Legal News
California approves Verizon-Frontier merger, requires DEI commitments
Verizon must deploy fiber to 75,000 locations, build new wireless sites and offer $20 broadband to low-income households.
Congress to continue funding Voice of America, despite Trump’s wishes
The proposal faces legislative hurdles and a potential presidential veto as legal challenges against USAGM continue.
Proposed laws would strengthen media protections in California
The proposals target political retaliation, courtroom exclusions and rising violence against news organizations.
Nexstar DEI philosophy could complicate TEGNA deal at FCC
A high-level Nexstar executive confirms DEI elements remain part of its "corporate philosophy," creating a possible catch-22 at the FCC as it weighs the Nexstar-TEGNA deal.
EXCLUSIVE
Corporation for Public Broadcasting disbands after Congress pulls funding
The decision has already triggered layoffs and budget crises across public radio and television stations.
No settlement reached in news director’s lawsuit against Nexstar
Stanton Tang alleged wrongful termination and defamation tied to a memo criticizing Pride Month coverage at his former station.
EXCLUSIVE
Disney to pay $10 million to settle children’s privacy probe
Disney will pay $10 million to settle claims related to the distribution of its content on YouTube.
T-Mobile accuses AT&T of bullying NAD into retracting claim on Luke Wilson ad
The NAD had faulted AT&T for allegedly using prior advertising decisions in marketing but later retracted the complaint.
FIRST ON THE DESK
FCC Chairman Carr defends trolling broadcasters in Senate hearing
Democratic senators accused Carr of coercing networks over programming and transactions, raising First Amendment and independence concerns.
Nexstar CEO says Trump, Congress favor broadcast deregulation
Nexstar CEO Perry Sook said he expects support from the Trump administration for the company’s $6.2 billion proposed merger with TEGNA.
Second Circuit allows DIRECTV lawsuit against Nexstar to proceed
The decision allows DIRECTV to move forward with claims of improper collusion against Nexstar over its handling of retransmission consent negotiations for White Knight and Mission stations.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Texas sues LG, other smart TV makers over personalized advertising
The lawsuits claim automated content recognition tracks everything displayed on smart TVs without clear consumer disclosure.