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.
FCC opens comment period in dispute over lowest unit political ad rates
The public comment period comes as the agency continue to stare down a legal challenge filed by political candidates over its lowest-rate rule imposed in March.
Senate delays FCC-nominee Danielle Severs’ Thursday hearing
The FCC Commissioner-nominee gave birth this week and is on maternity leave, necessitating the delay of her confirmation hearing.
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Flock worker calls police on WANF reporter during camera installation
Reporter Brendan Keefe was stopped by police after filming a Flock camera installer on a public street near Atlanta; the company says it is normal operating procedure.
Tech companies form new lobbying group to press for streaming-friendly policies
Netflix, Amazon's Prime Video and Google's YouTube are founding members of the Streaming Access and Choice Alliance, which will lobby lawmakers for favorable policy.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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