The hottest Broadcasting Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

BOOM: State Enforcers Attack the Censorship Machine, Challenge Merger That Kicked Jimmy Kimmel Off the Air

BIG by Matt Stoller • 28648 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Broadcasting
  1. Eight state attorneys general sued to block the Nexstar–TEGNA merger because it would concentrate local TV ownership and threaten local news and public access to diverse voices.
  2. The combined company would gain huge local market power, driving up retransmission fees for pay-TV and streamers and reducing competition in many local markets.
  3. Consolidation lets owners cut local news and push political influence, and states are increasingly using antitrust actions to challenge media power when federal enforcement backs off.

Privatizing the Airwaves

David Friedman’s Substack • 188 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Broadcasting
  1. Print media thrive on private ownership, so anyone willing to pay can publish niche or offensive views, while broadcasters self-censor because they rely on government-owned airwaves and licenses.
  2. Because the airwaves are scarce public property, regulators must ration access and enforce a vague "public interest" standard, which pushes broadcasters to avoid controversial content.
  3. Turning frequencies into private property through auctions would let owners decide what to air, likely increasing diversity and allowing more controversial or niche speech on the airwaves.

Post-debate analysis

Disaffected Newsletter • 439 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Broadcasting
  1. There was a technical issue during the show that caused a segment to be lost. They decided to redo it and create a shorter version of the show.
  2. The show included a live chat and was available on platforms like YouTube, Rumble, and Twitter.
  3. The Disaffected Newsletter is supported by its readers, offering options for free or paid subscriptions.

Weekly Recap: UFC Spends $60 Million At The White House, MLS' Hot Start, Paramount's Sports Portfolio Grows

Huddle Up • 185 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. A new weekly Sunday recap is being added and will be sent to everyone as a short, informal update.
  2. Paid subscribers will still receive three weekly deep dives, and the new recap is meant to complement those with quicker highlights.
  3. Key topics highlighted include the UFC spending $60 million at the White House, MLS’s hot start, and Paramount’s growing sports portfolio.

Is ESPN Actually Ditching MLB For The WNBA And NWSL?

Huddle Up • 143 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. ESPN is replacing its long-running Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts during the spring and summer with WNBA and NWSL games in that time slot.
  2. The network is launching “Women’s Sports Sundays,” which will pair primetime WNBA and NWSL matchups with several hours of dedicated studio programming.
  3. The move has sparked significant controversy and confusion, and there’s a lot of disinformation circulating about what the change actually entails.
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ESPN: The Worldwide Leader in Shit

Personality Disorder • 118 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. The quality of sports broadcasts, especially the Mets' broadcasts, can really enhance the viewing experience. Good announcers and production can make a big difference.
  2. ESPN isn't focused on the game itself but more on entertainment, often ignoring the intense moments fans care about. This can make watching their broadcasts frustrating for dedicated fans.
  3. In-game interviews and distracting graphics during critical moments take away from the excitement. Fans want to see the game, not be bombarded with ads or pointless interviews.

NFL & Fox: The $1.6B Deal That Changed Everything

SatPost by Trung Phan • 127 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. Rupert Murdoch’s 1993 $1.6B bid for the NFC turned Fox into a major broadcast network and set a precedent that pushed NFL and other sports media rights values dramatically higher.
  2. Fox reinvented how football is shown by adding the constant score box, many more cameras and microphones, a lively one-hour pregame, a memorable theme, and star commentators, making sports TV feel like entertainment.
  3. Modern media trends now include live spectacle streaming (like Netflix’s Honnold event) and the rise of self-hosted personal AI assistants (OpenClaw/Moltbot), which offer big convenience gains but also create significant security and privacy risks.

Inside Pickleball's Plan to Become a Billion-Dollar Platform

Huddle Up • 58 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. Pickleball is rapidly growing on TV, with the Carvana PPA Masters drawing 791,000 viewers — the most-watched pickleball event ever.
  2. Pickleball broadcasts can outperform other live sports in their time slots, proving the sport can compete on mainstream networks.
  3. That strong viewership and broadcast success position pickleball to scale into a billion-dollar platform with major commercial potential.

BIG NEWS TONIGHT!

Disaffected Newsletter • 719 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Broadcasting
  1. A live show will be happening tonight at 8 PM US Eastern time on Rumble. It's a great chance to watch and see how it goes, even if things go wrong.
  2. Viewers are encouraged to bring popcorn and share their thoughts, even if they're critical. It's meant to be a fun and interactive experience.
  3. The newsletter is reader-supported, and there are options to subscribe for more content. Supporting the work helps keep it going.

The Appropriately Mediocre Send Off For CS:GO

Richard Lewis • 1749 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. The competitive scene for CS:GO is stagnant, and a true farewell may not be around the corner.
  2. The format of CS:GO Majors and the seeding system have major flaws that impact the fairness of the competition.
  3. The broadcasting, show concepts, and overall production quality of CS:GO events have become bland and lack the excitement and innovation of the past.

NFL Bad Bunny: Undecided Whale Explains it All

House of Strauss • 30 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. Viewership collapsed during the halftime show, and that drop looks more like a cultural and demographic mismatch than a straightforward political backlash.
  2. People are likelier to watch halftime performances when they know the artist, the songs, and the language, so unfamiliar performers lose attention from large swaths of the TV audience.
  3. The NFL appears willing to sacrifice linear-TV ratings for social-media buzz and broader cultural signaling, accepting significant audience loss on the broadcast feed.

CS:GO: Talent Wars

Richard Lewis • 1356 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. ESL and BLAST are implementing different talent hiring strategies for CS:GO events
  2. There are discussions about talent exclusivity and increased fees in the industry
  3. ESL is making strategic moves in esports to position themselves as a leading service provider

Are Super Bowl Commercials Actually Worth The Price?

Huddle Up • 28 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
💼 Business Broadcasting
  1. A single Super Bowl spot can transform a brand overnight, driving massive sales and wide cultural attention even from just one airing.
  2. Ad rates and total campaign costs have exploded — a 30‑second spot costs millions and, with required network buys, production, talent, and digital amplification, top campaigns can reach $20–30M or more; because ad inventory is limited and demand is huge, networks earn hundreds of millions each year.
  3. Those price tags make Super Bowl ads practical mainly for very large marketers, and measuring success is complex, requiring companies to weigh immediate sales against brand lift, earned media, and long‑term ROI.

The 3 pm blackout is a cartel move and you're all being had

Grace on Football • 1022 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. The 3 pm blackout in English football prevents TV broadcasting to protect attendance, but it may not be justifiable.
  2. Supporters of the blackout rely on the status quo and need to prove its positive impact on attendance and fan support.
  3. The blackout benefits Premier League's financial interests by limiting TV broadcast to maintain higher demand and value.

Why I'm starting a Substack

David’s Substack • 239 implied HN points • 08 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Broadcasting
  1. Writing a book can take a long time, sometimes years between ideas and publication. This writer wants a quicker way to share thoughts.
  2. The Substack will focus on the writer's interests in media history, the BBC, and wartime propaganda. Readers can expect a mix of topics.
  3. Posts will come out weekly, but the schedule may change depending on life. Feedback from readers is encouraged to improve the content.

The buzz from radio row

Purple Insider • 255 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. Radio Row during the Super Bowl is chaotic with hundreds of hosts and guests wandering around.
  2. Analytics in NFL is gaining trust but there's no consensus on interpretation yet.
  3. Former players and hosts are discussing the use of analytics and its impact on decision-making in football.

Should the NFL All 22 Itself?

House of Strauss • 17 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. Many viewers dislike the QB-focused broadcast because it hides receiver routes and context, and they prefer All-22 or sky-cam views that show what the QB sees.
  2. Amazon already offers a Prime Vision All-22 feed that some fans find superior, and an exclusive, well-promoted test (like a Thursday Night game) could show whether viewers will adopt it.
  3. The NFL’s massive popularity makes broadcasters conservative, but a gradual, promotional testing strategy could slowly shift viewing habits and eventually mainstream better camera options.

Humanising History

David’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 16 May 24
💾 History Broadcasting
  1. The BBC has a huge oral history collection with over 400 interviews. These recordings give personal stories from people who worked there and help us understand the social and cultural history of the 20th century.
  2. Oral histories can reveal details about historical events that official records don't show. They provide a deeper emotional connection to the past by sharing feelings and experiences of those who lived through it.
  3. Researching history using both written documents and oral histories allows for a fuller understanding of events. By combining facts with personal stories, we can see the human side of history and why people acted the way they did.

Stray Thoughts... - We love pitching and defence!

THE BATFLIP • 393 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. Brandon Belt emphasizes the importance of fan support for the Blue Jays during important games.
  2. Jordan Romano, the Blue Jay's closer, is facing challenges with performance and command issues recently.
  3. The playoff picture for the Blue Jays remains open with different scenarios and possibilities based on upcoming games and results.

Three Thinking

David’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🎭️ Culture Broadcasting
  1. Radio programming is changing to fit listener habits and tastes. Shows are moving between channels to stay fresh and relevant.
  2. Key presenters are being used for multiple shows, making it easier for listeners to connect with familiar voices. This aims to create a comforting and consistent listening experience.
  3. The BBC wants to shift towards an audience-controlled model. This means people will choose what they want to hear without worrying about which station it's on.

When will the sports media bubble pop?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. The sports media market is becoming really expensive for fans because cable bundles that used to help pay for sports are fading away. Many believe this bubble will burst, leading leagues to lower their prices and possibly stream games themselves.
  2. There's a growing niche in media, with some focused newsletters and channels doing well by targeting very specific interests. This shift shows that unique, dedicated content can attract a loyal audience.
  3. For media companies, it’s essential to focus on both new material and evergreen content. By promoting older content, businesses can keep viewers engaged and drive more traffic.

A Primer on Shortwave Radio Trading

Low Latency Trading Insights • 98 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Broadcasting
  1. Shortwave radio signals can travel long distances, great for international broadcasting and long-range communication.
  2. A specialized shortwave radio is needed to tune in to shortwave broadcasts covering a wide range of content.
  3. Shortwave radio is used for diverse purposes like aviation, maritime, emergency communication, and more.

The long, slow death of the TV schedule

How To Measure Ghosts • 117 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Broadcasting
  1. Linear scheduled TV viewing is declining, with younger audiences preferring streaming over traditional TV channels.
  2. Traditional TV business models are facing challenges and potential changes, like rebundling and collaborations among broadcasters.
  3. PSBs are adapting to the shift towards streaming by implementing new services, like Freely, to maintain relevance and audience attention.

How the KC Sports Network is building a regional media empire

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. The KC Sports Network produces 10 different shows covering sports in Kansas City. This variety helps attract a wide audience.
  2. They make money through local and national advertisers, showing that regional networks can be financially sustainable.
  3. BJ Kissel left his job with the Kansas City Chiefs to pursue this venture, highlighting the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship in sports media.

Inside The UFC's New $7.7 Billion Media Rights Deal With Paramount

Huddle Up • 35 implied HN points • 12 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. UFC signed a huge $7.7 billion deal with Paramount for media rights over seven years. This means fans will get to watch all UFC events just by subscribing to Paramount+.
  2. The deal is significant because it eliminates the expensive pay-per-view model. Instead of paying $80 for each event, fans will only need the monthly fee for Paramount+ to access every fight.
  3. This new partnership is expected to change how UFC operates financially and potentially affect what fighters get paid. It's a big shift in the sports broadcasting landscape.

The $100,000 Camera System That's Quietly Taking Over Sports

Huddle Up • 32 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. Hawk-Eye is a technology that helps make accurate calls in sports by using advanced camera systems. It started making waves after the 2004 US Open when it showed clear mistakes in line calling.
  2. Many major sports organizations, like FIFA and the NFL, have adopted Hawk-Eye to improve accuracy in officiating. This technology is changing how games are played by reducing human error.
  3. Although some fans may not appreciate the use of technology in sports, Hawk-Eye is likely to grow in popularity. It offers a new level of objectivity that traditional officiating cannot match.

Why ESPN ended its 35-year relationship with Major League Baseball

Huddle Up • 46 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. ESPN ended its long 35-year partnership with Major League Baseball. This change will affect how baseball is broadcasted on national TV.
  2. Both ESPN and MLB decided to part ways after a significant relationship that spanned multiple generations of fans.
  3. ESPN will continue to air MLB games for the remainder of the current season before officially ending their agreement.

ESPN Flexes Its Muscles With An Exclusive $7.8 Billion Deal For The College Football Playoff

Huddle Up • 122 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. ESPN secured a lucrative $7.8 billion exclusive deal for the College Football Playoff, emphasizing the importance of premium sports rights in the current media landscape.
  2. The agreement, pending commissioner and president approval, solidifies ESPN as the go-to network for the new CFP 12-team tournament, showcasing their persistent dedication to college sports.
  3. Previous reports speculating on broadcasting rights for the expanded College Football Playoff proved inaccurate, indicating a potentially unrealistic expectation of the market dynamics.

Is Tom Brady Worth $375 Million To Fox?

Huddle Up • 29 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. Tom Brady recently finished his first season as a broadcaster in the NFL. His debut was closely watched as he announced some big games.
  2. His broadcasting contract with Fox is worth $375 million, which raises the question if he will bring in that amount in value.
  3. The TV ratings and viewership numbers from his broadcasts will be important to determine his impact and worth to the network.

Why NBA on ABC Wednesday Failed

House of Strauss • 29 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. NBA on ABC Wednesday failed due to a drop in prime time viewership.
  2. Human behavior plays a role in understanding ratings and viewership habits.
  3. Disney's attempt to change the ESPN Wednesday doubleheader faced resistance from habitual viewers.

Champions League: The Economics Behind the European Cup

Original Football • 1 HN point • 01 Jun 24
🎾 Sports Broadcasting
  1. The UEFA Champions League generates massive prize money for clubs involved, with the 2023-2024 season seeing a total of €2.03 billion in prize money distributed.
  2. Television broadcasting rights play a crucial role in the revenue stream of the Champions League, with UEFA securing contracts worth around €3.2 billion for the 2021-2024 cycle.
  3. The Champions League offers clubs the opportunity to boost commercial revenues through sponsorships and advertising, with top global brands like PepsiCo, Heineken, and Mastercard actively involved as sponsors.

Using a Private 5G Network to Broadcast The Coronation

Matt Gray’s Newsletter • 5 HN points • 10 May 23
🕹 Technology Broadcasting
  1. Using a private 5G network for broadcasting large events can provide more reliable coverage than public networks.
  2. When setting up a broadcast-only 5G network, it's important to consider signal range, potential obstructions, and optimizing coverage.
  3. Incorporating innovative solutions like using a 'Gandalf Stick' to elevate antennas can help improve signal quality for broadcasting events.

The Disease X Dramedy

Rounding the Earth Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎙 Podcasts Broadcasting
  1. A new podcast series called The Disease X Dramedy is starting soon.
  2. The podcast will cover real information and updates on the law, along with humorous takes on current events.
  3. Listeners can engage through RTE Locals community and Rumble channel for live streaming.