TV STATIONS SEE A BRIGHTER 2026

With no global sporting events and few major elections, TV station revenues for 2025 are projected to finish the year 12.5% lower than 2024. They should rebound next year, with the Winter Olympics, US-hosted FIFA World Cup matches, and contentious midterm elections. Sporting events will bring in viewers, while elections will drive revenue growth, with nearly half the projected $10.8 billion in political spending flowing to broadcasters. This won’t just be limited to Q4, as competitive primary races and issue campaigns will spread dollars across the year. (TVNewsCheck: September 29, 2025)

LOCAL TV NEWS IS STILL THE MOST TRUSTED SOURCE

According to a recent study by the Television Bureau of Advertising (TVB), Local TV remains viewers’ most trusted news source in a time of eroding faith in media. Nearly all (95%) of them say it’s important to receive news from their local TV stations, and 72% say they would find a new cable, satellite, or streaming provider if their local stations were dropped. During severe weather and emergencies, 95% say local news is important, and 93% value it during political elections. It’s not just about storms and politics, but 92% also turn to local news for sports coverage. Branding and air personalities forge deep audience connections, with two-thirds of respondents remaining loyal to one station for their news. (Advanced Television: September 2025)

MLB BROADCASTER SEASON RECAP

Across all of its TV partners, Major League Baseball delivered 12.3 billion impressions this season, a 13% increase over last year’s 10.9 billion. Among national television outlets, Fox, FS1, and MLB Network saw viewership increases of between 9% and 13%, with ESPN and TBS increasing by 21% and 29%, respectively. Local coverage on outlets like SNY, YES, and SportsNet LA also had viewership growth, and many teams set attendance records, making this a great season for the sport. The post-season is looking up too, with three win-or-go-home games happening today. Good luck if your team is in it, condolences if they’re not. But don’t worry, Spring Training starts in just 133 days. (MediaPost: September 30, 2025)

FCC MAY RELAX OWNERSHIP RULES

The Federal Communications Commission voted Tuesday to consider ending its ban on mergers between the four largest broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC). Also under review is a reversal of the rules that limit a single company from owning more than two of the four largest stations in a single market. This would come as a boon to station ownership groups like Nexstar, which seeks approval for its merger with TEGNA, and Sinclair, which is also testing the merger waters. The FCC will consider public comments before deciding. (Deadline: September 30, 2025)

THIS WEEK IN VIDEO HISTORY
October 1, 2018– Bluey Debuts on ABC Kids

Produced in Australia and focusing on a kind and loving dog family, this cartoon series captured the attention of children and their parents. Admit it, you’ve watched it by yourself. And it’s probably made you cry at least once (seriously, Camping?).