This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more.
Mass Suspensions at Voice of America and USAGM Networks Under Trump Order
Journalists at Voice of America and other federally funded media outlets arrived at work only to find themselves locked out, following an order from President Trump to suspend all full-time staff indefinitely. The move affects over 1,000 employees at Voice of America, the Office for Cuba Broadcasting, and other international broadcasters such as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Radio Free Asia. Additionally, Trump-appointed officials have severed contracts with these outlets, raising concerns about press freedom and diplomatic influence abroad. The legal authority behind these actions remains unclear, as Kari Lake, Trump’s senior adviser at the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), signed the termination notices without the agency’s acting chief executive’s approval. Critics have called the move a “Bloody Saturday” for American international broadcasting. (Read More – NPR Rating)
MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell Announces On-Air Hiatus Due to Trump Coverage Exhaustion
MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell revealed on air that he is taking a weeklong break, citing exhaustion from covering Trump’s return to office. O’Donnell, host of The Last Word, made the announcement during The Rachel Maddow Show, joking that he mistook Trump’s presidency for being further along than it actually was. His break comes amid a turbulent period for MSNBC, which recently canceled The ReidOut with Joy Reid, drawing celebration from Trump on Truth Social. O’Donnell’s decision also follows MSNBC hosts Rachel Maddow and Nicole Wallace facing backlash from Trump for their criticism of his recent address to Congress. (Read More – Washington Examiner Rating)
North Dakota Considers Bill Allowing Public Notices to Be Published Online
A proposed North Dakota bill (SB 2069) would allow public notices to be published online if newspapers fail to print them, ensuring government transparency in the event of media disruptions. Unlike laws in other states that bypass newspapers entirely, this bill provides a backup system rather than outright replacing print publication. The move follows recent disruptions like last month’s cyberattack on Lee Enterprises and the shift of legal notices from the Wichita Eagle to a government website. Similar legislation in New Jersey could also allow notices to be posted online without requiring traditional print formats. (Read More – MediaPost Rating)
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