media-and-politics55.55 min read
Leaked Details Reveal CBS Boss Bari Weiss Clashed with Lesley Stahl Over West Bank Segment
7 hours ago•Source: The Daily Beast
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12.98 min•1 day ago
Fox News Veteran Accuses Network of 'Malpractice' for Ignoring Guilfoyle Scandal
Former Fox News executive Ken LaCorte publicly criticized his old employer for failing to report on the corruption allegations surrounding U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle. LaCorte, who led FoxNews.com until 2016, called the silence 'journalistic malpractice' driven by fear, noting that the network had not published a story on Guilfoyle since December 2024. This criticism emerged as President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio considered firing Guilfoyle over allegations that she solicited $100,000 from a donor to cover credit card debt in exchange for political access. While the Wall Street Journal led the initial reporting, other outlets like CNN and the Associated Press have since covered the potential dismissal. LaCorte argued that the lack of coverage harms Fox's reputation among its supporters, though the network did publish a brief update on the firing debate shortly after his post.
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Gibney's 'Musk' Documentary Debuts: A Four-Hour Critique of Power and Myth
The New York Times•3 days ago
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ABC's 'Guillotine' Test: How FCC License Threats Are Reshaping U.S. Political Coverage
ABC is altering its political coverage to avoid FCC retaliation, with a federal judge weighing whether the agency's early license review is a constitutional violation.
Judge AliKhan questions FCC’s early license review of ABC in First Amendment dispute
Disney and ABC sued the FCC in August over an order forcing early renewal of eight local station licenses. In a Tuesday hearing, ABC argued this move constitutes unconstitutional censorship, while the FCC claimed it was a procedural step in a separate discrimination investigation. Judge Loren AliKhan expressed skepticism regarding the FCC’s justification, noting the timing and public threats from administration officials. The judge has not yet ruled but ordered additional filings by October 14.
Skydance’s New Editorial Board Faces Scrutiny Over Paramount Control
Skydance has established a new editorial board to oversee CNN and CBS News, but critics argue its structure undermines true independence. While the board includes experienced journalists, all members are appointed by and report to the combined company’s board, which is chaired by David Ellison. This governance model has drawn sharp criticism from media scholars and some state attorneys general, who fear it will limit the board’s ability to protect journalistic integrity against corporate or political pressure.
media-and-politics7 days ago
Judge AliKhan Questions FCC’s Basis for Early ABC License Review
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan expressed skepticism during a Tuesday hearing regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s attempt to force an early review of ABC’s eight broadcast licenses. The judge appeared to side with ABC’s argument that the court has jurisdiction to intervene in the FCC’s unprecedented move to accelerate the renewal process years ahead of schedule. AliKhan challenged the FCC’s assertion that the review is merely a procedural step tied to a discovery dispute within a discrimination investigation concerning ABC’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. This hearing represents the latest legal confrontation between the Trump administration and Disney-owned ABC, following the agency’s order to pull the licenses for early scrutiny. The judge’s comments suggest she is unconvinced by the FCC’s characterization of the action as a routine administrative matter, instead viewing it as a substantive legal issue that warrants judicial oversight.
Cable Lobby Threatens Lawsuit Over FCC Repeal of 39% TV Ownership Cap
Cable industry groups have notified the FCC they will sue to block the agency's repeal of the 39% national TV ownership cap. The FCC, led by Chairman Brendan Carr, argues it has the authority to replace the cap with case-by-case reviews, while opponents claim the limit is statutory and can only be changed by Congress. The dispute centers on whether consolidation will raise retransmission fees and reduce local news diversity.
NAZA Documentary Sparks Global Debate, Legal Challenges, and Counter-Films
The documentary NAZA, featuring anonymous Israeli military personnel confessing to war crimes in Gaza, is selling out theaters and influencing international legal proceedings, while facing fierce backlash from Israeli officials and a new counter-documentary.
Cardinale Dismisses Ellison-Trump 'Coziness' Amid Skydance Merger Close
Paramount board member Gerry Cardinale has publicly rejected claims that CEO David Ellison maintains a 'cozy' relationship with President Donald Trump, arguing that such interactions are standard business conduct for a pro-business administration. This statement comes as Ellison prepares to finalize the merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, which will officially become Skydance. While critics point to Ellison’s acquisition of The Free Press, the installation of Bari Weiss at CBS News, and high-profile events at Mar-a-Lago as evidence of political alignment, Cardinale insists these are routine corporate engagements. The merger, valued at approximately $110 billion, is expected to close next week, with Ellison and Ynon Kreiz set to serve as co-CEOs of the combined entity.
media-and-politics17 days ago
Al Jazeera Condemns Netanyahu’s UN Attack on Press as Threat to Journalist Safety
Al Jazeera Media Network has issued a formal rejection of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, where he labeled the network a 'toxic media outlet' attempting to 'brainwash young minds to hate Israel.' In a statement released on September 25, 2026, the network characterized the comments as part of a sustained campaign against its journalists and warned that such rhetoric poses a direct threat to the safety of its field staff. Al Jazeera emphasized that its role is to report facts and provide context, rejecting the notion that its coverage constitutes incitement. The network highlighted the severe toll of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, noting that over 270 journalists have been killed there, with at least 12 of those victims having worked for Al Jazeera. The statement also referenced previous Israeli actions, including a cabinet vote to ban the network’s broadcasts and the closure of its offices in Israel, framing these measures as violations of the public’s right to independent information.
NAZA Documentary to Stream Free on The Guardian After Global Theatrical Run
The documentary NAZA, which exposes Israeli AI-targeting systems in Gaza, will stream for free on The Guardian’s website in November following a global theatrical release. The film, co-directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has sparked intense political backlash in Israel, including threats to revoke the directors’ citizenship, while critics debate its reliance on anonymous sources.
Mamdani Condemns Paramount-WBD Merger as 'Shameful' After Settlement Clears Final Hurdle
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has sharply criticized the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, labeling it a 'shameful monument to corruption' in a post on X. This condemnation follows the announcement that Paramount reached a settlement with 12 state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America, clearing the final legal barriers to the $111 billion deal. While Mamdani praised New York Attorney General Letitia James for securing worker protections, he accused federal leaders of enabling billionaire control over media. The settlement, which includes commitments to maintain film output and preserve studio lots, has divided industry observers, with some calling it a victory for the Ellisons and others warning of potential job losses and reduced competition.