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Top stories
FCC designates Huawei and ZTE as national security threats
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission formally designated Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corp. as national security threats, an action that will prohibit the use of an agency subsidy fund to buy or support equipment or services provided by the companies.
Facebook's long-term future intact despite ad boycott, analysts say
The advertising boycott launched against Facebook Inc. by a growing list of major brands appears far from over. That said, analysts expect the financial impact for the company to be minimal.
Chart of the day
Ad spend in Europe to see long-term impact from coronavirus pandemic
ESG
Netflix to shift cash holdings to institutions supporting Black communities
The streaming company plans to initially hold $35 million of its cash in two vehicles, the newly established Black Economic Development Initiative and Hope FCU.
Film & TV Programming
Cineworld delays reopening of UK, US theaters until July 31
The company said the decision was made "in line with recent adjustments to the schedule of upcoming movie releases."
ViacomCBS, Sinclair renew affiliate deal
The deal includes a pair of top 50 market stations in Salt Lake City and in Austin, Texas, as well as Syracuse, N.Y., outlet services by Sinclair.
Internet & OTT
DISH strikes 2 major vendor agreements for its 5G network
Moving forward with its 5G network, DISH Network Corp. announced a large purchase of radio units from the information and communication technology company Fujitsu Ltd. and a multiyear agreement with mobile technology provider Altiostar Networks Inc.
Reddit, YouTube take down pro-Trump, white supremacist accounts, groups
The online platforms said deleted accounts and groups violated company policies on hate speech.
LiveXLive, Cinedigm partner on new streaming channel
LiveXLive Media Inc. is partnering with Cinedigm to launch a new LiveXLive-branded streaming channel for U.S. and international audiences.
IHeartMedia rolls out Black Information Network on radio, digital channels
Black Information Network will be distributed through the iHeartRadio app and will be accessible via mobile, smart speakers, smart TVs and other connected platforms in markets including Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis, San Francisco and Seattle.
Technology
Funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global complete Tech Data purchase
The transaction gives Tech Data Corp. an enterprise value of about $6 billion and included a $3.75 billion equity investment by the private equity form.
Liberty Broadband, GCI Liberty mull all-stock merger
Special committees formed by the boards of GCI Liberty Inc. and Liberty Broadband Corp. Inc. reached a preliminary understanding on a potential exchange ratio in a deal where Liberty Broadband would acquire GCI Liberty in a stock-for-stock merger.
Regulatory
Frontier asks IRS for pension funding relief amid bankruptcy
As it moves through the bankruptcy process, Frontier Communications Corp. is asking the federal government to waive the company's pension obligations.
DOJ, FTC issue new vertical merger guidelines
The top federal antitrust enforcement agencies in the U.S. issued new vertical merger guidelines on June 30, which the U.S. Justice Department said represents the first major revision to vertical merger guidance since 1984.
Research
COVID-19 deflates global smartphone shipments in Q1'20
COVID-19 and measures to slow it dragged smartphone shipments down 16% in Q1'20 as China shut down all manufacturing in February.