CFX Download

"Grand Theft Auto VI" is taking over the world this month and connectivity companies, including Spectrum and Comcast, are taking a proactive approach to the incoming surge in downloads. Both operators are offering free Gig upgrades for a limited time to make sure their customers can easily and quickly download the 212 GB game file and get playing. CFX Download digs into why GTA VI is poised to break traffic records, what ISPs expect on launch day and how gaming is playing a bigger part in the industry. Plus, Team CFX share their gaming memories!

A year of big TMT mergers continued this week with the closing of Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The company now officially known simply as Skydance not only controls two major Hollywood studios and streaming services but also operates over 50 basic cable channels. CFX Download dives into what the merger means for the cable industry, including what a recent settlement with the states says Skydance can and can't do when negotiating new carriage deals with distributors. Plus, we break down Skydance's ample sports portfolio, the future of CNN and CBS News and what Editorial Director Amy Maclean saw at the Kaitz Event, which took place just a day after the deal closed.

The connectivity and content industries are set to gather in Atlanta for SCTE TechExpo26 (Sept. 29-Oct. 1) in just a few days, making it the perfect time to catch up with SCTE President/CEO Maria Popo about what attendees should expect at the show. There will of course be plenty to cover in terms of AI, quantum computing, network vandalism and policy, but this year's show will also put focus on the technology supporting content companies, including AMC Global Media, which is co-sponsoring the event. And there is plenty more to dive into in this jam-packed TechExpo preview!

Mark Bridges, previously CableLabs EVP/CTO, stepped into the role of President of the industry's nonprofit research and development lab last month. And when January comes around, Bridges will also take over as CEO, as longtime leader Phil McKinney begins a well-earned retirement. With SCTE TechExpo coming up in a few weeks, it was the perfect time for CFX Download to sit down with Bridges to not only talk about what's new at this year's gathering in Atlanta but his vision for CableLabs moving forward.

Charter and Cox finally closed their $34.5 billion merger this week. The deal makes Charter the largest broadband provider in the country. CFX Download dives into what this means for the combined company going forward, how Charter is rolling out Spectrum services in Cox's footprint and what the new leadership structure looks like. Plus, a look at how the deal ties into Spectrum's RSN business.

While Comcast and Charter's broadband businesses face a rocky road ahead, their mobile offerings remain a bright spot. Both operators reported strong mobile growth in 2Q26, with plenty of roadway ahead to expand wireless service even further. The latest episode of CFX Download takes a look at each operator's mobile strategy and why mobile is such an important lever for cable as it continues to face fierce competition from the telcos. Plus, a brief look at what T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon had to say about their broadband push.

NCTC CEO Lou Borrelli and ACA Connects President/CEO Grant Spellmeyer joined CFX Download for a far-reaching conversation that covered what to expect at this year's Independent Show, top-priority policy concerns, AI progress, industry consolidation, video and much more. Plus, we learned which characters Lou and Grant are excited to see the most when TIS returns to Walt Disney World on July 26-29. (Grant's pick is a riot.)

The first half of the year has flown by and CFX Download is looking back at the biggest surprises of 2026 so far. We talk about shock TMT mergers, court battles and, yes, why the heck are those BEAD non-deployment dollars taking so long?! Come for the analysis, stay for World Cup shenanigans, including our picks for who we think will win the tournament.

CNN SVP, Programming Nima Ahmed joined CFX Download to talk all about the network's FAST strategy and what differentiates its programming from CNN linear and DTC. Ahmed also looked back on the most memorable story she has worked on in her career.

Cablefax officially became CFX this month. In the latest episode of CFX Download, the editorial team sits down to briefly chat about why it was time for a rebrand, how the new name fits an evolving industry and why we'll still always love the name Cablefax. (Spoiler: Editorial Director Amy Maclean also reminisces about the days when the Daily was literally faxed to readers!)