Tribal Radio Funding Secured Amid Cuts to Public Broadcasting
KILI-FM, a tribal radio station based in Porcupine, South Dakota, is selling its vinyl record collection to raise funds after Congress defunded the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in July. A last-minute deal by Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) secured $9.4 million for 38 tribal stations, including KILI, KOYA (St. Francis), and KDKO (Lake Andes), from previously appropriated federal funds. However, station manager Oitancan “Oi” Zephier remains concerned about the reliability of this new annual appropriations process. KILI’s $235,000 award matches its former CPB funding but still leaves a shortfall. Read More (News From the States Rating)
AP Press Access Lawsuit Against Trump Heads to Appeals Court
The Associated Press’s legal battle with President Donald Trump’s administration continues as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit hears arguments over the AP’s restricted press access. The dispute stems from the AP’s refusal to adopt Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” A lower court ruled in April that the administration’s actions likely constituted unconstitutional retaliation. The Trump team argues the AP has no inherent right to privileged press access. Meanwhile, the AP contends the restrictions infringe on First Amendment protections and amount to coercion. Read More (Yahoo News Rating)
Survey: Most Americans Believe Free Speech is in Decline
A new survey by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) shows a steep drop in Americans’ confidence in free speech. Seventy-four percent of respondents believe the U.S. is heading in the wrong direction regarding free expression—a 10-point increase since July. This pessimism spans political lines, especially following the September assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the subsequent public and governmental backlash. While 56% still support strong First Amendment rights, 35% say the amendment goes too far, and 59% agree that “words can be violence.” The FIRE survey also found high concern about government pressure on media and social platforms, with over half fearing suppression of protected viewpoints. Read More (Reason Rating)
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