Summary
Highlights
CNN is facing significant changes under new ownership, with reports suggesting a merger with CBS News. This move is aimed at leveraging each other's resources, similar to the past relationship between MSNBC and NBC News. The changes come as CNN struggles with ratings and profitability in the cord-cutting era, with concerns about new leadership and potential layoffs. Paramount, as the new owner, hopes to use CBS News's success to bolster CNN.
By mid-2026, Pluto TV and BET Plus will receive updated apps built on Paramount Plus software. This consolidation allows Paramount to develop and maintain a single technological base for multiple streaming services, reducing costs. While specific new features are unknown, Pluto TV has already begun rolling out a Netflix-style home screen, moving away from its traditional live guide a default view, though the guide remains accessible.
T-Mobile is requesting $8 billion from the federal government's BEAD program to expand its 5G home internet to 99% of American households. The funding would enable T-Mobile to build an additional 6,000 micro cells, significantly expanding both 5G home internet and mobile phone coverage, particularly in rural areas. T-Mobile sees home internet as a key growth area and is rapidly expanding its 5G network and fiber infrastructure.
Netflix is set to premiere a new 'Little House on the Prairie' series on July 9th, with a second season already announced. This revival of the popular 1930s book series, which also had a successful TV adaptation in the 1970s, represents a significant investment by Netflix to attract new audiences to the classic story.
Audible has introduced a new $8.99 standard plan, significantly cheaper than its premium offering, to compete with Spotify's growing presence in audiobooks. This move by Amazon-owned Audible aims to attract more users by providing a more affordable entry point to its vast library of exclusive content and audiobooks.
USA Today is actively acquiring local newspapers across the country, becoming a major player in keeping many publications afloat, including both major newspapers in Detroit. This comes as many cities, like Atlanta, are losing daily newspaper circulation. In other news, the Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that AI-generated art cannot be copyrighted, raising questions for studios and creators increasingly using AI assistance.
The UK government is attempting to pass legislation that would compel Apple to implement a backdoor into iCloud accounts, allowing government access to users' encrypted data. This move has raised significant privacy concerns among US lawmakers and users about potential government surveillance of photos, music, files, and other personal information stored on iCloud.