Summary
Highlights
California is threatening a lawsuit to block Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, even after US government approval. Reports suggest California would approve the deal if Paramount sells CNN. CNN, once a top news network, is now a distant third in viewership. Paramount planned to merge CBS News and CNN to revive the latter, but if California forces a sale, CNN's future is highly uncertain, with a 50/50 chance of survival in 5 years due to changing news consumption habits.
Sony is removing StudioCanal movies and TV shows from PlayStation in September, meaning even purchased content will become inaccessible. This follows similar incidents and raises concerns about digital ownership. Some are advocating for physical media like DVDs, and there's talk in Congress about consumer protection laws to ensure continued access to purchased digital goods.
A federal judge has ruled that selling 'Super Box' like piracy devices, which promise free content, is illegal. Dish and Sling TV, amongst others, have pushed for these prosecutions to combat piracy. With seller information now available, there's a possibility that individuals who purchased these boxes could face legal action, similar to past efforts against illegal downloading.
BBC Radio has ceased its longwave radio broadcasts after 90 years, citing increasing costs of outdated technology. While still available on select FM transmitters and limited shortwave, BBC Radio is increasingly focusing on online streaming, reflecting a broader trend of traditional radio transmissions being phased out as people opt for digital alternatives.
The classic 80s comedy 'Stripes,' starring Bill Murray, recently celebrated its 45th anniversary. Meanwhile, the FCC is investigating ABC's Disney-owned stations, specifically regarding 'The View,' arguing the show's perceived political bias doesn't comply with licensing balance rules. Disney asserts its protection, but the FCC is pushing back against what it calls Disney's 'misinformation campaign.'
Roku users are experiencing an increase in scams, including fake tech support calls, emails, and websites, due to Roku's widespread popularity. Users are advised to be cautious and only renew subscriptions directly. Separately, a Nord VPN study indicates Americans will spend nearly 25 years of their lives online, raising questions about digital consumption habits.