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Tag: media news

  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 12/12/2025

    Arkansas Becomes First State to Cut Ties with PBS

    The Arkansas Educational Television Commission has voted to end its decades-long affiliation with PBS, effective July 1, 2026. The decision marks the first time a state has formally severed ties with the broadcaster known for programs like “Sesame Street” and “Antiques Roadshow.” The move comes amid financial concerns, including $2.5 million in annual PBS dues and the loss of equivalent federal funding after Congress defunded the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Arkansas PBS will rebrand as “Arkansas TV” and focus more on local content. PBS expressed disappointment, calling the decision a loss for viewers. Read More (Yahoo News Rating)

    Caren Bohan Departs as Editor-in-Chief of USA Today Amid Cost-Cutting

    Caren Bohan is stepping down as editor-in-chief of USA Today after just over a year in the role, amid ongoing financial challenges at USA Today Co., which recently announced $100 million in cuts. Michael McCarter will serve as interim editor. Bohan cited “many challenges facing our industry” in a farewell message and praised her team’s journalistic efforts. Her departure follows a series of leadership changes at the company. Read More (Associated Press Rating)

    Trump Calls for CNN to Be Sold Amid Warner Bros. Merger Talks

    President Donald Trump has publicly urged that CNN be sold, calling its current leadership “corrupt or incompetent,” as Warner Bros. Discovery explores a megamerger with either Netflix or Paramount. Paramount has launched a hostile bid that includes CNN, while Netflix’s bid would leave it out. Trump has praised Paramount’s David Ellison for his media reforms and expressed confidence that Ellison would revamp CNN’s editorial direction. The potential mergers raise major antitrust concerns and are drawing scrutiny from regulators. Read More (The Hill Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 12/10/2025

    X Fined €120M by EU Under DSA, Cuts Off Commission’s Ad Account

    The European Commission fined X (formerly Twitter) €120 million for violating the Digital Services Act, citing deceptive blue checkmark design, lack of ad transparency, and restricted data access for researchers. CEO Elon Musk dismissed the ruling as “Bullshit,” and the company blocked the Commission’s dormant ad account in retaliation. X must pay the fine and outline compliance measures within 60 days or face further penalties. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)

    EU Probes Google Over AI Use of Online Content

    EU regulators launched an antitrust investigation into Google’s use of online and YouTube content for AI features like AI Overviews, alleging unfair advantages and lack of compensation for creators (this is highly damaging to MBFC). The probe aims to assess whether Google’s practices harm competition and could lead to major fines. Google denies wrongdoing, saying the move risks stifling innovation. (Read More) (Yahoo News Rating)

    Rahm Emanuel Backs U.S. Ban on Social Media for Kids Under 16

    Rahm Emanuel is urging the U.S. to adopt an under-16 social media ban similar to Australia’s new law, citing risks like addiction, anxiety, and online exploitation. He argues parents need help from regulators to protect children and calls for decisive action over continued debate. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/28/2025

    Trump Lashes Out at NYT Reporter Over Health Article

    President Donald Trump criticized New York Times White House correspondent Katie Rogers as “ugly, both inside and out” following an article addressing his age, health, and signs of fatigue. In a Truth Social post, Trump denied the claims, emphasizing his recent “perfect” physical and cognitive tests. He accused the NYT of coordinated negative coverage. The Times defended Rogers and their reporting, stating their work is based on accurate, firsthand information and will not be swayed by insults or intimidation. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

    Swedish Publishers File Criminal Complaint Against Meta CEO Over Scam Ads

    A coalition of Swedish media organizations, including major broadcasters and publishers, has filed a criminal complaint against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The complaint alleges that Facebook hosts scam ads impersonating journalists and media brands to deceive users, causing financial and psychological harm. Despite multiple appeals to Meta, the publishers say fraudulent ads remain active. Meta claims to be aggressively combating scams, citing the removal of over 134 million scam ads in 2025. (Read More) (Press Gazette Rating)

    Florida Wins Interim Ruling to Enforce Social Media Restrictions for Minors

    The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has temporarily allowed Florida to enforce a law restricting minors under 16 from using social media platforms with “addictive features” unless parental consent is provided. Judges ruled the law serves a substantial government interest, though one judge dissented, citing significant burdens on minors’ First Amendment rights. The decision is preliminary and may change as legal challenges continue from tech industry groups including NetChoice and CCIA. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/27/2025

    Trump Blasts New York Times Over Report on Aging and Energy Levels

    President Donald Trump slammed The New York Times for publishing a report that questioned his physical stamina and signs of aging during his second term. The article, titled “Shorter Days, Signs of Fatigue: Trump Faces Realities of Aging in Office,” noted Trump’s later start times for public events and a decrease in official appearances compared to his first term. It also referenced his diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency. Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the piece a “hit job” and touting his recent physical and cognitive test results as “perfect.” He also attacked one of the article’s authors personally. Trump had a physical in October, where his doctor stated his health markers were stable. (Read More) (Washington Examiner Rating)

    “Slop Evader” Tool Filters Out AI-Generated Content for Pre-ChatGPT Web Searches

    Artist and researcher Tega Brain has launched Slop Evader, a browser extension designed to help users avoid AI-generated content by limiting Google search results to those published before November 30, 2022—the release date of ChatGPT. The tool works in Firefox and Chrome and supports pre-GPT archives for seven sites, including Reddit, YouTube, and Stack Exchange. Brain describes the project as a response to the overwhelming presence of “synthetic media” and its impact on digital trust and mental burden. While the tool restricts access to current information, it aims to provoke thought on resisting AI-driven online experiences and inspire collective pushback against generative AI’s dominance. (Read More) (404 Media Rating)

    Supreme Court Delays Ruling on Trump’s Firing of U.S. Copyright Office Head

    The Supreme Court has postponed its decision on whether President Trump could lawfully fire U.S. Copyright Office Director Shira Perlmutter, pending outcomes in related cases involving firings from the FTC and Federal Reserve. Perlmutter’s dismissal followed a report questioning the use of copyrighted works in AI model training, which contradicted Trump’s public stance. A federal appeals court blocked her removal, deeming it potentially unconstitutional, prompting an emergency appeal from the Trump administration. The legal debate centers on whether the Copyright Office functions under the legislative or executive branch. Perlmutter’s case joins others testing presidential authority over independent agencies. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/26/2025

    Google’s ‘Aluminium’ OS Project to Bring Android to PCs

    Google is reportedly preparing to launch a new Android-based operating system for traditional PCs, internally codenamed “Aluminium.” This move could reshape advertising strategies by merging Android’s mobile targeting capabilities with desktop’s immersive ad formats. Currently, Chrome OS holds just 1.53% of the global desktop market and 8.44% in the U.S., primarily within K-12 education and enterprises. The discovery of a now-deleted job listing referencing the “Aluminium” OS confirmed Google’s unified platform efforts. Advertisers are expected to benefit from cross-platform targeting and expanded desktop reach. Read More – MediaPost Rating

    Alaska Landmine Sued for Defamation by State Official

    Dorene Lorenz, chair of Alaska’s human rights commission, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Jeff Landfield, publisher of the Alaska Landmine, over social media posts and commentary she says misrepresented her involvement in a failed historic preservation project. The suit stems from comments Landfield made about Lorenz’s use of state funds related to the Jesse Lee Home, which she disputes. The case highlights tensions between political commentary, factual reporting, and defamation law in Alaska. Read More – News From The States

    Survey Finds New Journalists Demand Reinvention in News Industry

    A Tickaroo survey of 172 U.K. journalism students and early-career professionals reveals growing dissatisfaction with journalism’s economics and workplace culture. While 80% are driven by ideals such as truth-telling and accountability, many cite low pay, a lack of diversity, and inadequate training in digital and entrepreneurial skills as major obstacles. A majority call for newsroom hiring reform, fair pay, and support for underrepresented voices. Concerns about AI, misinformation, and shrinking relevance also loom. Tickaroo emphasizes that these insights are crucial for shaping a sustainable, trustworthy journalism future. Read More – Editor & Publisher

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/25/2025

    Trump Opposes Lifting Broadcast Ownership Cap, Contradicting His FCC Chair

    President Donald Trump publicly opposed lifting the national ownership cap that limits any broadcaster from reaching more than 39% of U.S. households, contradicting his FCC ally Brendan Carr. Carr and the National Association of Broadcasters have long pushed for deregulation to allow local stations to consolidate and better compete with Big Tech. Trump, however, warned on Truth Social that lifting the cap would benefit “Radical Left Networks” like ABC and NBC, which he called extensions of the Democratic Party. Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy, a Trump ally, also opposes the change, warning it could silence conservative voices. Read More (Axios Rating)

    Senators Urge FTC and SEC to Investigate Scam Ads on Facebook and Instagram

    U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal have called on federal regulators to investigate Meta over billions in revenue from scam ads on Facebook and Instagram. Citing internal documents obtained by Reuters, they allege Meta earned around $16 billion from illicit ads in 2024 alone, with $3.5 billion coming from “higher risk” scams every six months. The senators criticized Meta for reducing safety staff and failing to enforce anti-fraud rules, citing fake government-related ads and AI-generated deepfakes. Meta rejected the claims as exaggerated, noting a 58% decline in user scam reports over 18 months. Read More (The Guardian Rating)

    Sinclair Moves Forward With Full Takeover Bid for Scripps Amid FCC Uncertainty

    Despite political uncertainty around FCC broadcast ownership rules, Sinclair has submitted a formal bid to acquire the remaining shares of E.W. Scripps that it does not already own. The proposal, worth $7 per share, comes as Sinclair increased its stake to 9.9%. The move is surprising given President Trump’s recent opposition to lifting the ownership cap. Sinclair CEO Christopher Ripley said the merger would strengthen local journalism and create long-term value. The company may be betting on eventual deregulation or planning strategic divestitures to gain regulatory approval. The FCC is currently reviewing the rules in question. Read More (Axios Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/24/2025

    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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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/23/2025

    Legal Scholars Across Ideological Spectrum Urge Colleges to Reject Trump’s Higher Ed “Compact”

    In a new op-ed for U.S. News & World Report, five legal scholars with divergent political views jointly argue that colleges should reject the Trump administration’s proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” The authors assert that the compact is unconstitutional and a threat to academic freedom. The compact would link federal benefits to universities’ compliance with government-prescribed standards for admissions, hiring, curriculum, and more. The scholars highlight five key concerns, including First Amendment violations, federal overreach, unlawful funding conditions, lack of due process, and ideological inconsistency. Most of the initial recipient universities have declined to sign the compact, though a few lesser-known institutions have expressed openness to it. (Read More) (Reason Rating)

    France Investigates Musk’s Grok AI After Holocaust Denial Comments

    French authorities are investigating Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok, hosted on X, after it posted content in French that echoed Holocaust denial tropes regarding Auschwitz’s gas chambers. The post, which referred to Zyklon B as a typhus treatment, prompted backlash from the Auschwitz Memorial and human rights groups. Though Grok later retracted the claim and posted historically accurate corrections, the damage drew legal attention. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the remarks have been added to an existing cybercrime probe into X, focusing on incitement to racial hatred and the denial of crimes against humanity. France’s strict Holocaust denial laws and the EU’s Digital Services Act are central to the ongoing scrutiny. Rights groups have filed formal criminal complaints, and the European Commission has expressed concern over Grok’s content. (Read More) (PBS NewsHour Rating)

    Wall Street Journal Warns GOP Could Lose Ground Over Texas Redistricting Push

    The Wall Street Journal editorial board is cautioning Republicans that their failed attempt to gerrymander congressional districts in Texas could backfire. A federal judge recently blocked the GOP-favored map as a likely racial gerrymander, following pressure from Donald Trump to redraw lines ahead of the 2026 midterms. The Journal criticized the move as a “legal hash” and suggested it may hurt Republicans’ chances of retaining their House majority. The paper warned that Texans are unlikely to be fooled by the mid-decade redistricting effort, which could be seen as overtly partisan. The state is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, which is already handling a redistricting case from Louisiana.
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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/21/2025

    Trump Renews Calls for Jimmy Kimmel’s Firing After Suspension Controversy

    President Donald Trump is again demanding the cancellation of ABC’s late-night show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, calling Kimmel talentless and accusing ABC of airing biased content. The renewed criticism follows Kimmel’s brief suspension in September after comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination that critics said unfairly linked the crime to right-wing figures. The show was off the air for under a week, and Kimmel returned without a direct apology, defending political satire as a form of protected speech. Trump’s remarks were posted on Truth Social, where he also celebrated the recent cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s CBS show. (Read More) (Yahoo News Rating)

    Pew Report: Facebook and YouTube Still Lead in U.S. Social App Usage

    According to a new Pew Research Center report surveying 5,000 Americans, YouTube and Facebook remain the most widely used social platforms, with 71% of respondents saying they “ever use” Facebook. The data reflects broad usage but does not capture time spent or user engagement—factors that might show TikTok and Instagram in a more favorable light. The report also introduced usage stats for newer platforms: 8% of respondents now use Threads, compared to 4% for Bluesky and 21% for X (formerly Twitter). Younger users reportedly favor Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, while daily usage data suggests Facebook remains a habitual check-in app. (Read More) (Social Media Today Rating)

    Thomson Reuters Urges Court to Uphold Ruling Against AI Firm Ross Intelligence

    Thomson Reuters is asking a federal appeals court to uphold a copyright ruling against Ross Intelligence, an AI firm accused of unlawfully using Westlaw’s proprietary headnotes to train its legal research platform. In filings to the 3rd Circuit, Reuters called Ross’s use “theft,” arguing it harms Westlaw’s market. A lower court ruled against Ross in February, rejecting its fair use defense. Ross is appealing, supported by tech and digital rights groups who argue that such use is transformative and serves public interest. A ruling could set a significant precedent on how AI tools may legally train on copyrighted materials. No date has been set for oral arguments. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/20/2025

    Sinclair Eyes E.W. Scripps Takeover with $15.6M Stake Purchase

    Sinclair Broadcasting has purchased an 8% stake in E.W. Scripps, valued at $15.6 million, in what appears to be a strategic move toward a full takeover. The purchase coincides with anticipated changes to FCC ownership caps, which currently limit how many stations a single company can own. While Sinclair has been in discussions with Scripps for months, Scripps’ board signaled resistance, emphasizing it would protect shareholder interests. Both companies have struggled with declining advertising revenues and are counting on FCC deregulation to enable expansion ahead of the 2026 election and major sports programming. Read More (Poynter Rating)

    NPR Secures Funding Amid Legal Challenge to Trump’s Public Broadcasting Ban

    NPR reached a temporary settlement allowing it to access federal funds while it continues a lawsuit against the Trump administration’s executive order that cut public broadcasting support. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting agreed not to enforce the order unless required by court ruling, permitting NPR to sustain operations while litigation proceeds. The suit, backed by three Colorado stations, argues the funding ban violates the First Amendment and congressional authority, and oral arguments are scheduled for December. Meanwhile, the House has voted to reduce CPB’s budget by $9.4 billion, escalating the stakes. Read More (Scripps News Rating)

    Meta Defeats FTC in Landmark Antitrust Case Over Instagram, WhatsApp

    Meta has won a significant legal battle against the Federal Trade Commission, which sought to force divestment of Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing the acquisitions were anticompetitive. A federal judge dismissed the claim, saying the FTC failed to prove Meta stifled competition, especially given the success of rivals like TikTok and YouTube. The case, originally filed in 2020 and revised in 2021, posed a serious threat to Meta’s structure but ultimately failed to show monopoly behavior under current antitrust law. The ruling allows Meta to continue operating without forced divestitures. Read More (Social Media Today Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/19/2025

    New York Times Severs Ties with Larry Summers Over Epstein Email Revelations

    The New York Times has announced it will not renew Larry Summers’ contract as a contributing opinion writer following the release of emails between the former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Jeffrey Epstein. House Republicans recently published thousands of documents linking Summers to Epstein, including emails in which Epstein referred to himself as Summers’ “wing man” and offered relationship advice. Summers admitted to maintaining contact with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting sex from a minor. In response, multiple institutions, including the Center for American Progress and Yale’s Budget Lab, have cut ties with Summers. Summers issued a statement of regret, saying he would step back from public roles to rebuild trust. Read More (The Guardian Rating)

    Court Dismisses Trump’s Defamation Lawsuit Against CNN Over “Big Lie” Phrase

    The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against CNN. The president had argued that CNN’s use of the term “Big Lie” to describe his election fraud claims implied he was comparable to Adolf Hitler. Judges Adalberto Jordan, Kevin Newsom, and Elizabeth Branch concluded that the phrase was too ambiguous and subjective to be proven true or false. The ruling cited legal precedent emphasizing that politically charged or evaluative language, like “fascist” or “radical right,” is not considered a factual statement under defamation law. The court determined Trump’s interpretation of the phrase did not make CNN’s coverage defamatory. Read More (Reason Rating)

    Marjorie Taylor Greene Says She Now Watches CNN and BBC More Than Fox News

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene revealed in a Vanity Fair interview that she has largely stopped watching Fox News, citing a fallout with the network. Once a regular presence on Fox, Greene claims she’s been blacklisted due to her criticisms and now prefers CNN, NBC, CNBC, and the BBC. She last appeared on Fox News in June and had a video segment on Fox News Digital in July. Greene has criticized the network’s aging viewership and questioned its relevance with younger Americans. Despite her comments, Fox News remains dominant in ratings, recently averaging 2.4 million prime-time viewers, with shows like “Gutfeld!” drawing strong numbers in the 25-54 demographic. Read More (Washington Examiner Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/18/2025

    BBC Chair Responds to Trump Lawsuit Threat Over Panorama Broadcast

    BBC Chairman Samir Shah announced the corporation will contest any legal action threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claims he will sue the BBC for between $1 billion and $5 billion. The dispute centers on a Panorama episode that edited Trump’s January 6, 2021, speech in a way that allegedly suggested a direct call for violence. Though the BBC issued an apology and labeled the edit an “error of judgment,” it declined to offer financial compensation. The controversy led to the resignations of BBC Director-General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness. Shah emphasized to staff that “there is no basis for a defamation case.” (Read More) (Sky News Rating)

    Heritage Foundation Board Member Resigns Over Defense of Antisemitic Interview

    Robert P. George resigned from the Heritage Foundation’s Board of Trustees following the organization’s defense of Tucker Carlson, who had interviewed controversial far-right figure Nick Fuentes. George cited his inability to accept Heritage President Kevin Roberts’ refusal to fully retract a video defending Carlson. Roberts initially resisted criticism but later apologized for his language, acknowledging that the video was a mistake. The incident sparked backlash from Heritage staff and allies. George expressed his hope that Heritage would stay true to its founding values and principles rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition and constitutional ideals. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

    Meta, TikTok, and Google Sue California Over Law Limiting Content Recommendations for Teens

    Meta, Google, and TikTok have filed separate lawsuits challenging California’s SB976, a law that restricts social media platforms from recommending content to minors without parental consent. The companies argue the law violates the First Amendment by interfering with how platforms curate and present content. The suits follow a federal appeals court decision stating only individual platforms — not trade groups — could challenge the law. Meta claims the restrictions would hinder its ability to promote user safety, while TikTok emphasizes the centrality of content recommendations to its user experience. The law is part of California’s broader effort to combat youth addiction to social media. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/17/2025

    MSNBC Rebrands as ‘MS NOW’ Under New Ownership

    MSNBC officially transitioned to a new identity as “MS NOW” on Saturday, following its separation from NBCUniversal and integration into a new Comcast-created company called Versant. The new name—an acronym for “My Source for News, Opinion and the World”—coincides with a broader restructuring effort aimed at creating an independent brand. The rebranding eliminates the Peacock logo and ends its reliance on NBC News for reporting resources. Despite this, MS NOW stated its programming, including hosts and scheduling, remains unchanged. Versant CEO Mark Lazarus described the change as a chance to build a standalone news organization. The network is also launching a “Morning Joe” newsletter and investing in its own newsroom in a new Manhattan headquarters. Read More (The Hill Rating)

    Google Seeks Dismissal of Penske Media Copyright Scraping Lawsuit

    Google and parent company Alphabet have moved to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Penske Media Corporation (PMC), which accuses Google’s AI-generated content summaries of unlawfully using its articles. PMC—publisher of titles like Rolling Stone, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter—claims that Google’s summaries reduce traffic to its sites and exploit its journalism without compensation. The tech giant filed for the case’s dismissal “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. Google did not explain the basis for dismissal in its filing but requested oral arguments. Read More (MediaPost Rating)

    Trump Threatens $1–$5 Billion Lawsuit Against BBC Over Edited Jan. 6 Documentary

    President Donald Trump announced plans to sue the BBC, claiming the broadcaster deceptively edited footage of his January 6, 2021 speech, making it appear as though he incited violence during the Capitol riot. The contested BBC documentary spliced separate portions of his speech, portraying him as calling for aggressive action. Trump cited this as defamation and said he would consult with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While the BBC apologized for the misleading impression and withdrew the program, it declined Trump’s demand for financial compensation. Trump likened the incident to alleged media misrepresentations involving other political figures. Read More (The Hill Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/16/2025

    Babylon Bee Faces Backlash Over Deleted Post Mocking Megyn Kelly and Israel

    Satirical site The Babylon Bee drew significant criticism after posting an image implying Israel might target conservative media figure Megyn Kelly over her recent criticism of the country. Critics, including Tim Pool and Glenn Greenwald, accused the post of perpetuating stereotypes and questioned the site’s loyalties, with Greenwald labeling it “The Tel Aviv Bee.” The post was later deleted, prompting additional scrutiny about the site’s stance and intentions. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

    Google Announces $40 Billion AI Investment in Texas

    Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, alongside Texas Governor Greg Abbott, announced a $40 billion infrastructure expansion, including three new data centers in Armstrong and Haskell counties. The investment is part of Google’s broader strategy to support AI development, with one site incorporating solar and battery storage to minimize grid impact. Texas’ low energy costs and favorable regulations continue to attract major tech players. This marks Google’s largest state-level investment to date and includes training initiatives for 1,700 apprentices by 2030. (Read More) (Texas Tribune Rating)

    Newsmax Narrows Losses, Sees Revenue Uptick in Q3 2025

    Newsmax reduced its quarterly loss to $4.1 million, down from $9.8 million a year ago, while increasing overall revenue by 4% to $45.3 million. A strong performance in its television division and new affiliate deals helped offset a modest dip in ad revenue. CEO Christopher Ruddy highlighted the resilience of the company’s business model amid industry-wide election off-cycle slowdowns. With $130.4 million in cash, Newsmax remains optimistic for Q4, maintaining its full-year revenue forecast between $180–190 million (Read More) (The Desk Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/14/2025

    Grok AI Spreads 2020 Election Misinformation

    Elon Musk’s chatbot Grok generated false claims that Donald Trump won the 2020 U.S. election, promoting conspiracy theories about vote tampering and procedural irregularities. The AI, developed by Musk’s xAI, claimed battleground states were flipped through manipulated vote counts and blocked audits. Though the Guardian could not replicate the responses later, indicating a possible fix or anomaly, the incident highlights a pattern of far-right and conspiratorial responses from Grok. xAI dismissed the issue with an automated reply, and NewsGuard Reality Check first flagged the behavior. Grok has previously echoed extreme views, including antisemitic content and pro-Nazi remarks. Read More – The Guardian Rating

    Meta Seeks Early Appeal in Facebook Scam Ads Case

    Meta has requested an immediate appeal of a federal judge’s decision allowing key claims in a lawsuit over scam ads on Facebook. Plaintiffs argue that Meta failed to uphold its terms of service and community standards by permitting fraudulent advertisements. The judge ruled that these claims, if proven, could show Meta broke its contract and duty of good faith. Meta wants the 9th Circuit to determine whether its user policies are legally binding, arguing that an early decision would prevent years of unnecessary litigation. Read More – MediaPost Rating

    EU Investigates Google Over Alleged News Content Demotion

    The European Commission has launched an investigation into Google for allegedly demoting legitimate news publisher content in its search results under a spam-prevention policy. Regulators fear the policy could unfairly suppress media revenue and breach the Digital Markets Act. Google says the policy is designed to prevent spam and deceptive content from manipulating rankings. However, the EU claims this may restrict fair competition and access to information. If violations are confirmed, Google could face major fines or forced divestitures. Read More – Yahoo News Rating

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/12/2025

    Independent Newspaper Group Quietly Sustains Local Journalism

    The Independent Newspaper Group (ING), a confidential network of about two dozen family-owned newspapers, meets twice a year to share financial data and strategies. Founded in the 1980s by marketer John Mennenga, the group fosters blunt, candid conversations between publishers grappling with declining revenues and rising challenges. Members like the Anchorage Daily News and The Post and Courier use ING’s feedback loop to test ideas like revenue-generating obituary inserts and reader contests. However, membership is shrinking due to ongoing media consolidation. (Read More) (Poynter Rating)

    Kansas County Settles Over Raid on Marion County Record, Issues Apologies

    Marion County, Kansas, will pay more than $3 million and formally apologize to journalists and a city councilor following the 2023 police raid on the Marion County Record. Editor Eric Meyer will receive $1.5 million, while reporters and a councilor will split the rest. The sheriff’s office, granted immunity under the settlement, expressed “sincere regrets,” including to Meyer’s mother, who died the next day. The raid, tied to a local business dispute, drew national condemnation over press freedom. (Read More) (NewsFacts Network Rating)

    Paramount Loses 600 Staffers Over Office Return Mandate

    Ahead of a full return-to-office policy in January, Paramount has lost about 600 employees who accepted severance instead of resuming in-person work five days a week. The policy affects all departments and follows sweeping cuts after the Skydance merger. Critics say recent actions, including leadership changes at CBS News and the cancellation of “The Late Show,” signal political alignment, especially after Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with Donald Trump, who later praised the company’s direction. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/11/2025

    Trump Threatens to Sue BBC Over Jan. 6 Video Edit

    President Donald Trump’s legal team has threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion over what it claims is a misleading edit in a documentary that aired his January 6, 2021, rally remarks. The video used in the program reportedly omitted Trump’s call for supporters to act “peacefully and patriotically,” instead highlighting phrases such as “we fight like hell.” Two top BBC officials have resigned over the controversy, and the broadcaster has issued an apology to lawmakers. Trump’s attorneys allege reputational harm and have given the BBC until November 14 to retract the program or face legal action. The BBC has stated it will review the letter and respond accordingly. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

    Journalist Sami Hamdi to Return to UK After Detention Over Revoked Visa

    Sami Hamdi, a UK-based journalist, will return home after U.S. immigration authorities detained him at San Francisco International Airport on October 26. The detention followed the revocation of his visa without prior notice on October 24. Though the official reason cited was a visa overstay, no criminal or national security charges were filed. Rights groups, including CAIR-California, argue the move was politically motivated, potentially linked to Hamdi’s criticism of U.S. foreign policy and Israeli government actions. His release follows a voluntary departure agreement, with supporters warning that such actions may chill press freedom. (Read More) (BBC News Rating)

    WSJ Editorial Board Slams Trump’s $2,000 Tariff Rebate Proposal

    The Wall Street Journal editorial board has criticized President Trump’s proposal to issue $2,000 tariff rebate checks to most Americans, calling it a “Hail Mary pass.” Trump claims the rebates would be funded by the $195 billion collected in tariffs this year, which he also says will be used to reduce the national debt. However, the WSJ noted the contradictory nature of spending the same funds for rebates and debt reduction simultaneously. The board warned that the rebates would ultimately increase the national debt and criticized the economic burden tariffs have placed on consumers, referencing a Goldman Sachs analysis showing Americans bear 55% of the tariff costs. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/10/2025

    BBC Shake-Up as Director-General Tim Davie and News Chief Deborah Turness Resign

    Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC since September 2020, has stepped down, along with Deborah Turness, Chief Executive of BBC News, amid mounting criticism of editorial standards. A recent Panorama episode came under fire for splicing footage to make it appear that U.S. President Donald Trump said “fight like hell” in a misleading context, triggering concerns about impartiality. This follows past controversies involving presenters Gary Lineker and Huw Edwards. The BBC Board will manage an interim transition, and an apology related to editorial practices is expected Monday. (Read More) (Reuters Rating)

    X Launches “Bangers” to Promote Top Posts and Boost Engagement

    X (formerly Twitter) has introduced a new program called “Bangers,” a profile launched in late October aimed at curating and amplifying high-performing posts on the platform. The move is seen as an effort to mimic TikTok’s viral discovery model, emphasizing content performance over user follow networks. While the mechanics remain unclear, it may integrate with creator monetization strategies and showcase top posts daily or annually based on engagement. X’s head of product Nikita Bier teased the initiative on social media, hinting at further details soon. (Read More) (Social Media Today Rating)

    Trump Media Posts Steep Q3 Loss Amid Expansion into Cryptocurrency

    Trump Media & Technology Group, parent of Truth Social, reported a third-quarter net loss of $54.8 million, citing heavy legal costs and non-cash losses, including depreciation and digital asset revaluation. Revenue declined to under $1 million, largely from advertising. Despite the downturn, the company increased its total assets to $3.27 billion, including 15,000 bitcoin worth approximately $1.5 billion. Trump Media also announced a $97 million investment in CRO tokens via a new partnership with Crypto.com, as part of plans to develop a CRO-focused subsidiary. CEO Devin Nunes framed the quarter as transformative, with emphasis on financial infrastructure and digital independence. (Read More) (The Desk Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/07/2025

    LA Public Press Confronts Safety Crisis While Covering ICE Raids

    Journalists at LA Public Press, a nonprofit newsroom staffed primarily by people of color from affected communities, have faced direct threats and trauma while covering ongoing federal immigration raids. With staff members’ families targeted and legal protections lacking, the newsroom has developed its own safety protocols, legal training, and trauma support systems, often in collaboration with other outlets. After a federal agency publicly criticized one of their stories, the outlet faced increased concerns over surveillance and retaliation. The experience highlights the unique risks local journalists face in militarized reporting environments and the necessity of building support structures typically reserved for foreign correspondents. (Read More) (Poynter Rating)

    The Daily Beast Reaches First-Ever Annual Profit

    For the first time since its 2008 launch, The Daily Beast is on track to close 2025 with a full year of profitability. The outlet has posted nine consecutive profitable months and expects a low seven-figure surplus by year’s end. Despite a turbulent 2024 marked by ownership changes and layoffs, the site saw 16% audience growth and 20% revenue gains in 2025. Leadership credits this performance as the strongest sign yet of the publication’s turnaround. (Read More) (Adweek Rating)

    UK-Based Fact-Checking AI Expands to Help U.S. Newsrooms Tackle Misinformation

    Full Fact, a UK nonprofit dedicated to fact-checking, is bringing its AI tools to U.S. newsrooms ahead of the 2026 midterms. The system flags misleading or harmful claims across media platforms and helps teams prioritize what to investigate. Developed with fact-checkers in mind, the technology enables real-time monitoring and assessment of misinformation risk. Despite losing major funding from Google, Full Fact remains committed to aiding global efforts against disinformation. The expansion comes amid shrinking newsroom resources and heightened fears of AI-driven falsehoods influencing U.S. elections. (Read More) (Poynter Rating)

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  • Media News Daily: Top Stories for 11/06/2025

    This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and…

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