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Broadcasting + Cable Shuts Down After 85 Years

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, January 3rd 2026 at 11:44 GMT by Los Angeles Times

The End of an Era: Broadcasting + Cable Shuts Down After Decades Covering the Media Landscape

The media industry is mourning the sudden closure of Broadcasting + Cable, a long-standing trade journal that has served as a vital source of news and analysis for decades. Effective August 13, 2024, NMXJ (formerly known as NewBay Media), the publication’s parent company, will cease publishing both print and digital editions, marking a significant loss for those tracking the evolution of television, radio, and cable broadcasting. The announcement, made on August 6th, shocked many within the industry who considered B+C an indispensable resource.

For over 85 years, Broadcasting + Cable (originally Billboard, then Broadcasting, and later merging with Cablevision) has been a cornerstone of media trade publications. It chronicled the rise of television, the advent of cable networks, the transition to digital broadcasting, and the ongoing shifts in content consumption brought about by streaming services. Its reporting covered everything from regulatory changes and network programming strategies to advertising revenue trends and technological advancements. The publication’s archives represent a comprehensive historical record of the media industry's transformations.

The reasons behind NMXJ’s decision to shutter Broadcasting + Cable are complex, rooted in the broader challenges facing legacy media outlets in the digital age. While the exact financial details haven't been fully disclosed, the primary driver is the continued decline in advertising revenue and subscription models – a problem plaguing print publications across numerous industries. The rise of free online news sources and specialized websites catering to niche audiences has eroded B+C's readership base and diminished its ability to generate sufficient income.

As stated in the Los Angeles Times article, NMXJ CEO Keith Brown cited “a challenging advertising market” as a key factor. The traditional model of relying on advertising from networks, cable operators, and broadcasters simply isn’t sustainable anymore. The shift towards programmatic advertising and the fragmentation of media consumption have made it increasingly difficult for trade publications to compete for ad dollars.

Furthermore, the ownership history of Broadcasting + Cable has been turbulent in recent years, contributing to instability. The publication has passed through several hands since its initial founding. NMXJ itself was acquired by UK-based publishing group Future plc in 2019. While Future initially seemed committed to maintaining B+C, the company’s strategic focus appears to have shifted towards digital brands with higher growth potential, leaving Broadcasting + Cable vulnerable. Future's decision to sell NMXJ (including B+C) back to its previous owners in 2023 further underscored this shift and signaled a lack of long-term confidence in the publication’s viability.

The closure leaves a void in media industry coverage. While other publications like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline cover aspects of the entertainment business, Broadcasting + Cable carved out a unique niche focusing specifically on broadcasting technology, regulatory affairs, and the operational side of television and radio. Its deep dive reporting on technical standards, spectrum auctions, and FCC rulings will be sorely missed by industry professionals who rely on this specialized knowledge.

The impact extends beyond just news consumers. Broadcasting + Cable employed a dedicated team of journalists, editors, and sales staff whose jobs are now at risk. The closure represents another painful reminder of the job losses sweeping across the media landscape as traditional businesses struggle to adapt to digital disruption. According to the LA Times article, approximately 50 employees will be affected by the shutdown.

The demise of Broadcasting + Cable isn’t an isolated incident; it's a symptom of a larger systemic problem within the media industry. The rise of streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ has fundamentally altered how people consume content, creating new challenges for traditional broadcasters and cable networks. While these platforms have opened up exciting opportunities for creators and audiences, they have also disrupted established business models and accelerated the decline of legacy media outlets.

Looking ahead, it remains to be seen whether any entity will step in to acquire Broadcasting + Cable or launch a similar publication to fill the void. However, given the current economic climate and the ongoing challenges facing the media industry, such a rescue seems unlikely. The closure of Broadcasting + Cable marks not only the end of a beloved trade journal but also a symbolic moment in the ongoing evolution – and contraction – of traditional media. It serves as a stark warning about the need for adaptability and innovation in an increasingly digital world.

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