Nexstar Media Group announces $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna, creating broadcasting giant reaching 80% of US TV households. Deal represents mass…
Skydance’s $8 billion acquisition of Paramount Global closed after FCC approval with controversial conditions. The merger included commitments to hire a CBS ombudsman and explicit agreements about media representation, reflecting ongoing tensions in media regulation and political influence.
Merger closed with company now trading as Paramount Skydance Corp. (PSKY), led by David Ellison; Paramount’s statement and wire coverage link closing to FCC’s July approval and contemporaneous settlement of high-profile lawsuit involving presidential speech
FCC review period and decision released approving Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount/CBS after new pleading cycle established and ~250-day review (longer than FCC’s 180-day shot-clock)
Spotify renews Joe Rogan deal worth up to $250 million, but removes exclusivity allowing distribution on Apple, YouTube, marking shift in podcast landscape and cementing Rogan’s influence. The new multiyear deal represents a strategic pivot for Spotify, giving up podcast exclusivity in favor …
Sinclair Broadcast Group now operates 193 TV stations reaching 40% of American households, using local news infrastructure to push synchronized conservative propaganda through must-run segments
Spotify signs exclusive multi-year licensing deal with Joe Rogan worth reported $100-200 million, marking largest podcast acquisition and creating financial dependency
The Bush administration’s FCC under Chairman Michael Powell enabled massive media consolidation benefiting Sinclair Broadcasting through deregulation of ownership rules. The 2003 FCC vote to increase the national ownership cap from 35% to 45% particularly benefited Sinclair due to the UHF …
The FCC, led by Chairman Michael Powell (son of Secretary of State Colin Powell), votes 3-2 along party lines to dramatically ease media ownership restrictions despite overwhelming public opposition. The new rules would increase the national TV ownership cap from 35% to 45% of U.S. households and …
The FCC, led by Chairman Michael Powell (son of Secretary of State Colin Powell), votes 3-2 along party lines to dramatically ease media ownership restrictions despite overwhelming public opposition. The new rules would increase the national TV ownership cap from 35% to 45% of U.S. households and …
The Federal Communications Commission approves Viacom’s $35.6 billion acquisition of CBS Corporation despite the merger violating FCC regulations prohibiting one company from owning television stations reaching more than 35% of the U.S. audience and prohibiting ownership of two networks if one …
America Online (AOL), the nation’s dominant Internet service provider, announces its intention to purchase Time Warner for $164 billion in the largest media merger in history. The combined entity would control magazines, video and high-speed Internet cable, cable TV channels (including CNN, …
The Telecommunications Act of 1996’s media consolidation provisions trigger massive job losses across American journalism, gutting local news coverage and professional media employment. In radio alone, cities that once had 100 jobs for radio professionals now have perhaps 20, an 80% reduction …
Clear Channel Communications begins an unprecedented consolidation spree following the February 1996 Telecommunications Act, acquiring $581 million worth of radio and television stations within just four months of the act’s passage. Before the Telecommunications Act eliminated ownership caps, …
President Bill Clinton signs the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the first major overhaul of U.S. telecommunications law in over 60 years. While ostensibly designed to promote competition by allowing ‘anyone to enter any communications business,’ the act was heavily influenced by …
President Bill Clinton signs the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the first major overhaul of U.S. telecommunications law in over 60 years. While ostensibly designed to promote competition by allowing ‘anyone to enter any communications business,’ the act was heavily influenced by …
In 1985, Rupert Murdoch orchestrated a pivotal expansion of his media empire through strategic acquisitions and regulatory maneuvering. Key developments include acquiring 50% of 20th Century Fox in March for $162 million and purchasing Metromedia television stations for $3.5 billion in May. Most …