NBCUniversal vs Nexstar Media Group

India's EloElo raises $80M from NBCUniversal for microdrama bet

EloElo, the Indian parent company of microdrama app Story TV, has raised $80 million in a Series C funding round led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal. The round brings EloElo's total funding to $130 million at a $500 million valuation. The company plans to use the capital to expand its content library, grow its AI team, and scale its Dolphin AI platform, which is being made widely available to creators. Story TV has over 33 million monthly active users, while EloElo's combined apps exceed 40 million monthly users. The investment reflects the growing popularity of microdramas in India, an industry expected to reach $3-4 billion in annual revenue by 2030. Other investors include MIT Investment Co., Play Ventures, Kalaari Capital, Waterbridge Ventures, and Griffin Gaming Partners.

• EloElo raised $80 million in Series C funding led by Hornbill Capital and NBCUniversal.
• The round values EloElo at $500 million and brings total funding to $130 million.
• Story TV has over 33 million monthly active users, and EloElo's apps exceed 40 million.

US Cable TV Shutdowns: 30+ Channels Closed Since 2020

Since 2020, the American cable TV industry has experienced a steady contraction as viewers migrate to streaming platforms. At least 30 distinct U.S. cable and regional sports channels have permanently shut down or ended regular programming between 2020 and late 2026. Notable closures include NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), ESPN Classic, G4, Universal Kids, HBO Family, Cinemax multiplex channels, Pac-12 Networks, Longhorn Network, and the FanDuel Sports Network portfolio. The closures accelerated after the pandemic and cord-cutting, with sports channels especially vulnerable. Operators cited falling subscriber numbers, rising content costs, and the preference for on-demand streaming as decisive factors. Regional sports networks accounted for a large share of losses, leading to greater fragmentation of local sports viewing. More shutdowns are expected as rumors suggest additional closures.

• More than 30 U.S. cable TV channels have shut down since 2020.
• NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) ceased operations on December 31, 2021.
• HBO Family and Cinemax multiplex channels (ThrillerMax, MovieMax, OuterMax) stopped on August 15, 2025.

TODAY Celebrates NBC's 100th Anniversary with 2026 Halloween Costumes Inspired by Iconic NBC Shows

NBCUniversal's newsroom media page has been updated with new press releases, including a TODAY segment celebrating NBC's 100th anniversary with Halloween costumes, and a Peacock series debut for 'Crystal Lake'.

DIRECTV Accuses Nexstar of Illegal Price-Fixing

DIRECTV has filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeking to compel Nexstar Media Group and its co-defendants to produce documents withheld under attorney-client privilege. The case, initiated in March 2023, alleges that Nexstar used sidecar stations Mission Broadcasting and White Knight Broadcasting to evade ownership limits and coordinated retransmission consent pricing through negotiator Eric Sahl. DIRECTV argues that Sahl shared confidential pricing information with Nexstar executives, constituting a horizontal price-fixing conspiracy violating the Sherman Act. The motion requests the court to apply the crime-fraud exception and award attorney's fees. A hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2026, before Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger.

• DIRECTV filed a motion on October 30, 2026, to compel Nexstar to produce documents in the price-fixing lawsuit.
• The lawsuit, filed in March 2023, alleges Nexstar used Mission and White Knight to evade ownership limits.
• DIRECTV claims Eric Sahl funneled confidential pricing information to Nexstar executives, including CEO Perry Sook.

FCC Lifts Ownership Cap, Accelerating Local TV Consolidation

The number of independent owners of local TV stations affiliated with ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC has fallen from over 150 in 2006 to roughly 62 by 2023, with further declines since. This consolidation has concentrated control in the hands of three major companies: Nexstar Media Group, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and Gray Television. In a significant regulatory shift, the FCC voted on August 6, 2026, to eliminate the national audience-reach cap of 39%, replacing it with case-by-case reviews. This move, combined with the earlier approval of Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna, is expected to accelerate the acquisition of remaining independent affiliates by the top three broadcasters. The trend reduces the number of independent voices in local news, though proponents argue larger companies can better compete for advertising dollars against streaming and online platforms.

• Number of independent local TV owners fell from over 150 in 2006 to 62 by 2023.
• FCC voted on August 6, 2026, to eliminate the national audience-reach cap.
• Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna was approved earlier in 2026, giving Nexstar over 250 full-power stations.