This page hosts daily news stories related to the media and journalism industry. Check back often, as new stories may be added throughout the day.
TikTok Appeals to Trump to Avoid U.S. Ban
TikTok appears to be courting President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting his popularity on the platform to dissuade him from supporting its potential ban. Trump, who previously sought to force TikTok’s sale during his first term, has since expressed support for the app, noting his own significant following. The app faces a January 19 deadline to transfer ownership to a U.S.-based company or risk a nationwide ban. Trump’s team has filed an amicus brief requesting the Supreme Court extend the deadline. TikTok hopes Trump might take executive action to delay the ban, though such efforts face logistical challenges. (Read More) (Social Media Today Rating)
Free Speech Group to Defend Iowa Pollster in Trump Lawsuit
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has announced its defense of Iowa pollster Ann Selzer, who is being sued by President-elect Donald Trump over a poll showing him losing to Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump claims the poll was “deceptive,” violating Iowa’s consumer fraud laws, while FIRE argues the lawsuit is a baseless SLAPP suit that infringes on First Amendment protections. Selzer maintains the poll was conducted without malintent and expresses confusion over the allegations. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)
Google TV to Offer AI-Generated News Briefs with Gemini
Google unveiled a new feature for its TV operating system at CES 2025, powered by its Gemini AI assistant. “News Brief” will provide users with curated summaries of news from trusted sources, integrating content from websites and YouTube. It’s unclear if the feature will identify sources or allow full article access. This marks Gemini’s first integration with third-party devices, such as Sony TVs. Google also continues efforts to support journalism, including a $100 million payment to Canadian news outlets. Gemini’s rollout is slated for late 2025. (Read More) (MediaPost Rating)
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About Google’s TV operating system and “News Brief” feature:
Who will determine what its “trusted sources” will be? Seems like a potential opportunity for MediaBiasFactCheck or another third party. That would probably be better, or at least raise fewer eyebrows, than Google itself making those determinations.
I clicked the provided link to MediaPost, but evidently an account is required to read that article. Although MBFC gives the source a good appraisal, I’m not sure I’d use it enough to create one.
Also, I didn’t realize Google provided financial support to journalism. Depending on the details (namely the recipients), that could be a very good or a very bad thing.