Today's Television Pulse
Disney vows to fight FCC's early ABC license renewal order
The FCC ordered Disney to file early renewal applications for ABC’s eight broadcast stations, citing possible anti‑discrimination violations. Legal experts note the 1996 Telecommunications Act makes license denial extremely difficult without willful violations. Disney has signaled it will contest the politically‑motivated move.
FCC Demands Early Review Of Disney's Broadcast Licenses
The Federal Communications Commission has ordered Disney to submit an early renewal request for the broadcast licenses of its ABC‑owned stations, citing concerns over the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. In parallel, Cumulus Media reported a 12.2% year‑over‑year drop in first‑quarter revenue to $164.4 million and a net loss of $16.9 million, while its Chapter 11 restructuring awaits FCC approval. A Media Insight Project poll revealed that 31% of U.S. adults often avoid news about former President Trump, with avoidance rates highest among Democrats and independents. These developments underscore regulatory scrutiny, financial strain in broadcast media, and shifting audience behavior.
Arkansas Public Television Budget Bill Wins Final Approval in House
Arkansas public television secured a final House approval with 89 votes, moving the budget bill toward Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ desk. The network, long known as Arkansas PBS, is in the midst of a contentious split from PBS, a process...
Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 Sparks Cameo Buzz but Loses 46% of Viewers
Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again season 2 generated excitement with a surprise cameo by Matthew Lillard, but Luminate data shows the show’s audience fell 46% versus season 1. The decline highlights growing challenges for Disney+’s flagship Marvel series as the platform battles subscriber...
FCC Accelerates DEI Review of Disney's ABC Licenses, Demands Early Renewal
The Federal Communications Commission has expedited its review of Disney’s eight ABC local broadcast licenses over diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) compliance, requiring renewal filings by May 28. Disney asserts its stations meet all FCC rules, while the agency argues...
Cinelytic Launches AI Tool to Forecast Box Office in 88 Territories
Cinelytic, the AI‑driven analytics firm backed by Warner Bros. and WME, unveiled a tool that predicts global box‑office performance in up to 88 territories up to two years ahead. The rollout aims to give studios early‑stage data for budgeting and...
FCC Leaks To Semafor They’re ‘Investigating’ ABC Because A Comedian Told A Joke. Again.
The Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump‑appointed chair Brendan Carr, is reportedly preparing a review of Disney’s ABC broadcast licenses after a Jimmy Kimmel monologue that displeased the president. ABC holds only eight licenses, none of which are due for...
A New Standard For Transparency In CTV: What Advertisers Should Expect
The 2026 CTV/OTT advertiser survey shows a decisive shift toward transparency as a non‑negotiable entry requirement. Ninety‑two percent of advertisers say inventory quality and transparency are critical, while 90% demand clear reporting and 88% expect upfront pricing. Advertisers now link transparency directly...
TV Becomes a Growth Channel for Commerce
The Circana report shows TV is shifting from a passive reach channel to an interactive commerce platform as 75% of U.S. households subscribe to ad‑supported streaming services. Connected TV now delivers a 15% higher return on ad spend than linear...
Tet Launches Latvian-Only TV Channel
Latvian tech and entertainment firm Tet has launched Tet+ Classic, the first TV channel in Latvia to air a schedule composed entirely of domestic programming. The lineup blends Tet’s original series such as "Kīlnieki" and "Nelūgtie viesi" with classic Latvian...
Netflix Q1 2026 Earnings Miss Triggers 1% Stock Drop as Reed Hastings Leaves Board
Netflix reported a 16% year‑over‑year revenue increase to $12.3 billion in Q1 2026, but its second‑quarter outlook missed analyst expectations, pulling the stock down 1.17% to $91.36. The earnings release also confirmed co‑founder Reed Hastings will not stand for re‑election to...
GUEST COLUMN: Why Film Libraries & IPs Are the New Engines of Growth
The Indian media landscape is moving from a box‑office‑centric model to a lifecycle‑driven approach where film libraries and intellectual properties (IPs) generate long‑term revenue. Legacy titles are being repackaged for YouTube, OTT services, FAST channels and international syndication, extending their...
Animmoov Partners with PubMatic for APAC Digital Advertising Push
Animmoov has teamed up with PubMatic to expand its AI‑driven creative suite across the Asia‑Pacific digital advertising ecosystem. The partnership integrates Animmoov’s interactive rich‑media, dynamic creative optimisation and measurement tools with PubMatic’s premium inventory on CTV, OTT, mobile and desktop....
Paramount Seeks FCC Waiver to Allow $24 Bn Foreign Investment in Warner Bros. Discovery Merger
Paramount Skydance has filed a petition with the Federal Communications Commission to exceed the 25% foreign‑ownership ceiling so it can incorporate $24 bn from Saudi, Abu Dhabi and Qatari sovereign‑wealth funds into its $81 bn takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The move,...
Titan OS Adds AMC FAST Channels in DACH
Titan OS has introduced two free ad‑supported streaming (FAST) channels from AMC Global Media Central Europe—AMC Stories and Dating Hinter Gittern—across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The rollout is backed by FUNKE Channels and marks the platform’s latest push to broaden...
Netflix Announces New Adult Animated Comedy Series "Dad's House"
Netflix announced "Dad’s House," an adult animated comedy debuting later in 2026. The series follows 13‑year‑old Sean and his laid‑back dad Ian during weekend visits in suburban Australia. Showrunners Michael Cusack, Dario Russo and David Ashby also serve as voice...
Netflix Wins Romantic Drama "Lovesick," Orders Hot Package Straight-to-Series
Netflix has ordered a straight‑to‑series romantic drama titled “Lovesick,” starring Emmy‑winner Claire Danes. The series is created and executive‑produced by Sarah Treem, the co‑creator of “The Affair,” and adapts a Keshet original from Israel. Danes plays Annika, a renowned breast‑cancer surgeon who...
"Highly-Anticipated" Crime Drama Set in Miami's "Neon-Lit Underbelly" Lands UK Streaming Date - and It's Soon
The nine‑part crime drama M.I.A., created by Ozark co‑creator Bill Dubuque, will debut in the UK on Paramount+ on 7 May. Set against Miami’s neon‑lit underworld, the series follows Shannon Gisela’s character Etta Tiger Jonze as she navigates a family drug‑trade...
The Ankler Ditches Substack to Fly Solo
The Ankler, a Hollywood‑focused B2B publisher with about 150,000 paid subscribers, has left Substack and launched its own website powered by Automattic’s Passport paywall. The move lets the company keep roughly $10 million in annual revenue without the platform’s 10% cut...
Synamedia and Telxius Enable Content Providers to Switch Between CDNs in Real Time
Synamedia and Telxius have integrated Telxius’s carrier‑grade CDN into the Quortex Switch multi‑CDN management platform. The partnership allows content providers to switch viewers between CDNs in real time based on quality of experience and cost, expanding coverage and improving reliability....
Rachel Nickell's Son Was Two when He Witnessed Her Murder – and Now He's Helped Make a Netflix Series About...
Netflix will debut two linked projects on June 4, 2026—a three‑part drama titled *The Witness* and a feature documentary *The Murder of Rachel Nickell*. Both are built around the 1992 Wimbledon Common murder of Rachel Nickell, with her son Alex...
Mindy Kaling: Running Point Isn’t “Ripped From the Headlines” Amid Lakers Drama / Beef and Running Point Each Return to...
Netflix’s new series "Running Point," starring Mindy Kaling, draws on the personal and professional life of Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss but the creator insists it isn’t a thinly‑veiled retelling of recent Lakers drama. The show’s second season has...
Dhar Mann Bets on Speed Dating to Fix Creator-Brand Matchmaking
Dhar Mann Studios launched a creator‑brand speed‑dating event in Los Angeles, pairing more than 50 influencers with marketers during its Creator Economy Summit. The participating creators collectively command over 650 million followers, spanning emerging talent and established names like Jordan Matter and Jena Frumes. The...
Screen Forever 2026: The DNA of Networks
At Screen Forever 2026, senior unscripted executives outlined the "DNA" of their Australian networks. ABC’s head of documentary emphasized authentic, layered stories that reflect society. Foxtel split its DNA between the linear, lifestyle‑focused Foxtel platform and the louder, conversation‑driven Binge streamer. Nine’s...
Shah Rukh Khan-Saif Ali Khan’s Kartavya Locks May 15 Netflix Premiere: Report
Saif Ali Khan is set to return to Netflix with the crime drama *Kartavya*, which Variety India reports will premiere on May 15 2026, though Netflix has not formally confirmed the date. The film is produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment...
TV Ratings (28/4/2026): Albo’s Guest Appearance On The Hundred Wins The Night
Channel Nine’s entertainment flagship *The Hundred* captured the night’s top spot on April 28, 2026, drawing a national reach of 1,574,000 and an average audience of 739,000. The season‑premiere featured Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose appearance helped the show register a...
Disney’s New CEO Decides to Keep ESPN After Looking At Spinning It Off Into Its Own Company
Disney announced that it will retain full ownership of ESPN, shelving earlier speculation about a spin‑off. The decision, made by new CEO Josh D’Amaro, aligns the sports network with Disney’s broader streaming push, integrating ESPN into Disney+, Hulu and its...
Tony Dokoupil's CBS News Hits Record Low Viewership
Scoop: Tony Dokoupil's "CBS Evening News" ratings keep getting worse. Last week was his lowest-rated week on record, averaging only 3.7 million viewers. He has now posted three consecutive weeks under 4 million viewers—reliably slipping below a once-unthinkable threshold.
Marshals Season 2 Confirmed; Grimes Likely Signs New Deal
Marshals season 2 has already been confirmed, but I've got a hunch that star Luke Grimes' 'new contract' won't just be for the Yellowstone spinoff. https://t.co/cU8O8eUJ20
Report: UK the World’s Third-Largest D2D Market in March
Virgin Media O2’s February launch of O2 Satellite propelled the United Kingdom into the global spotlight, making it the world’s third‑largest direct‑to‑device (D2D) market by unique‑user count as of March 2026. The UK trails only the United States and Australia in...
CW Partners with ESPN, Opts for Bundling over Solo Streaming
The CW will stream its 800 hours of sports content on ESPN's broadband service, a sign that bundling may be a more attractive prospect for some TV outlets than launching yet another stand alone streaming option.... https://t.co/EBd41pyqp6
Huace and Utopai Studios Partner on Long-Form AI-Driven Content Creation
Huace Film & TV Co., one of China’s largest content producers, has signed a partnership with U.S.-based Utopai Studios to embed its PAI cinematic storytelling AI across the company’s long‑form production pipeline. The agreement features a sizable annual usage commitment...
Will R.J. Decker Be Renewed for Season 2? Current Status Revealed
R.J. Decker, ABC’s new crime drama, remains in limbo as the network has neither renewed nor canceled the series for a second season. With only a handful of episodes aired, ABC is still evaluating ratings, audience reaction, and overall performance...
Saturday TV Ratings: Freddie Mercury, CIA, The Wall, NBA Playoffs, MLB Baseball
Saturday, April 25, 2026, saw a ratings sweep dominated by live sports and special programming. MLB baseball, the NBA tip‑off and the 2026 NBA playoffs anchored the evening, while the music documentary Freddie Mercury: The Final Act attracted notable attention....
Massachusetts Proposes up to 5% Streaming Fee to Fund Community TV
Massachusetts legislators are drafting a bill that would impose a fee of up to 5% on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. The revenue would replace shrinking cable franchise fees and keep more than 250 community‑media outlets on the...
Friday TV Ratings: Happy’s Place, Sheriff Country, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, NFL Draft, UFL Football
On Friday, April 24, 2026, TV ratings were released for a mix of new episodes, sports events and reruns. New episodes of Sheriff Country, Fire Country, Boston Blue, Happy’s Place and Dateline NBC aired, while UFL Football featured the Defenders at the Stallions and the...
Viaplay Turns EBITDA Positive After Allente Deal, Shifts to ‘Value Over Volume’
Viaplay Group reported its first quarterly results that fully include the Allente pay‑TV acquisition, swinging EBITDA to a positive SEK101m ($11m) and free cash flow to SEK700m ($77m). The Swedish streamer said it will now prioritize “value over volume,” focusing...
Disney Reportedly Decides Against Spinning Off ESPN
Disney has halted plans to spin off its sports network ESPN, opting to keep the unit inside the conglomerate. The move comes as the cable TV business faces subscriber erosion and Disney doubles down on its streaming ambitions. ESPN still...
Sweden: Limited Impact From Spotify on Audiobook Market
In the first quarter of 2026, roughly 15 percent of Swedes aged 15‑74—about 1.2 million people—listened to audiobooks each day, according to Mediavision. Fewer than 70,000 of those listeners used Spotify as their sole audiobook source, showing the platform’s modest reach. Audiobooks...
Megyn Kelly Fumes at ABC for Sacking Chris Harrison But Not Jimmy Kimmel: ‘Make Them Play by Their Own Rules’...
Megyn Kelly publicly criticized ABC on her SiriusXM show, accusing the network of a double standard after it dismissed "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison for alleged racist remarks while allowing Jimmy Kimmel’s joke about the president’s family to go unpunished. Kelly...
Broadcasting Faces Break‑glass Moment Amid Ad‑dollar Squeeze
Didn't someone call this a "break-glass moment" for broadcasting? “It’s no secret that business has been tough in traditional media for a number of years. Ad dollars are spread very thin, companies are doing everything they can to...
Trump's FCC Chair Punishes ABC Over Kimmel
The Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump‑appointed chair Brendan Carr, ordered ABC to submit license renewal applications for its eight owned‑and‑operated stations within 30 days, ostensibly to investigate Disney’s diversity initiatives but widely seen as retaliation for Jimmy Kimmel’s on‑air...
The Case Against Paramount-WBD Keeps Getting Louder
The Ankler’s latest column highlights a growing chorus of industry voices opposing the Paramount‑Warner Bros. Discovery merger. While the deal appears to be moving forward, critics argue it could exacerbate concentration, limit creative competition, and hurt independent producers. The author...
YouTube TV Officially Launching Fully Customizable Multiview
YouTube TV announced the rollout of a fully customizable multiview feature, giving subscribers the ability to arrange any combination of live channels on a single screen. The upgrade removes previous restrictions, notably allowing NFL Sunday Ticket games to be paired...
Nexstar CEO Declares No DEI Programs Amid FCC Approval
A fair and balanced report would have noted that on March 19, 2026, the date of the @FCC Media Bureau's approval of Nexstar-TEGNA, @NXSTMediaGroup CEO Perry Sook wrote @BrendanCarrFCC to say, “Nexstar does not have DEI programs in place today...
FCC Cracks Down on ABC over Trump‑offending Kimmel Joke
TV Talk: FCC targets ABC after another Kimmel joke that upsets President Trump, via @TribLIVE - https://t.co/ksESO4djyx https://t.co/K3wsJiOGBp
"Genius" Sitcom Branded "Simply the Best" Is Leaving Netflix Very Soon
The hit Canadian sitcom Schitt’s Creek will disappear from Netflix on May 15, ending its streaming run of all six seasons and 80 episodes. Created by brothers Eugene and Dan Levy, the series earned a 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating and...
Fans Prefer TV; ESPN Must Justify Streaming Cost
…because nobody wants overpriced sports rights deals. The real challenge now is how to convince fans that the ESPN streaming service is something they need, with backdrop of proposed Nielsen data suggesting they still prefer TV to streaming. Messy stuff.
Televisa-Univision Faces Pressure From Sports on Rival Networks
Televisa‑Univision posted Q1 revenue of $1.075 billion, a 5% increase year‑over‑year, helped by a 13% rise in Mexican advertising. U.S. ad sales slipped 12% to $310 million, pulling overall ad revenue down 3% to $546 million. Subscription and distribution fees offset some weakness,...
FCC Orders a Review of ABC’s Licenses Amid Feud Between Trump and Kimmel
The Federal Communications Commission ordered a comprehensive review of all broadcast licenses owned by ABC, marking an unprecedented regulatory move. The review is officially linked to an investigation of ABC's diversity and inclusion policies but coincides with President Trump’s public...
Disney Will Not Spin Off ESPN, per Report
Disney has decided against spinning off ESPN, keeping the sports network within its portfolio as part of a broader streaming push. CEO Josh D’Amaro dismissed spinoff rumors, emphasizing ESPN’s role in bolstering Disney+ and ESPN+ offerings. While ESPN’s operating income...