogan Experience and Crime Junkie. The hosts highlight that none of...
Journalism’s Return to Community Is Necessary – but Risky
Journalists are rediscovering newsletters as community‑building tools, but success hinges on genuine two‑way interaction. The article warns that publishers often mistake hosting for ownership, leading to community loss when platforms change. Real‑world examples, from a 2000s B2B community migration to...
263. Smart Isn’t the Same as Clear: How to Sharpen Your Ideas
In this episode, Matt Abrahams talks with Nick Thompson, former editor‑in‑chief of Wired and current CEO of The Atlantic, about why clear, authentic communication beats cleverness in today’s noisy, AI‑driven world. Thompson emphasizes the power of specificity, honest voice, and...
To Ensure Audiences Return, Invite One Meaningful Action Early
Publishers are rethinking first‑time interactions by offering a single, personal action that lets new visitors declare a preference, such as saving a story, following a topic, or joining a focused newsletter. Research shows these early choices generate stronger propensity signals...
DCN’s Media Industry Must Reads: Week of February 12, 2026
This week’s DCN media roundup highlights several pivotal developments shaping the industry. Hollywood is gearing up for a new round of labor talks between actors and writers, while publishers and politicians intensify efforts to curb Google’s ad‑tech dominance. Apple faces...
Grok Is Now Editing Itself
The episode examines Grokipedia, Elon Musk’s AI‑generated Wikipedia alternative, and reveals that its chatbot Grok has become the primary editor, submitting and approving over three‑quarters of all suggested changes. Analysis by the Tow Center shows Grok’s self‑editing surged in December,...
Join FIPP for Events Around the World in 2026
The merger of FIPP with WAN‑IFRA has created a packed 2026 agenda of global media events. In April, the WAN‑IFRA AI Forum in Frankfurt will examine artificial intelligence’s impact on content creation and audience engagement. June brings the World News...
FCC Sets Requirement to Promptly Update FCC Registration Numbers – No Need to Panic, But Licensees Should Ensure All FCC...
The FCC has finalized a rule requiring all users of the Commission Registration System (CORES) to update their FCC Registration Numbers (FRNs) within ten business days of any contact‑information change. The regulation, introduced in a robocalling proceeding, replaces the vague...
Britney Spears Sells Catalog
The episode discusses Britney Spears' reported sale of her music catalog to independent publisher Primary Wave, noting the lack of confirmed details and price. It places this deal in the context of recent high‑profile catalog sales by artists like Queen,...
A Copyright Expert’s Big Idea: Force Google and Other AI Companies to Pay News Publishers
AI-powered Google search and chatbots are diverting 30‑40% of traffic from news sites. Copyright expert Paul Gerbino proposes a recurring‑fee model, forcing AI firms to pay publishers each time their content is used for training or retrieval. He urges collective...
New Research to Learn From
Recent research highlights a growing "proximity paradox" in news consumption: 44% of surveyed voters say it’s harder to stay informed about their own communities than national affairs. In news deserts, residents turn to social media and other non‑journalistic sources, yet...
SiriusXM Rebounds in Q4 Subscribers
SiriusXM’s Q4 earnings showed flat revenue year‑over‑year but a notable subscriber rebound, with 110,000 new self‑pay users offsetting a full‑year loss of 301,000. Monthly churn among self‑pay customers improved, falling to 15% from 16% YoY, leaving the company with a...
‘An Instinct for Exploration’
Marcela García reflects on a lifelong instinct to explore, tracing it from a pink bike in Monterrey to a Harvard journalism degree and a career at The Boston Globe. Early influences—her mother’s entrepreneurial drive and her father’s love of fiction—shaped...
James Cridland’s Radioland: New Australian Broadcast Rules – Covering AI and Kids
In this episode, James Cridland examines Global’s innovative WSQK radio station, a 24/7 broadcast created to immerse listeners in the Stranger Things universe. He highlights how the station’s meticulous 1980s sound design, authentic jingles, and seamless integration of news, DJ segments,...
As Jeff Bezos Dismantles The Washington Post, Five Regional Papers Chart a Course for Survival
Jeff Bezos is reportedly scaling back operations at The Washington Post, highlighting the broader challenges facing legacy media. In contrast, five large regional newspapers have demonstrated sustainable pathways by anchoring themselves in community interests rather than profit extraction. These outlets...
More Reach, Less Power: Copyright in Digital Markets Today
Digital distribution has dramatically expanded creators' reach, but platform ecosystems now dominate visibility, pricing, audience data, and monetisation. This shift has eroded creators' bargaining power, even as publishers access larger audiences. Axel Springer’s new research frames copyright as an economic...
The NFL Told You Why It Booked Bad Bunny
The episode examines the NFL’s decision to book Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl halftime show, highlighting the backlash from conservative figures who framed the Spanish‑language performance as un‑American. It explains that the league’s motive was purely commercial: tapping into...
Coach Communities Ignored by Cultural Tourism to Tell Their Stories
Since 2017, StoryWorks has merged investigative reporting with community theater in Mississippi's Delta, culminating in the Delta Cultural Heritage Ambassadors Program. Backed by the Walton Family Foundation and Delta State University, the initiative trained 21 residents of Coahoma County in...
DAZN’s NFL Game Pass Stream of Super Bowl LX Looking Good; Detailed Tech Specs
DAZN is delivering the Super Bowl LX live to NFL Game Pass subscribers outside the United States for £0.99, using NBC’s international feed in native 1080p 59.94 fps HDR10 with Dolby 5.1 surround. The stream employs an 8 Mbps HEVC main‑10 ladder for HDR and...
This Week in Regulation for Broadcasters: February 2, 2026 to February 6, 2026
Congress reauthorized funding for the FCC and other agencies, preventing a shutdown and keeping regulatory operations running smoothly. The FCC implemented a new CORES database rule that forces broadcasters to update their FCC Registration Number and related contact details within...
5 Ideas For The Interested This Week
The newsletter curates five actionable ideas for creators, ranging from a candid podcast about an imagined social platform to a roundup of 40 newsletter experts sharing monetization tips. It spotlights a LinkedIn "Every Day CTA" strategy that generated $7,000 daily...
Jeff Bezos Gutted the Newsroom. He Kept the Megaphone.
The episode examines Jeff Bezos' strategic dismantling of the Washington Post newsroom while preserving and reshaping its opinion section into an ideological megaphone aligned with his free‑market, libertarian views. It details the massive layoffs of journalists, the removal of editorial...