Lawmakers have introduced at least three different bills that would reshape the consumer video market, including online video, similar to efforts used to boost the satellite industry in the 1990s. None of the bills is expected to pass right away, and companies looking to expand in online video remain uncertain how far Congress will open the door for them.
Something’s happening to local news
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
So far this year, 223 local TV stations have changed hands. This is the biggest wave of media consolidation ever -- and it's all happening in small and mid-level markets, involving companies most people have never heard of.
Radio broadcasters face challenge from tech heavyweights
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
Radio remains the world’s most popular form of media in terms of audience, with listener figures at their highest levels in decades. But broadcasters face some of their fiercest competition for years as the world’s biggest technology companies – including Apple and Google – take aim at their business.
What Ted Cruz Doesn’t Want You to Know
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
By now it seems pretty clear that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has a plan to occupy the White House. But he doesn't want people to know too much about it. And he definitely doesn't want you to know about the special interests that have already begun to bankroll his political ambitions. That's why the Texas senator's latest crusade targets the Federal Communications Commission -- and its efforts to better identify the funders of political ads.
Updated: The Low Power FM Application Window Is Fast Approaching
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
In August we had our first of two webinars on how communities and non-profit organizations can apply for new low-power FM radio station licenses during the next window, October 15 – November 14, 2013. The webinar allowed viewers to ask questions directly to Bureau staff. We were delighted to answer many questions during the session and have continued to respond to your inquiries since then. The second webinar will be held on Thursday, October 24.
DOJ Request Pushes Sinclair-Allbritton Close Date Into ‘14
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
Sinclair is now scheduled to close on its $985 million acquisition of Allbritton in 2014, the time frame pushed back following a "Second Request for information" from the Department of Justice, according to Sinclair and Allbritton.
FTC Puts Conditions on Nielsen’s Proposed $1.6 Billion Acquisition of Arbitron
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
Media research company Nielsen has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that its proposed acquisition of Arbitron may substantially lessen competition.
Stations Need to Work Harder for Political
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
With an increasing number of viable alternatives, local broadcasters need to get more aggressive in wooing political advertisers to continue getting their portion of the total spend.
LPTV Coalition: OTA Audience Could Be More Like 100 Million
Filed Under: Benton Headlines
In the hours before a hearing on video regulation and the reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA), the LPTV Spectrum Rights Coalition, formed to advocate for LPTV rights in the upcoming spectrum incentive auction, has told House Communications Subcommittee Greg Walden (R-OR) that the universe of people who can still watch free, over-the-air TV is probably more like 81 million to 100 million, rather than the lower estimates based on over-the-air (OTA) only households.