Legal News
Policy-related stories involving the broadcasting, streaming, advertising, measurement and journalism industries. Includes public service journalism on press freedom issues, government agencies and international affairs.
No justice for Lyra McKee: Men found not guilty in journalist’s killing
After a bench trial, a judge said there was not enough evidence to convict the three self-proclaimed militia members of murder.
Supreme Court denies reporter Catherine Herridge’s bid to avoid fines over confidential sources
The decision means the former Fox News reporter is on the hook for $800 in fines until she complies with a lower court's order to disclose her sources.
Gomez criticizes dismissal of challenge against FCC’s news distortion policy
The original petition, backed by former FCC leaders including Tom Wheeler and Mark Fowler, sought repeal of the news distortion rule, claiming it chills editorial independence.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Dish Network parent files Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Dish Wireless to formally shut down
As part of the Chapter 11 process, Dish will formally shut down its Dish Wireless business unit; subsidiaries like Dish Network and Sling TV will operate as normal.
Trump SCOTUS appointee expresses concern over weaponization of FCC
Justice Neil Gorsuch said an order issued by the court on Monday could allow Trump and future presidents to pull more strings at the FCC and other agencies.
Supreme Court says Trump can fire FCC commissioners, other appointed officials
The Court ruled Congress cannot restrict the president's authority to remove executive officers.
FCC upholds fine against New York radio pirate, issues two more penalties
The FCC has upheld a previously-issued $20,000 fine against a New York pirate radio operator while issuing fresh fines to two others.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Groups file formal petition to deny over FCC’s probes into Disney, ABC
The filing makes the organizations formal parties to the proceeding, granting them standing to participate in the case and appeal future FCC decisions.
FOIA lawsuit seeks records on FCC Chairman Carr’s purported use of Signal
The plaintiffs argue the FCC conducted an inadequate records search by limiting it to official devices and approved platforms, excluding personal devices and apps like Signal.
FIRST ON THE DESK
TV affiliate groups to FCC: Broadcasters face increased pressure from networks, streaming services
The affiliate groups note local TV is often relied upon for local news in smaller markets, but the current distribution and fee model afflicting those stations makes local programming investments untenable over the long term.
Disney settles class action over YouTube TV, DIRECTV bundling
Customers of streaming services owned by YouTube and DIRECTV may be eligible for a cash award after Disney agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over its bundling practices.
Prosecutors delay appeal procedures in former journalist’s criminal hacking case
Federal prosecutors said they cannot proceed in a case against Timothy Burke without approval from the Solicitor General, effectively pausing the case.
FIRST ON THE DESK