TV broadcasters are positioning for a wave of deals in anticipation of changes to FCC limits on broadcast ownership, according to broadcasters, media brokers and recent announcements from station groups. Sinclair Broadcast announced in a release Monday that it's evaluating “all value-enhancing opportunities,” and Nexstar and Tegna are reportedly negotiating a possible deal. The rumors are likely an indication of pent-up demand but could also be aimed at mollifying shareholders, said broadcasters and media brokers.

Broadband experts applauded state officials for moving quickly to submit new BEAD proposals to NTIA following the agency's June 6 policy restructuring notice for the program (see 2507290070), but they warned that the delays are only furthering the digital divide.

Carolina West is getting support for a petition from June 2024 seeking a waiver that would permit it to receive supplemental high-cost universal service support. The Competitive Carriers Association urged the FCC to grant a blanket waiver or initiate further proceedings on expanding the availability of support beyond Carolina West. CCA also filed at the FCC a new report by the Brattle Group discussing the unique challenges faced by rural carriers. Comments were due Monday in docket 19-197 and posted Tuesday.

Regulatory approval of cable ISP WideOpenWest going private should be "relatively straightforward," UBS analyst Batya Levi told us Tuesday. WOW announced the $1.5 billion all-cash deal with investment funds DigitalBridge and Crestview Partners after the market's close Monday. The transaction should close by year-end or in Q1 2026, with shareholder and regulatory approval to come, WOW said.