2026 in media: What to look for

Ownership caps, CBS News’ transition on tap

For the first time in three years, T Dog Media is bringing back a favorite – a look ahead to what you can expect in media in the new year, and there’s a lot to discuss. We may see some significant changes in the way we watch and consume media, and more importantly, who owns the media we’re consuming. 

Here’s what to look for in 2026, and we’ll check in at the end of the year to see how this turned out: 

– How will viewers receive the new CBS Evening News. On Saturday, CBS revamped its low-rated evening newscast with new anchor Tony Dokoupil, the first major change at CBS News under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, as the network is moving into a new (rightward) direction under new Skydance ownership. So far, reaction has been mostly negative to say the least – especially after Monday’s performance. 

– Who will win the battle for Warner Bros.? One of the biggest stories in 2025 will unfold in 2026 as Paramount launched a hostile takeover bid to acquire Warner Bros. from Netflix. Will the Ellisons steal one of the most prized possessions in Hollywood? 

– The ownership cap debate. Nexstar and other broadcasters are pushing for the elimination of the rule, as they have a pending acquisition of Tegna that would push it above the 39 percent threshold, with FCC Chairman Brendan Carr looking at possibly modifying or eliminating the cap. But does his agency have the authority to do so? Or Congress? 

– What will fill Stephen Colbert’s time slot? When Colbert signs off from CBS’s Late Show in May, what’s going to replace him? Drama reruns? Movies? A late-night news show? More Byron Allen? (We hope not.) CBS could wind up giving the late-night daypart back to affiliates to program, which they did before 1969. 

– Will FanDuel’s RSNs survive? If a potential sale to UK-based streamer DAZN falls through, then it could be over and out for Main Street Sports, the company that rose from the ashes of Bally and Diamond’s bankruptcy. Similar to Diamond, Main Street has missed payments to several teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals and reportedly most NBA teams in its portfolio. If FanDuel shuts down, nine MLB, thirteen NBA, and seven NHL teams will have to find new homes.

– Will the Winter Olympics benefit NBC? In a time of media fragmentation, it will be interesting to see if the 2026 Winter Games will continue to draw large audiences, especially with streaming as a factor (Peacock will stream much of the Olympics)

– Will we have labor peace in Hollywood? With contracts for SAG-AFTRA and the Writers’ Guild of America up this year amid media consolidation frenzy, are we going to see another dual strike? The last one in 2023 crippled Hollywood and still hasn’t recovered. 

– How Versant performs after NBCU spinoff. Versant officially became an independent, publicly traded company on Monday, following its spinoff from NBCUniversal, which included its former cable and digital properties. Investors are watching to see if Versant can hold its own, though on its first day of trading, the company’s stock declined by thirteen percent.

– Will radio groups follow TV’s path? With Nexstar and other TV groups looking to consolidate, big and small radio groups are looking toward the same path as they have the same issues as their video counterparts, as they look to be on the same level playing field as Google, Apple, Amazon, and Spotify, which control a huge portion of the music and podcast streaming market. It’s curious to see what iHeartMedia, Cumulus, and Cox would want to do, as well as small chains like Mid-West Family Broadcasting, as they lobby the FCC to abolish ownership caps. 

– The 50th edition of Survivor. The venerable CBS reality-competition series marks its 50th edition on the air beginning on February 26 with returning castmates, new twists, and yes, even involvement from Jimmy Fallon (since they kicked Colbert out the door) and some guy named “Mr. Beast”. Will this be a celebration or a “Jump The Shark” event? After all, the water’s nearby…