Fox Acquires Roku, Marking Significant Move in Streaming Industry

Fox Corporation has successfully finalized its $22 billion acquisition of Roku, a leading smart TV company. This strategic move significantly enhances Fox’s position in the highly competitive streaming market.

Lachlan Murdoch, executive chair and CEO of Fox Corp., emphasized the company’s commitment to serving audiences and partners while maintaining the openness and choice that defines the Roku platform. This acquisition comes years after Fox sold 21st Century Fox to Disney for $71 billion, marking its return to the streaming battle with renewed vigor.

With this acquisition, Fox gains an edge in the realm of free, ad-supported streaming. It already owns Tubi, and now, with the addition of the Roku Channel, it consolidates two leading platforms in this growing segment.

The finalized cash-and-stock deal became effective immediately, with Roku shares halted on the Nasdaq exchange.

Reporter covering media, press freedom and the information economy

Historic Political Shift in Mississippi

In a noteworthy political development, former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder expressed surprise at Mississippi’s potential election of a Black man, Scott Colom, to the U.S. Senate.

Reflecting on the state’s violent civil rights history, Wilder, 95, highlighted the significance of this potential victory. He noted his own historic election in 1989 as the first African American governor since Reconstruction and expressed astonishment at the current developments.

In addition to Mississippi, five other states elected Black governors, including Maryland’s Wes Moore, who secured a second term. Wilder emphasized the ongoing work needed in the U.S. in areas such as civil rights, inflation, and international relations.

Wilder’s remarks underline the gradual yet profound changes occurring within American politics.

Trends in College Costs Show Decrease Over a Decade

A recent report from the College Board reveals a decline in college costs over the past decade. Despite public perception, the overall cost of college is down once inflation and student aid are considered.

In-state freshmen face an average cost of attendance of $21,660 in 2026, a 14% decrease from ten years ago. At private nonprofit institutions, the net cost fell by 9% to $38,540.

This change is attributed to reduced tuition hikes, increased state support, and a competitive market with fewer high school graduates. The Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid report highlights that public college sticker prices have risen slower than inflation, with tuition and fees increasing by less than 3% for public universities from 2025 to 2026.

The report, based on data from 2,913 schools, indicates that grants and scholarships from colleges, states, and the federal government have significantly reduced student expenses.

Reporter covering higher education with a focus on the economics of college