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.
Supreme Court rejects Nexstar bid to end DIRECTV retrans lawsuit
The decision leaves intact a 2025 appeals court ruling that revived DIRECTV’s case; the original case involves stations owned by White Knight and Mission.
Echostar’s Dish DBS emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy
The restructuring plan became effective October 1 after a bankruptcy judge approved the plan two days earlier.
FCC formalizes elimination of broadcast ownership cap
The elimination of the ownership cap is still subject to a possible legal challenge that could be filed by opponents in the near future.
White House again bans CNN from traveling press pool
CNN had been designated to provide television pool coverage under a rotation released Sunday but was omitted from subsequent White House guidance.
FCC issues rare reversal of Media Bureau decision in must-carry case
The full FCC board sided with Dish Network over an issue involving cross-market carriage of an Alabama TV station.
Paramount must face lawsuit over Pluto TV data collection, judge says
The lawsuit was filed by five parents whose minor children watched programming through Pluto TV’s children’s section.
Variety owner Penske loses lawsuit against Google over lost search traffic
A judge ultimately determined that traffic was never promised as a trade-off for allowing AI robots to train on their content.
Dish pulls Scripps-owned WTVQ from satellite service
Dish Network customers in Lexington, Kentucky are unable to watch their local ABC affiliate WTVQ after the satellite company pulled the channel this week.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Judge approves settlement, clearing Paramount’s merger with Warner Bros Discovery
The states sued in July to block the merger, alleging the combination would reduce competition in theatrical films and cable programming.
Paramount, state attorneys defend settlement over WBD acquisition
Both sides filed their briefs this week, about a week after Senator Cory Booker raised concerns about the legal settlement.
FCC renews call for court to dismiss ABC lawsuit over license renewals
The agency, through the DOJ, said Disney attempted to "litigate by ambush" when it recently filed court briefs that contained new evidence.
Paramount to move some stock from NASDAQ to NYSE
Paramount said its Class B shares will move to the NYSE on October 5 as the company prepares to acquire Warner Bros Discovery.