Media News Daily: Top Stories for 08/24/2026

HD Media to Acquire 25 Local Publications

West Virginia’s HD Media is acquiring 25 publications from AIM Media Management, effective Sept. 1. The deal includes six publications from AIM Media Indiana and 19 from AIM Media Ohio. Terms were not disclosed. HD Media President Phil Perry said the company’s relationship with AIM Media strengthened after HD Media purchased the Portsmouth Daily Times three years ago, making both sides comfortable negotiating a larger acquisition. (Read More) (Mediapost Rating)

Media Executives Predict TV’s Future

CNBC asked media executives and insiders to forecast what the TV industry will look like by 2029, as cable declines, streaming matures, and major mergers reshape the market. Executives discussed whether cable subscribers have hit a floor, whether sports ratings remain durable, and how personalization, commerce integration, global releases, AI dubbing, immersive sports, and creator-driven content could become more central to television. The survey also highlighted industry uncertainty around Big Tech’s role in entertainment, government scrutiny of consolidation, and the continued rise of YouTube, FAST channels, and streaming bundles. (Read More) (CNBC Rating)

National Press Club Condemns Stars and Stripes Firing

The National Press Club condemned the firing of Stars and Stripes editor Erik Slavin, calling it another attempt by the Pentagon to dictate the outlet’s military coverage. National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. said firing an editor after he defended newsroom independence threatens journalists and service members who rely on independent reporting. The statement followed publisher Max Lederer’s resignation announcement and earlier actions involving the outlet’s ombudsman and Pentagon oversight memo. The Press Club urged the Pentagon to reverse the firing and reaffirm that Stars and Stripes journalists will not be punished for their reporting. (Read More) (Editor & Publisher Rating)