Chaska, MN, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mike Lindell Media Corp. (MLMC) and LindellTV are in the process of unveiling major updates for 2026 as they continue leading the way in news coverage that viewers demand and that no other network provides from inside and outside the Washington, D.C. Beltway. MLMC and LindellTV have the news fully covered with Cara Castronuova at the White House, Alison Steinberg on Capitol Hill, and Heather Mullins at the Pentagon. The current eastern time line-up includes Mel ...

Deal Activity Overview - The total deal value for 2025 reached approximately $2.4 trillion, a significant increase from about $1.83 trillion in 2024, driven by high-value agreements in corporate M&A and private equity buyouts [1] - Middle-market deal volume was low in 2025, with large M&A transactions inflating overall statistics, marking a decade-high level of megadeals, which were double the number from the previous year [2] Historical Context - 2021 remains the peak year for U.S. deal activity, with 19,666 deals valued at roughly $5.55 trillion, influenced by low interest rates at that time [3] Market Conditions - The sluggishness in dealmaking during the first half of 2025 was attributed to uncertainty from Trump's tariff announcements, which created a challenging environment for executives [4][6] - The consumer sector saw a 17% decline in deal value during the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, while industrials, energy, and healthcare sectors experienced growth in transaction values [8] Sector-Specific Insights - In the retail space, there were 227 U.S. deals recorded through mid-December 2025, down from 296 in the previous year, but the total valuation exceeded $40 billion, compared to approximately $28.4 billion in 2024 [9] - The automotive industry faced a 19.9% decline in deal volume year-over-year, reflecting broader challenges in the industrial manufacturing sector [17] Regulatory Environment - The Trump administration's policies have influenced deal approvals, with companies like Verizon altering their diversity policies to facilitate regulatory approvals for significant acquisitions [20][21] - The merger of Paramount Skydance was approved after the company agreed to eliminate DEI initiatives, showcasing the regulatory landscape's impact on deal-making [21] Future Outlook - The second half of 2025 saw a resurgence in deal activity, particularly in the banking sector, which experienced an 88% increase in announced deals, with total transaction sizes nearly quadrupling to $39 billion [29] - There is optimism for continued deal-making activity in 2026, especially among regional banks, driven by activist investors and a more favorable regulatory environment [30][31]

The Oscars will be moving from broadcast to online as part of a multi-year new deal with YouTube.From 2019, the video platform will have exclusive global rights to Hollywood’s biggest night, including the ceremony but also red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes content and Governors Ball access. The deal will run until 2033.“We are thrilled to enter into a multifaceted global partnership with YouTube to be the future home of the Oscars and our year-round Academy programming,” said the Academy CEO, Bill Kram ...

Core Viewpoint - Sinclair, Inc. expressed disappointment over The E.W. Scripps Company's rejection of its proposal for a potential merger, emphasizing that the proposal was made in response to prior discussions and aimed to address concerns of Scripps' stakeholders [1]. Company Overview - Sinclair, Inc. is a diversified media company that operates 179 television stations across 81 markets, affiliated with major broadcast networks. The company also owns the Tennis Channel and several multicast networks, including CHARGE, Comet, ROAR, and The Nest. Additionally, Sinclair's AMP Media is expanding its portfolio of digital content and original podcasts [2].

Core Viewpoint - Optimum strongly rejects TEGNA's excessive fee increases, which are seen as unjustified and disconnected from market realities [1] Summary by Relevant Categories Company Actions - Optimum is actively opposing TEGNA's proposed fee hikes, which include a 30% increase for major network affiliates and a 50% increase for the CW [1] Industry Context - TEGNA's demands are characterized as egregious and not aligned with current market conditions, indicating a potential strain in negotiations between broadcast providers and local affiliates [1]

Core Viewpoint - Urban One, Inc. has announced the expiration and final results of its offers to exchange and purchase existing senior secured notes, indicating strong participation from eligible holders and a strategic move to refinance its debt obligations [1][2]. Offer Details - The company offered to exchange its outstanding 7.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 for newly issued 7.625% Second Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2031 and cash [1]. - The tender offer aimed to purchase up to $185 million of the existing notes for up to $111 million in cash [1]. - Additionally, the company provided a subscription offer for up to $60.6 million in newly issued 10.500% First Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2030 [1]. Participation and Results - As of the expiration date, the company received valid tenders representing approximately $476.02 million, or about 97.580% of the existing notes outstanding [2]. - The tender offer was oversubscribed, with $475.52 million tendered by participants, leading to proration of accepted notes [3]. Supporting Noteholders - Prior to the expiration date, eligible holders subscribed to purchase approximately $4.4 million of the new first lien notes, with supporting noteholders expected to backstop the remaining $56.2 million [4]. Consent Solicitation - The company received the requisite consents from eligible holders to adopt proposed amendments to the existing notes indenture, which include eliminating restrictive covenants and modifying default provisions [5]. Conditions and Settlement - The consummation of the offers and consent solicitation is subject to certain conditions, including the performance of supporting noteholders under the transaction support agreement [6][7]. - The settlement date is expected around December 18, 2025 [7]. Company Overview - Urban One, Inc. is the largest diversified media company targeting Black Americans and urban consumers in the U.S., owning various media assets including TV One and multiple radio stations [11].

U.S. stock futures were mixed this morning, with the Dow futures gaining around 100 points on Friday.Shares of Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:AVGO) fell sharply in pre-market trading even after the semiconductor giant delivered fourth-quarter earnings beat and reported record artificial intelligence (AI) revenue.Despite a 74% surge in AI sales, investors focused heavily on disappointing guidance regarding shrinking gross margins and a sharply higher tax rate for fiscal 2026.Broadcom shares dipped 5% to $386.28 in pre ...

Nexstar Media Group 2025 Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Nexstar Media Group (NasdaqGS:NXST) - **Event**: 2025 Conference held on December 08, 2025 Key Highlights Acquisition and Regulatory Process - **Pending Acquisition**: Nexstar is focused on closing the pending acquisition of Tegna, with significant efforts in due diligence and regulatory compliance [4][6][59] - **FCC Process**: The FCC has put the transaction on public notice, indicating a positive regulatory process. The public comment phase is ongoing, expected to conclude by the end of January [6][59] - **DOJ Engagement**: Meetings with the DOJ are scheduled to discuss the transaction, with a focus on data-driven arguments to support the acquisition [16][17][59] Financial Expectations and Synergies - **EBITDA Synergies**: Nexstar anticipates $300 million in EBITDA synergies from the acquisition, with 45% from net retransmission and 55% from operating expense reductions. Most synergies are expected to be realized within the first 12 months [19][20] - **Leverage Post-Acquisition**: Pre-acquisition leverage is around 3.2 times, expected to rise to approximately 4 times post-acquisition, with plans to deleverage back to previous levels by 2028 [22] Advertising Market Outlook - **Positive Momentum**: The advertising market is showing positive signs, with expectations for slight growth in non-political advertising in Q4 2025. Political advertising is anticipated to increase significantly due to upcoming events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics [26][27][28] - **Political Advertising Revenue**: Nexstar has historically generated about $500 million from political advertising during election cycles, with expectations for continued growth in competitive markets [28][29] Local and Streaming Advertising - **Local Advertising Strategy**: Nexstar is already capturing local advertising through CTV and digital platforms, leveraging a strong local sales force to connect with small and medium businesses [31] - **Streaming Initiatives**: Nexstar is rolling out CTV apps for local stations and is engaged in partnerships to enhance streaming capabilities [32][33] Spectrum Transition and Monetization - **ATSC 3.0 Transition**: Nexstar is focused on transitioning to ATSC 3.0 for more efficient spectrum use, which could lead to significant revenue opportunities from non-video uses of the spectrum [51][52][54] - **Revenue Potential**: The company estimates that non-video uses could generate revenue comparable to current distribution revenue, potentially adding substantial value [54][58] Future M&A and Market Position - **Interest in Further M&A**: Nexstar remains open to follow-on acquisitions, particularly in local markets, to enhance its competitive position [24][25] - **Market Dynamics**: The company believes that the current media landscape will continue to evolve, providing opportunities for growth and consolidation in the broadcast industry [24][39] Additional Insights - **NASCAR Performance**: Improved viewership in NASCAR is attributed to consistent broadcasting on the same network, enhancing audience accessibility [48][49] - **CW Network Profitability**: The CW network is on track to achieve profitability, with significant improvements in programming costs and content strategy [43][44] Conclusion Nexstar Media Group is strategically positioned for growth through its pending acquisition of Tegna, with a focus on regulatory compliance, financial synergies, and leveraging opportunities in the evolving advertising and media landscape. The company is optimistic about its future prospects, particularly in political advertising and the transition to ATSC 3.0.

Group 1: Retail Sector Insights - Macy's reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter results, marking its best growth in over three years, despite a subsequent drop of more than 6% in shares due to caution about consumer spending and tariff pressures [1][6] - American Eagle Outfitters experienced a 12% surge in shares after posting better-than-expected earnings and optimistic guidance for fourth-quarter comparable sales, attributing success to celebrity ad campaigns [6] - Over 202 million Americans shopped during the Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday period, the highest number recorded since tracking began in 2017 [6] Group 2: Employment and Economic Concerns - Corporate executives express concerns that tariffs may lead to job reductions rather than job creation, with some companies starting to offer severance packages [2][3] - A Federal Reserve report indicated a slight decline in employment over recent weeks, highlighting ongoing economic challenges [3][4] Group 3: Technology and AI Competition - OpenAI is under pressure as competitors like Alphabet and Anthropic gain traction in the AI sector, prompting a "code red" initiative to enhance its ChatGPT bot [5][7] - Alphabet's Gemini 3 model has outperformed industry benchmarks, leading to increased investor confidence in Alphabet as a leader in AI [7] Group 4: Media Industry Consolidation - Broadcast station owners are pursuing consolidation but face challenges, including family ownership issues and regulatory hurdles in deals like Nexstar's attempt to acquire Tenga and Sinclair's hostile bid for E.W. Scripps [9][10] Group 5: Aerospace Sector Developments - Boeing shares rose over 10% after the CFO announced expectations for increased deliveries of the 737 and 787 jets in 2026, which are anticipated to significantly boost cash flow [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - Sinclair has made a bid to acquire E.W. Scripps for $7 per share, which could lead to further consolidation in the local TV news industry [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Proposal - The proposed acquisition price of $7 per share will be a mix of cash and stock, giving Scripps' shareholders approximately a 12.7% stake in the combined entity upon completion [2] - Sinclair has requested a response from Scripps by December 5, indicating urgency in the proposal [2] - Scripps has acknowledged the unsolicited acquisition proposal and will review it in the interest of its stakeholders [2][3] Group 2: Market Context - Sinclair has been pursuing Scripps for some time, citing the need for increased scale to combat challenges in the U.S. media landscape [3] - The media industry is experiencing heightened competition, prompting companies like Sinclair and Nexstar to seek acquisitions to enhance their market position [3][4] Group 3: Industry Implications - Critics of such acquisitions argue that they may lead to a homogenization of news, with local stations becoming mere duplicators of syndicated content [4] - Sinclair operates 185 TV stations across 85 markets and is known for its conservative broadcasting stance [5]