The Federal Communications Commission has released a Small Entity Compliance Guide outlining new rules affecting Low Power Television (LPTV), TV translator and Class A television stations. The guide is intended to help broadcasters understand and comply with rule changes adopted in December 2025 that became effective Feb. 23, 2026. 

The changes stem from the FCC's Report and Order in MB Docket No. 24-148, which modernizes regulations governing the LPTV service. According to the FCC, the revisions are designed to provide greater regulatory certainty, streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens and help ensure the continued viability of LPTV stations serving communities across the United States. 

Among the most significant changes are new standards governing station relocations, community of license designations and call sign requirements. LPTV stations seeking to relocate facilities are now limited to moves of no more than 49.1 kilometers from their current antenna reference coordinates, and all stations must designate a community of license that overlaps with their protected service contour. Existing stations have six months from the rule's effective date to comply if their current designation does not meet the new standard. 

The FCC also clarified programming requirements by specifying that test patterns, slides or still images accompanied by unrelated audio do not satisfy the minimum video programming obligation for LPTV stations. Stations must continue transmitting at least one over-the-air video programming stream at a minimum resolution of 480i. 

Additional revisions establish new procedures for changing service designations between LPTV and TV translator status and update call sign requirements. TV translator stations must use a standardized alphanumeric call sign ending in "-D," while new LPTV and Class A stations must use four-letter call signs ending in "-LD" and "-CD," respectively. Existing qualifying stations may retain their current call signs under grandfather provisions. 

The order also clarifies Emergency Alert System obligations. LPTV stations must generally comply with EAS requirements, while TV translator stations that fully rebroadcast a primary station's programming, including emergency alerts, remain exempt. Stations currently operating as translators without the proper designation must either change their service designation or ensure required EAS equipment is installed. 

Other rule changes address Channel 14 emission masks, distributed transmission system operations, interference agreements, displacement procedures and program test authority for LPTV and TV translator stations. The FCC said the revisions are intended to improve consistency, reduce interference and simplify regulatory processes for broadcasters. 

Most of the rule changes became effective on Feb. 23, 2026. However, several provisions requiring approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act will take effect after approval by the Office of Management and Budget. 

Key Changes at a Glance

• Maximum relocation distance standardized at 49.1 kilometers.
• Community of license designation required for all LPTV service stations.
• New call sign standards for TV translator, LPTV and Class A stations.
• Clarified minimum video programming requirements.
• Updated Emergency Alert System compliance rules.
• Revised interference, displacement and technical operating procedures. 

Read the full FCC Small Entity Compliance Guide. 

Streaming continued to strengthen its position in the television landscape in May, accounting for a record 48.6% of all TV viewing, according to Nielsen's latest The Gauge™ and Media Distributor Gauge reports released Tuesday.

The report found streaming's share of television viewing increased by 1 percentage point from April, while overall TV usage declined just 1% month over month, a smaller seasonal drop than the 2% to 4% declines typically seen during the April-to-May period.

YouTube remained the largest media distributor for a third consecutive month, capturing a platform-best 13.8% of total TV watch-time. The service also posted the biggest monthly share increase among all distributors, gaining 0.4 percentage points.

Amazon Prime Video reached a record 4.5% share of TV viewing, fueled by strong audiences for the final episodes of "The Boys" and an expanded lineup of live sports, including NBA Playoff games, WNBA matchups and NASCAR races. The platform generated approximately 7.5 billion viewing minutes from sports programming alone during the month.

Netflix climbed back to the fourth-largest media distributor with 8.0% of TV usage, benefiting from strong viewership of the acquired series "La Brea," which surpassed 4 billion viewing minutes during May.

The Roku Channel also achieved a new high, reaching 3.1% of total television usage, while Paramount Streaming posted one of the month's strongest gains, increasing to 2.3% of TV viewing. Nielsen attributed Paramount's growth to its original series "Dutton Ranch" and continued interest in library programming, including "SpongeBob SquarePants."

Among traditional media companies, Disney maintained the second-largest share of television viewing at 10.0%. ESPN owned the six most-watched cable telecasts during May, driven by NBA Playoff coverage.

NBCU+Versant ranked third among media distributors with 8.4% of TV viewing. NBC aired the two most-watched broadcast programs of the month: the Kentucky Derby, which attracted more than 18 million viewers, and Game 7 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, which drew more than 12 million viewers.

Broadcast television accounted for 19.2% of TV viewing in May, while cable represented 20.4%. Broadcast sports viewing increased slightly, but declines in dramas and sitcoms following the end of the traditional broadcast season contributed to lower overall viewing. Cable news viewing also fell 16% from April, offsetting strong sports audiences.

Nielsen said the May reporting period covered April 27 through May 31, 2026, following the broadcast calendar used for The Gauge reports.

The company noted that The Gauge and Media Distributor Gauge measure total television viewing across both ad-supported and subscription platforms and are separate from Nielsen's advertising currency ratings.

Key Takeaways

• Streaming reached a record 48.6% of total TV viewing.
• YouTube led all media distributors with a 13.8% share.
• Prime Video set a platform record with 4.5% of TV viewing.
• "The Boys" was May's most-streamed title with 5 billion viewing minutes.
• Netflix returned to fourth among media distributors with an 8.0% share.
• ESPN delivered the six most-watched cable telecasts during the month.
• NBC aired the two largest broadcast telecasts with the Kentucky Derby and NBA Western Conference Finals.

Read the full Nielsen report here.

Sinclair has named Gary Mertins Vice President and General Manager of WCHS-TV (ABC) and WVAH-TV (FOX) in Charleston, West Virginia, returning the veteran media executive to a state where he previously held leadership roles.

Mertins most recently served as General Sales Manager for Sinclair's WTWC (NBC), WTLF (The CW) and WTLH (FOX) in Tallahassee, Florida. He joined Sinclair in 2024 after spending more than 20 years in radio management, including a decade with Cumulus Media as vice president and market manager overseeing multiple Florida markets. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions with West Virginia Radio Corporation.

"Gary is a proven leader who brings a strong track record of building successful teams, driving results, and serving local communities," said Rob Weisbord, Sinclair's chief operating officer and president of local media. "His previous leadership experience in West Virginia gives him a unique understanding of the market and the people we serve, making him exceptionally well positioned to lead WCHS and WVAH as they continue delivering outstanding local news and service to viewers and advertisers."

Mertins said the opportunity marks both a career milestone and a return to familiar territory.

"Returning to West Virginia to lead the Charleston team is both a professional honor and a personal homecoming," Mertins said. "The Mountain State has played an important role in my life and career, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve a community that means so much to me."

He added that he looks forward to working with the stations' employees to strengthen community connections and continue providing local news and programming.

Sinclair owns, operates or provides services to 177 television stations across 79 markets and also owns the Tennis Channel and multicast networks CHARGE, Comet, ROAR and The Nest.

Nielsen has introduced Ad Intel AI, an artificial intelligence-powered platform designed to help advertisers, agencies and media companies turn fragmented advertising data into real-time business intelligence.

The company said Ad Intel AI is the first product in a broader strategy to bring AI-powered decision-making across its media measurement and advertising products. Rather than simply generating reports, the platform is designed to provide recommendations by analyzing competitor activity, advertising spending, creative performance and emerging market opportunities.

"The AI race relies on the most accurate data and that's what Nielsen owns," said Akhil Parekh, Nielsen's chief product officer. "By combining AI with the industry's most accurate and comprehensive data, we turn media fragmentation into market certainty. AI is the mechanism by which we will become faster, more accurate, more personalized and more indispensable to the clients who rely on us for media intelligence to drive their business."

According to Nielsen, Ad Intel AI monitors advertising activity across more than 5.5 million brands and 4.6 million advertisers spanning 23 media types in more than 90 international markets. The platform covers channels including:

• Connected TV (CTV)
• Broadcast and cable television
• Streaming services
• Retail media
• Search advertising
• Radio and audio
• Social media
• Digital advertising
• Print media

The company said the AI platform transforms its existing Ad Intel service into a conversational interface capable of identifying competitive spending shifts, uncovering successful creative strategies and surfacing market trends in minutes rather than requiring manual analysis.

Nielsen also said the platform can integrate directly into customers' own AI environments through Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing businesses to incorporate Nielsen's advertising intelligence into internal workflows and AI agents.

AI Built on Verified Media Data

Unlike many generative AI products that rely solely on large language models, Nielsen said its platform is grounded in decades of verified audience measurement data, identity data and Gracenote content metadata.

The company said its AI architecture structures information from video, audio, images and text before validating responses against Nielsen's own business definitions and expert-reviewed benchmarks.

Nielsen cited recent Gracenote research that found ungrounded large language models generated incorrect information for nearly one in five movie and television titles tested, positioning its verified data approach as a key differentiator.

First Step in Larger AI Strategy

Nielsen described Ad Intel AI as the first in a series of AI-powered products planned over the next year. Future releases are expected to expand AI capabilities throughout the advertising workflow, from campaign planning to measurement and performance analysis.

The company also said it plans to work with clients to develop custom AI solutions tailored to individual business needs.

Sinclair has promoted Sierra Horton to Vice President and General Manager of WTGS (FOX) in Savannah and WGXA (FOX/ABC) in Macon, Georgia.

Horton, a Savannah native, has been with Sinclair since 2017, serving in a variety of leadership positions supporting both television stations. Most recently, she was station manager for WTGS and WGXA.

In her new role, Horton will oversee station operations, local programming, sales and community engagement across the two Georgia markets.

"Sierra's deep knowledge of the Savannah and Macon markets, combined with her commitment to our employees, clients, and communities, makes her the right leader to build on the strong foundation at these stations," said Rob Weisbord, Sinclair's chief operating officer and president of Local Media.

Horton said she is excited to continue her career with the company while leading the stations into their next chapter.

"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue growing with Sinclair and to lead the talented teams in Savannah and Macon," Horton said. "Together, we'll continue fostering a collaborative workplace culture where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed while strengthening the trusted relationships that connect our stations with the viewers, clients, and communities we proudly serve."

Sinclair owns, operates or provides services to 177 television stations in 79 markets across the United States. The company also owns Tennis Channel, multicast networks CHARGE!, Comet, ROAR and The Nest, and operates AMP Media, which produces digital content and podcasts.

Comcast reported mixed second-quarter 2026 financial results Thursday, highlighting record wireless growth, the first profitable quarter for Peacock and continued momentum in its entertainment business despite an overall decline in revenue.

The company reported revenue of $29.9 billion for the quarter ended June 30, down 1.2% from the same period a year earlier. Net income attributable to Comcast totaled $3.5 billion, or $0.99 per diluted share, compared with $11.1 billion, or $2.98 per share, in the second quarter of 2025. Comcast noted the year-ago results included a one-time gain from the sale of its interest in Hulu. Adjusted earnings per share were $1.04, while free cash flow increased 2.3% to $4.6 billion. 

Co-CEOs Brian L. Roberts and Mike Cavanagh said the company's strategic initiatives continue to gain traction across both its connectivity and media businesses.

"Our strategic pivot in broadband is gaining traction, and we are seeing that progress extend across the broader connectivity portfolio," Roberts and Cavanagh said in a joint statement. "Media delivered mid-single digit EBITDA growth and Peacock reached profitability for the first time." 

Wireless remained one of Comcast's strongest growth drivers during the quarter as the company added 448,000 wireless lines, the largest quarterly increase in its history, bringing its total to 10.2 million lines. Broadband customer losses also improved compared with the same quarter a year ago. 

Second-quarter highlights include:

• Revenue: $29.9 billion
• Net income: $3.5 billion
• Adjusted EPS: $1.04
• Free cash flow: $4.6 billion
• Wireless additions: 448,000 lines, a company record
• Total wireless lines: 10.2 million
• Peacock subscribers: 48 million after adding 2 million during the quarter
• Shareholder returns: $2.1 billion through dividends and share repurchases 

Peacock reached a significant milestone by posting its first-ever quarterly profit, generating $189 million in EBITDA. The streaming service benefited from the NBA Playoffs, FIFA World Cup coverage and the continued popularity of Love Island USA, helping add 2 million paid subscribers during the quarter. 

Comcast's Studios division also delivered strong results, driven by several successful theatrical releases.

Entertainment highlights:

• Peacock became profitable for the first time
• The Super Mario Galaxy Movie surpassed $1 billion in worldwide box office revenue this year
• Obsession became the highest-grossing film in Focus Features history with more than $400 million worldwide
• FIFA World Cup coverage produced the 10 most-watched Spanish-language matches in U.S. television history across Telemundo and Peacock 

The company said its theme parks experienced some short-term softness during the quarter but expressed confidence in the long-term outlook, citing the continued impact of Universal Epic Universe in Orlando.

Comcast also reiterated plans to separate NBCUniversal and Sky into an independent publicly traded company through a tax-free spin-off, a move executives said will create two more focused companies with greater financial flexibility. 

Read the full second-quarter 2026 earnings report here.

WPVI-TV (6abc) Chief Meteorologist Cecily Tynan will retire on Aug. 31, ending a broadcast career spanning more than 35 years and nearly three decades as one of Philadelphia's most recognizable television personalities.

Tynan announced Friday that she will step away from the station after serving as the trusted face of Action News weather coverage through some of the region's most significant weather events. Her career included extensive live coverage of Hurricane Sandy, the Blizzard of 1996, major tornado outbreaks, record-breaking heat waves, historic flooding and seasonal weather specials focused on snowfall forecasts and climate trends.

Tynan joined Action News as the station's first weekend meteorologist before becoming its first female chief meteorologist, a role she has held for years.

"From the moment she first walked off the elevator and joined Action News, Cecily has been a trusted voice for viewers, a leader in our newsroom, and one of the most talented broadcasters in Philadelphia," said John W. Morris, general manager of WPVI-TV. "Whether guiding us through storms or being part of our holiday traditions, Cecily has been a part of our lives for a long time. As much as our viewers are going to miss her, we will miss her even more."

Tynan reflected on her time at the station and thanked viewers for their support throughout her career.

"I'm so honored to have been a member of the 6abc Action News team for more than three decades, starting as the station's first-ever weekend meteorologist, then becoming its first female chief meteorologist. I'm proud of the work we've done and thankful to 6abc viewers for trusting me with their weather forecasts," Tynan said.

Looking ahead to retirement, Tynan said she plans to spend more time with her husband, Greg, their two adult children, Luke and Emma, and their three rescue dogs while enjoying travel and winters in Florida.

"Now, instead of forecasting snow, I'm looking forward to spending my winters in Florida water skiing, traveling and having lots of quality time with my husband, Greg; two adult children, Luke and Emma; and three rescue pups, Nala, Shelby and Charlie. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Tynan's final broadcast on 6abc Action News is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31.

The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) announced it welcomed four new organizations and individuals into its membership during the second quarter of 2026, reflecting continued growth among Christian media and ministry organizations.

The new members include two full member companies, one associate member company and one individual member.

“Every new member represents another faithful voice committed to proclaiming biblical truth in a culture increasingly searching for hope and clarity,” said Troy A. Miller, NRB president & CEO. “Together, we are strengthening a community of Christian communicators dedicated to advancing the truth of the Gospel into every sphere of life.”

New Full Member Companies

FrontGate Media joined NRB as a full member. The marketing agency specializes in serving faith and family audiences through public relations, advertising, media buying, social marketing, content development and film production. The company has managed more than 7,500 campaigns and has received recognition from the Internet Advertising Competition, the WebAwards and the Emmy Awards.

Kehila Ministries International also became a full member. The nonprofit media ministry strengthens and supports the Messianic community in Israel through news reporting, interviews, teaching resources, videos and ministry profiles. Founded in 2006, the organization operates Kehila.org and Kehila News Israel under the leadership of Joseph Magen.

Associate Member Company

The Children's Tuition Fund (CTF) joined as an associate member. A ministry of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), CTF administers scholarship and educational choice programs designed to make Christ-centered education more affordable. The organization currently serves multiple states and is preparing to support the upcoming federal tax credit scholarship program.

Individual Member

Tudor Petan, founder and president of Alfa Omega TV in Romania, joined NRB as a full individual member. Since founding the ministry in 1994, Petan has expanded its reach through television, digital media and print resources, including launching a 24/7 Christian television channel serving audiences across Romania and Europe.

NRB also announced the return of former member Sandra Swann.

NRB is an international, nonpartisan association representing Christian communicators across radio, television, digital media and publishing. The organization advocates for free speech rights while providing educational, networking and ministry resources for its members.

The next NRB International Christian Media Convention is scheduled for Feb. 23-26, 2027, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center near Washington, D.C.

Photo Credit: New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters (NHAB)

The New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters (NHAB) has awarded $12,000 in scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year, recognizing students pursuing careers in broadcasting, journalism and related fields.

The scholarships include the NHAB Student Broadcaster Scholarships, the Families in Broadcasting Scholarships and the Al Sprague Memorial Scholarship. The awards presentation was hosted by WMUR-TV.

Recipients were selected based on academic achievement, financial need, extracurricular and community involvement, and an essay outlining their interest in broadcasting.

"Young people bring fresh ideas, new energy, and a strong connection to their communities," NHAB Executive Director Tracy Caruso said. "By encouraging their interest in local radio and television, we're helping ensure that trusted local news, information and storytelling continue for years to come."

The association awarded two $2,500 Student Broadcaster Scholarships:

• Annabelle Mattie, who will study journalism and broadcasting at Syracuse University.
• Nicholas Gelinas, who will major in sports broadcasting at Dean College.

The $5,000 Al Sprague Memorial Scholarship was presented to Kelsey Sweet, a Londonderry High School graduate studying journalism and broadcast journalism at Quinnipiac University.

The scholarship honors the late Al Sprague, a longtime NHAB leader and advocate for New Hampshire's radio and television industry. Sprague owned and operated a full-service advertising agency and worked as an actor, broadcaster and U.S. Marine Corps veteran before his death in 2008.

NHAB also awarded four $500 Families in Broadcasting Scholarships, a program established in 2013 to support the children of NHAB members as they pursue higher education. This year's recipients are:

• Connor Lord
• Teagan Roach
• Zoe Groves
• Ethan Royter

Nexstar Media Group has completed the deployment of ATSC 3.0, also known as NextGen TV, in the Cleveland television market, making it the final top 25 U.S. designated market area (DMA) to transition to the next-generation broadcast standard.

The launch marks a milestone for the broadcast industry, with ATSC 3.0 now available across all major U.S. television markets.

Cleveland's transition had been delayed because of limited broadcast spectrum and station participation. Nexstar said its 2024 acquisition of WBNX-TV provided the additional spectrum needed to enable the marketwide rollout, allowing local broadcasters to complete the technical and operational work required for deployment.

ATSC 3.0 offers several enhancements over the current broadcast standard, including support for 4K Ultra HD video, high dynamic range (HDR), immersive audio, interactive features and advanced emergency alerting. The technology also supports new data delivery services, including terrestrial backup for GPS applications.

"Completing this ATSC 3.0 transition represents a significant milestone in the nationwide transformation of broadcast capabilities and is the first step to bringing a host of benefits to consumers in the Cleveland DMA," said Brett Jenkins, Nexstar's Chief Technology & Digital Officer.

Jenkins added that the rollout also creates new opportunities for EdgeBeam Wireless, Nexstar's joint venture, to expand broadcast-based data services for applications such as high-precision positioning, digital signage and public safety.

Viewers in the Cleveland market can receive NextGen TV broadcasts using compatible televisions or external receivers. Nexstar said existing ATSC 1.0 broadcasts will continue during the transition period to ensure viewers maintain uninterrupted access to television service.

Nexstar Media Group operates television stations and digital media properties across the United States and is one of the nation's largest local television broadcasters.