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.
Nexstar begins replacing TEGNA board after judge says structure violated injunction
Four of five current or former Nexstar executives appointed to TEGNA's Board of Directors have resigned, and the fifth will do so when a new Board is created, the company said in a court filing this week.
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DIRECTV says Nexstar documents support retransmission consent price-fixing claim
The lawsuit, filed in March 2023, accuses Nexstar, Mission Broadcasting and White Knight Broadcasting of conspiring to raise and fix retransmission consent fees for “Big Four” affiliates.
Paramount weighs independent board over CBS News, CNN concerns
The discussions come as Paramount seeks to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, CNN’s parent company, in an $81 billion deal.
Sinclair seeks FCC approval to acquire CW Network affiliate in Michigan
The move is the first by Sinclair since the FCC voted to eliminate the broadcast ownership cap last week.
Press groups sue Trump over early access to Truth Social posts
The lawsuit claims the service violates the First and Fifth Amendments by selling early access to official government statements.
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Newsmax preps lawsuit over FCC broadcast TV ownership vote
In an interview with The Desk on Tuesday, Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy reaffirmed his commitment to litigation and said FCC Chairman Brendan Carr was "not good for conservatives."
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California AG Bonta accuses Paramount’s Ellison of “blackmail” over lawsuit
The lawsuit, brought by California and other state attorneys general, seeks to block Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros Discovery.
Court tosses Ronn Owens bankruptcy case amid GoFundMe scrutiny
After receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations, the broadcaster began making payments unrelated to his medical treatment, the court found.
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Lawyers for man accused of stealing Fox News clips ask for government’s appeal to be dismissed
Legal defense attorneys for former Deadspin editor Timothy Burke say federal prosecutors have taken too long to secure necessary approvals to move forward with their appeal on dismissed charges.
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Judge pauses fines against ex-Fox reporter Catherine Herridge during review
The judge ordered payments made by Herridge to be returned to her while the order is in force.
Trump nominates Carr aide Danielle Thumann Severs to vacant FCC seat
Her confirmation would give Republicans three seats on the commission, the maximum allowed under FCC party-balance rules and the minimum needed for a quorum.
Judge says Nexstar can’t appoint its executives to TEGNA’s Board of Directors
The order says current and former Nexstar officers, employees, directors, consultants and other affiliated personnel are prohibited from serving on TEGNA’s board.
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