Matthew Keys
@matthewkeys.net
Journalist who covers the transformation of the media industry after working in it for years. Previously worked for Reuters, Disney-ABC, Tribune Media.
Sacramento = Home. Light the Beam ๐ฆ๐ฃ
๐: matthewkeys.net
โ๏ธ: @thedesk.net
๐ง: matthew@matthewkeys.net
Sacramento = Home. Light the Beam ๐ฆ๐ฃ
๐: matthewkeys.net
โ๏ธ: @thedesk.net
๐ง: matthew@matthewkeys.net
Pinned
Matthew Keys
@matthewkeys.net
ยท Nov 11
For those of you who like the list I put together a loooong time ago of reputable journalists on Bluesky, it's now available as a starter pack.
Here you go:
go.bsky.app/22wADif
Here you go:
go.bsky.app/22wADif
YouTube TV customers won't get ESPN Unlimited until much later this year.
YouTube TV won't get ESPN Unlimited until fall, exec confirms
YouTube TV subscribers will have to wait several more months before they can access ESPN Unlimited as part of their streaming TV plan.
thedesk.net
February 9, 2026 at 10:30 PM
YouTube TV customers won't get ESPN Unlimited until much later this year.
If streaming companies could figure out how to get rid of the news channels from their "sports-only" packages, the cost of those plans would go down between $5 and $10 per month.
YouTube TV's forthcoming $65 per month sports-only package won't just include sports: It will also offer Fox News, with no way to opt out.
YouTube TV sports-only package to cost $65 per month, include ESPN Unlimited
The package undercuts the main YouTube TV plan and mirrors genre-based bundles offered by Fubo and DIRECTV.
thedesk.net
February 9, 2026 at 4:13 PM
If streaming companies could figure out how to get rid of the news channels from their "sports-only" packages, the cost of those plans would go down between $5 and $10 per month.
Full text of the bill here:
February 6, 2026 at 10:09 PM
Full text of the bill here:
NEW: @repgaramendi.bsky.social and nearly a dozen other members of Congress introduce the "Freeze ICE" bill, which would stop the hiring of "unvetted individuals."
Garamendi says the Trump administration has hired 12k new ICE agents who are trained in just 47 days, down from 22 weeks.
Garamendi says the Trump administration has hired 12k new ICE agents who are trained in just 47 days, down from 22 weeks.
February 6, 2026 at 10:09 PM
NEW: @repgaramendi.bsky.social and nearly a dozen other members of Congress introduce the "Freeze ICE" bill, which would stop the hiring of "unvetted individuals."
Garamendi says the Trump administration has hired 12k new ICE agents who are trained in just 47 days, down from 22 weeks.
Garamendi says the Trump administration has hired 12k new ICE agents who are trained in just 47 days, down from 22 weeks.
Reposted by Matthew Keys
Disney, not YouTube, was the biggest loser in the distribution spat last November:
โข Disney said the carriage dispute hurt sports revenue during that period
โข YouTube grew its ad revenue by 9 percent to $11.4 billion; subscription revenue also increased.
โข Disney said the carriage dispute hurt sports revenue during that period
โข YouTube grew its ad revenue by 9 percent to $11.4 billion; subscription revenue also increased.
YouTube ad revenue grows to $11.4 billion during Q4
YouTube's effort in convincing viewers and Madison Avenue that its product is as premium as traditional TV appears to be working.
thedesk.net
February 4, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Disney, not YouTube, was the biggest loser in the distribution spat last November:
โข Disney said the carriage dispute hurt sports revenue during that period
โข YouTube grew its ad revenue by 9 percent to $11.4 billion; subscription revenue also increased.
โข Disney said the carriage dispute hurt sports revenue during that period
โข YouTube grew its ad revenue by 9 percent to $11.4 billion; subscription revenue also increased.
Reposted by Matthew Keys
SiriusXM is a mess. The company has renewed talent agreements with people who aren't driving business, and subscribers are starting to churn out. An ad-supported tier isn't rolling out aggressively, and the company is struggling to compete against "premium and free" offerings.
SiriusXM stalls on radio subscriber growth during Q4
SiriusXM continues to struggle with subscriber churn, and isn't moving aggressively enough to roll out its lower-cost, ad-supported offerings.
thedesk.net
February 5, 2026 at 11:13 PM
SiriusXM is a mess. The company has renewed talent agreements with people who aren't driving business, and subscribers are starting to churn out. An ad-supported tier isn't rolling out aggressively, and the company is struggling to compete against "premium and free" offerings.
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros Discovery's Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer Bruce Campbell made their latest pitch to federal lawmakers on a proposed transaction that would see Netflix acquire WBD's film studios, intellectual property and HBO business.
Lawmakers question execs from Netflix, WBD on proposed acquisition
Netflix and WBD executives defended their merger to lawmakers, arguing it will boost competition against YouTube and Amazon.
thedesk.net
February 4, 2026 at 3:03 AM
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros Discovery's Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer Bruce Campbell made their latest pitch to federal lawmakers on a proposed transaction that would see Netflix acquire WBD's film studios, intellectual property and HBO business.
#BREAKING: KOLD-TV, the CBS affiliate in Tucson, says it received an alleged ransom note via e-mail connected to the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy Guthrie. The note was forwarded to police for confirmation of its authenticity.
โWe gotta find her:โ DNA samples taken from Nancy Guthrieโs home belong to her, PCSD says
The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed it is investigating alleged ransom notes tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
www.kold.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:34 PM
#BREAKING: KOLD-TV, the CBS affiliate in Tucson, says it received an alleged ransom note via e-mail connected to the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy Guthrie. The note was forwarded to police for confirmation of its authenticity.
Verizon prefers you sub to YouTube TV. They're trying to move off TV.
February 3, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Verizon prefers you sub to YouTube TV. They're trying to move off TV.
#BREAKING: Fubo CEO David Gandler said Comcast and NBC Universal ended discussions about restoring NBC to the streaming service in January, signaling a prolonged dispute that could last through the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics.
Fubo CEO accuses Comcast of ending talks on restoring NBC in January
Comcast is satisfied with distributing NBC only on Hulu's pay TV service, Fubo CEO David Gandler told investors on Tuesday.
thedesk.net
February 3, 2026 at 9:34 PM
#BREAKING: Fubo CEO David Gandler said Comcast and NBC Universal ended discussions about restoring NBC to the streaming service in January, signaling a prolonged dispute that could last through the Super Bowl and Winter Olympics.
In another e-mail, Peggy Siegal begged Jeffrey Epstein to "bring an age-appropriate date with a last name" because the same party was being attended by high-profile celebrities and journalists, including Barbara Walters, Howard Stern and George Stephanopolous.
February 3, 2026 at 6:46 PM
In another e-mail, Peggy Siegal begged Jeffrey Epstein to "bring an age-appropriate date with a last name" because the same party was being attended by high-profile celebrities and journalists, including Barbara Walters, Howard Stern and George Stephanopolous.
Banfield was covering the Epstein files as recently as last month, just before she ended her NewsNation show to focus on her podcast, "Drop Dead Serious," where she has also discussed the Epstein saga.
SCOOP: Former NewsNation host Ashleigh Banfield is in the newly-released Epstein files.
In 2012, she asked publicist Peggy Siegal if "your friend Jeffrey still single?"
To which Epstein replied to Siegal: "Why does she ask me single"
In 2012, she asked publicist Peggy Siegal if "your friend Jeffrey still single?"
To which Epstein replied to Siegal: "Why does she ask me single"
February 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Banfield was covering the Epstein files as recently as last month, just before she ended her NewsNation show to focus on her podcast, "Drop Dead Serious," where she has also discussed the Epstein saga.
The National Association of Broadcasters has threatened members of Congress, claiming via a new poll that voters are unlikely to elect or re-elect lawmakers who oppose allowing local TV and radio station companies to merge.
NAB threatens Congress over local TV ownership rules
The NAB warned lawmakers that opposing looser broadcast rules could carry dire political consequences in the midterm election.
thedesk.net
February 2, 2026 at 6:50 PM
The National Association of Broadcasters has threatened members of Congress, claiming via a new poll that voters are unlikely to elect or re-elect lawmakers who oppose allowing local TV and radio station companies to merge.
Reposted by Matthew Keys
The borough president for Manhattan has urged New York City's taxi regulator to sever its ties with Curb, a provider of advertising in taxi cabs through seat-back screens, unless Curb stops distributing news clips from Newsmax.
New York mayor urged to ban Newsmax from taxi TVs
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Signal urged city officials to pressure Curb to stop distributing Newsmax clips in NYC taxis.
thedesk.net
February 2, 2026 at 5:42 PM
The borough president for Manhattan has urged New York City's taxi regulator to sever its ties with Curb, a provider of advertising in taxi cabs through seat-back screens, unless Curb stops distributing news clips from Newsmax.
Reposted by Matthew Keys
ESPN gained approvals from the Trump administration to close on its deal involving NFL Media just a few days after the league signed a contract with the Trump administration to create a public-private partnership promoting football overseas.
ESPN closes NFL Media deal following DOJ approval
February 1, 2026 - It is unclear what, if any, concessions ESPN and the NFL made to the Trump administration to seal the deal.
thedesk.net
February 1, 2026 at 9:59 PM
ESPN gained approvals from the Trump administration to close on its deal involving NFL Media just a few days after the league signed a contract with the Trump administration to create a public-private partnership promoting football overseas.
Dave Chappelle and Jon Stewart are hosting a comedy benefit, with proceeds benefitting public radio stations in Ohio. [Inside Radio]
Jon Stewart, Dave Chappelle Team Up Public Radio Benefit.
Two titans of American comedy are joining forces for a conversational event benefiting public radio. The appearance featuring Jon Stewart and Dave Chappelle will take place at the Schuster Center
www.insideradio.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Dave Chappelle and Jon Stewart are hosting a comedy benefit, with proceeds benefitting public radio stations in Ohio. [Inside Radio]
The Trump administration is doing everything it possibly can to ensure that Don Lemon evolves into the left's answer to Tim Pool.
You can't buy this publicity!
You can't buy this publicity!
January 30, 2026 at 7:40 PM
The Trump administration is doing everything it possibly can to ensure that Don Lemon evolves into the left's answer to Tim Pool.
You can't buy this publicity!
You can't buy this publicity!
Tim Pool started his career by embedding himself with Occupy Wall Street protesters.
Numerous independent journalists embedded themselves with January 6 protesters.
Tim and the January 6 reporters were never charged. What's different about what Don Lemon did?
Not much, from what I can see.
Numerous independent journalists embedded themselves with January 6 protesters.
Tim and the January 6 reporters were never charged. What's different about what Don Lemon did?
Not much, from what I can see.
Don Lemon's arrest is a litmus test for news organizations and prosecutors alike: When does a journalist become a provocateur?
Don Lemon's arrest is a litmus test: Journalist or provocateur?
January 30, 2026 - Federal agents arrested Don Lemon over a Minnesota church protest, pursuing civil rights and religious freedom charges despite prior judicial skepticism.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 7:36 PM
Tim Pool started his career by embedding himself with Occupy Wall Street protesters.
Numerous independent journalists embedded themselves with January 6 protesters.
Tim and the January 6 reporters were never charged. What's different about what Don Lemon did?
Not much, from what I can see.
Numerous independent journalists embedded themselves with January 6 protesters.
Tim and the January 6 reporters were never charged. What's different about what Don Lemon did?
Not much, from what I can see.
The FCC on Thursday made it easier for foreign nationals and corporations to apply for new broadcast radio and TV licenses or renew existing applications after making financial investments in stations and ownership groups.
FCC approves foreign ownership rules for radio, TV stations
The changes clarify Section 310(b) standards and aim to streamline reviews and shorten application processing times.
thedesk.net
January 30, 2026 at 2:02 AM
The FCC on Thursday made it easier for foreign nationals and corporations to apply for new broadcast radio and TV licenses or renew existing applications after making financial investments in stations and ownership groups.
During the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, only one out of six people who watched NBC's coverage of the event did so on Peacock.
One out of six.
We've seen similar trends with other services like Tubi (Super Bowl) and YouTube (NFL week 1 game).
Spending real dollars for few digital viewers.
One out of six.
We've seen similar trends with other services like Tubi (Super Bowl) and YouTube (NFL week 1 game).
Spending real dollars for few digital viewers.
Comcast is still losing hundreds of millions of dollars on Peacock.
Comcast touts Peacock gains, though streamer still not profitable
Peacock grew to 44 million subscribers in 2025, driven by live sports including NFL coverage and the return of NBA games.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 11:35 PM
During the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, only one out of six people who watched NBC's coverage of the event did so on Peacock.
One out of six.
We've seen similar trends with other services like Tubi (Super Bowl) and YouTube (NFL week 1 game).
Spending real dollars for few digital viewers.
One out of six.
We've seen similar trends with other services like Tubi (Super Bowl) and YouTube (NFL week 1 game).
Spending real dollars for few digital viewers.
Why isn't "Heated Rivalry" ascending the Nielsen streaming charts?
Because it only has six episodes, which means it can't accrue the millions of "minutes viewed" like larger franchises โย "Bluey," "Friends" and "Law & Order" โ which have well over 100.
That's it. That's the answer.
Because it only has six episodes, which means it can't accrue the millions of "minutes viewed" like larger franchises โย "Bluey," "Friends" and "Law & Order" โ which have well over 100.
That's it. That's the answer.
January 29, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Why isn't "Heated Rivalry" ascending the Nielsen streaming charts?
Because it only has six episodes, which means it can't accrue the millions of "minutes viewed" like larger franchises โย "Bluey," "Friends" and "Law & Order" โ which have well over 100.
That's it. That's the answer.
Because it only has six episodes, which means it can't accrue the millions of "minutes viewed" like larger franchises โย "Bluey," "Friends" and "Law & Order" โ which have well over 100.
That's it. That's the answer.
Police have arrested a 36-year-old man from Minnesota on allegations of impersonating a federal law enforcement officer. The man reportedly told prison officials that he had a valid court order to release Luigi Mangione from prison. [WBAL-TV]
A man impersonating an FBI agent tried to get Luigi Mangione out of jail, authorities say
A man claiming to be an FBI agent showed up to a federal jail in New York City on Wednesday night and told officers he had a court order to release Luigi Mangione.
www.wbaltv.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Police have arrested a 36-year-old man from Minnesota on allegations of impersonating a federal law enforcement officer. The man reportedly told prison officials that he had a valid court order to release Luigi Mangione from prison. [WBAL-TV]
Comcast continues to lose customers to its Xfinity TV and Xfinity Internet service, as streaming video, fixed wireless products and Starlink chip away at its lead.
Comcast revenue weighed by ongoing losses at Xfinity TV, Xfinity Internet; Peacock grows
January 29, 2026 - Comcast posted mixed financial results for its fourth quarter (Q4), beating Wall Street expectations on overall earnings while narrowly missing revenue forecasts from the period.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Comcast continues to lose customers to its Xfinity TV and Xfinity Internet service, as streaming video, fixed wireless products and Starlink chip away at its lead.
Reposted by Matthew Keys
Fox News ends the January measurement period as the most-watched cable news channel in America.
Nielsen data: Fox News is most-watched cable news channel in January
Fox News Channel extended its long-running leadership of the cable news landscape in January 2026, marking its 24th consecutive year as the top-rated network in the genre.
thedesk.net
January 29, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Fox News ends the January measurement period as the most-watched cable news channel in America.