New York City enacts a new rule banning deceptive subscription practices and proposes another targeting "junk fees," requiring upfront total pricing for goods and services. Violators face significant fines, with the subscription ban potentially saving residents millions annually.
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is considering asking media and competition watchdogs to examine Paramount's proposed $110bn acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, citing concerns over media plurality and competition issues for UK audiences.
Instagram is experimenting with longer-form videos, episodic series, and Live TV for its TV app, aiming to compete with streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The app is rolling out to Samsung TVs and includes features like channels and casting from phones.
NTS Radio and Atonemo have partnered to release a $179 dedicated player that streams NTS's curated mixes and stations to various audio setups. It supports AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, offering 24-bit/192kHz audio, but lacks Bluetooth.
The UK's ban on social media for under-16s, effective next year, is projected to reduce digital advertising spending by over £1bn. Advertisers are expected to shift focus to streaming services and traditional TV to reach younger audiences.
Deezer has launched a new tool allowing users to scan playlists across various streaming platforms for AI-generated music. The service, compatible with 20 platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, aims to bring AI detection directly to consumers.
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Paramount's $110bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, citing concerns over a substantial lessening of competition.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will not testify before Congress on June 10 regarding the league's broadcast deals and use of paywalled streaming services, citing ongoing litigation. The House Judiciary Committee is investigating potential antitrust violations related to the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.
Italian authorities have dismantled a sophisticated piracy ring distributing illegal subscriptions to streaming platforms like Sky, Dazn, Netflix, and Spotify. The operation, involving 100 raids across Italy and cooperation with France and Germany, uncovered a new app called Cinemagoal that decrypts content via foreign servers. The estimated damage to companies is around 300 million euros, with sanctions to be issued to 1,000 identified subscribers.
A preview of upcoming science fiction streaming shows for summer 2026, with Apple TV dominating the lineup. Notable releases include The Boroughs (Netflix, May 21), a retirement community mystery starring Alfred Molina and Geena Davis; Star City (Apple TV, May 29), a For All Mankind spinoff showing the Soviet moon landing perspective; Sugar (Apple TV, June 19), a noir detective series with a multiverse twist; Silo (Apple TV, July 3), heading into its third season; Lanterns (HBO Max, August 16), a grounded Green Lantern police drama; and Dark Matter (Apple TV, August 28), based on Blake Crouch's novel about multiverse self-kidnapping.
