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NTIA Roth's celebrates major policy victory - all BEAD plans have been approved by the trump administration. Now it's up to the 50 states, five territories, and Washington, D.C., to sign contracts with ISPs (or Subgrantees in BEAD parlance) to get the backhoes digging and the networks humming Ookla: FWA Hits 17 Million Subscribers or 14% of Home Broadband Connections Nexstar's Brett Jenkins Stepping Down as EVP and Chief Technology Officer Wolfe Research Analyst Expects Stronger Netflix after Soft Q2 NCTA Hopeful Paoletta Will Protect Unlicensed 6 GHz Band at WRC Forbes Columnist Howard Homonoff: Disney Not Going to ABC Stations Charter Announces Free Amazon Prime to Low Income Broadband Subs NextNav, Tiami Networks Partner on 5G-Powered Counter-Drone Detection Technology Calian Group Completes Acquisition of Galaxy Broadband Communications BEAD: America is finally seeing light at the end of the BEAD tunnel. NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth said on Aug. 25 her agency has now approved all 56 state and territorial final proposals for the $42.45 billion BEAD program. Her announcement marked what she called a major step toward universal broadband access. Roth, also yesterday, traveled to Moneta, Virginia, with Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) to tour Bedford County fiber and satellite projects funded through the program. Virginia's Roth-approved BEAD plan is to connect more than 85,000 locations while saving taxpayers more than $930 million and leveraging nearly $430 million in matching funds. "BEAD's core mission is to ensure universal broadband availability across our country," said Roth, who is also Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. (More after paywall) Related to what you are reading now Post tagged in Related on Broadband Breakfast

Brett Jenkins prepares for retirement at Nexstar. August 25, 2026 He's been honored as one of Broadcast Media's Top Tech Leaders rankings by the Radio + Television Business Report in multiple years and has been associated with the nation's largest owner of broadcast TV stations since joining in 2017 as Chief Technology Officer. Now, Brett Jenkins is preparing to conclude his career in broadcast technology, with his departure coming in five weeks. Jenkins directs Nexstar Media Group's IT and engineering functions for both broadcast and digital businesses and became an Nexstar executive through the company's merger with Media General, where he served as VP/CTO. Before that, it was at LIN Media that Jenkins made his mark. He has also held technology positions at ION Media Networks and executive positions for Thales Broadcast & Multimedia and Thomson On October 1, he'll retire as Executive VP/Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Nexstar. At that time, he'll shift to the role of Executive Advisor, overseeing the completion of several special projects. Additionally, Jenkins will provide counsel for Perry Sook, Nexstar's Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; and for Nexstar President/Chief Operating Officer Michael Biard. Jenkins will also remain actively involved in Edgebeam Wireless, a wireless data services provider launched in 2025 as a joint venture among Nexstar and three of the country's largest independent broadcast groups as part of a non-broadcast ATSC 3.0 business development initiative. "Brett has been an incredible asset for Nexstar over the last nine-plus years," said Sook. "He has led Nexstar's technology advancements, overseen our expansion of ATSC 3.0, spearheaded the development and rollout of the company's connected TV and mobile applications, and been instrumental in the planning and execution of our automated sales technology. Brett has had a distinguished career, and we are pleased he is staying on in this new capacity." Jenkins was promoted to Chief Technology and Digital Officer in 2023, responsible for the company's technology, data and digital operations, as well as the development and deployment of ATSC 3.0. Biard commented, "He is a tremendous resource for Nexstar and a leader in the media industry, recognized repeatedly for his ability to solve complex problems, integrate highly advanced technology systems, and execute major digital initiatives. He's been an extremely valuable member of Nexstar's executive team, and we're grateful for his countless contributions to our success." Jenkins added, "It has been an honor to serve Nexstar during a remarkable decade of growth and transformation. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with what I believe is the best management team in the business and alongside outstanding colleagues and leaders at our stations who continuously push the company forward. Together, we strengthened our technology foundation, accelerated our digital evolution, and helped position Nexstar for continued success. I am proud of the role I was able to play during this journey and even prouder of the lasting impact our teams have made. As I make this transition, I have deep appreciation and confidence that Nexstar's best days are ahead." Jenkins' current day-to-day responsibilities and direct reports will be reassigned across Nexstar's deep bench of experienced executives.

Nexstar Charitable Foundation gives $5,000 to Jasper County CASA. Posted: Aug 20, 2026 / 02:29 PM CDT Updated: Aug 20, 2026 / 02:29 PM CDT JOPLIN, Mo. - It's a $5,000 Thursday for a local nonprofit. Jasper County CASA was the recipient of the donation, thanks to our parent company, more specifically, the Nexstar Charitable Foundation. It's something that's happened for four straight years and part of the hundreds of thousands of dollars donated to countless nonprofits across Nexstar's 132 television markets. The money for CASA will be used for its basic infrastructure as it continues to advocate for victims of child abuse. "I think what we really want the community to realize is, although some child abuse really breaks through the media, it's happening all too often. And it is not that rare to have something really sad and tragic happen to children in Jasper County. So, we see that. We live with it and we really need to ask the community to step up - to be a foster parent, to be a CASA," said Debi Koelkebeck, Jasper County CASA Exec. Director. "We have had several of our employees that have actually volunteered as CASAs, and the mission that they do here is just something that the, you know, our employees have embraced," said John Hoffmann, KSNF-TV VP & GM. Ten kids in Jasper County have come into the foster care system this week, alone. Those interested in becoming a volunteer - or learning more - can do that here.