AT&T launched its streaming service, HBO Max, this morning, but did so without securing app support for Amazon Fire TV or Roku. The two platforms combined make up the majority of the streaming ecosystem, and none of the three companies provided details about negotiations.

FX has given the go-ahead to a spinoff of its "American Horror Story" anthology series as one of nine new shows the network plans to introduce next year despite production delays caused by the coronavirus. "American Horror Stories" will cover a distinct narrative in every episode, unlike the season-long arcs of the original program.

New York City officials are looking to broadband service providers and other tech companies for ideas to provide high-speed service to residents who still lack
access. The request marks the initial phase of Mayor Bill de Blasio's plan to bring broadband access to the entire population.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for broadcasters, disrupting production and decreasing advertising revenue while increasing demand for news and entertainment, says Gordon Smith, CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters. The NAB is actively working with federal lawmakers to secure support for local television and radio stations, Smith says.

AT&T launched its big entry into the streaming wars, HBO Max, earlier today. The platform costs more than competitors such as Netflix, though a cheaper version with commercials is reportedly in the works.

Quibi viewers can now stream content from their iPhones to devices such as televisions with Apple's AirPlay. The company is also working on adding Chromecast support to its platform next month.

HBO Max has acquired the rights to international English-language editions of the popular dating franchise "The Bachelor." Versions from the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will make their US debuts when the streaming service launches today.

Congress should include more money to expand broadband services through the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund in the next coronavirus relief package, said 31 state attorneys general. They praised carriers for their actions during the crisis but added that "longstanding disparities" require federal funding to resolve.

A division of the Matanuska Telephone Association has linked Alaska to the Continental US via an overland route, abrogating the need to deliver internet and telephone services by expensive subsea cables that are susceptible to earthquakes, the MTA announced. The group said it will lease the lines to other telecoms rather than provide commercial services on its own.

Streaming services continued to attract higher viewership during the week of May 11 compared to early February, Comscore reports noting the five leading services account for more than 80% of the streaming hours viewed with Netflix. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ enjoyed higher shares of viewing while Hulu declined in the period.