Media News Daily: Top Stories for 12/12/2024

GB News Responds to Accusations of Islamophobia

A report from the Muslim Council of Britain’s Centre for Media Monitoring (CfMM) accuses GB News of disproportionately negative coverage of Muslims, citing thousands of mentions of terms like “Sharia” and “jihad” over two years. CfMM claims the channel fosters Islamophobic narratives and rarely includes Muslim voices in discussions. GB News denies the allegations, calling the report defamatory and stating they were not consulted. Ofcom, which has sanctioned GB News multiple times, was also criticized by CfMM for insufficient regulation. GB News recently achieved higher viewership than Sky News in November. Read More – Press Gazette Rating

Global Press Freedom Threatened by Weaponization of Criminal Law

According to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, repressive governments worldwide are increasingly using criminal laws to silence journalists. In 2023, 320 journalists were imprisoned globally. Common tactics include SLAPP lawsuits, financial pressure, and digital harassment, with some journalists forced into exile. In response, newsrooms are bolstering legal defense and security strategies while collaborating on initiatives like #NoNosCallarán in Guatemala. Experts warn that these threats undermine democracy, urging renewed efforts to protect press freedom. Read More – Nieman Lab Rating

Sen. Tom Cotton Blocks Federal Shield Law for Journalists

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) opposed the PRESS Act, which would protect journalists from being forced to reveal sources, arguing it undermines national security and unfairly privileges the press. The bill had bipartisan support in the House, but Cotton’s objection prevents its passage via unanimous consent. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized the opposition, stating the act would shield journalists from government overreach. Proponents vow to continue pushing for the legislation. Read More – The Hill Rating

Trump Appoints Kari Lake as Voice of America Director

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kari Lake, a former TV anchor and staunch ally, as the new director of Voice of America (VOA). Lake’s appointment follows her loss in the Arizona Senate race to Democrat Ruben Gallego. VOA, part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, reaches an audience of 354 million weekly. Critics have raised concerns over editorial independence under Trump’s prior administration, an issue that may resurface with Lake’s confirmation pending Senate approval. Read More – CBS News Rating