Author: Luke Bouma
Recent Post:
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Cable TV Viewership Drops to Historic Low in August 2025
In a stark illustration of the accelerating cord cutting movment, Nielsen’s latest The Gauge report for August 2025 reveals that cable TV networks now command just 22.5 percent of all television viewing in the United States, marking a continued erosion of traditional linear television’s grip on audiences. This figure represents a modest uptick from July’s…
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ABC Stations Will Stop Showing Jimmy Kimmel Live Amid Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Remarks
In a bold and immediate response to escalating controversy surrounding late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s recent on-air comments, Nexstar Media Group, the nation’s largest owner of local television stations, announced on Wednesday that it would preempt “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” across its ABC-affiliated markets starting with that evening’s broadcast. The decision affects dozens of stations nationwide, marking…
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53 Years Ago Today: “M*A*S*H*” Premieres on CBS, Redefining Television History
On September 17, 1972, television history was forever changed when the first episode of M*A*S*H* aired on CBS. The groundbreaking series, blending sharp comedy with poignant drama, debuted to a nation grappling with the Vietnam War and quickly became a cultural touchstone. Fifty-three years later, the show remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its wit,…
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Pluto TV Rolls Out Account Requirement for Full Access
Pluto TV has implemented a new policy that locks select live channels behind a mandatory free account. The change, which began rolling out in mid-July 2025, alters the user experience for millions of cord-cutters who have long relied on the platform’s no-strings-attached model. Now in September, upon launching the app or website, viewers encounter a…
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Roku Announces Several Major Changes to Its Apps to Improve Customer Experience & Help App Developers
At the Roku 2025 Developer Summit, Roku announced a transformative update to its app development process, introducing a phased app rollout system and a cloud-based device emulator. These changes aim to streamline app launches, improve navigation, and elevate the overall user experience on the Roku platform. The company’s strategic move is designed to empower developers,…
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34 Years Ago Today: “Home Improvement” Debuts on ABC, Becoming a 1990s Sitcom Classic
On September 17, 1991, American television welcomed a new sitcom that would become a defining staple of 1990s pop culture: Home Improvement. Airing its first episode on ABC, the show introduced audiences to Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, a lovable but accident-prone handyman, and his family, setting the stage for eight seasons of laughter, heartwarming…
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ATSC 3.0 NEXTGEN TV Enhances Fall Sports Viewing with New Advanced Broadcast Technology
As the fall football season gains momentum and local broadcasters expand their sports offerings, viewers with NEXTGEN TV are experiencing significant improvements in broadcast quality. Over 250 channels nationwide now deliver content in High Dynamic Range (HDR), a feature adopted by nearly all NEXTGEN TV broadcasters. This technology enhances picture quality by improving contrast between…
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FTC Launches Inquiry Into AI Chatbot Safety for Children and Teens
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated a significant investigation into the safety of AI-powered chatbots, focusing on their impact on children and teens. The agency has issued orders to seven major technology companies—Alphabet, Inc., Character Technologies, Inc., Instagram, LLC, Meta Platforms, Inc., OpenAI OpCo, LLC, Snap, Inc., and X.AI Corp.—demanding detailed information on how…
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61 Years Ago: “Bewitched” Premieres on ABC, Casting a Spell on Television Audiences
Today marks the 61st anniversary of a pivotal moment in television history when, on September 17, 1964, ABC premiered the beloved sitcom Bewitched. The show, blending magic, humor, and domestic life, captivated audiences with its whimsical premise and became a cultural touchstone of the 1960s, leaving a lasting legacy in television history. You can find…
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Scholastic Launches a Free Streaming Service on Roku & Fire TV
Scholastic, a titan in children’s media and education, has taken a bold step into the streaming world through its subsidiary, 9 Story Media Group, by launching a new Scholastic-branded streaming app in partnership with Future Today, a powerhouse in ad-supported streaming platforms. The app, which debuted on Roku and Amazon Fire TV with plans to…