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.
Paramount agrees to delay Warner Bros Discovery merger indefinitely
The company expects to restart the merger process next summer, but a prolonged legal battle with officials in California and elsewhere effectively pauses the deal for the foreseeable future.
Judge extends restraining order over Paramount-Warner Bros deal
The order was extended because the parties involved in the lawsuit need more time to develop arguments, gather evidence and confer on the matter, the judge wrote.
FCC Chairman Carr: ABC decision to skip Trump speech will factor into license review
Eight ABC-owned stations are currently subject to the FCC's license renewal process over Disney's purported use of DEI practices.
States, DIRECTV accused Nexstar of controlling TEGNA despite injunction
A motion filed on Wednesday says TEGNA's Board of Directors is comprised entirely of Nexstar executives, possibly violating a court's preliminary injunction.
FIRST ON THE DESK
Media group asks appeals court to force FCC action on WTXF license challenge
The MAD Project says the FCC has left its Application for Review unresolved for 17 months, preventing it from seeking judicial review of the Media Bureau’s dismissal.
Feds sought records from relatives of New York Times reporters in leaks probe
The subpoenas are part of a leak investigation tied to Times reporting about security concerns involving President Donald Trump’s Qatari-donated Air Force One jet.
PRESS FREEDOM
Judge issues restraining order blocking Paramount-WBD merger
The order follows a lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and attorneys general from 11 other states.
Judge to issue ruling on injunction request in Paramount-Warner Bros merger case
Paramount offered to delay closing the transaction for 28 days while asking the court to hold preliminary injunction proceedings before the end of August.
Senators express concerns over Fox Corporation’s bid for Roku
In a letter, the lawmakers argue the deal could reduce competition in free, ad-supported streaming and give Fox the ability to steer Roku users toward its own programming.
Madison Square Garden sues Wired over clickbait article based on hacked customer data
A co-author of the story, Noah Shachtman, was previously accused of numerous ethical lapses related to his editing of news stories.
FCC Chairman Carr doubts antitrust lawsuit against Paramount deal will succeed
The FCC said the antitrust lawsuit appears to be based largely on how Paramount will operate CNN or whether it is willing to divest the cable network to seal the deal.
ProPublica: FCC officials accepted gifts from Paramount while agency scrutinized deals
A ProPublica investigation found FCC officials from both political parties accepted tickets and other gifts from Paramount while the company had deals pending before the agency.
By:
Corey G. Johnson, ProPublica