Why Paramount paused its merger with Warner Bros.
Paramount Skydance has agreed to pause its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery while a federal court considers an antitrust challenge brought by California and 11 other states. The delay could extend until June 2027. Read more from The New York Times.
Google Search Console opens social reporting to everyone
Google has made Search Console’s new platform properties available worldwide, allowing publishers to track how their Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube content performs across Google Search, Discover, and Google News. The reports reveal the queries driving users to off-site social posts and include tools for spotting trending topics, comparing content formats, and identifying older posts regaining traction. Read more from Search Engine Journal.
YouTube TV bolsters lineup with ESPN and Peacock deals
YouTube TV is expanding its sports offering through new integrations with ESPN and NBCUniversal as audiences and advertising dollars continue shifting away from traditional cable. ESPN Unlimited is now accessible within YouTube TV, while a long-term NBCUniversal agreement will bring Peacock to YouTube Premium and place select NBC Sports events directly on YouTube. Read more from Forbes.
ChatGPT gains access to Yelp reviews, photos, and more
Yelp is licensing its reviews, ratings, photos, and business information to OpenAI, giving ChatGPT real-time data for local recommendations. Yelp branding and links will accompany its content, and the company’s Request a Quote feature will eventually let users contact local service providers directly through ChatGPT. Read more from Search Engine Land.
NBC’s baseball takeover may offer glimpse into the future
NBC’s expanded Major League Baseball broadcast coverage highlights the evolving distribution strategy connecting traditional broadcast networks with subscription streaming tiers. By pairing Sunday linear broadcasts on NBC with exclusive streaming windows on Peacock, the network is testing cross-platform sports packaging to retain legacy viewers while capturing cord-cutters. Read more from Front Office Sports.
