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How Shapeways Is Helping Small And Midsized Manufacturers Digitize Their Operations Through Its Proprietary Software

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Shapeways Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHPW), a major player in the field of digital manufacturing, is currently redefining the global manufacturing industry. Shapeways is achieving this shift through enabling on-demand manufacturing and simplifying complex production through its proprietary software system. The company is helping other small and midsized manufacturers do the same, providing access to Shapeways’ proprietary software and supporting them in digitizing their operations, growing revenue, and expanding manufacturing capabilities. “The manufacturing industry is one of the largest markets that has yet to be digitized. We see large manufacturing companies investing in digital transformation, but the smaller and midsized players have often missed out,” shared Gregory Kress, CEO of Shapeways. “We want to help them achieve the same benefits as those larger companies.” Realizing a need–and recognizing the opportunity–to reshape manufacturing, Shapeways responded with the launch of OTTO, a proprietary software platform that streamlines ordering, performs file analysis, and accelerates production. OTTO offers advantages beyond optimizing labor efficiency, asset utilization, and inventory costs. This powerful software platform also strengthens relationships between manufacturers and their customers, encouraging growth and paving the way for future opportunities. Acquiring MFG in 2022, Shapeways further reinforced the connection between their manufacturers and buyers by deploying software features and services to the platform. MFG.com now provides an end-to-end procurement and management system, helping manufacturers increase productivity and revenue. The MFG service benefits business owners, industrial designers, and engineers. Shapeways recently introduced MFG Materials, a new software offering on the MFG platform. This addition provides manufacturers with access to a wide range of raw materials at an average discount of 15% off list prices. Reflecting Shapeways' commitment to the manufacturing sector, this innovative solution is designed to tap into the large and growing global raw materials market, with aluminum alone valued at $169.8 billion in 2021. This market is projected to reach $277.5 billion by 2030, according to Precedence Research. Building on user feedback, Shapeways also developed MFG Transactions within the MFG platform. Requested by 92% of MFG buyers, this practical solution allows manufacturers to handle invoices and payments directly. Shapeways introduced the 3D Model Viewer too, a sophisticated tool that simplifies the quoting experience, showcasing all the files a potential buyer uploads with their RFQ (including 2D files). The 3D Model Viewer not only enables interactive highlighting and grouping of intricate details, but also delivers precise measurements and superior visualization techniques. Leading with world-renowned expertise and advanced software, Shapeways is well-positioned to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape. By extending their innovative, on-demand manufacturing services and software to a broad range of industries, Shapeways allows other companies to tap into their knowledge and insights to remain competitive in an ever-changing modern market. Read more about what Shapeways is doing in the manufacturing and software industries. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 25, 2023 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Trailblazing DFS Platform GameBlazers Launches for 2023 Football Season

GameBlazers

GameBlazers, a brand new fantasy game empowering sports fans to create and manage their own experience, today announced that its groundbreaking platform is live for the 2023 football season. Users can start playing now at GameBlazers.com. Instead of picking players in a traditional draft, users build their rosters by purchasing digitally-based Athlete Items in Item Packs or individually on the built-in marketplace. Users can then enter them in different season-long or weekly gaming structures for prizes and rewards. To further set itself apart from traditional fantasy, there isn’t just one of each Athlete Item available in the GameBlazers’ ecosystem. Player Items have a Multiplier assigned to them, so every point an Item earns is then multiplied by 1.0 through 1.5, increasing in.1 increments. This unique feature allows Athletes that might be lower on the Top 100 to become more valuable, which makes for a deeper and expanded player pool. “The way we enjoy video games, music and other forms of entertainment along with how we collect, trade and manage assets have all adapted to the modern age, but fantasy sports has seen little advancement in two decades,” said Rourke Sturthers, CEO of GameBlazers. “Our goal with GameBlazers is to create a platform that truly bridges the gap between the modern and future worlds of fantasy sports into a first-of-its-kind user experience. GameBlazers looks to modernize fantasy sports entirely. Our innovative gameplay mechanics gives players the opportunity to be the Owner, GM and Coach of their fantasy franchise.” Once an Item Pack is opened, Items can be used in lineups and other gaming structures, or sold in the GameBlazers marketplace. While not NFTs, Users will have a wallet, or Roster, where Items will live, enabling them to grow their collection without constraints on Roster size. Another gameplay mechanic where GameBlazers differentiates itself is the lifetime of Player Items. Some of the items have an “unlimited” lifetime, expiring only after the Athlete retires and can be used from season to season. Others will have a lifetime duration of 12-months from the Pack open date. GameBlazers has also taken concepts from the video game world and added battle pass-like mechanics to the ecosystem, rewarding Users over time for regular participation. Recently, GameBlazers signed agreements with Full Moon Sports Solutions and Raging Moose to help with partnerships, licensing, and product development of the platform. Full Moon Sports Solutions is a strategy consulting firm specializing in business and product development for the fantasy, gaming and sports betting industry and has aided in developing strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities with professional sports leagues and associations. Raging Moose is a technology consulting group specializing in game design and gameplay mechanics. Having worked on FIFA Ultimate Team, the group is assisting GameBlazers in developing a proprietary Item Distribution Framework that assigns the Athletes, Multipliers, Rarities and other forms of metadata to the in-game Items. Sign up to play and read more about the platform on GameBlazers.com. About GameBlazers GameBlazers is a new sports gaming platform bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds into a first-of-its-kind user experience. GameBlazers blends the best elements of fantasy sports, sports gaming, and collectible in-game items to create a more sustainable and more engaging gameplay. GameBlazers enables innovative gameplay mechanics that give Players the opportunity to be the Owner, GM and Coach of their Fantasy Franchise. For more information or to join the beta, please visit: https://www.gameblazers.com/ Contact Details Sterling Randle srandle@hotpaperlantern.com Company Website https://www.gameblazers.com/

August 25, 2023 09:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

QYOU Media’s Q TV Launches New Original Series Deploying AI Anchor

QYOU Media

Contact Details Doug Barker +1 437-992-4814 shareholder@qyoutv.com Company Website https://www.quoumedia.com

August 25, 2023 07:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Comcast and Pikes Peak Library District Partner to Boost Library Wi-Fi

Comcast Colorado

Comcast in Colorado is partnering with Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) to bring Comcast Lift Zone connectivity centers to four Library locations in Colorado Springs: Library 21c, as well as Penrose, East, and Ruth Holley libraries. Comcast Lift Zones provide an additional free Wi-Fi network that will increase the number of Internet users the Library can support at once without compromising quality of service. Comcast started Lift Zones as part of its ongoing commitment to connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy (called digital equity). The COVID-19 pandemic revealed disparities in digital equity, and Comcast responded by bringing Lift Zones to education and community centers. “Access to high-speed internet and digital skills training is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, making connectivity more important than ever. We are honored to partner with Pikes Peak Library District to ensure more people in the Colorado Springs area have access to fast, reliable, and secure connectivity year-round,” said J.D. Keller, Sr. Vice President, Comcast Mountain West Region. “From doing homework, searching for jobs, accessing healthcare services and so much more, partnerships like the one with Pikes Peak Library District are important to make sustainable progress to advancing economic mobility and promoting digital equity in our communities.” “Lift Zones at these libraries will be valuable assets for our whole community, especially for people who don’t have access to Wi-Fi at home. It will be easier to do things like search and apply for jobs, download documents for work and school, meet virtually, collaborate virtually on large creative projects, or enjoy leisure activities like downloading games or streaming shows,” said Lance James, chief development officer and foundation executive officer of the PPLD Foundation. “Access to high-speed internet and digital skills training is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, making connectivity more important than ever. We are honored to partner with Pikes Peak Library District to ensure more people in the Colorado Springs area have access to fast, reliable, and secure connectivity year-round,” said J.D. Keller, Sr. Vice President, Comcast Mountain West Region. “From doing homework, searching for jobs, accessing healthcare services and so much more, partnerships like the one with Pikes Peak Library District are important to make sustainable progress to advancing economic mobility and promoting digital equity in our communities.” Pikes Peak Library District Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) provides everyone with access to resources and opportunities so people can thrive and connect. The Library cultivates spaces for belonging, personal growth, and strong communities via 16 facilities, mobile library services, and a large online hub of resources. It is an internationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of nearly 700,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colo. Learn more at ppld.org. Comcast – Internet Essentials For over a decade, Comcast has been on the forefront of closing the digital divide. The I nternet Essentials program is the largest and most successful broadband adoption initiative in the industry. Since 2011, Comcast has connected more than 600,000 Coloradans through Internet Essentials, many for the first time. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 leslie_oliver@comcast.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com/

August 24, 2023 02:24 PM Mountain Daylight Time

Shareholders Called Upon to Nix Mark Parker, Tim Cook as Top-Level Directors for Nike

National Legal & Policy Center

Ahead of the company’s annual meeting next month, National Legal and Policy Center is asking its fellow investors to vote against the re-elections of Mark Parker, the executive chairman, and Tim Cook, the lead independent director, as members of the board at Nike, Inc. The nonprofit shareholder, in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, argues that both Parker and Cook have never been held accountable for human rights and sexual harassment scandals on their watches, and are also overcommitted with major responsibilities as top executives at other corporations. Parker is also executive chairman for The Walt Disney Company, and Cook is chief executive officer for Apple Inc. “Mark Parker is now double-dipping on ‘woke’ as the top dog at two Left Coast-based, extremist companies – Nike and Disney,” said Paul Chesser, director of the Corporate Integrity Project for NLPC. “And Tim Cook was caught with his pants down in China late last year during its Zero COVID phase, costing Apple millions of dollars in sales due to production shutdowns. Both Mr. Parker and Mr. Cook should not have such significant roles at Nike when they have major responsibilities elsewhere.” As executive chairman of both Nike and Disney, Parker is tasked with leading both boards of directors to set the companies’ priorities and goals, while holding executive staff accountable. As Nike’s lead independent director, Cook is responsible to guide the board in Parker’s absence, to serve as his top outside advisor, and to act as an intermediary between the chairman, the board, and management. Parker’s track record of late is anything but stellar – both Nike and Disney have underperformed the S&P 500 index in recent years. Disney is embroiled in several controversies, conflicts and business challenges, including: a failed CEO succession; media, streaming and entertainment industry headwinds; foolish forays into divisive political issues; off-putting, anti-family social stances; and a host of other problems that Parker is expected to help resolve. Meanwhile Nike has been challenged about its alleged use of forced labor in China, and widespread sexual harassment allegations which led to the departure of several executives – all on Parker’s watch when he was CEO. Cook leads the largest corporation in the world, Apple, which has an estimated $3 trillion-plus market capitalization. The tech giant has had its own accusations regarding coerced labor in its China-dependent supply chain, as well as sexual harassment allegations. Does he really have time to keep an eye on the performance and decision-making at the global athleticwear leader? “Mr. Parker and Mr. Cook bear material responsibility for Nike’s lagging stock price,” said Luke Perlot, associate director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. “Nike shareholders should expect underperformance when management alienates a large portion of its customer base with ‘woke’ policies, allows a culture of sexual harassment, and lends brand credibility to a genocidal regime.” ### For more information or to schedule an interview with the Corporate Integrity Project’s Luke Perlot or Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

August 24, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Goodway Cares Donated Over $27K to Local Salt Lake City Charities During Bi-Annual Off-Site

Goodway Group

Goodway Cares, a Goodway Group 501©(3) charity, donated $27,282 to local charities following Goodway Group’s bi-annual all-company summit in Salt Lake City. During the summit, Goodway Cares hosted the Circle of Gratitude, where Goodway employees gathered to share gratitude toward each other and provide support to local organizations within Salt Lake City. Through votes, the Circle of Gratitude made donations to Canines With a Cause ($10,094), The Road Home ($9,094), and Special Olympics of Utah ($8,094). The incremental $94, is a hat-tip to Goodway Group’s 94-year history. Canines With a Cause - The mission of Canines With a Cause is to unite veterans and rescued dogs to heal emotional and psychological wounds. They train dogs from high-kill shelters as cost-effective service, emotional therapy and companion dogs. Special Olympics of Utah - Special Olympics Utah provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Through sports, athletes discover new strengths and abilities, develop greater skills and confidence, and experience added joy and fulfillment in their lives. The Road Home - The Road Home provides emergency shelter, supportive services, and housing assistance that help individuals and families step out of homelessness. For more information about Goodway Cares, please visit goodwaygroup.com/goodway-cares. About Goodway Cares Goodway Cares, a 501©(3) charity arm of Goodway Group, provides business support to budding non-profit organizations who are helping shape a brighter tomorrow. Goodway Cares provides support to non-profits in varying methodologies including strategy, consultation, media activation, and financial donations. Goodway Cares is funded through Goodway Group employee contributions and employee’s volunteering their time for non-profit support. About Goodway Group Goodway Group is a leading data-driven and technology-enabled digital media and marketing services firm with offices in the U.S. and the UK. Our diverse team of digital strategists, media practitioners, technologists, and data scientists have won the most prestigious awards for innovative marketing technology, impactful work, and inclusive remote-first places to work including being honored as a multi-year Ad Age Best Places to Work, Ad Exchanger’s Best Use of Technology by an Agency Award, and two MarTech Breakthrough Awards. The firm deploys deep expertise across both consumer and B2B marketing, including brand-performance advertising, retail media and commerce, and advanced analytics using proprietary digital programmatic technologies, data, analytics methodologies, and consultation. Goodway Group is an independent and remote-first media and marketing services firm with a 90+ year history. Find Goodway Group online at goodwaygroup.com or follow us on Facebook, X or LinkedIn. Contact Details Kite Hill PR Julia Worthington +1 973-722-7881 julia@kitehillpr.com Amy Burrows +1 407-252-6917 aburrows@goodwaygroup.com Company Website https://www.goodwaygroup.com/goodway-cares

August 23, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

With $2 Billion In Assets Under Management Across 57 Properties, This Company Targets An Essential Recession-Resilient Niche In The Real Estate Market

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga Necessity-based real estate refers to properties that are essential for everyday living. This includes sectors such as healthcare facilities, grocery stores, multifamily housing and more. Investing in necessity-based real estate can be a great tool for investors to build stable diversification — a layer of resilience and a safeguard around their investments against market swings. Unlike other types of real estate, necessity-based properties tend to have consistent demand even during economic downturns. This relative stability in demand helps to mitigate the risks associated with market fluctuations, and investing in necessity-based real estate allows investors to diversify their portfolios. By including these stable and essential property types in their investment strategy, investors can minimize risk, safeguard their capital and achieve long-term financial resilience. First National Realty Partners (FNRP) is a renowned necessity-based real estate firm that has established itself as the leader and inventor of the specific industry. The company was the #1 privately-held acquirer of grocery-anchored retail real estate in 2022. With its unique and effective approach, First National Realty Partners utilizes its Dragnet Acquisitions Model to identify exceptional properties nationwide that align perfectly with their stringent investment criteria. Once these carefully selected properties are identified, FNRP initiates the acquisition process. Their team meticulously develops tailored business plans for each individual property, ensuring a comprehensive and strategic approach. Concurrently, they raise the capital required for the investment, leveraging their extensive network of investors. Upon completing the due diligence process in collaboration with industry experts and cultivated relationships, FNRP proceeds to close on the property and assume control. This is where their expertise shines as they deploy their team to each property, verifying the meticulous due diligence performed and engaging with existing tenants to solidify their business plan for the property's success. With full ownership in place, the team uses its in-house management approach to maintain cost control, seamlessly execute value-add initiatives and ensure high-quality standards are upheld. A History of Real Estate Success With an impressive track record of success, FNRP has established itself as the go-to investment firm for those seeking to navigate the ever-changing market and achieve long-term wealth preservation. With over $2 billion in assets under management, FNRP has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver results for investors. Their portfolio boasts an impressive 57 current assets held, showcasing their expertise in identifying and acquiring high-quality properties that align with their investment strategy. Since its inception, FNRP has distributed over $100 million to its valued investors, a testament to their commitment to generating returns. Their successful growth is evidenced by the acquisition of over 11.5 million square feet of gross leasable area (GLA) across 23 states, solidifying their nationwide presence and extending their reach to diverse markets. What truly sets FNRP apart is its extensive network of 2,500+ accredited investors. This broad investor base reflects the trust and confidence placed in the firm by individuals who recognize their ability to consistently deliver solid opportunities for wealth creation and preservation. With its sector expertise, noteworthy track record, and commitment to excellence, FNRP stands as a leading necessity-based real estate firm. Learn more about FNRP’s upcoming deals here. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 23, 2023 09:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

VT Markets Provides Multi-Award Winning Brokerage And Top-Tier Forex Services For Over 200,000 Active Accounts — Traders Can Get Started In Just 5 Minutes

Benzinga

By David Willey, Benzinga VT Markets is a global, multi-asset brokerage company specializing in Contract for Differences (CFD) and Foreign Exchange Market (Forex) trading. The Australia-based company has spent almost a decade building an innovative and trusted brand for retail traders, with over 200,000 active clients from more than 160 countries, and an average daily trade volume of over 4 million trades every month — traders can open an account with VT Markets in as little as five minutes. Forex trading has reached new highs, with a daily turnover of $7.5 trillion in 2022, up from $6.6 trillion in 2019. There are approximately 10 million Forex traders globally. Brokerage firms like VT Markets can often help traders with everything from the mechanics of the trade to providing advice on how to make smart investment decisions. For traders, it is important to find a brokerage firm that they can trust and which has the financial instruments and the platform to support them in their trading. VT Markets’ Mission Of Accessible Trading VT Market is setting out to build a reliable, accessible platform that can serve all traders. Mobile app trading has been growing in popularity, with over $22 billion in revenue generated by app trading in 2022. Additionally, over half of all Forex traders prefer trading using a mobile device or app. VT Markets gives its traders a variety of platforms to choose from, including the popular MetaTrader 4 and 5 platforms, as well as WebTrader, WebTrader+ and the VT Markets app. The level of accessibility the platform offers is one of its key differentiating factors, with many competitors carrying far more restrictions on instruments and requirements. VT Markets provides its users with access to over a thousand financial instruments that allow them to trade almost every asset class — including Commodities, Gold and ETFs. The brokerage is the recipient of numerous brokerage awards, including Best Forex Broker Europe 2023 Awarded by Forex Awards, Fastest Growing Broker Europe 2023 Awarded by Global Business Review Magazine, Best Multi-Asset Broker MENA 2023 Awarded by International Business Magazine and more. The company believes all these awards are a recognition of its stated mission “to make trading easy and accessible for everyone.” VT Markets is looking to become one of the easiest-to-use trading solutions that provides retail traders with a comprehensive set of tools within a safe, regulated environment. This includes up to 500:1 trading leverage, a robust account management portal, and even potential extra trading bonuses. Getting started with VT Markets is as simple as 1) applying for an account, 2) selecting a payment method, and 3) begin trading with VT Market’s thousands of financial instruments across all asset classes. Traders can start an account in as little as five minutes – click here to create an account with VT Markets. Learn more about VT Markets by visiting its website. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

August 23, 2023 09:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Media and Democracy Project Debunks FOX Opposition in Broadcast License Challenge; Highlights ‘Overwhelming, Uncontested, and Irrefutable’ Evidence of Character Violations

Raynor Ave.

Founding President of Fox Broadcasting Company, Jamie Kellner, Joins Growing Coalition Seeking FCC Hearing into FOX Broadcast License New filings argue FOX cannot be relied upon to deal truthfully with the public, election lies “shock the conscience,” and Murdochs lack character to remain public interest broadcast licensees MAD Reply (PDF) | Duggan-Kristol Supplement (PDF) | Kellner Informal Objection (PDF) Today, three blockbuster filings were submitted to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of the Media and Democracy Project’s (MAD) petition challenging the broadcast license renewal application for FOX Corp-owned television station FOX 29 Philadelphia (WTXF). The filings include MAD’s formal reply to Fox Television Stations (FTS) opposition submitted earlier this month. MAD is joined by a growing bipartisan coalition filing informal objections calling for an FCC hearing to fully consider the fitness of FOX Corporation (FOX) and the Murdochs to continue as licensees of the public airwaves. Informal objections were filed by former PBS President and FCC Commissioner Ervin S. Duggan, former Weekly Standard Editor William Kristol, and founding President of Fox Broadcasting Company Jamie Kellner. Media and Democracy Project Formal Reply The lies about the 2020 election that aired on Fox News, authorized at the highest levels of FOX’s corporate structure to retain FOX’s conservative viewer base and reverse failing ratings, represent a severe breach of the FCC policy on licensee character qualifications, MAD reaffirmed today in a legal response to their effort to call for an evidentiary hearing into the matter. In the reply, MAD took the opportunity to fact check and debunk various “strawman” arguments made by FTS in defense of WTXF. MAD argues that not only does the FCC have the authority to convene a hearing, but it has an obligation to do so built on decades of precedent. According to MAD, “Never in the history of the Commission has the agency been confronted with a license renewal applicant whose parent was found by a court of law to have repeatedly presented false news.” On whether MAD has made the case that FOX is not qualified to be an FCC licensee and the policy violations are sufficient to require an evidentiary hearing, the filing stated: “FOX knew – from the Murdochs on down – that Fox News was reporting false and dangerous misinformation about the 2020 Presidential election, but FOX was more concerned about short-term ratings and market share than the long-term damage caused by its spreading disinformation.” “What is astounding is the Opposition’s [FOX’s] utter failure to reckon with the findings of false statements in Dominion that raise substantial and material questions of FOX’s character qualifications to be an FCC licensee.” "FOX has demonstrated a willingness to lie to preserve its corporate profits. FOX’s lies concerning the outcome of the 2020 election caused a great injury to the American people and the institutions of our democracy. FOX’s willingness to lie demonstrates a fatal character flaw." Responding to accusations that holding FOX accountable violates the First Amendment, MAD writes: “This is not a First Amendment case. Rather the issue here concerns a corporation that, with the full knowledge and approval of its management, lied to millions of Americans. The question before the Commission is not whether FOX had a right to lie, rather it is about the consequences of those lies and the impact on FOX’s qualifications to remain an FCC licensee.” Beyond citing FOX’s willingness to lie as demonstrating a fatal character flaw, MAD highlights numerous instances of “material misrepresentations” in the WTXF renewal application itself. These violations and the station’s false certifications in FCC licensee records are “further evidenc[e of] its propensity for untruthfulness and FOX’s poor character.” MAD ends its filing by saying, “[a]s such, the Communications Act obligates the Commission to designate these vital questions to be answered in an evidentiary hearing.” A copy of the MAD’s formal reply to FOX’s opposition is available here. Duggan-Kristol Informal Objection Supplement Ervin S. Duggan and William Kristol joined MAD in responding to the “gaping holes” found throughout FOX’s opposition. The media veterans reiterate their call for an evidentiary hearing, saying: “Every application for a broadcast license renewal is not only a test for the applicant, but also for the FCC itself. In considering this application, the Commission inevitably will reveal whether it is serious about its regulations, or merely pretending; whether its standards are genuine, or mere shibboleths; whether its regulatory spine is strong, or made of mush.” The filing points out that the FCC Media Bureau already refuted FOX’s argument in 2012 that the parent company has no involvement in a station’s operations: “During the last television renewal cycle in 2012, FTS argued that the conduct of its parent company and of affiliates not directly involved in station operations cannot impact a station’s license renewal application, even if that conduct violates the FCC’s policy statements on licensee character. The Fox Reply takes essentially the same tack. But since the Media Bureau went out of its way to say that it did not endorse that position ten years ago, FTS now clothes its position in a new cloak of legalisms and technicalities that have no more merit than its previous bald assertion.” On FOX’s First Amendment defense, the pair said: “[D]espite the Fox Reply’s strenuous efforts to obscure the point through First Amendment rhetoric, the character and public-interest standards of the FCC are in fact standards of behavior, not speech. And in invoking the Commission’s character standards, MAD through its petition is asking the FCC to weigh FOX’s behavior, not asking the Commission to evaluate or sanction the content of its speech.” Duggan and Kristol say this of FOX’s claim that Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch’s role in perpetuating election falsehoods has no bearings over their ownership of WTXF: “If a broadcast licensee shows poor judgment or questionable character in managing a business that -- but for FCC licensure -- is identical in core objectives and operational particulars to the operation of a broadcast station, that bad judgment and suspect character should speak loudly to the Commission. In fact, it should speak much louder than the direct licensee misconduct in more attenuated contexts, or employees’ misconduct in unrelated businesses, that have provoked the FCC to designate hearings or seek to deny license renewals in the past.” A copy of the Duggan-Kristol informal objection supplemental is available here. Jamie Kellner Informal Objection Former Fox Broadcasting Company (FBC) President Jamie Kellner joined others in calling on the FCC to designate a hearing. Kellner is a well-respected former television executive who was present at the creation of Fox Broadcasting Company. He was hired by Rupert Murdoch in 1986 to serve as the broadcasting arm’s founding president and chief operating officer and helped FOX establish a foothold as America’s long-sought fourth over-the-air broadcast television network. In his filing Kellner says, “[m]y amazing colleagues and I worked hard to establish the Fox brand in television and to help Rupert Murdoch become an established force in American Network television.” He goes on to say: “While I was President of FBC we started a news division that provided daily feeds of national and international news stories for the Fox-owned and affiliated television stations for inclusion in their locally produced newscasts. Unlike the news feeds provided today by Fox News Channel, our news feeds did not prominently feature advocates like Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell spouting nonsensical lies about a Presidential election.” A copy of the Kellner informal objection is available here. The Media and Democracy Project: MAD is a non-partisan, all-volunteer, grassroots civic membership organization fighting for a more informative and pro-democracy media operating in the public interest. MAD aims to improve our national discourse so that American voters can engage in informed decision-making. As part of that goal, MAD has an interest in the responsibility of journalists and media to report fully, accurately, and fairly on the electoral process and the outcome of elections. Additional information is available at www.MediaAndDemocracyProject.org. Ervin S. Duggan is a veteran of the Lyndon Johnson White House, a former Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, and former President of PBS. William Kristol is a veteran political analyst and commentator. He served in senior positions in the Ronald Reagan administration and the George H.W. Bush White House. For two decades, he edited The Weekly Standard magazine, and is now editor at large of The Bulwark and a director of the educational and advocacy group, Defending Democracy Together. Jamie Kellner was the Founding President of Fox Broadcasting Company, having also founded The WB Network and served as CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, overseeing networks like CNN, TNT, and TBS. Contact Details Raynor Ave. Aaron Alberico +1 202-744-0786 aalberico@raynoravenue.com Company Website https://www.raynoravenue.com/

August 22, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time