‍Waymark has announced that Cox Media Group (CMG) is deploying Waymark's AI-powered video platform at stations in nine markets.

By combining multiple generative AI models, Waymark has developed an end-to-end video creation platform that allows anyone to produce ready-to-air commercials suitable for TV, streaming, and digital platforms.

That makes it easier for local advertisers and businesses who might not have the tools to create traditional ads, which in turn can help increase local ad sales.

The deal adds Cox Media Group to Waymark’s growing roster of national broadcast and media partners, which includes Comcast, Spectrum Reach, FOX TV Stations, Sinclair Broadcast Group, E.W. Scripps, Gray Media, Paramount, and Nine Entertainment (Australia).

“What we’re seeing with Cox Media Group represents how broadcasters help clients grow and unlock revenue,” said Alex Persky-Stern, CEO of Waymark. “When a platform can help reps open doors, close deals, and deliver finished creative, the impact compounds. CMG’s teams have proven that video drives campaign revenue throughout the sales cycle.”

As part of the agreement, CMG stations are tailoring Waymark to its own workflow and market conditions to shorten sales cycles and increase the number of local businesses running television campaigns.

“We’re always looking for ways to help our clients meet and exceed their business goals,” said Darren Moore, CMG’s chief sales officer – TV. “Waymark helps us have better initial conversations, reduce the time between those conversations and the advertising launch, and create targeted and compelling content. We’re better – and our clients share in that – because of Waymark.”

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—The Federal Communication Commission’s Media Bureau has approved the transfer of the license of television station WJAX-TV from Hoffman Communications, Inc. to Cox Television Jacksonville, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMG Media Corporation.

In making the decision, the regulator denied a petition from DirecTV seeking to block the deal.

CMG had operated the station under a broadcast service agreement. The license transfer means that CMG would own two television stations in the Jacksonville Nielsen Designated Market Area (DMA).

In denying the DirecTV petition to block the transfer, the FCC noted that rulings in the Zimmer Radio of Mid-Missouri, Inc. v. FCC et al. case voiding the old Top-Four prohibition means that ownership of two affiliate stations in the same market is now legal.

While the FCC ruled that DirecTV had standing to move that the transfer be blocked, the agency ruled that “the proposed transaction fully complies with the Commission’s rules, including the post-Zimmer Radio Local Television Ownership Rule, and that there are no issues or potential public interest harms identified in the record that would require further consideration…Accordingly, we conclude that grant of the Application will result in public interest benefits and serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity.”

A letter detailing the FCC decision can be found here.

ATLANTA—Cox Media Group has announced that the company’s vice president of news, Misty Turnbull has been inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Silver Circle in recognition of her extraordinary and continuing contributions to broadcast media.

Turnbull, who has also won 20 Emmy Awards and a National Edward R. Murrow Award, has been with the company for more than 25 years.

“Misti embodies the CMG quest for journalistic excellence,” said Marian Pittman, CMG’s president of Content and WSB-TV (and a fellow NATAS Silver Circle member). “Her ability to consistently execute consumer research sets her apart in the industry. She leads with empathy and believes in growing industry leaders. Misti hits every challenge head-on and offers transforming solutions along the way. She is a big part of CMG’s success.”

CMG noted that Turnbull has consistently demonstrated the power of innovation and journalistic excellence throughout her career. Along the way, she’s played a leading role in advancing CMG’s multi-platform and award-winning content. Her unrelenting passion for transforming how content is created, presented, and delivered has allowed her to have a pivotal role across CMG and the industry.

Turnbull has also been at the center of expanding CMG’s streaming and digital footprint by leveraging the company’s live news assets, overseeing CMG original programs, and developing content partnerships.

“When I think back over the last few decades, I’ve been part of covering so many major stories – like JonBenet Ramsey’s murder, Atlanta’s `Snowmageddon,' the I-85 bridge collapse, the implosion of the Georgia Dome and so much more.” Turnbull said. “But what really gets me excited is what I’m doing now – helping to ensure all our CMG newsrooms are in a winning position and consistently providing our viewers high-quality local news, weather and investigative journalism across all platforms.”

ATLANTA —Cox Media Group (CMG) has announced that its The $pend $mart Stream has launched on Amazon Fire TV Channels.

The agreement for carriage on Amazon Fire TV Channels more than doubles the reach of streaming service that offers financial advice to help consumers protect their money, spend wisely, grow wealth, save for retirement, avoid scams, and much more.

“We’re always trying to listen to what our audiences want, and $pend $mart is a direct result of what they told us,” said Marian Pittman, president of content for CMG. “$pend $mart is the latest in a line of content channels distributed by CMG that includes StreamAmerica, Gusto TV, Cheddar, Curiosity Now, and others.”

In addition to Fire TV Channels, $pend $mart is also available on the Local Now and NewsON apps and CMG’s owned-and-operated station websites and apps. All of these apps are available on mobile iOS, Android and CTV/Streaming platforms.

NEW YORK and ATLANTA—Nielsen and Cox Media Group (CMG) have inked a multiyear renewal agreement for television and audio measurement services covering CMG's local television and radio stations.

As part of the agreement, CMG will continue to utilize a comprehensive suite of Nielsen measurement services to sell advertising.

CMG’s businesses include 14 television brands in 9 markets. The TV portfolio includes multiple primary affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, Telemundo and MyNetworkTV, as well as several independent stations.

CMG has 50 radio stations delivering multiple content genres in 10 markets and numerous streaming and digital platforms.

More information is available at coxmediagroup.com.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. ––Cox Media Group said Omesh Somaru will become vice president and general manager of CMG-TV Jacksonville on Jan. 1.

Somaru will leave his role as director of sales to succeed Bob Longo, who is retiring at year-end, and lead CMG’s WJAX-TV and Hoffman Communications-owned WFOX-TV. (CMG manages WFOX under a local management agreement.)

“Jacksonville is an important market for CMG, and we were looking for a strong leader with deep local experience to continue our momentum there,” CMG President and CEO Dan York said. “Omesh was the right choice, and under his leadership, I know our people, our clients and our business will continue to thrive.”

Somaru is a 25-year industry veteran and has been with CMG for 17 years, including stints at its station in Orlando and formerly CMG-owned Memphis and San Francisco stations. Since joining the Jacksonville team, he’s helped CMG’s stations achieve record revenue shares across both core and digital. He also played a key role in launching Telemundo Jacksonville and Action Sports Jax.

Somaru will lead a team at the station that launched the region’s only local all-sports streaming channel, Action Sports Jax 24/7, which delivers 10 hours of original programming a day.

In the last year alone, CMG-TV collected 8,500 books for children, helped save more than 450 lives through its blood drive, provided thousands of school supplies to local students, and awarded $500 every month to a viewer as part of its Doing Good in the Neighborhood program.

Somaru, who completed the National Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Leadership Training Program in 2019, is a University of Central Florida graduate with a TV and broadcasting degree. He lives in the Jacksonville area with his wife, Ailee, and daughter, Sophia.

ATLANTA—In addition to providing critical information about hurricanes Helene and Milton in its ongoing news coverage, Cox Media Group (CMG) has announced that it has raised nearly $1 million in hurricane relief and that its TV and radio stations have been providing food, water and necessities for impacted people and communities.

Those relief efforts have also included bringing mobile charging stations into communities for affected people to charge their cellphones and other devices.

“These efforts by our CMG family highlight the indispensable role of our stations—and our entire broadcasting industry—as we work together to make a powerful and positive impact on the communities we live in and serve,” CMG President and CEO Dan York said. “As importantly, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support from our local partners and audiences. The response of our viewers and listeners has been nothing short of remarkable.”

Examples of the relief efforts include:

• CMG Radio Tampa Bay (97X, 107.3 The Eagle, 101.5 The Vibe, Magic 94.9, 102.5 The Bone and 105.5 WDUV) raised nearly $950,000 during its Hope After Helene fundraising event. The collaboration included local businesses and listeners across central and south Florida. The proceeds went to Metropolitan Ministries, which provided food, water and other essential assistance to the victims of Hurricane Helene. This effort was aided by PSAs and other promotional support across CMG’s radio stations in Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando. CMG Radio Tampa Bay is now raising funds for those impacted by Hurricane Milton.
• CMG Orlando (WFTV and CMG Orlando Radio-WDBO 107.3 FM & 580 AM, Star 94.5, 98.9 WMMO, Exitos 96.5, WWKA-K92.3FM) provided mobile charging stations across multiple counties to help hundreds of people without power recharge their cell phones, laptops, tablets, portable batteries and other devices.
• CMG Radio Miami (HITS 97.3, Easy 93.1, Hot 105, 99 JAMZ) initiated Hurricane Helene/Milton Drop Off Relief. All CMG Miami radio stations provided on-air, social media and on-site components via all four stations to request listener help, collecting everyday essential items to benefit Tampa residents effected by severe weather conditions. As a result, two 18-wheeler semi tractor trailers—collectively carrying 80,000 pounds of water and everyday items—were delivered to the Tampa area. Another semi tractor trailer filled with thousands of emergency meal kits was provided to Tampa-area residents, in partnership with CMG Radio Tampa Bay’s 101.5 The Vibe.
• CMG Charlotte (WSOC-WAXN) aired a one-hour fundraising special on both of its TV stations to benefit the Red Cross and its efforts in Western North Carolina. A QR code was used to make it easier for the audience to give.
• CMG Atlanta (WSB-TV and CMG Radio Atlanta’s 10 stations) deployed its Convoy of Care. Thirteen tractor-trailers delivered thousands of pounds of nonperishable food, cleaning supplies, flashlights, batteries, personal hygiene kits, baby supplies, pet food and pet supplies to victims of Hurricane Helene in three southeast Georgia cities. Additionally, the Convoy of Care donation link has raised more than $33,000 to date. The Convoy of Care is a collaboration between WSB-TV, CMG Radio Atlanta, law enforcement, Caring for Others, and the Georgia Motor Trucking Association.

ATLANTA—Cox Media Group (CMG) has announced that its newly launched local streaming channel Neighborhood TV will be available on Xumo Play beginning December 1. 

Neighborhood TV (NTV), which formally launched in August 2023, is a free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) local news channel generating more than 100 million impressions monthly. The FAST channel is an extension of CMG’s linear TV business that currently covers 70 neighborhoods in Atlanta and 30 in Charlotte, with plans to launch in hundreds more neighborhoods across the country.

Xumo is a joint venture between Comcast and Charter, that was formed to develop and offer a next-generation streaming platform for the entire entertainment industry. 

To market the service, CMG said that a marketing program is planned, beginning in Atlanta, using a cross-platform ad campaign that includes Neighborhood TV tune-in commercials across CMG’s local broadcast channels. 

“We are pleased to bring these two trailblazers together, making it seamless for viewers to access the programming they want, and for advertisers to maximize their local reach,” said Cox Media Group executive chairman Steve Pruett in announcing the launch. “Through cross-company marketing efforts, we are leveraging our core CMG brands so that our linear airtime commercials for Neighborhood TV will support the further adoption of the new FAST channel on Xumo Play.” 

“Live news, whether national or local, has always been a top performing genre of programming on Xumo Play,” said Stefan Van Engen, vice president, content acquisition, Xumo Play. “Neighborhood TV’s hyper-local community coverage will be a great complement to our growing lineup of local and national channels, offering our customers more ways to get the news they care about most.”  

ATLANTA, Ga.—The Cox Media Group has announced a partnership with E.W. Scripps Co.’s Florida 24 Network (FL24) that will expand FL24’s coverage of Florida with content and coverage from CMG’s stations in Jacksonville and Orlando.

The collaboration is expected to begin sometime in the first quarter. Scripps will continue to own FL24.

In June 2021, Scripps formed FL24, a statewide over-the-top and over-the-air news network that provides real-time depth, context, and clarity to the biggest stories impacting Florida residents, the companies said. 

FL24 currently highlights reporting from journalists at Scripps’ six Florida stations in Miami, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Tallahassee, and Fort Myers. 

As a result of the new agreement between CMG and Scripps, CMG’s local brands, WFTV (Orlando) and WJAX/WFOX (Jacksonville), will contribute content and coverage to help cover the remaining Florida markets.

“When seeking out a partner for this arrangement, we wanted to make sure that they have the same journalistic beliefs that we have and we believe we have found that in CMG,” said Joe Naylor, Scripps Local Media vice president, emerging products. “Scripps is committed to serving viewers throughout the state and providing more valuable content. Collaborating with CMG provides us an opportunity to share content and create a robust offering for all Florida consumers and audiences. We’ve been pleased with the results that we’ve seen so far and look forward to compounding that growth.”

“This partnership makes perfect sense because Scripps and CMG are so like-minded and share similar values. We both believe in the power of local journalism and this just gives us another platform to do that,” said Marian Pittman, CMG executive vice president of content, product & innovation. “We plan to share our Central Florida Spotlight segments, community programs, and public service outreach, in addition to local news investigations and weather forecasts. By providing this content, we’re filling a gap for Scripps but also helping our viewers in our markets get a better idea of what’s going on around the state they love.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The NCTA has told the FCC that it will not oppose Standard General’s deal for Tegna if the FCC “adopts binding conditions to ensure that the affected broadcasters comply with the bar on joint retransmission consent negotiations codified in the Communications Act and the Commission’s rules.” 

If the $8.6 billion merger of Apollo Global Management (AMG), Standard General L.P., and Tegna is approved, Standard General would acquire Tegna’s 61 full power television stations and two radio stations across 50 markets. Apollo will control the licenses of 31 full-power television stations in 26 markets and 54 radio stations in 11 radio markets.

In a letter to the FCC, the NCTA proposed a number of binding conditions on how the broadcasters negotiate retransmission agreements that would codify what Standard General and Tegna have already promised the Commission. 

More specifically, the NCTA noted that Standard General and Tegna have told the FCC that they will negotiate retransmission consent separately and not “enter into any Sharing Agreements or other agreements related to programming, operations, or sale of advertising with each other for any station.” 

The NCTA also noted that the broadcasters have assured the FCC that the security holdings of AGM and the Cox Media Group in post-transaction Tegna do not give the them “any right or ability to participate in the day-to-day management or operations of Post-Transaction Tegna or in Post-Transaction Tegna’s negotiation of contracts (including retransmission contracts)” and that “AGM and CMG also will have no right of access to or ability to review any competitively sensitive confidential information of Post-Transaction Tegna, including Post-Transaction Tegna’s retransmission consent agreements.”

Despite these promises, NCTA stressed that “the proposed transaction creates a web of interlocking interests among the companies – Standard General/Tegna and CMG/Apollo – thus raising concerns about information-sharing and coordination of retransmission consent negotiations” that would violate FCC rules regarding retransmissions consent negotiations. 

“According to one report, Apollo is loaning Standard General nearly $700 million to finance its purchase of Tegna,” the NCTA said. “Another report states that `Apollo also apparently will invest $925 million in preferred equity funding’ in the transaction. The transactions also involve a host of station swaps between Tegna and CMG. The collection of interlocking relationships creates, in the aggregate, a high risk that the parties, post transaction, will have the incentive and the ability to share information or otherwise coordinate their retransmission consent negotiations. If such coordination were to occur, it could violate the ban on joint negotiations and harm consumers.”

To avoid those problems the NCTA proposed that the FCC impose a number of conditions, including: 

• "No employee or agent of Tegna or CMG/Apollo involved in retransmission consent negotiations may review any retransmission agreement to which the other entity is a party, or receive non-public information with respect to such agreement.
• No employee or agent of Tegna or CMG/Apollo may provide a copy of a station agreement or non-public information regarding such agreement to any employee or agent of the other entity involved in retransmission consent agreements.
• Tegna and CMG-Apollo may not engage common legal counsel or other agents in connection with retransmission consent negotiations.
• Tegna and CMG/Apollo must each maintain in its online public file a list of all other broadcast stations with which it has a sidecar agreement, the licensee of each such station, and whether Tegna or CMG/Apollo has an attributable interest in the licensee.
• As the applicants committed in their June 13 Letter, the FCC should also adopt a merger condition that the “Combined Company, AGM, and CMG . . . will not enter into any Sharing Agreements or other agreements related to programming, operations, or sale of advertising with each other for any station.”
• Any new JSA, LMA, SSA or similar agreement involving Tegna or CMG/Apollo that is not otherwise barred by the immediately preceding condition must be filed in the stations’ online public files and separately in the instant merger docket 30 days prior to taking effect," the NCTA proposed. 

“Adoption of these or similar conditions would be in the public interest and help ensure effective enforcement of the Commission’s ban on joint retransmission consent negotiations,” the NCTA concluded. 

The NCTA letter is available here. 

ATLANTA—The Cox Media Group (CMG) has expanded its relationship with Telemundo in a new deal that will add Telemundo affiliates in Jacksonville and Seattle and renew CMG’s contract in Charlotte for its Telemundo affiliate. 

“CMG is excited to grow our relationship with Telemundo to provide a wide array of important programming to underserved Hispanic audiences in Jacksonville and Seattle,” said Paul Curran, executive vice president for CMG. “Our Telemundo affiliate in Charlotte has been a tremendous success. Bringing on these two new markets fits perfectly with our mission to inform, entertain and elevate the viewers and communities we serve.”

Telemundo is a leading producer of content for Hispanics in the U.S. and around the world. Its programming features original scripted dramas, non-scripted programming, motion pictures, nightly newscasts and news-related specials, and two prestigious global sporting events - the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.

ATLANTA—Cox Media Group has unveiled its new corporate logo, which was the result of an internal contest that drew 250 entries from more than 100 CMG employees, according to the company. The final logo was selected among three finalists, voted on by both CMG employees and a national research study.

The winning logo (shown above) was designed by Kim Colombero, art director for CMG-TV in Jacksonville, Fla. Colombero is an experienced graphic artist and art director.

The logo features the company’s CMG initials in a way that is reflective of its “people-centric philosophy,” the announcement said. The “C” and “G” are in a deeper shade of blue, but the “M” features the brand’s collective bright hues and formed in artful manner that plays to the company’s legacy of competition, collaboration, diversity and inclusion.

“We are building this company together and our people are putting their thumbprint on it in all corners of our business,” said Kim Guthrie, president and CEO of CMG. “We now have our new, modern logo to help define our brand for years to come.”

OSLO, Norway—In what it is saying is the first large-scale application of TICO video compression, virtualized media production systems provider Nevion shared that its software-defined Virtuoso media node was one of the tools used by China’s Media Group (CMG) during its live broadcast of the 70th anniversary celebration for the People’s Republic of China.

For the event, CMG had more than 120 Virtuoso units to broadcast the live 4K footage across China Central Television’s TV stations and websites, as well as 4K movie theaters.

The Virtuoso has a TICO media function that enables encoding and decoding of UHD/4K video for transport over 10GE/IP or 3G-SDI links with a 4:1 compression ratio and latency of a few milliseconds. The Nevion platforms help to ensure TICO encoding and decoding of all 4K/UHD signals from the OB vans, on-site cameras and microwave links in and around Tiananmen Square. Compress signals were transported between two master control rooms, four 4K studios and CCTV’s 4K playout system at different site as 3G-SDI TICO streams over Nevion’s fiber transmitters and receivers.

In addition, 4K PGM signals were encoded by Virtuoso using lightweight TICO compression technology and sent back to LED screens in Tiananmen Square.

The production required three encoding-decoding cycles for each 4K/UHD signal.