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.
MAD Project wants forced FCC vote on WTXF broadcast license
The MAD Project says recent court rulings support its argument that the FCC has a duty to resolve applications for review rather than leave them pending indefinitely.
FIRST ON THE DESK
WKYC Cleveland asks judge to dismiss lawsuit over photojournalist firing
A union representing WKYC photojournalist Matt Lawrence filed a legal grievance over his firing after the station said he improperly moved a female colleague.
FIRST ON THE DESK
California Governor Newsom’s lawsuit against Fox News scheduled for March 2028 trial
The lawsuit stems from comments made by a Fox News personality about a telephone conversation made between Newsom and President Trump last year.
Feds drop appeal over dismissed criminal counts in Timothy Burke hacking case
If approved, the dismissed appeal will allow the broader criminal case against Burke to proceed; he still faces numerous computer hacking charges that could earn him years in prison.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Filing: Justice Department seeks information about Fox-Roku deal
Antitrust concerns are focused in part on whether Fox could favor Tubi or other Fox services within Roku’s streaming platform and advertising ecosystem.
Sony fires “Wheel of Fortune” announcer Jim Thornton
Sony Pictures Television has fired Jim Thornton, the announcer for its game show "Wheel of Fortune," following an internal investigation into his alleged behavior while on board a commercial flight earlier this year.
Supreme Court restores lower political ad rates for party committees
The Court said the Fourth Circuit likely lacked jurisdiction because the challengers sought judicial review before the full FCC acted on their appeal.
NEW DETAILS
House schedules vote on bill requiring AM radio in new vehicles
Broadcasters argue AM radio remains important for emergency alerts, news and local information; critics say a legal mandate will cause car prices to rise even more.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Ex-Fox Sports broadcaster Mark Sanchez to plead guilty in assault case
Sanchez faces charges including battery causing serious injury; it was not clear from court records what charges are involved in the guilty plea.
FCC to review post-bankruptcy foreign ownership of Spanish Broadcasting System
The approval would allow SBS to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and continue supporting stations in top markets like San Francisco, Puerto Rico, Orlando and Tampa.
FCC appoints Hunter Deeley to Chief of Enforcement Bureau
The appointment is effective immediately; prior chief Patrick Webre is moving to the Office of Managing Director.
FCC raises regulatory fees on broadcast radio, TV stations
The agency is working to collect $416 million to support its annual operations.